Mark Reif
Author/Co-Author of 753 articles
Mark Reif is a storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the California coast, he is drawn to places where movement, landscape, and human experience converge. He is an experienced snowboarder and long-distance runner, often seeking out environments that challenge both perspective and endurance.
Mark holds a B.S. in Industrial Design from Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, and completed the Postgraduate Program in UX Design at the University of Texas at Austin.
His work has appeared in The Manual, GearJunkie, LD+A Magazine, and MotorBiscuit. He is also a poet, with three published collections exploring landscape and seasonal experience, including Vermont Winter Reflections, Mansfield Soul, and Mountain Existence.
The Best Men’s Style Picks for FIFA World Cup 2026: What to Wear from Takeoff to Kickoff
The Manual's style picks for FIFA 2026
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: A Design-Forward Retreat in the Heart of Boston’s Waterfront
The jewel of the northeast is the perfect getaway
Designing Emotion: SoFi Stadium and the FIFA 2026 Experience
Architect Michelle Stevenson describes the ideas behind SoFi Stadium's design
Where to Train in LA During FIFA 2026: A Club Worth Traveling For
Best places to train in LA while visiting for FIFA
Coast to Kickoff: LA Tourism and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Connect Fans to the FIFA World Cup
During FIFA 2026, the Pacific Surfliner will offer a scenic journey from the coast to kickoff.
Built for the Moment: Nike Builds the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Kit From the Inside Out
U.S. Soccer and Nike reveal player-designed kits for all 27 U.S. Soccer National Teams.
Jake Canter on Creativity, Comebacks, and the Mindset Behind an Olympic Run
Jake Canter talks resilience and his medal-winning run.
Jones Howler Review: Freeride Precision with Freestyle Instincts
Testing the Jones Howler snowboard in Colorado.
Natural Selection DNA: Burton High Fidelity Snowboard Review
Testing Burton's High Fidelity Snowboard in the Canadian Rockies.
Frisco, Colorado: The Cozy Basecamp Between Colorado’s Biggest Mountains
Visit the best cozy winter destination tucked in the Colorado mountains
Where the Mountains Still Rule: A Winter Journey Through Banff
The pewter-colored Chevy Silverado rumbled as I exited Calgary Airport and began the trek toward Banff. The truck — which I named Earl Grey — absorbed expansion joints as the Google navigation noted my progress and flat, white expanses unfolded before me. Among the plains, clusters of houses with snow-covered roofs resembled miniature winter outposts, […]
Jake Burton’s words inspire Burton’s newest collection
Jake Burton’s voice resonated across snowboarding, from the founding of his company in 1977 through his passing in 2019. During that period, Burton Snowboards went from producing simple wooden surf-inspired boards to making technology-infused sticks of carbon and stainless steel. Along the way, Jake advocated for the young sport, pushing for acceptance among skeptical ski […]
Effortless 360 Capture for Travel and Action Sports
As I ride up the Paradise Chairlift at Lake Louise Ski Resort, I admire the snow-covered expanses before me. To the right, an outcropping rises into the sky, and to the left, Eagle Ridge spans across the horizon. I want to capture this. I press record on my Insta360 X5 camera, letting the spherical lenses […]
Delta spotlights Team USA’s journey to Milano Cortina 2026 in new campaign
Delta Air Lines is commemorating the journey of Team USA athletes in the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Delta is the official airline of Team USA and its new campaign highlights the persistence, tenacity, and enthusiasm embodied by these athletes. The airline’s brand spots will debut during the opening […]
Does Burton’s Highshot X Pro Really Boost Power and Control? We Tested It
As I exit the Paradise Chair atop Lake Louise Ski Resort, snow mist blows over Eagle Ridge. I begin the hike to the drop-in point, peeking over a wind lip that’s inviting and intimidating all at once. After taking in the surrounding peaks, my friend and I settle on E.R. 3, a cliff and rock-littered […]
Delta One check-in rolls out to more hubs nationwide
Delta One passengers can now look forward to a concierge-like experience as soon as they enter the terminal. Delta Air Lines has expanded its Delta One check-in to hubs across the U.S., offering customers a space to drop off bags, relax, and check-in. These upscale areas go hand in hand with the Delta One in-flight […]
Plush, springy, and versatile: A deep dive into the Saucony Ride 19
Finding the right daily trainer isn’t easy. I need a shoe that’s soft and forgiving, for those easy days and conversational miles. But I also want a tool for quicker paces that responds when I step on the gas. In my time as a distance runner, it’s been rare to find shoes that combine both. […]
The snowboard bindings we’re most excited about for winter 2025/2026
Snowboard bindings are an essential part of your kit, and can make or break a day on the hill. Why? As the tool that transfers your inputs to the board, they’re the conduit from what you’re trying to do and what the board does. But not all models are created equal. While two-strap, manually fastened […]
New partnership links Southwest and Turkish Airlines across the Atlantic
Beginning in early 2026, Southwest and Turkish Airlines will join forces, offering passengers single-ticket, transatlantic journeys. The routes span the globe, courtesy of Turkish Airlines’ global hub in Istanbul, which accesses 132 countries and 350 destinations, including 10 airports in the U.S. where Southwest connects. The collaboration will allow international customers to connect via both […]
The freeride snowboards setting the tone for winter 2025/2026
The joy provided by a snowboard is sometimes beyond description. Railing carves across morning groomers is like being an F1 driver on the Hockenheim Ring. Floating over fresh snow turns the mountain into a wave, as you glide and whisk over rolls and through forests. Air time imparts an airborne thrill as you sail into […]
Inside my eye-opening tour of BMW’s Designworks LA studio
Inside, I discovered a studio exploring the intersection of creativity, function, and sustainability.
Built for Weather, Styled for Anywhere: The Allen Edmonds Powell Boot
While I enjoy leather boots for their style and class, many have a limitation: they lack weather protection. A pair of western-style boots with buttery leather can fall victim to a single water droplet, leaving a dime-sized stain that mars the finish. Smooth leather soles might dampen the pavement and provide a satisfying clack, but […]
Inside the newly reopened Lufthansa Lounge at Stuttgart Airport
Yesterday, Lufthansa reopened its Stuttgart Airport (STR) lounge, welcoming guests with a reimagined space. Once inside, travelers can enjoy private retreats, several multi-comfort zones, and spaces to eat, relax, or work. It’s all a part of the lounge’s extensive renovation. The refreshed space brings updated comfort, design, and amenities for travelers The redesigned, contemporary lounge […]
London Heathrow set to welcome a brand-new Air France lounge
Air France has announced a new lounge at London-Heathrow Airport (LHR), set to open in spring 2026. Located in Terminal 4, the space will be exclusively available to La Première, Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus passengers, along with eligible customers traveling with KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines. The new space will bring French design, […]
Alaska Airlines to debut London flights in time for summer travel 2026
Last summer, Alaska Airlines announced nonstop service from its Seattle (SEA) hub to London (LHR) and Reykjavík (KEF) to begin at a later date. This week, the airline shared news of the London route’s debut, setting a just-before-summer launch that’ll be sure to please eager travelers. The London flight’s introduction will follow Alaska Airlines’ new […]
A connected cabin: Delta’s Wi-Fi rollout reaches 1,000 aircraft
This week, Delta Air Lines shared that more than 1,000 aircraft now feature Delta Sync Wi-Fi. The service is free for SkyMiles members and continues the airline’s push to offer a seamless digital experience from gate to gate. The milestone gives Delta more Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft than any domestic carrier. With 1,000 aircraft connected, Delta pushes […]
JetBlue launches its first lounge with the debut of BlueHouse at JFK
Today, JetBlue shared news of its first-ever lounge, BlueHouse, at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Located in Terminal 5 (T5), the space opens on December 18 at 5:00 a.m. The debut is part of the airline’s JetForward strategy, which focuses on customer-centric, premium offerings. The airline’s inaugural lounge blends comfort, design, and modern amenities […]
A fresh look takes flight as Lufthansa Group launches new brand identity
Today, Lufthansa Group debuts its new look, with a new logo, color palette, and brand identity. The design aims to highlight the company’s strengths and will appear on bundled service offerings to further enhance brand recognition. A new logo and color palette signal the group’s next chapter The new brand identity begins with the well-known […]
Why Nosara, Costa Rica, is the ultimate surf and nature getaway
I took my surfboard under my arm and began the walk to the waves. After exiting the grounds of the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, I crossed the main drag of Nosara, Costa Rica — a hardened dirt and gravel surface that denoted the town’s rustic nature. Up ahead, the jungle-like trees of the Refugio Nacional […]
The new Rag & Bone denim that made my old jeans feel instantly outdated
There’s a new player in denim: Rag & Bone’s Infuse, which transforms the material with a proprietary process, revealing special qualities of color, texture, and character.
The Chelsea boots that proved luxury and durability really can coexist
When I unboxed the Allen Edmonds Tanner Weatherproof Chelsea boots, each came enclosed in a black canvas bag. After loosening a drawstring, I removed each boot, greeted by a sumptuous, bitter chocolate suede finish, with perfect stitching and interior leather that evoked craftsmanship. The Tanners had an aura. While the boots looked like something out […]
Korean Air and Hanjin Group airlines to launch Starlink Wi-Fi onboard
Today, Korean Air announced the addition of Starlink high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi fleetwide. Joining the airline will be Hanjin Group carriers Asiana Airlines, Air Seoul, Jin Air, and Air Busan. The technology seeks to elevate the passenger and crew experience at 35,000 ft. The upgrade brings low-latency, high-speed connectivity to international routes Starlink is a low […]
Qantas First reimagined: From culinary excellence to curated care
This week, Qantas announced a reimagined flight experience for First passengers aboard the A380. Starting in December, new amenities and cuisine will roll out across the airline’s international network, including Bollinger champagne, Aesop amenity kits, and redesigned pajamas. Derived from new partnerships and customer insights, the new premium cabin perks upgrade life at 35,000 ft. […]
Southwest and Condor join forces to open new transatlantic options
This week, Southwest Airlines shared news of a partnership with German carrier Condor, which flies to almost 70 destinations throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas from its Frankfurt hub. The collaboration calls for Southwest to handle domestic flights for Condor passengers who cross the Atlantic, joining both airlines’ schedules in Boston, Las Vegas, Los […]
From gridiron to global stage: Experiencing Los Angeles before FIFA 2026
As I sat outside the Culver Hotel, a gentle breeze washed over me. In a high-rise seat, at a wooden bar lining a courtyard, I took in the LA spirit, as carefree crowds strolled, laughed, and walked dogs, each like a character in their own movie. To the right, Culver Studios, filming site for classics […]
Spirit Airlines rolls out 60% off base fares for Travel Tuesday
Today, on Travel Tuesday, Spirit Airlines is offering a 60% discount to deal-seeking travelers. Only good for reservations made on December 2, the promotion is good for travel between December 9, 2025 and March 4, 2026, for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. All customers have to do is enter the code 60PCT when booking […]
The future of flying: My experience aboard United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787-9 is a twin-engine, long-haul, widebody aircraft comprised of lightweight structures, including 80% composites.
Sustainability takes off: Korean Air adds plant-based meal containers
The rollout starts in December with containers made from non-wood pulp sources, including sugarcane, straw, and bamboo.
This European airport is set for a massive, multibillion-dollar upgrade
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) has shared plans for a €10 billion renovation, including improved food options, a sustainable infrastructure, a new terminal, and more.
Thanksgiving takes flight: Emirates serves holiday fare on U.S. routes
Between November 24 and 30, Emirates brings the holiday spirit to the skies, providing Thanksgiving-themed dishes, drinks, and entertainment on its U.S. routes.
Qantas’ new A321XLR takes to the skies for the first time in Brisbane
The latest route for the airline’s new plane goes between Brisbane and Sydney, giving more passengers the chance to experience a state-of-the-art flight.
JetBlue expands in Boston with new flights to Barcelona and Milan
This week, JetBlue announced daily summer seasonal service from Boston to two noted European destinations: Milan, Italy and Barcelona, Spain.
Starlink becomes flydubai’s inflight connectivity provider
Starlink utilizes the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, providing low-latency, high-speed internet for optimal gaming, streaming, and video calls at 35,000 feet.
These Frye Austin boots gave me a swagger I didn’t expect
Wearing the Frye Austin Inside Zip boots around a historic town.
32 new Airbus widebodies to join Etihad’s fleet beginning in 2027
The planes will consist of a mix of A330-900s, A350-1000s, and A350F freighters, through both direct orders and lease agreements.
A perfect fall weekend in Boston: Exploring its history, eats, and views
I step out of the hotel into crisp fall air in the upper 50s. I’m greeted by a city coming alive, with buses and cars flooding Massachusetts Avenue, and the sun dancing off glass skyscrapers. I run along the Harvard Bridge, the Charles River shimmering underneath, with rowing teams and shells gliding like swans. Nature’s […]
Seattle to Rome nonstop: Alaska Airlines opens ticket sales for 787 flights
The daily, seasonal flights begin on April 28, 2026 and will be aboard state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
JetBlue expands in Florida with new flights to the Emerald Coast
Starting March 5, 2026, JetBlue will connect two East Coast hubs to Florida’s Emerald Coast via Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS).
Earn and explore: Lyft and United roll out new travel rewards
Through the collaboration, MileagePlus members link their accounts to the Lyft app, and then have numerous options to rack up miles.
Long flights, better vibes: why beOnd America might be your next go-to
The partnership combines New Pacific’s U.S. operations with beOnd’s noted all-business class travel experience.