Camping Tips and Outdoor Guides
Keeping the bugs away on a camping trip can be a monumental task, especially in the spring and summer months. No matter where you are geographically, the indigenous creepy crawlies always find a way to your campsite. In many cases, bugs are far more than an annoyance. They can cause itchy bites, ruin food, and …
Continue reading “How to Avoid Insects and Other Bugs When Camping”
If you’ve ever built a campfire using found wood instead of the prepackaged stuff, they you likely know that not all wood is created equal. Different species of trees, depending on their individual cellular structure, carry out the chemical reaction that we know as “burning” in different ways. Certain woods have associated characteristics when they …
Continue reading “Types of Firewood – Softwood Vs. Hardwood”
Ironically, some of the coolest and most rewarding places to camp in the U.S. – namely in and around the Rocky Mountains – are also the hardest. Aside from being difficult to get to, campers who are physiologically used to living close to sea level can experience noticeable effects from high altitudes. Additionally weather conditions …
Aluminum foil is one of those magical products that seem to have a use for just about everything, and the outdoors is no exception. Though it’s probably safely tucked away in one of your kitchen drawers right now, you might consider taking it along with you on your next camping trip. Aside from wrapping up …
Keeping a fishing log is something of a lost art among casual fishermen. The ironic thing about it, though, is that technology (things like laptops and smartphones) make recording your catch easier than it’s ever been. The idea behind fishing logs is that, aside from being able to prove your fishing buddies wrong about when …
Continue reading “How to Become a Better Fisherman Using Fishing Logs”
With the dead of Winter behind us and warmer weather on its way, the idea of actually getting to spend some relaxing time in the outdoors is a pretty exciting prospect. Sure, cold weather has its strong points. There’s ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoe trekking to take part in. But you always have to stay …
Continue reading “Outdoor Tips: Making a Do-It-Yourself Hammock”
When you think of that perfect backpacking trip, you likely envision unencumbered freedom as you trek nimbly on wooded trails, breathing fresh mountain air and feasting your eyes on the natural beauty around you. Too often, though, backpackers spend their time on the trail groaning beneath the weight of their heavy packs. They trudge along …
Continue reading “Making The Switch to Ultralight Backpacking”
Unfortunately, hiking boots that aren’t really well suited for actual use are a dime a dozen. If you’re an avid hiker, you likely already know what I’m talking about. Thin, plastic-y discount boots with almost zero waterproofing and comfort abound on outdoor store shelves. There’s nothing inherently wrong with bargain shopping when it comes to …
When prices at the pump start rising, it’s often boaters who are hit the hardest and the fastest. Not only does it cost more to transport smaller craft with a truck or SUV, but the boats themselves are largely inefficient gas guzzlers when compared to automobiles. As evidence, take the fact that the typical gas …
For the outdoor adventurer, knowing how to read and use a topographic map effectively is an invaluable skill. Whether you’re planning a hike or looking for a place to set up camp in an unfamiliar area, being able to use this type of map will make you a safer, more confident, and better informed explorer. …