Any Tips for Setting up a Tent?
Q: I always have trouble setting up my tent. Can you give me some tips?
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.
Are Freeze-Dried Meals Good for Backpacking?
Q: Freeze-dried meals might be a good choice because they’re lightweight and provide nutrients. Which ones would you buy?
Stuff We Like: Owala FreeSip
The Owala FreeSip water bottle gives you the option to drink from a straw or a spout.
How to Buy a Safe and Comfortable Helmet
Picking (and wearing) the right helmet can be a life or death decision. Here's how to buy a safe and comfortable helmet.
Take a Look at 6 of Nature’s Rarest Events
From stinky flowers to rocks that seem to move themselves, count yourself lucky if you see these natural wonders.
Watch Out for These 5 Stinging Caterpillars
Some tiny caterpillars can sting. Learn how to identify them and what to do if you get stung.
How to Buy a Good Camping Air Mat or Sleeping Pad
Get a good night's sleep with the Gear Guy's recommendation for camping air mats and sleeping pads.
Any Tips For Buying a First Backpack?
Q: I've been planning to buy a new backpack. Any tips?
Stuff We Like: Bug Bite Thing
The Bug Bite Thing is designed to suck out venom from under your skin to prevent itching.
How to Choose a Backcountry Communication Device
No signal on your phone? Try a backcountry communication device.
How To Make a ‘Pack-out Kit’ for Carrying Human Waste
Packing out human waste requires preparation. You can make a pack-out kit. Here’s what you’ll need.
How to Pick a Good Camping Flashlight
Q: I need a good flashlight for camping. Any suggestions?
Tasty Treat or Fatal Fruit? Here Are 5 Dangerous Wild Berries To Avoid
Never eat wild plants unless you know for sure what they are and how your body reacts to them.
Be Prepared for These 5 Common Weather Hazards
Weather can change, sometimes at the last minute. Here are some common hazards you'll face in the outdoors.
How to Get Started Birding
Birdwatching can be a fun pastime. All you need are binoculars and a bird guide to start.
Packing Checklists for Camping Trips
Need to know what to bring on your next outing? Every packing list starts with these items. They're called "Scouting Outdoor Essentials" for a reason.
How to Clean Your Pocketknife
Q: I use my pocketknife almost daily, and it gets so dirty. How can I stop that?
Stuff We Like: Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Sock
The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock is made mainly with fine soft wool from merino sheep.
How to Buy Rock Climbing Gear
Here's what you'll need to start exploring the vertical world of rock climbing.
What’s Better: Mittens or Gloves?
Gloves allow for more dexterity; mittens tend to be warmer by keeping your fingers together. A more important question: Does it fit?
How to Use Rope Tackle to Move a Log
Rope tackle allows you to move a large load with a small amount of force. Here's how to set up rope tackle to move a log.
Skunks Stink But They’re Also Fascinating
When you think "skunk," you probably think "stink." But skunks are usually sweet-natured and helpful.
Stay Warm and Dry This Winter With These Gear Tips
Staying warm requires the right combination of layers based on your body, wind speeds, temperature and how much you sweat.
Best Waterproof Action Camera for Northern Tier?
Q: My troop is going to Northern Tier next summer, and I was wondering what the best camera would be to capture all of the action.
Stuff We Like: Selk’bag
The wearable sleeping bag has arms, legs, an adjustable insulated hood and removable booties.
How Much Water Should I Bring for a Two-mile Hike?
Plan to drink about 16 ounces for every hour of hiking. But it might be more. Drink enough so your urine remains clear.
Here Are 10 of the Best Places Around the U.S. To See Bats
Bat "emergences" are spectacular shows that can last for hours. Here are a few of the best bat-watching sites.
7 Crazy Animal Encounters in the World of Sports
Animals are cool. Sports are cool, too. But not at the same time! Check out these uninvited critters in the sports world.
10 Fun Facts About Yellowstone
Here are 10 interesting facts about the world's first national park.
How to Make a Camp Song
The simplest way to create a camp song is to take a tune everyone knows and replace the lyrics.
Stuff We Like: CLIQ Chair
This compact camp chair folds down to 13 inches and only weighs 3.5 pounds.
How to Buy Great Backpacking Gear on a Budget
Try these simple tips to outfit yourself for your next trek without breaking the bank.
3 Quality Multitools That Are Made in America
I am looking for a quality multitool made in America. I have $100 to spend on it. I want to be able to open it with one hand.
Dragonflies Are Incredibly Agile Fliers and Amazing Hunters
Keen eyesight, powerful wings and strong spiny legs help dragonflies grab and hold onto prey which they almost always capture in flight.
Canoe or Kayak? Which is the Better Choice?
Choosing a canoe or kayak depends on how you want to travel and what kind of water you’ll encounter.
How to Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
When your body loses too much water and salt, trouble follows. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.
Technical Packs Can Be Cheaper Alternative To Traditional Pack
I use a tote box for my gear because I can’t afford a backpack, but it doesn’t fit in my troop’s tents. What do I do?
3 Proven Ways to Avoid Bug Bites in the Outdoors
Don't bug me! Try these expert tricks and gear for avoiding biting insects.
Best Sleeping Bags for Staying Cool on a Warm Night
What sleeping bag should I use if I don’t want the heat to get to me?
Stuff We Like: Polar Bear Backpack Cooler
The Polar Bear Backpack Cooler is designed to keep ice frozen for 24 hours in 100-degree heat.
One of the BSA’s Rarest Awards Goes to the Scouts Who Make the Biggest Impact
The Distinguished Conservation Service Awards recognize Scouts and adults who have produced long-standing, significant impacts on the environment.
How to Prepare For a Long Hike
My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it?
How To Buy a Great Hydration Pack For Water on the Go
Hydration packs allow you to drink water while you're wearing the pack. Here are some factors to help you pick the right pack.
Where Can I Find a Healthy Energy Bar?
Q: I’m having trouble finding a healthy energy bar that doesn’t have too much sugar and is filling. Do you have any suggestions?
Fun Facts About a Critter You Otter Get to Know!
Do you enjoy swimming, fishing or sliding? Those are some favorite pastimes for otters, too.
How to Stop a Tent From Leaking
Q: Every time it rains, the inside of my tent gets wet. Any tips?
Stuff We Like: FogBlock Spray
Anti-fog spray helps prevent glasses from fogging when wearing a face covering.
How to Buy a Backpacking Stove For Your Next Camping Adventure
Enjoy a hot meal on your next backpacking trip with one of these recommended stoves.
Does Rolling Your Clothes Save Space?
Q: Does rolling up your clothes really work when packing?
Stuff We Like: Smart XXL Camping Cot
OK, OK, this cot is heavy, bulky and pricey. But this is “Stuff We Like,” and we like this cot.