About the Trail Wind

The 2024 Trail Wind has been updated for off-grid travel—something Airstreams couldn’t do before—with the largest battery bank, inverter, and solar potential in any Airstream ever. The Trade Wind is made to travel wherever you may roam and offers you the comforts of home. 

The Trail Wind conserves water and has an optional composting toilet feature, making it an excellent choice for those trying to conserve while out on the road. There is also full rear-view monitoring and an optional rear hatch to take in the view at the end of your long day of traveling. 

The 2024 Airstream Trail Wind starts at $129,400. 

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The Marshes

Construction started on canals of Saint-Omer well over a thousand years ago, around the 700s. People living there at the time dug irrigation canals by hand and formed scores of little agricultural islands. Today, most of the people who live in the marshes are connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. However, there are about 30 homes that can only be reached by water, and even their mail is delivered by boat.

My friend and I paddled around the canals for a few hours, guided by a series of numbered boxes that tell you where to turn. Just the night before, we had wandered through a craft beer festival that had taken over the historic center of Saint-Omer, giving the town a bit of a nightclub feel. But here, just a few miles away, it felt like we couldn’t be further away from the chaos of civilization. 

We paddled under the canopies of weeping willows, past swans and ducks diving for fish, and through a broad yet calm river, where we stuck our feet over the sides of our boats to drag them through the cool water. We spent a night at La Fermette de Marie Grouette, a small bed and breakfast you can only get to by boat, and enjoyed a dinner of charcuterie on the dock, with an incredible sunset.

How We Got There

We started in east London, where we took the Overground and then the Tube to King’s Cross Station. From there, we took a train to Dover, then a taxi to the ferry terminal. You could walk there, theoretically, but it’s not very pedestrian-friendly (or scenic), given how many lanes of traffic are going through border control to cross into France, so I would recommend taking a cab for safety reasons. 

Once we arrived at the ferry terminal, we took a bus to passport control, then boarded again to unload our luggage through security checks. Afterwards, we got back on the bus again and boarded the P&O Ferry from Dover to Calais.

The ferry ride was short and quite nice (I highly recommend upgrading for the Club Lounge seating if you’re hungry—there are unlimited snacks, plus sun loungers on the deck with great views). In the port of Calais, we took a bus off the boat to the ferry terminal, then a shuttle to the train station. We took a roughly hour-long train from Calais-Ville to Saint-Omer, then walked about five minutes to Hotel Mercure. 

In the morning, after a breakfast of crepes involving copious amounts of Nutella, we walked 25 minutes to Les Faiseurs de Bateaux, where we picked up maps and a picnic lunch, set up our kayaks, and got in the water. If you don’t have a boat of your own, you can rent canoes, rowboats, and small electric boats here.

The canal system is easy to navigate if you pay attention to the numbers signposted at each intersection, which correspond with maps. We paddled around for a few hours at an extremely leisurely pace, and then made our way to the B&B. We spent the evening lounging outside by the canals and watching the sunset. In the morning, the canals were nearly empty except for us, as it was a Monday, so we enjoyed a serene paddle down to La Maison du Marais. The “marsh house” is a modern museum exploring the human and natural history of the canals and marshes, and it’s a great place to take the boats out of the water to continue onward. It’s about a 20-minute walk to the train station.

That afternoon, after exploring the area a little more on foot, we went back home to London the way we came (OK, mostly—we accepted a lift directly to the ferry terminal this time, then caught an Uber home from the train station in London because it was late at night).

Where to Stay

In the town of Saint-Omer, we stayed at the Mercure hotel, which is a short walk from the train station and about a 25-minute walk to Les Faiseurs de Bateaux.

In the marshes, we spent a night at La Fermette de Marie Grouette, which has two rooms and an excellent, hearty, made-to-order breakfast.

Essential Gear

Oru makes a variety of folding kayaks for different conditions. The Lake+ kayak is the lightest-weight model they offer—about 18 pounds—and is the easiest to carry. It’s ideal for flatwater situations like canals and slow-moving rivers with little to no surface current. The exterior backpack pockets fit your paddle and small pieces of gear, like a water bottle, drybag, headlamp, and other small essentials. I used a medium-size drybag as luggage to avoid packing too heavy, and this was perfect for a short weekend trip.   

The post I Took a Folding Kayak on the Tube From London to France, and It Was Wild appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

The data comes from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency. The billions of dollars spent came from 1.7 billion trips outdoors for people to hunt, fish, watch wildlife, boating, and target shooting. The money went to travel, equipment, licenses, and other related fees.

“Time spent in nature is an important part of the human experience and can provide lifelong memories, connections to others, healthy activities, and a sense of rest and healing,” said Service Director Martha Williams in their statement. “These numbers demonstrate how important our public lands and wild places are not just for the well-being of people who enjoy them, but as an economic engine that provides thousands of jobs and sustains businesses, economies and communities throughout the nation.”

The billions of dollars spent is the most ever recorded in the report, which they adjust for inflation. The survey polled around 100,000 people. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service conducts the questionnaire every five years.

Even more impressive is the number of people participating in these outdoor activities. More than half of all Americans aged 16 and up took part in wildlife viewing. That’s 148 million people connecting with wildlife. Fishing saw 40 million Americans participating, meaning 15% of the population. The results showed increases in all outdoor activities covered by the survey, suggesting more people are getting outside.

Besides outdoor activities, recent numbers show that outdoor destinations like national parks are also significant economic drivers.

Need some new gear to get outside? Check out the official Outdoors.com store.

The post New Numbers Show the Outdoors Is Big Business for the U.S. Economy with $394 Billion Spent in 2022 appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Also, check out our post on the best deals for trail runners here.

This post contains affiliate links. Outdoors.com may earn a commission when you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support.  

Apparel

Even as the weather gets cooler, you’re still going to sweat as you hike. Make sure you have good moisture-wicking fabrics to keep from getting uncomfortable during your long days out on the trail. This men’s long-sleeved athletic shirt from Russell Athletic Store will keep you covered and dry. You’ll also want to dress in layers to ensure comfort without worrying about whether or not you’ll overheat. A great way to do this is with a fleece vest from Augusta Sportswear made from 70% recycled materials. And once you’ve got your top half covered, make sure the bottom half is also prepared for the cold with a pair of fleece sweatpants from Holloway Store. Made from 60% cotton, these aren’t a great piece to use as a base layer, but they are good pieces to keep for cooler weather at the beginning of fall and spring.

Packs

You’re most likely going to want to have a pack to carry gear and water. If you’re heading out on a shorter hike, consider a smaller, crossbody bag like this one from WATERFLY that’s currently 49% off. Though it’s smaller than a backpack, it can still fit the essentials. If you’re heading out on a longer hike, this 35-liter hiking backpack from Venture is an excellent option, and it’s 15% off right now. 

Other Gear

Keep yourself hydrated out there with CamelBak. Whether you’re in need of a new bladder or a new water bottle, CamelBak has you covered, and they’re giving you up to 50% off their gear for Amazon Prime Day. If you’re heading out on a long hike and you’re worried that the bladder won’t be enough, pick up a LifeStraw, currently 50% off, to ensure that you’ll never run out of water, as long as you can find a river or stream.

The post Hiking Prime Day Deals You Don’t Want to Miss appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

BMJL Women’s Running Shorts - 50% off

Being a runner means you need lightweight clothes that move with you. These women's shorts are 95% polyester and 5% spandex, making them breathable and comfortable. Plus, at 50% off, it’s hard to pass on a $20 pair of shorts, especially when they come in more than a dozen colors.

Russell Athletic Men’s Long Sleeve Performance T-Shirt - 74% off

We’re currently in the shoulder season, the time between the summer heat and the winter chill. Some mornings, you’ll want an extra layer like this long-sleeved shirt to keep you a little warmer on the trail. At 74% off, this comes out to just over $5, so even if it isn’t your go-to base layer, it can be a great backup layer to keep in the car.

Holloway Men’s Crosstown Pants - 25% off

Similar to a long-sleeved layer, having a pair of pants can make a difference as we head towards winter. No one wants to be outdoors and uncomfortable - that’s the easiest way to cut your run short. These pants are moisture-wicking and a good deal for just 20 bucks.

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack, 85 oz. - 46% off

If you’re a newer trail runner, this is a great buy. Having a lightweight pack can be essential for long miles in the mountains. You can carry everything from water to snacks to an extra layer of clothing to keep you warm. At 46% off, you’re paying less than $45 for a great entry-level piece of gear. 

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - 50% off

You may not plan on using this, but trail runners don’t typically plan on getting lost, either. This LifeStraw personal water filter is a recurring Amazon Prime Day Deal for trail runners, and for good reason. The product is simple to use and lightweight enough to throw in your pack for an emergency.

Want to learn more about trail running? Here’s how to get started.

Are you looking for an item you don’t see on this list? Check out the official Outdoors.com store for more gear. 

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The items under the recall are the Future Motion Onewheel Self-Balancing Electric Skateboard and include all of the company’s boards. If you use the Onewheel GT, Onewheel Pint X Onewheel Pint, or the Onewheel+ XR, you should put the board away until the issue is remedied. 

Onewheel has gained popularity in the last few years, both as a recreational way to get around town and as a mode of transportation. The one large wheel also allows users to get off-road on specific trails.

The CPSC says the board can stop balancing if the board’s limits are exceeded, which causes the rider to crash. There are multiple reported injuries and four deaths related to the product.

According to the report, at least three of the four deaths involved head traumas and riders not wearing a helmet. Injuries involve brain injuries, concussions, paralysis, and fractures. Future Motion and the CPSC want to remind users that they encourage helmets when using the product.

Users should stop using the board until they can update the firmware with an app that adds a function called “Haptic Buzz.” This update is an audible warning system letting the rider know when the board is nearing its limits of use or when the battery is low.

Find more details about the recall and firmware update here.

The post Massive Recall Issued for Onewheel Electric Skateboards After Several Injuries and Deaths appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Now, they’re introducing their newest bold take on footwear, the Croc-Cowboy Boot hybrid, or as we have dubbed them, the Crocboy Boot.

Made with a crocodile skin texture and silver embroidery, you’ll be the coolest person at the rodeo. You may even become the new sheriff in town. 

All jokes aside, these boots offer the comfortable footbed Crocs are known for, plus the ankle coverage necessary for a hard day of working on the farm. Some might even say they’re the solution for a long day of hard labor. 

The “Crocboy boots,” unlike actual leather boots, offer vent holes for some breathability, which will leave you feeling a little cooler and fresher. Oh, and those nifty little spurs on the strap? They’re removable for when you get off the horse. 

The Croc-Cowboy Boots are available starting October 23, 2023.

The post This Croc-Cowboy Boot Hybrid Is a Farmer’s Dream appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Holler is pioneering the future of “social commerce,” using innovative technology that allows media brands to create vibrant online gear shops without the hassle of running a full-fledged e-commerce operation.

This month, Outdoors.com becomes the first in the outdoor industry to tap into Holler’s revolutionary platform.

There are hundreds of top outdoor brands now in stock, and more are being added all the time. Adventurers can now find everything needed for their next quest on Outdoors.com - from great content to how tos, guides, expert opinions, and gear.

Over the next year, Holler will welcome nearly 1,000 outdoor brands to its growing marketplaces. As new gear brand partners join the expedition, Holler streamlines the onboarding process so Outdoors.com can keep trails blazed and supplies stocked with the push of a button.

This powerhouse partnership ensures Outdoors.com community members stay fully outfitted no matter where their spirit of discovery may lead.

Discover your next favorite gear haul at Outdoors.com/Shop and follow the shop on Instagram here.

The post Outdoors.com Partners With Holler Commerce to Launch the ‘Outdoors Gear Shop’ appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Ring, a popular home camera brand, recently shared a handful of videos from their customers.

“Get out of There,” Says a Man to a Bear Breaking Into a Truck

A floodlight camera captured a black bear breaking into a man’s truck in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

In the video, you can see the bear open the back window and start rummaging around. Eventually, the homeowner wakes up and says, “Hey, what are you doing? Get out of there!” The sound startles the bear, but the animal shakes it off and continues to dig around. It takes a few more shouts before the bear decides it has had enough. 

“Nope, Please Don’t”: Woman Asks a Hungry Deer to Stop Eating Her Plants

A video from Cleveland, Ohio, wasn’t as concerning as a black bear in a truck, but a woman’s garden was still in danger.

The homeowner says her camera has captured deer passing through her yard before, but this is the first time she has caught them eating her plants. She told Ring, “They usually eat my Rose of Sharon, and I am fine with that, but my Gerbera Daisies? Nope, please don't.”

In the video, a woman says, “Nah, uh. Don’t eat those. Go to sleep. Get out of my yard. Thank you.” 

Shockingly, the deer listened. 

An Elk Makes Itself Known

You won’t hear any people speaking in this video, but an elk that triggered the camera wanted to make itself known.

The video comes from Estes Park, Colorado, home of Rocky Mountain National Park. The elk uses its bugle to kick off the rutting season in the video, yelling directly into the camera.

Here’s everything you need to know about the busy rut season.

“Shoo!”: Homeowner Uses an Alarm on a Black Bear Who Won’t Leave

Here's another bear video, this one out of Helen, Georgia. According to the homeowner, their vacation home backs up to a national forest and is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so seeing a bear isn’t that surprising, unless it triggers your camera.

The woman’s voice in the video initially tries to “shoo” the bear away, but when that doesn’t work, she quickly turns on the camera’s alarm, sending the bear running. 

Cat Scares off Bear With an Angry Hiss

Finally, this video doesn’t have an interaction with the homeowner, but a cat that calls the house home is just as ready to defend the property.

The video starts with a black bear sniffing outside the door. The cat is initially out of view but then jumps at the bear with a hiss. The bear instantly cowers in fear. 

Want to set up a camera to capture wildlife videos? Learn more about trail cameras.

The post ‘Get Out of Here’: Some of the Best Wildlife Videos From Home Security Cameras appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

This post contains affiliate links. Outdoors.com may earn a commission when you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support.  

12-Foot Giant Skeleton

This giant skeleton from Home Depot became a bit of an internet sensation last year due to its enormous size. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use (that is if you can fit it inside), and it has glowing eyes that are truly eerie. If you just can’t bear to take down your giant skelly after the holiday ends, you can always make some giant clothes and dress them up for the other upcoming holidays. (You can even dress it up as Taylor Swift.)

From Your Favorite Movies

The Haunted Mansion

Choosing a theme to decorate for Halloween can be hard, so why not draw some inspiration from your favorite movies, like The Haunted Mansion? With so many fun and light-hearted scenes, you can decorate for the holidays without being too scary. Grab the well-recognized wall hangs for inside or outside. If you’re looking to recreate the graveyard scene, pick up some headstones with silly sayings that will give off a little bit of spooky energy without scaring any children. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Though there’s a bit of a debate as to whether or not The Nightmare Before Christmas is a true Halloween movie, this is a popular option for Halloween decorations. Pick up some adorable themed lights to illuminate your walkway like Zero, Oogie Boogie, and Sally. You can even choose a giant Jack Skellington instead of a regular giant skeleton.

Hocus Pocus

Considered to be a Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus is well-loved by many and brings good fun to the holiday without too many high-level scares. Click “Add to cart” on the Emily Binx and Billy Butcherson headstones. You can also pick up a Billy Butcherson hanging head if you’re really looking to get into the Hocus Pocus spirit. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, try a Halloween wreath that’s equal parts spooky and welcoming.

Beetlejuice

Don’t say his name three times. If this is your favorite Halloween movie or musical, get some of these amazing decorations. If you’re looking for something small or you don’t have a yard, this small marquee is a great, simple hanging decoration that doesn’t require a lot of space. If you want to go all out, pick up a Beetlejuice animatronic and a hanging Barb decoration. If those aren’t your thing, try this inflatable sandworm that’s over 8 feet tall.

Other Halloween Movies

Whether it’s Halloween or The Exorcist, choose decorations that will give you and your friends a good spook this Halloween season. Pick up a Michael Myers door hang for a quick and easy decoration. You can also get a Reagan animatronic from The Exorcist for a proper scare. You can also pick up a variety of Chucky dolls.

Good General Halloween Gear

If you aren’t a huge fan of any specific Halloween movies but you still want to decorate, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you get giant spiders or fogging skulls, you can create a spooky feeling in your yard and home. For decorations that actually have a purpose (besides scaring trick-or-treaters), pick up some Creepy Lantern Pathway Markers to light your walkway for a fun and safe Halloween.

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