Outdoor Smarts

Tracking and Stalking (March-April 2008)

A field guide and magnifying glass can help you identify animal tracks in the wild or the critters running through your campsite.

Not Winter Camping? Why Not! (January-February 2008)

Here are five great winter trips that range from the top of Texas to sleeping inside a yurt. A yurt? What the heck is a yurt?

Gifts for the Holidays (November-December 2007)

We've scoured outdoor stores, catalogs, and browsed the Internet to find the coolest, most practical, and just plain fun outdoor gift ideas for the Scout or Scouter on your holiday list.

Knots to Know (October 2007)

Knots and Boy Scouts go together like campfires and cobbler. Here's how to tie three of the knots required to reach First Class, plus four more that can be very useful.

Starry, Starry Night (September 2007)

Fall and winter night skies offer great opportunities to view prominent stars, planets, and constellations, plus a meteor shower or two.

'I'm Still Hungry!' (May-June 2007)

Careful menu planning examines the rigors of high adventure activities and makes sure that calorie and nutrition levels not only meet energy requirements but also leave diners feeling satisfied.

Lost and Found! (March-April 2007)

People get lost in the wilderness more often than you might think. The keys to being found include preparing well, responding correctly, and carrying a well-stocked survival kit.

Desktop Mapmakers (January-February 2007)

Gone are the days of tracking down government-printed topographical maps for a wilderness trek. Today you can find, customize, and print your own maps from a variety of software manufacturers.

Making a List ... (November-December 2006)

Stocking stuffers, a point-and-click planetarium, and outlandish shoes sporting Swiss-cheese holes all rate a spot on our annual holiday season gift guide for the outdoor enthusiast.

Paddle Sports Gear and Accessories (October 2006)

Whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting, peaceful canoeing across a silent lake, or kayaking through thrilling Class III rapids, these paddling options can enhance your waterway journeys.

New for the Bookshelf (September 2006)

Armchair hikers, dog lovers, shutterbugs, and astronomy buffs will want to check out these books, as well as a classic BSA movie from Walt Disney Pictures.

Fix-It Guide for On-The-Trail Repairs (May-June 2006)

An ounce of prevention can make the difference when your gear breaks down.

Fact vs. Fiction In the Outdoors (January-February 2006)

Outdoors people are pretty good at spinning tall tales around a campfire, but sometimes they get their fact and fiction mixed up. Here are 10 often-quoted myths about camping.

Holiday gifts for campers (November-December 2005)

Shopping for a camper this holiday season? Or maybe you're making your own wish list. Either way, we've got you covered—and Fido, too.

New Options for the Fleet of Foot (October 2005)

Durable, lightweight, and comfortable, these trekking shoes and sandals may eliminate your need for old-fashioned waffle-stompers.

Pack For Trail And Travel (March-April 2005)

Sometimes high adventure treks take troops and crews farther from home, and the best way to get there is either on a bus or plane. That's why it is important to pack for both trail and travel.

Camping With an Eye to the Weather (January-February 2005)

No one would plan a camp-out in the path of a hurricane or blizzard, but forecasts of rain or snow shouldn't always be a reason to cancel an outing.

Making a List and Checking It Twice (November-December 2004)

Here are suggestions to please almost any outdoor enthusiast, as holiday gifts for a Scout or Scouter or something to add to your own wish list.

A Walk on the Wild Side (October 2004)

Hiking trails aren't always on smooth, level ground. Sometimes you have to climb, scramble, jump, or slide to reach where you are going.

Lighten Up! (September 2004)

Don't let a heavy backpack weigh you down. Learn how to reduce gear and trim ounces without sacrificing safety or comfort.

Best Books For The Big Outdoors (May-June 2004)

These titles will help outdoor adventurers quench their wanderlust and sharpen hiking, camping, and cooking techniques.

The 10 Essentials (March-April 2004)

Don't leave home for the outdoors without these basic items. They could save your life.

Snowshoe Basics (January-February 2004)

Don't let a blanket of white keep you from hiking through a winter wonderland.

Holiday Wish List (November-December 2003)

From practical stocking stuffers to just-for-fun gadgets, here's a pack of gift ideas for that favorite camper in your house.

The Laws of Layering (October 2003)

Camp clothing has gone high tech. Modern fabrics used in a layering system can keep you both warm and dry.

Energy for the Trail (September 2003)

Thirst-quenching drinks and high-energy snacks will prevent dehydration and increase your stamina on the trail.

Picture Perfect (May-June 2003)

Want great pictures from your next camping trip? Here's some professional advice for choosing the right camera and shooting better photographs.

Camp Stoves (March-April 2003)

What are you looking for in a cookstove? Blowtorch heat, delicate simmering, or a variety of fuel options? Check out these models for backpacking chefs or campground gourmets.

The Pack on Your Back (January-February 2003)

External- or internal-frame? The choice depends on the terrain you plan to hike and whether you are a youth or an adult.

Great Gifts for the Great Outdoors (November-December 2002)

With the holiday season upon us, chances are you're puzzling about what to buy for the outdoors person on your gift list. We've scoured catalogs, Internet sites, and trusted outdoor retailers to bring you a list of items perfect for holiday gift--giving.

Dinner's On! (October 2002)

Freeze-dried foods are popular with backpackers, especially for feeding large groups on long expeditions and in difficult conditions.

Bag Yourself a Good Night's Sleep (September 2002)

If you want nights of dream-filled slumber out on the trail, be sure to consider these five key points when deciding which sleeping bag is right for you.

The House You Carry Camping (May-June 2002)

Tents come in every shape and size imaginable, so it's important to pick a style that matches the way you camp.

Wilderness First Aid (March-April 2002)

Prepackaged first-aid kits take the guesswork out of what supplies you need—but you also must know how to use them.

How to Keep Warm in Camping's Fourth Season (January-February 2002)

To enjoy a winter outing, you need the right gear, know-how, and a good attitude.

Put your best foot forward (November-December 2001)

Proper-fitting boots and moisture-wicking socks can save hikers the misery of hot spots and blisters.

Don't Get Drenched (October 2001)

How to keep you and your gear dry.

Walkie-Talkies and More (September 2001)

New two-way radios feature high-tech aids and improved portability for outdoor adventures.

GPS: Where on Earth are you? (May-June 2001)

Global positioning systems are nifty navigational gadgets, but they are not a substitute for good map and compass skills.

The Signal Mirror: A Low-Tech Lifesaver (March-April 2001)

Any flat, shiny surface can be used to get the attention of potential rescuers, but a specially designed reflective signaling device works best.

Water Purification: Is It Safe to Drink the Water? (January-February 2001)

Boiling, chemical additives, and filtering are the three choices backcountry campers have to ensure a supply of clean drinking water.

Hiking Sticks Give Your Knees a Break (October 2000)

Do your knees ache at the end of the hiking day? Is walking downhill harder than walking up? Have you ever tried leading a group of Scouts across a knee-deep stream? Trekking poles can help.

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