The Outside app serves as a centralized hub for outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, aggregating content from a network of 15 popular magazines and websites under the Outside Inc. umbrella. It's essentially a digital magazine rack and video streaming platform rolled into one, offering a diverse range of articles, videos, and other resources catering to various outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles.
1. What the App Does: The app's primary function is to deliver curated content related to outdoor adventures and wellness. This includes long-form articles, news updates, event coverage (major sporting events like the Tour de France and IRONMAN), gear reviews, training plans, recipes, yoga practices, and more. The app focuses on delivering this content in a visually appealing and easily navigable format, optimized for mobile consumption. Importantly, it requires an Outside+ subscription for access.
2. Key Features: The app's strength lies in its comprehensive content library and personalized experience. The ability to tailor your feed to specific interests (running, cycling, yoga, etc.) is a significant advantage, ensuring users aren't overwhelmed with irrelevant information. The inclusion of trending content helps users discover popular articles and videos. Sharing functionality allows users to easily recommend content to friends. The app also benefits from the established reputation and high-quality content associated with the Outside Inc. brands. However, the dependence on a subscription model might be considered a limitation by some.
3. Use Cases: The Outside app is useful for anyone seeking inspiration and information related to outdoor activities and healthy living. Specific use cases include: researching gear before a purchase, finding training plans for a specific event, discovering new recipes for healthy eating, learning about upcoming outdoor events, finding inspiration for your next adventure, or simply enjoying high-quality articles and videos related to your passions.
4. Target Audience: The app's target audience is clearly defined as individuals interested in outdoor recreation and wellness. This includes runners, cyclists, climbers, backpackers, yogis, triathletes, and anyone interested in healthy eating and fitness. The content's generally high level of expertise and detail suggests an audience that is moderately to highly engaged with these activities. The subscription model also suggests a target audience willing to pay for premium content.
5. Overall Assessment: The Outside app offers a valuable service for its target audience. The curated content, personalized feed, and wide range of topics covered make it a convenient and engaging platform. The high rating of 4.6/5 on the App Store reflects a generally positive user experience. However, the reliance on a paid subscription is a critical factor to consider. While the quality of content justifies the cost for many, prospective users should carefully weigh the subscription fee against their usage expectations. The app's interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making navigation and content discovery straightforward. Overall, the Outside app provides a compelling package for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and wellness-focused individuals willing to invest in a premium subscription.
Review published on June 23, 2025