Every Packing List Starts With the 10 Scout Basic Outdoor Essentials
Need to know what to bring on your next outing? Every packing list starts with these items. They're called "Scouting Outdoor Essentials" for a reason.
Tenderfoot Rank Requirements
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 Display and Fold the American Flag
Here's how to properly honor and respect the flag of the United States.
9 Things to Know About Outdoor Ethics
When you're outside, it's your duty to be responsible and to Leave No Trace.
How to Build Your Own Dishwashing Rack
Here's how to build a dishwashing rack that can be used for backcountry dish and utensil cleaning.
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.
How Do You Prevent and Treat Chigger Bites?
Q: What are red bugs or chiggers and how do you treat their bites?
How to Sharpen an Ax
To keep an ax safe and effective, it must stay sharp. Here's how to properly sharpen your ax.
How to Identify and Deal with Dangerous Insects
Here's how to recognize biters and stingers. And how to treat their bites and stings.
How to Tie a Taut-Line Hitch
To create an adjustable loop for staking out guy lines, use the taut-line hitch.
How to Tie the Two Half-Hitches Knot
Use two half hitches to tie a rope to a tree, ring or dock.
How to Tie a Square Knot
Tying a square knot is as easy as right over left, left over right. Watch our tutorial to learn how.
How to Build Your Own First-Aid Kit
What should you include in your first-aid kit? Be prepared with advice and checklists to help you get the best first-aid kit for your next adventure.
How to Sharpen a Pocketknife
A pocketknife is only useful if you keep it sharp. Here's how to sharpen a knife using a whetstone.
Sun protection buying guide
Be prepared for those broiling summer days with these handy tips and hot gear.
Poisonous Plants Quiz
Whether you're on a backcountry trek or a walk in the park, how aware are you of dangerous plants? Take this quiz and find out.
Sharpening a pocketknife
When and how should I sharpen my pocketknives?
Test your skills in 10 emergency scenarios
Test your first aid and emergency response skills with scenarios designed for a First Aid Meet.
How to prevent and treat blisters
Here are tips for how to avoid getting blisters and how to treat them.
Preventing and treating blisters
Q. I'm going to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, and I've been told that there's tons of hiking. That might be a problem because my feet sweat a lot and give me blisters. Any suggestions for preventing and treating this?
Preventing and treating rattlesnake bites
Most snake bites occur in the summer months when both snakes and humans are most active outdoors, with the greatest number of venomous bites occurring in southern and western states with warmer climates. Here's how to prevent and treat a snake bite.
How to Prevent and Treat Frostbite
Frostbite is the end result of cold-induced injury to our tissues, and it is much more common than one may think.
Small, lightweight first aid kit for backpacking
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’m going backpacking and need a first aid kit that’s small and lightweight because I don’t have a lot of room in my pack. What would you recommend?
Sharpening a knife without a whetstone
Q. Hey Gear Guy, which devices (other than a traditional whetstone) can I use to sharpen my knife? How well do they work?
Preventing and treating blisters
Q: My ankles and soles of my feet get very sore when I walk for two miles. What can I do?
How to do pushups correctly
Pushups strengthen chest, arm, shoulder and stomach muscles. Watch this video to learn how to do pushups correctly.
Advanced first-aid kit
Q. I’m looking for an advanced first-aid kit that has everything I will ever need at a low cost with quality stuff for wilderness, desert, cave, boat, home, camper, car, etc.
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?
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.
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.
Lost in the Woods! Now What?
These important tips can help you get found if you get lost.