That big down sleeping bag that keeps you toasty warm while camping in the winter is pretty much useless when camping in the summer. Those features you look for in a winter bag – loft, fill-power, and warmth – aren’t relevant when choosing a summer sleeping bag. So, how do you choose a summer sleeping bag? Here’s what to look for! Look for a lightweight sleeping bag Backpackers already know more »

You simply can’t carry all of the water you need for a multiple day backpacking trip. Water takes up too much space and it’s too heavy. While some trails cut through maintained campgrounds with running water, many prefer the reliability of a portable water filter or portable water purifier for backpacking trips. But do you need a water filter and a water purifier, or can you get by with just more »

Some people like chocolate, some people like vanilla. Nobody likes poison ivy. Poison ivy can cause rashes year round, but it’s especially bad during the summer months. Here are a few tips to prevent poison ivy rashes. Learn to identify poison ivy This is one of the most helpful things that you can do to prevent poison ivy rashes. Learning how to properly identify poison ivy allows you to avoid more »

Happy Fourth of July! Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day with a camping trip on the river, a day of paddling on the lake, a block party, or a cookout, we have everything you need to stay comfortable and prepared for the Fourth. Here are a few 4th of July essentials that you can pick up at the store today! Headlamp Trying to light a 500-gram firework cake in the dark  more »

You won’t let the summer heat stop you from hiking. Of course, you have to be careful while hiking in the summer. Dehydration is dangerous regardless of temperature or season, but hot summer weather makes it more difficult to stay hydrated, and also puts you at the risk of heat related illness. The hotter it is, the harder your body has to work, and the more sweat you lose. Here more »

Sometimes animals take your food and it’s funny, or a little annoying depending on your mood. Like when a raccoon rips into your chip bags. Sometimes it’s borderline terrifying. Like when a bear ransacks your campsite and dismantles your cooler. Cute or catastrophic, critter or beast, keeping animals out of your food while camping is important. Simply put, you don’t want animals getting into your food. It leaves you hungry, more »

Anyone who has spent time backpacking knows that you don’t want to carry extra weight if you don’t have to. Learning what you should and shouldn’t pack, and learning how to do without, is part of the fun of backpacking. For some, however, eliminating ounces becomes just as much a part of backpacking as putting boots on the trail. Reducing pack weight can turn into an obsession, and people are more »

You need a hiking backpack for hikes longer than one or two hours. Of course, not all hiking packs are suited for all types of hiking. A small 20-liter day pack isn’t adequate for an overnight backpacking trip, and a large 70-liter backpacking backpack is overkill on a day hike. Here are a few things that you should think about when it’s time to choose a hiking backpack. Size The more »

Car camping is a great way for people to enjoy nature and get more comfortable spending a night outdoors. Here are a few basic tips to help new and beginner car campers. Do your homework Always do a bit of research before you head out on a camping trip. This goes for car camping as well as backpacking. Answering a few questions allows you to pack appropriately, and helps ensure more »

New and novice campers forget things like toilet paper, tent stakes, or even extra layers. These are mistakes that you learn from as you gain more experience. There are some things that even experienced outdoor enthusiasts forget, however. A trash bag is one of the easiest things to forget on a hiking, floating, or camping trip. Trash bags don’t usually make the list of outdoor essentials, but it’s very important more »