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Category: adventure

  • The Gear: Adventure Watches — It’s About Time

    The first wristwatch was reportedly made for the Queen of Naples in 1810 by a man named Abraham-Louis Breguet. At the time, Breguet’s timepiece was an astounding feat of engineering, taking the precise mechanical movements of a pocket watch and shrinking the technology down to something small enough to circle a wrist. Impressive as that was, the Prussian-born inventor might not even recognize the watches of today, technological wonders in their own right.

    This is especially true for modern watches built for outdoor exploration. These chronographs are incredibly durable and packed with high-tech features. Those include GPS navigation, built-in altimeters, weather alerts, fitness tracking, heart-rate monitoring… it goes on. Alternatively, some models eschew complicated functionality in favor of a simpler approach.

    Picking the right watch for your adventures usually comes down to personal needs and preferences. Trail runners, mountain bikers and kayakers may appreciate all of the bells and whistles that come with a fitness-focused model; hikers, climbers and wildlife photographers might prefer something simple and reliable. Everyone has plenty to choose from.

    Here are a few of our favorite adventure watches, across price points and complexity levels.

    adventure watches

    Photo Credit: Garmin

    Garmin fēnix 8

    If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure watch that offers everything but the kitchen sink, the Garmin fēnix 8 is the one for you. This model wraps together GPS tracking, detailed multicontinent topographic maps, support for dozens of outdoor activities, weather alerts, smartphone notifications and a lot more. The rechargeable battery can run for up to 29 days between charges, and its bright, colorful screen is easy to read in any lighting conditions. You can download music, podcasts and audiobooks (i.e., ditch the phone for long hikes, runs and rides). It doesn’t come cheap, though. Pricing starts at $1,199. garmin.com

    Photo Credit: Suunto

    Suunto Vertical Solar

    The Suunto Vertical offers many of the same features found on the Garmin fēnix, including GPS connectivity, on-device maps, activity tracking, weather updates and so on. But this model comes with a built-in solar panel under its screen that allows it to run for up to 60 days between charges. MSRP: $599. us.suunto.com

    Photo Credit: Citizen

    Citizen Promaster Dive

    This mechanical watch features a timeless, elegant design that is equally at home at a dinner party as on a deep-sea fishing boat. Features
    include a 1/5-second chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes, a unidirectional turning bezel, 12/24-hour time and date functionality. It is water resistant down to 200 meters and is charged via the sun, meaning there is never any need to replace the battery. MSRP: $575. citizenwatch.com

    Photo Credit: Casio

    Casio G-Shock GA2100-1A

    Rugged and reliable, the Casio G-Shock line of watches has been a popular go-to for adventurers for decades. The GA2100-1A model is a digital/analog hybrid, featuring a traditional watch face and day/date indicator. Other features include world time in 31 time zones, a countdown timer, a stopwatch, five daily alarms and 200-meter water resistance. MSRP: $99. casio.com

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

    The post The Gear: Adventure Watches — It’s About Time appeared first on RV.com.

  • Road Icon: Out of Africa

    In 1979, 182 racers took to the starting line for the inaugural Paris-Dakar Rally, a grueling 6,200-plus-mile race on tarmac and off-road terrain, including vast stretches of the Sahara Desert. Of those competitors, 90 set off on motorcycles. They didn’t know it at the time, but the event would spark an arms race among motorcycle manufacturers that would result in several legendary models, including one from Honda whose very name still conjures images of adventure.

    Honda XRV650 Africa Twin

    Photo Credit: Honda Racing Corporation

    Despite scoring a Dakar win in 1982,Honda found itself falling behind the competition in the adventure bike category. The Japanese giant tasked its top R&D team to create a new model designed to conquer the deserts of North Africa. Those efforts resulted in the Honda NXR750, which dominated the race for four straight years, winning from 1986 to 1989. That bike is an icon in its own right, but it also spurred development of the Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin—a bike that fundamentally changed the relationship between rider and machine.

    Taking inspiration from its earlier sibling, the Africa Twin was the first factory-built bike designed for both on- and off-road riding. The goal was to convey a sense of adventure and discovery, giving owners a motorcycle with a Dakar-winning heritage that was also a daily driver. Honda gave the XRV650 a rugged suspension built for desert rallies, paired with a water-cooled four-stroke V-engine that provided plenty of power. Surprisingly nimble, the bike handled just as well on pavement as it did dirt, sand and other terrain, quickly earning a cult following in the moto community.

    Photo Credit: Honda Racing Corporation

    According to lead designer Mogi Tomonori, the goal with the Africa Twin was to create a bike built for “crossing the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, and charging across the Sahara Desert and Africa.” That versatility was virtually unknown at the time, even in other adventure bikes. The XRV650 proved incredibly reliable, too, completing several Dakar Rallies of its own in the “Marathon” category, something previously unheard of from a production bike.

    The original Honda XRV650 Africa Twin was only in production for two years, before being replaced by a new model. But the bike left such an impression on motorcycle aficionados that it is still spoken about in reverent tones. It set a high bar for craftsmanship and engineering, making it much sought after nearly 40 years after its initial debut. Honda even reintroduced the nameplate in 2016, with current models continuing the legacy of this storied original. The brand’s success continues at the Dakar Rally, too, with Honda winning three of the past five races.

    Send your memories of vintage rides: therally@wildsam.com.

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys are Your Destinations for Active Adventures in 2025

    From fishing and diving to kayaking, hiking, and camping, the wonders of Florida’s Lower Keys never cease to amaze. These idyllic islands offer miles of pristine beaches, wonderful restaurants and campgrounds, and gorgeous weather all year long. But those who crave a more active outdoor experience won’t be disappointed either, as opportunities for adventure abound.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    Florida’s Lower Keys are an outdoor paradise stretching along Highway US 1 from the iconic Seven Mile Bridge south to historic Stock Island. In between, travelers will find plenty of things to see and do, with options for every visitor. Activities include everything from hiking and biking in the National Key Deer Refuge to playing a round of golf on the par-70 championship course at Key West Golf Club on Stock Island. Looking for an aquatic adventure? There are plenty of opportunities for sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing, too.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    Bahia Honda State Park is one of the epicenters for outdoor activities in the Lower Keys. Located at mile marker 37, this fantastic destination offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best sunsets found anywhere along the gulf. Visitors can choose to simply relax along the shore with their feet in the water or take a more active approach. The park has a 3.5-mile paved walking and biking trail, while the waters just offshore are excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Bahia Honda is also home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the state and has three onsite campgrounds with a total of 80 campsites for RV and tent camping.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    With its delicious restaurants, beautiful campgrounds, live music, and access to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Big Pine Key rightfully receives plenty of attention. But visitors should be sure to add the eclectic and enchanting Stock Island to their must-visit list. It is not only home to a thriving commercial shrimping industry, but it is also a surprisingly great culinary destination with charming art studios and seaside bars nestled beside colorful marinas. It is also a hub for serious anglers searching for the best charter fishing captains the Keys have to offer.

    Photo Credit: Florida’s Lower Keys

    As you can see, these unique and beautiful islands have plenty to offer anyone looking for a tropical escape. From active adventures to total rest and relaxation, you’ll find it all in Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys. To start planning your visit—and learn more about this fantastic destination—click here. The post Big Pine Key and Florida’s Lower Keys are Your Destinations for Active Adventures in 2025 appeared first on RV.com.
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