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.
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.
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.
Bug Off! Send Irritating Insects Packing With This Gear
Bug bites are no fun. They can itch or hurt, and some can make you sick. Here's how to prevent them.
Cost of a Quality Flashlight for Camp
Q: How much should I spend on a flashlight?
8 Awesome Animals That Got Their Own Statue
Whether fearless or funny, animals throughout history have inspired statues and memorials. Here are some animal monuments still standing today.
Sturdy Sandals for a Beach Campout
Q: I’m looking for sandals for a beach campout this summer. What should I get?
Stuff We Like: onX Backcountry App
Learning how to read a map and navigate with it is an essential Scouting skill. Most maps, though, won’t tell you where wildfires are burning, what the weather will be or
Don’t Bug Me! How to Be Prepared for Biting and Stinging Insects
Are you ready to deal with biting and stinging "bugs" you might encounter outside?
How To Use a Shakedown Hike To Prepare for Your Next Trek
Shakedown hikes are designed to prepare you to be both physically fit and ready with the stuff you need.
How to Make Sure Your Campfire is Completely Out
Put out your campfire by pouring water on the embers until you can safely place your hand on the cold coals.
How to Use an Ax to Chop Wood
The ax is one of the best tools for gathering wood. But to chop effectively and stay safe, you must know what you're doing.
Dive Into These 5 Tips Before Your Next Aquatic Adventure
Come on in! The water's great! But before you grab your swimsuit, read this.
How to Set Up a Dining Fly
A dining fly is a useful part of any campsite. It provides shelter in case it rains, and serves as hub to set up your camp around.
Using a Solar Charger in the Outdoors
Q: Should I get solar chargers?
Stuff We Like: NoSo Patches
You’re hiking and your jacket gets snagged on a branch and rips. How can you fix it while on the trail? Simply slap a NoSo patch ($10-$20, nosopatches.com) over the
How to Keep the Inside of a Tent Clean and Dry
Q: How do I keep the inside of my tent clean and dry?
How to Buy the Best Sleeping Bag
A good sleeping bag can make the difference between comfort and a long, miserable night. Stay warm and comfy in one of these sleeping bags.
How to Safely Melt Snow To Use as Drinking Water on a Camping Trip
When you're winter camping, you might be tempted to eat snow. Here's why that's not a good idea.
4 Debunked First-Aid Myths That People Still Believe
From nose bleeds to snake bites, Be Prepared to handle emergencies the right way.
Clever Curious Corvids: Learn About This Family of Brainy Birds
Crows, ravens, magpies, nutcrackers and jays — these songbirds are all corvids.
How to Display and Fold the American Flag
Here's how to properly honor and respect the flag of the United States.
Two Good Options for Waterproof Hiking Boots
Q: What are good options for waterproof hiking boots?
Stuff We Like: Nemo Endless Promise Sleeping Bag
Sustainability means not wasting our resources. Nemo Equipment is trying to further that mission with its products.
How to Cook a Tasty Foil Dinner In the Campfire
You can create a tasty meal with just heavy-duty aluminum foil and hot coals from a campfire.
How to Use an Ice Ax to Self-Arrest on a Snowy Slope
If you fall on a steep snow slope and begin to slide, here's how to stop your slide.
Think Layers When Packing for a Cold Campout
Q: What should I bring on a cold campout?
How To Buy a Good Rain Jacket for Outdoor Activities
Get expert tips to help you buy a rain jacket that's sure to keep you dry and warm in any type of wet weather.
10 Funny Campfire Skits
Need a knee-slapping skit for your next campfire? Try one of these entertaining skit ideas.
How to Safely Use a Camping Stove
Safety procedures for using a lightweight stove or propane stove on your next camping trip.
What Kind of Footwear for Whitewater Rafting?
Q: I’m going whitewater rafting. I’m wondering about footwear for in the raft and out of the water.
Stuff We Like: Papilio II Binoculars
Binoculars let you study wildlife that's far away. With the Pentax Papilio II, you can observe close-up wildlife, too.
How to Whip and Fuse the Ends of Rope
The more you use rope, the more it frays. Here's how to make one of the most important tools in Scouting last a little longer.
How to Get Started Birdwatching
Birdwatching can be a fun pastime. All you need are binoculars and a bird guide to start.
Pick the Best Backpack With These Expert Buying Tips
Carry your gear efficiently with these top backpacks.
What are the Advantages to Using a Hiking Stick?
Q: Why use a hiking stick?
Cicadas: Making Summer Magical
The cicada's rhythmic, ear-splitting sound is a sure sign of summer.
How Do You Prevent and Treat Chigger Bites?
Q: What are red bugs or chiggers and how do you treat their bites?
What Can I Do To Avoid Bugs When Camping?
Q: I don’t like camping when there are a lot of bugs. What can I do?
Stuff We Like: 5.11 Ferro Knife
Don’t have a piece of flint to start a fire? No worries if you have the 5.11 Ferro Knife.
How to Communicate Underwater When Scuba Diving
When you’re scuba diving, you obviously can’t talk to others underwater. That’s why it’s important to know hand signals.
Good Replacement for an Old Lantern?
Q: I need to replace my old lantern. Any suggestions?
How to Buy Snorkeling Gear for an Underwater Adventure
Explore beneath the water's surface with this recommended snorkeling gear.
How to Overcome Nervousness About First Campout
I’m nervous about my first overnight campout. How should I handle it?
Bobcats Are the Cats in Camo
These magnificent mammals are superb at hiding and stalking.
How to Treat Your Water to Stay Healthy in the Backcountry
Getting sick when you're camping stinks. Treating your water is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
Which Fire Starter Should I Choose?
Q: What’s a decently priced fire starter?
Stuff We Like: Chaco Ramble Puff
Chaco uses fleece to line its Ramble Puff shoes, helping your feet stay toasty and comfy.
Protect Your Head With These Functional, Fashionable Hats
Pick a hat that looks and feels good to you and is ideal for the conditions where you’ll wear it.