Mountain Gazette Review: The Best Print Magazine for Outdoor Storytelling
Visually rich, story-driven, and made for outdoor lovers — here’s why I subscribe and keep every issue.
Mountain Gazette didn’t pay me for this post — I’m just a subscriber who loves it. I do use affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you subscribe through the link in this review. It helps support Overland Girl and the free content I share.
Flipping through Mountain Gazette with a furry trail buddy — ski season stories worth slowing down for.
Why I Keep Reading Mountain Gazette
As an art director by trade, I’m always drawn to design that tells a story. Mountain Gazette nails that — from its large-format layout and authentic photography to the immersive storytelling and unexpected illustration work that weaves through every issue.
Reading Mountain Gazette Issue 201 at Overland Girl HQ — where stories, design, and outdoor dreams come together.
If you're searching for the best magazine for outdoor lovers, Mountain Gazette is it. I keep every issue on my coffee table—not just because it’s beautiful, but because it delivers the kind of deep, thoughtful stories that stick with you. Printed in an oversized 11" x 17" format, it feels more like a collectible art book than a magazine.
I’ve taken it to camp a few times, especially for relaxed reading by the fire. But most of the time, it’s part of my daily life back home—flipping through an issue while sipping coffee is its own kind of ritual.
What Makes Mountain Gazette One of the Best Outdoor Magazines
High-quality, thick paper stock — built like a keepsake
Oversized format — perfect for large, immersive photo essays
No fluff or filler — just real stories, long-form essays, and artful layouts
Focus on mountain culture, conservation, and the outdoors lifestyle
Every issue is timeless — I revisit them months later and still find something new
If you're already sold on timeless design, mountain culture,
and immersive storytelling—this is where to start.
What You’ll Find in Mountain Gazette
Adventure Essays & Personal Narratives
Stories from climbers, hikers, skiers, and wanderers who live life off the beaten path.
Essay spread from Mountain Gazette: Girl Scout patches and a reflection on community and service.
Stunning Photo Essays
Magazine-quality visuals that rival coffee table books — no ads breaking the experience.
Photo essay spread from Mountain Gazette: a blurred forestscape in Park City, Utah.
Profiles of Mountain Culture Icons
Featuring climbers, artists, and outdoor pioneers who are shaping the conversation.
Environmental Writing & Conservation Essays
Real takes on access, sustainability, and what it means to protect wild spaces.
Looking for a magazine with real outdoor storytelling that goes beyond gear reviews and trail stats? This is it.
Is Mountain Gazette Worth It?
Yes — if you care about print quality, visual storytelling, and outdoor culture beyond gear guides.
Mountain Gazette isn’t cheap, especially considering there are only two issues per year. But it’s built like a collectible and feels more like an art book than a typical magazine. For me, it’s worth every dollar — I revisit them often, and they never feel outdated.
If you value design, story, and substance, you’ll get your money’s worth.
What I Like
Magazine-quality paper that feels like a collector’s item
Outdoor storytelling that goes deeper than surface-level trip reports
Photography and layout that’s worthy of display
Keeps me connected to mountain life even when I’m at home
What I Don’t Like
Expensive compared to standard magazines — but worth it for the format and quality
Only published a couple times a year — makes each one feel special, though
Subscribe to Mountain Gazette
A print magazine you’ll actually keep, revisit, and be proud to display. If you’re into slow stories, striking photography, and real outdoor culture — this one’s worth it.
