How to Safely Wear and 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.
Outdoors
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.
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.
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 Buy Rock Climbing Gear
Here's what you'll need to start exploring the vertical world of rock climbing.
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.
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.
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.
10 Fun Facts About Yellowstone
Here are 10 interesting facts about the world's first national park.
How to Buy Great Backpacking Gear on a Budget
Try these simple tips to outfit yourself for your next trek without breaking the bank.
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.
9 Things to Know About the Night Sky
From stars to planets to meteors, there's lots to see if you know where to look. Here's how to start star gazing.
How to Make a Fuzz Stick to Help Start a Fire
You can create an effective fire starter, even with a wet piece of wood. Just grab your knife so you can make a “fuzz stick.”
Do These Five Campsite Items and Snacks Work as Fire Starters?
We put five potential "firestarters" to the test. Guess if each item will start a fire, then play the corresponding video to see if you’re right!
Add to the Never-Ending List of Fire Starters
What "fuel" can you use to start a campfire? Check out this list of firestarters and add your own ideas to the list.
How to Build a Cooking Tripod
Use your lashing skills to make this simple tripod to hang a pot over a cooking fire.
9 Things to Know About Wilderness Hazards
All backcountry activities come with a level of risk. How you prepare for it matters most.
How to Prevent and Treat Snake Bites
Snakebites present a potential danger in the outdoors. Here are steps to avoid a painful bite.
How to Prevent and Treat Tick Bites
Ticks are tiny, but they can case a lot of trouble. Here's how to be tick aware.
4 Tasty Foods To Cook Over Your Campfire’s Coals
You don’t need a camp stove to make a delicious camp meal. Just use a bed of hot coals.
9 Things to Know About Outdoor Ethics
When you're outside, it's your duty to be responsible and to Leave No Trace.
Choosing the Most Effective Bug Spray to Stop Mosquitoes
Mosquitos and other bugs can drive you crazy in the wilderness. Here's how to keep them away.
Scouts Explore Laurel Caverns
Can these explorers keep cool when their eyes play tricks on them and their headlamps go out?
7 Great Gadgets for Lighting Up Your Campsite
Keep your campsite bright at night with these great camping lanterns and lighting devices.
Discover the Spirit of Philmont With a 21-Day Adventure Like This One!
It’s the ultimate experience in Scouting’s ultimate location!
6 Inventive Gadgets to Make Camping More Fun
A little ingenuity and the right gadgets can add a great deal of comfort and convenience at camp.
How to Determine Distance On a Map
A map and compass can point you in the direction you wish to travel, but don't forget to also calculate the length of your route.
How to Measure Distance By Counting Your Steps
Counting your steps is a good way to estimate distances as you hike. Here's how to do it.