What’s the Difference Between an External Frame Pack and an Internal Frame Pack? Ken Knapp|July 2, 2018 External frame packs look very different from internal frame packs. Learn the pros and cons of each design so you can decide which is right for you.
Putting the Colorado Trail on the Map Betsy Welch|June 29, 2018 In 1990, Jerry Brown became the first person to bikepack the Colorado Trail. Ten years later, he returned on his bike to survey the trail and make the map that everyone—hikers and equestrians, too—uses on the trail today.
How Much Does It Cost to Hike the Appalachian Trail? Aer Parris|June 19, 2018 Learn the true cost of hiking the Appalachian Trail with our comprehensive guide. Plan your budget and make the most of your adventure.
Rewilding Our Cities Aer Parris|June 11, 2018 At REI, we're on a mission to enable more transformational experiences in the outdoors for all. In 2018 alone, we’ll invest approximately $8.8M in projects, outdoor places and organizations that are increasing access to the outdoors.
Meet Force of Nature Dr. Rosaly Lopes Shelby Gonzalez|June 8, 2018 A senior NASA volcanologist who has studied geologic activity on every continent and whose research could one day help us detect extraterrestrial life in space, Dr. Rosaly Lopes is a true Force of Nature—an influential woman scientist whose work leads her beyond the walls of the laboratory and into the outdoors.
Rare Fireflies Mesmerize Thousands in North Carolina and Tennessee Graham Averill|June 7, 2018 Your standard firefly serves as a wonderful hallmark of summer in the South, but Western North Carolina has a corner on two species of fireflies that are downright miraculous.
19 National Recreation Trails Designated in 17 States Aer Parris|June 7, 2018 Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke designated 19 new national recreation trails. These newly designated trails are in 17 different states and add more than 370 miles to the national recreation trails system.
Starting Anew: Eagle Creek Fire Raises Questions About Future of Forests, Hikes and Tourism in the Columbia River Gorge Matt Wastradowski|June 5, 2018 We explain the fire’s long-term impact, what to expect in the coming months and how the fire could lead to a new era in Oregon tourism.
Gear Review: Osprey Eja 58 Pack Shelby Carpenter|May 29, 2018 Backpackers looking to enjoy their time in the wilderness face a perennial question: What’s more important, having comfortable gear or lightweight gear? Osprey has finally created a lightweight, women-specific pack that maintains comfort for a range of load weights: the Osprey Eja 58.
10 Best Hikes Near Chicago Kristen Arendt|May 24, 2018 Don't let the big city feel of Chicago discourage you from exploring the hiking that the greater Chicago metro area has to offer. Check out these ten top hikes in the Chicago area to get started on your next adventure.
The Joys of Section Hiking Shawnté Salabert|May 22, 2018 Many backpackers dream of spending weeks—or even months—on trail. But most folks can’t swing the time commitment required to thru-hike classics like the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail. The solution? Learn to embrace the joys of section hiking.
New Backcountry Trail Opens in Hickory Nut Gorge Graham Averill|May 18, 2018 Weed Patch Mountain Trail is a brand new 8.6-mile (one way) romp through some of Hickory Nut Gorge’s wildest terrain, connecting Buffalo Creek Park, which already has a 3.5-mile mountain bike loop, with Eagle Rock, a climbing crag on the north side of Rumbling Bald Mountain inside Chimney Rock State Park.
