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Outforia

Your Ultimate Guide to the Great Outdoors

Outdoors Knowledge

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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How To Build A Permanent Shelter In The Wilderness

Written by:
Kendall Casey
Kendall Casey
Kendall is an extreme outdoor enthusiast, adventurist, and overall nature lover passionate about teaching outdoor skills and knowledge through writing. She enjoys helping others find their outdoor niche and connecting people with their wild side. Outdoor Adventure Writer specializing in kayaking, hiking, camping, backpacking, bushcraft, and gardening. Completed the entirety of the Delaware River in her kayak. Belay certified and 5 years of indoor rock climbing instruction. Homesteader, organic gardener, and herbalist. Bachelor's degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia.
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Why a Permanent Outdoor Shelter? If you spend a lot of time outdoors and you love camping, bushcraft, hunting, or primitive living, a permanent shelter in the wilderness might be precisely suitable …

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10 Brands Like Patagonia to Shop At For Your Outdoor Adventures

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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Patagonia is one of the world’s top outdoor clothing brands. The company is known for its climate activism, commitment to fair trade practices, and quality gear, all of which have made it the go-to …

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5 Primary Types of Maps Through the Ages (Pictures, History & Charts)

Written by:
Amanda Readman
Amanda Readman
Amanda is a writer, avid climber, and outdoor enthusiast. She has traveled extensively, around the U.S., throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Everywhere she treks, she takes time to enjoy the outdoors. She works through writing and leadership to educate people on the link between the outdoors to mental and global stability.
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Navigation has long been an essential factor in human life. We have had a sense of curiosity since the beginning. Humans have wanted to explore the far reaches of the world. Maps were our way to …

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25 Types of Knots: Essential Skills for Any Adventure

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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Whether you like to hike, climb, paddle, or sail, at some point, you’ll need to know a knot or two. Indeed, knot tying is an essential skill for any type of outdoor adventure because it allows you to …

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Fjällräven Vs. Arc’teryx: Which is better?

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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When it’s time to heed the call of the great outdoors, the wise outdoor enthusiast knows to prepare. But with so many brands, materials, and designs to choose from, it can be dizzying to make a choice …

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TOAKS vs. Snow Peak: Which Cookset is Better?

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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Getting the write cookware set is an integral part of backpacking or camping preparation. After all that hiking up and down the trails, there will come the point where you'll want a hot meal to end …

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Fleece vs. Cotton: Which One Is Best?

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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As someone who loves the outdoors, you probably understand that you need to prepare for any type of weather. When choosing clothing and other items, you need to focus on the material you will …

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Are Bean Boots Waterproof?

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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We’ve all experienced the discomfort of walking home with cold, wet feet. Whether you bought cheap shoes, didn’t read the label, or wore through them; eventually, all shoes will leak. When we buy …

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

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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When you are out and about in the wilderness, you need all sorts of things to stay safe and healthy. From water and snacks to shovels and maps, there is no shortage of supplies that you need, which is …

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How to Start a Fire with Sticks

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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Starting a friction fire is not as simple as rubbing a few sticks together, as you might have seen in the movies. Instead, it takes a quality collection of natural materials, a careful technique, and …

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

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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Are you a fellow colder weather adventurer? For people like me who enjoy the great outdoors in all seasons know that proper insulation is crucial. But other features like durability and lightness are …

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How to Make a Tarp Shelter Without Trees

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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In this article you'll discover how to make a tarp shelter without trees - you’ll learn about the equipment you will need and how to put everything together like a pro. When you know how to build a …

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How Far Can A Bear Smell?

Written by:
Carl Borg
Carl Borg
Carl is the founder and strategist of Outforia. Annoyed by the lack of quality online outdoors publications willing to uphold high standards of value and ethics, he decided to make the resource he would have wished to read. Living by the beach in Norway, Carl is never far from outdoor adventure. When not curating Outforia, Carl spends his time kayaking, forest bathing, diving, and camping.
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Bears have an amazing sense of smell. Many factors can affect their smell, including weather, type of smell, and style of bear. Most types of bears can smell up to 20 miles away. The polar bear has …

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Eddie Bauer vs North Face: Which Brand Is Right For You?

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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In the world of outdoor gear, figuring out what brand to trust with your equipment isn’t easy, especially when you have two great companies—The North Face and Eddie Bauer—to choose from. The good …

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How To Get A Job In The Outdoor Industry: Advice From An Outdoor Expert

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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Let’s be real: There are few better office views than the great outdoors. In fact, if you’re an avid hiker, climber, biker, skier, or paddler, at some point, you’ve probably wondered how you could …

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400g vs. 800g Thinsulate Boots: Between Warm and Warmer

Written by:
Amanda Readman
Amanda Readman
Amanda is a writer, avid climber, and outdoor enthusiast. She has traveled extensively, around the U.S., throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Everywhere she treks, she takes time to enjoy the outdoors. She works through writing and leadership to educate people on the link between the outdoors to mental and global stability.
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As determined adventurers, many of us will not let the cold of winter be a deterrent when it comes to spending time outside. However, feeling frozen down to our toes is not a comfortable way to spend …

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Heated Insoles vs Heated Socks: Which Option Is Right For You?

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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FACT: Keeping your feet warm during the winter months isn’t easy.  When the mercury drops, you need a way to ensure that your toes stay toasty warm throughout all your outdoor activities. …

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Guide to Layering: Everything You Need To Know

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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Staying warm and dry in the outdoors is no easy feat. When the wind, rain, and snow conspire against you, being comfortable while camping can be a challenge, to say the least.  Thankfully, …

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What Is A Parka? Parkas & Other Jacket Types Explained

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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We’ve all been there: Winter is just around the corner and it’s time to buy a new outer layer to help you stay warm in frigid temperatures.  But, do you need a parka, a jacket, an anorak, or …

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Can You Drink Fast Moving Water?

Written by:
Gaby Pilson
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional Outdoor Educator, Climbing & Polar Guide, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Expert in Backpacking, Skiing, Climbing, Mountaineering, Sailing, and Wilderness Medicine. AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Course Provider. Master's degree in Outdoor Education from The University of Edinburgh. Experienced in leading Arctic & Antarctic expeditions. Freelance writer, coffee enthusiast, and French existentialism reader. Bachelor's degree in Philosophy & Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. She enjoys helping others gain the knowledge and experience they need to get out and adventure in the mountains.
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In an emergency, taking a drink from fast moving water from a waterfall or stream is generally okay. While we can’t assure you that it’s completely safe, drinking fast moving water is better than …

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