Knowing how to orient a map is important to all hikers and backpackers. It can be pretty easy to get yourself lost in the woods but, with the right skills, you can decrease the likelihood of getting yourself lost. Orienting a map is one of the simpler steps you can take to prevent yourself from […]
Essentials
How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking
A long hike out in the wild can take its toll on your feet. Blisters are a common problem for hikers caused by friction on your feet as they get sweaty and rub against your socks and boots. As a result, you end up developing hot spots and ultimately develops that all too familiar bubble […]
Don’t Get Lost! How to Prepare for It and What to Do If it Happens
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a just getting started, at some point you’ll end up in a position where you’re not quite sure exactly where you are. Trust me, there’s nothing fun about being lost in the backcountry (unless that’s the adventure you’re looking for), but every now and then it happens. Trail […]
5 Common Mistakes Hikers Make On the Trail
Hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, get some exercise and enjoy the company of friends and family. As spring, summer and fall come around, new people are taking to the trail every weekend. Plenty of hikers, both experienced and novices, tend to over think their hike and pack too much, […]
Beginners Guide to Camping
Camping is an incredible experience letting you get in touch with nature in ways few other experiences can. In order to discover the wonders of the great outdoors, it’s important to adopt appropriate camping etiquette to ensure a peaceful experience for you and anyone else who may be camping nearby. Be Considerate As you arrive […]
The Basics: Building a Campfire
Building a campfire is one of the great treats of camping. There’s almost nothing more relaxing than the smell of burning embers, the orange glow of the flame and the sound of crackling firewood. Besides, do s’mores ever taste better than when they’re cooked on an open flame? Learning the proper technique of building a […]
Fishing Checklist
There’s something about fishing that can captivate you. Regardless of whether the fish are biting (although it’s always a bit more exciting when they are), the relaxation that one can enjoy while sitting on a lake or a river really can’t be matched. We’ve compiled a fishing checklist to make sure that you have everything […]
Rock Climbing Checklist
There are few things that the backcountry offers that are more satisfying than a good climb. There are few things more dangerous, too. Rock climbing is one of the ultimate risk/reward scenarios and to make sure that the reward is clearly outweighing the risk, preparation (as with all other backcountry activities is key. That said, […]
First Aid Checklist
In the backcountry, regardless of how careful you are, there’s going to be a point at which you’re going to need a first aid. Whether it’s you or someone else, when you’re spending that much time in the outdoors, someone’s going to get hurt. It’s just the way it goes. We’ve scoured our books, checklists […]
Backpacking and Camping Checklist
In the backcountry, preparation is everything. Most of us have found ourselves in situations where the camping gear that we thought we had in our backpack turns up missing at the worst possible moment only to leave you relying on wet leaves as toilet paper. Don’t let that happen to you. Make sure to run […]