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 4 of 4

Hands using a map and compass with weathered outdoor gear
A green tarp pitched as an open shelter on two poles over a sleeping bag in a mountain meadow with conifers behind
How-To

How to Make a Tarp Shelter Without Trees

Build the Holden tarp shelter without trees using two poles, a polyurethane tarp, guy ropes, and stakes in a simple pyramid configuration.

Black bear lifting its nose to sniff the air beside a tent, backpack and camp mug at a rocky forest campsite
How-To

How Far Can A Bear Smell?

Bears can smell food 20 miles away; polar bears reach 40 miles, making proper food storage crucial for campers.

Two loaded backpacks with jackets draped over them resting beside a gravel trail in a misty conifer forest
How-To

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.

A group of hikers with backpacks and trekking poles climb a rocky mountain trail, seen from behind
How-To

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.

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.

Heated Insoles vs Heated Socks
How-To

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.

A hiker adjusts his pants beside fleece, jackets, wool socks, gloves and boots piled on a log in a snowy mountain setting
How-To

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.

Parka guide blog
How-To

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.

Two people fishing from a quiet lakeshore at dawn
How-To

Enhancing Family Fishing Adventures by Predicting Fish Behavior

Master fish behavior prediction using water temperature, barometric pressure, lunar phases, and dawn-dusk feeding patterns for successful family fishing trips.

A woman getting a moving water with hands
How-To

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.