Editor & Reviewer
Gaby Pilson
Outdoor Educator · Polar Guide · Wilderness EMT
Gaby is a professional outdoor educator, climbing instructor, polar guide, and wilderness-medicine instructor.
She holds a Master's in Outdoor Education from the University of Edinburgh, AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor-Lead certification, and Wilderness EMT certification.
Follows Outforia's editorial standards
65 stories published
Stories by Gaby Pilson
25 Remarkable Types of Monkeys: An Exploration Through The Wild
Meet 25 monkey species spanning 260+ types globally, from tiny pygmy marmosets to massive mandrills, each with unique social behaviors.
Food to Take on a Hike: Top 10 Trail Snacks
Fuel your hike with 10 nutritious trail snacks that boost energy and maintain endurance on the trail.
9 Different Types of Weather: Facts, Definitions and Forecasting
Learn about nine common weather types: sunshine, clouds, rain, snow, fog, lightning, and wind. Understand atmospheric conditions shaping daily life.
List of All US National Parks: Complete Guide with Pictures
Explore all 63 US national parks with facts, photos, and visitor guides from Yellowstone to the remote beauty of Gates of the Arctic.
10 Brands Like Patagonia to Shop At For Your Outdoor Adventures
10 ethical outdoor brands rivaling Patagonia with fair trade practices, sustainable materials, and quality performance gear for adventurers.
Why Use Trekking Poles?: Advantages, Disadvantages & Pro Tips!
Trekking poles reduce joint stress, improve balance on technical terrain, and increase hiking efficiency while making you feel more confident on challenging trails.
How To Waterproof A Backpack: 4 Ways and Tips for Keeping Hiking Gear Dry and Clean
Waterproof your backpack with pack liners, dry bags, rain covers, or waterproofing spray to protect electronics and gear from heavy rain.
Camping in National Forests: Your Ultimate Guide
155 US national forests managed by the Forest Service offer three camping styles: designated campgrounds, dispersed camping, and rental cabins with varying amenities.
What Causes Tides?
Learn how the moon's gravity, solar forces, and coastal topography create the daily rise and fall of ocean water at 12 hours and 25 minutes apart.
All 21 Different Types of Whales: Guide, Pictures And Classification
Explore 21 whale species classified as baleen or toothed whales. From blue whales to beaked whales, learn their diets and behaviors.
A Deep Dive into the 25 Types of Sharks (Names, Chart and Pictures)
Over 500 shark species patrol our oceans, from the feared great white to the gentle whale shark, Earth's largest living fish.
All 19 Different Types of Penguins: Complete Guide & Pictures
All 19 penguin species, from tiny rockhopper penguins to massive emperor penguins, thrive in Southern Hemisphere waters.
21 Different Types of Rattlesnakes Species: Pictures and Guide
Discover 21 rattlesnake species found across the Americas, including their distinct behaviors, venoms, and how they use heat pits to hunt prey.
25 Different Types of Dolphins Species (Pictures, Facts and Chart)
Discover 25 dolphin species, their intelligence, echolocation abilities, and ocean behaviors.
All 7 Different Types of Sea Turtles: Pictures, Classification & Facts
Learn about all 7 sea turtle species including leatherbacks, loggerheads, green turtles, and their classification within ocean ecosystems.
Unveiling Earth’s Wonders: 26 Different Types of Biomes Explored
The World Wide Fund for Nature classifies 26 biomes across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments.
25 Amazing Types of Snakes (Photos, Fun Facts & More!)
Over 3,000 snake species inhabit Earth across 24 families, from venomous inland taipans to harmless milk snakes.
All The 23 Different Types of Foxes: Pictures, Classification and Chart
Twenty-three living fox species inhabit six genera worldwide, with 12 true foxes in the genus Vulpes ranging from arctic to desert regions.
Dive Into the Ocean: Full Guide To All 33 Types of Seals
Discover all 33 seal species across 3 families, from harbor seals and walruses to Weddell seals, with their characteristics and global habitats.
30 Types of Rock That You Shouldn’t Take For Granite: Pictures and Facts
Explore 30 rock types from granite and obsidian to schist and marble, including how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks form.
25 Types of Knots: Essential Skills for Any Adventure
Master 25 essential knots used in hiking, climbing, sailing, and camping, from the overhand knot to the Palomar and reef knots.
Toxic Plants That Look Like Food: 30 Plants You Need To Know
Avoid 30 toxic plants that mimic edible foods: death camas resembles onions, doll's eyes induce cardiac arrest, poison hemlock parallels wild carrots dangerously.
19 Incredible Types of Storms
19 storm types plague Earth from snowstorms to tornadoes, with hurricanes earning names while tornadoes remain the most violent.
All The 26 Different Types of Apes: Pictures, Classification and Chart
Humans are apes. Twenty-six ape species exist, including 8 great apes and 16 lesser apes. Most are found in Africa and Asia.
The 7 Types of Big Cats Around the World and Where You’ll Find Them
Lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, and cougars rank among Earth's most majestic felines with distinct habitats.
Wilderness and Backcountry Hiking: A Complete Guide
Complete backcountry guide covering day hikes, overnights, multi-day treks, and everything needed to plan your first wilderness adventure with confidence.
24 Types of Natural Disasters That You Need To Know
24 types of natural disasters,from avalanches and hurricanes to earthquakes and wildfires,and how they impact communities worldwide.
11 Types of Precipitation To Know For Your Next Outdoor Adventure (Facts, Photos And More)
Learn the 11 types of precipitation from rain and snow to graupel and diamond dust, including how each forms and impacts outdoor adventures.
47 Types of Bodies of Water: Pictures and More
Earth's 47 types of water bodies range from oceans and rivers to lakes, deltas, and tide pools.
Identifying The 10 Types of Clouds: Pictures & Chart (+ 14 Seldom Ones)
Identify 10 main cloud types and 14 rare ones based on altitude, composition, and weather patterns to predict conditions.
A Colorful Exploration: 22 Incredible Types of Coral and Their Beauty
Discover 22 coral types, their beauty, ecosystem roles, bleaching threats, and medical uses across tropical reefs.
Decoding Wolf Diversity: A Guide to the 27 Wonderful Types of Wolves (Facts, Photos & More)
Meet 27 wolf subspecies, mostly Canis lupus, ranging from tundra wolves to eastern timber wolves. Master these apex predators.
The 25 Most Amazing Types of Lizards (Names, Photos and More)
Explore 25 fascinating lizard species including the tiny nano-chameleon, venomous Komodo dragon, and shape-shifting chameleons with 360-degree vision.
The 6 Different Types of Elephants + Facts, Photos, & Identification
Six elephant species and subspecies live today, divided between African and Asian elephants, weighing 2 to 11 tons with lifespans to 70 years.
28 Types of Bats: The Cutest Bat Species (Names, Photos, and More)
Over 1,400 bat species exist worldwide. Bats are the only mammals with sustained flight, reaching speeds up to 100 mph.
38+ Types of Squirrels – Field Guide (Names, Photos and More)
Around 285 squirrel species inhabit every continent except Antarctica, from tree squirrels to flying squirrels and marmots.
How to Keep Raccoons Away from Campsite: 8 Tips For Critter-Free Camping
Deter raccoons from camp with bear-proof containers, smell-proof bags, nightly trash removal, clean campsites, organized gear, and avoiding spice-based deterrents.
23 Campfire Games To Get Everyone Laughing On Your Next Camping Trip
23 campfire games for families and adults: memory games, storytelling, guessing, charades, and drinking games for bonding outdoors.
Eddie Bauer vs North Face: Which Brand Is Right For You?
Compare Eddie Bauer and The North Face head-to-head on materials, price, warranty, product range, and sustainability to choose the right outdoor brand.
Do I Need A Tarpaulin Under My Tent? Your Camping Questions Answered
Tent tarps extend shelter life, add insulation, and prevent water seepage, but add weight and cost; best for harsh weather or car camping.
Can I Go Camping Without A Sleeping Bag? 8 Sleeping Bag Alternatives To Try
Yes, you can camp without a sleeping bag using quilts, blankets, liners, bivy sacks, space blankets, hammocks, warm clothing, or bushcraft shelters.
How to Boil Water While Camping: 13 Reliable Methods To Try
13 water-boiling methods for camping including stoves, generators, kettles, fires, and solar options.
21 Edible Plants on The Appalachian Trail: Guide To Foraging On The AT
21 edible plants and fungi hikers can forage on the Appalachian Trail, from blueberries to ramps to chicken-of-the-woods mushrooms.
The Best Camping Food: No Cooking, No Refrigeration
Pack trail mix, jerky, granola bars, and peanut butter for convenient camping meals requiring no cooking or cooling.
11 Tips For Taking A Dog Camping For The First Time
Take your dog camping confidently with 11 essential tips: verify vaccinations, train in your backyard, use harnesses, pack extra food, bring first aid supplies.
The 14 Cheapest Camping Food Options For Adventures On A Budget
Eat well on camping trips for less via oatmeal, mac and cheese, yogurt, burgers, pancakes, burritos, sandwiches, and s'mores without expensive freeze-dried meals.
How To Get A Job In The Outdoor Industry: Advice From An Outdoor Expert
Outdoor industry jobs range from guides to engineers, paying $20k-$150k annually with certifications and experience.
How Much Firewood Do I Need For Camping? Your Questions Answered
Plan for two to five firewood bundles daily while camping; use dry hardwoods to minimize smoke and maximize heat output.
What to Keep in a Hiking Backpack: 25 Essential Pieces of Gear
Pack 25 essential hiking items: water, map, compass, first aid, headlamp, layers, snacks, navigation, and safety gear.
The Most Comfortable Way to Sleep in a Tent: 11 Tips to Catch Some Zzzs Outside
Sleep comfortably while camping with 11 proven tactics: flat tent sites, proper sleeping pads, correct bag temperature ratings, and essential pillows for quality rest.
21 Beach Camping Tips and Tricks & Hacks To Have A Wonderful Time
21 essential beach camping tips cover site selection, sand-anchored tents, tide awareness, and gear choices for seaside camping success.
How To Stop Condensation In A Tent: 11 Top Tips
Eleven proven tips stop tent condensation: use breathable double-wall tents, pick dry campsites away from water sources, and roll back rain flies.
Heated Insoles vs Heated Socks: Which Option Is Right For You?
Compare heated insoles and socks for winter activities; heated socks offer affordability and full-foot warmth while insoles provide remote control convenience.
Guide to Layering: Everything You Need To Know
Master the three-layer system of base, mid, and outer layers to regulate warmth and stay dry during any outdoor adventure.
What Is A Walk Up Campsite?: Your Camping Questions Answered
Walk-up campsites are first-come, first-served sites reserved at popular campgrounds for spontaneous visits. Arrive early and have backup plans for best results.
12 Types of Deserts: The Definitive Guide
Explore 12 desert types classified by geography and climate, from polar ice to coastal dunes.
The Future of ‘Nature Prescriptions’
Doctors increasingly prescribe 120 minutes of nature weekly to treat stress, depression, and anxiety. Outdoor time reduces blood pressure and boosts mental wellbeing significantly.
What Is A Parka? Parkas & Other Jacket Types Explained
Parkas are heavily insulated winter jackets, longer than standard jackets, designed for frigid environments. Learn how they differ from coats, anoraks, and other jackets.
23 Types Of Mountains: Your Definitive Guide
Understand 23 mountain types formed by plate collision, rifting, volcanic activity, and erosion, shaping Earth's most dramatic landscapes.
20 Camping Gift Basket Ideas To Surprise Your Favorite Camper
20 creative gift basket ideas for campers, from backpack and cooler containers to themed survival and glamping kits with gear essentials.
26 Camping Gear Storage Ideas To Stay Organized Outdoors
26 camping gear storage solutions: stuff sacks, plastic bins, pre-made kits, and DIY organizers to keep equipment organized at home and on the trail.
15 Campsite Lighting Ideas To Illuminate Your Night
From string lights and solar lanterns to DIY headlamp tricks, discover 15 innovative campsite lighting solutions for tent and outdoor illumination.
The Ultimate Guide To Winter Camping
Complete guide to winter camping basics, gear selection, meal planning, layering strategies, and camp setup tips for safe cold-weather adventures.
Ultimate Camping Checklist – Complete Guide to Everything You’ll Need + Printable PDF
Complete camping checklist with every gear category you need for car camping or backpacking, plus practical tips for personalizing your pack.
Can You Drink Fast Moving Water?
Fast-moving water reduces waterborne pathogen risk compared to stagnant sources, but Giardia survives 1-3 months below 50 degrees; always filter or boil.