Choosing a waterproof rain jacket requires more thought than just selecting a brand and picking a color. It can take years or decades of putting rain jackets to the test out in nature to finally learn how to identify the features that meet your needs and preferences. Fortunately, you don’t have to do the legwork. Here’s some advice on how to choose a rain jacket to help bypass the trial more »

You want to reduce the weight of your pack as much as possible when you’re backpacking. Sometimes you accomplish this by leaving gear out of your pack. Ditching the survival knife you never use can save a pound, and leaving the compact backpacking chair at home can save a couple of pounds as well. You can’t leave food out of your pack, however. Hiking and backpacking require a lot of more »

Arkansas has some truly world-class rock climbing. People literally travel the globe to get their hands on Arkansas sandstone. Whether you’re new to the sport – or you just want an easy list to reference when you’re hurriedly packing for a day at the crag – here’s everything you need for a day of sport climbing in Arkansas! Rock climbing gear There are many different types of rock climbing, but more »

Finding the right fit is crucial when it comes to hiking backpacks. A backpack that fits well will remain comfortable throughout your trip, while a backpack that doesn’t fit properly can cause pain, discomfort, and even injury. Since fit is so important, you want to make sure that you get the proper fit any time you buy a new hiking backpack. Your local outdoor gear store is the place to more »

Wind chill is no joke. Don’t just check the highs and lows when you’re about to head outdoors for an extended period of time. Check the windchill, too. You can be adequately dressed for a certain temperature, but start freezing once the wind kicks in. Staying warm when it’s windy is more difficult than you might think, however. You don’t want to put so many layers on that you overheat. more »

There’s no official backpacking season. Some backpackers choose to keep churning trail through the peak of summer and the dead of winter, but many opt for the better conditions of spring and fall to go backpacking. If you take a break from hiking or backpacking, make sure you’re adequately prepared when the weather hits the sweet spot for hiking. Here are a few things that you can do to prepare more »

When you talk about staying dry while backpacking in the rain, “dry” is a relative term. You’re going to get wet in a proper downpour. There’s no avoiding it. The more rain that falls, the harder it is to prevent moisture from permeating through everything you own. There are a few things that you can do that can help keep backpacking gear dry, however. Waterproof pack cover A waterproof rain more »

A big part of camping – especially backpacking – is identifying the things that you need and the things that you don’t need. Why add extra weight and extra expense if you don’t need to, right? A camping pillow may seem like a luxury item to some, but there are folks who can’t get a good night’s sleep without the comfort of a pillow. Here are some things to consider more »

Backpacking is about roughing it and supporting yourself on the trail for an extended period of time. Still, you want to be relatively comfortable while you’re at it. Here are five ways that you can increase comfort while backpacking! Pack lighter Each step you take on the trail gets more challenging with every ounce you add to your backpack. One of the easiest ways to increase comfort while backpacking is more »

An everyday carry knife is self-explanatory. The name says it all. Everyday carry knives, or EDC knives, are those that you carry around with you on any given day. Whether you’re doing yard work, running errands, going in to the office, or heading out for a day hike, an EDC knife should be able to meet your need without slowing you down. Here’s what makes an EDC knife worth carrying, more »