December 21 marks the first official day of winter. It’s also the shortest day of the year, a time to turn inward and reflect on the months behind us, while also making space to embrace those ahead. Here are six ways to celebrate the shortest day of 2025.

Run outside comfortably all winter in these top-performing long-sleeved running tops.

Turns out, the best way to conquer a lingering childhood fear is facing it head-on—with just a tiny headlamp, sturdy trekking poles, and showtunes humming in your head.

After months of cold-weather testing, these are the tights and pants we wanted to keep wearing.

An honest account of my questionable journey into the hot-and-cold chaos of the Seattle Sauna Festival.

New research suggests it’s actually not about your heart.

Alex King founded Terignota to make trail running gear affordable. Less than one year in, his apparel is winning awards and landing on podiums around the world.

Midlayers, down jackets, layers, and rain gear—what's actually worth investing in? Here's one expert gear tester's advice.

A recent survey suggests a widening health gap, with women—often the default planners and hosts—bearing the brunt of holiday strain.

In his new docuseries, 'Pole to Pole,' the actor travels through jungles, deserts, and polar ice. Outside sits down with Smith to talk about how filming the show pushed him to reckon with self-discovery and facing fear.

You're not crazy—the critters on Instagram are wilder than ever, thanks to artificial intelligence-generated video. Our articles editor takes a deep dive into the technology, culture, and ethics around this new footage.

Snowy trails, twinkly lights, and roaring fires: whether you want classic small-town cheer or wild alpine festivities, these destinations deliver peak holiday spirit.

Scandinavian wellness is trending for a reason—Viking-era recovery methods work. Here's a deep dive into three unusual yet highly effective techniques to optimize your post-workout recovery.

We found merino sweaters, vintage-inspired outdoor outerwear, and some elevated accessories that any style-loving outdoorsman will be thrilled to get this holiday season.

After decades of compromising on multi-surface runs, I can have it all with these five hybrid shoes that shine both on and off road.

They're just $30, come in an array of bright colors, and have great sound quality

Coaches and physiologists break down the real benefits of a cooldown, from clearing lactate to calming your nervous system

With rucking more popular than ever, we set out to outline what exactly rucking is, why it’s one of the accessible approaches to fitness, and what you need to get started

From octopus-inspired soles to GEL cushioning, ASICS’s story has been fueled by innovation and commitment to continuous improvement

From a universally loved and trusted multitool to a spoil-me heirloom knife, here are some agreed-upon must-haves and most-wanted gear items for survivalists like me

Our articles editor takes a deep dive into why opening day on the slopes is a necessary slog if we want to enjoy ourselves later in the season

Esser has survived a severe dog attack, dengue fever, and bursitis in her right shoulder. Still, she’s committed to bikepacking the entire length of South America. Outside spoke with the 34-year-old to learn more about her motivations, triumphs and challenges.

Jet lag and schedule disruptions don’t have to linger. Sleep medicine experts share their best advice for recalibrating your sleep after vacationing.

Kuélap rivals Machu Picchu in size and impressiveness. But the ancient fortress provides a quieter, more intimate experience. And it’s only just now beginning to open up to the world.

Taper week is about rest, carbs, and the imperfect joy of homemade pasta

Winter dryness used to ruin my skin—until this cream transformed everything

After testing the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus for more than a year, I discovered a surprising benefit

A performance psychologist shares why structuring planned downtime into your routine can help reduce anxiety, guilt and get you ready for your return to training

Ditch the resort crowds and enjoy the pow with our testers’ favorite splitboards

Shannon ‘SJ’ Joslin was terminated from their position at Yosemite National Park in August for flying a trans pride flag on El Capitan

Lava Falls is considered to be one of the biggest rapids on the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River. Rated a Class 10, this powerful feature is characterized by massive waves, holes, and steep drops.

By 2050, 89 percent of the U.S. population is projected to live in an urban area. Here are 11 innovative cities blending nature into their DNA.

An often overlooked gem of the Sierra and a renowned freeride hub, Kirkwood’s low-key vibes and high-octane terrain make it a bucket list destination

Maintaining your gains while traveling can be tough. The best part? This routine doesn't require you to lie on the gross hotel-room floor.

Gifts for the person who doesn’t go on an adventure without the latest tech in tow

A UK company called Bionic and the Wires has found a way to harness bioelectric current from fungi to play a keyboard

Our favorite gifts to give to the person who is always planning the next adventure

If adventure seekers have the will, these guides in the Moab area have a way

British adventurer Joshua Patterson recently set out to run the highest marathon in history. Turns out, it was anything but easy.

A recent randomized trial on exercise for cancer patients breaks new ground in showing the life-extending powers of a workout

And why it may be worth splurging on this season

Physical therapists explain when and how to use each method for maximum recovery and performance

Fix rounded shoulders and slouching with this daily routine

I tested everything—from hands-free photo capture to Garmin syncing—to see if these performance sunglasses can actually make life easier

From a voice-activated lantern to a camp chair that rivals your living room recliner, spring gear releases have us counting down to a new year of adventure

These versatile trainers can handle everything from speed work to recovery jogs, on road, track, and trail

Our astrotourism columnist visited the Oregon Outback for night-sky photography, but found something even more remarkable

Loaded with fiber and protein, these recipes are packable and energizing

The Outside Lab explains why toothier lugs aren't necessarily better when shopping for hiking shoes

The gear is plentiful. The organization less so. Get a glimpse inside an editor's garage gear loft.

We tested over 25 different styles to find the warmest, comfiest, most capable boots to get you through the winter

Will Moss just became the fourth person ever to free climb The Nose in a day. Moss, 20, says Katy Perry and athletic tape helped him nail the toughest pitch.

Five pounds of lager, one outstretched arm, and the slow creep of regret. This is Type 2 fun at its finest.

An outdoor athlete wants to jump on the latest nutritional fad, but worries that a diet rich in beef will be bad for Mother Nature

We spoke to labor experts and multiple NPS rangers about the push to unionize, and whether it can protect Park Service jobs from the federal government’s cutbacks

Experts say that when we push past fear and frustration in nature, we’re not chasing thrills—we’re reconnecting with what it means to be human

After working for some of the spendiest luxury ranches in the West, this full-time wrangler tells us what it’s really like behind the scenes

Our testers put 59 unisex snowboards to the test. These impressed us the most.

Of the 47 snowboards our female testers rode this spring, these nine radical rides rose to the top

When I moved to France from the U.S., I quickly realized Americans could learn a thing or two from the French's approach to ski culture

This physical therapist-approved routine will improve flexibility in your legs, hamstrings, and glutes

Outside Lab Gear Test Editor Adam Trenkamp explains the scientific methods behind his testing

The eight-day Mustang Trail Race provides a rare opportunity to run through one of the most surreal, remote places I’ve ever seen

Our top high-output insulated jackets are the key to staying out all winter long

We tested over 70 men's jackets and hoodies to find the warmest and most breathable options on the market

Waking up at 3:30 A.M., balancing work, and logging hundreds of miles in the Colorado mountains gave me more than endurance—it gave me perspective

In 2019, a hiker was killed along the Appalachian Trail in Southwest Virginia. A second victim barely escaped. Why isn’t there a marker for the loss?

Recent allegations of phony summit images on the world’s highest peaks ignited a debate in the mountaineering community. We asked photography experts how to spot a hoax.

Nomio, a Swedish broccoli extract, claims to lower lactate levels, but its true benefits may go deeper

Soothe your aching spine with these four physical therapist-approved moves

Five questions with the ‘Free Solo’ star about his upcoming skyscraper special, the best sends of 2025, and how Hollywood can nail rock climbing

I tagged along on a ghost hunt to explore why we keep looking for something beyond ourselves

After his daughter's diagnosis, Budimir Šobat gave up drinking and devoted himself to her care. Years later, he found a new obsession: holding his breath longer than anyone in history.

A WEMT reveals the must-have first aid items for your pack, and the smart way to use each one when the unexpected happens

Nate the Hoof Guy, a Wisconsin hoof trimmer, has become an unlikely internet star. His oddly satisfying videos might explain what we’re all craving.

This mountain bike gear, including Fox shoes, Pearl Izumi gloves, and a mountain bike-specific flannel from Cognative, will make riding more comfortable as the seasons change

These affordable skis are built to help intermediates progress from blues squares to black diamonds

We tested more than 25 fuzzy pullovers and jackets to find the very best for every cold-weather adventure.

During a multi-day adventure, the author had to navigate a medical dilemma after her boyfriend came down with a life-threatening illness

Our crew tested 60 fleeces in every winter condition they could find. The winners are warm, breathable, and downright cozy