Author Archives: J.D. Simkins

Parks Canada Is Giving out One-Year Passes to Americans. Here’s How to Win.

From its rugged coasts and rainforests to dense evergreen wilderness and sprawling plains, Canada’s network of enticing outdoor playgrounds is ripe for exploration. Now,… Read More

The Best Watches Built for Outdoor Adventure

Optimizing packing space for backcountry trips typically means leaving behind bulky screens or other smart devices we so often rely on in our day-to-day. Read More

Our Favorite Stand-up Paddle Boards for Any Experience Level

If you’ve been around water in recent memory you’ve no doubt noticed inflatable stand-up paddle boarding taking the outdoors by storm. From a slow jaunt… Read More

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Mexico’s Picturesque State of Nayarit

Nestled on the Pacific coast of Mexico is a rare, alluring combination of lush jungle greenery and tropical beaches unlike anything found in the… Read More

Ever Stayed in a Cave? These 3 Airbnbs in the Southwest Are Ready to Wow You

The thought of sleeping in a cave isn’t one that typically conjures mental images of cozy confines and warm, harmonious living spaces, but a handful… Read More

Via Ferrata, Anyone? Where to Find the Best in the West

For those who want the views without the challenges of rock climbing, there is the hike-climb hybrid known as the via ferrata. Read More

These Parts of Yellowstone National Park Are Closed Due to Flooding, Mudslides

Planned trips to Yellowstone National Park may have to be put on hold as the National Park Service continues to implement rolling closures in the… Read More

Our Favorite Sleeping Pads to Take on Your Next Camping Trip

We’re officially on summer’s doorstep, and warmer weather all over the country inevitably means a continued surge in camping interest for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the… Read More

These Penguins Are the Cutest Thing You’ll See All Day. And Soon You Can Visit Them

Big news can sometimes come in small packages, and that’s certainly the case for the latest information coming out of the Birch Aquarium in… Read More

This Travel App Added a ‘Smoke Map’ to Keep Campers Safe During Wildfire Season

One camping app is responding to what’s becoming an annually chaotic wildfire season by monitoring smoke conditions in real time to keep campers safe. Read More

These Packing Cubes Make Backpacking Trips More Organized Than Ever

We only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission. You’ve no doubt heard at least one… Read More

Our Favorite Sunglasses Built for Outdoor Adventure

There are two items I consistently botch on just about every trip I take. First, what feels like at least 95% of the time, I… Read More

This Camp Stove Kit Doesn’t Just Cook and Boil. It Charges Your Phone, Too

Having a camp stove handy to be able to enjoy hot food, tea, or coffee, not to mention to a little ambience,… Read More

Set up Camp at a National Park with Our All-Seasons Packing Guide

If you’re like the millions of others discovering a newfound affinity for our nation’s outdoor spaces, chances are you might have a national park… Read More

Airbnb Is Overhauling Its Search Engine. Here’s How It’ll Help You

Airbnb rolled out changes to its site this month that are set to overhaul the way prospective guests search for and arrange stays. Principal… Read More

So You’re Interested in Ecotourism. Ask Yourself These Questions Before a Trip

Ecotourism is a term being floated with increasing regularity in the world of travel, and for good reason. At its core is responsible travel,… Read More

An ‘Airbnb of the Sea’ Rents Thousands of Boats. See Where You Can Sail

Summer travel plans are well into the developmental stage and will soon usher tourists in droves toward popular Western hot spots that continue to… Read More

Bring the Thrill of the Rapids to Your Coffee Table With This New ‘Whitewater’ Book

From the first moment you read the book’s forward by award-winning author and adventurer Kevin Fedarko, you realize there is something… Read More

Working Remotely but Want to Get Away? Try These Family-Friendly Destinations for a Productive Vacation

Increased remote work flexibility in the post-pandemic workspace has significantly altered the way we scheme up our travel plans. Combined with international travel restrictions that… Read More

Carlsbad’s Best Oyster Experience Is in the Most Unexpected Place

Anyone who’s been to the North County region of San Diego has, at one time or another, gazed upon the Encina Power Station. The plant’s… Read More

After a Crazy Whitewater Rafting Adventure in Utah, This Is My Gear Wish List

Rough water adventures necessitate the sort of gear that can protect from the harshest of elements. On a recent multi-day whitewater rafting trip through southeastern… Read More

Bike 190 Miles of Iconic Utah Landscapes on a New Six-Day Hut Tour

An all-new trail system in southern Utah is revolutionizing the long-distance mountain biking experience thanks to a system of five fully furnished huts that… Read More

Family Reunion Trips to Book Now, from Utah Camping to Montana Resorts

For years now, extended families have awaited the chance to converge on popular destinations, eager to gather for the first time following post-pandemic shutdowns… Read More

You Can Get Free Entry to California State Parks Through Your Local Library

Being the proud owner of a library card just got a lot more rewarding for California residents. Effective immediately, a partnership between the California… Read More