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REI has been flush with fantastic holiday deals on gear this month, featuring anything from puffer jackets to car roof racks and some of the best Merino wool base layers from Smartwool. But one of the best things to score at REI this month has been men’s hiking boots, with one of the top styles now 30% off in multiple colorways.
The Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex men’s hiking boots are on sale for as low as $133—30% off the original price of $190 and nearly $60 in savings. It currently ranks No. 16 among all men’s hiking boots on the site and has earned a 4.1-star rating after more than 130 reviews at REI.
Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex Men’s Hiking Boots in Black/Magnet, $133 (was $190) at REI
The Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex Men’s Hiking Boots in Black/Magnet.
These men’s Salomon hiking boots are waterproof, grippy, and much more sleek than the average boot. They also have a unique lacing system that tightens (and stays tight) with one pull. They’re made with a durable, 30% recycled synthetic upper and have Gore-Tex waterproof membranes that keep water out while remaining breathable to keep your feet dry. The brand’s thick Contagrip rubber sole features deep, Y-shaped lugs that help maintain footing on loose gravel, slippery earth, and other uneven terrain. And, in the true French manner, they’re far more fashion-forward than most (if not all) other styles.
Salomon has been in the spotlight in the last few years, coinciding with the explosion of the gorpcore trend that borrows outerwear and adventure styles and adopts them as streetwear—think Merrell, Arc’Teryx, and Columbia. And though the brand has leaned into it, designing some new, trend-first styles, much of its core offerings remain top-caliber picks for outdoorsmen.
Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex Men’s Hiking Boots in Olive Night, $133 (was $190) at REI
This hiking boot is well-known and loved among Salomon loyalists. “The Solomon Cross Hike 2 Mid boots were comfortable to wear for hours on varied terrain, waterproof in wet and snowy conditions, and provided good traction,” one shopper said. “I currently own two other Solomon hiking boots—one 5 years old and the other 15 years old. Each remains comfortable and waterproof, with worn but very intact soles (this after about 200 miles/year of use for each). I am enjoying and highly recommend the Solomon Cross Hike 2 Mid hiking boot.”
But even newer Salomon fans have found something to love about this particular style. “I’ve been wearing the Solomon Cross Hike 2 for about two weeks now on various types of terrain under different conditions,” a Salomon shopper said. “They are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and stable feeling boots with excellent grip. This is my second pair of Solomons and will not be my last…I have no doubt that my new Cross Hikes will hold up just as well [as the first]!”
Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex Men’s Hiking Boots in Bitter Chocolate/Red, $133 (was $190) at REI
If you’re been searching for a sleek and sporty but durable hiking boot to wear from the trail to the table, the Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex boot is one of the best options you could find. But now that multiple colorways are discounted at REI, sizes are at risk of selling out—some already have. Hop on this deal soon to take advantage of the sale and ensure you get the size you need.
Bringing your pet along on excursions is a great way to bond with your adventure pup, but you need to ensure you’ve got the right dog gear for camping, hiking, fishing, and more. Just like the right essentials keep you comfortable, well-fed, and prepared for the unexpected, so does specialized dog gear for camping and outdoor adventures.
From sleeping bags and life vests to multi-function leashes and protective goggles, there’s a whole assortment of cool gear designed specifically to help your dog get the most out of any outdoor experience. We selected some of the newest products to chase any adventure.
Best Dog Gear for Camping, Hiking, and Outdoor Adventures
Courtesy Image
1. Wilderdog Sleeping Bag
Durable and water-repelling on the outside, soft and micro-fleecy on the inside, Wilderdog’s canine-specific sleeping bag will help you get a good night’s sleep by giving your dog a dedicated space that’s cozy and warm without being confining. The sleeping bag unzips flat and zips three-quarters of the way around so your pup can snuggle inside. Loops hang the bag for drying and airing out. And when it’s not in use, the extra short sleeping bag packs into a stuff sack.
This three-in-one travel bed, quilt, and sleeping bag will keep your canine comfy on cold nights. The baffled quilt is stuffed with synthetic insulation and attaches to a durable base with plenty of options to stick a head or paw out. Size it to fit your curled-up pup, and slip a pad into the base for extra insulation.
Kurgo’s backcountry-ready dog harness’ molle and Velcro attachment system lets you attach panniers, a hydration pouch, a dog treat dispenser, a first aid kit, and more. The base harness has a padded back and a broad chest to disperse weight and minimize strain. Dual haul handles give you options for grabbing your pup in case you need to give a boost.
Losing a dog on the trail is stressful. Garmin’s compact Alpha 10 tracker and TT15X collar keep tabs on your pup if it takes off. The nine-mile-range Alpha is a phone-compatible GPS that also shows your dog’s precise location and can recall it remotely. The TT15X collar has 80 hours of battery and easy-to-spot LEDs.
The most innovative dog leash on the market, Ruffwear’s Hitch Hiker is a 12-foot-long line for your pup that stores in a mini-hip pack. When you want to give your dog room to roam, squeeze the belay device-like camming mechanism to let the lead out. And when you need to bring Rover back to base, pull the cord, which locks like a climbing rope in an auto-belay device.
Designed to offer a bunch of options for hooking your dog up to you to keep them safe and secure, the Magic Link can be worn as a belt or shoulder bandolier, used as a wrist-strap and it simply convert to a slip-on collar with leash, or just be set up as conventional leash that you attach to a collar or harness. It’s made from an industrial strength cord that’s waterproof, mold-proof, and strong—it’s rated up to 350 pounds of pull force. High quality, matte black aluminum hardware handsomely sets off the nine available colors.
Ruffwear’s Float Coat, a buoyant harness/life jacket, helps your dog feel safe and confident in the water, and it gives you total control. The foam-filled PFD has an adjustable neck, and easy-to-operate buckles that won’t irritate your pup and a sturdy haul handle for lifting your dog out of the water. The well-padded jacket will easily keep a 75-pound dog afloat—attach a light to the loop on the back to make your pup visible in low light.
Rex Specs’s curved lens goggles will protect your canine’s corneas from snow blindness and irritants like bugs, dust, sand, and wind so they can comfortably accompany you on adventures. The goggles come with easily changeable clear and smoke lenses, and have better fit, greater stability, a wider field of view, more streamlined design, and better range of motion than previous versions. There’s a learning curve, and your dog will look like an astronaut wearing them, but they work.
Conserve the water you’re carrying with Vapur’s 0.7 oz. BPA-free, wide-mouth “anti-bottle.” Flip open the three-layer flask’s dust cap and an oversized roller reminiscent of a gerbil water bottle lets your dog get a drink without drips or spills. An integrated clip keeps it convenient, and the roller clicks off for cleaning. And as the dishwasher-safe flask drains, it folds to take up less room in your pack. Also available as a pet and owner two-pack.
Make your dog visible for six hours on a charge with this Nite Ize ultrabright collar. Push a button for glow or flash, and two ultra-bright LEDs illuminate an integrated optical fiber that’s consistently bright all around the dog’s neck and easy to spot. The rest of the time the highly water-resistant, metal belt buckle-close collar is low chafe, secure and an all-around great collar. The collar recharges in 1.25 hours via micro-USB.
Keep your pup organized on their next play date, car trip, or visit to the grandparents with Orvis’ Chuckwagon. With everything your dog needs in one spot, you can grab the bag and go for impromptu adventures without forgetting a thing. The Cordura Eco tote comes stocked with dog-on-the-go essentials—collapsible food and water bowls, a zippered food carrier held in place with removable internal dividers, and stretchy pockets for toys, meds, and more. Poop pickup bags live on a dispenser cord in an outside pocket, while treats are easy access when stored in the outside pocket on the other side. The tote has a reinforced bottom that’s also water-repelling and zippered opening makes everything inside easy to reach.
The National Park Service released its 2021 visitation stats and, to nobody’s surprise, the most popular national parks remain…the most popular. The NPS reports more than 297,115,406 recreation visits to the Park System’s 423 parks. However, the stats are top heavy with the top 25 national parks accounting for more than 50 percent of visits.
“It’s wonderful to see so many Americans continuing to find solace and inspiration in these incredible places during the second year of the pandemic,” says National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.
Digging down in the stats
According to the 2021 statistics, Blue Ridge Parkway remains the most-visited park with 15.9 million visitors. Next is Great Smoky Mountain National Park that set a new visitation record of 14.1 million. In addition, Golden Gate National Recreation Area (13.7 million visits) is the only other park to surpass the 10 million mark. They’re joined in the top 25 by heavy park hitters like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite.
While the top 25 national parks dominate, the NPS suggests the other 398 parks have much to offer, too.
“We’re happy to see so many visitors returning to iconic parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, but there are hundreds more that should be on everyone’s bucket list.” Sams said.
To balance the numbers, the NPS suggests visiting clusters of parks, instead of just one. Per the NPS news release, you can “create your own circle of discovery.”
How to Stack Your National Parks Tour
Stephen Moehle
If you’re visiting Redwood National and State Parks…
The NPS suggests tacking on Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, and Lassen Volcanic National Park to the itinerary.
Acadia National ParkEric Urquhart
If you’re visiting Maine’s Acadia National Park…
The National Park Service recommends Saint Croix Island International Historic Site and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkSean Pavone
If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park…
The NPS provides a long list of possibilities that include Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, as well as Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. In addition, the Park Service suggests Little River Canyon National Preserve, Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, and Obed Wild and Scenic River.
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Can any other season really compare with winter at a top ski resort? In New York’s gorgeous Adirondacks—home to famed Lake Placid and its premier hill, Whiteface Mountain—the answer is an eye-opening, money-saving, crowd-escaping, wildly-adventurous yes. Just don’t tell all those folks waiting in lift lines and shelling out peak-season hotel rates in a few months.
Shoulder seasons like late summer or fall are the perfect other time to discover the alter-ego of any big-name ski destination, whether it’s situated in the Rockies, the Sierras or in New York’s vast wilderness playground—the Adirondacks. Weighing in at about six million acres of mountains, lakes, rivers, and trails (that’s about the size of Vermont, folks) with numerous outfitters offering a wide array of adventures, the Adirondacks fits the bill for off-season exploration in every direction.
Here’s how to appreciate this area before the ski crowds arrive and the whole place is buried in powder.
Re-Introducing Lake Placid
The site of two Winter Olympics, you’ve heard of Lake Placid even if you’re somehow not a fan of epic hockey victories. About a five-hour drive from New York City, the village is situated right on Mirror Lake and just south of the namesake lake. Lake Placid’s main street—lined with bars, restaurants and shops—is also stocked with outfitters to gear visitors up for everything from trail running to SUPing. There’s no better home base for your summer or fall adventure in the Adirondacks.
High Peaks ResortCourtesy Image
Where to Stay
High Peaks Resort
Come winter, this popular Lake Placid resort right on Mirror Lake will be hosting skiers bound for nearby Whiteface Mountain—New York’s fifth-highest peak boasting one of the top verticals in the Northeast. Right now, the property’s three buildings—all with lake views—are another sort of oasis. Guests have access to swimming, kayaking, and SUPing on Mirror Lake with hotel-supplied gear. It’s the perfect spot for families or rookie SUPers, as motorboats are verboten on a lake which is usually as smooth as glass.
Inside the main resort, you’ll find clean rooms, a mountain lodge motif, lovely views of the lake and mountains, two pools, plus solid restaurants and bars. Tip: snagging a room on the fourth floor gives you direct access to your parked car without having to haul gear through the lobby.
High Peaks Resort guests have easy access to the Dancing Bear, situated on the same property. This window-lined, casual spot with views of the lake and mountain is a solid choice for hearty breakfasts (they call it “brunch” here at any hour) and later meals. A solid beer list leans heavily on hard, excellent ciders—best enjoyed on the upstairs deck with those great views.
If breakfast is going to be quick, and if you can get there before the line starts, this bakery covers all the basics from scones to cinnamon buns the size of a fist and coffee. Come with cash or Venmo—they don’t take plastic. If you’re with a big crew, send in one rep because the shop is tiny.
This favorite spot overlooking Mirror Lake specializes in local ingredients and a kid-friendly menu that will appeal to youth of all ages. Think giant handmade pretzels with house-made mustard, or a German smash burger featuring two bratwurst patties under onions and cheese. The beer list features an array of fine local ales complete with tasting notes.
For town-hopping daytrippers, this rustic, lakeside tavern in the nearby village of Saranac Lake (less than 10 miles from Lake Placid) is the perfect casual pitstop for hearty salads, flatbreads and grain bowls. Thankfully, they don’t shy away from a killer poutine as well.
Courtesy of Roost
Best Off-Season Adventures in Lake Placid
Hiking
Families can warm-up with an easy, paved two-miler around Mirror Lake—or, a short drive away, some off-roading in Henry’s Woods. Hikers who aren’t yet up for the Adirondack’s big-league treks featuring its 46 High Peaks (most of them over 4,000 feet) can opt for Lake Placid’s more moderate “9’ers”—a group of mountains hanging below that mark. In-town, that includes a 4.4-mile round trip up Mt. Van Hoevenberg. A short drive away in neighboring Keene is the friendlier-than-it-sounds Hurricane Mountain, where a 3.5-mile climb leads to a 2,000-foot summit with spectacular panoramas.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbers of all levels can hook up with a qualified instructor at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in Lake Placid. The climbing store and school leads classes and trips of all levels—including a popular “101” option which shows first-timers the ropes at some friendly beginner spots. Don’t need the hand-holding? Stop in here anyway for some solid intel on the best climbing routes in the area.
Mountain Biking
Just a short ride from downtown, experienced riders can access over 30 great biking trails tucked behind the Lake Placid Club. Choose from moderate rides, like Twisted Sister, to more difficult routes, like Lumberyard with its featured boardwalk. Nearby, Craig Wood Trails offers an additional three miles of machine-built singletrack. Novice riders can opt for Heaven Hill Trails, a family-friendly multi-use trail system offering short, mostly flat loops with sweet mountain vistas.
Day-Tripping to The Wild Center
Rolling through Lake Placid’s nearby satellite communities—including Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Wilmington—is all part of the fun of exploring the Adirondacks. A top attraction in Tupper Lake (about 40 minutes from Lake Placid), The Wild Center offers a mix of indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits situated on 115 acres showcasing the wildlife of the Adirondacks. Step outside to see wildlife demos or hike groomed trails, including one that weaves around outdoor sculptures to a classical music soundtrack. Don’t miss the Wild Walk, an elevated pathway zig-zagging across the forest floor on suspension bridges, staircases, and a giant trampoline disguised as a spider web.
High Falls Gorge
The signature tromp along cliff-clinging staircases at this stunning 22-acre nature park takes about half an hour, darting across the AuSable River at three different points for epic scenes of water slamming into rock. Seasonal trails are spread across the park, complete with numerous waterfalls and glass-floored viewing platforms above a granite crevice that’s been a work-in-progress carving over the last billion years.
Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway
About 12 miles northwest of High Falls is the toll booth for this drive up famous Whiteface Mountain along the Veterans’ Memorial Highway. The white-knuckler snakes up 2,300 feet in about five miles, with no less than nine pull-offs for spectacular vistas of Lake Placid and the surrounding mountains. Park at the summit where part-two of your ascent begins—a short but breathless 257-foot clamber up some rock stairs to the 4,867-foot summit with the expected payoff panorama at the end.
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The latest challenge craze doesn’t have you pouring an ice bucket over your head or learning a viral TikTok dance. The David Attenborough 10-Minute Challenge simply suggests you go sit quietly in nature—specifically someplace wooded.
It started when famed broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough was a guest on the World Wildlife Fund podcast, Call of the Wild. A vocal supporter of environmental causes, Attenborough was asked if he had any tips on how people could make a difference. He had a simple answer.
How the David Attenborough 10-Minute Challenge Came to Be
“Just stop,” the 94-year-old says. “Sit down. Don’t move. Keep quiet. Wait…10 minutes. I’d be very surprised if something pretty interesting didn’t happen in those 10 minutes. Doing that in a woodland, if you haven’t done it, it’s extraordinary. Don’t get too impatient, either.”
Of course, when a beloved media personality (at least 20 animal species have been named after him) tells you something extraordinary will happen if you sit in the woods, people listen. And whether they’ve been hearing woodpeckers drumming or feeling the bark on trees, people have been accepting the challenge.
Now, Attenborough didn’t frame his advice as a challenge, but we took it as such. There’s something meditative in the exercise, but you’re not focusing on yourself as much as what’s going on around you. At first, you may notice the sound of a truck that seems to be slowly backing up for eternity and a day, but as the minutes go by, you begin to notice the smaller stuff—like the fresh smell of winter soil or a crow stirring up a commotion. By being present in the natural world, you connect with it, which seems to have been Attenborough’s cunning plan all along.
It doesn’t have to be an extraordinary experience; nature acts as a natural salve to calm frayed nerves regardless. So we’re encouraging you to take the David Attenborough 10-Minute Challenge. We bet it’ll be the highlight of your day.
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