Comfortable Camping With a Bad Back
Q. I have a bad back. I don’t care if it’s a mat or a cot, but I need something to keep me more comfortable while camping.
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.
How to Build a Stand-Alone Camp Table
Here's how to lash together a small camp table to provide a convenient raised surface.
Stuff We Like: Phoozy
The Phoozy is a thermal capsule that protects your smartphone from heat or cold.
How to Build a Hand Wash Station
This wash station is sturdy, portable and very useful when camping away from washroom facilities.
Make Hiking Less Tiring With These Simple Strategies
A hike can be much easier if you follow these expert hiking tips and maintain your stride.
How Do You Keep Food From Getting Soggy in a Cooler?
Q. When the ice melts in my cooler, it gets everything all wet and soggy. What can I do to avoid this?
How to Keep Pots From Turning Black
How do you keep pots from your mess kit from turning black when using them over a fire?
Need Good Boots That Aren’t Too Expensive
Q. The bottoms of my boots wore off, so I'm in desperate need of some good boots that aren't too expensive.
Bring Comfort to Your Campsite With This Great Gear
Who says you always have to rough it? Here are 7 pieces of extra equipment to help you relax and have fun outdoors.
Prevent Tripping Over Tent Guy Lines
Q. How can I keep people from tripping on my tent guy lines at night?
Check Out This Ridiculously Awesome Camping Stuff
Useful or over-the-top? Fun or just funny? Great or goofy? Here are 20 camping products that are too ridiculously awesome not to share.
Can You Identify These Animal Tracks?
How well can you identify animal tracks? Take our quiz and find out!
Geocaching Takes You on a Modern-Day Treasure Hunt
Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt activity. Here's how to participate in this fun sport.
4 Tips to Make Your Tent Last
Q. Hello Gear Guy, I just got a new tent. What can I do to make sure it lasts me the longest amount of time possible?
How to Replace a Broken Tent Pole
Q. Yo Gear Guy! This weekend when I was setting up my two-man tent to air-dry, one of the fiberglass poles broke. Any places that I could go to get a replacement?
How to Clean a Dirty Pocketknife
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I got a pocketknife from my grandfather, and it's all dirty and rusty. Can you tell me how to clean it, please?
The Wimpy Kid’s Guide to Outdoor Survival
Greg Heffley convinced us to share his tips on camping in the great outdoors.
Can You Identify This Animal Poop?
Droppings can tell you which animals have been in the area. Can you identify the scat in these photos?
How to Prevent Smelly Gear
I'm going to the 2017 National Jamboree. What is the best way to prevent my gear from getting smelly as I use it?
Best Tent for a Good Price?
What's the best tent I can buy for a good price?
Photo Gallery of Extinct and Endangered Animals
Here's a list of a few extinct animals, endangered species and some that might still make it back from the brink.
Can You Spot 30 Hidden Animals in These Photos?
Some animals have amazing natural camouflage. Can you find where they're hiding?
Tips to Lighten a Backpack
Q. My troop likes to go backpacking. I’d like to participate, but my pack is really heavy. How do I lighten it?
How to Buy the Right Solar Charger
The Gear Guy shares advice for buying a solar-charging device and rechargeable gear.
7 Tasty Ways to Make Pancakes Pop
Pink lemonade? Bacon? Breakfast cereal? Mix in these ingredients to spruce up your next batch of pancakes.
Best Way to Build a Survival Shelter
Q. What is your best idea for a survival shelter? How would you build it?
Looking for Durable and Comfortable Pants
Q. I'm looking for pants durable for trail building and comfortable for wearing around camp. Ideas?
4 Signs That Stormy Weather Is On The Way
Classic rhymes predict that bad weather could be in the forecast.
Wild Animals Invading America’s Cities
Animals that once lived only in the wilderness are wandering into towns in growing numbers.
How to Sharpen an Ax
To keep an ax safe and effective, it must stay sharp. Here's how to properly sharpen your ax.
Blow-up Sleeping Pads
Q: Is it worth it to buy a blow-up sleeping pad?
Best Way to Get Ready For a Long Hike?
Q. My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it?
Good Shoes For Both Hiking and Gym
Q. I'm looking for a good pair of hiking shoes I can wear to gym class. Ideas?
Staying Warm in a Hammock
Q. I think hammocks are comfortable, but I don’t like being cold at night. What’s the best way to stay warm in one?
Keep Smellables Out of Your Tent
A smellable is any object that might attract an animal with a strong sense of smell.
How to Build an Igloo
A brilliant use of engineering and resources, this simple dome made out of snow blocks is both strong and versatile.
How to Build a Snow Cave
A T-shaped snow cave is a quick and efficient way to protect yourself from winter storms.
How to Tell if a Bike Tire is Full Enough?
Q. Yesterday my friend told me my bike tires needed air, but I don't think so. How can you tell if a tire is pumped up enough?
How to Make a Cranapple Pie in a Dutch Oven
Wow your friends with this delectable pie made in your Dutch oven.
How to Make Stuffing in a Dutch Oven
Fire up the coals and bake this delicious stuffing for a hungry crowd.
How to Make Cornbread in a Dutch Oven
This delicious side dish will compliment your Dutch-oven dinner menu.
Will my sleeping bag be warm enough?
Q. My dad says my sleeping bag will be fine in the cold, but I’m not so sure. What do you think I should do?
How to Minimize Sleeping Bag Odor
Q. Whenever I go camping my sleeping bag gets all smelly. How do I make it smell better?
How to Make a Tacos in a Bag
Everyone will love this Tex-Mex recipe, and not just because it starts with chips.
Storing Backpacks During Wintertime
How should I store backpacks during wintertime to keep them in good condition?
3 Wild Plants That Relieve Minor Stings, Burns and Itches
These common plants can help if you have a minor scratch, burn, sting or itch.
How to Wash a Smelly Camp Pillow
Q. When I wash my camping pillow, the material inside lumps up and gets uncomfortable. What should I do?
Difference Between Tent’s Trail Weight and Packed Weight?
Q. Most tent labels list two weights, a trail weight and a packed weight. What's the difference?
Looking for the Best Portable Speakers on the Market
What are the best portable speakers on the market?
Looking For a Lightweight, Packable Electric Lantern
I am looking for a lightweight, packable and budget-friendly electric lantern. Suggestions?