Camping in South Carolina Madelyne Rose|November 16, 2022 From the charming Lowcountry to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina offers a variety of unique camping destinations.
Outdoor Op Ed: What Is Environmental Racism, and What Can We Do about It? Mike Brown|November 9, 2022 Mike Brown explores both the personal and historical impact of environmental racism, along with a call to action and ideas of what the outdoor community can do to address the inequality that still exists today.
Nature as a Healer: Excerpt from Rue Mapp’s ‘Nature Swagger’ Rue Mapp|October 21, 2022 'Nature Swagger,' a collection of stories and photos from Outdoor Afro founder and CEO Rue Mapp, celebrates Black joy in the outdoors.
“We Are All on Native Land” Christina Montoya Fiedler|October 7, 2022 In the U.S.A., we are all on Native land—and it's important to learn how how to honor Indigenous communities by recreating mindfully. Here's how to start.
Founder Spotlight: Martha Y Díaz, Itacate Foods REI Staff|October 4, 2022 Martha Díaz founded the Latin backpacking meal company Itacate Foods to create a sense of belonging, empowerment and healing in the outdoors.
Our National Parks: How Accessible Are They? Sarah Grothjan|September 21, 2022 The national parks are more accessible than in years past, but some say they're still not accessible enough. Advocates, trail users and park officials weigh in on what's working—and what could be better.
Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Leave No Trace Principles? REI Staff|September 14, 2022 How well do you know how to Leave No Trace? Take our quiz to find out—and learn more.
We Are Nature with Rue Mapp Shelby Stanger|September 13, 2022 Rue Mapp spent her youth swimming in creeks and playing on her family’s ranch in California. As she got older, Rue explored new ways to get outside and enjoy nature, but she didn’t see many other Black people in the outdoor spaces she loved. As a response, Rue started Outdoor Afro, a national not-for-profit that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature.
Made Together: Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op Candace Dantes|September 13, 2022 Outdoor Afro Inc. and REI Co-op co-created a clothing collection that unlocks the nature in all of us. Vibrant and colorful. Durable and functional. Made together just for you.
Where There’s Smoke: How Wildfire Smoke Is Affecting Life Outdoors Margot Bigg|August 23, 2022 More fires equal more smoke—and what does that mean for outdoor recreation? Read more about staying safe outside in smoky conditions.
Epic Camping Fails Aer Parris|August 16, 2022 We’ve all made mistakes in the outdoors. It’s part of the journey. We've collected funny camping fails so you might feel better about your own oops moments.
Best Places to See Stars Matt Wastradowski|August 11, 2022 Little light pollution and panoramic views make these some of the best places to see stars in the U.S.