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Outforia

Your Ultimate Guide to the Great Outdoors

Outdoors Knowledge

What is Pemmican? The Meatrimony of Jerky and Granola Bars

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Pemmican is a high-calorie, nutritious trail food first made and used by the First Nation peoples of America. It is made of lean meat, fat, and often berries. It keeps for a long time and provides …

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Navigating Nature’s Markers: What Do Stacked Rocks Mean?

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways: Cairns can often be found on wilderness trails, but what do stacked rocks mean?  It can be a simple way to mark a hiking trail or a safe passage for …

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The Science of Tree Care and Maintenance: What is an Arborist?

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Arborists are like tree doctors because they’re responsible for the care and maintenance of individual trees. If you’re thinking about working in arboriculture, you may be asking: what is an arborist …

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Quicksand Debunked: Where Is Quicksand Found in Reality?

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Picture this: an adventurer venturing into the unknown, the ground suddenly shifting beneath their feet as they sink into a perilous trap. …

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Multiple Strands, Multiple Uses: What is Paracord?

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Paracord is a nylon rope made of several inner strands surrounded by a woven core. It was originally developed by the US military for use in parachutes during …

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No Dry Wood? No Problem: How to Start a Fire with Wet Wood

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways In an ideal world, it would always be sunny when we went camping or hiking into the woods. The reality is that sometimes it will rain, and all that deadwood you’re …

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The Science Behind Monster Waves: How Do Tsunamis Form?

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Tsunamis are natural disasters that form as a result of a disturbance in the ocean or other bodies of water. There are several things that may trigger a tsunami, …

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How Do Hand Warmers Work? Exploring The Magic of Chemistry

Written by:
Carolyn McBride
Carolyn McBride
Freelance Writer specializing in self-sufficiency, vegetable gardening, and wilderness adventures. Owner/writer of "Brace Yourself" newsletter. Nature enthusiast and avid hiker, gardener, photographer, fisher, and tracker. Based in Northern Ontario's challenging wilderness for over a decade. Former historical reenactor and ghostwriter specializing in preparedness and homesteading. Constantly experimenting with ways to stretch the short gardening season in her area. Graduated from Conestoga College.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Hand warmers can be a terrific way to stay warm when you’re having a good time outdoors. They generate heat through chemical reactions and come in a variety of …

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The Unearthing of Prehistoric Life: When Were Dinosaurs Discovered?

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Have you ever wondered exactly when dinosaurs were discovered? Well, the first dinosaur specimen was discovered by English naturalist Robert Plot in 1676. The …

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The Classification of Dinosaurs: Are Dinosaurs Reptiles? Exploring the Facts and Science

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Dinosaurs are prehistoric reptiles that appeared on Earth about 245 million years ago in the Mesozoic Era. When dinosaurs were first discovered, they were thought …

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Exploring 20 Types of Lighters: Finding the Perfect Flame for Every Occasion

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways If you’re wild camping or backpacking in the Rockies, you’ll have different priorities to someone who uses a lighter for smoking cigars in an office.  (They …

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What Is A Yurt? Discovering the Magic of Nomadic Living

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Yurts are traditional dwellings, yet very popular among glampers! Their circular shape is calming and encourages togetherness. The thick felt and lattice …

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Stay Warm & Dry: Essential Clothing Tips for Whitewater Rafting

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Summary: Key Takeaways Whether you want to drift down a slow-moving river or have a thrilling adventure navigating rapids, whitewater rafting is a great way to enjoy scenic views and the …

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No Propane, No Gain: How to Tell if a Propane Tank Is Empty

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways If you're planning a backyard BBQ or camping trip, the last thing you want is to run out of propane in the middle of grilling your burgers or heating up your …

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How to Read a Compass: Expert Tips for Successful Navigation

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways A compass is a trusty navigational tool used to help you find your way to your destination. You can learn how to read a compass by orienting a compass and …

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Are Mermaids Real? Exploring Ocean Myths and Legends

Written by:
Brennan Keifer
Brennan Keifer
Brennan is a Content Writer with a passion for Herpetology, Ornithology, and Dendrology. BA in English and Music minor from Washington College. Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Association (MARA) alumni. Winner of the William W. Warner Prize for creative writing on nature and the environment. Enjoys hiking, camping, and stargazing. Fascinated by the human connection to landscapes and inspired by nature writers like Robert MacFarlane, Annie Dillard, and Wendell Berry. Dreams of publishing a collection of poetry.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Oceans are mysterious places populated by truly bizarre creatures.  Take the Psychrolutes marcidus, generally known as the blobfish, for example. This …

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Freeze-Dried vs Dehydrated Food: Unveiling the Ultimate Choice

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways For those of you concerned with the likely apocalypse that will happen when supermarkets run out of food, look no further!  Survivalists amongst us know …

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A World of Fishing: Dive into 40 Different Types of Fishing

Written by:
Kylie Muir
Kylie Muir
Kylie is a professional angler and a dedicated hunter. She writes to connect people to the outdoors and bring awareness to important issues in the fishing and hunting world.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Angling is the action of one who angles, especially the action or sport of fishing with hook and line. For the last six years, my life has revolved around …

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What is Fly Fishing? A Journey Through Its Rich History and Techniques

Written by:
Kylie Muir
Kylie Muir
Kylie is a professional angler and a dedicated hunter. She writes to connect people to the outdoors and bring awareness to important issues in the fishing and hunting world.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Fly Fishing vs. Normal Fishing There are many types of fishing. Fly fishing is both a sport and an art form. Normally, angling is practiced by submerging …

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How Much Does a Yurt Cost? Understanding the Price of Buying, Building, Maintaining and Living in a Yurt

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways A yurt is a temporary structure that’s circular in shape with a dome top.  Traditional yurts were used by nomadic peoples living in the steppes of …

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Discover the Art of Foraging: What Is Foraging and How Can It Benefit You?

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Foraging is the art of searching out, identifying, and harvesting foods directly from wild places. Foraging is a way of reconnecting with nature. Interacting …

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Does Aloe Vera Gel Expire? Discover the Truth About Its Shelf Life

Written by:
Kathryn Clover
Kathryn Clover
Forager, Bushcraft Tutor, and Content Contributor. BA Textiles, English Language. Permaculture Cert. Passionate about natural crafts, camping, swimming, and fire cookery. Teaching foraging since 2012 through Parks Trust and Hedgewitch Adventures. DHM Herbal Medicine, Wilderness First Aid Qualified.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways As aloe vera is organic, it will indeed expire. It can last years if prepared with preservatives, sealed in an airtight container and frozen. It can last only 24 …

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Bear Spray vs Pepper Spray: The Crucial Differences and Their Effectiveness

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Thousands of people encounter bears each year. Most bear encounters don’t result in an attack. However, people traveling in the great outdoors should be aware of …

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

Written by:
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is an outdoor enthusiast and writer specializing in conservation, research, and history. She has been fascinated by the wonders of nature since she was a child and has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Her written works display her passion for research and thirst for knowledge. B.A. in History and English from Old Dominion University. Passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
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Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways Trekking to the summit of Mount Everest is one of the biggest accomplishments in the eyes of many experienced hikers and mountaineers. Mt. Everest towers over …

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