“Out There Outdoors” will celebrate its 20th year of publication with the upcoming September-October print edition, a landmark for the local, family-owned outdoor adventure and lifestyle publication.
Originally founded as “Out There Monthly” by long-time Spokanite and former Spokane City Council Member Jon Snyder, Out There has provided an authentic voice for the Inland Northwest outdoors community in print and online since 2004. One way the publication is celebrating this landmark is by introducing the Out There Membership, which will provide perks for both members and the future of the magazine.
Out There was first published in an era when quality online information about the outdoors was scant, and smart phones and social media were not widely used. Out There weathered many challenges, from the Great Recession to the rise of the digital revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic. While many other print publications have struggled or disappeared, niche publications like Out There with a hyper-local focus on outdoor recreation, nature, and meaningful storytelling have seen a rise in popularity.
Many outdoor enthusiasts strive to spend less time on their phones and reading on screens. Relevant mountain culture publications that readers can hold in their hands, including “Mountain Gazette,” “Adventure Journal,” and others, have become a refuge for readers fatigued by a constant barrage of digital marketing. The new Out There Membership will help to keep the print version of this magazine a reality.
“We hope to continue to publish Out There in print for another 20 years,” noted Out There owners Derrick and Shallan Knowles. Out There’s readership and advertising base has grown over the last decade, with an estimated 100,000 readers mostly in Spokane and North Idaho picking up 30,000-35,000 free copies of each edition.
“Our advertisers and readers make publishing Out There in print possible, and we are grateful for the opportunity to create each issue and contribute to the local outdoors community,” says Shallan. But with the costs of putting together a print publication growing every year, combined with the Knowles’ desire to keep advertising costs affordable for many small business and non-profit advertisers, the new membership campaign will give loyal readers the opportunity to contribute toward continued ad-free, reader-supported stories and articles.
In addition to making Out There less dependent on advertising, Out There members will get a range of perks with their annual membership. All members will get an invite to an annual party, with the first one happening this September. Members will have the chance to provide input on the types of content they would like to see more of via an annual member survey. Membership will also come with some valuable deals and discounts from advertisers.
“We are excited to roll out some great Out There member exclusive deals, including discounts from outdoor retailers like Solnix and Spokane Alpine Haus, discounts on rock climbing passes, lift ticket perks, and many other benefits,” says Shallan.
Visit Out There’s membership page at Outthereoutdoors.com for more info and to sign up as a member to be a part of the growing Out There Outdoors community.
