Contributor
Amanda Readman
Outdoor Writer & Navigator · 5 years
Amanda is an outdoor writer and educator with five years' experience in camping, survival, navigation, and rock climbing.
She has guided camping groups and taught navigation across mountain and forest environments globally.
Follows Outforia's editorial standards
28 stories published
Stories by Amanda Readman
35 Different Types of Evergreen Trees: Uncovering Earth’s Spectacular Gems
Thirty-five evergreen tree species retain green foliage year-round across four main categories: conifers, temperate broadleaves, tropical hardwoods, and others.
22 Types of Hawks, Legendary Birds of Prey : Pictures + Facts
Discover 22 hawk species worldwide, from the red-tailed hawk to the Eurasian sparrowhawk, and learn how these raptors differ from eagles and falcons.
19 Must-See Majestic Mountains in Washington
Washington's 19 must-see mountains include active volcanoes, glaciated peaks, and granite summits offering world-class hiking and mountaineering.
25+ Wonderful & Exotic Tropical Rainforest Plants: Nature’s Wonders
Tropical rainforests host 40,000-plus plant species adapted to humidity and heat. Orchids, bromeliads, water lilies, and vines display remarkable survival strategies.
The Two Ferocious Bears in Japan: With Pictures and Facts
Japan's two bear species, the Japanese Black Bear and the Ussuri Brown Bear, have culturally shaped the nation through Ainu bear worship and thousands of attacks over centuries.
Complete Guide To Different Types of Leaves with Pictures and Leaf Names
Identify any tree species using 3 primary leaf types: needle-like, simple, and compound leaves, plus 14 distinct shapes from linear to sagittate.
43 Different Types of Mushrooms Species: Edible, Poisonous & Beyond
Identify 43 mushroom species across 14 groups including edible, poisonous, and medicinal types with unique nutritional and toxic properties.
All 47 Types of Pine Trees From Edible to Flammable: Pictures and Facts
Learn to identify 47 pine species from around the world with their bark, foliage, cone characteristics, and practical uses in forestry.
27+ Amazing Things To Do in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park offers 27 activities beyond hiking: scenic drives, glacial lakes, wildlife spotting, and accessible options for seniors and children.
Conquer the Rockies: 12 Best Hikes & Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park
Twelve of Rocky Mountain National Park's best trails, plus the tips to hike them safely.
29 Different Types of Butterflies – Pictures, Chart, Facts and Guide
29 butterfly species showcase remarkable diversity, from Monarchs to Swallowtails, across global habitats.
5 Primary Types of Maps Through the Ages (Pictures, History & Charts)
Trace 5,000+ years of mapmaking from ancient Babylonian clay tablets through Ptolemy's world map to modern GPS and digital cartography.
225 Types of Owls: Pictures, Facts and More
Discover all 225 owl species classified into 2 families: barn owls and true owls, each with unique anatomy and abilities.
Types of Shells to Find on Beaches Around the World: Facts, Chart and Pictures
Beach shells belong to seven animal classes, with bivalves dominating shores worldwide at over 15,000 species strong.
21+ Types of Plants: From the Dinosaur Age to the Present (ID Guide, Pictures, and Facts)
Explore 21 major plant types from microscopic mosses and ferns to flowering shrubs and towering trees, essential to all life on Earth.
All the 344 Different Types of Doves: Pictures, Chart and Classification
Learn about 344 dove types divided into subfamilies across all continents.
All Types of Horses: From the Wild to Domesticated
Explore horses from wild species like Przewalski's horse to hundreds of domestic breeds worldwide, each adapted for specific purposes and climates.
Types of Landforms: From the Top of the Globe to the Depths of the Sea
Explore Earth's major landforms including mountains, plateaus, hills, plains, valleys, and unique formations shaped by geological processes across continents.
The 8 Different Types of Bears: Facts, Pictures and More
Eight bear species exist worldwide, spanning forests, tundras, and mountains. Six are endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss.
Types of Stink Bugs: Field Guide (Names & Photos)
Stink bugs belong to the Pentatomoidea superfamily with 7,000 species using sucking mouthparts to feed on plants.
22 Incredible Types of Octopus (Names, Photos & Interesting Facts)
Discover 22 incredible octopus species, from the giant Pacific octopus to tiny pygmy species, each with unique survival abilities.
400g vs. 800g Thinsulate Boots: Between Warm and Warmer
Compare 400g and 800g Thinsulate insulation for winter boots; 400g keeps feet warm to 30-40F while 800g protects down to 20F.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away While Camping
Repel mosquitoes while camping with bug spray, citronella candles, essential oils, screens, campfire smoke, and careful site selection away from stagnant water.
Camping Vs. Backpacking: Which Adventure is Right for You?
Camping relies on cars for gear transport and established sites. Backpacking demands lightweight packing and remote trail navigation for minimal crowds.
Stress-Free Camping: Fast Pitch Tents vs. Instant Tents
Fast pitch and instant tents set up in minutes, eliminating camping stress with pre-assembled poles and quick deployment technology.
Smell Fresh in the Wilderness: How to Clean a Tent that Smells
Clean moldy tents with soap, white vinegar, specialized cleaners, and proper drying to prevent fungal growth.
How Much Water Should I Bring Camping?
Bring two gallons of water per person daily for car camping; backpackers need sixty-four ounces plus a filter for refilling.
H2No® vs. Gore-Tex®: Which one should you choose?
H2No and Gore-Tex offer competing waterproof fabrics for outdoor gear; Gore-Tex leads in performance while H2No excels in comfort and DWR durability.