The Ultimate How-To Manual
ϳԹ
When you start a new sport, everything will be hard, perplexing, and intimidating. But your brain will be on fire.
Some of our favorite challenging outings in the heart of Colorado’s high country
All the essentials for crushing long days on the trail
It took me months of cold, scary failure to learn how to roll my boat in the open ocean. The effort taught me that barriers to outdoor proficiency, no matter how daunting, can be overcome if you don’t give up.
Wild, off-the-beaten-path outings in one of Colorado’s most rugged corners
Despite their differences, climbing’s most famous besties get along because they share the same convictions, support each other’s harebrained schemes, and, of course, engage in some good-natured smack talk
Having a disability and staging epic adventures can go hand in hand. You just have to be willing to ask for a little help.
Why reaching outdoor nirvana means journeying far from the beaten path
If you're just getting started on the trails, don't be overwhelmed. This 101 guide breaks down where to go, what to wear, and everything you need to know to stay safe and have fun out there.
Where to go, what to bring, and---most importantly---how to make it fun
Gear
At some point in every adventurous life, you need to pursue something completely trivial with such single-minded focus that it nearly drives you mad. Allow me to explain.
Every outdoor situation demands a slightly different layering system, but with these three puffies and three shells, you can pretty much do it all
How to buy your first bike, grill, paddleboard, sleeping pad, and more
Escape the crowds with a self-supported weekend paddle
Don’t just throw money at the problem. Master layering—yes, even for summer!—and the outdoors will never be the same.
Experiencing setbacks in the great outdoors will bring out your inner MacGyver. Make sure he has an idea of what you’ll be up against.
Fitness
Tuliamuk had secured her spot in the Tokyo Olympics—then 2020 happened. Fortunately, she’s always run for more than just the medals.
Hard-won advice from someone who hated the sport, until it changed his life
A spiral of injuries—and the attendant existential crisis—can be an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals
Think you wouldn’t benefit from some mental maintenance? Think again.
A body in motion will inevitably need a little maintenance
Essential questions to ask during your doctor's visit, at every age
Sustaining and delicious whole-food meals and snacks to pack for your next mission
Looking to level up? Get started with this inexpensive, four-move routine.
Dealing with discomfort isn’t a magical gift. It’s a skill, and you can improve at it.
Jenni Gritters, a Power Vinyasa yoga teacher, walks us through nine common poses
Travel
Fun, easy-to-pull-off adventures within a couple hours of the Mile High City
Been to the Centennial State before and looking to go deeper? Check out these northern Colorado adventures.
From a baobab-filled outcropping in the middle of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi salt pans to an adventure hot spot in Iraqi Kurdistan, plan a trip to these bold destinations to earn some major adventure travel cred
Looking to progress in your sport? From deepwater soloing in Majorca to mountain biking in New Zealand, these trips will take you to the next level.
Life
We asked movers and shakers in different corners of the outdoor world about what people can do to make certain spaces and sports more welcoming for all
Elevate your next outdoor sleepover with these genius tricks
It takes skill to have no idea what you're doing outdoors
And what happens to your brain when you finally nail it
From beer to bourbon, here’s how to cut loose (safely) while camping
From survival strategies to kindling tricks to impress your friends, we’ll cover it all so you can make sure you’re warm and well s’mores-ed