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Malee Oot

Malee Oot

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Born in Bangkok and raised partially in the suburbs of Nairobi, Malee has been fascinated by the natural world – and all things outdoors – since childhood. Now based just outside Washington, DC, she spends as much time as possible seeking out the East Coast’s wild spaces, usually with her hound dog, Ruthie. Her work has been featured in publications including Africa Geographic, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Earth Island Journal, Travel Africa, Roadtrippers, and Wired for Adventure. When she’s not sitting at her laptop, Malee spends as much time as possible hiking, trail running, and bird-nerding along the Potomac River. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments about Malee’s work.

The landscape of False Cape.

The 4 best beaches in the U.S. for camping like a castaway

From catching breathtaking sunrises to falling asleep to the sound of the waves, these best beaches for camping are every outdoor and beach lover's paradise.
Himalayas

9 longest hiking trails in the world that you must visit

Long trails provide an intimate glimpse of some of the most fascinating and far-flung places on Earth. Here are the best longest hiking trails in the world.
Adventurers leaving footprints on the sand along the shores of California’s Lost Coast.

The 10 best backpacking trips for adventurers to take at least once

America boasts plenty of iconic trails. So, pack your bags and take on one of these backpacking trips because it's going to be one epic outdoor adventure.
Man drinking coffee in his tent in the cold

Cold-weather camping tips: How to stay warm in your tent through fall and winter

Cold weather can shift the whole camping experience. Here are some surefire ways to help make chilly nights in the backcountry a little more comfortable.
Group of friends gathering in front of a fireplace.

Rock the après-ski party this winter with our guide

Après-ski is all about relaxing and having fun after hitting the slopes all day long. From slope-side toasts to bar crawls, the options are endless.
Hiker in the snow.

Don’t let the season stop you: Our top picks for the best winter hiking gear

Winter hiking provides some of the best views and quietest trails of the year, but along with this comes the need for a whole different set of gear.
Chicago skyline at night.

These Are Some of the Best Hotels to Visit in 2022

For travelers, 2022 shows plenty of promise, and there are hotels for every kind of traveler. Here are a few of the best hotels to book this year.
A man cross-country skiing on a groomed forest trail.

6 Spectacular National Forests for Cross-Country Skiing

If you're planning a cross-country ski trip, you might want to check out these six spectacular national forests.
vanlife ski trip cover

Where to Go For an Epic VanLife Ski Trip

With the popularity of VanLife growing, more ski resorts are catering to van and RV campers.
best dive spots in the us padi hawaii resize

The Best Dive Spots in the U.S. During the Winter Months

Winter is an ideal time for a subaquatic adventure and there are plenty of diving destinations in the U.S.
A male cyclist with water bottle checking his watch in a park on a sunny day.

The 11 Best Gifts for Cyclists to Enrich Their Bike Riding Experience

Biking is a lifestyle, and one way to make a bike rider happy is by giving them these best gifts for cyclists.
adrian grenier discusses ocean conservation final

Actor Adrian Grenier Talks Ocean Conservation and Gift Giving

Actor and environmentalist Adrian Grenier is highlighting the global plastics crisis and supporting marine conservation with a holiday gift collaboration.
A bird's eye view of Blue Ridge Parkway.

How to Plan a Grand Adventure to Blue Ridge Parkway, a Road Tripper’s Guide

Boasting diverse wildlife and a bustling beer scene, Blue Ridge Parkway makes a spectacular road trip destination for both nature lovers and drink enthusiasts.
A spectacular view of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in fall

5 Best Hikes for Fall to Enjoy the Burst of Autumn Colors

Pack your gear and embark on these spectacular hikes for fall, so you can stay cozy and admire the breathtaking autumn display without the crowds.
Hiking golden retriever dog with backpack standing on a cliff overlooking a mountain valley.

The 6 Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking and Beyond

Hikes are always better with a dog. And, some pups are even willing to carry their own load. Here, we made a list of the best dog backpacks for hiking.
A crouching male hiker and his dog on mossy rocks.

How To Hike With a Dog: 6 Tips To Keep in Mind Before Hitting the Trails

Hiking can be an enriching experience for you and your pooch. However, you need to keep these six tips in mind to ensure your dog's safety in the trail.
best national forests in america featured image

The 10 Breathtaking National Forests in America Worth Visiting

America's National Forest System stretches over 193 million acres. Here’s a shortlist of some of the country’s most breathtaking national forests.