How to Overcome Nervousness About First Campout
I’m nervous about my first overnight campout. How should I handle it?
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.
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.
How to Prevent Fire Damage When Building a Campfire
Heat from a campfire can char the ground, blacken rocks and sterilize soil.
Which Socks Are Best for Cold, Wet Weather?
Q: When my socks get wet, they stop feeling warm. What kind should I buy for cold, wet weather?
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?
How Do You Use a Tent Footprint?
Q: My tent came with a footprint. How do you use one?
Stuff We Like: Near Zero Dean
The 50-liter backpack unzips like a suitcase, giving you easy access to your gear.
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.
Where Can I Find Cheaper Gear?
Q: What is the best option for buying cheaper gear?
How to Make a DIY Survival Kit
This 2-pound kit could save your life for at least three days in the wild.
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.
Where to Find an Inexpensive and Comfortable Daypack
Q: I’m looking for a comfortable daypack that’s less than $120.
Watch Out, Bug! These Plants Are Hungry
We don’t usually think of plants as predators, but some plants do eat insects and other small creatures. Since they can’t chase prey, these carnivorous (meat-eating)
How to Sharpen a Pocketknife
Q: How do I keep my pocketknife sharp?
Stuff We Like: Voltaic OffGrid
Buying a backpack and separate solar charging system can get expensive. So why not get them together?
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.
Good Sleeping Bag for a Cub Scout?
Q: I’m going on my first campout with my Cub Scout pack. What’s a good sleeping bag to get?
Stuff We Like: Flextail Tiny Pump
This air pump can inflate or deflate your sleeping pad while lighting up your tent at the same time.
Would You Go Camping in One of These 13 Intense Tents?
Check out this photo gallery of crazy, futuristic, unusual and awesome tents. Which is your favorite?
How to Safely Cross a Stream
Crossing a body of water presents some hazards. So before you just wade in, consider several factors.
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.
Should I Get a Single-Blade or a Swiss Army Knife?
Q: I am looking for a new pocketknife. Should I get a single-blade or a Swiss Army knife?
Discover the Cool, Unusual Horned Lizard
What's that strange-looking creature? It's a horned lizard, one of the most unusual reptiles in the U.S.
How To Purify Water on a Long Trek?
Q: What should I use to purify water on a long trek?
Stuff We Like: Coast HX5 Flashlight
Simply slide the flashlight's head forward or back with your finger to create a flood beam or a focused beam.
How to Buy Good Sunglasses
Sunglasses can look cool, but first they should protect your eyes.
Where To Find Comfortable and Affordable Hiking Boots?
Q: I’m looking for comfortable hiking boots that are affordable and waterproof.
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.
Why Does My Propane Stove Leave Soot on My Cookware?
Q: Every time I use my propane stove, it leaves black soot all over my cookware. How can I stop this from happening?
Stuff We Like: Therm-a-Rest
Sleeping pads provide cushioning to help you get a good night's sleep. Here are two of our favorites.
It’s Flight Time! Get Ready for the Incredible Spring Bird Migration
Spring means it is time for the arrival of billions of birds from Mexico, Central America and South America.
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.
Why Is There a Sewing Kit in My Survival Kit?
Q: The survival kit my parents gave me came with a little sewing kit. What is that for?
How To Take Aim Like Robin Hood With a Bow and Arrow
Before shooting an arrow, go through the nine-step process of stance, nock, set, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, release and follow-through.
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.