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

Four evergreens: a Douglas fir, a balsam fir crown, western hemlocks on a rocky shore, and coast redwood trunks
Plant Life

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.

A red-tailed hawk soaring over a dry meadow with wings spread and rusty tail fanned, evergreen forest behind
Wildlife

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.

A snow-capped peak in warm evening light above evergreen forest and a meadow of purple and red wildflowers
Destinations

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.

Four tropical plants: a red heliconia, a cacao pod on its trunk, a giant water lily bloom, and magenta bougainvillea
Plant Life

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.

A large brown bear with a thick dark coat walks along a rocky shoreline beside tall green grass
Wildlife

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.

Orange autumn maple leaves hanging from a dark branch above a blurred forest floor and stream rocks
Plant Life

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.

Bright orange bracket fungus with yellow edges growing in layered tiers on a moss-streaked tree trunk
Plant Life

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.

Pine Trees on mountain
Plant Life

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.

Mountain goat with a shaggy white coat on a rocky ledge above wildflowers, snow-streaked peaks behind
Destinations

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.

Calm alpine lake ringed by pine forest and rocky peaks, with a dirt trail winding along the rocky shore at golden hour
Destinations

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.

blue butterfly resting on leaves
Wildlife

29 Different Types of Butterflies – Pictures, Chart, Facts and Guide

29 butterfly species showcase remarkable diversity, from Monarchs to Swallowtails, across global habitats.

A person's weathered hands writing in a small notebook on a topographic map beside a compass
How-To

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.

A barn owl perched on a weathered post at the edge of a forest, its pale heart-shaped face turned to the camera
Wildlife

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.

Scattered seashells of many shapes and sizes lie on wet sand at the water's edge as small waves roll in
Wildlife

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.

White and purple spring wildflowers, young ferns and seedlings growing on a mossy forest floor
Plant Life

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.

A mourning dove standing on a gravel path with its head turned, soft green vegetation blurred behind it
Wildlife

All the 344 Different Types of Doves: Pictures, Chart and Classification

Learn about 344 dove types divided into subfamilies across all continents.

A group of wild horses, bay, gray and buckskin, trotting across open sagebrush grassland
Wildlife

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.

A broad dry valley with sagebrush flats and eroded banks below a flat-topped ridge and rugged mountains
Natural World

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.

Four bears: a brown bear, a spectacled bear in tussock grass, a sloth bear with two cubs on her back, and a giant panda
Wildlife

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.

A mottled brown stink bug rests on a green leaf in soft sunlight with its long antennae stretched out
Wildlife

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.

A small camouflaged octopus with bumpy gray-brown skin resting on a rocky seabed, one eye and curled arms visible
Wildlife

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.

Hiker in grey pants and brown insulated boots standing on a snowy trail with frosted evergreens behind
How-To

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.

Mesh-walled tent on a pine-needle campsite with a bug spray can and two citronella candle tins in front
Camping

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.

Girl covered with a blanket inside a camper
Camping

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.

Fast Pitch vs Instant Pitch Cover
Camping

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.

Guide to Prevent Tent from Smelling
Camping

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.

Water bottles and a white jug lined up on the ground beside a green tent at a pine forest campsite
Camping

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 cover
Hiking

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.