Author: Jenny Willden

How to Spend an Outdoorsy Weekend in Golden, Colorado When you first drive into Golden, Colorado’s original territorial capital, a huge wooden arch overhead reads: “Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden!” This revived wild west town is called where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, and is known for outdoor adventures, museums, and breweries, including the world’s largest single-site brewery, Coors. Just up the road, find mesa top hiking trails and the famed Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Where to Stay Stay right in walkable downtown Golden at Table Mountain Inn, an adobe-style boutique hotel with plenty of history–and modern charm.…

How Oofos Recovery Shoes Changed My Adventure Game Photos by Sean Ryan, courtesy of Oofos If you’re a multi-sport adventurer, you likely have shoes for running, shoes for hiking, shoes for rock climbing, and shoes for cycling. But what shoes do you wear when you’re not exploring? Ratty old sneakers? Birkenstocks? The latest trendy pair on Amazon Prime? No matter what you’re rocking, I can assure you there’s a better shoe for post-adventure wear, recovery shoes actually help your feet recover from pounding the pavement or climbing a peak.  Enter Oofos. This foam recovery shoe comes in various styles ranging…

14 Summer Travel Finds You Need Now Whether you’re headed on an international vacay or staying stateside this summer, there’s some great new gear to make your outdoorsy travels easier. From fresh apparel to new luggage, these top choices will take you from gate to getaway in style. Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket This Utah company is crushing the outwear game, and we love this men’s and women’s jacket that’s meant for “ultralight backpacking,” but is pretty styling for over-air-conditioned airports too. Yes, it’s a technical piece that uses body mapping to improve its warmth-to-weight ratio, but the unique fabrication also…

Try a Van Camping Rental to Glamp Up Your Summer Camping You’ve heard of van life, but you’re likely not ready to give up your house and try full-time life on the open road. So why not test out van camping for just a few days instead? Whether you’re an avid tent camper looking to upgrade or a non-camper looking to experience travel by van, this is the summer to try out van camping. Thankfully, you don’t need to buy a van to try out this new adventure. Rental companies, like Los Angeles-based roadsurfer offer rentals of safe, clean vehicles…

Summer Camping Gear You Need Now Summer camping is well underway, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still treat yourself to some cool new gear. These picks of apparel, packs, and more will update your kit so you’re always ready for the next adventure. BACKPACKS AND BAGS Mystery Ranch Bridger 35  For long day hikes and quick overnighters, we love this new pack from Mystery Ranch. It’s built with a vest-style design instead of a traditional frame, adding comfort and a superior fit around your curves. Big stash pockets on the straps hold modern cell phones and water bottles, while…

A Four-day Mendocino, California Getaway From redwood forests to dramatic coastal cliffs, Mendocino’s diverse scenery calls California travelers to explore its rocky shores and brilliant blue sea. You won’t find a more charming small town than the village of Mendocino itself, where Victorian homes and boutique shops line the quiet streets.  Beyond the seaside village, find adventurous train rides, coastal hiking, and canoeing along Big River. Day trips to the lauded Pinot Noir-producing Anderson Valley are also in store for vinos. Pair all these excursions with bed and breakfast-style accommodations at Mendocino’s inns, and you have the perfect coastal getaway.…

Best Ski Gear for 2023 Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding during this epic snowfall season, now is the time to update your gear. Many items are now on sale, and you’ll still get to use it while the snow keeps falling. Here are our favorite editor-tested items for this ski season.  Arctix Men’s Tundra Coat This jacket can take whatever you throw at it. The burly, high-tech fabric is built to withstand wind, rain, and cold. Plus, it keeps you warm with a quilted lining and multi-layer lightweight insulation. There are plenty of pockets for stashing your lift pass, granola…

The time for corn snow, goggle tans, and ski shenanigans is here, and all the fun makes it worth riding even if the pow is gone. While skiers and snowboarders love the longer days, sunshine, and warmer temps of spring skiing, it also means that ski season is winding down. (That said, April often brings big powder storms; don’t stash your fat skis just yet.) Instead of feeling bummed about the warming weather, get out and enjoy what’s left of the snow (while praying for more of it) at amazing resort events and use our gear guide to plan your…

New Hyatt Regency Opens in Salt Lake City Hyatt Regency is now open in Downtown Salt Lake City, and it’s opening brings new energy and hip, modern vibes to the growing city center. Attached to the Salt Palace Cpnvention Center, it appeals to the Outdoor Retailer crowd returning to Salt Lake City next week. It will play host to a media event on Monday, January 9 and countless other OR events. We attended the grand opening and were dazzled by the luxurious lobby of this 26-story tower with fancy features like two massive ballrooms, a grand lobby with a market…

Giddy up and celebrate winter like you’re in the wild west with an old fashioned sleigh ride. These sleigh rides take place in and around Park City, Utah and are a perfect way to celebrate the holidays, or just enjoy winter itself.  High Star Ranch Wagon Rides Escape to the country at High Star Ranch in Kamas for a clydesdale-led wagon ride around the ranch’s residential property and into snowy terrain. Tours begin at the Country Store & Cafe where guests can grab a hot chocolate or a snack before venturing outdoors and onto the wagon. Unlike many other…