How to Choose a Cooler for Camping
How to choose a cooler for camping: compare soft, hard and powered coolers, size for food and ice, check seals, latches and weight, and keep ice longer.
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Cover storyGear Tests & Reviews
Do You Need a Tent Footprint?
Do you need a tent footprint? Learn what a footprint does, when it protects your tent, when to skip it, how it should fit and which cheaper alternatives work.
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Travel TipsPractical travel planning advice: how to plan a trip step by step, build a realistic budget, pack the right things, and prepare for the details that usually go wrong.48 guides
Outdoor GuidesBeginner-friendly camping and hiking guides that cover preparation, safety, skills and checklists.50 guides
Gear Tests & ReviewsClear buying guides and comparisons for travel and outdoor gear, from backpacks and tents to footwear and clothing layers.60 guides
Active LifestyleWalking, beginner outdoor activities and active travel ideas for everyday life.24 guidesTravel Tips
Practical travel planning advice: how to plan a trip step by step, build a realistic budget, pack the right things, and prepare for the details that usually go wrong.
How to Fly With a Toddler
How to fly with a toddler: book around naps, choose lap or own seat, pack a smart carry-on, get through security with milk and snacks, and calm meltdowns.
Field note
A trail permit is written permission from a land manager to hike or camp in a specific area, often on specific dates.
Outdoor Guides
Beginner-friendly camping and hiking guides that cover preparation, safety, skills and checklists.
Summer Camping Tips
Summer camping tips for beginners: how to pick a cool campsite, keep your tent and food cold, handle heat, bugs and storms, and sleep well on warm nights.
How to Identify Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
Learn how to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac in every season, tell them from lookalike plants, avoid contact on the trail and what to do if you touch one.
What to Wear Hiking
What to wear hiking: how to layer, which fabrics to choose and avoid, the right shoes and socks, and what to change for hot weather, cold weather and rain.
Gear Tests & Reviews
Clear buying guides and comparisons for travel and outdoor gear, from backpacks and tents to footwear and clothing layers.
Active Lifestyle
Walking, beginner outdoor activities and active travel ideas for everyday life.
Every guide, newest first
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How to Choose a Cooler for Camping
How to choose a cooler for camping: compare soft, hard and powered coolers, size for food and ice, check seals, latches and…
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How to Re-Waterproof a Rain Jacket
How to re-waterproof a rain jacket step by step: test the DWR, wash it, use gentle heat, choose a spray-on or wash-in…
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How to Clean and Care for Hiking Boots
How to clean and care for hiking boots: step by step cleaning, drying without heat, waterproofing by material, odor control and storage…
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How to Choose a Camping Pillow
How to choose a camping pillow: compare inflatable, compressible and hybrid types, match loft to sleep position and check weight, fabric, grip…
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Do You Need a Tent Footprint?
Do you need a tent footprint? Learn what a footprint does, when it protects your tent, when to skip it, how it…
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Front-Loading vs Top-Loading Backpacks
Front-loading vs top-loading backpacks compared: how each opens, packs, carries and handles rain, plus which style suits travel, hiking and carry-on use.
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Trail Permits and Closures: What Hikers Should Know
Trail permits and closures explained: permit types, passes vs permits, how to apply, why trails close, how to check conditions and mistakes…
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Summer Camping Tips
Summer camping tips for beginners: how to pick a cool campsite, keep your tent and food cold, handle heat, bugs and storms,…
-
How to Identify Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
Learn how to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac in every season, tell them from lookalike plants, avoid contact on the trail…
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What to Wear Hiking
What to wear hiking: how to layer, which fabrics to choose and avoid, the right shoes and socks, and what to change…