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Happening Now: Save Up to 30% on Outdoor Gear at the 2024 REI Anniversary Sale

The 2024 REI Anniversary Sale runs from May 17 through May 27. You can save up to 30 percent on items including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, clothing, and more. If you’re an REI Coop Member, you’ll get an even bigger discount as you’ll get one coupon for 20 percent off any item plus a second coupon for 20 percent off an REI Outlet item (they’re both tied to your account already).

These are the items we’re most excited about (or check out the full list of items on sale).

We hope you love the REI Anniversary Sale! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

 

30 percent off: a tent that’s already half the price of its competition

Photo: REI

REI Coop’s iconic tents are the best camping deals at this year’s REI Anniversary Sale. Also on sale are all Footprints and accessories for camping (the list is extensive). Prices range from sub-$200 to $500+ depending on size and model, and there’s never been a better time to grab a large-group tent like the Base Camp 6, which will be more than $150 off its normal $549 pricetag. this sale is to The brand’s smaller tents are compact and light enough to fit in a standard backpacking pack without adding much weight, but spacious enough for campers and gear (because no one likes to leave their pack outside in the rain). The two-person Trail Hut is durable and competent, without the flashiness or added features (read: added weight) of higher-end or sport-specific tents. It’s less than half the price of comparable tents from established outdoor brands.

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30 percent off: all REI Coop sleeping bags, pads, and accessories

Photo courtesy REI

The Magma 15 sleeping bag will be under $400 likely for the only time this year, so if you plan to camp in spring or fall, grab one now. Sleeping pads in various sizes and shapes are under $150, and often much cheaper depending on which one you select. You can even grab the Campwell camping pillow for just over $20.

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30 percent off: REI Coop clothing and footwear — literally all of it

Photo courtesy REI

From rain jackets to hiking socks to trail pants, REI has included literally all of its clothes in this massive anniversary sale. There is, of course, the outdoorsy cliche of showing up at the trailhead looking like REI blew up all over you, but when high-quality, well-sourced clothing is so steeply discounted, you’re the one that should be laughing at those who missed out.

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30 percent off: portable outdoor furniture for comfortable campingPhoto: REIPhoto: REIPhoto: REI

Whether you’re car camping this summer or just need to spruce up your patio, REI Outward Furniture is the perfect addition, especially at 30 percent off. This is the best deal of the year on popular items like the Outward Classic Low Lawn Chair and the Outward Padded Bench. Toss in an Outward Side Table, and you effectively have an entire living room for the campsite.

Shop REI Outward Furniture

25 percent off: four-season down jackets and fleecePhoto: REIPhoto: REI

Summer evenings can be chilly if you’re camping at high elevations (or just outdoors in a strong wind). The Cotopaxi Abrazo fleece counteracts that chill by keeping you warm and dry, and brightly stylish to boot. The Abrazo comes in half-zip or full-zip options with two pockets for your paws. It’s super versatile since you can wear it year round — just use it as an insulative layer under your thinner ski shells come winter. For under $80, that’s a heck of a deal.

Also, this is the time to grab that puffy jacket you’ve been eyeing for next winter. Cotopaxi’s robust line of Fuego down jackets are 25 percent off during the REI Anniversary Sale, as well. And the brand is known for being an industry-leader in both environmental sustainability and social justice.

Shop Cotopaxi Abrazo Women’s

Shop Cotopaxi Abrazo Men’s

Shop Cotopaxi Fuego Women’s

Shop Cotopaxi Fuego Men’s

25 percent off: water bottles you can drop off a cliff

Photo: REI

A water bottle that keeps your drink cold for hours, or even days, is exactly what summer calls for. All HydroFlask water bottles are 25 percent off during the REI Anniversary Sale, which can save you as much as $25. Stainless steel, eco-friendly construction and design, and leak-proof lids are just a few of the reasons why HydroFlask bottles are the go-to for Matador’s outdoor team. They’re also ridiculously durable, and HydroFlask supports Parks For All, which works to increase exposure to wildlands for marginalized groups traditionally left out of outdoor recreation.

Shop Hydroflask water bottles

30 percent off: tall REI branded backpacks, trekking poles, and accessories

Photo courtesy REI

All of REI’s best-selling packs are 30 percent off. This is ideal if you need a new daypack or overnighter — the brand’s packs are dependable and tough enough that they are perfect for laptop warriors and trail blazers. REI trekking poles are normally $79.95, on sale for sub-$60 during the sale. You can grab a Flash 22 pack for just over $40 or a Trail 25 pack for just over $70.

Shop REI packs and trekking poles

25 percent off: Osprey Atmos AG and Aura AG backpacks

Photo courtesy REI

Osprey’s Atmos and Aura tents are known for their AntiGravity suspension system, which eases the load on your shoulders so you can get deeper into the forest or desert. Each features Osprey’s signature lumbar support and well-ventilated back panel, helpful for summer hikes on hot days and anytime you’re trekking through the desert. The packs also feature highly adjustable torso length straps. These packs are above $300 normally, making this a great time to snag one for summer treks.

Shop Osprey Atmos and Aura packs

25 percent off: all Black Diamond climbing gear

Photo: Oleksii Klonkin /Shutterstock

All Black Diamond climbing gear, from ropes and harnesses to helmets and headlamps, is 25 percent off during the REI Anniversary Sale. Stock up your kit for summer climbs, and if you’re just getting into the sport, now is a great time to tick off all that new gear you need to buy.

Shop Black Diamon climbing gear

Didn’t see what you want here? Check out the full list of items on sale

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I Found the Perfect Men’s Travel Shorts for a Town-to-Trail Lifestyle

I first heard of the clothing brand Stio in a rather unlikely place – high in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. There, I met a guy named Sam Thackery, a mountain guide who led our week-long backcountry ski touring trip and, I gleaned, is also an athlete ambassador for the company. I’ve come to believe through years of high-altitude reporting that there is no greater endorsement for a brand than that of a mountain guide who lives and thrives by their gear every day. Learning that Stio is based in Jackson, Wyoming, only furthered its credibility. Suffice it to say I badly wanted to get my hands on some Stio by the time I returned home to Colorado.

The first thing I bought from Stio was the Mens Colter Mid, an insulated boot-shoe crossover that served as my daily driver this past winter. This spring, I returned for more in the form of three pairs of shorts – the Men’s Coburn 8”, the Men’s Coburn XT, and the Men’s Cut Bank. They’ve since become my go-to travel and outdoor rec shorts. Here’s why.

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We hope you love thse Stio shorts! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you make a purchase. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Stio shorts are perfect for a town-to-trail lifestyle

I uphold two criteria when shopping for shorts. First, they must shift seamlessly between a coworking space and a hiking trail without looking out of place or inappropriate in either location. Second, they must fit my grandpa butt in a semi-flattering manner so as to conceal its flatness while simultaneously not being too baggy or puffy. If water resistance factors into the equation, that’s a grand slam.

Stio Coburn and Coburn XT shorts reviewPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim Wenger

I opted for the Men’s Coburn 8” inseam in Canyon Rock ($89). This is my favorite pair of the three. Stio ditched the internal drawstring on these shorts but kept the water resistance and casual fit. To test the versatility of these shorts, I first wore them on an eight-hour travel day flying between Grand Junction and Los Angeles. Through two plane rides and a layover, the relaxed fit never left me pining for a change of clothes – in fact, I attended a happy hour event in LA in them before heading to the hotel.

Throughout the trip – a five-day conference of travel industry pros and journalists – I wore the same Coburn shorts to a multiple meeting and on the plane ride home. Other than a couple spot wipes to maintain a clean appearance, the shorts rocked it all without the need for maintenance. Water resistance is present, which proved pertinent when I was caught in a brief rainstorm while walking through town. That’s thanks to the brand’s trademarked Tetotic Twill nylon fabric.

Stio incorporates its trademark T-Lock snap on top of a zippered fly on all its shorts. This prevents the fly from coming undone, and in my experience prevents a button from rubbing the skin and causing discomfort. Best of all, the shorts are incredibly comfortable and fit a reasonably athletic build seamlessly. I’m 5’7” and quite active, and I prefer fit to fall somewhere between “casual” and “hipster tight.” These shorts hit that mark – they’re above the knee but never make me feel like I’m wearing “short shorts.”

Stio Coburn shorts specs:

Custom Stio T-Lock snap at waistband closure with zippered flyRegular Fit: casually shaped design that’s not too tight and not too baggyInseam: 8” or 10″Weight: 11.7 ozEmbroidered Stio® logo

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I mixed the Stio shorts order between 8” and 10” inseam length due to the need for versatility in activewear and bleisure. I like the shorter inseam to hug my legs tighter above the knee, particularly when I’m going to be sitting for extended periods, like on an airplane or bus trip. The Coburn XT option ($99) is ideal for trail days and warm camping nights because it offers everything the normal Coburn shorts do, and adds a small zipped pocket on the front . Here you can keep stuff like a pocket knife or lighter that isn’t comfortable in the main pockets.

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Stio Cut Bank shorts reviewPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim Wenger

Stio’s Cut Bank shorts ($89) double as a trail-ready and social-meeting-ready option. They offer SPF 50 sun protection and a vertically zippered pocket on the right thigh that, again, is big enough for a pocket knife, lighter, pen, or other small accessory. The internal drawstring keeps the shorts tight without having to tighten my belt to an uncomfortable point, a touch I admire particularly given my normal disdain for drawstring shorts. The Teton range skyline is nicely depicted along the rear inner waistband, an homage to Stio’s hometown that serves as a motivating touch to look at when you grab the shorts to put them on. On a hike, they allowed air to flow easily and keep cool, while still fitting my torso and legs in a manner conducive to active movement (without being super baggy).

The Cut Banks in Magnet color, as mine are, look great with a nice button-down shirt in just about any color scheme. This means they make the “cut” for typical workwear among the mountain town professional set. Remote workers, travelers, and staffers of companies based in such locations rarely need to appear more formal than what these shorts can pull off.

Stio Cut Bank Shorts specs:

UPF 50+ sun protectionInseam: 10”Odor resistanceSoft elastic waistband with an adjustable drawcord for a customized fitZippered right thigh pocket and back pocket for secure storageHandy drop-in pocket to stash a phone or keys

Buy Now

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Travelers Will Soon Get an In-Air Walk-Up Bar on Certain Regional Delta Flights

The idea of sauntering up to a bar mid-flight is one that’s largely reserved daydreams about transcontinental travel in premiere cabins aboard elite airlines. Even then, the concept of communal bar and lounge spaces on commercial aircraft has been largely phased out — only a handful of airlines, largely operating Airbus A380s, still offer the in-flight bar experience. Soon, some first-class fliers on select regional Delta flights can have that experience, too.

The Points Guy reports that SkyWest Airlines, a Delta Connection affiliate, is in the process of integrating Bombardier CRJ-550 jets into its fleet. The CRJ-550 is a regional jet with just 50 seats: 10 First Class seats, 20 Comfort+ seats, and 20 Economy seats. But despite its relatively limited seating capacity, the jet is configured to include a couple of cool features, chief among them being a small walk-up bar area that’s available to first-class passengers.

According to The Points Guy writer Zach Griff, the self-service bar area will carry “snacks and soft drinks.” From the sound of it, that means no alcoholic beverages.

Because the CRJ-550 is a modified version of the 76-seater CRJ-700 jet, there’s extra room for luggage, too. The CRJ-500 has three storage closets located between the first-class and economy cabins. That means there’s limited space for larger rolling bags that passengers would otherwise have to check on small regional flights.

It’s yet to be announced where Delta’s new CRJ-550 jets will travel, but you can already see the aircraft in action if you’re a United flier. United Express, the airline’s regional branch, has been operating CRJ-500s on select flight routes since 2019.

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Don’t Miss the Northern Lights Next Time With This Forecast and Alerts App

Last Friday night, while a few million people were standing outside in the dark watching the northern lights dancing in the sky, I was in bed sound asleep. Somebody had told me that a solar storm was brewing and that the aurora borealis might make an appearance, but I thought it was nothing but an unfounded rumor. Where I live, a small town in Western Canada, northern lights are regularly forecasted by the local population but turn up very rarely. Obviously, this time, they showed up in a spectacular way and I missed out — big-time.

Photo: Nataliia Korzhenevska/Shutterstock

If, like me, you need a more dependable way than hearsay to learn that the northern lights are coming to your neck of the woods, you should probably download the free My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app.

Upon setting up the app, you can enter your location and allow to be sent notifications so that when the chances of seeing the northern lights (or the southern lights) are high enough, you’ll be alerted and you can plan accordingly. What you need to keep an eye on in the app is the KP index, i.e. the level of geomagnetic activity. If it reaches six and up, you’re likely to see the aurora. Below that, not so much.

Photo: My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app

Inside the app, there’s a photo gallery where you can see some of the best and most recent aurora photography out there, as well as the short-term and long-term detailed aurora forecasts in your area. And if you want to know what your chances are of seeing auroras right now, there are three elements at your disposal:

The Aurora Map which is color coded so you can quickly see if the area you are in will get treated to a celestial show. Transparent and green indicate a low probability while orange and red mean that the odds are high. The map also shows the cloud cover in your area so you can gauge if the sky will be clear enough for you to see the aurora.A map of the best locations in the world to see the lights.A list of live webcams set up around the world, from Queenstown, New Zealand, to Kuusamo Finland, so you can keep an eye on all the auroras (borealis or australis) happening in the world.

When you’re traveling, you can change your location so you can get notified about possible aurora sightings, wherever you are. If you want to make sure to see the aurora, however, there are a few locations that are much more likely to give you that opportunity, including Denali, Alaska, and Lapland, Finland, among others.

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The New Uber Shuttle Service Will Make Your Trips to the Airport a Lot Cheaper

In more than 700 airports throughout the world, travelers have the choice to either grab a cab to their destination, or take an Uber. Uber being generally much cheaper than the alternative, it’s a no-brainer for those trying to keep their budget in check. But with Uber’s new service, Uber Shuttle, it’ll soon be even more cost-saving to get to and and from the airport. In an email conversation, a spokesperson for Uber explained that “Uber Shuttle fare will differ based on location and venue, but it will be a fraction of the price of UberX.”

Uber Shuttle, currently only available in Mexico City and some cities in Egypt and India, but spreading to select US cities soon, is simply an Uber bus for which you can reserve seats. With Uber Shuttle, you can get from downtown locations straight to the airport or to concert and games venues, and back.

Being the official rideshare partner of select Live Nation venues, Uber Shuttle will serve amphitheaters in Chicago, Charlotte, and Pittsburgh, with more US cities to come. Plus, Uber Shuttle will run to and from Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, and other sporting events and concerts. As far as airports are concerned, there’s no current definitive list of those that Uber Shuttle will serve.

To book an Uber Shuttle, open the app and enter your destination. You can then select the Shuttle option, make sure the fare works for you, select your preferred pick-up timing, select the number of seats (maximum three), and then tap Request. You can book your ride up to a week in advance.

Photo: Uber

“Uber Shuttle is our answer to providing an easy, affordable, and convenient way to get around. As a truly global solution, it looks different in different places. Having launched in Egypt and India to get people to work, we’re thrilled to now bring Shuttle to the U.S. this summer, to get fans to concerts and sporting events, as well as travelers to the airport,” says Anthony le Roux, General Manager of Uber Shuttle.

Unlike a regular Uber ride, Uber Shuttles follow specific routes and have set pickup and drop-off points, so you can’t be picked up or dropped-off anywhere you like. Also, you need to be at the pick-up point a few minutes before the Uber Shuttle shows up (you can track it via the app). The Shuttle will only wait two minutes at the pick-up point before it leaves.

And if you’re not the kind of person who tends to avoid riding buses, Uber Shuttles, which can accommodate between 14 and 55 people at a time, might just change your perception of this mode of transport. Uber guarantees that they are safe, clean, air-conditioned, and high-quality vehicles.

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Embrace the Catskills at This Charming Hotel Just 2.5 Hours From NYC

There’s no doubt that New York City is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, attracting millions of excited visitors each year. However, those who live in the city are always on the lookout for a convenient place to get away. Wylder Windham offers just that. Located in Windham, New York, the hotel sits on 20 acres of land, is surrounded by the beautiful Catskill Mountains, and has the calming Batavia Kill waterway running through it.

Needing some fresh air and a little peace and quiet, I took a weekend trip to Wylder Windham. The surrounding town has a warm and welcoming feel like the hometown in a holiday movie. The property itself, formerly the Thompson House Resort, was family-owned and -operated since 1880 before undergoing a massive renovation in 2021 to elevate the look while maintaining its original charm. Entering the Main Lodge for check-in, I was immediately greeted by warm smiles and fresh lemonade. The check-in area felt less like a hotel lobby and more like a charming cabin, with wooden decor and an active fireplace completing the rustic aesthetic.

During my stay, I was able to explore nature across the sprawling property, take part in a cocktail-making class, and enjoy delicious fare. From its cozy accommodations to its array of outdoor activities, Wylder Windham provides an unforgettable retreat for guests of all ages — better yet, the hotel is dog-friendly, meaning you can grab the whole family (furry friends included) and spend a wonderful weekend unwinding.

An array of cozy lodging that’ll make you feel at home

Photo: Wylder Windham + Michael Carnevale

Wylder Windham’s layout makes for a close and communal experience. Many of the buildings and amenities are within a short walking distance of one another. As the accommodations go, guests can choose from seven different lodges: The Main Lodge (13 rooms), The Tamarack Lodge (16 rooms), The Manor Inn (14 rooms), The Spruce Cottage (14 rooms), The Pines Inn (28), The Evergreen Lodge (25 rooms), and The Farmhouse (one residence, four bedrooms). The hotel has an assortment of guest rooms and suites, with king or queen beds, mountain or river views, and some with seating areas or private balconies. If you’re traveling with a group, The Farmhouse is the perfect choice to host everyone under one roof.

I stayed in The Evergreen Lodge in a sprawling room with a king-size bed, sofa, marbled bathroom, armchairs, and an outdoor patio with breathtaking views of the Windham Country Club and Windham Mountain. I’ve never stayed in a hotel room so large, with enough space to literally cartwheel from door to window. The decor was rustic while the bathroom had an elevated feel, complete with marble and silver accents. There were two large wardrobes in the front of the room with more than enough space for my things, as well as a safe, an iron, and some robes to make my stay extra comfortable. One of my favorite features of my room was the deck — the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or get lost in a good book, with only the sound of nature to keep you company.

Year-round amenities for everyone’s enjoyment

Photo: Wylder Windham

One thing that hasn’t changed with Wylder’s recent upgrade is its welcoming atmosphere. Situated on 20 acres of land, the hotel provides a range of activities and experiences for all ages. The Main Lodge features a large rec room with vintage arcade games, shuffleboard, pool tables, and paddle ball — playing Pacman there brought me back to my childhood days.

Off to the side of the Main Lodge, there’s a large heated pool that maintains a comfortable temperature year round. If you’re looking to decompress and relax, there are wood-fired saunas throughout the property. Other offerings include e-bikes, cornhole, hammocks, pickleball, bocce, and tree swings. During a morning walk one day, I spent some quiet time reading a book on a hammock overlooking the Batavia Kill. In the evening, the fire pits were a popular spot for guests to hang out and unwind from their days of adventure.

There are also opportunities to step off of the property to explore more of the neighborhood and surroundings. You can play a few rounds of golf at the Windham Country Club or take a hike on the nearby Windham path. There’s also a shuttle — in a cool vintage Land Rover — that can take guests to the Windham Ski Mountain for a day on the slopes.

Classes, activities, and events that enhance the experience

Photo: Wylder Windham

In addition to its year-round amenities, Wylder Windham has a weekly calendar of events and happenings that guests can join. Some of the activities include morning yoga, foraging walks, pickleball clinics, and live music shows.

One Saturday, I attended a cocktail-making class at the on-site restaurant, Babblers, before trying my hand at hatchet throwing. The Hester Street Fair from New York City also had a popup event during my stay, with an array of booths selling goods and delicious food. What I enjoyed most was how welcoming these activities were for both groups and solo travelers. Although I was participating alone, I was able to engage with other guests during all of the activities. And for children, there was a balloon artist making different balloon animals and figures for the kids.

At night, you don’t want to miss one of the fireside s’mores bars that the hotel hosts on the weekend. Other happenings I glimpsed on the monthly calendar included a movie night, cookie-decorating class, and paint-and-sip activity. In the spirit of community, many of the events are also open to local residents for a small fee.

Comfort food and freshly baked goods

Photo: Wylder Windham

Wylder Windham’s on-site restaurant, Babblers, has an indoor dining room with a full bar, as well as an outdoor patio with beautiful views. The restaurant is open year-round for brunch, lunch, and dinner — it’s a favorite for both guests of the hotel and Windham locals.

For dinner at Babblers, I had the steak frites with twice-fried house-cut fries, which were crispy and delicious. Other menu items when I visited included beef stew, butternut squash risotto, bolognese, and wild Alaskan salmon. Connected to the restaurant is Babblers Bakery, which serves fresh baked goods, craft coffee, sandwiches, and ice cream. My mornings started with a ham and cheese croissant and cup of hot tea on the bakery’s outdoor deck, and they ended with a slice of the popular strawberry rhubarb pie.

If you’re interested in dining off the property, there are also a variety of local eateries near the hotel, such as Millrock, Prominence, and The Windham Local. I ate one of my favorite meals during the trip at Millrock — a memorable chicken parmesan and guavarita cocktail.

How to get to Wylder Windham

Photo: Wylder Windham

One of the best parts about Wylder Windham is its proximity to the greater New York City area. If you’re planning to drive from the city, it’s a scenic trip that you can do in under three hours.

As a non-driver, I appreciated that getting to Wylder without a car was also possible. I took a two-hour Amtrak train ride from Penn Station in New York City to the Hudson station. I enjoyed being able to sit back and relax while taking in the scenery as I was whisked away to my getaway. From the Hudson station, you’ll need to take a taxi to the property — I saw plenty stationed outside on a Friday afternoon. But if you want to secure your ride ahead of time, Dawn 2 Dusk is a locally owned car service that can also provide transportation.

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Archaeologists Found a Mysterious New Structure at the Famous Giza Pyramids

The Great Pyramids of Giza, known for the three monumental tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, are the enduring symbols of ancient Egypt’s power and engineering prowess. They’re also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and one of the most recognizable and famous sites in the world, attracting nearly 15 million visitors per year who want to stand in their shadows and go inside their depths. When people think of the word “pyramids,” they think of Giza.

While it may seem like the mysteries of the pyramids are quickly being answered, excavations only began in earnest in the mid-1800s. And realistically, “modern” excavation and research techniques have employed for far less time, beginning around the 1970s.

The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the great pyramids. Photo: ImAAM/Shutterstock

But despite that, it’s still shocking to hear when a new discovery is made. But that’s what happened between 2021 and 2023, according to a research paper published May 5 in Archeological Prospection. And the find is significant: it’s a 30-foot-long structure completely buried beneath the sands. It’s described as an L-shaped structure, and was found using a high-tech device that sends electromagnetic currents into the ground. By studying how the currents respond, along with analyzing the results from ground-penetrating radar that can “map” empty space under the earth, the research team determined it’s either an air chamber or a chamber intentionally filled with gravel and sand. But either way, it’s made by humans on purpose.

The red box indicates the location of the underground chamber. Photo: GPR and ERT Exploration in the Western Cemetery in Giza, Egypt, Archaeological Prospection

Perhaps even more interesting is that the new structure may be just the tip of the iceberg. The find is within an area called the Western Cemetery, where royal families and important members of society were buried. Based on that, and the fact that the structure is small and unevenly shaped , the team theorized that the “large subsurface archaeological structure” could be the entrance to a much larger tomb. The find is “a combination of a shallow structure connected to a deeper structure,” meaning it could be a hallway that continues deeper underground.

Egyptians were known to build very complex, multi-room chambers to hide important tombs, and were also known to intentionally fill tombs with sand to deter grave-robbers. That may have been what happened with this new discovery, and since the researchers were the first to ever do a subterranean study in this area, there’s no telling what they could find next. To date, no one has definitively found the tombs of queens Cleopatra or Ankhesenamun, or King Ramses VIII, among other famous Egyptian rulers.

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A New Los Angeles Retail Shop Connects Shoppers to National Parks Conservation and Stewardship Projects

A community-focused retail store dedicated to conservation efforts in national, state, and regional parks opened its doors in Los Angeles in May. Parks Project, a clothing brand and certified B-Corp, will use its first flagship store – dubbed the “Discovery Center” – to boost awareness of its hard goods and its mission to “leave it better than you found it.” The store, located at 8540 W. Washington Blvd. in Culver City, is designed to be an immersive experience rather than simply a place to shop.

“It’s part outdoor park, part visitors center, part retail shop,” Parks Project Marketing Director Taryn Olson told Matador. “It’s a place for us to showcase our best and vintage products, partnership products with some of the licensing deals we’ve done to give back, and it also has a place for the community to come together.”

A large events space is located adjacent to the retail shop, which hosts events like yoga, film screenings, and parties, all which tie into Parks Project’s conservation-first mantra. The company aspires for this space to become a hub for conservation groups to host project launches, and for the Culver City community to have a low-key spot to gather.

How the ‘Discovery Center’ represents the next phase of Parks Project’s conservation effortsPhoto: Tim WengerPhoto: Tim Wenger

“We’re excited to create a destination space for deeper engagement by mixing a park visitor center with a fashion outdoor boutique that also offers a dedicated area for community ‘discovery’ events,” said Parks Project founder Keith Eshelman in a press release. “Our goal is to continue bringing parks to people in creative ways with a theme of conservation and to connect with like-minded people who want to build community around a joint purpose to leave it better.”

Walking into the store is akin to arriving at a trailhead. You’ll see Parks Project clothing displayed on the left wall, including popular designs of t-shirts, jackets, and other wearables. The back wall is covered in a mural depicting a forest hiking trail, with the space immediately in front of it designed as a “trailhead” complete with live greenery and a parked trailer. Inside the trailer is a small lounge area with a desk, and the space doubles as the cashier area for customers making a purchase.

Photo courtesy Parks Project

The retail space also includes a lounge area and bookshelves offering trail guides and other trip-planning materials. True to the brand’s outdoorsy routes, topographic maps feature heavily in the store’s aesthetic, including those of popular national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite. Guests visiting the Discovery Center have the opportunity to discover information about parks in the Los Angeles area and around the country, as well as learn about and sign up for stewardship opportunities, conservation projects, and ways to get involved in supporting those parks.

Those familiar with Parks Project may have seen – or better yet, used – the Leave It Better Essential Clean-Up Kit. These reusable kits include gloves, bags for picking up waste and recyclables, and a bandana to protect yourself from the sun while cleaning up trails. This product epitomizes Park Project’s ethos – rather than simply hawking clothes and making a project, the B-Corp seeks to help its customers take care of the public lands they so cherish.

How Parks Project leads stewardship projects for public lands

Photo: Tim Wenger

Parks Project was born out of Eshelman’s love for public lands and his desire to use his retail clothing and business acumen – he spent years working at Tom’s Shoes before launching his own company – to make the world a better place. As a Certified B-Corp, the company effectively operates on a “profit with a cause” model that requires it to follow strict protocols surrounding business practices and philanthropic efforts to maintain certification. Eshelman chose to incorporate a give-back program as a driving force behind the company’s business model.

“The way that it works right now is that we work on a grant-like model, basically,” Olson says. “We look at the year and we say, ‘Ok, we’re going to have about this much to give back, if all goes as planned.’ We’ll determine we want to give X amount to, say, a project in Glacier National Park. So we go to that organization and tell them we’d like to partner on a project, and here’s how much we have.”

The company distributes this money to pre-determined projects in parks around the country. The company also hosts volunteer events and encourages those interested to follow its volunteer page for upcoming opportunities. To date, Parks Project has donated more than $2.6 million to conservation and restoration efforts throughout the United States.

“When you buy something here, that helps us do what we really exist to do,” Olson says. “And that is to give back to these conservancies so they can do the work that they so desperately need to do.”

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The World’s Largest Banksy Museum Is Opening in NYC

Legendary street artist Banksy has been creating stencil-style murals since the 1990s. Banksy’s work has appeared on city streets all over the world, from London and Paris to Los Angeles and Bethlehem. Now, fans of the famous (and famously incognito) street artist can appreciate more than 160 works in one place: The Banksy Museum in New York City.

A preview of New York City’s Banksy Museum is currently open in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. It’s not the first time a collection of Banksy works have been on display to the public. The American opening is the latest installation in a run of successful Banksy Museum experiences hosted in cities including Barcelona, Brussels, and Kraków. But the New York City museum is the largest to date, not only showcasing recreations of Banksy’s public murals but also studio work and audio-visual exhibitions honoring the artist.

For an artist like Banksy, whose works have disappeared from streets across the globe as readily as they’ve popped up, the museum gives admirers the chance to deep dive into the artist in one fixed location. But there’s a certain irony to the idea of a museum that celebrates an artist who’s chosen such a transitory medium — especially an outspokenly corporate-averse artist like Banksy who famously organized for the “Girl With Balloon” painting to be shredded after selling for $1.4 Million at an auction in 2018. (The shredded painting, retitled “Love is in the Bin,” later sold for $25.4 million.) The museum recognizes this.

Museum founder Hazis Vardar concedes that “Street art belongs in the raw setting of the streets.” But Vardar also recognizes that most people who view Banky murals do so on “tiny smartphone screens, which is no way to experience the scale or emotion of Banky’s works.”

To do the artist justice in a museum setting, Vardar “set out to recreate the artworks in a life-size, re-imagined space that reflects the street experience” and “employed a team of anonymous street artists, like Banksy, to recreate the work.”

If you’re interested in visiting The Banksy Museum in New York City, you can buy tickets online or in person although advance bookings are highly recommended. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $26 for students and seniors, and $21 for kids. Children ages five and under can enter for free. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.

The Banksy Museum: 277 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013

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These Are the Safest Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers in 2024

Safety and acceptance are paramount for LGBTQ+ travelers when choosing a vacation destination. There are plenty of rainbow-waving gay-friendly countries and sadly many that are not as welcoming. To help plan safe travel, the Gay Travel Index 2024, by Spartacus, publishes an annual ranked list of countries to help us better understand the legal and social climate around the world.

The index employs a meticulous methodology. The ranking assigns points based on a variety of criteria, with positive points awarded for factors like legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, such as anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage rights. Points are also given for factors that create a welcoming environment, like open displays of LGBTQ+ culture and a vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Conversely, points are deducted for negative aspects like laws that criminalize homosexuality, restrictions on HIV-positive travelers, and strong religious influence that can be hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. Spartacus’ scoring system creates a comprehensive picture of LGBTQ+ experiences in each location.

This year, the top spot is a historic tie. Canada, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain all share first place with a perfect score of 12 points. These countries are home to comprehensive legal protections, vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, and a general atmosphere of acceptance.

Switzerland and Australia follow closely behind at number six and seven, respectively. Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Uruguay round out the top ten.

The index’s findings have a significant impact on countries’ policies and human rights. It highlights countries making strides towards inclusivity, like Estonia, which jumped from 47th to 32nd place due to the legalization of same-sex marriage.

It also identifies areas needing improvement, urging countries with lower scores to enact reforms that create a safer and more welcoming environment for all. Several countries, including Afghanistan, Chechnya (a region within Russia), Iran, and Saudi Arabia, are at the bottom of the index with a score of -21 points. Their low score reflects a multitude of factors that create a dangerous and hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The US gets a separate ranking system, allowing travelers to make informed choices within the country due to significant legal and social variations across the 50 states.

This year, New York takes first place with a score of 14. California, Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon are joint second with 13. Washington and Washington DC take third with 12 points. The last two ranked states are Montana with -5 and Oklahoma with -6.

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