Clay Abney
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Clay Abney is a PR guru and freelance writer living in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, where he spends his days trail running, mountain biking, hiking, and working when the mood strikes. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments about Clay’s work.
The best long-distance bike trails across the U.S.
Bikepacking is a self-supported trip in which participants spend days, weeks, or even years traveling across regions, countries, and continents via bicycle.
From the French Alps to Moab, Utah, these are the 7 best mountain biking destinations to put on your bucket list
Whether you're looking for a muscle-burning climb or an adrenaline-rushing descent, you'll find it at one of these top mountain biking destinations.
Would you ride one of the longest ziplines in the world?
Most extreme sports take years to obtain the necessary skills. However, zip-lining allows the average person to experience "flying" without the training.
These are the best travel shoes (so you don’t waste any space in your luggage)
Your footwear dictates your comfort on the road & takes up more space than any other article in your luggage. Pack smart with these best travel shoes.
Everything You Need To Know About Spray Tanning
Spray tanning is a healthy and easy way to maintain the perfect tan, potentially without a single tan line. We show you how to get one at home
The Best Tailgating Gear for 2022: Grills, Games, Gear, and More
To some, tailgating is as much a profession as it is a pastime. Having the right gear can make or break your game day rally.
The 12 Best Trail-Running Shoes for Men Who Want to Tackle Technical Terrain
A great trail running shoe is sturdy, supportive, and ready for any all-terrain experience. Here are our top picks for the best trail running sneakers of 2022.
How to Find the Best Cooling Fabrics to Wear this Season and Beyond
Beat the heat with cooling fabrics that will let you stay outside for much longer.
Day Hike Essentials to Take Every Time You Hit the Trail
Collecting good gear can make day hikes so much better. With the capability to go beyond a single day, this gear will see you through if things take a turn.
The 6 Best Water Shoes and Hiking Sandals for Your Next Adventure this 2022
Whether you’re heading to the beach or a remote tropical destination, we've got the list of the 7 best pairs of water shoes and hiking sandals for your trip.
The 10 Best Denzel Washington Movies, Ranked
Training Day, Mo' Better Blues, and The Hurricane are just a few of Denzel Washington's best movies that made the list.
Product Review: This Is the Only Flannel Shirt You Need for Fall 2020
It's official. California Cowboy's HIgh Sierra has made the best fashion flannel shirt for Fall 2020. Here's why.
The Best Men’s Anti-Fog Sunglasses for Any Outdoor Workout
Activewear brands have been producing sunglasses that incorporate anti-fogging technology on lenses and frames for premium outdoor sunglasses.
5 Reasons Why You Should Wear Hawaiian Shirts All Year Round
Aloha shirts are stylish, and look great on everyone. Here are some of our favorite fashion cothing selections.
Product Review: Are These the Best Men’s Sports Sandals?
The legendary Chacos Z/2 flip flops are a fashion staple for outdoorsy types. We put their nearly 20-year-old reputation to the test to find out why.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Plant a Garden
We've got eight reasons for you to try planting a garden this year.
Keen Gave Away 100,000 Pairs of Shoes to People Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic
In just five days, and working virtually, Keen launched the Together We Can Help campaign that gave away 100,000 pairs of shoes to people in need.
The Best National Parks to Visit Virtually From the Comfort (and Safety) of Your Home
Don’t grab your hiking boots or daypack, but rather, travel over to Google Earth and explore the most scenic landscapes America has to offer.
For Your Viewing Pleasure: Our Favorite Online Prescription Glasses Providers
Our favorite eyewear brands at every price point, so you can start seeing the world with style.
An Interview With Photographer and Adventurer Cory Richards
We connected with Cory Richards to discuss his passion for the outdoors, photography, his struggle with PTSD, past and future expeditions, and, of course, gear.
It’s Time to Start Thinking About Your Heart Health
Cancer conjures fear, yet many people are acutely unaware of the silent killer that is cardiovascular disease.
What It Takes to Compete in the World’s Toughest Rowing Race
On December 12, 2019, 35 teams varying in size from solo to 4-person teams set out from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Before they set foot back on land on the island of Antigua, they will row over 3,000 miles in this grueling journey.
Colorado Beyond the Snow: 10 Things to Do Once Ski Season Is Over
While the minds of most will likely be trapped in a fog for the foreseeable future, the Centennial State has so much to offer during spring, summer, and fall. Colorado is an outdoor and adventure lover’s paradise.
How to Embrace the Winter, According to Eric Larsen
What if you could embrace winter like you once did as a child and learn to reignite that enthusiastic approach to the cold months ahead? We’ve enlisted the professional help of polar adventurer and expedition guide, Eric Larsen, to give us tips on thriving as the temperature plummets outside.
What Every Guy Needs to Know About Testicular Cancer
Whatever you call them — testicles, balls, nuts, cojones, family jewels, gonads — it’s important for men to educate ourselves about the facts of this male-only affliction. We spoke to Dr. Paras H. Shah to learn everything we could about testicular cancer.
Jake Burton Carpenter, Founder of Burton Snowboards, Passes Away at Age 65
Earlier this month, Jake Burton Carpenter (1954-2019) announced that his cancer had returned. On the morning of November 21, the Burton company issued a statement announcing that the godfather of snowboarding had passed away.Â
What to Know About Hawaii’s National Parks
When visiting Hawaii, it's a must to check out one of the two national parks located on the islands. With volcanoes and spectacular views, they give you a true look at just how beautiful Hawaii can be.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Best Rock Climbing Places in the World
When you're finally ready to take your rock-climbing repertoire international, try out our picks for the best rock climbing places on Earth.
How Does a Vasectomy Work: Your No-Frills Guide to Getting Snipped
To get a better idea of what a vasectomy is and how it works, we asked a medical expert to dispel some common myths about the procedure.
Weird Roadside Attractions: 10 Picture-Worthy Pit Stops in the U.S.
From Cadillac Ranch to Salvation Mountain to Lucy the Elephant, wonderfully bizarre roadside attraction line American's highways. Here are the can't-miss destinations to include on your next road trip.
9 Outdoor Gear Brands that Cleverly Utilize Recycled Goods
Gear manufacturers are utilizing more recycled materials, which further diverts the need for raw materials to be created. Here are nine outdoor companies that are using recycled material and reducing their environmental footprint.
The Return of Dave Mackey: From Ultrarunner to Leg Amputee and Back
In 2016, ultrarunner Dave Mackey made the decision to amputate is left leg below the knee — but that hasn't stopped him. We caught up with Mackey to learn more about that decision, his ultratrunning career, and what he has in store.
10 Reasons to Visit Norway in 2019
The picturesque ruggedness of Norway is just part of the appeal of what may arguably be one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Nature is magnified with awe-inspiring Northern Light displays set against a backdrop comprised of magnificent mountains, fjords, and coastline.
4 of the Most Challenging Day Hikes in the U.S.
We’ve selected four of the hardest treks in the lower forty-eight to get your adrenaline flowing. These trails are not for the faint of heart. However, if you possess the necessary skills and are in above-average shape, they can be knocked out in one day.
5 Most Common Running Injuries: Tips for Prevention and Treatment
The human machine is a complex system of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, but even with the best training, this machine is subject to break down. Here are the five most common running injuries and their treatment options, according to a physical therapist and certified running coach.
Luxury Train Travel: Ride the Rails in Splendor Aboard One of These Extravagant Trains
With the ever-shrinking airline legroom and the desire to harken back to an age where travel was an elegant affair, luxury train travel has recently enjoyed a revival. Book your ticket, pack your bags, and prepare for a timeless journey aboard one of these four extravagant rail trips.
Test Your Body and Recharge Your Spirit On One of These Famous Pilgrimages
Whether you are seeking a spiritual renewal or looking for a unique adventure, your next journey could include a literal walk through history. Some of these ancient paths and famous pilgrimages are deeply rooted in some of the world’s major religions while others are more about the physical challenge.Â
White Water Rafting the Rapids of the Gauley River in West Virginia
Every fall the Summersville Dam in West Virginia opens up and churns out some of the best whitewater rapids. It's officially Gauley River rafting season.
Avoid the Masses and Take an Expedition Cruise to a Far-Flung Location
What sets expedition cruises apart from conventional cruises? The opportunity to explore unique destinations around the world.
PK Grills: A Culinary Cult Classic Lives to Grill Again
PK Grills were a household staple form the 50s through the 70s, but business issues saw their disappearance until the 2000s when a man happened upon a vintage version at a garage sale and the rest is grilling history.
Repurposed Hotels: Stay the Night in a Palace, a Bank, a Brewery, and More
Each year, new hotels spring up all around the world. While some are built new from the ground up, others renovate, revitalize, and repurpose existing structures, resulting in roperties that are more unique and luxurious.
All Forward! 5 Best Places to Whitewater Raft Around the World
Whitewater rafting is an amazing adventure everyone should try at least once in their lives. There's a river out there for just about any experience and comfort level. Here are the best places to whitewater raft in the world.
9 Travel Tips For Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
While travel expands our minds and promotes a better understanding of the world around us, it can also have a negative impact on the environment. Here are nine tips for minimizing your carbon footprint on your travels.
Why You Should Get Travel Insurance and the Best Companies to Trust
Just like medical or life insurance, we hope that we never need to utilize the policy, but it sure is convenient if that day arrives. Here's why you should always get travel insurance, and the best companies on the market
