63 Vital Skills for Today’s Adventurer, National Park Secrets, and Wearable Technology
Santa Fe, NM - In case you haven’t heard, wearable technology is having a moment. From Terminator-style cycling shades to moisture-wicking shirts that chart vital performance stats, the May issue of OUTSIDE reports on the present, future, and far-out prospects of wearable-tech products. Plus, this issue—titled the Adventure Issue—provides a how-to list of all the necessary skills for outdoor adventurers. OUTSIDE also reports on the brave female poets of Afghanistan and Pakistan, the secrets on how to avoid the crowds at the National Parks this season, as well as redeeming the arts and humanities in Timbuktu. To schedule an interview with an OUTSIDE editor or request a press copy, please contact Shawna McGregor at 917 971 7852 or [email protected].
COVER STORY: How to Do Everything:
63 Vital Skills for Today’s Adventurer (pg. 22): Film a descent. Fix a flat. Turn your smartphone into a GPS. There’s no doubt about it: The 21st-century adventurer needs a full quiver of old- and new-school skills. That’s why OUTSIDE tapped its network of global correspondents for tips on everything from setting up the perfect base camp to producing viral-quality video. This ultimate guidebook, starring expedition guru Jimmy Chin, has got you covered.PLUS: 5 tools that will save your life in an emergency.
IN-DEPTH: Smart Fitness: Wearable Technology (pg. 52): From concussion-aware helmets, to blood-glucose-sensing contact lenses, to earphones that track your every move, technology advancements promise to make a huge impact on the way people train. But is it all hype? Or is it for real? OUTSIDE takes a close look at what’s currently available, what’s coming soon, and what’s coming in the long-term future.
National Park Secrets: How to Beat the Crowds and Find Paradise (pg. 40): Summer spells crowds in Yellowstone, but there are plenty of adventures to be had in America’s parklands, from paddleboarding Glacier in Montana to beach-camping Hawaii volcanoes. Here’s a tip: There are better ways to see the country’s national parks than staring at Old Faithful or crawling in Yosemite’s traffic. Want to know what they are? OUTSIDE reveals the secrets:
Afghanistan-Pakistan POETRY SLAM! (pg. 94): OUTSIDE contributor Eliza Griswold was four months pregnant when she traveled to the lawless border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where violence and suffering are rampant. If you think that sounds brave, wait until you hear about the region’s 21 million Pashtun women whose daring songs she went there to document. Their mode of rebellion: Powerful, often vicious short verses that examine love, war, death, and everything in between. Join OUTSIDE on a literary raid in the heart of Taliban country.
Bonfire of the Humanities in Timbuktu: (pg. 64): When jihadists burned the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu, it was a despicable act of vandalism. Then reports surfaced that many of the books may have actually survived. OUTSIDE embarked on a journey up Mali’s Niger River to find out the truth. Bouncing around by truck, boat, and boots, contributing editor Patrick Symmes got an intimate look at Africa’s mythic locale.
Perfect Summer Gear (pg. 100): From portable toys that play big and travel small (including a tough and tiny surfboard, and the world’s coolest folding kayak), to the best new off-road kicks, to the most versatile light jackets, OUTSIDE has got you covered over the next few months as the outdoor temperature increases—along with your appetite for adventure.
The Maniac King of Big-Wave Surfing (pg. 78): Some of the world’s scariest waves are exploding off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal, an ancient village known mainly for its fishing fleet. Leading the charge to conquer them is controversial north shore gunslinger Garrett McNamara, who won’t stop until he’s tamed an elusive monster he calls Big Mama. As he chases the biggest wave ever ridden—he’s making himself the most famous surfer on the planet along the way. So why won’t the surfing world get on board?
Baked Alaska (pg. 86): The volcanic remains at the heart of Aniakchak National Monument—the least visited site in the National Park System—are a trippy mishmash of postapocalyptic cinder cones, hardened lava, and flame-colored walls. The only catch? Doing it right involves days of trekking and rafting through some of the planet’s toughest, most bear-heavy terrain. OUTSIDE takes the plunge.
The May issue of OUTSIDE is available on newsstands April 15 and at outsideonline.com.