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.
Water is absorbed fast. On an empty stomach it can begin reaching your bloodstream within about 5 minutes, and most of it is absorbed within 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether you’ve eaten. … 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
Yes, boiling water purifies it by killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which makes it one of the safest and simplest ways to treat questionable water in the wild. Bring the water to a rolling boil … 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
Long and cold nights should not be something to worry about with a down insulated sleeping bag. Down has become an exceptional insulator with very meaningful characteristics. It’s a perfect solution for cold and dry … Read more
If you’re going to be hiking and/or camping, you’re going to need something to carry your personal belongings in. Sure, you can keep your car keys and wallet in your pockets, but what if you’re … Read more
Hiking with kids is one of the most effective, affordable, and genuinely fun ways to swap screen time for fresh air. The secret is to keep outings short and experience-led, bring plenty of snacks, let … Read more