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Wes Siler
is your guide to leading a more exciting life in the great outdoors. As ܳٲ’s outdoor lifestyle columnist, he writes about the intersections of science, news, politics, gear, vehicles and travel, empowering readers to better understand the world they’re recreating in. Wes lives in Montana with his wife, Virginia McQueen, and their three rescue dogs.
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The bird—one often raised in captivity and released for the express purpose of being shot—is responsible for providing wildlife habitat across much of the America’s heartland
And no, we’re not just talking about a kettlebell
Keep an eye on anything, pretty much anywhere, for just $150
It’s just south of the border yet entirely a world away from the typical American outdoor experience. Here’s how to camp your way down the Mexican peninsula.
Planning a trip to or through a place with unreliable utilities? Plan for a blackout.
Republican senators used the hearing to air conspiracy theories, lie, and point fingers at Biden nominee for issues they themselves are responsible for
While it’s one of the most popular adventuremobiles, it’s also one of the most widely misunderstood. Here’s how to upgrade yours without creating a monster.
A new Snow Mode makes finding trails and parking lots easy, and the app helps you avoid avalanches, too
Made of two types of wool and the most breathable synthetic insulation ever, this is so much more than just a warm midlayer
Despite rhetoric from Republicans, the shift toward renewable energy actually brings substantial, nationwide economic benefits—and it'll help the oil and gas industry, too
After appropriate tires, the second most important safety upgrade you can make to your vehicle is a powerful set of lights
In one fell swoop, President Biden is undoing his predecessor's most harmful work on public lands, climate change, clean air and water, and environmental justice
These three perfect pairs are just as comfortable on the couch as they are outside
Drawing only three bidders and $14 million, the administration's attempt to drill for oil in the massive Alaskan refuge is likely dead on arrival
Each of these brings genuine innovation, making 2021 an exciting time for adventuremobiles
Coming in 2023, this all-electric vehicle promises zero-emissions #vanlife. But a deep dive into the specs reveals significant limitations.
The 35th generation New Mexican will oversee public lands, national parks, Native American affairs, and more
The Stone Glacier X-Curve conforms to the shape of a human back with unprecedented comfort
How old does a child need to be when you give them their first knife? The answer assumes you know how old they are in the first place.
The Department of Transportation has finally reclassified emotional support animals as pets. Here's how that will affect your ability to fly with your dog next year.
In its final months, Trump's Department of the Interior shows its true colors by rushing through drilling leases in Alaska and rewriting major components of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act
Give the gift of going farther, safer
With a key list of Land and Water Conservation Fund projects missing, political subterfuge threatens the bipartisan legislative achievement
A lesson for the Department of the Interior staff: you can’t delete official tweets
“America’s Amazon” is being sold to China, at a huge cost to the environment, and a net loss to taxpayers
The villainous BLM boss appears to have survived a court ouster, further threatening Trump's oil agenda
Zero emissions, 1,000 horsepower, 0-60 in 3.0 seconds, and better angles than a Jeep
Greg Gianforte, the Republican candidate for governor, threatens the state's unique angler-access regulations
This is the single finest example of a go-anywhere family wagon ever created
Stay warm, dry, and comfortable while eating outdoors, without sacrificing style
Icebreaker socks, T-shirts, and base layers are on sale today
Flashlights have flooded the market. Here's how to choose the best one for you.
The perfect DIY activity for car camping or even an evening in your own backyard
A federal court just ruled that the BLM's leader was serving illegally, with plans to reconvene next week to consider if all of his actions were illegal, too
Whether you're hunting, bird-watching, or visiting a national park, the six-ounce Kestrel Glassing Systems Monopod will drastically improve your experience
There's no such thing as one best knife
'Tamago kake gohan' is my go-to post-workout meal and takes just 15 minutes to make
The Ohio waterway that so famously caught on fire in 1969, inspiring the Clean Water Act, caught fire again this week
The ins and outs of keeping Fido safe, comfortable, and happy while on the go
There's so much more to seeing through the dark than brightness alone
How a sick friend, a wedding in Mexico, and a cabin in Montana all led up to the A5 Wagyu striploin of my dreams
We can see right through your hunting selfies
Randolph Engineering aviators are made in America and actually worn by military pilots
Fur, dingleberries, and dog claws are no match for a Harbor Freight moving blanket
A good dog is an exhausted dog. Here's how to wear them out every single day.
Simple, free ways to improve your experience next time
Go Fast Campers SuperLite 50 is the lightest, most-affordable hard-shell rooftop tent ever—and it’s made in Montana
The National Park Service has abdicated responsibility for visitor safety, compromising local mandates and leaving staff and vendors to fend for themselves
Meet the first Ford Broncos since 1996
William Perry Pendley is finally up for Senate confirmation. Here's a reminder of why he is not up to the job.
The American Museum of Natural History is taking down its memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, and the hunting world should take note
Breathable, light, durable, and weather-resistant: here's everything you need to be comfortable outdoors this season
Features like campsite lighting, onboard gear storage, and portable power generation are useful overlanding-inspired additions
They're nowhere near as comfortable as the inflatable alternative, but they still deserve a spot in your gear closet
But the developers know that could present an overcrowding problem
Enjoy the natural beauty with the aid of educational resources, knowledgeable rangers, actual bathrooms, catered food, and the infrastructure necessary to make your experience safe and comfortable
A 2.5-liter engine with more torque has bolstered the 2021 iteration
PrimaLoft and Sitka have collaborated to make the material more reliable
Consider this the first step toward becoming self-sufficient
According to a new analysis by the Center for American Progress, his administration has removed or is attempting to remove protections from areas of public land equivalent to the size of Florida
A knock-your-socks-off meal anyone can make over a campfire, taught by a professional chef
Where to go, what to bring, and---most importantly---how to make it fun
COVID-19 is going to limit and slow relief—and increase the importance of personal preparedness
When it's highly diluted to clear water of pathogens, it could save your life
Cruel? With careful, compassionate application, a shock collar can be the kindest thing you do for your pet.
Sorry, but there's almost no way to do this responsibly and safely right now
In the kitchen a little more than you were before? Here's some help.
Behold the ultimate place upon which to rest a hard-earned beer
Socialization is the most important thing you can do to create a good dog. But how do you create new experiences when you can’t leave your house?
The National Park Service’s Public Health Department warns of dire consequences to employees and communities if parks don’t close immediately
Light enough for backpacking and bright enough to illuminate an entire campsite, this is exactly what you need when it's safe to get back out there again
“You could pull this thing out of a flooded basement, rip it open, and start filtering water immediately,” says MSR Product Developer Owen Mesdag
The coronavirus package is a missed opportunity to take meaningful action on carbon emissions, putting us decades behind on climate action
Seven employees have tested positive for the virus, even while the parks have no entrance fees, are short on staff, and are overwhelmed by visitors. Sound familiar?
With the public distracted, Secretary Bernhardt is advancing environmental harm
How to recreate responsibly and safely through the COVID-19 pandemic
You need a dog, a dog needs you. What more do you need to know?
Can one truck do everything? I think this one can.
So far, 383 companies have signed up to participate in the outdoor brand's Time to Vote program on November 3, and the organization hopes to double that number by the election
A detailed list of what you need to treat common injuries and ailments