When we’re not outdoors, we get our adventure fix by exploring social media and the web. Here are some of the best adventure links we’ve discovered this week.
The Dying Art of Surf Photography: Legendary surf photographer Tom Servais discusses his decades-long career shooting for SURFER magazine and how the art and business of surf photography has changed. Recently inducted into surfing’s Hall of Fame, he chats about how the decline of print and the rise of social media have made it far harder for photographers to earn a living. He discusses the autofocus camera breakthrough of the 1990s and how he wishes he had taken the viral shot of Gabriel Medina at the 2024 Olympics.
Strava Is More Popular Than Ever. Is That Good or Bad for Skiing?: Strava is increasingly popular among skiers and snowboarders. Ian Greenwood ponders whether its popularity is a positive motivator or a toxic influence.
While the app can encourage people to get outside and connect with friends, its leaderboard can also shift focus from enjoyment to competition. Other questions also arise: Should you publicly post about backcountry routes? Does heatmap data have unintended consequences?
Researcher Kristina Brown examines a bundle of kelp. Photo: Kaitlyn Van De Woestyne/National Geographic
Six new ocean expeditions
These Expeditions Could Change Our Understanding of the Ocean: The National Geographic Society is supporting six new scientific missions across the world’s ocean basins. From partnering with Inuit communities to study why the Arctic Sherman Basin is so productive, to figuring out why some corals can cope with bleaching events in the Pacific, and mapping mangrove forests in the Atlantic, these expeditions blend science and indigenous knowledge.
An All-Female Team Opens a New Route on a Georgian Peak: In September 2025, Elisabeth Mayr, Elena Barbist, Elena Prem, Hannah Rabl, and Babsi Vigl made an all-female first ascent of a new route on the southwest face of Mount Gulba in Georgia. They started the route at 3,220m and spent two days climbing the 500m wall.
Climbing Ben Nevis in winter. Photo: Alex Foxfield
A Scottish classic
Classic Winter Ledge Route, Ben Nevis: Alex Foxfield describes his ascent of one of Scotland’s winter mountaineering classics, the Ledge Route on Ben Nevis. On the north face of the UK’s highest peak, he describes the route as an entry-grade winter climbing adventure with a mountaineering feel. The mixed climbing route requires solid route-finding skills and winter experience.
One Hundred Years Later, George Mallory’s Primitive Everest Gear Takes on a Himalayan Peak: Twins Hugo and Ross Turner have put George Mallory’s Everest gear to the test on Nepal’s Mera Peak. Hugo climbed in a near-perfect replica of Mallory’s century-old clothing, while Ross Turner wore modern performance kit.
Despite 100 years of technological advances, the experiment found that the many layers and hobnailed leather boots of Mallory’s time performed surprisingly well.
Hugo and Ross Turner on Mera Peak, testing out mountaineering gear from different centuries. Photo: Hugo & Ross Turner
Deaths on Mount Baldy
Why Is Mount Baldy So Deadly?: Mount Baldy, the 3,000m peak just outside of Los Angeles, is deceptively dangerous. Popular trails like the Devil’s Backbone don’t appear extreme, but rapidly changing weather and steep, exposed terrain often turn routine hikes into deadly situations. In the first week of 2026, three people died trying to summit.
Rescue veteran Dan Whitten and wilderness expert Jason Marsteiner believe the reason for so many incidents is that many visitors are underprepared, complacent, or overconfident.
Seven Travel Trends That Will Define 2026: The BBC predicts how travel will evolve in 2026. Based on data from travel firms and experts, many people are starting to book “quietcations” where they can switch off from our always-on, digital world. AI tools will increasingly assist with planning and booking. There’s also a move toward ultra-personalized itineraries and off-grid destinations over more traditional tourist hotspots.
