The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a device that utilizes signals from satellites to pinpoint your location almost anywhere on earth. While GPS units are very useful and popular with hikers and backpackers, they do not replace the conventional map and compass. read more
Handheld GPS units are great for taking out in the woods, hiking, geocaching or paddling on the water. Here are some little tips that will help you get the most out of your handheld GPS unit and make sure that you don't run out of battery power or wind up lost because you don't have the most up-to-date software. read more
LED flashlights are becoming more and more popular because they use less battery power and their bulbs last longer. In addition, LED bulbs are much more durable, perfect for outdoor use. Three popular models of LED flashlights are the Gerber Infinity Ultra LED Flashlight, the SureFire E2L LED Flashlight and the Inova XO3 5.8 Watt LED Flashlight. read more
Learning to navigate on land with a compass is knowledge any wilderness hiker or backpacker needs for survival. Although a GPS might be easier to navigate with, a compass will never run out of battery power or lose its signal due to clouds or tree cover. A compass alone will not prevent you from becoming lost---you will also need a decent map and know how to… read more
The Streamlight Stinger DS LED flashlight operates with an LED bulb, exponentially brighter than incandescent bulb style flashlights. LED bulbs are dense, hard pieces of glass that use a magnification process to burn brighter while using less battery power. LED bulbs last longer than other styles of lights, but do require changes from time to time. read more
Knowing how to survive in the wilderness is mandatory for anyone who likes to hike or camp. Wilderness-survival training goes beyond learning how to treat bee stings with wild plants or make an impromptu fishing net out of lakeside ree… read more
The quality of your camping lantern, as well as the ease with which you operate it, greatly enhance your camping experience after dark. Depending on the model, it may be hung on a hook inside your tent to provide light for reading and… read more
Caving, also known as spelunking, involves hiking underground through holes, passages and crevices. Caving is usually safe, but like many other sports it has inherent risks. One of the biggest risks is being lost or trapped, either du… read more
Video camera technology changes frequently. Cameras have become smaller and easier to handle. They also have become more affordable. But no matter how fancy or inexpensive your camera is, you still need to utilize proper techniques whe… read more
read more
The port lights on your boat allow daylight to shine in and brighten interior cabins. They are important because daylight lets you save your precious battery power for nighttime. Even after the sun goes down, your port lights let you k… read more
If you are diving in murky waters, and, especially if you like to go on night dives, a good dive light is essential. There are a number of excellent dive lights on the market. Some of the best dive lights as rated by ScubaLab include t… read more
Binoculars are an important tool for an avid nature watcher. A good pair of general-purpose wildlife binoculars will combine the features that are best for ground use with those that are best for bird watchers, and these are not always… read more
The best camping light is the one that's an effective fit for your needs. The brightest lights run on liquid fuel or gas canisters, but they're not safe to use inside your tent. Candle lanterns are economical, but their open flame also… read more
Camping is a popular type of family vacation, especially in the summer months and for families that are on a budget. According to the U.S. National Park Service, more than 275 million people a year visit the nation's parks. For those o… read more
Twelve-volt power is increasingly common around the campsite. There are several methods of generating 12-volt power for radios and other electronic devices. The power can be captured from your vehicle or generated at the actual campsit… read more
The Lowrance LCX 16 Ci depth finder uses sonar waves to display images of the lake or ocean bottom, sediment and bottom type, fish and obstacles beneath the boat. The LCX 16 Ci uses a full-color display screen, a GPS unit for chartplot… read more
Being prepared for emergencies and natural disasters means being a survivalist. Taking time to think of the worst, while hoping for the best, but planning for the bad occurrences makes you responsible and well-prepared should these pro… read more
You don't need an expensive GPS system--be it a watch or hand-held system you can wear around your neck with a lanyard--to measure the distance you've traveled from point A to point B in your kayak. You can make a manual calculation if… read more
Night fishing keeps the action on the water going long after sunset. For effective night fishing, you need a light that will illuminate your fishing line without casting too bright a light over the water, which may scare away the fish.… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
Search by Keyword
