In the Colorado High School Cycling League, kids discover a thousand different reasons to love riding. When I ask my son, Hatcher, what his favorite thing about his inaugural season on the Boulder High School mountain bike team was, he says, “The rice cake.” “The rice cake?” “Yes, the rice cake.” Then he describes it.…
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With storm season in full bluster, the need for dependable raingear develops a greater sense of urgency. If you’re shopping for a new rain jacket, you’ll quickly encounter a trio of seemingly interchangeable terms: water resistant, waterproof and water repellent. Is there really a difference between them? Spoiler alert: “Waterproof” beats “water resistant” and “waterproof/breathable”…
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Whether you’ve just plunked down your hard-earned dollars on a brand new sleeping bag, or you’re still using a trusty old bag that’s seen better days, you can help ensure you’ll be warm and cozy on your next outdoor adventure with a few simple tips. To stay warm in your sleeping bag, follow three main…
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Back when dinosaurs (like me) first roamed the backcountry, your choice of stove fuel was pretty much gas (in a sealed canister) or liquid (in a refillable bottle). Interestingly, if you’re a newbie hiker today, starting out with a gas- or liquid-fuel stove still makes the most sense. That’s not to say nothing innovative is…
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Cycling is generally a daytime activity but sometimes the road beckons, even in the dark. Fortunately, you can still get out on two wheels with a few key bike accessories and some tips to keep you safe, warm and visible—whether you’re commuting or just want to get out for an evening joyride. Light It Up…
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Lighter, comfier, better. It’s the gear we want this season Big Agnes is a company obsessed with getting you outdoors in comfort. The newest set of Big Agnes backpacking gear for spring—the Insulated AXL Air sleeping pad, Upper Slide and Katherine SL 20 sleeping bags and the Tiger Wall UL2 tent—definitely delivers on that mission.…
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If you believe mountain biking is over when the sun sets, think again. Riding at night transforms familiar trails into fresh challenges, extends your riding season and cuts down on the crowds. Before you and your riding buddies load up the bikes and head out into the dark, here are a few tips to keep…
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Because fresh is better than freeze-dried and stargazing should always trump dishwashing Summer is an exciting time to be outdoors. There’s a freshness in the air. A new season, filled with new possibilities. We wanted to capture some of that freshness in a camping meal, so we decided to make our version of pasta primavera.…
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It’s much harder than you think to picnic properly. Having a picnic seems easy, right? Just grab some food, a blanket and hit the nearest park. Think again. There’s a distinguished tradition of picnic planning to uphold that dates back to the Victorian era. Just take Donald Ogden Stewart’s words from his 1922 opus,…
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It’s time to jump on your bike and head out on an adventure. Bikepacking is a great way to explore new places, with the freedom to travel on roads, gravel or singletrack with everything you need strapped to your steed. If you’re just getting into it, learn the basics, like what bike to ride and…
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