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Camp Notes
Knowing When to Turn Back
Witnessing first-hand the trouble that pushing past the point of no return can cause.
Hiking + Running: Here’s How to Keep Your Tender Parts Happy and Unchafed
Few things can ruin a backpacking trip faster than the flame out of a wicked chafe.
Don’t Forget the Coffee
How to turn a disaster into not-quite-a-disaster-but-close.
Kristina’s Complete Guide to Alpine Start Breakfasts
Nobody should have to think at 4 a.m. Plan your calories now and you’ll be oh so happy later.
Into the Woods With Bee Boots
Having kids can cramp your adventures. On his first backpack with his 8-year-old, he discovers it doesn’t have to be…
When Getting Sorta Lost is…Good?
We were off the map and nearly out of food and having a blast.
Is It Weird To Bring Water Home From the Backcountry After a Trip?
Being a wilderness lover in an urban area is hard, so I bring a little bit of the wilderness home…
The Importance of Keeping Traditions
When you need an excuse to disappear into the wilderness for a few days, it’s hard to beat: ‘Because it’s…
Think It’s Impossible to Find Solitude in National Parks? Think Again.
Even in the most crowded national parks, peace, quiet, and solitude can be found—here’s how.
The 8 Best Long-Haul Backpacking Trails
Don’t have 5 months to hike the PCT or AT? How about 3 weeks?
A New Summer Means Learning New Backpacking Skills—Hopefully
This backpacker’s summer to-do list is to learn from his wife—learn a lot.
The 5 Stages of Stuff Sack Grief
Sometimes it is so hard to stuff stuff into stuff sacks.
What Does Good Backcountry Hygiene Look Like, Anyway?
Half the fun is getting dirty, until everything you own is gross—here’s how to stay fresh wilderness-style.
Huge News in Camp Comfort: Mosquitos Are Attracted to Certain Colors
Attention outdoor clothes designers.
Why I’m Giving Up Trail Runners for Hiking Boots
In which the author decides the focus on lightweight gear doesn’t extend to his feet.
Painful to Carry Gear That’s Still Totally Worth Carrying
Cumbersome? Yep. Practical? Oh, heck yes.
This Annual Trip Is Equal Parts Dictatorial and Madcap
Drill sergeant-level authority has kept these guys’ incredible trip series going for 14 years.
The More Stuff You Have Strapped to Your Pack, the Cooler You Look
Really, it does, so you should be that guy. Wait, are you already that guy?
13 Non-Essential Backpacking Items
Everyone needs a comfort item–how about a whole pack of them?
27 Songs that Get Stuck in Your Head Backpacking
How does our list of the best–er, worst–music compare to yours?
10 Tips to Lighten Your Backpack
Because lighter is righter…or something. Step 7: Replace video game console with smartphone apps.
Which Is Better for Hammering Your Tent Stakes – Mallet or Rock?
When the fate of your camping experience depends on gear, trust AJ to answer the big questions.
Eating Your Way Down the River
There’s a Blue-Apron-style service for camping, and other things you may not have known for prepping meals on an extended…
Intro to Backpacking: Nudity, Fried Chicken, and a Fifth of Bourbon
When your first time solo backpacking is your first time ever backpacking, lessons are learned.
The Backpacker Who Carries Too Much
Are you that person? Don’t be that person? Oh, wait, I’m that person!
The Best Camper Van and Overlander Rentals in North America, 2021 Edition
Say hello to van or truck life without the commitment, liability, insurance, maintenance, storage, cost.
A Few Thoughts on Camping With Kids
Letting go of expectations is hard. Enjoying what follows is easy.
An Epic Brooks Range Bikepacking Packrafting Trip
A venture of unknown length with an uncertain outcome in untraversed territory…sounds about right.
We Need a Guidebook for Camping Etiquette
Why does camping courtesy seem so hard to get right?
Learning to Love Backpacking in the Rain
From cowering to powering through backcountry storms.
My Ultralight Is More Ultralight Than Yours
There is no shame in the Backpacking Mulligan – we all need our comfort items.
How to Bikepack In Luxury
The San Juan Hut System is the ideal way to ride long distance, eat tons, and sleep well.
A Woman’s Struggle With the Fear of Camping Alone
What does one do with the thoughts that keep you up at night, solo in the tent?
I Used Wi-Fi While Camping (and Working) and I Actually Liked it
Maybe wi-fi in the wilderness isn’t all bad, if you can work from the side of a river. Or maybe…
Considering the Campfire Through The Eyes of Prometheus
What is it about a good campfire that brings out the best and worst in us?
12 Ways to Make Friends at a Campground
“Whatdya guys think of that Donald Tru… Oh hey, is that beer!?”
The Leave No Trace Black Belt
Think you’re light on the land? Let’s see if you measure up to the super ninja level.
The Best Backpacking Loop You’ve Never Heard Of (Maybe)
Mineral King is a mind-blowing escape from the crowds found on the John Muir and High Sierra trails.
The Best Camping Coffee Maker May be Hiding in Your Pantry
Via, Schmia–Bialetti Moka Express is the lightest and most practical way to have espresso on the trail.
Intro to Backpacking: Nudity, Fried Chicken, and a Fifth of Bourbon
When your first time solo backpacking is your first time ever backpacking, lessons are learned.
The Great Trail Shows You All of Canada in One 15,000-mile Trek
From Newfoundland to British Columbia to the Yukon, by foot, pedal, and paddle.
Can a Mat Really Improve Your Car Camping? Yes. Yes, It Can
The two layers of the CGear mat mean dirt can only go one way—and that’s away from your stuff.
The Addictive Hunger of ‘Alpine Sandwiches’
Wonderful Canadian website documents the joys of slamming awesome grinds above treeline.
The Joyful Warmth of Twig Stoves
An endless supply of fuel. Weight, almost nothing. These simple, wonderful little devices make cooking human again.
A Letter to All the Tents I’ve Loved
They met, shared a night or two (or more) together, and went their separate ways.
A Letter to All the Tents I’ve Loved
They met, shared a night or two (or more) together, and went their separate ways.
Opinion: On the Merits of Letting Kids Play With Fire
It teaches responsibility, safety, and confidence.
10 Tips to Lighten Your Backpack
Because lighter is righter…or something. Step 7: Replace video game console with smartphone apps.
The Non-Romantic’s Romantic Guide to Camping
If you want lovin’ in the backcountry air, forget lightweight—bring the kitchen sink.
How Not to Let Rain Spoil Your Backcountry Adventures
With spring comes weird mountain weather—here’s how to keep your powder dry.
It’s Bigger on the Inside: The Truck Bed Living Room
One easy way to transform your Toyota Tacoma into a backcountry bedroom.
The 16 Best Bad Campground Reviews
When you see what people think of sleeping in the great outdoors, you might experience LOL, some ROFL, and even…
An Easy Hack to Make Your Car Camping Warmer
Sure, you know all about Reflectix insulation. But do you know this trick to double performance?
Have Your Best Camping Number Twos Ever
Okay, so maybe that’s not your top priority. How about an amazing organic breakfast mix, with a side benefit?
The Best Damn Camping Spoon Ever is…a Piece of Wood?
It’s lightweight, simple, and may become your most indispensable piece of camping gear.
In Praise of Mac ‘n Cheese
It’s a hell of a lot more than white trash fettuccine alfredo, it’s the glue that holds him together.
Going Way, Way Beyond Leave No Trace
These guys took out a half ton, but five minutes is all it take to make a difference.
Because of Via, I Can’t Hate Starbucks
The contents of those little foil packets changed his camping life…and attitude.