Graham Averill
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Articles by Graham Averill
Scratch By 50: Am I Good At Golf Yet?
News BY Graham Averill Aug 28th 2026 Read all comments Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill has turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now an 8.1. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
The Best National Park for Every Travel Personality
It’s National Park Week, when the country takes a beat to celebrate the landscapes that have helped define this country and our culture. Each day has a theme, from Safety Sunday to Fee Free Tuesday, but the overall vibe for the week is love. Love for the grand views, love for the staff of these parks, love for the adventures that can be had inside these special places.
Best National Park Water Adventures to Take Before Summer Ends
August is more than halfway over, which means fall is rapidly approaching. I love autumn, but I’m not ready to give up on summer just yet. There’s still time for more warm-weather adventures, so I’ve gathered a list of water-based activities inside our national parks that would make for the perfect punctuation point for your summer. There’s something for every type of traveler in this article, from mellow rafting to swimming holes to backcountry lakes.
Scratch by 50: Five Pieces of Gear That Have Helped Me Lower My Handicap
News BY Graham Averill Aug 21st 2026 Read all comments 1 Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill has turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now an 8.6. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
Scratch by 50: Learning to Shape the Ball
News BY Graham Averill Aug 14th 2026 Read all comments Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill has turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 9.1. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
I’ve Tested Portable Grills for Years. This Is the Best One for Car Camping in 2026
The best portable grill for car camping isn’t just a cooking surface—it’s a campfire, a gathering spot, and a practical addition to your setup all in one.
I've Tested Portable Grills for Years. The BioLite FirePit+ Is the Best One for Car Camping in 2026
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. The best portable grill for car camping isn't just a cooking surface—it's a campfire, a gathering spot, and a practical addition to your setup all in one.
Scratch By 50: Play With Better Golfers
News BY Graham Averill Aug 7th 2026 Read all comments Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 9.6. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
It Roasts, It Sears, It Locks Shut for Travel. This Is the Best Tabletop Gas Grill of 2026 Original
The best tabletop grills do more than just sear—and that’s always my first litmus test. I also look for sturdy cast iron grates, BTU output above 10,000, and a hood system that traps heat for roasting. Handle design also matters; I shouldn’t need gloves to move a hot grill. After years of testing grills of every size, the Everdure Cube Proflame 360 is the rare compact model that doesn’t cut corners. Everdure Cube Usually, portable grills are flimsy, disposable afterthoughts.
Can Growing Mountain Towns Keep Their Soul? Bend Has a Plan.
The Deschutes River is crowded. There’s no other word for it. It’s 92 degrees when I wade into the river with a bright, orange tube to float through Bend, Oregon, and hundreds, maybe thousands, of people have converged on the cold, mountain river to do the exact same thing. It’s a summer time ritual in this popular mountain town. You might spend your morning hiking or climbing, but in the afternoon when the temperature rises, you tube the Deschutes.
Build a Go Kit
An adventurous life is like a healthy diet. Daily habits matter. That’s why microadventures are so valuable. Saturday afternoon free? Make it count. Hours of daylight after work in the summer? Take advantage. Not every adventure needs to be, or even should be, a multiday epic, and these small, fast missions can bring a much-needed element of adventure into your daily life.
I Tested the $700 Pecos Camp Table That's All Over Your Feed
I don’t think much about camp tables. I obsess over coolers, and I have very strong opinions about camp chairs. Coffee cups are important to me. Sleeping bags, tents, inflatable mattresses…all of these pieces of gear occupy space in my brain when I’m going car camping, but the table is an absolute afterthought. I bring a cheap, folding table that can barely support my car camping stove and say a prayer that it will be able to withstand the abuse I throw at it during a weekend in the woods.
Scratch By 50: Chasing Speed With My Driver
News BY Graham Averill Jul 31st 2026 Read all comments Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill has turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 9.9. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
Bikes, Art, and Trails: A First-Timer's Guide to Bentonville, Arkansas
Is this the perfect town in America? It sure is close; it’s one of my top towns for mountain biking (ranked number 2 on my list) Bentonville is known for its unique take on trail access, which it blends witha progressive approach to public art. On top of that, they throw in a dash of incredible food. It’s an enticing combination that you have to check out.
Is Bentonville the Best Bike Town in America? It’s Definitely on Our List.
5 hours ago From New York City to Portland, Oregon, these are the best pies being sauced and tossed in the United States. Finding the best pizza in America is a tall order. After all, when it comes to New York City pizzerias alone, there are roughly 2,000 clamoring for your attention across all five boroughs. A …
Four Burners, Zero Learning Curve: This Is the Best Gas Grill for Beginners in 2026 Original
When I’m evaluating gas grills for beginners, I start with the basics: does it light every time, does it heat evenly, and can one person put it together without losing an afternoon? A side burner is a bonus—it means you’re not running between the grill and the stove mid-cook. I also look at footprint, because a grill that swallows your patio isn’t doing anyone any favors. After nearly a decade of testing grills, the Monument Mesa II 415BZ is the one that gets all of the fundamentals right.
I Tested Dozens of Jackets—This Is the One I Keep Wearing
After years of testing insulated jackets for hiking, backpacking, skiing, and travel, I’ve learned that versatility matters just as much as warmth. The best insulated jackets don’t just excel in one activity—they’re comfortable enough for everyday wear, breathable enough for high-output pursuits, and light enough to live in your pack. That’s exactly what makes the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Warm Hoody stand out.
Scratch By 50: Learning To Aim The Ball
News BY Graham Averill Jul 24th 2026 Read all comments Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill has turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 10. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
Why This Hiking Backpack Earned My Top Spot of 2026 Original
Whether you’re tackling an all-day summit push, scrambling over rocky terrain, or packing light for an overnight adventure, the Nemo Persist 30 is the rare hiking backpack that feels ready for almost anything. While it’s technically a daypack, its thoughtful organization, supportive suspension, and generous 30-liter capacity make it versatile enough for ambitious hikes, technical objectives, and even minimalist backpacking trips.
Pack Less, Do More
Whether you’re packing for a weekend trek or a global adventure, there’s no doubt about the benefits of a lighter load. Carrying less weight feels good, feels freeing, feels right. But that doesn’t just mean counting ounces. Even a superlight product is heavier than not taking that gear at all. That’s why it pays to focus on bringing the items you need in the wild and nothing more.
Scratch By 50: The Putting Overhaul
News BY Graham Averill Jul 17th 2026 Read all comments Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill has turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 10. Welcome to his midlife crisis. Putting.
Think Light
Everyone understands the value of packing light. You can go faster or farther or both, or simply enjoy a little more comfort. But it’s all too easy to focus on gear—literally the stuff you carry—and forget that there’s so much more than pounds and ounces when it comes to cutting weight. For starters, there’s your mindset: How do you think about adventure? Your attitude is the most important piece of gear you carry.
Should We Keep the Most Affordable Mountain Towns a Secret? Our Columnist Weighs In.
I get a lot of work-related hate mail, which is interesting considering I have a relatively benign job. I’m not dealing in blood diamonds. I’m not a Pharma Bro. I write articles about cool places to go and fun things to do. Occasionally, I write about mountain towns for this magazine— mountain towns you can atually affordand the best mountain bike towns, to name a few.
The 2026 US Outdoor Adventures Bucket List
The 2026 US Outdoor Adventures Bucket List Discover unforgettable adventures across America's peaks, waterways, and wild places.
Lighter Life and Bigger Days
Be nimble in the way you think, pack, and plan-and let the adventures begin
Scratch By 50: A Not So Beautiful Mind
News BY Graham Averill Jul 10th 2026 Read all comments Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Graham Averill has turned 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 10.3. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
Scratch By 50: State Of The Game, Part Two
Graham Averill will turn 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 10.3. Welcome to his midlife crisis. So, I’m 50. It happened quickly one day last week in my sleep. I leave a wife and two teenage children behind. I’m kidding. Yes, I turned 50 but my life didn’t suddenly end. I woke up the next day feeling great.
The Best of Summer
The Best of Summer The best summer starts here, with our favorite places, adventures, and gear.
4 Beach Chairs That Will Actually Last More Than a Summer
There was a time in my youth when I took a minimalist approach to beach days. I spent a year living in San Diego and I would take a towel and a surfboard to the beach and that was it. If I wasn’t in the water surfing, I would sit on the towel and think about surfing. I’ve evolved as I’ve aged. Maybe it’s because I have a family now, or maybe it’s because beach days are less frequent and I want to make the most of them.
I’ve Tested Dozens of Portable Smokers. This Cast Aluminum ‘Suitcase’ Is the Best of 2026
Durability is what separates a real portable smoker from a glorified picnic accessory, in my experience. Cast aluminum construction handles heat and weather better than lightweight steel, and a tight lid seal keeps smoke where it belongs instead of leaking out of the sides. I’ve seen plenty of meals ruined by someone lifting a lid every so often to check if it’s done, so a built-in thermometer is always a plus.
Why the Nomad Rodeo Portable Smoker is the Top Choice for 2026 Grilling
This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Men's Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Durability is what separates a real portable smoker from a glorified picnic accessory, in my experience.
National Parks Out West Get All the Hype, but I Prefer Our Eastern Ones. Here’s Why.
Let me start by saying this is not a competition. All of our national parks are amazing and no one park is better than another. It’s like being a parent and someone asking you to choose a favorite. No kid is better than the other, they’re just different. At least, that’s what parents are supposed to say, but we all know that’s not true: Parents have favorites. They just don’t say it out loud. So yes, all national parks are wonderful, it’s not a competition.
Camp, Continued | Our State
RV There Yet?: For some, they’re home away from home. For others, they are home. From purchase to renovation to life on the road, campers offer the freedom to live on one’s own terms. Click here to read more articles from our camping issue. Wilder Carson has a busy day ahead of him. He plans to look for salamanders in the creek before riding his bike around the gravel road and trails that meander through the hardwood forest.
Scratch by 50: All About That Data
Graham Averill will turn 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 10.7. Welcome to his midlife crisis. I’m not a numbers guy. The most advanced math I can do is adding 15 plus 8 at the blackjack table in Vegas (bust again). Even figuring out the tip after dinner out stresses me out.
Arkansas' MTB Capital Just Got Its First Lift-Served Bike Park. I Was One of the First to Ride It.
The mountain at the brand new OZ Trails Bike Park isn’t very big. Rising less than 300 feet in elevation, I don’t even think you can call it a mountain. It’s a hill. But what the trail designers have done with that hill is nothing short of amazing. The park has a high-speed quad lift feeding bikers to more than 20 miles of gravity trails, which offer plenty of options for every level of rider.
The MTB Capital of the World Just Got Its First Lift-Served Bike Park. I Was One of the First to Ride It.
5 hours ago By declining to take up a lower court ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has dealt another blow to the Voting Rights Act. The court announced Monday that it will not review an Arkansas-based lawsuit, leaving in place a 2025 appeals panel ruling that ends a long-used tool for protecting minority voters …
Scratch By 50: I Switched From The Worst-Rated Driver To The Best-Rated Driver
Graham Averill will turn 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project in March as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now a 10.7. Welcome to his midlife crisis. Gear will not save your game. Let me explain. I love gear. I think using the right gear is important.
Adventure Everywhere in San Diego, California
The Pacific Ocean is the obvious draw, but San Diego goes beyond its SoCal-cool image and delivers a community that’s full of culture and surrounded by adventure. Adventure Everywhere with a vehicle that elevates every drive, whether you’re heading to Pearl Street to shop or traveling to a state park. Meet the capable and versatile 2027 Telluride X-Pro and Telluride Turbo-Hybrid. Black’s Beach You want coastal drama? Black’s Beach has drama.
Adventure Everywhere in Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is a crossroads in many ways. It sits at the front edge of the Rocky Mountains, where the plains meet the peaks, while it also occupies a rare intersection between urban culture and the great outdoors. Adventure Everywhere with a vehicle that elevates every drive, whether you’re heading to Pearl Street to shop or traveling to a state park. Meet the capable and versatile 2027 Telluride X-Pro and Telluride Turbo-Hybrid.
Adventure Everywhere in Seattle, Washington
Coffee, tech, seafaring culture, and fast access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. There’s no place quite like Seattle. Adventure Everywhere with a vehicle that elevates every drive, whether you’re grabbing lunch on Puget Sound or traveling to a national park. Meet the capable and versatile 2027 Telluride X-Pro and Telluride Turbo-Hybrid. Mount Si Mount Si is the classic hike near Seattle.
Adventure Everywhere in Austin, Texas
Think Austin is just about live music and barbecue? Think again. This Texas charmer is a world-class outdoor destination that blends its signature take on Southern culture with adventures within the city limits and beyond. Adventure Everywhere with a vehicle that elevates every drive, whether you’re having a night out on the town or traveling to a state park. Meet the capable and versatile 2027 Telluride X-Pro and Telluride Turbo-Hybrid.
Hardshell vs. Soft-Shell Rooftop Tents: One Is Clearly Better
Let’s get one thing clear up front: most of us don’t need a rooftop tent. Legend has it rooftop tents were originally created so adventurers could sleep off the ground away from dangerous wildlife. I live in the Southern Appalachians, so I’m not worried about lions and tigers, and car campers have survived for decades pitching tents on the ground. Rooftop tents aren’t strictly necessary.
Adventure Everywhere in San Diego, California
“No one’s ever seen tigers do this before.” A film crew flew a drone over an island full of big cats – and captured something extraordinary Think you know everything there is to know about tigers? This new footage from the BBC's Tiger Island has left experts amazed As it is one of the most …
Adventure Everywhere in Austin, Texas
Bunnie Xo 1 hour ago Bunnie Xo Poses in Lingerie With Bold Cutout Hours Before Jelly Roll Divorce News Breaks Following Nearly 10 Years of Marriage InStyle - Meg Walters • 1h She paired the racy photo with a cryptic caption. Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo have split after nearly a decade of marriage, and the author took to social media to share a sexy new photo. Mere hours before news of their impending divorce broke, Bunnie Xo, 46, shared a bold photo of herself in lingerie …
I've Owned Both. Here's Why Hardshell Rooftop Tents Win Over Soft-Shells Every Time.
I've Owned Both. Here's Why Hardshell Rooftop Tents Win Over Soft-Shells Every Time. Let’s get one thing clear up front: most of us don’t need a rooftop tent. Legend has it rooftop tents were originally created so adventurers could sleep off the ground away from dangerous wildlife. I live in the Southern Appalachians, so I’m not worried about lions and tigers, and car campers have …
Scratch By 50: Does The Ball Matter For A Golfer Like Me?
Graham Averill will turn 50 this year and he’s freaking out. Instead of buying a motorcycle or getting a tattoo, he’s decided to try to get really, really good at golf. He started this project in March as a 13 handicap attempting to reach scratch in a year. He is now an 11.2. Welcome to his midlife crisis. I’m not allowed to have nice things. Never have been. Buy me something nice and I’m just going to break it or lose it.
I Thought Smart Grills Were a Gimmick—Then I Tried This Weber
Smart grills promise a lot. Most claim they’ll help you cook better, but many simply add another app, another notification, and another thing to troubleshoot. The Weber Spirit EX-425C is different. During testing, its WiFi-connected thermometer eliminated the guesswork from cooking everything from chicken breasts to thick-cut steaks, while the grill itself delivered the reliable performance Weber is known for.
Consistent Heat and App-Connected Precision Make Weber Spirit EX-425C the Best Smart Gas Grill of 2026
This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Men's Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Smart grills promise a lot. Most claim they'll help you cook better, but many simply add another app, another notification, and another thing to troubleshoot. The Weber Spirit EX-425C is different.
I Tested the Best Backpack Coolers for Summer Adventures
A great backpack cooler solves one of life’s simplest problems: how do you bring cold drinks wherever the adventure takes you? Whether you’re hiking to a summit, heading to the beach, floating a river, tailgating before the game, or packing lunch for a long day outside, the best backpack coolers make it easy to carry food and drinks while keeping everything cold for hours.
I Tested the Best Backpack Coolers for Summer Adventures
Men's Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. A great backpack cooler solves one of life's simplest problems: how do you bring cold drinks wherever the adventure takes you?
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