Step into the evo Hotel, and the Great Hall buzzes: people lounge on the lobby鈥檚 leather couches, retail workers help customers tune their bikes, and climbers stroll through with shoes in hand and chalk on their pants. Past the front desk, skateboarders shred the ramps and rails of the 5,000-square-foot indoor park, and in the cozy alcove under the steps, remote workers sit on plush pillows, typing away on laptops.

Over a weekend in April, I stayed at the evo Hotel for two nights for a media ski trip. After checking in, I headed to my room, which was modern with exposed brick walls and industrial detailing, yet homey with a king bed, a ski rack in the corner, music system, and a cute patio (although covered with snow at the time). Downstairs, I rented gear from the evo Salt Lake store to ski Snowbasin the next day. After I filled out some information, the staff equipped me with Rossignol skis and Atomic Hawx Magna boots鈥攖ailored to my intermediate ability on a monster powder day.

For years, outdoor enthusiasts had to choose between campgrounds, rustic cabins, hostels, mountain lodges, and bougie resorts. But the rise of outdoor-adventure hotels like evo helps travelers to find the middle ground so they can enjoy comfortable beds and amenities, all with a laid-back atmosphere and community feel. These lodges cater to those visiting for outdoor sports by providing high-quality gear rentals and demos suitable for all or most levels of interest and ability. Evo, for example, has both hardtail and enduro mountain bikes, depending on your style of riding. Its ski and snowboard rentals come from reputable brands.

After the first day of our trip, Anna Dimond, a fellow writer and experienced snowboarder, wanted to try a different set up, and the rental shop suited her up and offered clear explanations about the attributes of each suggested board. 鈥淭en out of 10 I would rent there again instead of schlepping my own old board,鈥� she said. 鈥淏onus [of the stay] was being able to try out new gear and adjust to the conditions.鈥�

While evo has the essentials, like bikes, snowboards, and skis, the place also offers a whole array of and hard goods like coolers, chairs, and tables that may be too bulky to lug around on an airplane, or for people who just want to test out new outdoor products, such as a Patagonia Black Hole backpack or Black Diamond Moji Charging Station Lantern.

Communal spaces are another fundamental aspect of outdoor-adventure hotels. Whether in hotel lobbies, designated coworking spaces, or evening-hangout campfire rings with s鈥檓ore supplies, common areas create the opportunity for guests to interact and connect over the day鈥檚 adventures. Guided excursions and group experiences, offered at some places such as Field Station and LOGE Camps, provide more time to mix with other travelers, sort of like at hostels but without the shared bedrooms and 3 A.M. wake-ups as the drunk gap-year kids roll back in.

As the new type of lodging gains popularity, many brands, including evo, have鈥攐r are planning to open鈥攏umerous locations across the United States, mostly out West. Here are some of my favorite outdoor-adventure hotels options open now.

Evo Hotel: Salt Lake City, Utah

At it鈥檚 easy to forget you鈥檙e in a hotel; it feels more like a community space鈥攁nd that鈥檚 intentional. Onsite, you鈥檒l find a climbing gym (the Salt Lake Bouldering Project), a gear-rental shop within the evo Store, the All Together Skate Park, two adjacent outdoor retail stores, and a rooftop bar with views of the Wasatch Mountains. The former 100,000-square-foot warehouse retains structural elements such as original brick walls and exposed beam ceilings from its days as a granary, street art decorates the walls, and each room features artwork from local artists. Hotel visitors get day passes to the climbing gym, which also offers yoga and fitness classes. As you walk around the property, you鈥檒l see just as many locals as visitors, as people get their bikes or skis serviced, and climbers ranging from beginners to pros train at the Bouldering Project. (From $145 to $253 a night)

Field Station: Moab, Utah

a new outdoor-adventure lodging sub-brand of the Autocamp Hospitality Group, recently opened its first location, in Moab, Utah鈥攚ithin striking distance of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The hotel鈥檚 charcoal-gray exterior contrasts with the surrounding red rock walls, while the rooms have a minimal aesthetic, with raw-wood fixtures and plenty of gear storage. Well-thought-out touches include outdoorsy coffee-table books and hangboards mounted above door frames. A variety of room types鈥攆rom king-bed suites to bunk rooms to van-life parking spots鈥攁ccommodate travelers of all different budgets. (From $128 to $255 a night)

On the property, there鈥檚 a pool to escape the desert heat, and guests can sign up for guided experiences or rent gear to explore the area on their own. Field Station is slated to open a Joshua Tree location in fall 2023.

LOGE Camps: Washington, Oregon, and California聽

Another outdoor-lodging brand, has seven locations across Washington, Oregon, and California that are inspired by 鈥�70s surf and road-trip culture, with six additional sites set to open throughout 2023. Whether you want to climb the peaks or go bouldering around Leavenworth, Washington; hike around the volcanic terrain on the flanks of Mount Shasta, California; or surf in the chilly waters of the Washington coast in Westport, LOGE properties are located in the heart of outdoor towns with plentiful public-land access. Repurposing old motels, LOGE offers campsites, family-style bunk rooms, or standard hotel rooms. Plus, all of their properties are dog-friendly, so you won鈥檛 have to worry about whether or not you can bring your pup along.

Four of LOGE鈥檚 locations (in Leavenworth and Westport, Washington; Mount Shasta, California; and Bend, Oregon) have gear-rental centers, and depending on the region, you can check out big items like cross-country skis, surfboards, SUP boards, or full-suspension mountain bikes. Browse the rental website to reserve in advance, and you will find detailed descriptions of demo boards, bikes, and other gear. While the gear is generally suitable for beginners to experienced practitioners, experts who want the lightest and most advanced products may prefer to bring their own. (From $98 to $315 a night)

Gravity Haus: Colorado and California聽

a Colorado-based lodging brand and self-proclaimed social club, falls within the same realm of outdoor-adventure hotel. It has locations across Colorado, including Vail, Breckenridge, Winter Park, and Steamboat Springs, and one hotel in Truckee-Tahoe, California鈥攚ith another property set to open in Aspen, Colorado, this December. The facility offers slightly elevated amenities, like fitness classes and recovery facilities such as cold plunges and saunas, but maintains a down-to-earth vibe. Frequent travelers or locals can buy a membership that offers day access to the property, including the fitness center, co-working space, and gear demos.

Similar to evo, Gravity Haus has one of the most substantial gear-rental programs in the bunch, through its in-house Haus Quiver, which offers backcountry gear and avalanche-rescue equipment as well as more standard setups. However, the place does not demo ski or snowboard boots, so you鈥檒l have to bring your own. For bikes, you can choose between enduro, trail, cross-country, and gravel, from brands like Specialized, Spot, and Commencal. (From $240 to $526 a night)

Outdoor-adventure hotels are a niche, enabling people to stay connected to the outdoors without having to rough it, or to travel easily without the hassle of flying with skis or a bike. They also create a built-in community in an unfamiliar place, a chance to make meaningful connections over ski tracks or s’mores wherever you go.

Hannah Singleton is a Salt Lake City-based outdoor journalist who travels around the western U.S. for both work and play. While she used to spend nearly every night of the summer sleeping on the ground as a backpacking guide (and still camps often), she now feels the draw of a cushy bed, vibrant community, and fast wi-fi when on the road.

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Energy bars are a staple for many hikers, backpackers, runners, and skiers, providing essential calories and nutrients in a portable format. But when you鈥檙e getting your heart rate up on a hike, run, or ride, it can be hard to motivate yourself to eat, even when you need food the most. So, it helps to bring tasty snacks that you actually want to eat. With the help of a team of outdoor enthusiasts who eat energy bars regularly, both during activities and to fulfill daily caloric needs, we taste-tested 25 products across 12 brands. We primarily considered flavor and texture to figure out which bars were the most delicious, while also factoring in portability: the size of the bar and its ability to withstand different temperatures鈥攁nd some minor squishing鈥攊n a backpack. Here are our results.

Best All-Around: Kind Nut Bar ($17.50 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew
Texture: 5/5
Portability: 5/5

If you鈥檙e looking for an easy-to-eat snack bar, are one of the tastiest. They were the most well-liked across our testing list, appealing to a wide range of palates. We also love that they don鈥檛 have the processed mush feel of many energy bars; they鈥檙e light and crunchy with plenty of whole nuts. One of Kind鈥檚 best sellers鈥攁nd a crowd favorite鈥攊s the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, hitting the spot as both a salty and sweet snack. At the end of testing, everyone expressed that we would bring these bars on hikes or take them to work for a midday snack.

One note: While the nut bars are perfect for backcountry endeavors (it鈥檚 difficult to smash them), they only have about 180 calories and six grams of protein each, so they鈥檙e not as filling as a meal replacement energy bar. But they will provide fast-hitting energy when you need it most.

Best Newcomer: Honey Stinger Nut and Seed Bar ($36 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Almond Pumpkin Seed
Texture: 5/5
Portability: 4/5

A relative newbie, the is coming in hot. With a combination of seeds, nuts, a layer of caramel, and a nougaty nut butter center, this energy bar seems like a candy bar without artificial ingredients. We’d reach for this bar again and again for all outdoor endeavors, at any time of year. Unlike many bars that are high in protein but have a chalky texture or artificial taste, this bar manages to pack in 14 grams of protein and still be delicious.

Best for Mid-Activity Fuel: Luna Bar ($20.57 for 15)

Flavors Tested: LemonZest, Chocolate Peppermint Stick, Chocolate Dipped Coconut
Texture: 4/5
Portability: 5/5

These brand鈥檚 bars are flavorful and include fun tasting notes, like the pop of citrus in and the cool mintiness of the Chocolate Peppermint Stick. The grain base is light and airy with a crunch, so it’s easy to eat no matter how hard you鈥檙e working. Coating the bottom of each bar is a layer of icing, so they鈥檙e perfect for hikers and runners who crave mid-activity sugar.

Best Update On the Classic: Clif Nut Butter Bar ($19.74 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Peanut Butter
Texture: 5/5
Portability: 4/5

Clif Bars were one of the first outdoor-specific energy bars on the scene, launching in 1992. I spent years devouring them as my main trail snack, so much so that you鈥檇 be hard-pressed to find me with a traditional Clif bar in hand these days. However, these are a different story. Their oat-y exterior is stuffed with creamy nut butter, creating a soft, pleasant texture. Testers鈥櫬爋nly complaint was that they break apart easily, so they might not survive days in a pack.

Most Filling: Pro Bar ($40 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Superfood Slam, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Texture: 5/5
Portability: 3/5

Some energy bars can be hard to stomach, especially when they鈥檙e dense and protein-packed, but somehow manage to be hearty and delectable. (Maybe the high sugar content, with 20 grams per serving, is why we love them.) Because these filling meal bars have a whopping 350 to 400 calories each, you can skip the lunch preparation and dive straight into your adventures. However, they鈥檙e not the most portable option, as they鈥檙e too large to stow in a pocket while running.

Best Organic: Kate鈥檚 Real Food Bar ($29.88 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
Texture: 3/5
Portability: 4/5

With 100 percent organic ingredients, have garnered attention from hikers and backpackers for their natural flavors. They maintain a light, crisp taste while packing in 260 to 300 calories per bar. But because they don鈥檛 have a gooey, artificial binding agent to hold them together like others on this list, the Real Food bars get a little crumbly when you pick them up. The Dark Chocolate Cherry and Almond ranked well across the board, while the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate wasn鈥檛 as popular because of its earthy aftertaste.

Best for Cold Activities: Perfect Bar ($24 for eight)

Flavors Tested: Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel
Texture: 3/5
Portability: 2/5

Perfect Bars are an ideal snack for ski-touring and snowshoeing because they don鈥檛 freeze as easily as other bars, and they鈥檙e calorically dense, which will help you stay warm. The is my go-to snack in the cold months, but these bars ranked lower on our list because some testers didn鈥檛 love their thick and fudgy texture. Plus, they need to be refrigerated, so they become melty and sweaty on hot days. (Unless you have a major sweet tooth, skip the Salted Caramel flavor and opt for the brand鈥檚 more standard options.)

Tamest Flavors: Skratch Labs Anytime Energy Bar ($30 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Cherries + Pistachios, Chocolate Chips + Almonds
Texture: 4/5
Portability: 4/5

have a similar texture and appearance to Kate鈥檚 Real Food bars, but overall, the flavors were more muted and indistinct (the Cherry and Pistachio, which sounds divine, was mostly just grain-heavy). These bars don鈥檛 live up to the impressive lineup of other Skratch products, like their electrolyte mix and drool-worthy Green Tea Matcha and Lemon energy chews.

Good for Snacking: Larabar ($16 for 16)

Flavors Tested: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Cashew Cookie, Cherry Pie
Texture: 3/5
Portability: 5/5

With only two or three ingredients per bar depending on the flavor, are great for snackers who want to keep it simple or anyone who is gluten-free. For fruit fans, the Cherry Pie flavor was our favorite because it had a soft, gooey texture and delightfully sweet flavor. This texture isn鈥檛 consistent throughout the line of bars, though鈥攕ome, like the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bar, were a bit too chalky. But while most of the flavors failed to blow us away, overall, Larabars are simple and easy to eat.

Most Divisive: GoMacro MacroBar ($37.39 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Lemon, Banana + Almond Butter, Salted Caramel + Chocolate Chips
Texture: 2/5
Portability: 4/5

were a bit divisive among our testing group: some loved them and ranked them near the top of their list, while others couldn鈥檛 get over their slimy, pasty texture. (One tester even compared them to Play-Doh.) Although the flavors ranked middle of the pack, these bars have their place as a meal replacement bar that鈥檚 packed with nutrients and protein. They also work for many with dietary restrictions, like the FODMAP diet.

Most Cake-Like: Bobo鈥檚 Oat Bars ($29.88 for 12)

Flavors Tested: Banana Chocolate Chip, Lemon Poppyseed
Texture: 3/5
Portability: 3/5

These are quite different from others on the list: more like a baked good than energy bar, this brick of oats is a heavy, satisfying option for when you need a substantial snack. But while both flavors we tried were quite good (with Lemon Poppyseed more popular than Banana Chocolate Chip), the bars tend to get dry and hard to chew, so be sure to have water handy.

Simplest: RxBar ($40.75 for 24)

Flavors Tested: Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple Sea Salt
Texture: 2/5
Portability: 5/5

are a great choice for those with dietary restrictions because you know exactly what you鈥檙e getting with each one; the simple ingredients are laid out in large print on the packaging. However, most testers felt that they were too sticky and hard to chew. And while we were impressed by the flavor of the Chocolate Sea Salt, the Maple Sea Salt was a total flop because the flavor was too sweet and concentrated.

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As we ease into summer and temperatures skyrocket, it鈥檚 important to stay hydrated during your favorite outdoor activity. Electrolyte drinks via mixes are great for this, but let鈥檚 be frank: if you don鈥檛 like the taste, you probably won鈥檛 drink it.

That鈥檚 why we gathered a group of testers who regularly use hydration mixes to participate in a month-long side-by-side taste comparison of 10 brands and 23 flavors. We ranked them by brand, with flavor being the most important consideration, followed by package portability and the mix’s ability to dissolve in water, so you know what to expect if you want to use it on the go. These are the results, ranked from best to least favorite.

Best All-Around: Gnarly Nutrition

Flavors Tested: Raspberry, Orange Pineapple
Dissolvability: 5/5
Portability: 5/5

were a fan favorite during our taste test, and the raspberry flavor was the most liked of the bunch. It鈥檚 rich, juicy, and refreshing, tasting more like raspberries picked fresh from our backyard than an overly-sweet, artificial fruit. Our only complaint? Gnarly鈥檚 hydration mix only comes in three flavors鈥攚e鈥檇 love more options.

Best for Salt Fans: LMNT

Flavors Tested: Watermelon Salt, Citrus Salt, Mango Chili
Dissolvability: 5/5
Portability: 5/5

was a bit more divisive than less sodium-heavy brands鈥攕ome people absolutely loved them, and others puckered their lips at the infusion of salt and tart flavors. But if you鈥檙e a salt fiend, you鈥檙e in for a treat. LMNT鈥檚 flavors are delicious and satisfying; we鈥檝e been testing the drink during 90-degree temps in Salt Lake City and reach for it again and again when we feel sluggish or dehydrated.

The packaging is also the smallest and most portable on this list鈥攊t鈥檚 slim and short and can fit in any pocket in your running vest or even your shorts. Another bonus: It makes a damn good margarita mixer.

Best for Everyday Use: Skratch Labs

Flavors Tested: Raspberry Limeade, Lemon-Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach
Dissolvability: 3/5
Portability: 4/5

Sometimes subtlety is the name of the game, especially when bold, punchy flavors may not sit well in the stomach like on a long run or a hike in 100-degree temps. That鈥檚 where comes in; its flavors taste like sliced fresh fruit tossed in water, bright, light, and insanely refreshing. Skratch is a great everyday option because it has a third of the sodium as other brands like Pedialyte and LMNT, and although it doesn鈥檛 have the initial 鈥渨ow鈥� factor as some other flavors, it鈥檚 the kind of taste that grows on you with each sip.

One note: While Skratch powders are tasty and portable, we experienced some issues when dissolving them in water. According to Skratch Labs, this happens because it uses real fruit for flavoring, which might result in some pulp or electrolyte salts lingering in your bottle after mixing.聽 This only happened with some flavors, like the peach, while other powders dissolved just fine.

Best for Hot Days: Liquid IV

Flavors Tested: Passionfruit, Lemon-Lime
Dissolvability: 5/5
Portability: 5/5

鈥檚 electrolyte mixes strike a perfect balance between salty and sweet. The flavors are a bit more artificial tasting than the brands above, but equally delicious. The passionfruit鈥攐ur favorite鈥攊s complex and tropical, but if you want a simple, refreshing drink, the lemon-lime will quench your thirst on a hot day.

Best for Long Days: Pedialyte Sport

Flavors Tested: Lemon-Lime
Dissolvability: 5/5
Portability: 4/5

You may know Pedialyte as the ultimate hangover cure, but they also make an electrolyte mix tailored to exercise. Their has that classic sports drink flavor, but with a more muted flavor and a big hit of salt. All this to say: it doesn鈥檛 leave a sugary aftertaste in your mouth, just a hint of salty citrus.

Best For Backpacking: Nuun

Flavors Tested: Tropical, Mango Orange, Watermelon
Dissolvability: 4/5
Portability: 3/5

is known for changing the electrolyte game when it created fizzing tablets over a decade ago. Since then, it has become a go-to for backpackers and runners alike. The tropical flavor is delightful and refreshing, giving hints of pineapple and guava, while the mango orange is fruity with a slight effervescent feeling on the tongue. Both of these flavors are offered in caffeinated and non-caffeinated varieties.

Nuun isn鈥檛 higher on the list because its flavors are pretty hit or miss. (While we loved the tropical flavor, for example, watermelon was mediocre.) And although the canisters hold 10 tabs and are great for a backpacking trip, they鈥檙e not the most portable for runs and bikes.

Best Throwback: Gatorade Endurance Formula

Flavors Tested: Lemon-Lime, Watermelon
Dissolvability: 3/5
Portability: 2/5

Gatorade is a household name鈥攜ou can probably conjure up the syrupy taste of a Glacier Freeze enjoyed during your middle school rec league baseball game. We tested the brand鈥檚 , which has a lighter, less sweet taste than these traditional Gatorade beverages. The nostalgia factor is still there, but it appeals to a more adult palate. We especially liked the watermelon flavor, which is light with a super-sour punch.

Gatorade won the taste test over Pedialyte (which has a similar flavor but is a bit saltier), but we moved it down the ranks because it鈥檚 not very portable鈥攊t comes in 49-gram bags compared to Pedialyte鈥檚 14 gram鈥攁nd doesn鈥檛 dissolve well in cold water. The amount of mix in the pouches is too large for the average 16 oz water bottle (they recommend you use 24 oz of water), so you may find yourself with a half-opened packet of loose powder in your bag or an oversaturated beverage.

Best Deal: Ultima

Flavors Tested: Passionfruit, Lemon
Dissolvability: 3/5
Portability: 5/5

are great for people with a sweet tooth, but they ranked low on the list because they are too sweet for those looking for a light refresher. The classic lemon flavor tastes like sweetened lemonade, while passionfruit tastes like a sweet tea beverage you鈥檇 buy at a gas station. But, with the added benefit of hydrating electrolytes, these mixes are a great substitution for those sugary drinks. They鈥檙e also more affordable than other options on this list: 20 mix packets run around $20 (compared to $25 for 14 packets from Liquid IV).

Best for Long Runs: Tailwind

Flavors Tested: Mandarin
Dissolvability: 5/5
Portability: 5/5

For athletes that struggle to keep down calories during exercise, are known for being easy on the stomach, making them good race-day fuel. But when it comes to flavor, we think they have some work to do鈥攎ost testers consistently ranked it near the bottom of the list. The flavor is flat and hard to pinpoint because it鈥檚 neither sweet nor salty, but it鈥檚 also not quite refreshing. The one main draw is that, at 100 calories per serving, they are more calorie-dense than the other products on this list, so you can use them as a meal replacement during a long run or bike ride.

Best for Sweet Tooths: Honey Stinger

Flavors Tested: Tangerine, Mango Melon, Berry Defense
Dissolvability: 2/5
Portability: 5/5

We love the Honey Stinger waffles, so we wanted to love these powders, but we would be lying if we said we liked these. The flavors are overly sweet (one tester said it tastes like a lollipop in drink form), and the powder clumps when mixed it into water. But if you are trying to kick a soda habit or get your kids to drink more water, these electrolyte mixes may work for you.

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In the summer of 2018, Adam, my boyfriend at the time, was my main adventure partner. I realized this was an issue halfway up the first pitch of a climb in Squamish, British Columbia. My heart was racing as I held my breath and tried over and over again to jam my hand in an overhanging, fist-wide crack. As I dangled on the rope out of Adam鈥檚 line of sight, I burst into tears, cursing him for choosing a climb that was just too hard for me. 鈥淵ou got this,鈥� he encouraged me from the first anchor. What seemed like an hour later, I fumbled my way up the last 30 feet, frustrated, panicked, and unable to put a smile back on my face. 鈥淵ou should鈥檝e known this would be too hard for me,鈥� I yelled at him as I clipped in, tears welling up at the bottom of my eyes. He apologized, unsure how to react to my volatility. We abandoned our goal and rappeled to the ground.

Adam and I had moved to Bellingham, Washington, together a few years prior to this incident. He was freshly recovered from hip surgery and we were both stoked to add skills like alpine climbing and glacier travel to our repertoire. We loved all the same activities and had similar adventure goals, so other friendships took the back seat while we were together. But when our relationship eventually faded, I was left to relearn how to be independent鈥攊n the outdoors and in my personal life.

After Adam, I dated Alex. Where Adam was compassionate and supportive in the mountains, Alex was more logic-driven. When I started to learn his sports (skiing and mountain biking), Alex took on the role of teacher. He was eager to help, but the mutual hard-headedness that brought us together eventually started to wedge us apart. 鈥淗ere, just do it like this,鈥� he would say, taking the bike tool out of my hands. I鈥檇 swiftly grab it back and try it myself. 鈥淛ust point your skis downhill,鈥� he would say from the bottom of a run as my legs froze and my skis felt like they were made of lead. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not that easy,鈥� I鈥檇 yell back. On the outside, I was stubborn, but in my head, I was聽internalizing his overbearing-yet-well-intentioned advice to mean there was something wrong with me. Insecurity is a bitch.

We鈥檝e all experienced awkward tension outdoors when we overhear a couple fighting鈥攐r maybe we鈥檝e been there ourselves. When I brought this topic up to girlfriends, most of them recalled moments of frustration to the point of tears while聽out with significant others. 鈥淚 feel like when Paul is explaining how to do something, I take it as an extreme critique of my ability,鈥� my friend Sara mentioned over text. 鈥淲hereas with a friend, it鈥檚 a lot easier to swallow.鈥� Libby, another friend, agreed, 鈥淭here are just more emotions wrapped up in doing things with your romantic partner than a platonic friend.鈥�

, a relationship counselor in Bozeman, Montana, chalks this up to stress鈥攁nd the way individuals communicate (or fail to communicate) about it. 鈥淚n our primary or romantic relationships, partners are the people that we鈥檙e choosing in the world to keep us the safest, in a biological sense, not a conscious sense,鈥� she says. 鈥淚f there are varying comfortabilities with聽skill and risk levels in a relationship, it can pretty much automatically inspire distress in some way; if I鈥檓 someone who needs to go towards someone in the moment of stress and my partner needs to move away, now we have opposite needs.鈥�

When you鈥檙e in a heightened state of stress and haven鈥檛 learned how to manage it, you鈥檙e 鈥渕ore likely to use old coping skills that you learned when you were a kid and see some immaturity coming out in your responses,鈥� Hensen says. That may be why I was so often my worst self聽with past partners in stressful outdoor situations.

On top of that, Alex had already seen me at my low鈥攈unched over on the couch, cramps raging, with a heating pad across my stomach鈥攕o with him, I didn鈥檛 have to act happy when I wasn鈥檛. I could wallow and pout and get fed up and rip off my helmet and snap that I didn鈥檛 want to go up one. more. goddamn. hill and he would still love me (maybe).

But my friends choose to hang out with me. If I throw a tantrum when the group makes a wrong turn on a hike or snap at them when they offer advice, there鈥檚 a good chance they鈥檒l stop responding to my invites. With friendships, you 鈥渕ay not want to show the person how you really deal with stress,鈥� explained Hensen, and you have 鈥渁dded social pressures, so you may mentally work harder to be positive or keep the group mindset strong.鈥� So, when things get tough and I鈥檓 not having fun, I tamper those feelings and try to keep the stoke for the sake of the group. With that slight attitude shift, I鈥檓 much better prepared when things go wrong鈥攁s they ultimately will in outdoor adventures.

It鈥檚 also easier to learn from friends. Without the heightened emotions that come with a relationship, we鈥檙e free to explore skills and gain knowledge in a more neutral environment. The same words that come off as critique from a significant other sound like advice from a friend. 鈥淲hen I get advice from my partner, I take it as he wants聽to acknowledge he knows more about the sport than I do,鈥� explained my friend Hannah. 鈥淚f my friend tells me to do something differently, I see it as them wanting me to be stronger, safer, and more knowledgable.鈥� Another friend, Alana,聽experienced this, too: 鈥淲hen I started sport climbing with my friends, I actually started taking falls. I felt more comfortable having a conversation and working through my fear with them, instead of having to prove myself.鈥� In turn, you begin to take ownership of that activity. The more comfortable you get with your new hobby, the more you build positive associations鈥攁nd the fear starts to subside. 鈥淲hen we have positive experiences going out and feeling confident while learning something new, we鈥檙e going to carry some of that confidence into our relationships, most likely,鈥� Hensen says.

Ever since Alex and I split over a year ago, my go-to adventure pals have been my best friends, not romantic partners. I鈥檝e found a new love for sports I once hated. Recently, on a mountain bike ride with friends, everything started to go wrong. I forgot my helmet and had to scramble to borrow a friend鈥檚. I couldn鈥檛 shift into my lowest gear, and my brakes weren鈥檛 working very well. When we arrived at the top of our climb, I lagged behind the crew, walking my bike up the last incline. On the verge of bonking with no more snacks in my pack (usually a recipe for disaster), instead of getting frustrated or beat down, I rolled up with a smile and cracked a joke. For some reason, I didn鈥檛 have to fake it; I just was happy聽to be out there.

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I have this terrible fear of death. Not my death, but my loved ones鈥�. Whenever they leave the house and go on adventures, vivid visions of car crashes and climbing accidents wiggle their way deep into my brain.

It wasn鈥檛 until I was 30 that I learned not everyone thinks like this. My partner at the time was a worry-free skier, climber, and biker who would often put his phone on airplane mode before heading into the mountains. As soon as the sun would set, I鈥檇 wait, my mind frantic, desperate to feel the vibration of a text message. Does he have a headlamp? Shouldn鈥檛 he be finished with his tour? I鈥檇 pull up the local avalanche-center reports and check for news of any accidents. I鈥檇 pace around my house, unable to focus on simple tasks and wondering how soon I could call search and rescue.

Backcountry recreators have used GPS devices for years to share their locations with loved ones. But it was rare that people could watch the comings and goings of their partners on screen at any given moment. That changed in the last couple of years with the iPhone鈥攖oday, many of my friends seem perfectly happy to use it in their daily lives, for reasons beyond safety concerns. 鈥淚 always thought I wouldn鈥檛 like it, but now my husband and I use it. It just cuts down on the 鈥榳hen will you be home鈥� texts and makes me feel better when he鈥檚 mountain biking,鈥� says my friend Kasey.

However, others feel it is an overreach, an invasion of privacy. 鈥淢y wife and I don鈥檛 use it. We had both been in relationships in the past where we shared locations, and we both felt it became toxic and unnecessary,鈥� explains another of my friends, who asked to stay anonymous.

For me, it was a crutch to avoid working on underlying issues, both personal and relational.

My anxiety started off benign enough, confined to the realm of my partner鈥檚 risky outdoor excursions and long-distance drives. But it soon grew to occupy space in my daily thoughts. I鈥檇 constantly plead as he walked out the door to text me when he arrived at his destination. He was a good sport, but the incessant worrying and need for communication weighed on him. He went outside to get away from technology, not check in with his overly anxious girlfriend six times a day. And he knew he was bad at it. So one day, he turned on his iPhone tracking鈥攊ndefinitely. A wave of relief washed over me. If my mind flashed to a tragic scene, I鈥檇 just take out my phone. Instant fix.

But in the weeks that followed, I found myself checking just because, even when I didn鈥檛 fear for his well-being. I found comfort as the map readjusted to his current location, visualizing him on the trail or at a red light, his little white and blue initials a sign that his physical body was intact. Though it felt unhealthy even at the time, I didn鈥檛 know how else to temper my obsessive thoughts. Logically, I knew my partner would be OK. As a former backpacking guide with wilderness medical training, I always felt confident in my ability to improvise in any outdoor situation, and I trusted my partner鈥檚 competency, too.

But location sharing was a Band-Aid for my overactive imagination; it gave me enough information to fill the gaps of the unknown鈥攗ntil it couldn鈥檛. To me, Washington seemed like one of the states with the worst cell reception; when my partner would ride his bike under a thick canopy of ancient trees, I鈥檇 be left with my phone in hand, helpless and unable to pinpoint his exact location. These out-of-service adventures were a crucial part of our lifestyles鈥攂oth together and separately鈥攕o I couldn鈥檛 ask him to reorganize his life to indulge my anxiety. He already felt he was sacrificing personal freedom by regularly updating me on his status before he even started sharing his location.

During that relationship, I learned about attachment styles, using internet surveys to self-diagnose my tilt toward anxious attachment. At first, I didn鈥檛 understand. Anxious attachment often coincides with jealousy or abandonment, even lingering childhood trauma. This was just my strange, deep-seated fear of loss. But the more I learned about the anxious tendencies, like struggling with impulse control, the more it resonated. Instead of embracing the unknown, I was becoming dependent on constant access to information. For me, part of the joy I feel in the backcountry is the uncertainty and potential in every outing. So why was I using a technology that made me uncomfortable with that?

鈥淭here aren鈥檛 studies yet about how location sharing affects relationships,鈥� says Tess Rafferty, a marriage and family therapist based in New York. 鈥淭here鈥檚 so much that remains to be seen.鈥� But her stance never wavered when I talked to her: what looks healthy for one couple may not be for another. 鈥淲e want to feel safe and secure in relationships. How each couple creates that safety differs.鈥� For many of my friends, location sharing provides a sense of well-being because their partners know where they are when they go for a run or bike ride. And this boost of reassurance has allowed many people to embrace solo adventures. But while couples can use location sharing as a tool, it isn鈥檛 right for every relationship. 鈥淚n my case,鈥� I probed Rafferty, 鈥渄o you think the location sharing was unhealthy?鈥� She smiled and put her hands over her heart, 鈥淚 think you know the answer for yourself.鈥�

And she was right. I didn鈥檛 want to just cover up my anxiety, I wanted to manage it. Dozens of motivational quotes tell us that is discomfort is where growth happens鈥擨鈥檝e repeated this platitude to my backpacking clients and friends while scrambling a ridgeline or taking off our hiking boots to ford an ice-cold river.

Now it鈥檚 my turn to lean into the 迟测辫别-迟飞辞听蹿耻苍. Even though my partner and I are no longer together, I haven鈥檛 asked any new partners or friends to share their locations, except for one-off instances, like long bike trips or when buying a car from a stranger. At times, my anxiety rages back and my mind wanders into dark thoughts about avalanches or rockfalls. Instead of refreshing the map, I lace up my shoes, hop in my car, and drive out of cell reception. The sun is high overhead and the sagebrush shimmers on the hills while I unload my bike. As my tires roll across the dirt, my breath eases into a rhythm and my thoughts start to clear. With each stroke of the pedal, I feel more like myself. Someday, I may choose to share my own location with a partner and enjoy the comfort of knowing they can find me. But for now, I have a bit of work to do to get there.

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Keith Reis’s typical week has changed a lot since last March. As a sales rep, he鈥檚 used to being on the road, hosting clinics, meeting with clients, and visiting stores. These days, though, you鈥檒l mostly find him on video calls, negotiating inventory, untangling supply chain issues, and mediating discussions between clients. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of one-off communications,鈥� said Denver-based Reis. 鈥淏ack in March, it was all hands on deck, and it still is.鈥�

While some reps work in-house for brands, the majority, like Reis, are independent contractors, operating solo or for a sales agency. When the pandemic struck, independent reps were left on their own to navigate underemployment and job uncertainties. The industry shakeups of 2020 also magnified preexisting issues, like lack of workers鈥� compensation or salary security. Adding to the stress: waves of returned inventory from some retailers, and demand from others that brands couldn鈥檛 fulfill.

鈥淲hen brands stopped shipping products, reps stopped getting paid,鈥� said Cami Garrison, director of the Western Winter Sports Rep Association (WWSRA). 鈥淩eps spent March, April, and May canceling orders, reordering, and emotion- ally navigating what was going on for them personally, as well as for their retailers and brands.鈥�

Rich Hill, director of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, worked as a sales rep before he spent 25 years managing them. Grassroots serves specialty vendors and retailers, but sales reps have no such representation. Hill believes a national organization would help reps stay relevant and support collective initiatives, such as health care, commission management, the overhauling of data systems, and contract negotiations. 鈥淩eps are powerfully effective, but as a group, they鈥檙e stuck in the 鈥�70s,鈥� said Hill. 鈥淭hey need to elevate their game, become easier to work with, and organize to have a seat at the table.鈥�

According to Dana Caraway, founder of the sales agency Caraway & Co., regional associations already provide many of these perks and cooperate regularly (six, including the WWSRA, form the United States Reps Association). Still, she鈥檚 for larger-scale collaboration, especially if it gives women and the younger generation a say in an industry dominated by older male reps. 鈥淚t would be cool to have a co-op where we could trade resources and ask questions,鈥� said Caraway. 鈥淲e鈥檙e an important part of the ecosystem and we need to have a bigger voice.鈥�

As the uncertainty of COVID-19 persists, reps are as crucial to successful retailer and brand operations as ever. But sometimes, they need a champion. 鈥淭he more I sell, the more I鈥檓 supposed to do for my retailer,鈥� said one rep, who requested anonymity to preserve working relationships. 鈥淏ut the more I sell, the more my brands want to cut my commission.鈥� Without a unified voice, many ongoing issues or similar grievances never get aired publicly.

Working conditions for sales reps vary by brand and contract, with little to no oversight, so a national organization could also help provide transparency and minimum rates. 鈥淐ontracts are so one-sided鈥攖here is zero protection for the rep,鈥� said the anonymous source, noting that reps are also discouraged from disclosing their contracts. 鈥淣o one wants to stick their head out unless everyone does.鈥� And when brands break contracts, reps must decide if they want to fight for pay and risk losing a client.

Why then, hasn鈥檛 a union gained steam? Reps鈥� schedules remain diverse and overloaded, leaving little time for organizing. Sales is also naturally competitive, contributing to a lone-wolf mentality amongst reps.

鈥淚 think the regional organizations would be the place to start,鈥� said Reis, citing their membership and unique insight. 鈥淏ut do they have the bandwidth or finances?鈥� Garrison, from the WWSRA, confirmed that although the organizational capacity is there, time and resources are the limiting factors. Still, she said, 鈥淚 think we would all be up for it if the industry wanted to mobilize.鈥�

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Outdoor guides and adventure travel companies are known to adapt to any situation. A thunderstorm sweeps through camp; a client rolls his ankle on a talus field; your co-guide suffers from altitude sickness at basecamp. Guides are no strangers to mitigating risk in the field, and this summer has been no different. But instead of tarps, splints, and first-aid kits, it鈥檚 face masks, disinfectant, and social distancing measures.

Spring and Summer Travel Was Down, but Numbers Are Now Rising

You鈥檇 have to have spent the last six months in the wilderness to think that the coronavirus hasn鈥檛 permanently changed the outdoor guiding industry. Throughout 2020, guiding companies took a hit as fewer people traveled outside state lines. According to the 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel Trade Association鈥檚 May Business Impact Survey, adventure travel bookings decreased as much as 86 percent from 2019.

The Wildland Trekking Company, a backpacking company based in Flagstaff, Arizona, reported that as of October 2020, revenue was down almost 50 percent. They furloughed their staff from mid-March through May. While no guides were laid off after the furlough, many found work in other industries because of low trip numbers.

But guiding companies have reason to be optimistic. Travel is resuming, according to some sources. Thirty-six percent of Americans left home in August (a slow yet significant climb from April鈥檚 19 percent). Light shines at the end of the tunnel, however dimly it may appear right now.

How Travel Companies and Guide Services Are Adapting

As clients set new expectations, companies adapted or risked losing much-needed business. Fifty-seven percent of businesses aimed to diversify their product offerings for a long-term strategy, according to the ATTA. Companies expanded their local destinations or even created digital offerings. TravelStorysGPS published a set of audio tours so travelers can listen to city guides from their phone鈥攏o contact required.

In ATTA鈥檚 report, 82 percent of businesses reported lowering expenses, while 71 percent said they cut staff size or hours. Orion Expeditions, a Leavenworth-based rafting company, ran two rivers this summer, down from their normal six. Ethan Orlaska, a river guide, thinks they stayed open because they remained agile.

鈥淓ach week was kind of blind鈥�, he said. 鈥淲e constantly evolved the program as we saw small nuances.鈥�

They cranked up their cleaning practices, altered their shuttling logistics, and ran one boat per household. At the end of the season, they had no guest complaints or associated COVID cases.

WTC implemented COVID-safe procedures immediately and resumed operations in June. Guides no longer shuttle guests to trailheads, and they follow rigid protocol for cleaning and rotating rental gear. Day-to-day operations look different in the office, too.

鈥淲e reduced our trip deposits to alleviate the stress of committing to travel with so much uncertainty surrounding it,” Scott Cundy, Wildland Trekking owner, said.

They also offered more private tours at discounted rates and reworked their cancellation policies to attract hesitant guests. (Important to note: The ATTA recommends companies offer travel vouchers instead of overly flexible cancellation plans.)

International guiding has presented a whole new set of challenges. Fourteen-day quarantine requirements limit the destinations in which international companies can operate. Cundy says this travel restriction would 鈥渘egate any chance of operating” in countries where that law is in effect.

Marinel de Jesus, founder of Peak Explorations, also leads tours in foreign countries, such as Peru, Tanzania, and Mongolia. Each country responded to the pandemic differently, so she has been researching up-to-date protocol for each destination. Peak Explorations suspended operations through the rest of 2020 because of high risk鈥攏ot just for clients but also for industry workers. But this abundance of time allowed de Jesus to focus on her company鈥檚 mission: to create an equitable and inclusive trekking industry. Although she canceled her guided trip in Mongolia in March, she turned the experience into a filmmaking opportunity.

New Data Offers Reason to Hope for a Quick Rebound

国产吃瓜黑料 travel is a beacon of hope in the bleak travel sector. While the U.S. travel market is not expected to recover until 2023, adventure travel could resume at pre-pandemic levels as early as 2021. As clients seek outdoor excursions in small groups, guiding companies are well positioned to rebound once travel restrictions relax. Guiding businesses anticipate returning to 80 percent of 2019 staffing levels by 2021.

Travelers anticipate 2021 travel spending to be just 7 percent lower than that of 2019, according to ATTA. Skift鈥檚 Travel Forecast for 2021 shows U.S. domestic trips resuming at almost 90 percent of 2019 levels.

But clientele in 2021 might look slightly different. Seventy percent of U.S. travelers reported they will travel by car with a small group or family. International visitation to the U.S. is expected to reach only 60 percent of its 2019 level. Additionally, younger travelers will resume their activities quicker than older travelers, with 67 percent of adventure travelers from 25 to 35 reporting they will travel overnight before November 2020, compared to 49 percent aged 55 to 64.

Guiding Companies See Bookings Improve and Plan for the 2021 Season

Wildland Trekking has seen last-minute bookings skyrocket because guests are planning their trips less than a month in advance. While this introduces uncertainties around staffing and budgets, Scott is thankful to see bookings increase after a slow spring and summer. They plan to resume international trips in 2021 based on local infection rates, rapid testing availability, and travel restrictions.

And while Orion ran smaller trips and reduced staff hours, they stayed afloat while retaining their entire staff. This summer鈥檚 adaptations taught them a lot about guiding during the pandemic, and guests relished the much-anticipated wilderness experience.

De Jesus sees the potential to transform international adventure travel. She believes this pandemic is an opportunity to discuss real issues that have impacted the guiding industry for decades, like paying attention to staff safety as much as client safety.

鈥淭he trails were never fully safe,鈥� de Jesus said. “If we鈥檙e going to talk about keeping clients safe, we have to talk about keeping workers safe, too.鈥�

That means equipping porters and staff with the proper tools they need to do their jobs without risk. Currently, many porters and guides must supply their own PPE, and social distancing is nearly impossible when staff tents are overcrowded to cut costs. Porters are rarely trained in first aid, many don鈥檛 have medical insurance, and they often lack access to needed gear like high-quality sleeping bags and rain coats.

The pandemic has brought hardship and uncertainty to the industry, no question. But there are ways, de Jesus and others argue, to take some advantage of a bad situation. With new standards in safety, there’s a good chance the guiding community will become even more resilient鈥攂etter equipped to deal with crisis in the months, years, and decades to come.

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