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Since the creation of the National Park System in 1916, millions of outdoor enthusiasts have conquered trails, waters, caves, and peaks, and rested their heads amid these preserved wilderness areas. Because each park has so much pristine beauty and adventures to be enjoyed, camping or glamping for a few nights, enjoying morning coffee brewed with...

When soaking in the glories of the great outdoors, campers are living in the home of Mother Nature and wildlife. These spaces should be treated with the utmost courtesy. Furthermore, these areas are shared with other campers, who also deserve to be respected. By following these few simple tips for camping etiquette, individuals and groups...

All hiking boot manufacturers tend to make similar claims, so it can be difficult to choose the best hiking boots for each hiker’s chosen excursions. To make it worse, personal reviews can be time-consuming to comb through when everyone has their own preferences (and of course, foot shape.) And just like other camping equipment consumer...

One of the best parts of camping is the ability to throw off the trappings of day-to-day life and reconnect with what’s really important. But camping and hiking require us to usually bring our own equipment. Equipment like our own food, water, a good mess kit, tents and spare clothing. However, one of the most...

Most people know from an early age that having a quality backpack can make a difference when it comes to going on a hiking trip and carrying essential camping equipment. Essential camping equipment like tents, a good camping cookware set, food, water, and a map of the area so you can avoid getting lost in...

The practice of building cairns—or stacking rocks into “signposts” in wilderness areas—is not new. In fact, it’s a tradition that dates to ancient times and has significance to many cultures. But now it’s being decried by environmentalists and park rangers. This is because it can be detrimental to life forms and natural land drainage patterns....

Camping is hands-down one of the most popular family activities of all time. However, there are at least a few dangers that all campers should be aware of before they venture out into the great unknown. As campers in the wilderness, or even in established campsites, we as human campers, need to remember that we...

Almost everyone knows about the Appalachian Trail, Glacier National Park, and the Pecos Wilderness, but for anyone who loves blue sky, great scenery and a good workout, there are dozens of other opportunities to hit the trail during any season. State and National Parks are, of course, a great resource, and almost all feature well-marked...

When overnight outdoor excursions become stressful, it tends to negate the intention of most campers—to decompress and relax amid the peaceful great outdoors. Our busy work and family life often cause our stress levels to go way up. To handle the stress, many people turn to gyms, eating out or other things in an effort...

When we head out into the woods for a camping weekend, we usually think of it as a time to turn off our digital devices and reconnect with nature. And though many campers are leaving their cell phones at home, there are some great uses for a cell phone while camping. Of course, we all...

Nature enthusiasts who love packing up their gear and their families to head for the great outdoors understand just how much careful planning is required for a successful journey. Camping and hiking can be fun and memorable. But camping with no thought to safety or possibly emergencies can be deadly or disastrous, such as if...

If it’s your first time going RV or trailer camping, it can be hard to know what items are essential and which ones are just going to get in the way. Our list can help you avoid trouble on the road while ensuring that the gear that you invest in makes your camping trip more...

Hiking in nature may be the most delightful, healthy and stimulating activities anyone can do. And, after purchasing necessary hiking gear, it doesn’t cost anything to take hiking adventures. Just pack up hiking gear in a hiking backpack and escape the noise and stress of city life for a few days. Camping, hiking and a...

To some people, camping means pitching a tent at a local campsite and sitting around a campfire making coffee in a great camping coffee pot. Camping isn’t camping unless some special campers are headed out on the open road in a luxury camper, with sights set on a National Park. Regardless of the type of...

One of the best parts of camping is eating food cooked over a camping fire pit instead of trail rations or dehydrated camping food. Even if the food itself is simple, there’s something satisfying about enjoying it outside in the open air with all the natural elements surrounding you. Whether it’s hot dogs or marshmallows...

When children are so used to plugging in and logging on, camping is one of the best ways to get kids to take a breather. But while some kids take to camping like a fish in water, others may need a little more help. Fun activities not only help kids have a better time when...

Whether a person has never camped before or it’s just been a while, it’s easy to overlook a few essential pieces of equipment to set up your campsite correctly. Even the most industrious of pros may miss an item or two, like the often-forgotten mountaineering tools! But beginner or intermediate campers can’t skip the prep...