A Silva baseplate orienteering compass resting on a topographic map
21
Sep
2026
Posted in Gear

How to Actually Read a Compass

Learn to read a baseplate compass the reliable way: the parts, declination, and taking and following a bearing. No phone required.

Ray Jardine in his red cap
18
Sep
2026
Posted in Gear

Ray Jardine Was Right. Ultralight Backpacking Missed the Point.

In 2006, I wrote a post called “Ray Jardine Is The Man.” I hadn’t read Beyond Backpacking,…

17
Sep
2026
Posted in Gear

Dana Design: The Packs That Refuse to Die

Somewhere right now there is a thirty-year-old backpack going up a mountain. Faded, a little sun-rotted at…

06
Sep
2026
Posted in Destinations Nature

Best Places to See Fall Foliage by Bike: Top U.S. Cycling Trails for Stunning Autumn Colors

Fall is the perfect season for biking through breathtaking landscapes, with the crisp air and vibrant foliage…

03
Aug
2026
Posted in Gear

Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL Review: The Gravel Shoe That Doesn’t Try Too Hard

Gravel running is having a moment. Not in a loud, carbon-plated, Strava-segment kind of way. More in…

03
Jul
2026
Posted in Destinations

Postcard Cabins Big Bear: A Cool Mountain Getaway Close to LA

If you’re looking for cool getaways close to LA that don’t involve airports, security lines, or a…

04
Jun
2026
Posted in Destinations

Luxury Camping Near Los Angeles (2026 Guide): 18 Elevated Getaways Within 3 Hours

Los Angeles is surrounded by mountains, desert, coastline, and vineyard valleys. What it lacks in quiet, it…

15
Oct
2025
Posted in Nature

Why Do Leaves Change Color Anyway? Understanding the Science Behind Autumn’s Beauty

As the summer fades and autumn sets in, nature puts on one of its most stunning displays—leaves…

15
Oct
2025
Posted in Nature Photography

Leaf Peepers Are Ruining It For the Rest Us

File under, why we can’t have nice things in the outdoors any longer. As the vibrant fall…

fall colors
14
Oct
2025
Posted in Destinations

Top 10 Fall Outdoor Destinations for 2025: Experience Nature’s Best Colors

Fall is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. With cooler temperatures, fewer…