Graham Averill
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Articles by Graham Averill
Scratch By 50: Sticking The Finish
News BY Graham Averill Oct 16th 2026 Read all comments Add MyGolfSpy as a preferred source on Google 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.
The Only Backpack You Need for Flights, Day Hikes, and Weekends Away
I own a lot of backpacks. It’s an occupational hazard. I have racks of them in my garage, all hanging in anticipation of their specific use case. Long, multi-day hikes through the backcountry? I have a pack for that. Quick mountain bike spins around local trails? I have a backpack for that (a hip pack, actually). But the perfect travel backpack, the carry-all that can be my trusty companion for planes, trains, and automobiles, has eluded me.
Scratch by 50: Can You Play Too Much Golf?
News BY Graham Averill Oct 9th 2026 Read all comments Add MyGolfSpy as a preferred source on Google 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.
This 11-Ounce Rain Jacket Packs Down Into Its Own Pocket
Rain sucks. Wearing a stiff, clammy rain jacket while you’re trying to climb, hike, or scramble isn’t much better. That’s why I like Black Diamond’s Fineline Stretch Shell. It’s a legitimate waterproof shell built around Black Diamond’s 2.5-layer BD.dry construction, but unlike plenty of rain jackets, it doesn’t feel like something I want to rip off the second the storm passes.
The Best Rain Jacket Is the One You Actually Remember to Pack
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. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing. Rain sucks. Wearing a stiff, clammy rain jacket while you’re trying to climb, hike, or scramble isn’t much better. That’s why I like Black Diamond’s Fineline Stretch Shell.
Scratch By 50: The Highs And Lows Of Golf
News BY Graham Averill Oct 2nd 2026 Read all comments Add MyGolfSpy as a preferred source on Google 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.
3 Shaded Mountain Hikes
Two-mile loop Difficulty: ● ● ○ ○ ○ For the deepest shadows, look for the tallest trees. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, near Robbinsville in western North Carolina, protects some of the state’s largest old-growth trees. Tulip poplars rise more than 100 feet, with trunks measuring more than 20 feet around. Old-growth sycamores, oaks, and other hardwoods share the forest. The Lower and Upper trails loop together in a figure eight through the memorial forest.
Scratch By 50: Tournament Golf Is Different
News BY Graham Averill Sep 25th 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 8.2. Welcome to his midlife crisis. Tournament golf is hard.
Scratch By 50: Does My Golf Game Travel?
News BY Graham Averill Sep 18th 2026 Read all comments 2 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 8.2. Welcome to his midlife crisis.
I Traded My Mountain Bike for a Motorcycle to Ride Across South Dakota’s Badlands
We’re not lost. That’s the baseline my buddy, Keener, and I establish as we step off of our motorcycles and look at the GPS on my phone. We just don’t know where we are. There’s a big difference between those two situations. We’re deep in the backcountry of South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest and wondering why the dirt road we’re riding comes to a dead end at a stream in the real world but continues on the GPS app in my hand. It’s a glitch in the Matrix.
Off-Road Vehicles Are Cool But Loud as Hell. Can Polaris' New Transmission Fix That?
Overview: Outside tested the Polaris Xpedition, a side-by-side off-road vehicle, on 4WD roads in South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest. The Xpedition features Polaris’ new NUMATIX Controlled CVT transmission, which uses air pressure to manage the clutch and reduce cabin noise by a claimed 40 percent compared to previous models. The vehicle has 114 horsepower, a 999cc engine, and 14 inches of ground clearance.
Scratch By 50: Does Taking A Cart Help My Score?
News BY Graham Averill Sep 11th 2026 Read all comments 2 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 Outdoor Adventures in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga isn’t close to adventure—the city is adventure. In 2025, Chattanooga was recognized as North America’s first National Park City, and is one of only a handful of such cities worldwide. The designation celebrates communities that prioritize their natural resources and access to the outdoors for residents and visitors alike, making nature an integral part of daily life.
Scratch By 50: I’m Getting (A Little) Smarter
News BY Graham Averill Sep 4th 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.
6 National Park Water Adventures to Cool Off
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.
I Used to Think Rooftop Tents Were Overpriced. This $4,000 Tent Changed My Mind Original
I used to think rooftop tents were mostly overpriced status symbols—the outdoor equivalent of driving around town with a spotless set of traction boards bolted to your truck. Then I started really testing them. After trying at least half a dozen rooftop tents over the years, my opinion has changed. Having the right one can eliminate a surprising amount of the friction that keeps people from camping more often.
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.
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