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Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites of industry-leading publications for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, National Geographic, and Vagabondish. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

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Hiker in a red hoodie taking photos overlooking San Francisco, California.

These are the 10 best cities in the U.S. for hiking and nature-loving city dwellers looking to “touch grass”

These are the 10 best cities in the U.S. for hiking and nature-loving city dwellers looking to “touch grass”

For nature-loving city dwellers, these 10 U.S. cities have it all, with great food, happening nightlife, shopping, outdoor adventures, and more.
Two people hiking the W Trek in Chile, mountains in the background.

Upgrade to the best warm-weather hiking gear of 2023

We’ve rounded up the best new gear for hiking (and camping and kayaking and whatever else you’re getting into) this spring and summer.
how to shift bike gears bicycles parked on road

A beginner’s guide on how to shift bike gears like a pro

Get an overview of how bike gears work, how to change gears, and the types of shifters on the market, plus tips and tricks for better shifting.
Couple camping with the new 2023 Escapod TOPO2 Teardrop Trailer.

Escapod teardrop trailer offers the comforts of home while camping (no setup required)

The latest teardrop trailer on our radar is the all-new 2023 Escapod TOPO2, and it promises all the comforts of home with almost zero setup required.
best hikes in united states 2021

These are the 10 best hikes in the United States

Declaring the “best hikes” is a recipe for a fistfight. Still, we’re boldly staking our claim to the best hikes throughout the United States.
Person camping on a river using a one person tent.

Gear up for your next big adventure with the best camping gear and accessories

The spring 2023 camping season is finally here, so we're sharing our favorite front-country (and some backcountry) camping essentials.
A man hauling a gray wheeled Pelican cooler on a beach.

These are the 11 best coolers like Yeti, but cheaper

If you’re looking for solid Yeti alternatives — coolers like Yeti but cheaper — here are the best options on the market right now.
Closeup of a hand holding a smartphone with a picture of a small seedling on the screen.

Get the best nature apps for identifying unknown plants and critters right from your smartphone

If you're insatiably curious about the natural world, these mobile nature apps will help you identify almost any unknown plant or critter.
A midsection of a man wielding a hatchet in the outdoors.

Get the best camping axes for cutting, chopping, and prepping your way around the campsite

Every outdoorsman needs a quality camping axe. From survivalist specials to lightweight backpacking models, these are the best hatchets of 2023.
revolution rail co 1 rail bike

Rail bike tours are the soft adventure trend for anyone who loves the nostalgia of train travel

Rail biking is riding pedal-powered machines along old, disused railroads. It's a soft adventure tour trend that's sweeping the world.
Kitchen and bedroom setup inside the Airstream Caravel 16RB travel trailer.

Airstream’s new travel trailer fits a swanky studio apartment into less than 17 feet of living space

The latest Caravel 16RB offers many of the same upscale features and specs of its pricier brethren in one of Airstream's most compact footprints ever.
The Muraka at Conrads Rangali Island

Deep sleep: The world’s most incredible underwater hotels

“Sleeping with the fishes” is rarely a good thing. But the world’s swankiest hotels are reimagining what’s possible in undersea suites with stunning views.
Unimog U 4000 / U 5000 extreme overlanding vehicle parked in a rugged location.

The most over-the-top vehicles for extreme overlanding this summer

These extreme machines are the best overland vehicles on the planet, as they’re designed to go anywhere with all the comforts of home.
Person bicycling on a single track

Hop on the best mountain bikes under $1,000

Whatever your budget or skill level, there are tons of great mountain bikes at affordable prices. From Cannondale to Giant, you'll love these picks.
Best Hiking Pants

Gear up for the trail with the best hiking pants for men

Give your legs the freedom, comfort, and protection they deserve on the trail with the best men's hiking pants of 2023.
Quin Motorcycle Helmets (lifestyle)

Protect your dome with one of these cool motorcycle helmets

The best and coolest motorcycle helmets balance price, safety, and technology with handsome good looks. Here are our top picks for 2023.
Wingman-of-the-Road Goose Motorcycle Camping System lake feature

Pitch up in the best motorcycle tents for camping with your two-wheeler

There's nothing more exhilarating than the thought of hitting the open road on two wheels again. Here are the best motorcycle tents if a motel just won't do.
Man using a portable outdoor shower near the beach.

Keep clean anytime, anywhere with the best portable showers for camping

A portable camping shower can get you clean with minimal effort and water. We’ve found the 10 best models worth shopping in 2023.
A man climbing a ladder to set up a rooftop tent on top of his vehicle in the campsite.

Here are 7 reasons why you should not buy a rooftop tent

Rooftop tents look cool and all. But don't get too hyped, for we've listed the top seven reasons why you should not buy a rooftop tent.
EDC knife

When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut

The best EDC knives come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but these top-of-the-line blades are our favorite go-to picks.
how to split wood motion

How to split wood (with or without an axe)

Learning how to split wood with or without an axe will help you build roaring fires and save money on firewood for years to come. It's time to get choppin'!
search and rescue guide rescuers getty images 1053914002

Why search and rescue calls can cost unprepared U.S. hikers big

In the U.S., search and rescue (SAR) operations are available throughout much of the country. But, it’s not always a free public service in every state.
Man packing a suitcase

How to pack your travel backpack, carry-on, and luggage like a boss

It’s never been easier to get organized for your next trip. Here's how to pack your suitcase, carry-on, or travel backpack, no matter where you're headed.
Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier

Pack up all your gear with the best roof racks for your vehicle

For whatever outdoor sport or adventure you're into, you need a reliable way to haul your gear. These are the best roof racks worth buying in 2023.
medication drugs pills

Think twice before packing those ‘everyday’ medications on your next trip

Some countries aren’t as lenient as the U.S. about what you put in your body. Here's the low-down on what you need to know about traveling with medication.
A man wearing leather gloves chopping wood with an ax

The big list of ultra-reliable brands with lifetime warranties

There are hundreds of brands with lifetime warranties that put the customer first. Buy these products, and keep them forever.
Saris MTR 2 Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack

Take your favorite two-wheelers anywhere with the best bike racks of 2023

From hitch-mounted bike racks to e-bike mounts to more traditional roof-based alternatives, here are the best bike racks to shop in 2023.
Traveler carrying a laptop checking flight schedule.

These 8 things red flag you as a potential problem to airport security

Why make air travel any harder on yourself than it needs to be? Know what not to do to become completely "invisible" to TSA agents at airport security.
Man working under the hood on a vehicle engine.

How often do you change the engine’s air filter? (And how to do it in 5 minutes)

Get the lowdown on how often to replace air filter in car, and how you can DIY in less than five minutes.
mount everest nepal

This is how much it actually costs to climb Mount Everest

We spoke to mountaineers Alan Arnette and Garrett Madison to find out what it takes to summit Mount Everest and how it feels to stand on top of the world.
onsen japan man

Onsen etiquette: Learn the 7 basic rules of Japan’s traditional hot spring baths

For a worry-free experience at a traditional Japanese hot spring, follow these rules of onsen etiquette, and you'll be soaking peacefully in no time.
Flat-lay of a tablet with a watch, penlight, and pocketknife lying next to it

What is EDC? A beginner’s guide to mastering your everyday carry

In its simplest, literal interpretation, EDC is a catchall term for 'the essential items you regularly keep on your person, no matter where you’re going.'
Man working on a motorcycle

Get up to speed with our comprehensive dictionary of motorcycle slang

Motorcycling has its own vocabulary and lingo. This ever-expanding cheat sheet of motorcycle slang will help newbies sound like veteran riders in no time.
Closeup of a vehicle engine.

How to check brake fluid in your car and refill if needed

You don't need a mechanic to check or refill your car's brake fluid. Learn how to check brake fluid yourself
Man walking his road bike

These are the best bikes worth pedaling in 2023

Explore scenic routes and rugged roads with the best bicycles, guaranteed to nurture your wanderlust and up your fitness level.

Do you need a passport to travel in the US in 2023?

Is a passport required for domestic travel in the US? It's essential to know whether you need it or not to avoid travel inconveniences.
best national parks to visit in spring summer warm weather great sand dunes park and preserve colorado getty images

These are the best national parks to visit when the weather warms up

With the arrival of spring (and summer just around the corner), now is the time to explore the best U.S. National Parks.
best beverage cooler on amazon

The best beverage coolers for chilling your beer, wine, and soda in 2023

A beverage cooler, also known as a beverage center, will make a fine addition to your home bar or man cave. Here's our roundup of the best beverage coolers.
packing a pipe

How to smoke a pipe like a gentleman (A complete beginner’s guide)

Smoking a pipe is the classiest way to enjoy tobacco, but it only looks cool if you actually know what you're doing. Here's how.
Rugget tablet with an outdoor scene in the background

The best rugged tablets for your hardcore, on-the-go lifestyle in 2023

Need a more durable tablet for your on-the-go lifestyle? We've rounded up the best rugged tablets for every budget in 2023.
Close-up of a bunch of bullets on a table

This interesting guide shows bullets before and after impact

Whether you're a "gun person" or not, you probably know that different types of bullets look different after impact. But you might not know just how different.
smacircle folding e bike 1

Smacircle S1 Folding Electric Bike is small enough to fit in a backpack

Smacircle S1 Folding Electric Bike is small enough to fit in a backpack

If you’re looking for an electric bike to take almost anywhere, the clever, Tron-like Smacircle S1 eBike might be just the trick.
best ultra light travel trailers version 1666544314 happier camper exterior cliff feature

Road trip tips: Travel with one of the best ultralight travel trailers

The best travel trailers can take a mobile campsite anywhere you want to go. Here's a list of the top lightweight options for all your 2023 adventures.

Stay hydrated on the go with our bulletproof water purification tips

Staying hydrated is key to days on the hill but carrying heavy water bottles weighs you down. Stay ahead of the game with our water purification tips.
best kegerator on amazon

The best kegerators for keeping your favorite beers cold and fresh

Impress your fellow beer-loving comrades with one of the best kegerators of 2023, all guaranteed to keep your beer cold and fresh.
Sitting on an air mattress while camping

Sleep like a baby on one of the best air mattresses for camping

We’ve found the best air mattresses for camping, from full-sized, double-height air mattresses to little ones made just for the littler ones.
A man in a suit listening to music while hauling his luggage in the airport.

Travelers beware: These are the worst U.S. airports that lose the most baggage

Modern air travel is hard, and it's only getting worse. Now, there's one more worry to add to the mix: Lost luggage. Odds are it'll happen to you eventually.
Man standing outside a door with two large travel suitcases.

Get ready for your next trip: The best luggage brands for every type of traveler

Whatever your flavor of luggage — from carry-all backpack to compact carry-on to wheeled duffel — these are the best brands for every type of traveler.

Go ultralight on your next flight with the best carry-on luggage of 2023

Finding the right carry-on luggage can be challenging, especially if you're a newbie traveler. Hence, we gathered the best carry-on luggage for 2023.

Keep your digits defrosted this winter with these gloves and mitts

If you're serious about skiing and snowboarding, you need a pair of gloves that can keep up with you. These waterproof, durable options will keep you riding.