Together with

Good morning.

For well over a century, Park Rangers have been a staple of the American outdoors. Across the country’s National Park System, Rangers help protect both people and wild spaces, but many folks don’t know just how much work they do.

In this week’s edition of the newsletter, we asked an active Ranger to take our readers behind the scenes on the job. Scroll down to read the excellent guest post from Carina Hammang, a supervising state park peace officer and a park ranger at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California.

Also in today’s newsletter, we’ll find out why now is the optimal time to start planning a thru-hike for 2024, and we’ll talk to an expert to help us dispel some common myths about the majestic bison.

Go Behind the Scenes With a Real-Life Park Ranger

“Green pants, khaki shirt, black boots, duty belt, shiny star badge, and the iconic straw Stetson. This is the image most people visualize in their minds when they think of a park ranger. If you are an outdoor enthusiast—a hiker, cyclist, equestrian, camper, birder, or photographer—or if you grew up traveling with your parents to parks across the country, then you have likely met a park ranger in real life.

Did you know that there are many types of park rangers in North America? There are city, county, regional, state, and federal park rangers, and even peace officers in some police departments that are assigned as park rangers. Each of these departments has specific duties that park rangers fulfill to protect the public, the communities, and the natural, cultural, and historic resources. They enforce rules, regulations, and state, local, and federal laws.”

Find out what it’s like to be an NPS Park Ranger with this guest post from Carina Hammang, a supervising state park peace officer and a park ranger at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California.

Together with Inside Hotels

Hotels We Love: Hotel Esencia

Along an undeveloped beach on the beautiful Riviera Maya sits Hotel Esencia, a boutique hotel that offers a truly royal treatment—fitting, seeing as it was once the private residence of an Italian duchess. Sitting comfortably on nearly every “best hotels in Mexico” list, it has retained that original charm with just 42 intimate suites and villas, creating a bespoke experience where guests can enjoy meals featuring fresh, local ingredients at the top-tier on-site restaurants, or relax at the Mayan-themed spa overlooking a stunning cenote. Each room is decked out with art and antiques to exude organic sophistication, and private balconies, hammocks, and pools surrounded by lush greenery ensure Hotel Esencia offers a unique and elevated beach experience.

Now is the Time to Plan Your 2024 Thru-Hikes

November might hardly seem like the time to start planning your 2024 thru-hikes, but permits have already opened for some of the long-distance trails. Now is the perfect time to prepare your finances, fitness, gear, and food prep as well. Here are the things you need to start looking into and planning now so that you can take off for the trail in spring. 

5 Myths About Bison

Bison are marvelous. People travel from all over the world to wonder at their size and strength and watch their slow ramble across the plains in places like South Dakota and Wyoming. All too often, though, tourists don’t respect that size and strength and get dangerously close to the hairy beasts, often to their own detriment.

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 tos, guides, expert opinions, and gear.

Outdoor Gear Checklist

We take pride in uplifting other brands within the Outdoors community. Check out and buy from the brands that support us.

1. RTIC Outdoors

Now through 11/7, RTIC Outdoors is kicking off the holidays with free gifts! Get two free 20oz Tumblers or a free Basket and Divider when you shop select gear!*

2. Black Diamond

Black Diamond Equipment is offering an extra 20% Off outlet items now through 11/16!*

Featured Product: The Outdoors Tee

Support Outdoors and the World Land Trust with a purchase of the Outdoors t-shirt, available in a trio of colors.

• Regular fit, crew neck

• Mid weight, 5.3 oz/yd² , 28-singles 

• 100% combed cotton

A portion of all sales goes towards The World Land Trust which has funded:

- The Planting of 1,631,233 Trees 
- The protection of Over 11,617 Species
- The Protection of 2,640,020 Acres