Climbing grades differ by region or even by crag within the same area. Some routes or boulders may be graded by the hardest move, while others feel like they factor in rests. Ultimately, the grade boils down to the perception of the technical difficulty, steepness, and effort needed to clip the chains. 　　Climbers have done their best to keep grading...

　　Consider this age-old dilemma: you’re at the bottom of a hill, and you want to get to the top. Should you head straight up the steepest slope or switchback back and forth at a gentler incline? The answer depends on the context. If you’re on a marked trail, for example, you should definitely stick to the prescribed switchbacks. But a...

　　Ever come across an incredible hotel that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think, Wow, wouldn’t it be something to stay there? We do, too—all the time. Welcome to Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazing hotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure...

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　　After years of steady improvement, the typical new car, truck, and crossover models have started having long-term reliability problems, according to a new study by J.D. Power. You might think of this as the long-term version of “long COVID,” as many of the problems are related to hardware and software issues related to the chip shortages manufacturers faced during the...

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　　Welcome to another week of taking a first look at the coolest, newest outdoor gear on the market. We look for the best and brightest new toys, gadgets, and apparel, and theres no shortage of cool stuff this week. 　　From cycling helmets and ski goggles to backpacking meals and barefoot shoes — weve got something below to pique your interest,...

　　Being a part of a community centered around a common passion is a beautiful thing. Thats exactly what has drawn the members of Sending in Color together. The diverse group of Midwesterners all love to ice climb. 　　But this years exceptionally warm winter meant that all of the Michigan Ice Fest events were canceled for the first time ever. So,...

　　We tested the best womens-specific all-mountain skis and many unisex skis in all types of terrain to find the best all-mountain skis for women. We skied in snow ranging from deep powder to East Coast ice. And we pushed the limits of terrain at Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont, Wyoming’s Jackson Hole, more than half a dozen resorts in Idaho,...

　　Few climbs have captured our collective imagination quite like The Dawn Wall. This notoriously difficult route on El Capitan became a crucible for legendary climber Tommy Caldwell, who spent years developing it. 　　When Caldwell and partner Kevin Jorgeson finally ascended the entire route in 2015, their triumph became a seminal moment in the history of rock climbing. It has only...

　　Mashing the accelerator on a Mercedes C300, I fly toward the wet pavement on a racetrack in Las Vegas. I push the brake hard and whip the wheel just feet from the corner. Tires squeal and water flies as I quickly jump back on the gas, pushing the car around the tight turn and holding on for dear life. 　　Go,...

　　Black Diamond today issued a recall for its Recon LT avalanche transceivers. Corrosion problems are causing some of these beacons to malfunction or turn off, and the brand is subsequently urging all owners of the Recon LT to immediately stop using the devices and return them for repair, replacement, or a refund. 　　This recall includes all Black Diamond Recon LT...