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Latest by Mike Richard

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.
A grove of sequoia trees seen through a thick fog.

Environmentalists are suing because national parks are… planting trees? Here’s what’s going on

You'd think environmentalists would be all for planting trees, but some groups are suing the National Park Service for it. Here's why.
Toyota Tacoma with a Tune Outdoor M1 truck camper canopy parked in a field at sunset.

This hyper-lightweight truck camper canopy turns (almost) any pickup into a great overland vehicle

Tune Outdoor now offers M1, a lightweight truck camper canopy that's sleek, durable, minimalist, and designed to fit all of the most popular pickups.
Man relaxing alone under a MoonShade Portable Vehicle Awning while overlanding.

Everything you need to have an overland adventure with the vehicle you (probably) already have

To kickstart your journey, we’ve gathered the best, most essential overlanding gear we’ve field tested and personally recommend.
Man standing atop a conversion van looking out at Big Sur, California.

The truth about van life: 5 realities of living in a camper van no one talks about

We've all dreamed of completing a camper van conversion, hitting the open road, and leaving everything behind. But van life isn't for everyone.
Man splitting wood

How to split firewood (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'!
Two hikers trekking a lush green trail with snow-capped mountains in the background.

What is REI Co-Op? Everything you need to know about REI’s in-house gear brand

REI's own REI Co-Op-branded gear flies under the radar, even though it offers similar quality and innovation to better-known premium alternatives for less.
Man walking in front of a CAN-AM Spyder RT Limited three-wheeler.

Camping with a CAN-AM Spyder RT taught me a lot about packing, motorcycle camping, and life on 3 wheels

You might not think of the CAN-AM Spyder RT as a camping vehicle, but we took it off-road and learned a lot. This is our review.
Vandoit Moov Ford Transit Camper Van driving off-road

Vandoit created a modular, completely customizable Ford Transit camper van, and we want one

Van builders, Vandoit, is showing van lifers what's possible with its rugged and ultra customizable, Ford Transit-based Moov.
Man and dog walking in the woods with a wool blanket for camping strapped to a backpack

These are some of the best wool blankets for camping

The best wool blankets are soft, durable, odor resistant, and naturally fire retardant, making them ideal for keeping warm around the campfire.
Geneverse PowerPillar solar home battery backup system installed on a modern home

This home energy storage system is a low-cost alternative to Tesla’s Powerwall, and it’s pretty incredible

Geneverse's PowerPillar is an affordable home energy storage solution, produced in collaboration with Jackery.
Alpha Motor Corporation Nightwolf Electric Truck on a plain studio background.

Alpha’s Nightwolf is an all-electric, blacked-out overlanding camper that feels straight out of Mad Max

Alpha Motor's Nightwolf overlander camper is extremely customizable with oversized cargo boxes, rally lights, all-terrain tires, and rooftop solar panels.
Blurred view of the Grounded RVs G2 electric RV camper van driving down a country road.

Grounded’s G2 EV RV offers all the comforts of home, remote-controlled everything, and a 250-mile range

This all-new, all-electric RV offers all the comforts of home, a boatload of remote-controlled tech features, and a solid 250-mile range.
27North F550 Ascender overlander truck camper driving down a dirt road.

27North’s F550 Ascender is a luxurious overlander that looks more like a yacht than a pickup truck camper

27North's Ascender truck camper is built on a rugged F550 platform with a long list of features, like 4K televisions, a huge solar electric setup, and a full wet bath.
Man sitting atop a campervan with a headlamp at night.

These tiny, cleverly designed Japanese RVs make your small camper van look like a palace

These RV concepts pack plenty of features into surprisingly — even impossibly — small spaces.
optimized overlanding gullwing pop up camper opened

Optimized Overlanding’s new $25K pop-up camper has everything you need for off-grid adventuring

Lightweight and compact enough to take just about anywhere, with a long list of features that ensure you can camp with most of the comforts of home.
best places in europe to spend christmas

8 European Destintions You Wish You Were Visiting this Christmas

From centuries-old markets to a glass "igloo" hotel with views to the Northern Lights, here are the best places in Europe to spend Christmas.
Pebble electric RV travel trailer in a grassy field in the mountains.

Preorders for new $109k EV travel trailer with propulsion assist and solar panels open for only $500

An EV travel trailer sounds like a dream come true for many, and now you can preorder one from Pebble for only $500 down.
Friends sharing a meal while camping by a lake

Make your next camping cookout epic with the best mobile kitchens

Pack everything and the kitchen sink for your next camping trip. Check out our favorite mobile camp kitchens to whip up gourmet meals in a snap.
Best Luxurious Log Cabin Vacation Rentals

8 luxurious cabin rentals that are perfect for a rustic getaway

These luxury cabin rentals are the swankiest log cabin rentals in North America with incomparable amenities, epic surroundings, and modern architecture.
YouTuber DualEx's Mercedes Sprinter conversion campervan driving through a park.

Van life inspo: This $10K Mercedes Sprinter camper van conversion has security cams, a bathroom, and much more

Want to live out your van life dreams? Camper van conversions don't have to cost a fortune — check out how this van lifer customized his Mercedes Sprinter.
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.
Volkswagen California campervan concept setup at camp with sleeper top open.

Van life might just make a comeback with electric vehicles and tech-forward concepts

Europe’s automakers are working to ditch traditional gas-powered van models for cleaner, electric-powered alternatives with a lot more tech features baked in.
People on a mountain with ski gear

These are the best ski brands on the market for the upcoming season

Is there such a thing as too many skis? In a market offering so many options, it's hard to know where to start, but the right ski brand is a must.

Ski the dream at one of the 10 biggest ski resorts in the world

These are the biggest ski resorts in the world and offer so much more than just skiing. Are you ready to hit the slopes?
Aerial view of a couple relaxing on an outdoor blanket beside an Airstream Interstate 19X Touring Coach.

This new Airstream touring coach is about the size of an F-150 – and starts at nearly $200k

Like its big brother, the Interstate 24X, Airstream's ultra-compact 19X is a rugged van life rig built for serious, go-anywhere exploration.
Red pickup truck towing Winnebago Access travel trailer down the road.

Winnebago’s new Access travel trailer is insanely cheap yet surprisingly full-featured

The Access has the essentials and creature comforts of travel trailers twice its price. Yet, at under $30K, it's one of Winnebago's most affordable RVs ever.
Shamrock House

These haunted vacation rentals are actually worthy of Halloween

Renting a haunted vacation home for a Halloween getaway might just be the best way to celebrate the scary season (or any season).
Aerial shot of the Airstream Trade Wind Travel Trailer.

Airstream Trade Wind travel trailer has an insane solar capacity and battery bank to go truly off-grid

With the largest battery bank, the highest solar capacity, and the most capable inverter/charger, it’s Airstream's most off-road-ready travel trailer ever.
Someone packing their suitcase for a trip.

Make travel easy: The best packing apps for every type of traveler

There's an app for everything, and they have come up with the best packing apps, so you don't have to cry while putting things randomly into your suitcase.
Man backcountry skiing

How you can get started with backcountry skiing, gear, and avalanche safety this winter

Now's the time to start learning some essential backcountry skiing skills and putting together your kit with a new set of tools and the right mindset.
Small family relaxing outdoors with a Boreas Campers EOS-12 camper trailer.

Is this the perfect off-road camper? Boreas Campers thinks the new EOS-12 is the holy grail

The all-new 2023 EOS-12 is angling to be one off-grid camper to rule them all.
Wild bushfires burning in Tasmania, Australia.

Time to wake up: Climate change gave us our hottest summer ever and the Earth is in meltdown, U.N. says

Climate change is real. We just experienced the hottest summer on record, and scientists say our climate is breaking down.
Person skiing down the slope in a blue jacket and a ski helmet

Ski tips for beginners: 13 essential things to know

We answer the tough questions for first-time skiers: What clothes to pack, which gear to buy, and how to transport it all to the mountain.
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.
Close-up of large black bison starting at camera from a grassy field

In Yellowstone National Park, one woman was sent running after yet another too-close encounter with a bison

In Yellowstone National Park, one woman decided to get way-too-close to a wild bison, just to get a picture - and quickly learned why you should never do that.
Silhouette of a hiker standing on top of a mountain with a bright orange sky in the background

Brace your body and mind for the most challenging (and rewarding) hiking spots in the U.S.

Chilling at home is good, but few things are more rewarding than traversing the country's most physically challenging hikes.
bikepacking bicycle gear

A beginner’s guide to bikepacking: How and what to pack for your first overnight on two wheels

Planning a bikepacking trip? From the right bike to the best tent to a solid storage system (and how to pack it), here's everything you need to know.
Close-up of a red tick and water droplets on a blade of grass

Kiss insect bites goodbye: Why insect-repellent clothing is the best thing since, well, insect repellent

Insect repellent does a good job of preventing insect bites, but can clothing work better?
Red Toyota Tacoma towing an Airstream Basecamp throw a grassy field.

Travel trailer showdown: The best Airstream, Jayco, Winnebago, and Casita travel trailers you can buy today

Travel trailers are a great way to get out and explore the country, and these are the best options from Jayco, Airstream, and Winnebago.
White campervan driving a dusty road in a hot desert landscape.

Climate change is seriously affecting RV travel, and 30% have changed plans due to excessive heat

RV travel is nostalgic and timeless, but a recent survey reveals climate change is affecting how people travel and where they go.
Skier heading downhill at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, with the sun and aerial tram in the background.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort owners sell to local families, keeping resort hyper-local indefinitely

Jackson Hole's owners decided to sell shares to local families, almost ensuring no big resort conglomerate will ever get its hands on the property.
Cheerful traveler lying on a mattress in a tent.

Make ‘roughing it’ a little less rough with these tips for sleeping in a tent comfortably while camping

Sleeping comfortably in a tent requires preparation, the right outdoor gear, and a dash of compromise. These are our favorite, field-tested tips.
Kayaker paddling an inflatable kayak with a floating cooler in tow and snowy mountains in the background.

Tow your beverages on the water with the best floating coolers of the year

Most coolers aren't light, portable, or on-the-water-friendly. To take your favorite bevvies anywhere the water takes you, you need a floating cooler.
Rocky Mountain-National Park

These are the most affordable times to visit the most popular U.S. national parks

With a little planning, you can avoid large crowds and high costs when visiting U.S. national parks. Learn the best times to visit popular parks in the country.
Man pulling a wheeled Igloo cooler over sand at the beach.

Take your booze, seltzer, or homemade kombucha anywhere with the best wheeled coolers

Wheeled coolers blend mobility and insulation to keep drinks ice cold on the go. Praised and used by adventurers, here are the best coolers on wheels.
Three campers and a dog relaxing at a wilderness campsite with a Winnebago Revel campervan.

Hit the road in style (and luxury) this year with the best motorhomes and drivable RVs

The best motorhomes combine all the comforts of home into a single, drivable vehicle, sometimes not much larger than a traditional van.
Toyota 4Runner Turo car rental parked on a dirt road in Utah.

From 4×4 Jeeps to exotic sports cars, Turo is where to score your next rental car

Turo's car-sharing marketplace is cheaper, easier, and way more fun than renting through a traditional airport car rental company.
Man waxing his car

Wash, wax, repeat: Polish and protect your precious ride with the best car waxes

Washing your car removes the dirt and dust, but if you want to protect your car's paint, you need to wax it, too. These are the best car waxes to use in 2023.
A man relaxing on a red camping hammock by a body of water.

Swing yourself to sleep under the stars with the best camping hammocks

The gentle rocking of a hammock might be the greatest way to sleep in the backcountry. Try it out yourself with our picks for the best camping hammocks of 2023.