Category
Essentials
50 articles
Backcountry Skills
10 Rules for Cooking in the Backcountry
Cooking great meals in the backcountry is never an easy task. Most commercially available trail food isn’t exactly stellar. To make your backcountry bites more enjoyable, there are certain guidelines that most trail cooks follow. Here are our top 10 rules to make cooking in the backcountry simple, healthy…and delicious. Be Prepared Be sure to […]
1 min read · Sep 2, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Prepare for a Thru-Hike
Thru-hikes aren’t for beginners. These typically longer hikes need preparation both physically and mentally. Before jumping on the trail head, it’s important to start training yourself. Here’s how to start. Get in Shape Physical training is essential in order to get yourself fit. Develop a program with a good mix of cardio and weight lifting. […]
1 min read · Aug 29, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Improvise a Splint
Knowing how to improvise a splint can be an incredibly useful backcountry skill to know when hiking on your own or with a group. Accidents happen just as much, if not more, when you’re hiking with a group of your friends as they do when you’re walking around town so being prepared for one of […]
1 min read · Aug 17, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Pack a Backpack
It’s exciting to get out on a backpacking trip but don’t let your haste keep you from properly packing your backpack. Knowing how to properly pack your backpack will mean the difference between a pleasant hike and a back injury. Too many people toss their gear and clothes into their backpacks and hit the trail. […]
1 min read · Aug 12, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Orient a Map
Knowing how to orient a map is important to all hikers and backpackers. It can be pretty easy to get yourself lost in the woods but, with the right skills, you can decrease the likelihood of getting yourself lost. Orienting a map is one of the simpler steps you can take to prevent yourself from […]
1 min read · Aug 8, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking
A long hike out in the wild can take its toll on your feet. Blisters are a common problem for hikers caused by friction on your feet as they get sweaty and rub against your socks and boots. As a result, you end up developing hot spots and ultimately develops that all too familiar bubble […]
1 min read · Aug 3, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Don’t Get Lost! How to Prepare for It and What to Do If it Happens
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a just getting started, at some point you’ll end up in a position where you’re not quite sure exactly where you are. Trust me, there’s nothing fun about being lost in the backcountry (unless that’s the adventure you’re looking for), but every now and then it happens. Trail […]
1 min read · Jul 27, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
5 Common Mistakes Hikers Make On the Trail
Hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, get some exercise and enjoy the company of friends and family. As spring, summer and fall come around, new people are taking to the trail every weekend. Plenty of hikers, both experienced and novices, tend to over think their hike and pack too much, […]
1 min read · Jul 23, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Beginners Guide to Camping
Camping is an incredible experience letting you get in touch with nature in ways few other experiences can. In order to discover the wonders of the great outdoors, it’s important to adopt appropriate camping etiquette to ensure a peaceful experience for you and anyone else who may be camping nearby. Be Considerate As you arrive […]
1 min read · Jul 16, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
The Basics: Building a Campfire
Building a campfire is one of the great treats of camping. There’s almost nothing more relaxing than the smell of burning embers, the orange glow of the flame and the sound of crackling firewood. Besides, do s’mores ever taste better than when they’re cooked on an open flame? Learning the proper technique of building a […]
1 min read · Jun 21, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Fishing Checklist
There’s something about fishing that can captivate you. Regardless of whether the fish are biting (although it’s always a bit more exciting when they are), the relaxation that one can enjoy while sitting on a lake or a river really can’t be matched. We’ve compiled a fishing checklist to make sure that you have everything […]
1 min read · May 23, 2015 · Ian Campbell
Backcountry Skills
Rock Climbing Checklist
There are few things that the backcountry offers that are more satisfying than a good climb. There are few things more dangerous, too. Rock climbing is one of the ultimate risk/reward scenarios and to make sure that the reward is clearly outweighing the risk, preparation (as with all other backcountry activities is key. That said, […]
1 min read · May 22, 2015 · Ian Campbell