Wes Siler is your guide to leading a more exciting life in the great outdoors. As Outside’s outdoor lifestyle columnist, he writes about the intersections of science, news, politics, gear, vehicles and travel, empowering readers to better understand the world they’re recreating in. Wes lives in Montana with his wife, Virginia McQueen, and their three rescue dogs.
Published
Unique recreation opportunities and uncrowded wilderness abound in areas impacted by Yellowstone flood
The artist’s first-ever Web3 collection tells the story of his own journey into the outdoors
In the era of megafires and fire bans, we need a new way to hang out at base camp. Howl Campfires are genuinely warm, easy to transport, and safe to use.
The world’s first national park will reopen this week after the devastating floods. Here’s what you can expect.
By biomimicking animal fur, gear created with this innovative insulation is as warm as a puffy jacket, more breathable than a fleece, and protects the wearer from bad weather, too
The federal government’s authority to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions is at risk, as right wing Supreme Court justices rewrite American laws
An atmospheric river dumped 200 to 300 percent more moisture than usual onto the area over the weekend
Teach these fundamentals to your dog, and both of you will be safer and happier on your outdoor adventures
Everything you need to know about how the burning West will affect your summer
The latest pieces of clothing and knowledge that’ll help you get the most from this season’s excursions in the backcountry
A study of 20,000 pure breeds and mutts rules out breeding as a major determining factor in a dog’s personality
What to buy and what to avoid if you don’t want to pay the insane markups on new and used cars this summer
Replacing your lawn with synthetic grass reduces maintenance, eliminates mud, and can make cleaning up after your dogs a breeze
Hit the road prepared for anything, without sacrificing cargo space
We took the world’s first electric super truck off-roading to find out what it could do
Starlink promises to bring high-speed internet to rural and remote areas currently underserved by wired internet. Naturally, we had to test it.
Wisdom gained by trying, and sometimes failing, to stay comfortable outdoors
The problem with current off-road EVs is that they’re anything but practical. So we dreamed up one that is.
A ‘Washington Post’ story on Greg Gianforte’s latest hunting escapades is misleading, which is a shame, because its subject deserves much more scrutiny
The United Nation’s latest scientific assessment on climate change is clear: it’s here, it’s impacting everyone, and it’s dangerous. Is there anything we can do?
Tim Leatherman’s invention was a runaway success. But until now, it’s never been the tool he intended.
This home gym uses cutting edge technology to take weight lifting into the 21st century
The ROI Act will give rural communities the money they need to develop outdoor recreation economies
The messed up rugs, destroyed childhood mementos, and complicated travel plans? Completely worth it.
Can a total noob like Wes Siler learn to ice climb? Watch this video to find out.
What American off-road enthusiasts can learn from the culture of regulation and responsibility down under
Experienced climber Claire Kleese walks Wes Siler through all the gear he’ll need to get started ice climbing
A step-by-step walkthrough to jump-starting your vehicle
Wes Siler compares all-season tires against the trusted Bridgestone Blizzak. The results speak for themselves.
The technology promises more performance, but limited by stock reflector housings, it fails to deliver
With prices starting at $40,000, the Hummer-based truck will help take zero-emissions 4x4’s mainstream
Wes Siler runs through some key items all drivers should keep in their car during the winter
Is it possible to add heat to normal tent efficiently and effectively—without starting a fire? I spent the past two years finding out.
Modern cars are loaded with technology to get us out of sticky situations. Car and truck expert Wes Siler explains exactly what you should be using.
In need of gift ideas for the holidays? Wes Siler has some good suggestions for the outdoorsy people on your list.
Kitty litter, sand, floor mats—there are tons of DIY options people swear by when it comes to getting vehicles out of a tricky situation. But do they work as well as Maxtrax? We tested them all to find out.
Staying warm in your tent all season long is no simple feat. Wes Siler has some thoughts on your options.
Cooking wild game can be scary—but it shouldn’t be. Allow Wes Siler to explain.
This new Ford Ranger is on its way to becoming the ultimate adventure vehicle
Technical pieces that work in the backcountry but can be worn in the city
Benchmade’s custom configurator makes ordering a custom blade faster than ever before
Watch and learn as Wes Siler demonstrates a more entertaining and more flavorful way to whip up this year’s Thanksgiving feast outdoors.
Whenever you’re doing anything potentially dangerous outdoors, tell a responsible person where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and what to do if you don’t return.
Dress in layers. Everyone’s heard this advice, but what’s the best way to do it in the real world?
The $1.2 trillion plan doesn’t just include investments in roads and bridges; it’ll also focus on bike lanes, wildfire mitigation, and dam removal
With a couple great products, and some common sense, you’ll be ready to take your pet on your next adventure outing
At trailheads and on city streets, thieves are stealing more gadgets than ever. Here’s my solution for stopping them.
Another reminder that you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet—especially when your life’s at stake
Wes Siler takes you inside the automaker’s newest offering
The new Tundra is not the old Tundra. It’s now a much more sophisticated, complex truck.
Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be able to pick the right sleeping bag for you and, most important, stay warm
Three days before Indigenous People’s Day, President Biden reversed the largest attack on public lands in recent history
Upgrade your cold-weather camping routine with a canvas tent
And what it means for the future of America’s public lands
In the never-ending battle of keeping your gear powered up in the outdoors, Wes Siler has some common sense solutions
Wes Siler explains why ATVs aren’t the menace to the outdoors many have come to believe they are
And it’s made in America by a new company you’ve probably never heard of
Wes Siler walks you through everything he’s carrying, wearing, and shooting in the mountains of southwest Montana this September
At $1,500, is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid4 expensive? Definitely. But it’s also revolutionizing outdoor shelters.
Everything you need to know to have an epic two-wheel adventure
A federal judge ruled that a Trump policy, dubbed “the Dirty Water Rule,” was unscientific and violated the rights of Indigenous tribes
Wes Siler’s detailed walk-through will help you become a more informed buyer
The National Park Service hasn’t had a director in four years. The Biden administration is trying to fix that but faces a host of major challenges.
People are earning unprecedented amounts of money loaning out their cars on this app. Here’s how you can, too.
The perfect side hustle, as explained by Wes Siler
Sitka’s versatile new Aerolite 30 isn’t just warm when wet, it’ll help dry your other layers, too
Follow along as professional photographer Stuart Palley explains how anyone can take amazing photos at night
Despite GOP rhetoric, selling America’s largest rainforest to China was actually bad business
Amid a cloud of misinformation and useless products, Wes Siler explains four mosquito repellents that actually work.
Wes Siler walks you through his three favorite knives and helps explain what knives you need to carry in the backcountry.
When it comes to safety, training, and exercise, gadgets and apps can’t beat old fashioned consistency and patience
Everything you need to know to keep your Traeger in excellent working condition
We drove Ford’s newest 4x4. And we loved it.
Crowds, lines, and permits. Here’s how to visit a park this summer without melting down.
The 2022 Ford Maverick isn’t just small. At $19,995 and delivering 40 MPG, it stands to disrupt the American truck market.
Competence wins, as Biden’s Interior Secretary acts to protect America’s last great wilderness
Here’s how President Biden plans to address climate change, pollution, and public lands in the greatest detail we’ve seen so far
The $50 Leatherman Bond is a throwback to the company’s original Pocket Survival Tool