Culture
ArchiveAn ambitious new project is based on a straightforward and very attainable goal: to help kids spend as much time outdoors as they do in front of screens
In her new book, writer and artist Lauren Redniss tells the story of San Carlos Apache activists who are standing up to a mining company in southeastern Arizona
A poem to remind you to stay safe out there
2021 the year to get out of your comfort zone. Every season, we’ll challenge you to conquer your fears, embrace uncertainty, and try something new with us. Up first: turn off your phone; it's time to unplug.
The key to an adventure that's fun for everyone: lower your expectations, squash insecurities, and bring along plenty of creature comforts
'Bravey' delves into the Olympian's experiences with depression and losing her mother to suicide
The books, movies, podcasts, and more that our editors couldn't stop talking about
In an excerpt from his new book 'Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning,' Outside contributing editor Tom Vanderbilt takes up surfing as part of an experiment to learn new skills as an adult and discover the benefits of being a grown-up novice
Because it's make-a-year-end-list season
With the right clothing, tools, and toys, your family can be happy and comfortable out there anytime
These reads will make meaningful gifts this holiday season
Ken Layne left an influential career in digital media to create 'Desert Oracle,' a cult-favorite radio show and print periodical based in Joshua Tree that explores everything from the political to the paranormal. Now it's being released as a book.
Expanding your community is always tough. Throw in a pandemic and a move to a rural area, and it could feel impossible. But a shift in perspective might be all you need to (safely) fill that social void.
The tour's latest installment, premiering virtually amid the pandemic, comprises four films that show off epic climbs from around the world, but not from the usual suspects
An illustrated guide that no one ever asked for
Your holiday reading list, recommended by our editors
More than 17 years ago, a successful Michigan attorney took his life on a cherished trout stream, devastating close friends and family. Haunted by what happened, his nephew investigated and discovered tragic truths that were in plain sight all along.
Get out there—it'll be worth it
‘The Infinite Race’ examines the complicated relationship between ‘Born to Run’ and the runners the book made famous
A new travel book offers an inspiring reminder of possibilities at a moment when we really need it
The books, movies, podcasts, music, and more that our editors couldn't stop talking about
As any child will tell you, smartwatches are one of the most popular items on holiday lists this year. Be careful what they wish for.
Over the past two decades, eBird has become the go-to online platform for scientists and hobbyists alike to upload and share bird observations. But it has also transformed the process and etiquette of birding.
This year the famous outdoor film festival is going virtual, with thrilling tales of climbing adventures and profiles of charismatic conservationists
The legendary skier's latest project since retiring is an Amazon series called 'The Pack.' It's the perfect lighthearted binge to get you through the pandemic holidays.
It's long enough to work the magic, but short enough that there's no excuse not to do it
A new documentary from director Ron Howard looks at what happened after California's deadliest wildfire
The pandemic has led to an unexpected positive—people reclaiming streets in ways that have made urban America more bikeable, walkable, and enjoyable. Preserving that will take work, but it’s worth it.
'The Moth and the Mountain,' by Ed Caesar, and 'Shook,' by Jennifer Hull, examine expeditions that took place in different time periods, but both demonstrate how the mountain can bring out the best and worst in people
During her college break, the author went all in on solitude—living alone on a Down East island and working for one of the area’s few female skippers. Luna Soley reflects on a time of loneliness, hard work, and natural beauty.
When faced with personal tragedy, social injustice, and hypercritical fans, these three outdoor athletes found their voice
These fascinating shows offer a behind-the-scenes look at conservation battles and youth climate activism
Her essays on the challenges African Americans face in the outdoors spurred an outpouring of questions from readers. This is her response.
The pandemic has robbed kids of vital socialization with friends—and put even more emphasis on the importance of spending time with them in nature. But what happens when your child is a nonstop yakker on the trail?
The majority of my favorite days have been on trails that wouldn't make anyone's list
Feel safe and embrace your time outdoors alone
The books, movies, podcasts, and more that our editors couldn't stop talking about
With 'The Forests of California,' naturalist and artist Obi Kaufmann aims to deepen environmental literacy. He also argues that this cataclysmic time is an opportunity.
Practical tips from two experienced adventure moms
A mountain guide, photographer, and cyclist had a sleepy moment on the road that resulted in her seriously injuring another rider. Here’s what she wants every driver to know.
Adventure photographer Chris Burkard's 'Unnur' is a gorgeous meditation on one Icelandic father's plan to raise his daughter (way, way) off the grid
In this new alien invasion comedy, a relaxing vacation in the woods takes an unexpected turn
It’s the perfect wilderness vehicle for children who are too small to get far on their own but too heavy to carry
According to Chris Watson, the man behind your favorite wildlife soundtracks, we're just becoming better listeners
In 'Two Trees Make a Forest,' environmental historian Jessica J. Lee offers a welcome disruption to the travel-memoir genre
An organization called Detroit Outdoors came up with a smart way to get more urban youth interested in camping—by providing experiences in the middle of the city they live in
The books, movies, podcasts, music, and more that our editors couldn't stop talking about
Armenians and Turks have a long and hostile history that includes a genocide. On a cross-country journey in 2006, two young cyclists formed a bond that bridged this fraught past.
Grizel is using her rising social media profile to spark a more nuanced conversation on nature's power to heal
A tale about two-wheeled island hopping in the midnight sun
These recent releases feature stories of gritty heroines on journeys through threatened wild landscapes
The key is to go all out on the things you feel comfortable doing
In 'Above the Clouds,' the world's greatest ultrarunner recounts the lifelong effort that led him to the tallest mountain on earth
Southern Civil War symbols have been a flash point in towns and cities for years, but at places like the Gettysburg battlefield and Arlington National Cemetery—which are run by the Park Service and the Pentagon—there's a new, escalating conflict over monuments that honor the Lost Cause
Professional climber Kai Lightner maps out how the outdoor community can build successful diversity and inclusion initiatives
The long-distance, virtual Womxn Run the Vote relay isn't just about covering the miles. It's also creating a new vision for feminism that is inclusive.
These films about extraordinary athletes and inspiring activists are keeping us entertained as the days get colder
Two years ago, Latria Graham wrote an essay about the challenges of being Black in the outdoors. Countless readers reached out to her, asking for advice on how to stay safe in places where nonwhite people aren’t always welcome. She didn't write back, because she had no idea what to say. In the aftermath of a revolutionary spring and summer, she responds.
Researchers have identified an alarming lack of books about Black children in nature. Diversifying your bookshelf can help kids find themselves in literature—and the outdoors.
A serious exploration of a topic that a lot of people don't take seriously
With at-home schooling the norm in many areas, we put together a P.E. plan for a full semester of fun and creative movement
The books, TV shows, podcasts, and music that our editors couldn't stop talking about last month
Artist Jackson Stell is crafting music that captures the ecstatic feelings we have when we venture into the natural world
Should all your training be hard? Do you need to stretch? We've got answers.
By setting boundaries around what you post, when you're online, and who you surround yourself with in real life, you can strike a better balance between Instagram and reality
Everything you need to explore new trails and savor more time in the outdoors with your family
Technology and hyper-anxious parents were destroying one of the last bastions of unfettered childhood long before the pandemic closed camps for the season
Creating a shelter in nature is fun, encourages creativity, and offers an emotional refuge from the pandemic
After a two-decade hiatus, the 'world's toughest race' returns at just the right moment—this time with Bear Grylls
Two documentaries, 'Big Fur' and 'Stuffed,' set out to show that this sticky-fingered branch of natural history is full of beauty and wonder. Do they succeed? Our reviewer, who knows a lot more about the subject than he ought to, says yes.
The books, movies, podcasts, and music that our editors couldn't stop talking about
In an excerpt from his forthcoming book 'Leave It As It Is,' nature writer David Gessner examines the iconic conservation legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and unpacks the perception that the national parks and monuments he created were previously untouched and empty
Plus, how to make up for missing an important day
A good dog is an exhausted dog. Here's how to wear them out every single day.
The knife edge of Switzerland's Hardergrat is 16 miles long with more than 10,000 feet of vertical gain
And it was also the most awesome experience
In 'The Next Great Migration,' journalist Sonia Shah explores the hidden history of human and animal movement
'Lockdown Lulluby' follows six-year-old fisherman Dylan, who describes quarantine as "pretty weird right now… but also kind of awesome."
'Hermanas' follows sisters, cyclists, and musicians Ale and Gemma Casillas as they explore what those identities mean to the next generation