When REI decided to close its doors for Black Friday back in 2015, it was an act of revolution. Instead of subjecting their employees to masses of ravenous holiday shoppers, REI told them to go enjoy a day outside. Then they took it one step further, inviting all of us to #OptOutside on Black Friday, too.
Whether it's our first, fourth, or fiftieth year of forgoing the madness of Black Friday, we have a few ideas of how to make the most of your #OptOutside opportunity.
1. Shred the Slopes
Photo by Kyle Frost // Story: It's Time to Plan Your Ski Trip to the Canadian Rockies
2. Take a Trail Run With Friends
Photo by Jason Hatfield // Adventure: Run Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon
3. Plunge Into an Underwater Cave
Photo by Jennifer Adler // Adventure: Cave Dive at Ginnie Springs
4. Hit the Trail on Two Wheels
Photo by David Schelske // Adventure: Mountain Biking the Deschutes River Trail
5. Spend a Night in the Mountains
Photo by Dan Loch // Adventure: Backpack to the Canyon Creek Lakes
6. Stretch Into a New Yoga Pose
Photo by Kathleen Morton // Story: 5 Yoga Poses To Prepare You For Any Adventure
7. Ride a Wave
Photo by Chris Burkard // Adventure: Surf at Big Sur's Sand Dollar Beach
8. Go Camping on the Beach
Photo by Michael Matti // Adventure: Camp at Second Beach in Olympic NP
9. Chill in a Natural Hot Spring
Photo by Dusty Klein // Adventure: Soak in Kirkham Hot Springs
10. Cycle on a Country Road
Photo by Christin Healey // Adventure: Bikes & Brews on Route 151
11. Cast a Fly Fishing Line
Photo by Jake Sells // Adventure: Fly Fish at Salmon Creek Falls
12. Take a Hike
Photo by Chris Mongeau // Adventure: Hike the Window Trail in Big Bend
13. Cruise on a Stand Up Paddleboard
Photo by Josiah Roe // Adventure: Stand Up Paddleboard the Oceanside Harbor
14. Climb Some Rocks
Photo by Damien Kincannon // Adventure: Climb Hidden Rocks
15. Glide Over the Water in a Kayak
Photo by Jess Curren // Adventure: Kayak & Swim with Manatees at Three Sisters Spring
Cover photo by Michael Matti
