Ounce counting is a dangerous game. It’s easy to get caught up in slashing hiking pack weight. Some think that losing as many ounces as possible is the key to being comfortable on long backpacking trips. Or maybe they just want to brag about a sub 15-pound pack weight. Either way, reducing pack weight becomes an obsession. Ounces are eliminated at any cost. Pardon the dramatics. It’s true that reducing more »

You’ve probably seen metal pint glasses – or more accurately metal pint cups – popping up more and more frequently. While it’s easy to dismiss these sturdy little tumblers as a silly little fad, they’re actually super practical and super useful. Here’s what makes these pints worth purchasing. Use it around the house You don’t want to drink hot coffee out of glass, and you don’t want to drink ice more »

Fire building, bushcraft, knot tying, navigation – these are clearly useful and valued outdoor skills. There are many other outdoor skills that really come in handy out in nature, even though they don’t get a lot of attention. Here are five underrated outdoor skills that everyone should know! Stargazing Knowing how to identify constellations is important for a couple of reasons. Not only is picking out groups of stars in more »

You’re probably not going to forget to put on your hiking shoes before you hit the trail. If you forget your hiking pack, you’re having a pretty rough day. It’s common for people to not pack enough water, but most people remember to bring at least a little bit. Some things aren’t as easy to remember, however. Here are a few items and pieces of outdoor gear that might be more »

Tents seem pretty straightforward until you start learning a little more about them. There are many different tents with different features suited for different needs. A camping tent can be a big investment, so you want to make sure that you’re getting exactly what you need. Otherwise you’re wasting money. Here’s what you need to consider so you will know how to choose the best tent for your needs. What more »

There are many different reasons why people might not pay attention to their surroundings while hiking. Maybe you’re on the tail end of a grueling 14-hour hike, and so you’re plodding along on autopilot. You could be absorbed in good conversation with your hiking buddy. Or maybe you’re just not very observant in the first place, and you’re blasting tunes on your portable speaker instead of paying attention to what’s more »

If life always goes exactly how you planned it – you never take a wrong turn, you finish your hikes on time, and there’s nothing but bluebird skies – we’d love to hear how you managed to ensnare a magical genie that grants your every wish. In reality, you can’t bank on things always going according to plan. Be prepared for whatever comes your way out in nature with these more »

Some people avoid washing sleeping bags like the plague. Maybe you’ve put off washing your sleeping bag because you’re afraid of ruining your bag’s temperature rating. Or maybe you’re afraid of ruining your sleeping bag altogether. Body oils, dirt, and drool can ruin your sleeping bag’s ability to keep you properly insulated, however. Plus, it can start to stink over time. Fortunately, washing a sleeping bag is a fairly easy more »

There are five items that can make or break your backpacking trip. While you, of course, need more than five pieces of gear to stay comfortable and safe on the trail, some items are more important than others. These are the five most important pieces of backpacking gear regardless of climate, conditions, terrain, and forecast. Upgrade and invest in these items first. Footwear Cranky feet make a cranky hiker. Don’t more »

Your buddy tells you that you need to bring a sleeping pad for your upcoming backpacking trip. You notice that a car camping packlist mentions a camping mattress as a must-have item. Is there a difference between a sleeping pad and a camping mattress? It can be a bit confusing at times, but here’s some information that can help you understand what’s what. Sleeping pad vs. camping mattress People often more »