Recommended Gear for a Philmont Backpacking Trek
Q: I’m going backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch and need some new gear. What do you recommend?
Outdoors & Gear
Guide to camping, hiking and other outdoor sports and adventures. Includes buying guides for tents, camping gear, sleeping bags and other outdoor equipment.
Creepy But Cool: These 5 Critters Are More Helpful Than Scary
Don’t be scared if these creepy-crawlies crash your Halloween party.
Stuff We Like: NEMO Double Haul
It’s a backpack! It’s a duffel bag! It’s a tote! The NEMO Double Haul ($149.95-$219.95, nemoequipment.com) is all of the above. This versatile bag converts
How Do I Prevent Blisters?
You know a blister is forming when you feel a “hot spot” on your foot.
Create an Emergency Pack or Kit
Instructions for creating a family emergency kit, a major disaster preparedness kit and a personal emergency service pack.
How to Buy a Backpacking Stove For Your Next Camping Adventure
Bring your appetite -- these backpacking stoves can make a camp chef out of anyone.
Should I Buy a Bright Flashlight?
Q: My friends have very bright flashlights. Which one should I buy?
Stuff We Like: TRUE Seven Multitool
The TRUE Seven multitool gives you seven tools packed into a handheld package.
How to Make a First-Aid Kit for Your Dog
Being prepared with the right first-aid supplies could save your pup's life in an emergency.
Take a Look at 6 of Nature’s Rarest Events
Pay close attention to catch a glimpse -- or smell -- of these six bizarre natural wonders.
How to Pick the Best Backpacking Food
Q: How do I choose food for a backpacking trip?
Check Out Our Expert’s Guide to Trail-Running Gear
Here's how to gear up before trail running.
Tiny Chorus Frogs Belt Out Songs Like Nobody’s Listening
These tiny frogs create some big noise. Find out all about chorus frogs!
How to Make a Monarch Butterfly Habitat
To help out these beautiful monarch butterflies, you can build this protective habitat.
How to Get Started With Stand-Up Paddleboarding
The Gear Guy gives you the lowdown on SUP, one of the world's fastest-growing outdoor sports.
How to Treat a Victim for Shock
Shock can be deadly, so it’s important to treat every accident victim for shock, even if they’re not showing any symptoms.
4 Camping Gadgets With More Than One Function
Q: There’s a lot of really cool camping gear out there. What have you used recently?
How to Buy a Great Daypack for Hiking
Daypacks come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be hard to know where to start when shopping for one. Here's some expert advice.
5 Important Hiking Rules of the Trail
A Scout should always know these five rules of the trail.
How to Keep Steaks Cold on a Campout
Q: My patrol wants steaks on our next campout. How do we keep them cold before we cook them?
Stuff We Like: Life Intents Fan
Some camping fans have a hook for hanging in your tent. Some have a stand. The Life Intents Fan has both.
Go on a Virtual Safari to See Wild Animals
Even if you can't travel to Africa or visit a world-famous zoo, you can still watch live webcams to see wild animals in action.
Can You Identify This Animal Poop?
Droppings can tell you which animals have been in the area. Can you identify the scat in these photos?
What to Pack Beyond the Six Essentials
Q: I have my Six Essentials. What’s the next most important thing to bring on an outing?
How to Prevent Slipping When Hiking in the Snow
Q: What should I wear to maintain traction in the snow?
Stuff We Like: Outdoor Element Scout Feather
This knife provides you a cutting tool, fire starter and emergency signal device, all secured in a sheath with a built-in ceramic sharpener.
Woodpeckers are Nature’s Drummers
These noisy birds can head bang without worries of a concussion.
Get Started Ice Skating With This Essential Gear
Enjoy your time on the ice with this skating gear.
Good Dry Bags for a Canoeing Campout
Q: My troop is going on a canoeing campout. What dry bag would you recommend?
Stuff We Like: SunButter
When you plan a menu , you should be aware of any food allergies.
Picking a Good Mess Kit for Camping
Q: What’s a good mess kit to get?
Create Movie Magic With This Great Moviemaking Gear
Capture your next adventuring using these techniques and gear.
How to Safely Cross a Snowfield When Hiking
Keep these safety factors in mind when hiking over a snowfield.
What’s a Good Single-Blade Pocketknife?
Q: What’s a good single-blade pocketknife?
Stuff We Like: Trailmate Speaker Lantern
If you want a durable Bluetooth speaker with superior sound quality, many outdoor models often exceed $100 — and they just play music. Enter Kuma’s Trailmate Speaker
Understanding Declination: Why Your Compass Doesn’t Actually Point North
Shen you’re orienteering, you have to adjust your readings for declination -- the difference between true north and magnetic north.
5 Gear Tips for Camping on the Cheap
Save some cash on gear by using these tips.
Which Compass Should I Buy?
Q: I want to get a compass. Which one should I get?
Skateboarding Video Tips and Tricks
Learn some basic skateboarding techniques from a world record-holding skater.
Garter Snakes Are Reptiles With a Smile
Garter snakes are some of the best-known snakes. But why are they called garter snakes? Well, they look a lot like an old-fashioned piece of clothing by the same name. Before
What To Pack for Your First Summer Camp
Q: This is my first summer camp. What should I bring?
How to Conduct a Flag Ceremony
At a campout, a unit meeting or community event, your unit can perform a flag ceremony. Here’s a simple outline.
How To Pack for a Day at the Beach
Be Prepared for your next beach trip with the right gear.
What Should Be in My First-Aid Kit?
Q: What should be in my first-aid kit?
Stuff We Like: MODL Infinity Tool
These flexible 8-inch modular straps can wrap around your wrist to be available whenever you need them.
Don’t Forget These Cub Scout Six Essentials on Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Here's a guide of six essentials you need to make your Cub Scout outings the best and safest they can be.
Lightning Safety: Avoid Becoming a Conductor
When you hear a clap of thunder, you know a lightning storm is nearby. There’s no safe place outdoors in a lightning storm.
What You Need to Get Started Mountain Biking
Hop on a mountain bike for a fun way to explore the outdoors.
Black Bears Are Majestic but Playful
The American black bear is an iconic animal. While they are often portrayed as ferocious, black bears are rarely aggressive.
If You Were a Bear, What Bear Would You Be?
Take our quiz to discover your true bear identity.