Fast-flowing whitewater is most often associated with the summer and spring. But each year paddlers continue to raft, kayak and canoe into the fall months, some up until all the leaves drop off the…
Arrive at any trailhead, even popular ones, on a rainy day and your vehicle will likely be the only one there. Rainy days on the trail can be uncomfortable while backpacking, but for a day hike, don’…
As the north winds begin to push south with Vs of Canadian geese, we are given a yearly opportunity to photograph vivid colors rarely seen in nature. Red and gold mix with the lingering green of…
You’re ready to improve your outdoor survival skills. A quick Google search brings up dozens of survival school options in the United States. But how do you evaluate a school or course and choose one…
For some campers, the thirst for “getting away from it all” is not quenched by spending a night in a developed campground. But a dose of dispersed camping, camping outside of a developed camping area…
When you need a super-bright, far-reaching light, a spotlight works best. Navigating a boat at night, viewing wildlife after dark, varmint hunting, frog hunting and emergency signaling are all tasks…
The popular sport of day hiking continues to attract those looking for a bit of adventure with limited time. On several recent day hikes at national and state parks, I've had plenty of company…
In the summer, or even fall, winter and spring in some parts of the world, heat can be a dangerous element in the outdoors. According to the Centers For Disease Control, 7,415 deaths in the United…
Camp cooking is an extension of the line of fun had while camping. For some campers, cooking over an open fire with various cast iron vessels is the main camp attraction and activity. For others, a…
Day hiking for most folks is a much needed, quick getaway from life's demands. An easy walk along a paved trail at a metro park or a 3- or 4-mile trek up a mountain and back can attract different…
A knife is widely regarded as the single most important survival tool for those who venture into the wilderness. It can obviously cut things — an important task in the woods — but with a little know-…
The planning of nearly each camping trip focuses on the where, when and what, with only a dab of thought to packing up at the end of the trip. Deep sighs and moans of realization that it's time to…
