There’s this running joke Chicagoans like to tell: Don’t like the weather? Wait fifteen minutes. A generous interpretation is that in Chicago, there’s always a good reason to spend time outside. 　　Chicago is a true four-seasons town: Summers are glorious here, a place where it seems like a block party or softball tournament is always taking place. Fall foliage can...

　　If you’re a regular reader of this column or have followed my adventures over the years, you’ve no doubt realized that I have a habit of changing adventure rigs quite often. My wife says I have a problem, but I think it’s fun to try new camping rigs and, as with most other outdoor gear, constantly tweak and dial them...

　　The 2026 BMW M2 CS might be the best BMW M-car of the modern era. The littlest current M car is suddenly the most powerful rear-drive BMW on sale today. With the same horsepower as its AWD big sibling the M4 Competition, massive brakes, a huge new rear spoiler, and nearly 100 pounds less weight. But this 2 Series M-onster...

　　Search and rescue. Veterans support. Animal welfare. Outdoor access. These are some of the critical issues that strengthen communities and reflect our deepest-held values. The challenge? Nonprofits are often on the front line of supporting these causes, and to do their heroic work, they’re in need of resources and funding themselves. 　　Enter the Defender Service Awards Presented by Chase. Now...

　　We emerged from the weathered high-mountain hut with the sunrise. As the sun poked through a jagged arête on the Mont Blanc massif, a new challenge emerged as I shouldered the door open through the snow drift that had grown behind it. 　　The previous night’s rainstorm gave way to a major September snowstorm. A thick blanket of new snow sparkled...

　　Retrospec is a U.S.-based brand that makes getting outside more accessible to more people through fun and affordable bikes and outdoor gear. Retrospec’s products often have proven, back-to-basics designs with an emphasis on durable components. 　　Known primarily for its bicycles and electric bikes, Retrospec also makes outdoor gear like paddleboards and longboards. There’s room for fun, too. The brand recently...

　　For hikers, every day is leg day—which makes mastering the best stretches for hiking an essential step. 　　Hiking uses your gluteal muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves, and requires sturdiness of all the joints—ankles, feet, hips, and knees. Carrying a pack can create tension in your neck and using hiking poles can cause your arms to become sore. 　　Fortunnaely, targeted stretching...

　　Once, there was a time when skinny jeans and drop bars didn’t fit any mold in the gravel cycling world. So, a then-fledgling Colorado bike builder started carving out a niche.  　　Fast forward 12 years, and Longmont, Colo.-based REEB is bringing back a gravel build called “The Sam’s Pants.” It’s welded by hand from Italian steel tubing at Hooptie Bike...

　　Montana Knife Company is reaching back into its roots with the upcoming Traditions Collection. This drop blends classic design with modern performance and serves as a tribute to the generational bond forged in the field, in the shop, and around the skinning pole. 　　The lineup includes some of MKC’s most sought-after models. These are familiar blades for longtime fans, known...

　　On Wednesday, May 28, Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper stood alongside state congressman John Neguse near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The two lawmakers spoke about the ongoing fight to protect public lands and the federal agencies that oversee them. 　　Neguse, 41, recently introduced two bills—called Protect Our Parks and Save Our Forests respectively—that would reinstate the thousands of...

　　Since I began hiking and camping as a kid, I have always carried a lot of stuff with me. Even on day hikes, it wasn’t uncommon for me to bring a 25L to 32L pack, stuffed to the brim. Over the years, though, I have trimmed the fat out of my packs. I have been able to scale back their...

　　The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) issued a notice last week warning hikers to be on alert. According to the post, bear-hiker encounters are rising on the trail, specifically on portions south of the High Sierra. Incidents included food theft, persistent camp visits, and bold bear approaches. 　　Hikers call the area near Mt. Whitney bear country, but the PCTA urges...