Factors ranging from climate change to years of fire suppression have contributed to a rise in wildfires. (To learn more about the complex reasons behind this increase, and to hear a gripping account of one particularly devastating fire—the 2017 Eagle Creek fire in Oregon—check out the podcast Wildfire.) The bottom line for people recreating outdoors today is […]
In a world with so many distractions, spending time with yourself on a solo backpacking trip can provide the opportunity to disconnect, focus wholly on an objective and create exactly the type of trip you want. Without partners along, you’ll be able to go where you want to and travel at a pace that suits […]
For years, campers and backpackers defaulted to the tent as their overnight shelter. The humble hammock, though, is an alluring alternative—and an increasingly popular one. If you’ve enjoyed relaxing in a hammock, then it might be time to give camping in one a try. In this article, we’ll answer the question, “what is hammock camping,” and […]
If your love of the outdoors has recently been superseded by a new love—your newborn baby—don’t worry. With the right gear, you can all live together happily ever after. This article will give you the basics on how to shop for a trail-worthy child carrier: When baby will be ready Key features to consider Getting […]
Snow, water, dirt and pebbles have a way of sneaking into even the most waterproof of boots. To prevent this, put on some gaiters. Gaiters cover the vulnerable tops of your footwear to fully protect your feet from the elements. Gaiter shopping is not complicated. This article will educate you on the different types of […]
Whether you’re a coastal hiker, fisher or mariner, it’s important to know how to read a tide table for safe navigation. Understanding tide heights and when high or low tides occur can help you decide the best time to explore tide pools, dig for clams, anchor your boat or beachcomb for shells. Knowing how to […]
After a daylong adventure away from camp or along the trail, you’ve earned a comfy place to perch. Chair designers have gone a little wild in recent years, so you have a lot of options for your downtime gear. When choosing a camp chair, consider the following factors: End use: For backpacking, weight and packed size […]
For a solo weekend backpacking trip, a small 100g canister of stove fuel is often enough. As a general guide, you should bring enough fuel to boil one liter of water per person, per meal and factor in your stove’s boil time and total burn time. Read on to learn how to calculate your fuel needs. […]
Biting insects can mar an otherwise perfect day outdoors, and they have the potential to transmit serious diseases. A little knowledge about your enemy can go a long way. How Insect Repellents Work First, a few words about your enemy. Mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide (exhaled breath), lactic acid, ammonia, phenols, humidity and other […]
If you were born in Scandinavia, you’re probably already in the know about orienteering, where the biggest orienteering meets attract upward of 20,000 participants. In the U.S., though, far fewer of us have stumbled onto this delightfully addictive sport. This article covers the basics about this lesser-known outdoor activity: What orienteering is Where to learn […]