USA

Imagine paddling through water that perfectly reflects the blue of the sky. There’s so much open space and so few other people you feel like you have the whole bay to yourself. Jellyfish float by, maybe a dolphin or two. If you’re patient you might spot a ray (and probably more than a few small lemon sharks minding their own business). Mangrove-lined keys dot the horizon and after hours of paddling, you finally spot it in the distance, your campsite for the night: A wooden platform standing a dozen feet or so above the water, outfitted only with a portable toilet, a slanted roof, and a few ladders. It’s a chickee and it might be the coolest place to camp in Everglades National Park. But what’s involved in kayak camping in the Everglades, reserving a chickee, and making your way out to one? And what should you bring along to help guarantee a successful trip? Read on, wanderer. Read on.

We all know California is practically made for road trips, right? I mean, the coastlines, the mountains, the national parks! But the coastal highway gets all the love (for good reason; we’ve driven it ourselves). So we set out to explore a bit more of the state on an inland Northern California road trip for the ages. And trust us when we say there’s plenty of adventure to be had.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been a favorite of ours since our first road trip around the state. The coastline, the woods, the dispersed camping… So when we got the chance to return again this summer, we jumped at the chance to explore and see what adventurous things we could get up to in Marquette. We spent three days marveling at the aptly named Lake Superior, jumping into it’s frigid waters, watching competitive mountain bike races, discovering delicious vegan food and beer, and hitting some single track! So if you’re wondering what to do in Marquette, Michigan, especially where outdoor adventure is concerned, we’ve got you covered.

My good friend Sibley (“Possibly”) and I hit the Trans Catalina Trail this March to hike 37.5 miles in three days on stunning Catalina Island off the coast of L.A. Check out the stunning scenery, the windy campgrounds, and the local wildlife in this here video!

Listen, we love a good weekend getaway as much as the next guy. But if we’re being totally honest, a lil’ weekend break (even if it involves camping) usually still involves laptops, cell phones, notebooks, planners…basically, we’re workaholics and we know it. So when we got the chance to got spend a few nights in one of the Getaway tiny cabins in Wimberley, Texas, we were all, “yes, please!” I mean, cell phone lock boxes? Spotty cell service? No TV? An excuse to just chill the heck out and enjoy some quality time in nature?! Where do we sign up? So we packed our bags and headed to Wimberley, our closest Getaway location (there are locations around the U.S.) to unwind. Here’s what the stay was like.

I often find that if you’re not from Texas, you don’t realize what spectacular outdoor recreation options there are all over the state. From mountains and backpacking trails in the south and west (looking at you Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks) to kayak trails near the coast (Hi, Beaumont) to rolling hills and meandering lakes in Hill Country. But even I wasn’t aware of all of the options for outdoor adventure in Burnet County, just north of my home in Austin! Have I piqued your interest? Well, lace up your boots, mount your bike rack on the back of your car, and load up the kayaks, ’cause it’s about to get wild! Read (and watch) to get the scoop (spoilers: there’s a ski lift on the list…yup…in Texas).

Backpacking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a unique wilderness experience in the desert peaks of West Texas. You should go. Here’s how and what to expect.

We’ve long been enamored with the idea of Death Valley National Park in California. I mean, we’re pretty into the dark and macabre, so how could we not want to visit a place with landmarks named things like Badwater, Devil’s Golf Course, and Funeral Peak?! But rest assured, even if those places inspire more reticence than excitement, Death Valley National Park is still absolutely worth a visit. So here’s some info to get you started.

Many people who happen to be familiar with the Lake Placid region in New York think of it as a delightful summer destination (I mean, the lake says it all, am I right?). But those in the know know that it’s just as magical in the winter and provides a whole different experience. And it’s a rad experience. We recently spent some time playing in the snow in the area, so here’s our recommendations for all manner of Lake Placid winter activities so you can enjoy the fourth season.

Houston is a big place. With lots of traffic. And very little parking. It can feel overwhelming. But that’s because it’s got a lot going on in the culture and food departments, not to mention history and business. So it’s definitely worth a visit. The only way to experience the city in our humble opinion? Bike Houston. E-bike Houston, to be precise. So you can go farther faster. That’s why we mounted a pair of electric steeds with Houstonian, cyclist, and micro mobility expert Doogie Roux: so we could zip around the city and feel the breeze in our hair and the sun on our faces, all while not having to worry about parallel parking. Here’s where we went, what we saw, ate, and experienced as we explored Houston by E-bike so you can replicate it on your own ride.