Painful to Carry Gear That’s Still Totally Worth Carrying

We’ve added some to this list since we’re always finding new ways to torture ourselves on hikes. – Ed. Couple weeks ago, I set out on a nice day hike up in Point Reyes National Seashore, just north of San Francisco. Ever been? Gorgeous, magical place, clothed in redwoods in the flats and valleys, fog-shrouded … Read more

Freeskiing Star Cody Townsend Talks Big Mountain Skiing, Growing Up a Surf-Stoked Beach Kid, and Knowing When to Say When

Cody Townsend has made a name for himself as one of the world’s best big freeskiers, but in recent years, he’s mixed mountaineering into the equation. His series “The Fifty,” which chronicles his attempt to climb and ski the 50 classic ski descents of North America, is one of YouTube’s best adventure series. We talked … Read more

And Another Thing About Rigid Steel Frames

Last week we covered the excellent Kona Unit X, a rigid, steel frame workhorse of a bike. If you haven’t read it (and come on, whaddya waiting for?) I gushed about its do-it-all-ness. Sure it won’t handle black diamond singletrack as well as a full suspension bike, or even a hardtail, but the simple elegance … Read more

Kona Unit X Review: Long Live the Adventure Bike

For months now, I’ve mostly ridden a rigid bike with a steel frame, and had an absolute blast. It’s the Kona Unit X, the latest in a two-decade model line. For $1,599, you get a Reynolds 520 Butted Cromoly frame with a no-frills but durable Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain, Shimano MT410 hydraulic brakes, and excellent, … Read more

Wanna Be Happier? Build Better Connections

Is this book strictly adventure-related? Not necessarily, but considering we’re out there trying to bolster our happiness, either with people we’re close to, or, sadly, at the expense of those we’re close to (I’m looking at you, fellow surf bums), this book feels like something anyone living an examined life in pursuit of what makes … Read more

Why Did Craig Kelly Die In An Avalanche?

  Craig Kelly wasn’t just one of the best and most important snowboarders to have lived, the boarding pioneer and four-time world champion was particularly cautious when it came to snow safety. It was one of the most important messages he shared with his fans, and as he pursued his goal of becoming a splitboard … Read more

In the Wilderness, You Can’t Always Get What You Want

When my friends and I encountered the fresh grizzly bear scat, we were deep in Wyoming’s Teton Wilderness, 20 miles from a trailhead. I’d seen grizzlies before—from the car. But this experience was on a whole other level. I felt vulnerable, nervous. I also felt fully alive. That feeling owes much to the Wilderness Act, … Read more