Outdoors & Gear - Scout Life magazine

How Well Would You Do on This Camping Quiz?

Ready to put more "outing" into "Scouting"? You will be, once you ace this quiz on camping basics.

Discounts for Boy Scouts

I actually don’t have a question. Just wanted to tell fellow Boys’ Life readers that Alps Mountaineering gives all Boy Scouts a 45 percent discount off list price on outdoor equipment on their website.

Stuff We Like: Injinji Toesocks

They look awfully silly, and the guys might laugh, but you'll be the one smiling at the end of the day after hiking or running in these toed socks.

Best lock-back pocketknife

What is the best lock-back pocketknife (3- to 4-inch blade) for the money?

Picking a backpacking stove

I am looking for a nice backpacking stove that doesn't use too much gas or weigh too much. What can you recommend?

Sleeping bag that does it all

I mostly do warm-weather camping, but sometimes I go on winter camp-outs. I can only afford one sleeping bag, so can you recommend one that would work for both?

Gear checklists for your next trip

Need to know what you need to bring on your next trip? Here are gear checklists and expert tips for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

Hot News: Jetboil Recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Jetboil has announced a voluntary recall of certain Jetboil Personal and Group Cooking Systems.

Gear Guy Says: Skate All Winter!

Who says skate shoes aren’t for wearing in the wintertime? Whoever it was obviously has never seen the iPath Pro Reed."

Good lights for caving

What kind of light should I take if I'm going inside of a cave?

Affordable rain suits

I've been having trouble finding a quality rain suit that does not cost an arm and a leg. Can you help, Gear Guy?

Hydration bladder as daypack

I need to know what you think about Gerber's Liquifusion Hydration line, specifically the Military Reserve Hydration Pack. I admire the size of the reservoir and the large Molle grid. I read that it is made here in the U.S. and it seems like the perfect summer camp daypack once I attach some Maxpedition pouches. All I need to know is your opinion on initial quality and your take on its usefulness for my chosen application.

Waterproof snow boots

I need a pair of good waterproof snow boots that don't cost a fortune. Can you help, Gear Guy?

First pair of climbing shoes

I’m a first year Scout and this summer my troop went to Camp La-No-Che in Paisley, Fla. I took the Climbing merit badge and soon realized my tennis shoes were not suitable to scale the climbing wall. I left La-No-Che with a partial completion for that badge. I’d like to buy some climbing shoes before I attempt the climb again. Can you recommend good ones?

Compact first-aid kit

How can I make my first-aid kit small enough to fit inside a fanny pack but still have all the stuff I need?

Choosing a hunting knife

I'm going on a camping trip with my troop, but my hunting knife broke. I see a lot of different hunting knives advertised. How do I know which one to buy?

Buying a surfboard

Our family takes a vacation to the beach every summer. I've been boogie-boarding for the past several years, but now I want to try surfing. I know you can rent surfboards, but I want one of my own. Any advice?

Mountain bike gears are wrong

My mountain bike is totally off gear. I put it on gear number 4 and it is on number 6. What do I do?

How to maintain your bike

Maintaining your bike is your responsibility, both for your safety and that of the friends you ride with. Luckily, tuning up your bike isn't as hard as it might seem when you first try. Here's how to maintain some of the components on your bike.

Catch and release fishing tips

Here are a few tips for ensuring the fish you catch have the best chance of survival.

Make your own mailbox stove

Looking for a unique and fun way to cook for your troop? Do what this North Carolina troop does: Cook in a mailbox.

Best place to buy a bike

Where is the best place to get a bike?'

Where can I find this camera?

I want to get a Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom but whatever website that I look at they are always to expensive or I can’t find them.

8 Great Historic Hikes

By exploring a historical trail, hikers can follow in the footsteps of the trailblazers who carved their own paths through the American wilderness.

Properly Portaging Your Canoe

Technique is more important than sheer strength when lifting your canoe.

Calls for climbers and belayers

When climbing or rappelling, it's very important for the person on the rock to communicate well with his belayer. To do this, they use "calls." Here are some of the generally accepted signals for belaying climbers and rappellers.

Build a flagpole, table or chair for your camp

With the right pioneering skills, you can create all kinds of contraptions that come in handy at a campsite.

Unusual But Effective Cooking Methods

Bread baked by mailbox? Fish roasted on a stick? North Carolina Scouts show off their unusual -- but effective -- cooking skills.

Stuff We Like: Inka

Ever tried to write in the rain with a wet ballpoint pen? It's nearly impossible -- and that's exactly why there's Inka.

Waterproofing a tent

My tent leaks! Water runs through the rainfly! What should I do?

Fun games to play in the snow

Staying safe on a winter outing is hard work, but that doesn't mean there won't be time for fun. Here are a few activities we came up with. Can you think of more?

How to avoid frostbite

Frozen flesh won't kill you right away -- but the pain might make you wish you were dead. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.

How to tie basic fly-fishing knots

Fly fishermen depend on knots and must know how to tie several different knots properly. Here's how to tie some of the more common fly-fishing knots.

Take an All-Star Tour of the Night Sky

Hunt the night sky for heroes, beasts and more and have a party while you're at it!

Best hoodie choices

I need a hoodie for our next camp-out, and I was wondering what would be the best options?

Basic First Aid Treatments for the Trail

No matter how well-prepared you are, injuries can strike anywhere on the trail. Know what to do when they strike. The next time you see one of these five common problems, you can spring into action.

Choosing the right fishing lure

Which lure is right for catching a fish? Check out these descriptions of some common lures and then go out and give it a try.

How to avoid altitude sickness

Thin air can put a deadly squeeze on your brain and body. Know the symptoms of altitude sickness and how to treat them.

Stuff We Like: GoPro Digital Hero 3

This tiny, wrist-mounted 3-megapixel camera is one of the coolest things we've seen.

10 Steps to Start Fishing

Learn how to catch fish with these simple and easy steps!

How to Find True North Without Using a Compass

Here are several techniques you can use to find true north if you're lost in the woods.

Finding a sturdy digital camera

I have been saving up for a digital camera that I can bring on camp-outs. I have been looking for a while but am not sure what to buy and what I will really need. If I were to buy a camera it would need to be capable of going underwater and capable of falling and taking a beating. I am looking forward to doing more advanced things in Scouts but want to be able to show my family and friends. I have been struggling with this for a while and came to you since I know you will point me in the right direction.

Purifying drinking water

How should I purify my drinking water when I’m on a backpacking trip? What’s the easiest and cheapest way?

Two Scouts paddling a canoe using correct stroke technique

How to Paddle a Canoe Using Different Paddling Strokes

Use these paddling techniques on your next canoeing adventure.

The latest in water purification …

This has to be one of the easiest and coolest ways to purify water we’ve seen. The SteriPEN is a high-tech gizmo that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other things we can’t pronounce that hide in dirty water and make you sick.