Unless you want to lug around a heavy pack, it’s important to choose backpacking foods which have a lots of calories per ounce.  With approximately 160-190 calories per ounce, nut… Read More

As a general rule, backpackers need 16 to 25 calories per pound of body weight when hiking. This breaks down to 2,500 to 3,500 calories of food per day for The post Backpacking Food Calorie… Read More

Figuring out how much food to bring on backpacking trips used to be really stressful for me. I would “eyeball” the amounts when packing food. Since I was scared that The post How… Read More

I have a lot of tents, including two old, cheaper tents with fiberglass poles. I let some friends borrow these tents to go camping at a music festival (no way The post How to Repair Split or… Read More

If you look at the manufacturer’s recommendations on bike trailers for kids, you’ll see that they babies must be 12 months old to use the trailer, or they will defer The post Bik… Read More

Let’s be clear: Kids (and adults!) should always wear a helmet when riding a bike. Kids also need to wear a helmet when on a child seat. If the bike The post Do Kids Need Helmets in a… Read More

If you want to bike with your kids on paved roads, you have plenty of options, and most cheap trailers will be good enough. However, if you want to go The post Best Bike Trailers for Kids wi… Read More

I need to be completely self-reliant when I go hiking or camping in the wilderness. That means having a mini first aid kit and knowing wilderness first aid. It’s highly The post How to… Read More

I’ve diapered two children on outdoor adventures, including primitive camping and backpacking trips where there weren’t any trash facilities or running water available. Yes, it d… Read More

For nearly five years, I used the same Primus Express canister stove for backpacking. After enduring lots of abuse, I finally had to put it to rest (flames were coming The post What Is a Rem… Read More

As a parent who takes her kids into the wilderness, I always have an exit plan in case something goes wrong, and this includes knowing how to move a person The post How to Make an Improvised… Read More

The chances of getting bit by a snake are very low. You are actually are more likely to be killed by a cow than a snake.  And, even if a The post Snake Bite First Aid (with Infographic… Read More

I’ve only had hypothermia once in my life. I was nine years old and swimming in a KOA camp pool alone. The sun set and, as it does in the The post How to Treat Hypothermia in the Wilde… Read More

I remember when Morrison Outdoors was still just a concept on Kickstarter. Back then, there weren’t any baby sleeping bags for camping.  So, when an outdoorsy couple wanted to tak… Read More

In today’s helicopter-parenting world where we go to extreme lengths to keep kids from getting hurt, it might seem a bit crazy to get a real knife for a child.  The post Best Firs… Read More

You want to go hiking with your toddler, but you are worried that their little feet will get wet and cold if the conditions are muddy.  Even if the conditions The post Waterproof Hiking… Read More

The outdoor industry will tell you that you need all sorts of clothing, gear and footwear if you want to get outside with your kids. Some of this gear really The post Do Kids Need Hiking Boo… Read More

Let’s be clear: your kids probably don’t need a cot for camping.  For years,  my kids just slept on a cheap $15 foam pad and never once complained about being The post… Read More

Let’s be clear: so long as you are following the principles of Leave No Trace, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to hike.  But that doesn’t mean you… Read More

One “luxury” backpacking item which can be really worth its weight is a skillet or frying pan.  Having one greatly increases the types of foods you can make on the The post… Read More

For years, I used a self-inflating sleeping pad or foam pad when backpacking.  When I finally switched over to an inflatable pad, I was surprised at how annoying it was The post Ultrali… Read More

You want to make sure your crawling baby spends as much time outdoors as possible.  But you also don’t want to watch her EVERY SINGLE SECOND.  A portable playpen makes The po… Read More

If you are going camping in winter or snowy conditions, you might need to rely on snow for your drinking water.  Melting snow can be an arduous, annoying task though The post Winter Cam… Read More

Hanging a hammock is incredibly simple. Yet, most of the hammocks I see when camping are hung incorrectly.  Some of the hang methods are insecure.  I don’t really care if The… Read More

There are a lot of good reasons for wanting a portable toilet for camping.  You can’t squat, hate using outhouses, the campground bathrooms are too far away and you want The post… Read More

If you are going backcountry camping — especially in bear country — you will need to store your food properly.  In many cases, this means hanging your food in a The post How… Read More

When Oukitel first asked me to review one of their smartphones, I was a bit confused.  I write about camping and backpacking. What do phones have to do with that?  The post Oukitel… Read More

Not sure what to eat while backpacking? Here are some lightweight, calorie-dense backpacking meals which are also easy.  Most of them can be made with foods you find in the The post 29… Read More

Planning what to eat for a backpacking trip can be incredibly time-consuming and annoying. To do it right, you need a kitchen scale, to carefully tally up the calories of The post Backpackin… Read More

The risk of a bear attack while outdoors is incredibly low.  Howoever, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take practice bear safety tactics when in bear country, one of which i… Read More

The great outdoors is awe-inspiring, provides a respite from urban hustle and bustle, and gives endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.  However, the great outdoors can also… Read More

There’s a lot to love about hiking in winter, but cold hands is not one of them.  Not only can cold hands make your hike miserable, but it can be The post Winter Hiking: How to Ke… Read More

In cold weather, our fingers get less warm blood because the body conserves it for vital organs. Our fingers don’t have much fat and have a high surface area, so The post Best Insulate… Read More

Winter camping definitely has its benefits, like being able to visit popular destination without the crowds and enjoying beautiful white vistas. But, for the unprepared, a winter camping tri… Read More

There are lots of ways to cook over a campfire. Of these, cooking tripods are popular because they have a low learning curve, versatile and are great for hands-off slow The post Campfire Coo… Read More

A gravity sink is the simplest way to make a sink with running water.  There’s no need for pumps or hoses. You just need a container for holding water. Depending The post Gravity… Read More

Are you planning a camping trip but not sure when to go? Depending on where you are going, the experience you want and your gear, some seasons are better for The post When to Go Camping in t… Read More

You want to go camping but aren’t sure where to go? Here are some steps to help you choose the perfect destination for your style of camping and budget.   The post Where to Go Cam… Read More

Picture this: you’re out hiking in a group with some friends when suddenly, a shower of bullets appears out of nowhere and narrowly misses your group. You’re terrified because it… Read More

Buying mittens for my daughter each season used to be painful.  It’s not just because good mittens are expensive and she will probably just get one season out of them.  The p… Read More

Layering clothes is the best way to stay warm and dry in bad weather.  When done correctly, these same layers can keep you comfortable in a variety of temperatures and The post How Many… Read More

If you want to take your baby or toddler outdoors in cold weather, they need to be dressed in layers – starting with the right base layer. Here I will The post Best Base Layers for Bab… Read More

Sledding can be a great way to introduce babies and toddlers to snow. And, if you live somewhere really snowy, a sled can be a good alternative to a stroller The post Best Baby and Toddler S… Read More

Getting a toddler dressed in winter is frustrating enough (so many layers to put on!), but it’s even more challenging when they keep taking their mittens off.  Or, if you The post… Read More

I am not the type of person who handles being cooped up inside well, so it was really important that I could get outside with my daughters even in cold, The post Best Snow Suits for Crawling… Read More

Compared to unisex bags, winter sleeping bags for women are usually shorter, wider in the hips and narrower in the shoulders.  The really good brands of women’s sleeping bags will… Read More

Knowing how to pitch a tent is the most basic skill you need for camping. While there are a lot of different types of tents, all of them can be The post How to Pitch Any Tent (Step-by-Step I… Read More

Choosing a backcountry campsite ultimately comes down to three things: Safety, Leave No Trace and Comfort.  I’ll break them down here, as well as give some tips so you always The… Read More

Want your kids to get outside, even if the weather is bad? At the very least, they are going to need a rain jacket. There are a lot of options The post Best Rain Jackets for Kids (As Chosen… Read More

Staking out a tent seems like it would be easy.  In practice though, there is always an obstacle: a big rock exactly where your stake should go, loose ground, too-hard The post How to S… Read More

Tent guylines are ropes or cords attached to a tent. They provide stability and support by anchoring the tent to the ground, trees, or other objects. The guylines help the The post How to Ti… Read More

Tarp shelters can do a great job of protecting you from the elements so you have a nice night’s sleep – but only if you tie the tarp out correctly. The post How to Tie Out a Tarp… Read More

Most people lace their hiking boots with the “criss cross” method.  It’s quick, easy to tighten, and works well enough for all foot types.  But there are actually… Read More

My older daughter is 13 now. By some miracle of adolescence, we still get along.  But she is at an age where camping is a LOT more fun if she The post 12 Tips for Taking Someone Else&rs… Read More

If you are camping at a paid campground, the campsites are probably nice and level.  But, if you are wild camping or backpacking, you’ll quickly realize how difficult it can The p… Read More

I honestly don’t wash my hands often when camping.  A bit of alcohol hand gel after going to the bathroom and that’s it.  But then there are moments when I The post DIY… Read More

Considering how much useless stuff they make for pregnancy and new parents, there surprisingly aren’t too many options for jackets.  Especially if you are outdoorsy and want to do… Read More

I’ve had the Cloud Up 2 tent by Naturehike for over 5 years now (read my review of it here).   While that tent is perfect for when I’m camping solo The post Naturehike… Read More

Unless you want to pay the electric hookup fee at a campground, a portable power station is the best way to stay powered while camping.   Luckily, power stations have gotten The po… Read More

I think it will be interesting to explore the pros and cons of booking a camping trip a year in advance, a month in advance, and with no planning at The post How Far In Advance Do You Need t… Read More

I admit that I hadn’t heard of the Deeno GT power station before the brand reached out to me. But, since you can never have too many power stations (I’m The post Deeno GT X1500 P… Read More

Delta Children isn’t a very well-known brand for baby gear.  However, they have partnered with some notable brands for various collections, including with Jeep for a line of strol… Read More

Want to go camping but don’t feel like buying a sleeping bag for the trip? Here’s what you need to know about using a blanket instead of a sleeping bag. The post Can You Use a Bl… Read More

Ultralight backpackers have a reputation for being elitist snobs.  Why? Probably because so much of the ultralight style is based on gear.  And guess what? Most ultralight gear is… Read More

If you are ready to upgrade to an ultralight backpack, you’ll quickly realize that most UL packs are EXPENSIVE.  An UL pack from a well-known brand can easily cost more The post B… Read More

As someone who lives in Eastern Europe, I often have trouble getting backpacking gear.  There’s no Amazon in my country and a lot of brands won’t ship here.  Because of… Read More

Along with their table, Mission Mountain recently sent me their S4 camping chair to test out.  Yes, free camping gear is nice but won’t sway my opinion.:) After testing it The pos… Read More

Mission Mountain is a new brand which makes lightweight camping furniture and gear.  They recently sent me their camping table to try out (free gear is one of the perks The post Mission… Read More

If you don’t want to sit on the ground while camping, you are in luck: there are literally hundreds of different camp chairs to choose from.  The problem is that The post Best Cam… Read More

I usually go backpacking in the wilderness, so there’s no friggin’ way that I could bring a power station with me (I literally calculate the calories in my meals so The post Are… Read More

A camping cot can make all of the difference for getting a good night’s sleep in a tent. This is especially true if you have back problems or are a The post 9 Best Camping Cots, As Rec… Read More

Good hiking socks are a must if you want to have a comfortable experience in the great outdoors. But, if you want your socks to do their job in protecting The post How to Care for Your Hikin… Read More

Camping in hot weather can be miserable without a fan (it’s a lot easier to deal with cold than heat when camping!).  You’ve basically got five options for tent fans: The po… Read More

Last summer, my family (two adults, a baby and a toddler) went on a 10-week camping trip.  I really didn’t want to sleep on the ground for this entire time.  The post Disc-O… Read More

A lot of popular campgrounds and National Parks need to be booked months in advance.  And not all of us have the luxury of changing our vacation dates or plans.  The post Tent Camp… Read More

As a mom of two, I can tell you that hiking with toddlers or really little kids isn’t always easy. There are a lot of hurdles to overcome and your The post 17 Tips for Hiking with Litt… Read More

When hiking with toddlers and really little kids, it’s tempting to put them in a carrier the moment they start whining that they are tired.  But there is a lot The post 16 Games a… Read More

If you toddler is doing any activity near open water, they need a life jacket.  Period.  Unfortunately, a lot of water activity operators (think kayak or canoe rentals) don’t… Read More

If you don’t know the right knots for tying out a tarp, your tarp walls and roof will end up sagging.  Or the tarp might even collapse on you.  Luckily, The post 7 Most Impor… Read More

 When setup correctly, tarp shelters are like magic. With the right setup, you can stay dry in the rain,  block rain, create a shady area to eat lunch, or even The post 27 Best Tar… Read More

In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can transmit numerous other diseases.  The first symptom of these diseases is usually changes to the skin.  So, it’s normal to be freaked o… Read More

One myth that I constantly hear is that it is warmer to sleep naked in a sleeping bag than in pajamas. Here’s the definitive answer and why – in some The post Debunked: Sleeping… Read More

Want to start a bone collection but not sure where to find dead animals?  Here are some of the best places to find animal bones. *Note sure what to do The post Where to Find Animal Bone… Read More

Want to start collecting animal bones?  Roadkill can be a great place to find bones for our collection.  However, you can’t just grab dead animals off the side of the The pos… Read More

When wild camping or backpacking, I usually don’t bother with a shower.  I’m fine being stinky for a few days.  But sometimes it’s really nice to take a shower.&n… Read More

Few environments are so awe-inspiring to hike and camp in as snow-covered mountains and fields. But don’t take these situations too lightly. For one thing, you’ll find it difficu… Read More

If you live somewhere cold and don’t want your kids to spend the entire winter cooped up indoors, then you’ll need a good pair of snow pants or bibs for The post Best Kids Snow P… Read More

Merino wool is an awesome material with great properties like wicking sweat away from your body, helping regulate body temperature and not smelling terrible after 20 minutes of hiking like T… Read More

Kari Traa is a Norwegian brand launched in 2006 by the Olympic skier of the same name.  They make clothing “for women, by women” with a focus on clothes for The post Kari Tr… Read More

When hiking on packed snow or icy conditions, traction spikes aren’t just a “nice to have” item.  They should be considered an essential piece of safety gear.  An… Read More

Because I live in Serbia, I don’t always have a lot of options for backpacking gear (most brands won’t ship here!).  So, while I was able to find bear spray, The post DIY Pa… Read More

Women’s long underwear (aka long johns, thermal underwear or base layer bottoms) have come a long way.  Not only are there some really cool designs available, but there are long T… Read More

For the longest time, I refused to buy expensive backpacking clothing.  I was certain that all those “experts” who recommended Merino wool (or other pricy materials) were ju… Read More

At 5’1”, I’m a pretty short woman.  This means that most adult sleeping bags – even the ones made for women – are too large for me.  Luckily, there ar… Read More

The weather is getting colder, you still want to go camping but you don’t want to buy a new (and probably expensive!) sleeping bag.  So, you are wondering whether you The post Can… Read More

For starters, let’s be clear: don’t take your kids camping really cold weather until YOU have some experience.  There’s a fairly steep learning curve for cold-weather… Read More

If you want to take your kids camping or backpacking, you’ll need a good sleeping bag for them.  Unfortunately, most kids sleeping bags are made for sleepovers and not camping.&nb… Read More

I usually bring sandals to wear around camp when on backpacking trips. But, when backpacking cold and wet weather, the sandals simply don’t cut it.  My feet would end up The post… Read More

When I was 7 years old, my dad got me a pair of snowshoes for Christmas.  I had a blast floating on top of the snow that winter.  Those snowshoes The post Best Snowshoes for Kids:… Read More

Peanut butter is a backpacking staple because it is cheap, easy to find, doesn’t go bad and incredibly calorie-dense.  And there are actually a lot of trail recipes you can The po… Read More