In this episode,ace paddlers Cohen and Michelle Atkins explore the city’s dynamic outdoor offerings, revealing a surprising blend of adventure and community. As they put it, “Charlotte has unlimited potential for urban outdoor experiences.” 　　 　　(Photos/The Inertia) Paddling at the U.S. National Whitewater Center The adventure begins at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a hotspot for river rats and paddling...

　　It was a mad scene. Whitnye Raquel sat in the Supai Village school cafeteria with hundreds of other frantic, displaced campers. Around her, names were being called out in near hysterics, including Chenoa Nickerson, a 33-year-old whose body would be recovered 3 days later — and 20 miles down the Colorado River. 　　Later that day, Raquel desperately scrambled onto the very...

　　The fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma arrived this year with options including a hybrid engine, fancy new seats, and adjustable shocks. The infotainment system also took a huge step forward, within a slightly more ergonomic dashboard. And, diehard Taco fans will no doubt appreciate that a manual transmission still exists in the lineup. 　　But the Tacoma has always been more about simple...

　　Did you ever read the old Choose Your Own Adventure books that let the reader choose the outcome of the story? Readers would face decisions at various points in the text, and then flip to the page that corresponded with their choice. If you were lucky, you reached a happily-ever-after ending. Other times youd be eaten by a monster —...

　　The Polaris RZR Pro series packs power and pizzazz into a raucous package ready to tackle your favorite trail. Upon its debut in 2022, it featured 225 horsepower from a non-turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. 　　It had more than 2 feet of travel, a 74-inch track width, and the best brakes on any side-by-side (SxS). For 2025, the highly capable Pro R,...

　　This week, were heading to one of Americas homes of barbecue, Kansas City, Missouri. Coincidentally, K.C. is also where Paul once received one of his all-time favorite ears of corn, handed to him by a total stranger. But hey, thats what makes life worth living — nothing ventured, nothing gained! 　　With that spirit of adventure, the BeerJunkie is going outta this...

　　Imagine gliding over the snow just a little faster than you can run. Cross-country skiing offers just about the best full-body workout you can get. Think running with increased core and arm activation and a lot less pounding. Cross-country skiing is an accessible sport suitable for any beginner athletes looking for cross-training opportunities. Or, it can be a lifelong endeavor...

　　If you love outdoor gear, you’ll want to hear about The North Face XPLR Pass loyalty program. It’s a membership with plenty of perks, like access to exclusive gear drops, birthday gifts, and points earned on every purchase that can be redeemed for rewards. Best of all, it’s completely free to join! 　　Members-Only Sale: 25% Off Almost Everything! 　　Just in...

　　Its easy to assume that laying out more cash for a bicycle helmet will buy you more safety. But a new study from the Imperial College of London says otherwise. 　　Bike helmets range widely in price, some being well under $100 and others clocking in at $400. Serious cyclists understand that much of the price difference stems from improved aerodynamics,...

　　REI: Up to 50% Off 　　 　　(Photo/REI) The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket is rather muted in this Mushroom Taupe color, but it will only cost you $64 (half price) for an essential piece of the outdoor gear kit. 　　There are also plenty of sizes still available, as of Sept. 20. Some other colors have the same discount, but only...

　　Avalanche beacons (also known as transceivers) are life-saving devices used by backcountry skiers and split boarders, mountaineers, hikers, or anyone venturing near or into avalanche terrain. We place a lot of emphasis on the type of skis, bindings, and boots you use for backcountry pursuits. However, rescue gear, like a beacon, is critical to survival, so why not choose the...

　　Theres an international bent to this weeks Emerging Gear column, with several brands from elsewhere in the Americas. That includes Peruvian performance apparel made from alpaca fiber, post-workout shoes from Colombia, and a Canadian brand with new mukluks designed by Cree artists. 　　But theres plenty of other gear to go around, too. That includes the latest action camera from DJI,...