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The Story of a Failed Polar Expedition

Plus... why are e-bikes catching on fire?

Together With

Good morning, adventurers.

“Anyone who is more risk averse than I [am] considers me a very wise young man capable of making good decisions in the field. And everyone who’s less risk averse—anyone who likes to live more dangerously than me—probably sees me as a coward.”

Jacob Myers knows he’s not a coward, but there’s a lot of emotions involved after pulling the plug on a potentially record breaking expedition – to become the youngest person to ski unaided to the South Pole.

Adding to the pressure? There was $140k in sponsorship dollars on the line.

Sometimes failure teaches us more about ourselves and about life than success. And learning from failing and building resiliency are some of the greatest skills we can hone.

In today’s edition of the newsletter, we speak with Myers about his decision to end his expedition, and what’s next for him.

We’ll also look at some odd things happening (very separately) around bald eagles and e-bikes.

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

The Story of a Failed Polar Expedition

Last month, 25-year-old Jacob “Val” Myers set out to become the youngest person to ski alone and unaided from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the geographic South Pole. He secured over $140,000 in fundraising and sponsorships, he trained for over two years, he poured his heart and his life savings into this world-record attempt. Then, 13 days into the expedition, he gave up. 

A failed expedition. It’s not the kind of story that usually makes the news. And yet, there’s a lot to unpack here—about what it means to make the right call, even when other people view it differently, or about sacrificing hours already passed and dollars already spent so that you do not sacrifice something that is ultimately much more important. 

Together with Inside Hotels

Hotels We Love: Hutton Hotel

Ready to rock Nashville? From hiking the wilds of Broadway and Music Row to getting into the area’s great outdoor options like paddling the Cumberland, Nashville has it all. On your next stay in Music City, soak the cultural history of your destination at the Hutton Hotel, a modern hotel with a music focus and country vibe. Although the spacious rooms are incredible on their own, the amenities here are what makes the hotel so unique. One involves a partnership with Fender, which allows guests to borrow instruments, while another – the Writers Studios –  helps to ensure that visiting musicians don’t have to leave the hotel to get a recording session in. And all that creativity and excitement is sure to build your appetite. The on-site restaurant, Evelyn’s, and venue, Analog, make for a perfect one-stop-shop to ensure a really great time in Nashville.

Only in Alaska: Have You Ever Seen Hundreds of Bald Eagles in One Place?

A new video out of Alaska captures dozens of bald eagles all in the same place at the same time. It’s a surprising sight, as the bird is a primarily solitary creature and usually hunts alone. However, that’s not the case at this garbage dump.

Why are E-Bikes Catching on Fire?

Electronic bikes (e-bikes) have been growing in popularity for some time now. An eco-friendly way to get around, these bikes offer multiple benefits for our health, fitness, and the environment. For adventure seekers, e-bikes can offer a great way to cover extra miles and discover new places.

Lately, a growing number of reports have raised concerns about their safety. In particular, fires sparked by issues with their lithium-ion batteries have grabbed news headlines.

⛺️ The Packing List

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Featured Guide: The Best Camping Flashlights You Can Buy Right Now

Some of the best parts of camping happen after dark. Cooking up a campfire culinary masterpiece or finally getting some quiet reading time can make a day of hiking worth the effort. If you forget your flashlight or find out too late that the batteries are dead, a fun camping trip can turn rustic in a hurry. That’s why we don’t just grab a light out of the junk drawer and call it a day; we pack the best camping flashlight we can get our hands on.   

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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