All forms of outdoor recreation involve certain risks, unknowns, and the potential for injury. If all goes well, you wont need a first aid kit while pursuing your activity of choice. Ultimately, first aid kits are like fire extinguishers — you dont want to have to use them, but its nice to know theyre there. 　　Effective careful risk management begins...

　　The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) just wrapped up its annual Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition, better known as Mudfest. Twenty crossovers, SUVs, and trucks were evaluated back-to-back on- and off-road over 2 days on specially prepared courses at the Ridge Motorsports Park facility in Shelton, Wash. 　　The event was a massive success for NWAPA. It provided...

　　Patagonia is no stranger to the fly fishing world, consistently producing gear that performs at the highest level. Its winter fly fishing gear is no exception. Combining new offerings and quality classics, these pieces bring out the best in Patagonia and winter fly fishing. 　　Built from the ground up, the Patagonia Winter Fly Fishing kit offers everything a fly angler...

　　There are people reading this—you may be one of them—thinking, “Of course cycling is good for your knees, you idiot. Why do you think I switched from running?” I hear you. But there’s a big difference between something that’s “not bad” for your knees and something that’s actually good for them. The claim in a new study is that people...

　　Vietnamese-inspired trail snacks. Performance do-rags. Nature hikes for Muslim-American women. These are just a few of the ideas from 16 emerging companies founded by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) entrepreneurs. While still in the early stages of building their organizations, these founders just completed an REI accelerator program aimed at turning dreams into reality. 　　The Embark Program was...

　　As of April 30, you can finally get this handy seven-tool multi, the Leatherman Skeletool, in colors other than black. Dont get me wrong; a glossy black and silvery stainless steel aesthetic has its place. But if the custom Gerbers and Leatherman minis of the blade world have taught us anything, its that everyone appreciates a dash of distinctiveness, a...

　　Why wouldnt you utilize the airspace of your truckbed as storage? Ive had traditional camp toppers, in-bed storage tubs, DIY disasters, and everything in between. The combination of a Leitner FORGED Active Cargo System and a full GearPOD setup has been, shall I be so bold to say, game-changing. Yeah, I went there. 　　As someone who uses my truck as...

　　In 2024, nearly every gadget and gizmo that we use has a battery. Our phones are the primary example, but nearly everything — from headlamps to headphones — has built-in rechargeable batteries. As a result of our rechargeable world, portable power banks have become a standard part of everyday life. 　　Power banks offer convenient on-the-go charging when traveling eliminating the...

　　Start a fire in the rain.Start a fire in the snow. Start a fire after your gear gets dunked in the river. And start the fire with a firestarter that is capable of working through the most difficult scenarios. 　　There are various firestarters to choose from, and part of getting the best one is getting the right one. We’ve poured...

　　Everything tastes better outside. That’s a fact (well, not really). 　　There’s nothing quite like breaking bread under the stars with your favorite people. Sizzling fajitas on a camp stove, charred campfire tortillas, and a colorful array of taco bar toppings laid out along the tailgate can be better than a Michelin-star meal. The best camp meals are plentiful and designed...

　　Everything was going according to plan for Trevor Carlson on the north side of Quandary Peak, Colorado, until a group of riders dropped in above Carlson and his group of friends on Sunday, April 21, kicking off an avalanche that buried a member of his party. 　　As more and more skiers enter the backcountry, the risks of them riding in...

　　Marking 2024s total solar eclipse, the outdoors of Dripping Springs, Texas, served as the backdrop for a mesmerizing event hosted by REI and Hipcamp.  　　This unique gathering, part of Hipcamp and REIs Summer of Magic Campout Series, brought together 20 outdoor enthusiasts for a special eclipse viewing experience, filled with camaraderie, gourmet camping cuisine, and unforgettable night sky spectacles. 　　...