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Image vs. Content
I'm not sure who's at the helm of this operation but I'd be willing to bet they don't get Outside too often. Not to be too cynical about it, but I just don't find this mag to be as USEFUL as it was before. If you like LOTS of articles on who the coolest extreme sports stars are, how they got their abs, and what gear they're wearing, subscribe NOW. The magazine looks amazing, the photography is top notch and they still manage to come up with a thorny article on the environment periodically. But for my money, it just feels like the editorial staff has been plucked from New York image mags that do one thing really well - SELL. I read National Geographic Adventure, and unlike Outside, I USE IT for information because it has CONTENT.

Informative Mag for the Adventurous
I've been a subscriber to Outside magazine for several years, and it seems to go through its ups and downs in terms of the strength of its editorial content, especially regarding the political side of environmentalism. It is still easily the most informative magazine out there for lovers of the outdoors, but just note that the focus is on active, not armchair, appreciation of nature. Beyond the occasionally great and always heavily knowledgeable product reviews, the key strength of this magazine is the well-written and strongly researched articles on outdoor issues of concern, not just in America but around the world. An outstanding recent example, among many, concerns the economics of environmentalism in the conservative Western U.S. This is the type of strong conservationist reporting that can usually only be found otherwise in books. Other more whimsical articles are just fun to read for those with off-kilter interests, such as recent pieces on urban rock climbing or sauna fanatics in Finland.

Many other articles could be classified more as travel/tourism than adventure, but the accompanying photography is always top-notch, and the editors have a knack for finding out-of-the-way hidden treasures around the world that are ripe for discovery by the adventurous. (But on the other hand, the magazine could be faulted for contributing to the recent trend of hyping previously unknown outdoor paradises that have since become crowded, such as Molly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia.)Personally, I would like to see a little less focus on expensive vacations that extreme sports fanatics can take in hard-to-reach nations, and more on what folks with more realistic means (and amounts of free time) can do in humble parks and forests near home. But despite its habit of losing its focus at times, I will continue to be a fan of Outside for years to come, and might just travel to some of those hyped exotic adventure locations. [~doomsdayer520~]

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It's What Men Like to Read
Men's Journal is a decent magazine full of varied topics of interest to men. This magazine covers areas like sports, adventure travel, fashion and style, cars and trucks, career issues, etc. This publication directs all of its articles toward men, with an emphasis on what is most appealing to males throughout a typical week in their lives.

One thing about Men's Journal that is a little different from other men's magazines is that it doesn't flaunt women to sell its issues. In fact, there are practically no pictures of women at all in this publication- something that will be considered an asset to some, and a liability to others. This magazine refuses to play the female card and instead focuses its articles on topics that men like to read about.

Men's Journal is often obsessed with lists, and I think this is especially true in the last few years. Take a look at the cover of most issues and you will see a large, boldface advertisement for some sort of list. In one issue, it might be a ranking of the best cities for entry level jobs. In another issue, it might be a listing of the best places for young entrepreneurs. Whatever it might be, Men's Journal seems to have an infatuation with lists, probably because men like lists and it helps increase sales.

This magazine can be counted on to produce some fairly good reading, but I must warn that many of the articles are a little too simplistic, with little emphasis on intellectualism. Even the articles about politics and business are often riddled with obvious statements that most anyone would know. But overall, I still think Men's Journal is a good magazine. It is varied enough that most anyone will find something interesting to read and the price is very low.

Longtime Reader and Subscriber
I've been reading Men's Journal since the first issue. I've always enjoyed its mix of content. MJ interviews a wide range of interesting individuals. Over the years I've incorporated some of the workout tips from MJ's fitness pages into my workout routine. I especially enjoy reading the product reviews. The travel recommendations are always well written, if not sometimes beyond the budget of most readers (myself included!). Overall, Men's Journal offers a great mix of well written content.

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Ads Ads Ads
Ive got to agree, this mag really is all ads...its a shame.If your looking for a truly soulful surf mag check out surfers path or surfers journal.They've intelligent, meaningful, and interesting articles accompanied by truly amazing photos printed on a thick glossy stock.Costs a hell of a lot more, yes, but its worth it my friend.Surf and its conglomorate; surfer (owned by the same company) are nothing but tangable evidence that most of surfing now adays is about the $$$, the looks, and the girls.

Ads are common
Surf is a good magazine.All large commercial surfing magazines (including Surfer the oldest and the industry standard/bible) have many pages devoted solely to advertisement.I find the articles on professional surfers good, while the coverage of pro surfing events could be a little more extensive.

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We were Sailing Along
Are you the type who enjoys a nice excursion in a sailboat? If so, then you will probably enjoy Sail magazine. This publication is one of dozens available on the newsstands that cover the sport and hobby of sailing, but I feel its one of the best around.

What makes me feel so strongly about this magazine is the fact that the articles and advice are written by actual sailors. This magazine doesn't waste the reader's time with articles composed by so- called professional writers. Instead, it sticks with the people who know sailing better than anyone: the sailors themselves. This makes the magazine more believable and more respectable.

Sail divides its time between factual articles and ones that are more personable in nature. The factual articles cover things like how to maneuver a boat in different directions; what to look for when you shop for a new navigation device; the advantages and disadvantages of catamarans; etc. These factual stories are intended more for those who own boats and want to keep them in tip- top condition. The other articles deal with personal stories, and they rank among my favorites in each issue. These articles feature individuals and families who share their sea- going experiences with you.

Sail also has lots of reviews of boat- related products and plenty of ads in the back of each issue for shoppers who are looking for a boat. Ads in the rest of the magazine are scattered around, but they tend to stick mostly to boating and related products. The reviews are nice, but I would prefer to see more opinions from more people, to make comparisons.

Sail magazine has many great qualities, and they add up to a well- rounded publication- a magazine that I feel is the best in its field. Whether you sail for sport or for leisure, Sail magazine is probably the best of its kind. Great photography, informative articles, and personal stories place this magazine in a league of its own.

I?d rather be sailing than reading about it, but....
When the storm blows, or I am languishing in the doldrums, I pull out one of the three "boating" magazines I get: Sail, Sailing and Soundings."Sail's" top quality, above, the other two, is in the areas of technical advice.It always has a solid information on cruising tips and weather mixed with a smattering of great sea stories.

The destinations that are profiled, for potential cruising destinations, always becharmme with the thought that one day I too will anchor in Italy, or Maine, or Western Canada, or.....Really, who among us wouldn't be tempted with the thought of a layover at Bora Bora .

Some of the reviews, especially in electronics, have been disappointing.The reviews give an overall comprehension of what is offered in the market today, but, sadly,make no recommendations.For example, the article that was to "review" seven colorplotters (April 2003) ended the article with no recommendations, and then gave an insubstantial kiss off by saying, "it is disconcerting to contemplate how many brands and models there are to choose from".In other words, "you're on your own".

Regarding evaluations of new and used boats, I find "Sailing" to be more comprehensive and helpful.

Don't get me wrong "Sail" is still a worthwhile read and has excellent advise for any `salt' or `beginner'.Recommended.3.5 stars

Ahoy Mates.....
This review refers to "Sail" Magazine.....

Whether you are a novice sailor, racer ,or an old hand at it, whether you own a boat, are thinking of buying one or just like to go along for the ride, this magazine covers it all.

There's all kinds of useful tips and information for anyone who just loves boats or being out on the water. There are articles ranging from handling weather and mechanical problems to keeping your pets aboard. The latest in gear and equipment, America's Cup Schedules,basic cruising tips,articles written by people just like you, who just love being out there(these are great as they give good ideas for living aboard and places to cruise), are all in here.

Thinking of buying a boat? You'll find feature articles onnew and older boats. There is even a classified section in the back, that will give you a good idea of the price ranges for the type of boat your looking for.

Editorial Review