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Nick Hilden

Nick Hilden

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Afar, the Daily Beast, Popular Science, Men's Health, Thrillist, Scientific American, Salon, Fodor's, Vice, Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and more. He's usually on some random adventure in some random corner of the world.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

A man reading a book

Treat your mind: The 11 best short stories ever written

Many authors say that penning a great short story is harder than writing an entire novel. These are the best short stories to add to your list.
Jackery 3000 Pro.

We’ve tested ’em all: These are the best portable solar generators of 2024

Our expert has tested all the latest solar power generators, and these are the greatest for every task.
A tractor hauling a float with lobster on the street at night.

A brief history of Mardi Gras – find out how this tradition with beads started

Mardi Gras is a holiday known for beads, cocktails, and king cake, but do you know its origins? Check out our brief history of Mardi Gras and find out!
Whistler.

I tried nearly all the Whistler and Banff hotels: Where you should stay when you go skiing and snowboarding

Looking for the perfect place to stay for your Banff, Whistler, or Glacier adventure? These hotels and ski lodges deliver verified excellence.
Man doing some travel photography

Travel photography: What to know to take photos everyone will be jealous of

If you need to shoot better travel photos for your article or content, we've got you covered with our beginner's guide to travel photography.
Someone packing their suitcase for a trip.

One-bag travel: 7 must-know tips to pack everything you need in carry-on luggage

Don't worry about lost luggage, learn what to pack in a carry-on by packing light.
An adult man

How to be an adult: Things every grown-up should own

Are you ready for some "adulting?" Discover what you need to own before you can truly call yourself a grown-up.
A smart shop in Amsterdam

A psychedelic guide to Amsterdam: What to know about getting weird, Dutch-style

Ready to get weird, Dutch-style? Here's everything you need to know about taking psychedelics in Amsterdam.
Getting ready for bulking season

Winter is coming, and that means bulking season: Here’s how to get those gains

'Tis the season for packing on muscle. These bulking tips will help you get those gains all winter long.
A whole lot of psychedelics. DMT and other drugs.

What is DMT? Learn why this powerful drug is unlike other psychedelics

DMT is unlike any other psychedelic. Learn about the experience and what DMT researcher Dr. Steve Barker has to say about this unique, powerful drug.
Life on the road.

Travel tips: These are the 7 worst road trip mistakes you can make

Life on the road is hard. These road trip tips will help make it easier.
A bird's eye view of a converted Sprinter campervan parked at the Mojave National Preserve.

Gearing up for van life: Van conversion tips to make your time on the road easy

Are you ready for life on the road? We've got some helpful advice on how you can ensure that your van life is as comfortable as possible.
San Miguel de Allende.

San Miguel de Allende: A guide for artsy, foodie, and culture enthusiasts

You'll want to add these experiences to your itinerary when you travel to San Miguel de Allende.
Vintage Electric Roadster e-bike

E-bike gear roundup: Everything you need for safety and peace of mind

Looking for the best e-bike gear for keeping you and your bike safe and secure? We've got you covered with these extensively tested recommendations.
A clean pair of eyeglasses on top of books on a bedsheet.

How to remove scratches from glasses in 5 easy steps

Realize that's not dirt on your glasses, but something a bit more permanent? Here's how to remove scratches from glasses when the inevitable happens.
The Pacific Northwest

Here’s your camping and outdoor guide for the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest camping opportunities are many and wonderful. Here are a few of its most renowned outdoor spots.
A stoned guy reading a book.

7 great books about psychedelics you should definitely read

Want to learn more about psychedelic drugs? These books provide an education.
Dazed and Confused.

‘Dazed and Confused’ at 30: Is the ultimate chill movie still … chill?

2023 brings the 30th anniversary of the movie "Dazed and Confused." Is it worth another watch?
Party at Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido.

Puerto Escondido travel guide: Where to stay, where to eat, and more

Puerto Escondido, Mexico is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Here's our guide to the best places to surf, eat, stay, and more.
Jackery is great for vanlife.

I’ve tried all the Jackery solar power generators: So which should you buy?

Jackery makes a bunch of different solar power generators. So which is right for you? Find out which capacity will best suit your needs.
Gunshot art of Hunter Thompson.

25 years of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Does the movie still hold up?

The film adaptation of 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' turns a quarter century old this year, so now seems like the perfect time to explore its legacy.
Pink pills.

What is ketamine therapy? Everything you need to know

Curious about ketamine therapy? Here's an explanation of its benefits and a firsthand account of what the experience is like.
Some psychedelic trippiness.

Expert Rick Strassman talks psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and the future of psychedelics

Renowned psychedelics researcher Rick Strassman talks with The Manual about his latest book, "The Psychedelic Handbook."
Psychedelic Sciences at the Colorado Convention Center.

The largest psychedelic conference in history just happened, and here’s what experts had to say

The massive Psychedelic Sciences 2023 brought 12,000 people to Denver to discuss the future of psychedelics. Here's what you need to know.
Backpacker in the summer

7 telltale signs it’s time to put the ‘backpacker’ life behind you

Backpack traveling tends to be a young person's game. Here are a few signs that it's time to travel like a grownup, and tips on how to do it.
Denver, Colorado.

A psychedelic guide to Denver: Getting weird in the Mile High City

Thanks to decriminalization, Denver is the most psychedelic-friendly city in the United States. Here's how to enjoy that to the fullest.
Terrance Hayes' So to Speak and Watch Your Language.

These 2 book releases should be on your list of summer reads

National Book Award winner Terrance Hayes is among the leading poets today. We review his latest book releases and explain why they're a mental gymnasium.
A mushroom in the wild.

How to stop a bad psilocybin trip

The much maligned "bad trip" might seem scary, but it turns out that not only is it manageable, but it might actually be good.
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter.

Books to read this summer: ‘Ripe’ by Sarah Rose Etter offers a frighteningly familiar dystopia

Our review of Sarah Rose Etter's "Ripe," a grim look at life in the shadow of Silicon Valley, and one of the most anticipated new book releases of the summer.
Museum of Anthropology.

A guide to Chapultepec: Mexico City’s massive urban park

Mexico City's Chapultepec Park is enormous. We've made your visit easy by providing this handy guide to some of its key experiences.
El Autentico Pato Manila Torta.

The best restaurants in Mexico City – on and off the beaten path

Looking for what to eat for your Mexico City visit? Here are a few places that are distinctly memorable.
The Trojan Horse.

5 off-the-beaten-path historic sites you should visit

If you're looking for outstanding historical sites minus the tourist crowds, we've got you covered.
The Anker PowerHouse 767 portable power station.

Review: Is the Anker PowerHouse 767 portable power station worth the upgrade?

I've spent a few weeks testing the new Anker PowerHouse 767. Is this portable power station worth the price tag? Here's what I think.
Umbral Hotel in Mexico City.

This gothy hotel in Mexico City is perfect for art lovers

The Umbral is unique among Mexico City hotels. It's gothy, artsy, almost steampunk atmosphere is truly one of a kind.
A mountain bike in action

Discover the best electric mountain bikes for hitting the trails this year

Looking to hit the MTB trails with an extra boost of power? Here are the best electric mountain bikes of 2023 for a wide range of budgets.
Some psychedelic trippiness.

How to do psychedelics right (now that psychedelic therapy is a growing trend)

I've used psychedelics more than virtually anyone in history. Here's how to get the most out of the experience.
Best new books.

The most exciting new book releases for the rest of 2023

Looking for what to put on your reading list for the rest of the year? Here are the best new book releases that you need to check out.
Rad Power RadRunner 3

Why we love the updated Rad Power RadRunner 3 ebike

If you're looking for a workhorse of an ebike that's also a ton of fun, you've found it in the Rad Power RadRunner 3.
Turkish Air business class.

Are business class flights worth it? What our experience on Turkish Air taught us

Is business class worth its sky-high price tag? We tried the Turkish Air experience to find out.
White Priority Current ebike against a white background.

The Priority Current Ebike is Classy, Stylish, and Smooth

Looking for a classy, powerful ebike? Then you might want to read our review of the Priority Current.
iPhone 14 Plus.

Review: Does the iPhone 14 Plus live up to its outdoorsy reputation?

Apple has marketed the iPhone 14 as the ideal phone for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our review takes a look at its travel chops.
Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

Granada, Spain on $400: Where to eat, stay, and play

From a fairytale castle and free tapas to a futuristic hotel, here's how to enjoy Granada, Spain, on a budget.
The view from Amsterdam De L'Europe.

The best Amsterdam hotels: These are the ones worth your money

Whatever your Amsterdam hotel needs happen to be, we have the recommendations you're looking for.
A stunning tropical cove in Puerto Escondido.

Oaxaca coast travel guide: Where to stay, where to eat, and more

Ready to visit one of Mexico's most popular regions? Here's your guide to where to stay, where to eat, and what to do on the Oaxaca coast.
A vial of LSD.

LSD-assisted therapy: How it differs from other psychedelic experiences

Here's everything you need to know about the experience and benefits of LSD. Get ready to get weird.
Downtown Hoi An, Vietnam.

Hoi An, Vietnam on $1,000 budget: Where to eat, stay, and play

The ancient village of Hoi An, Vietnam, is becoming an increasingly popular wellness destination. Here's how to get your well on.
juiced ripcurrent s ebike review

Juiced RipCurrent S E-bike Review: All-Around E-bike Greatness

The RipCurrent S has been getting a lot of buzz. Here's our Juiced RipCurrent S Ebike review, and why we think it's one of the best of the best.
Psilocybin mushrooms.

Psychedelic mushrooms: What are they, what are they like, and what are the benefits?

If you're curious about the psychedelic mushroom experience, this guide will prepare you with everything you need to know.
Istanbul skyline.

Istanbul travel guide in 48 hours: Where to stay and eat and what to do

Only have two days to explore Istanbul? Find out where to stay, what to eat, and where to have fun in one of the world's greatest cities.
Paris, France.

$750 and 3 days in Paris: Where to eat, stay, and play

Looking to visit Paris on a budget? Here's how to see the highlights in three days for less than $750.