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Outdoor Basics Articles
(79 results)- Buying Guides
How to Choose Binoculars
When shopping for binoculars you'll discover wide price ranges on similar-looking styles. Specs will help you narrow down your choices.
- Skills
The Ten Essentials
You’ll probably never fully appreciate the value of the Ten Essentials until you really need them. Bring these on every outdoor outing.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Base Layers
Choosing the right underwear (base layer) is essential—learn how moisture-wicking materials, fabric weight and fit affect comfort in the outdoors.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Rainwear
Learn about the types of rainwear, including waterproof/breathable technology, and how to choose the jacket that will best serve your needs.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Sun Protection (UPF) Clothing
Sun protection can come from more than just sunscreen. Learn what UPF ratings are and how to choose sun protective clothing.
- Checklists
First-Aid Checklist
Our first-aid checklist for the outdoors includes wound coverings, medications, treatments, tools, personal care items and much more.
- Care & Repair
Rainwear: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Care
Learn how to test your rainwear’s durable water repellent (DWR) coating and how to revive existing DWR or apply new DWR.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a necessity whether you’re camping, climbing or cycling. This guide will teach you about sunglass fit, frames and lenses.
- Skills
How to Lace Hiking Boots
Increase comfort on the trail by learning simple boot lacing techniques that help you deal with heel slipping, pressure points and toe pain.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Flashlights
Learn about types of batteries and bulbs, lumens, beam distance, run time, modes and more to help you choose the right flashlight.
- Skills
How to Use a Compass
It's one of the Ten Essentials, but do you know how to use your compass? Learn the basics of declination, bearings and how to use them.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Between a PLB and a Satellite Messenger
Learn the difference between a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a satellite messenger, and which emergency signal device might be right for you.
- Skills
Leave No Trace Principles
Learn about Leave No Trace Principles for protecting and preserving outdoor spaces so you can be a responsible hiker and camper.
- Skills
Layering Basics
Learn the basics of layering clothing so you can stay comfortable outdoors. Includes info on base layers, middle layers and shell layers.
- Skills
How to Get Started Geocaching
Geocaching, a type of high-tech treasure hunt, is a fun way to get outdoors and use your GPS receiver. Learn how to play and what to bring.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Insulated Outerwear
Can't decide between down or synthetic insulation? Learn to compare the compressibility, warmth and weight of insulated outerwear options.
- Skills
Backpacking in Bear Country
Before backpacking in an area where black bears or grizzlies live, learn what precautions you can take to protect you and the bears.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Headlamps
Our guide to headlamps helps you understand light output, beam distance, run time, size and weight so you can choose the right one for you.
- Skills
How to Read a Topo Map
A topo map is an indispensable navigational tool, but only if you know how to read it. In this article, we'll teach you the basics.
- Skills
Blister Prevention and Care
Learn the conditions that cause blisters, how to prevent blisters from happening and how to treat them after they form.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose and Use Sunscreen
Learn how to use sunscreen to guard against UV radiation. Topics include ingredients, SPF, UVB, UVA, broad spectrum, and water resistance.
- Skills
How to Go to the Bathroom in the Woods
Before you gotta go, make sure you know where to go and how to Leave No Trace when you do.
- Skills
How to Adjust the Declination on a Compass
Declination, the difference between magnetic north and true north, is key to accurate navigation. Learn how to adjust for it on a compass.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Hammock
Hammocks are a comfortable and popular way to hang out in Nature. Some are also great for backpacking. Learn how to choose one that's right for you.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose a Compass
This clear, concise guide helps you understand features, terms and technology to find the right compass for your needs.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Daypacks
Choosing a daypack can be daunting. Learn how to find the right one by looking at how you plan to use it, plus capacity, features and fit.
- Skills
Bear Canister Basics
Planning a backpacking trip with a chance of bear encounters? Learn the pros and cons of bear canisters and how to use them correctly.
- Buying Guides
How to Choose Hydration Packs
Which hydration pack is best? Learn about reservoir size, gear capacity and other key pack features for cyclists, runners, hikers and more.
- Skills
How Does Waterproof Raingear Work?
Find out what makes GORE-TEX and other rainwear technologies tick. Learn exactly what water resistant, waterproof and breathable mean.
- Skills
How to Identify and Treat Altitude Sickness
Learn about altitude sickness, acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).