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.
Outdoors
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.
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.
Clever Curious Corvids: Learn About This Family of Brainy Birds
Crows, ravens, magpies, nutcrackers and jays — these songbirds are all corvids.
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.
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.
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.
Pick the Best Backpack With These Expert Buying Tips
Carry your gear efficiently with these top backpacks.
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.
How to Buy Snorkeling Gear for an Underwater Adventure
Explore beneath the water's surface with this recommended snorkeling gear.
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.
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.
How to Prevent Fire Damage When Building a Campfire
Heat from a campfire can char the ground, blacken rocks and sterilize soil.
5 Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are annoying, and they can be dangerous, too. Here's how to keep them away.
Is It OK to Eat Snow?
There's a beautiful layer of freshly fallen snow in your backyard. Is it OK to grab a handful and take a bite?
Use a Dutch Oven to Make Philmont Ranger Cobbler
Dutch ovens make baking at camp easy. Here’s how to make a delicious peach cobbler.
How to Gear Up for Winter
Stay warm and Be Prepared for camping in the cold.
How to Watch Out for Avalanches in Snowy, Mountainous Terrain
Avalanches are a serious concern for all travelers whose outings take them into snowy, mountainous regions.
How to Buy a Good Pocketknife or Multitool
Keep sharp in your Scouting endeavors with the right knife or multitool for the job.
Every Packing List Starts With the 10 Scout Basic Outdoor Essentials
Every packing list starts with these items. They're called "Scouting Outdoor Essentials" for a reason.
How to Use a Compass to Orient a Map and Find Your Way
You can use a map and compass to figure out which direction you're facing.
Tent or Tarp? How to Pick the Right Camping Shelter
Whether you pick a tent or tarp, these shelters will guard you from the elements.
How to Make a Solar-Powered Oven for Outdoor Cooking
Take outdoor cooking to the next level with this homemade solar cooker.
How to Buy Good Sunglasses
Sunglasses can look cool, but first they should protect your eyes.
How to Safely Use a Life Jacket
Life Jackets are designed to keep you safe. These personal flotation devices are essential equipment whenever you're on the water.
How to Escape From a Rip Current
When caught in a rip current, don't panic and don't exhaust yourself trying to swim against the current. Here's what to do.
Reach, Throw, Row, Go! Learn the 4 Water Rescue Techniques
Learn an easy way to remember the four water rescues that can be used to save someone's life in an emergency.
Get Your Bicycle Ready and Grab This Gear to Go Bikepacking
Bikepacking is a camping trip you take on your bike. Here's what you need to get started.
3 Different Ways To Lay the Firewood for a Campfire
You can arrange your firewood to get different results, depending on the weather and how you want to manage the fire.
How To Stay Safe From Bears
Bears can catch a scent miles away. That’s why you need to properly store your smellables when you’re in bear country.
How To Pick the Best Camp Chair for Any Outdoor Activity
Here's how to find a comfy camp chair for whenever you need a rest.
How to Use Lashings to Build a Comfortable Camp Chair
Relax around camp by lashing together a comfortable camping chair. It's easy if you have the pioneering skills.
Be Courteous About Allergies in the Camp Kitchen
Preparing camp meals with food allergies in mind keeps everyone safe and helps you make food everyone can enjoy.
How to Tie an Overhand Knot
This simple knot can be used to prevent a rope from slipping through a pulley or hole, or to make a rope easier to grip.
How to Make a Pulk Sled for Backpacking in the Snow
Not only are sleds fun, but they're also a great way to carry gear in winter.
Conversion Chart for Dutch Oven Cooking Times and Temperatures
The amount of charcoal your Dutch oven needs will vary in order to reach the desired temperature.
What Are the Signs of Hypothermia and How Do You Treat It?
Losing body heat happens in all seasons, and it can kill. Know the symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat them.
How to Buy a Great Headlamp or Flashlight
The Gear Guy shines some light on which headlamp of flashlight to consider for your next outdoor adventure.
Take a Look at These 7 Wacky Flashlights
Check out our fun photos of weird and unusual headlamps and flashlights.
How to Tie the 7 Basic Scout Knots
It's knot difficult. With our step-by-step videos, the seven basic Scout knots are easy to learn. Give them a tie!
How to Choose a Safe and Comfortable Campsite
Picking a place to camp isn’t always simple. Before setting up your tent, consider these nine factors.
Savor These 4 Scout-Approved Sweet Treats
Try these four tasty recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth on your next campout. Plus, send us your favorite dessert recipe!
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.
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.
How to Choose a Backcountry Communication Device
No signal on your phone? Try a backcountry communication device.