Category

How-To

Practical skills for the trail and the backcountry: navigation, photography, tracking, weather reading, and winter camping.

46 stories in How-To · Page 3 of 4

Hands using a map and compass with weathered outdoor gear
Line of climbers walking a narrow snow ridge at sunrise, with glaciers below and a huge pyramid-shaped peak beyond
How-To

Reaching New Heights: How Long Does It Take to Climb Mount Everest and What’s Involved

Mount Everest summits require two months of climbing and acclimatization, costing thirty thousand to one hundred eighty thousand dollars with extreme risks.

 Weathered log cabin with a snow-covered roof and stovepipe, surrounded by snowy spruce trees in a quiet winter forest
How-To

How To Build A Permanent Shelter In The Wilderness

Five permanent wilderness shelter types, cost estimates, and essential utility systems for off-grid living.

 Hiking gear laid out on a wet forest trail, including a pack, boots, jackets, trekking poles and a map
How-To

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.

 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 person's hands tying a loop knot in thick natural rope on a weathered wooden dock beside a metal cleat
How-To

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.

 A hiker in a green rain jacket and tan pants beside a pack on a rocky trail under overcast mountain skies
How-To

Fjällräven Vs. Arc’teryx: Which is better?

Arc'teryx dominates technical performance; Fjallraven prioritizes sustainability; both deliver reliable outdoor gear with distinct brand philosophies.

 A metal pot heating on a small canister stove at a forest campsite with a backpack on the ground behind
How-To

TOAKS vs. Snow Peak: Which Cookset is Better?

Compare titanium camping cooksets: TOAKS excels in durability and heat distribution; Snow Peak wins in ultralight portability and 3-in-1 multipurpose design.

 A camper in a puffy jacket holds up a navy fleece and a grey cotton hoodie beside a tent in the mountains
How-To

Fleece vs. Cotton: Which One Is Best?

Fleece dominates cold-weather gear with superior insulation and quick-drying; cotton suits everyday wear but absorbs moisture and loses warmth when wet.

 A walker in olive pants and brown leather and rubber boots stepping through a puddle on a wet, leaf-strewn trail
How-To

Are Bean Boots Waterproof?

L.L. Bean boots are water-resistant, not waterproof. The rubber sole is waterproof, but leather and stitching allow water penetration over time.

 Two well-worn backpacks, one olive green and one navy, resting on a rocky trail above a forested valley
How-To

Deuter vs Osprey: Which Backpack Brand is Right for You?

Deuter edges Osprey across backpack categories with better durability, lighter weight, and lower prices, though Osprey offers more style options.

 Hands pressing a wooden spindle into a bow drill fireboard with a tinder bundle nearby and a wisp of smoke
How-To

How to Start a Fire with Sticks

Master three primitive fire methods; bow drill, hand drill, and plow technique all require the right wood, proper technique, and lots of practice.

 A navy puffy jacket, backpack, trekking poles, map, gloves, boots and a small stove laid out on a snowy mountain ridge
How-To

Keep Warm, Travel Light: Nano Puff vs. Micro Puff

Nano Puff and Micro Puff synthetic insulations keep you warm without bulk, perfect for cold-weather hiking and camping gear.