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Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites of industry-leading publications for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, National Geographic, and Vagabondish. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

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VW van

From efficient to exotic, these are the best road trip cars for exploring the country

These 15 road-worthy vehicles will make any cross-country trip even more enjoyable. Whether you can actually afford them or not is another matter.

These beach body workout tips from a pro will help you get in shirtless shape fast

If you spent the last season (or two) Netflix and Chill'ing and have gone a little soft, have no fear. Get back into shape fast with these beach body workouts.
A view from the inside of a tent looking out on a campground.

The ultimate packing list for summer camping (so you’ll never forget a thing!)

We've put together the only camping packing list you'll ever need to help you prepare to venture into the great outdoors this summer.
Man standing triumphantly atop a peak in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest.

The best U.S. destinations to visit this July

If you’re looking to enjoy the summer season and the perfect weather by getting far from home, here are five perfect U.S. destinations worth a visit.
A first-person view of an individual kayaking in Ocala National Forest

Take to the water this summer with the best compact, ultra-portable folding kayaks

Find exceptional performance and versatility in the water along with ease and affordability on land with The Manual’s guide to the best folding kayaks.
best national parks rv camping yellowstone 2

Here’s everything you need to pack for a trip to Yellowstone National Park

Just like Old Faithful, these essential items can always be counted on to ensure a safe and fun adventure trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2023.
Person using Jackery portable power station outdoors while fishing.

How to choose a portable power station (even if you don’t have an advanced engineering degree)

Here's how to shop for your own portable battery or power station, even if you don’t happen to have an advanced electrical engineering degree.
Man sitting atop an ebike with mountains and the setting sun in the background.

The future of e-bikes in U.S. National Parks could be decided in the next few months

The future of e-bikes in U.S. National Parks could be decided in the next few months

Ebikes could soon be restricted or banned in National Parks over growing concerns that allowing them in our most precious lands may not be such a great idea.
Wolves looking through the bedroom window at Canada's Parc Omega Wolf Cabin.

Sleep among a pack of wolves at Canada’s luxe-adventure Parc Omega Wolf Cabins

If you crave more than a "traditional" wilderness glamping experience, this one-of-a-kind lodge lets you sleep among the world’s greatest predators.
Lumahai Beach

Summer is here — head to one of the 14 most underrated beaches in the U.S.

Some of the best beaches in the world are right here in the U.S. Summer's just kicking off, so let's dive into the most underrated sandy spots.
Cyclist balancing on a bike in a barren landscape.

Back in the saddle: Get ready to ride with the best cycling shorts for men

Cycling shorts support and protect against chafing to make your ride more comfortable so you can venture out farther and faster than ever before.
Best Hiking Pants

Gear up for the trail this summer with the best hiking pants for men

Give your legs the freedom, comfort, and protection they deserve on the trail with the best men's hiking pants of 2023.
Aerial view of two men snorkeling in clear, shallow tropical water.

Grab your mask and fins, and head to the best snorkeling spots in the U.S.

The U.S. offers many breathtaking snorkeling spots with glimpses of underwater volcanic craters, tropical fish, sea turtles, whales, eels, and more.
Relaxing in the back of a car on a mattress

Here’s how to live in your car comfortably for a few weeks (or longer) like a pro

Here’s everything you’ll need to stay safe, sane, and happy when you choose to live out of your car for a little while if you ever want or need to.
Hand holding a flipper knife

Upgrade your everyday carry with these best-in-class, fast-action flipper knives

If you’re looking to upgrade your EDC, here are the best flipper knives that anyone would be proud to carry in their pocket.
Traveler pulling a rollaboard suitcase outside an airport, sun shining directly into the camera.

These are the travel memberships and subscriptions that are worth the money

Some subscription services make sense — and cents — for travelers. These are the best travel memberships and subscriptions that are worth the money in 2023.
Heimplanet 2015 Spring Cairo Camo Tent Polychromlab

Brave the harshest elements in luxury with the world’s most extreme (and expensive) tents

The lowly tent gets a serious upgrade. Prepare to be wowed, camping friends, by the world’s most extreme, extravagant, and expensive tents.
Close-up of shiny car tire with Brabus wheels on pavement.

Shop the best tire shines to get your car’s kicks looking like new again

A good tire shine can protect your tires from regular wear and debris, while making them pop. These are the best tire shines worth buying in 2023.
Long shot of the rear of an Airstream travel trailer being towed down a wide-open desert road.

RV shopping 101: A simple, yet complete guide for first-time RV, camper, and travel trailer buyers

If you’re ready to take the plunge into trailer travel, we’re here to make the process a bit less confusing with a beginner’s guide to RV trailers.
Hiking and outdoor gear

Stock up on hiking and camping gear at the best places to shop for outdoor equipment deals

Most outdoor gear nowadays is designed to last for years, even decades, of use. Here are five of the best places to stock up on dirt-cheap camping gear.
Ariel Atom 4 open-cockpit racecar, parked with sunset in the background.

Behold the most insane, street-legal go-karts for grown-ass adults

Fast, loud, and dangerous, go-karts were irresistible to most of us. Relive your street racer dreams with the world's best street-legal models for adults.
Hiker in a red hoodie taking photos overlooking San Francisco, California.

These are the 10 best cities in the U.S. for hiking and nature-loving city dwellers looking to “touch grass”

These are the 10 best cities in the U.S. for hiking and nature-loving city dwellers looking to “touch grass”

For nature-loving city dwellers, these 10 U.S. cities have it all, with great food, happening nightlife, shopping, outdoor adventures, and more.
Two people hiking the W Trek in Chile, mountains in the background.

Upgrade to the best warm-weather hiking gear of 2023

We’ve rounded up the best new gear for hiking (and camping and kayaking and whatever else you’re getting into) this spring and summer.
how to shift bike gears bicycles parked on road

A beginner’s guide on how to shift bike gears like a pro

Get an overview of how bike gears work, how to change gears, and the types of shifters on the market, plus tips and tricks for better shifting.
Couple camping with the new 2023 Escapod TOPO2 Teardrop Trailer.

Escapod teardrop trailer offers the comforts of home while camping (no setup required)

The latest teardrop trailer on our radar is the all-new 2023 Escapod TOPO2, and it promises all the comforts of home with almost zero setup required.
best hikes in united states 2021

These are the 10 best hikes in the United States

Declaring the “best hikes” is a recipe for a fistfight. Still, we’re boldly staking our claim to the best hikes throughout the United States.
Person camping on a river using a one person tent.

Gear up for your next big adventure with the best camping gear and accessories

The spring 2023 camping season is finally here, so we're sharing our favorite front-country (and some backcountry) camping essentials.
A man hauling a gray wheeled Pelican cooler on a beach.

These are the 11 best coolers like Yeti, but cheaper

If you’re looking for solid Yeti alternatives — coolers like Yeti but cheaper — here are the best options on the market right now.
Closeup of a hand holding a smartphone with a picture of a small seedling on the screen.

Get the best nature apps for identifying unknown plants and critters right from your smartphone

If you're insatiably curious about the natural world, these mobile nature apps will help you identify almost any unknown plant or critter.
A midsection of a man wielding a hatchet in the outdoors.

Get the best camping axes for cutting, chopping, and prepping your way around the campsite

Every outdoorsman needs a quality camping axe. From survivalist specials to lightweight backpacking models, these are the best hatchets of 2023.
revolution rail co 1 rail bike

Rail bike tours are the soft adventure trend for anyone who loves the nostalgia of train travel

Rail biking is riding pedal-powered machines along old, disused railroads. It's a soft adventure tour trend that's sweeping the world.
Kitchen and bedroom setup inside the Airstream Caravel 16RB travel trailer.

Airstream’s new travel trailer fits a swanky studio apartment into less than 17 feet of living space

The latest Caravel 16RB offers many of the same upscale features and specs of its pricier brethren in one of Airstream's most compact footprints ever.
The Muraka at Conrads Rangali Island

Deep sleep: The world’s most incredible underwater hotels

“Sleeping with the fishes” is rarely a good thing. But the world’s swankiest hotels are reimagining what’s possible in undersea suites with stunning views.
Unimog U 4000 / U 5000 extreme overlanding vehicle parked in a rugged location.

The most over-the-top vehicles for extreme overlanding this summer

These extreme machines are the best overland vehicles on the planet, as they’re designed to go anywhere with all the comforts of home.
Person bicycling on a single track

Hop on the best mountain bikes under $1,000

Whatever your budget or skill level, there are tons of great mountain bikes at affordable prices. From Cannondale to Giant, you'll love these picks.
Quin Motorcycle Helmets (lifestyle)

Protect your dome with one of these cool motorcycle helmets

The best and coolest motorcycle helmets balance price, safety, and technology with handsome good looks. Here are our top picks for 2023.
Wingman-of-the-Road Goose Motorcycle Camping System lake feature

Pitch up in the best motorcycle tents for camping with your two-wheeler

There's nothing more exhilarating than the thought of hitting the open road on two wheels again. Here are the best motorcycle tents if a motel just won't do.
Man using a portable outdoor shower near the beach.

Keep clean anytime, anywhere with the best portable showers for camping

A portable camping shower can get you clean with minimal effort and water. We’ve found the 10 best models worth shopping in 2023.
A man climbing a ladder to set up a rooftop tent on top of his vehicle in the campsite.

Here are 7 reasons why you should not buy a rooftop tent

Rooftop tents look cool and all. But don't get too hyped, for we've listed the top seven reasons why you should not buy a rooftop tent.
EDC knife

When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut

The best EDC knives come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but these top-of-the-line blades are our favorite go-to picks.
how to split wood motion

How to split wood (with or without an axe)

Learning how to split wood with or without an axe will help you build roaring fires and save money on firewood for years to come. It's time to get choppin'!
search and rescue guide rescuers getty images 1053914002

Why search and rescue calls can cost unprepared U.S. hikers big

In the U.S., search and rescue (SAR) operations are available throughout much of the country. But, it’s not always a free public service in every state.
Man packing a suitcase

How to pack your travel backpack, carry-on, and luggage like a boss

It’s never been easier to get organized for your next trip. Here's how to pack your suitcase, carry-on, or travel backpack, no matter where you're headed.
Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier

Pack up all your gear with the best roof racks for your vehicle

For whatever outdoor sport or adventure you're into, you need a reliable way to haul your gear. These are the best roof racks worth buying in 2023.
medication drugs pills

Think twice before packing those ‘everyday’ medications on your next trip

Some countries aren’t as lenient as the U.S. about what you put in your body. Here's the low-down on what you need to know about traveling with medication.
A man wearing leather gloves chopping wood with an ax

The big list of ultra-reliable brands with lifetime warranties

There are hundreds of brands with lifetime warranties that put the customer first. Buy these products, and keep them forever.
Saris MTR 2 Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack

Take your favorite two-wheelers anywhere with the best bike racks of 2023

From hitch-mounted bike racks to e-bike mounts to more traditional roof-based alternatives, here are the best bike racks to shop in 2023.
Traveler carrying a laptop checking flight schedule.

These 8 things red flag you as a potential problem to airport security

Why make air travel any harder on yourself than it needs to be? Know what not to do to become completely "invisible" to TSA agents at airport security.
Man working under the hood on a vehicle engine.

How often do you change the engine’s air filter? (And how to do it in 5 minutes)

Get the lowdown on how often to replace air filter in car, and how you can DIY in less than five minutes.
mount everest nepal

This is how much it actually costs to climb Mount Everest

We spoke to mountaineers Alan Arnette and Garrett Madison to find out what it takes to summit Mount Everest and how it feels to stand on top of the world.