Type at least two characters
Press / anywhere to search
Field guides for getting outside
Hiking, camping, canoeing, climbing and wildlife trips. Honest guides to planning them, what to carry, and what they really cost.
Where to start
Every guide is filed under what you are going to do, not what you might buy for it.
To choose a canoe paddle, size it by your seated torso, not your height: sit on a flat chair and measure from the seat to your nose. A 32-inch torso usually takes about a 58-inch straight shaft, and a bent shaft about…
Read the guide
Kids can go backpacking at almost any age, but the first trip should be one night and 1 to 3 miles from…
Oct 13, 2026 · 8 min
Whitewater rafting for beginners means Class II or III rapids with a licensed outfitter. Class II suits families and nervous first-timers, and…
Oct 6, 2026 · 7 min
Winter camping for beginners comes down to managing moisture and insulation underneath you. Dress lightly while moving so you don't soak your…
Oct 6, 2026 · 7 min
For a day hike, pack the Ten Essentials the National Park Service recommends: navigation, sun protection, extra clothing, a headlamp, first aid…
Oct 6, 2026 · 7 min
Before you head out
Most bad days outdoors start at home, with something left behind or something not checked. These are the guides to read first.
Hiking & Backpacking
Day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips: planning a route, estimating how long it really takes, what…
8 guides
Camping
Car camping and backcountry camping: tents, sleeping bags and pads, cooking over a fire or a…
6 guides
Canoeing & Paddling
Canoe trips, kayaking and river rafting: reading water, packing a boat, portages, and the safety rules…
4 guides
