Explore magazine, published by Quarto Communications, is shrinking and growing at the same time.

The mag is lowering its frequency from six to four issues per year, while upping its page count for standard editions. The larger page count [starting with the spring 2012 edition at 84 pages] allows for new departments such as 'Getting Started' [preparing for adventure], and expansion of other sections [such as 'Go Here'] in the publication.


The four issues will be published seasonally, which is how many people plan their trips and adventures, said Quarto's chief operating officer, Terry Sellwood, who added Explore already has a strong winter edition.

"A lot of publishing decisions are built around the consumer need, but it's also built around the advertiser uptake and what made sense," said Sellwood. "This is part of a repositioning, the magazine is bigger than it was, it's now perfect bound so the magazines can be kept as resources to refer back to, and the paper stock is going to be upgraded."

Existing subscribers will receive the same number of issues that they signed up for, confirmed Sellwood. The next issue for summer 2012 is due in May, and will focus on camping, followed by a Fall trails report.

The magazine's website has also been revamped, "so you'll be able to get all kinds of outdoor-adventure news and info throughout the year," reads the spring 2012 issue.