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The gear you need to survive
Most campers make sure to pack all of their basic equipment when they head into the backcountry, such as a tent, stove and proper clothing. But don’t forget your survival kit. It might be the single...
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The gear to give this year
The giving season is here again. Whether it’s family or friends, Scouts or Scouters, our annual gift guide has a little something for everyone. Cotopaxi Kusa Blanket: Make your cold nights warmer with...
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You won’t lose any valuable sleep with these bags
Coleman Adjustable Comfort Sleeping Bag: Need a bag for car camping and don’t want to miss a mortgage payment to cover the cost? Fitting adults up to 5 feet, 11 inches (there’s also a big and tall...
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Signaling for help in the wilderness
It’s easy to romanticize living as long as possible in the wilderness, using your wits to build things like an intricate three-point, slip-trigger, spring-activated pole snare trap to catch a meal. But...
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Raising the stakes for backcountry tents
Perhaps no gear category has witnessed more rapid improvement in recent years than backcountry tents. Here are some of the best: SlingFin 2Lite Trek: The 2Lite Trek shines for its balance between...
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Put your best foot forward with these boots
Salewa Wildfire ($129) Inexpensive, lightweight, outstanding traction — plus solid support and fit — what’s not to like about these boots? Don’t be misled by the “approach” style: These shoes are built...
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Repel the elements with these rain jackets
If you’re looking for the most affordable high-performance rain jacket, the REI Drypoint GTX ($249) might be just what you ordered. Constructed with Gore-Tex Active three-layer membrane, the Drypoint...
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Stop stumbling around camp with these great lamps
Quit tripping over stones, tent guylines or your own feet when trying to walk around camp in the dark. Turn to some reliable camp lighting, which basically falls into two categories: Lanterns,...
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Pick the perfect pack for your daylong diversions
How hard can it be to pick a daypack? Spend a few minutes in an outdoor gear shop; with the wide variety of sizes, shapes, designs, weights and prices available, it might seem more complicated than...
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Find cheap backpacking gear without sacrificing comfort
My first two-person tent (purchased near the end of the Cretaceous Period) set me back about 80 bucks. It was a bit heavy and bulky for backpacking, and it flapped so loudly in a stiff breeze that I...
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Avoid mosquitoes with these bug-deterring tips and gear
Let’s set mountain-man machismo aside and admit the truth: Bugs aren’t fun. And biting insects can darken the attitudes of young people fast, especially those who still lack the perspective that the...
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A first-timer’s guide to camping with the whole family
A loud thwap! echoes among towering hardwoods. Helen Olsson stands with her husband, Jeff, at a sizzling cook stove, on which dinner is only a few minutes from being ready. At the sound of another...
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Family camping gear for all ages
Gear that will help elevate your family-friendly campsite. Sample packing lists provided by Helen Olsson, author of The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping With Kids. Find a complete family-camping packing...
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Inflatable sleeping pads that will help you get a better night’s sleep
Long ago, in a land far, far away, I could sleep on a thin foam pad on the ground. Then I turned 40. Even though I believe in backpacking as light as possible, I’ll lug a comfortable air mattress...
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Give one of these gifts to a hard-working volunteer
Nothing says “thank you” like a small token of appreciation, particularly during the gift-giving season. Pair these affordable outdoorsy items with a handwritten thank-you note, and you’re on your way...
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Check out this gear for the New Year
The Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket ($145) isn’t a wind shell or a waterproof-breathable shell — it’s both. True to the “hybrid” name, the Helium combines waterproof-breathable Pertex...
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Here’s what to pack for the ultimate camp kitchen
Car camping isn’t about braving the wilderness with just a knife, a wool blanket and your wits. It’s about temporarily living in nature with some of civilization’s comforts — which should absolutely...
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Find the best backpack for any situation
You might be prepared for your next outing, but is your backpack? Here are three factors to consider when looking for your next pack: Capacity: 60-75 liters if you’re carrying much of the group’s gear...
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Camping for comfort with this gear
Remember the days when car-camping gear came from the Army-Navy store, affording you a degree of “comfort” somewhere between a cheap motel room and trench warfare? Luckily, today’s gear means you can...
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The 10 essentials — A 21st century update
Navigation A topographic map for identifying landscape features on your hike remains required navigational gear. With a printed map, you don’t have to worry about battery life or electronics failing...
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