Don't listen to them, print isn't dead! (And neither is film!) In fact, the world of independent print media is arguably bigger than it's been in decades, with dozens of new and resuscitated titles popping up, especially in the outdoor world. As longtime lovers of analog pursuits, we've been paying close attention to this resurgence of premium print—and to celebrate a decade of digital publishing we've joined the ranks with our very own Field Mag print magazine (more on that below). In 2025, the path to success in print is through niche focus and high-end printing. Make something people want to not only spend their hard-earned dollars on, but keep around on their coffee table, too.
These intrepid few publishers know what the tech companies and financiers don't; that enthusiasm and passion exist among hikers, campers, climbers, surfers, skiers, and gearheads—enough to support real storytelling in quarterly, biannual, and annual installments. Within each of these publications' pages you'll find good old fashioned ink-on-paper text, bold imagery, and sound design.
The antidote to doom scrolling, these independent outdoor magazines deliver value through deeper connection to all things outside. If this is what you're after, consider purchasing a copy or subscribing to one (or more) of the following indy mags, selected by the Field Mag community for excellence in content and design.
[Check out our guide to Japanese outdoor magazines, too.