Outdoor basics are the core skills that keep a trip safe and comfortable, setting up shelter, sleeping warm, cooking on a stove, navigating without a phone, and handling minor injuries. Get those right and the rest is detail.
New to this? Start with the beginner camping gear checklist, which breaks a first kit into five systems and puts a real price on it (roughly US$250–450 for two people). Then sort your cooking with how to pick a camping stove.
Navigation. Batteries die and signal drops. A topo map and compass weigh under 100 g and always work, map reading covers contours and bearings, and navigating by the stars is the backup for when you’ve lost the trail after dark.
Safety. Most camp incidents are preventable. Our camping safety guide covers the six habits that matter most, plus specifics like the UV Index and the poison ivy rash timeline.
Gear care. Repair beats replacement. A jammed zipper rarely means a new tent — see tent zipper repair and repairing leather hiking boots.
Everything here is written from field use. Browse the full archive below, or head to Top Gear Picks if you already know the skill and just need the kit.
When it comes to planning for backcountry adventures, we should always spare a thought for the local wildlife. The risk of encountering and being bitten by a snake, even in a sparsely populated area, is … Read more
If you are like me and absolutely love to go hiking and backpacking in the mountains, you probably focus on the experience itself and not the food. But having some lovely warm meal after being … Read more
When it comes to camping, you’re going to need the essentials. That means suitable clothing, plenty of food to get by, some gear to catch your own food, and a reliable tent to keep you … Read more
How to care for a blister can be confusing, as well as painful. While it is best to prevent blisters before they start, treating them properly is essential to a fast healing process. And this … Read more
We all want to leave our mark on the world by achieving great things, but when it comes to outdoor activities, the opposite is actually the goal. The wilderness is already under real strain from … Read more
Are you a fan of hiking or camping in bear occupied areas? If you fall into this fold, there is a lot you should know about. For instance, you will certainly come across bears during … Read more
We always make sure to bring plenty of water bottles with us when we venture out into the great sand dunes. It’s all well and good if you stay safely near your van or your … Read more
The best pocket knife brands include Benchmade, Buck, Spyderco, Kershaw, Victorinox, Case, and Cold Steel, each of which has earned a loyal following through decades of quality craftsmanship, smart design, and premium materials. The right … Read more
When it comes to selecting outerwear that is designed to keep you dry and warm, you want to go with something that’s reliable yet still stylish. You may have heard about two waterproofing fabrics that … Read more
“Gore-Tex spray” is a catch-all term for a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment you spray onto the outside of a Gore-Tex garment when rain stops beading and starts soaking in. Gore does not sell its … Read more
Sleeping bags come in various sizes and types, and choosing the correct sleeping bag might not always be the easiest choice that can make. We have set out to look at the best down vs … Read more
If you’re out on a long hike on a hot summer’s day you’ll know how vital it is to drink enough water, ensuring that you stay both well hydrated and healthy. It’s estimated that while … Read more