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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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 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.
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.
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.