Tag archives for outdoors
Everest Hero Jim Whittaker on the Outdoors, Gear, and His Favorite Ice Cream
Posted by Mary Anne Potts on May 17, 2013 
See more of Jim Whittaker in this video and portrait gallery. Read more about the state of Mount Everest in the June issue of National Geographic. The first time I met 84-year-old Jim Whittaker, a giant both in height (6’5″) and spirit, he was literally throwing around the heavy (and sharp) ice ax he used…
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When you head out outdoors to play, do you ever consider how you’re fueling the economy? Think about it. Sure, there’s the gear you buy—jackets, shoes, gloves, base layers, water bottles, skis, bikes, kayaks, fishing rods, carabiners, crampons, binoculars, car racks or whatever it is you need to equip yourself for adventure. But that’s not…
Two of my great passions are outdoor adventure and travel. When I can combine the two, well, that’s heaven. I find it particularly entertaining when I’m in a foreign land and have to learn a new vocabulary and a different perspective on outdoor pursuits. Take New Zealand, for example. Kiwis are notorious outdoorspeople with a…
So much of our lives is filled with stimulation and distraction. We rush from one thing to the next, be it work, errands, paying bills, taking care of kids, exercising or spending time with friends. How often do you actually put on the brakes and take time to reflect—on who you are you, what you…
For parents, few joys compare to sharing a favorite activity with their kids—of rediscovering a thrill through a child’s eye. This especially rings true with outdoor experiences, where a budding adventurer might need a little nurturing to bloom. Take backpacking, for example. I think it is one of the most sublime activities. I love the…
Outdoor Skills + Advice: Six Steps to Steer Clear of Lightning Strikes
Posted by Mary Anne Potts on July 25, 2011 By Contributing Writer Aparna Rajagopal-Durbin, faculty member and Diversity & Inclusion Manager at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and NOLS Research Intern Kate Herden Aaah, summer! The sweet smell of wildflowers, rain-soaked earth, and . . . ozone? Yes, the stormy months have arrived and in this year of apocalyptic flooding, best prepare yourself…
Gear Review: A Sleek, Swanky Hoodie For Men
Posted by Mary Anne Potts on September 23, 2010 By National Geographic Adventure Contributing Editor Steve Casimiro, editor of The Adventure LifeA few years ago, an outdoor apparel manufacturer was showing me a line of tops for men and women. All the chickie pieces had hoods available, but none of the men’s. “We can’t sell hoodies to guys in outdoor shops,” he said, which…
Gear Crush: Rock-It Turns Your Water Bottle Into a Speaker
Posted by Mary Anne Potts on March 18, 2010 Let's face it: We are music obsessed and addicted, thanks to the relatively recent birth of iPods and other rattle-proof MP3 players that have become part of the fabric of life. And a compact new gadget makes it easy to broadcast your own soundtrack anywhere, even biking, hiking, or camping. Rock-It ($49.99) is the first…
Adventure in 60 Seconds: Obama, DOI Propose $50 Million to Get Kids Outdoors
Posted by Mary Anne Potts on May 20, 2009 Text by Tetsuhiko Endo President Barak Obama and the Department of the Interior have proposed $50 million in new investments that would help children and families become more connected with outdoor activities. The initiative, dubbed the 21st Century Youth Conservation Corps, is included in the DOI’s 2010 budget proposal, with $30 million going to educating…
