Camping

Leave-No-Trace etiquette notwithstanding, a shovel in camp during the summer might have limited uses such as prepping an area for a fire ring, removing coals or in digging a cat-hole latrine. However, it’s during a snowy winter in the back-country where their utility can be much more appreciated and applied to various snow-related tasks. There

Enjoying the backcountry in winter offers both unique recreational experience and cold-weather, life-threatening environments. Hypothermia, Frostbite and Cold Water Immersion/Thin Ice are perhaps the most common conditions regardless of locations across the wintry landscape. There are, however, several other potentially fatal ice/snow scenarios that, while more geographic specific based on the topography of the land,

It used to be that a classic piece of camp gear was an old stadium blanket or a well-worn military-style wool blanket. No frills, no special treatments, just an added layer to wrap around a chilled body or provide a bit of extra warmth in or under a sleeping bag. Today’s classic wool blankets still

I’m sure you’ve seen ‘survival’ programs where the expert host turns over a log, finds a solitary grub and goes on to explain how insects are a great resource, especially in emergency backcountry situations. While insects are a viable food source, the portions needed to provide needed nutrition can vary greatly. Over eighty percent of

There are several ways to ignite charcoal briquets for developing a bed of embers for cooking – whether in the home barbie or over a campfire.  While many types of starters can be used: fluid, self-lighting charcoal or setting briquets atop kindling/paper, there’s a simple way to both pack/carry the briquets and get them starting

Hot dogs with a side of canned beans, the quintessential camp dinner! While I’ll admit I’ve eaten my share of this tradition fare, my preference for what kind of meat is on the end of my roasting stick held over the fire is a good slice of steak! It’s not so much what choice of

Basic hygiene doesn’t stay at home when you head out to the great outdoors. Regardless of whether you are roughing it in the backcountry, or relaxing in a leisure car camping site, staying clean or simply refreshing one’s self, it’s important to practice comforting and cleansing hygiene. Personal needs may dictate what routines you need

Winter camping outings create a few challenges of their own, one of which is controlling moisture in your tent, typically brought into play from the amount of moisture in the air. Upon hitting a cooler surface that warmer moisture vapor cools and turns from vapor to liquid in the form of condensation on that surface.

Ground to Air signals are a reliable visual means of signaling rescuers during a back-country emergency. Typically one finds an open space with a contrasting/neutral background (grass, sand, etc.) and lays out a pattern of symbols and letters that convey a message most Search and Rescue (SAR) members recognize as part of an international SAR

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, entrance to National Park Service sites across the country on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, is free! Click here to find your nearest National Park. The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and it says it want everyone to join the party! It is the

Newsworthy items from around the world, for the Sportsman like you! First protected in 1864, Yosemite was the inception of an idea that would later be the mission of the National Park Service…that it “preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of

Inspired by the surging popularity and comfortable, all-terrain ride of fat tire bicycles, Under Armour® has developed Fat Tire Boots, a funky new style of hiking boot that is sure to be one of the hottest products of Spring 2016. Finally, fatter is better, which is feel-good news for those of us who will never be

This is a good time to remind outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers of ticks! While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, be extra careful in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active. Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1) Avoid Direct Contact

Tinder is any dry material that readily takes a spark, match or other intense heat sources and easily ignites. They are the “fire starter” fuel and the foundation for most all campfires.  Besides twigs, bark and other natural materials, there are also a variety of commercial tinders on the market. They are especially handy when you

A good campsite can be defined in many ways depending upon your preferred level of back-country comfort, the lay of the land where you can pitch your tent and to a lesser extent, the season in which you are out enjoying Mother Nature. Ask most anyone and they’ll tell you their preference is a flat,

Whether you’re heading out alone for a simple overnight get-away or embarking on an extended, minimalist-style adventure, choosing the right type of sleeping shelter is a major consideration. Besides weight and volume, utility also plays into deciding what type of gear to bring along. The choices are straight forward and offer a good range of

Paracord is an essential piece of emergency/survival gear. There are several characteristics and properties that qualify cordage as authentic “paracord”. All ‘rope’ is made of strands that are either braided or twisted together. Structurally, paracord uses the kernmantle technique similar to how rope for mountain climbing is made.  Its outmost layer is a  braided nylon sheath

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon — all are well-known and well-visited National Parks. But if you’re the adventurous type who likes to go off the beaten trail or maybe you just don’t like crowds, there’s plenty of beautiful National Parks that don’t get nearly enough

Earlier this week, the National Park Service celebrated its 98th birthday by offering free admission to its 58 National Parks (plus National Monuments, National Recreation Areas, National Historic Sites, National Historical Parks, National Seashores, National Military Parks, and National Battlefields). That got me to thinking…how many of these National Treasures have I actually visited myself?

Great for the mind, body and soul After a cold winter and being stuck indoors, it feels great to finally get outside. The combination of fresh air, warm sun and tasty mushrooms is sure to have you coming back for more. It’s also great exercise and an easy way to drop those winter pounds, too.