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15 Ways to Opt Outside on Black Friday

Join the movement.

By: Sara Sheehy + Save to a List

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

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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