In the summer particularly, dehydration poses a risk to everyone outdoors – especially hikers and campers. Because they’re outside for long periods of time with limited resources, outdoor adventurers must take extra care to avoid dehydration and its unpleasant, potentially serious effects. Dehydration’s Hallmarks The medical definition of dehydration is a condition in which one’s [...]
In camping, as in the everyday world, a few bad apples can ruin the whole experience. And at campsites that attract many visitors, this adage holds very true. Though it doesn’t happen often, instances of theft have occurred on campgrounds in the past. It makes sense when you think about it. Camping parties go on [...]
As a destination for exotic fishing opportunities, North America is a bit of an afterthought for many. After all, most areas for fishing on this continent don’t have the sense of wonder and unfamiliarity that other areas of the world do. Nonetheless, there are plenty of rare and exotic fish species that outdoor lovers and [...]
For those who live or travel to the western portion of the United States, wildfires are a fact of life. Before humans roamed the Earth, natural events such as lightning strikes and volcano eruptions caused wildfires to rage across wooded areas and grasslands. Today, human caused wildfires only add to the number of burns each [...]
When you’re able to keep your campsite clean, all parties benefit. Besides helping you to camp more comfortably, you’re also making the lives of fellow campers easier and keeping the local environment preserved for future generations of outdoor lovers. But, much like housework, cleaning at the campsite is often seen as a tedious chore – [...]
A quality common among almost all hikers is the strong desire to explore and discover. The sense of wonder and peace you get when making your way through snaking wooded paths and natural terrain is tough to beat. For some experienced hikers, the best of that feeling comes when exploring truly untouched areas – the [...]
Whether you hike for exercise or sheer enjoyment of nature, the whole point of hitting the tail instead of hitting the sidewalk is to enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, factors from pain, to fatigue, and even boredom can put a damper on what you would normally savor. If you’ve been stuck in that oft-feared “hiking rut” and [...]
As socially responsible members of the outdoor community, it’s important that campers cultivate a sense mutual respect towards one another. When you’re actually at the campsite, this means learning to share certain communal spaces with other campers. Many campgrounds, both public and private, are busy year round – so you can expect to be cohabitating [...]
One of the most difficult things to manage while on a trip in the outdoors is personal hygiene. Whether you’re at an established camping facility complete with running water or you’re truly roughing it miles away from the nearest person, keeping clean is often a struggle. Without the modern conveniences we’ve become so accustomed to, [...]
Every year, the coming of spring brings with it a reawakened sense of life. The sun shines longer each day, native wildlife comes out of their winter hiding places, and deciduous forests begin to turn green again. Spring is far from just flowers and sunshine, though. Rising temperatures and quick, powerful air pressure changes make [...]