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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 Massachusetts home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

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Rear corner view of the Tufport Overlander truck camper concept.

This popular truck camper shell maker is debuting its first fully furnished overlander camper

Famed slide-in camper shell maker Tufport just announced their first entry into the overlander camper space, and it’s a fully furnished stunner.
Packing a pipe

How to smoke a pipe like a gentleman (a beginner’s guide)

Learning how to smoke a pipe is a classy way to enjoy tobacco, but it only looks sophisticated if you actually know what you're doing. Here's how.
Bodie, California

Here are the 17 coolest ghost towns in the U.S.

During the 1800s and 1900s, towns across the U.S. seemingly sprung up overnight with the discovery of gold. Many are now the ghost towns we know today.
Young man checks water filter alongside river

Stay hydrated on the go with our bulletproof water purification tips

Staying hydrated is key to days on the hill, but carrying heavy water bottles weighs you down. Stay ahead of the game with our water purification tips.
Person on a phone and computer rating a hotel

How do hotel star ratings actually work? Well, it’s complicated

In theory, hotel star ratings were designed to help travelers comparison shop. In reality, they're often arbitrary and have mostly complicated things.
Closeup of a vehicle engine.

How to check brake fluid in your car and refill if needed

You don't need a mechanic to check or refill your car's brake fluid. Learn how to check brake fluid yourself
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.
Moterra Campervan rental parked in a Utah National Park campsite.

This van life camper van sleeps 8, goes everywhere, and you can rent it for less than a hotel would cost

Looking to give van life a shot? Don't buy - rent! These fully-equipped camper vans sleep up to eight and rent for less than a hotel for a group of people.
A couple car camping

The best luxury camp gear to elevate your outdoor experience

You already know the camping essentials you absolutely need. We’ve rounded up the premium gadgets that elevate your camping experience above the ordinary.
Person holding passport and luggage at the airport.

Do you need a passport to travel in the U.S. in 2024?

There’s still confusion around the REAL ID Act, particularly when it comes to flying. Do you need a passport to travel in the U.S. once this goes into effect?
Person bicycling on a single track

Hop on the best mountain bikes for under $1,000 – Trek, Specialized, and more

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.
Person fishing from a canoe at Buntzen Lake in British Columbia, Canada.

Rods, reels, and rooftop racks: Get the best fishing gear to elevate your angling game

It's never too early to plan the ultimate fishing trip. So, to help you, here's a list of the best fishing gear for anglers of every skill level.
Sitting on an air mattress while camping

Sleep like a baby on one of the best air mattresses for camping (or for wherever you need it)

We’ve found the best air mattresses for camping, from full-sized, double-height air mattresses to little ones made just for the smaller ones.
Man pouring liquor from a flask

Take your favorite tipple from town to trail with the best camping flasks

From stainless steel to plastic and packable, the best camping flasks let you unload the weight and keep drinks flowing on the trail. Here are our top picks.
Jump rope with shoes and weights

The 12 benefits of jumping rope (it’s not just for your inner child)

It’s deceptively simple, but jumping rope is one of the single best cardio fitness exercises.
Hyundai Staria Lounge Camper parked in a field.

We really wish these compact, Korea-exclusive RVs and campervans were available stateside

Korea knows what's up when it comes to minimalist RVs and campervans, like these three ultra-compact campers we really wish were available stateside.
Luxury vanlife build using Garnica lightweight poplar wood paneling.

We love this handsome van-life wood paneling, and it’s sustainable too

Few material choices can impact the look and feel of your van as good wood for your interior. So why not invest in something you love?
Person walking in snow with snow gear on

Keep your digits defrosted this winter with these gloves and mittens

If you're serious about skiing and snowboarding, you need a pair of gloves that can keep up with you. These waterproof, durable options will keep you riding.
A person pulling a carry-on suitcase through the airport

Go ultralight on your next flight with the best carry-on luggage

Finding the right carry-on luggage can be challenging, especially if you're a newbie traveler. Hence, we gathered the best carry-on luggage.
Sportcaravan Cube 1 Microcarvan Travel Trailer isolated on a studio background.

This tiny caravan uses one smart feature to almost double its space when parked

The pint-sized Cube 1 caravan's clever design feature is, as far as we know, entirely unique in the world of compact, lightweight travel trailers.
ac future expandable luxury rv concept eth camper expanded

This expandable luxury RV concept previews the future of off-grid living, and it’s amazing

AC Future's expandable eTH concept RV hints at a future where "ordinary" campervans can expand to two-bedroom luxury apartments at the push of a button.
A person packing their suitcase with dress clothing.

Are you a minimalist? Then here’s how to pack and travel like one

It's hard not to overpack, especially when you want to travel light. These tips will show you how to take the items you need and still travel like a minimalist.
Passengers walking through an airport.

Fly high in style with the best travel accessories for long flights in 2024

With the right gear, flying can be a lot less terrible. Here are some of the best air travel accessories we could find for your next long-haul flight in 2024.
Man standing outside a door with two large travel suitcases

Get ready for your next trip: The best luggage brands for every type of traveler

Whatever your flavor of luggage — from carry-all backpack and compact carry-on to wheeled duffel — these are the best brands for every type of traveler.
Winnebago Ekko Sprinter Campervan parked on a sandy ridge.

Winnebago reveals the Ekko Sprinter, a camper van with more off-roading capability than ever

Winnebago's Ekko line gets an all-new flagship model: A Sprinter Van-based camper van that's ready to take you (and your four closest friends) anywhere.
Brown bear in the woods

The best bear spray for keeping safe in the backcountry (the one thing you should never leave home without)

The best defense for surviving a bear attack is having and — more importantly — knowing how to use a reliable bear spray.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee

13 ethereal swimming holes to dive into this 2024 – from Alaska to Florida

Forget trekking to Thailand or South America — the U.S. boasts some of the best natural swimming holes in the world. Here are our favorites.
A Bean Stock 2.0 ultralight travel trailer being towed down a wooded trail by a new Ford Bronco.

This $16K teardrop trailer is trail-ready and light enough to be towed by a Subaru Forester

Many teardrop trailers require heavier vehicles to tow them, but the new Bean trailer is towable by most midsize and compact SUVs and crossovers.
Young couple stepping into mountain stream with Westfalia Wave van in the background.

Westfalia just dropped a new camper — its first in over 20 years — that is perfect for van life

Westfalia is back with the Wave, a new van life vehicle and the company's first in over 20 years.
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.
Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur, California

From Alaska to Maine, these are 12 best road trip routes in the U.S. for embarking on an adventure of a lifetime

You needn't look far and wide for bucolic routes, as the best road trip routes in the US are captivating enough to offer you an adventure of a lifetime.
Couple outside an RV during a road trip

How to survive a long-distance RV road trip with your significant other

Long-distance road trips can be stressful, tiring, frustrating, and unpredictable -- sometimes even more so when you add a partner into the mix.
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 – CLEAR, Global Entry, and more

Some subscription services make sense — and cents — for travelers. These are the best travel memberships and subscriptions that are worth the money in 2024.
Kalamera 24-Inch Dual-Zone Beverage and Wine Cooler

The best beverage coolers for chilling your beer, wine, and soda in 2024

A beverage cooler, also known as a beverage center, will make a fine addition to your home bar or man cave. Here's our roundup of the best beverage coolers.
Car towing an RV

A newbie’s guide to safely towing an RV (or just about anything)

The idea of hooking up a multi-ton rig to your vehicle and barreling down the interstate at 65 miles per hour, sounds intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be.
Closeup of a hand wiping the inside of a car door with a leather care product.

Chamberlain’s, Chemical Guys, and more: Treat your ride to the best car leather cleaners (so you don’t ruin your car’s interior)

Cleaning your leather doesn't have to be an ordeal. From easy-to-use wipes to healing balms, these car leather cleaners will help your vehicle's leather shine.
Jackery's solar rooftop tent concept with a portable power bank, isolated on a plain background.

Jackery just revealed the coolest rooftop tent we’ve ever seen (Hint: It’s electric!)

Jackery's latest rooftop tent doubles as a huge solar panel, which adds a new dimension for long-term EV car camping and overlanding.
Man walking his road bike

Specialized, Giant, and more: These are the best bikes worth pedaling in 2024

Explore scenic routes and rugged roads with the best bicycles, guaranteed to nurture your wanderlust and up your fitness level.
Close-up of shiny car tire with Brabus wheels on pavement.

ExoForma, Car Guys, and more: 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 2024.
Man wearing motorcycle boots

Suit up with the best motorcycle boots for men in 2024 – TCX, Taylor Stitch, and more

Just because motorcycle boots are practical doesn't mean they can't also be stylish. Check out the most fashionable boots for men this year.
Happier camper exterior cliff feature

Road trip tips: Travel with one of the best ultralight travel trailers

The best travel trailers can take a mobile campsite anywhere you want to go. Here's a list of the top lightweight options for all your adventures.
Lightship L1 all-electric RV/travel trailer being towed by a pickup truck.

Lightship’s all-new L1 is a sleek, telescoping RV that looks and feels ready for space travel

Lightship's all-new L1 RV has the form factor of a traditional pop-up camper, but the sleek telescoping design is all hard-sided.
best hikes in united states 2021

From California to Maine, these are the 10 best hikes in the U.S.

Declaring the "best hikes" is a recipe for a fistfight. Still, we’re boldly staking our claim to the best hikes throughout the U.S.

Dispersed camping is your way to camp for free throughout the U.S. (seriously)

One-quarter of all U.S. land is federally owned and free for dispersed camping. Here's how and where to find your next dispersed campsite safely and legally.
Cyclist balancing on a bike in a barren landscape.

Back in the saddle with REI, Pearl Izumi, and more : 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.
onsen japan man

Onsen etiquette: Learn the 7 basic rules of Japan’s traditional hot spring baths

For a worry-free experience at a traditional Japanese hot spring, follow these rules of onsen etiquette, and you'll be soaking peacefully in no time.
A grove of sequoia trees seen through a thick fog.

Environmentalists are suing because national parks are… planting trees? Here’s what’s going on

You'd think environmentalists would be all for planting trees, but some groups are suing the National Park Service for it. Here's why.
Toyota Tacoma with a Tune Outdoor M1 truck camper canopy parked in a field at sunset.

This hyper-lightweight truck camper canopy turns (almost) any pickup into a great overland vehicle

Tune Outdoor now offers M1, a lightweight truck camper canopy that's sleek, durable, minimalist, and designed to fit all of the most popular pickups.
Man relaxing alone under a MoonShade Portable Vehicle Awning while overlanding.

Everything you need to have an overland adventure with the vehicle you (probably) already have

To kickstart your journey, we’ve gathered the best, most essential overlanding gear we’ve field tested and personally recommend.
Man standing atop a conversion van looking out at Big Sur, California.

The truth about van life: 5 realities of living in a camper van no one talks about

We've all dreamed of completing a camper van conversion, hitting the open road, and leaving everything behind. But van life isn't for everyone.