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They Glow in the Dark, Live on Your Feet, and Put Ants to Work

Plus... how to get your mush on.

Together With

Good Morning.

In today’s newsletter, we’re looking at fungi. It’s a broad and highly fascinating classification of microorganisms that can cover everything from yeast to mushrooms. We foraged some incredible facts that surprised us about fungi, and you can read those in the article below.

Then we shift from mushrooms to mushing. We’ve got a really great guide to dog sledding, and run down a list of some of the best places in the world to get your mush on.

Also, we’ve got a guide to the best entry-level mountain bikes on the market, and a guide to going from the climbing gym to getting outdoors and climbing actual rocks. It can be intimidating, but we’re here to help.

Thanks for reading the Outdoors newsletter – please forward to someone who you think might enjoy this newsletter as well.

Fungi Facts You Might Not Know

Fungi are one of the most fascinating and bizarre organisms on Earth—and they are delicious.

Many species contain either medicinal or hallucinogenic properties, and they can play an important role in well-being and health.

Chances are, you’ve already read about some obscure fungi facts, so we did a little extra digging to find some (hopefully) new-to-you facts. 

Together with Inside Hotels

Hotels We Love: Park Shore Waikiki

Just next to Waikiki Beach, offering stunning ocean views and a surprisingly wallet-friendly price tag, sits Park Shore Waikiki. This contemporary hotel gives off home-like vibes, with an exciting Aloha State twist. Each room is equipped with nap-ready blackout shades and private lanais perfect for taking in the sea breeze, and guests can visit the all-day restaurant Lulu’s Waikiki between trips to the beach. At night, grab dinner at Yoshitsune before heading out for a moonlit stroll along the sand.

Mush Around The World: Your Guide to Dog Sledding

Canine lovers can find places all around the world to enjoy sled dogs and this historic mode of transportation. Appreciate these amazing animals by watching famous sled dog races, going for an overnight excursion, seeing Denali’s canine rangers in action, or just meeting the pups. Here are a few ways to enjoy sled dogs around the world.

From the Gym to the Crag

The new year is a great opportunity to make changes and take advantage of the buzz to challenge yourself to do things you’ve never done before—like outdoor rock climbing. If you’re a gym climber looking to gain an edge in your climbing as part of your goals for 2024, then climbing outside is a great place to start. Some people say going from climbing indoors to climbing outside is tough. There are new obstacles, like the mental aspect, and the skill set is increased, but the transition from climbing indoors to the outdoors is possible for any climber.

Patrick Hendry - Annika's Yuki

Find Something for Every Outdoors Adventurer on Your Holiday List

Whether you’re shopping for the avid hiker, camping enthusiast, or adventure-lover on your list, finding the perfect gift feels like it’s getting tougher. From backpacks to tents to clothing essentials, the gear and apparel options are endless, and so are all the emails and ads. The Outdoors holiday gift guide is designed to navigate through the noise and help you discover new products and find the right item based on your budget.

Our team of writers and editors have broken down gift recommendations into a variety of price points: from gifts under $100 all the way up to higher ticket items above $500 (sometimes way above). From stocking stuffers to high-value items they’ll treasure for years, we’ll highlight some great gear upgrades, multi-functional pieces, and handy tools that will get used all season long. By gift type or price, we hope you’ll find the ideal present for the outdoor enthusiast on your list and inspire someone’s next big adventure.

 

⛺️ The Packing List

Now through Friday, get 20% off full-price cart at Competitive Cyclist with Code GIFTDROP.*

REI has Outdoor gifts under $50 for all last minute shopping!

Featured Guide: The Best Entry Level Mountain Bikes on the Market Right Now

Mountain biking is one of the best ways to explore the outdoors, but shopping for your first bike can be overwhelming. Some of the price tags are staggering, but with a bit of added knowledge, you can find the best brands and styles of bikes to fit your needs.

Here’s a list of great entry-level mountain bikes perfectly priced to get you outside and riding without breaking the bank. At the same time, these are high enough quality that you’ll be able to explore new trails without running into any issues.

Let’s dive right in by looking at popular bikes and great options for new mountain bikers.

Need Some New Outdoors Gear?

Have you checked out the new Outdoors Gear Shop?

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 to’s, guides, expert opinions, and gear.

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