Riley Draper
Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he's not writing, he's probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.
Articles by Riley Draper
6 Best Heaters For Tent Camping in 2021
Looking for the best heater for tent camping? Read on! Long gone are the days when a camping trip was synonymous with roughing it. There...
5 Stupid-Simple Ways to Start a Fire Pit
Whether you’re in the backyard or out in the sticks, starting a fire doesn’t have to be a painful process. There are countless ways to...
The 10 Best River Float Trips in Missouri
Missouri is one of the hidden gems of natural beauty in the midwest, and these float trips will help you understand why. From nature-focused trips...
20 Family Camping Hacks to Keep Kids (& You) Happy
One of the most fun experiences you can have as a parent who loves the great outdoors is introducing your little ones to camping, hiking,...
7 Easy Ways to Clean & Dry Your Hydration Bladder
Cleaning your hydration pack’s bladder is probably the last thing on your mind right now. It’s one of those chores that’s remarkably easy to overlook...
What to Wear Hiking in Cold vs Hot Weather
While you may want hiking to be somewhat of a challenge, battling the weather itself is usually not the experience you’re looking for. Being comfortable...
What Is Down Fill Power & Why Does it Matter?
If you've ever bought outerwear made from down or other goose down products for winter weather camping, hiking, or snow sports, you’ve probably seen fill...
The Benefits (& Drawbacks) of Wearing Merino Wool
No one likes wearing wool. It’s uncomfortable, and it’s itchy. However, there’s a difference between traditional wool and merino wool. Wearing merino wool clothing is...
50 Funny Camping Jokes & One Liners for Campers
Do you love jokes? Do you love camping? How about camping jokes? Camping jokes are a great way to relieve the tension during a difficult...
How to Fly with Camping Gear Like A Pro
Sometimes good hiking locations are super far away, and it would cost more to drive than to fly. However, flying means consolidating your gear and...
Where to Shoot a Deer for One-Shot Kills
Let’s face it, tracking the blood trail of a wounded deer is exhausting. It takes forever for the deer to die, and it is easier...
Basic Bullet Sizes, Calibers & Types (Explained)
Matching the right bullet sizes for your gun can be tricky. It’s never going to be an easy task, whether you’re just getting started buying...
10 Crucial Hiking Tips for Beginners
Just like with any new hobby, there’s only one place to start, and that’s at the beginning. Experienced hikers have their own way of doing...
The 7 Best Camping Hatchets in 2021 – Reviewed
May 14, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents You might think that hatchets are just for the hardcore campers out there. Although hatchets might make you...
The Best Tent Brands on the Market
April 28, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents To the untrained eye, many 3-4-season tent brands may seem identical in terms of virtually all characteristics except price;...
8 Best Freeze-Dried Foods for Camping & Backpacking
April 23, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents One of the most difficult choices you have to make when you're packing your things for an extended...
Jetboil Zip vs Flash: Which Boiler is Best?
Jetboil is one of the best manufacturers of backpacking stove systems. If you’re looking for lightweight solutions to getting a hot meal on the trail,...
Best 3 Season Sleeping Bags in 2021 – Tested and Reviewed
April 21, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents Sleeping bags are one of the lynchpins of a good camping trip. Without a good sleeping bag, your...
7 Best Lightweight Summer Sleeping Bags in 2021
April 21, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents Summer is easily the best season to hit the campgrounds. You're always likely to post up in a...
Non-Technical Mountain Climbs: 10 Best Hiking Summits
Not everyone is an experienced mountaineer, and getting started can be hard. Let’s face it: climbing Everest sounds like fun until you realize you’ve never...
7 Famous Constellations Everyone Can Find
Many people are amazed by the stars, even those who live in big cities and rarely see the night sky. However, it can sometimes be...
Best Lightweight Flashlight For Hiking & Backpacking 2021
If there’s one thing you can’t leave at home when you heading out to hike and backpack, it’s your flashlight. Your flashlight is one of...
8 Best Energy Bars for Hiking in 2021
April 19, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents The hardest part of a difficult hike, ironically, isn't the difficult hike. Where people tend to struggle the...
5 Ways to Start a Fire Without Matches or Lighters
So, you’re stranded somewhere and need fire to keep warm or you want to be more prepared in case that ever happens? Starting a fire...
Tarp Camping: Beginner’s Guide to Camping Without a Tent
Camping with a tent can be challenging at times. You might be camping with lots of people and not a lot of tents, so you...
Best Backpacking Saw in 2021 – Tested and Reviewed
When you’re backpacking the only things you can rely on are the tools on your back. That means if you’re clearing away wood for a...
7 Best Mountaineering Sunglasses of 2021
April 18, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents When you're hitting the slopes or clawing your way to the top of a difficult mountain, you might...
10 Best Hardshell Jackets in 2021
April 18, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents Hardshell jackets are a step up from a windbreaker, they're the ultimate form of a rain jacket, and...
How to Fix Heel Slippage in Boots
One thing every hiker needs is a good pair of boots. However, sometimes your heel falls out with every step you take. New shoes can...
10 Scariest and Most Dangerous Hiking Trails on Earth
One reason for hiking’s long-lasting and widespread popularity is the ability to choose whatever level of danger and challenge you want. So while some might...
Hammock vs Tent Camping – The Debate is Over
For most casual campers and backpackers, it would be wild to consider sleeping in anything other than a tent in the backcountry. While car and...
The 5 Different Types of Trailer Hitches (Explained)
With the growing popularity of tiny homes, RVs, and other alternative camping options, there’s a lot to explore in the world of trailers and trailer...
How to Clean Your Tent (Plus 5 Tent Care Tips)
It’s a good idea to clean your tent every time your return from a camping or backpacking trip. You’ll also want to give it a...
6 Poisonous Snakes in California (And How to Spot Them)
While California is a great destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors, there are some natural dangers you’ll need to look out for...
8 Best Wildlife Trail Cameras in 2021 – Reviewed
April 12, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents From assisting in hunting to home security purposes, trail cameras have many uses. When used in the bush,...
12 Common Types Of Trees (Tree Species) And How To Identify Them
Tree species are such a common form of plant life that they often go unnoticed in our daily lives. Generally speaking, as they don't have...
How Long Does it Take to Hike Camelback Mountain?
The ancient rock of Camelback Mountain calls out to hikers from across the world. Named for its resemblance to the hump and head of a...
The 7 Best Towels for Backpacking in 2021 – Reviews
October 26, 2019/Riley Draper Table of Contents Backpacking works up a real sweat. For longer treks, inclement weather can soak hikers and backpackers...
10 Best Bed Tents For Kids & Toddlers in 2021 (Reviewed)
November 16, 2020/Riley Draper Table of Contents You might never have heard of a bed tent, so we're going to introduce you to...
The 7 Best Microspikes for Hiking in 2021 – Reviews
March 23, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents Microspikes make hiking easier. Hiking is a wonderful activity. It allows us to see beautiful highs and exhilarating...
10 Best Hikes Within Two Hours of Denver CO
The Mile High City of Denver, Colorado is surrounded by miles of gorgeous landscapes overflowing with natural wonders. With just a short drive out of...
10 Best Hikes Within Two Hours of Seattle WA
Did you know Seattle is known as the Emerald City? Unless you live in or near Seattle, it is very likely you immediately think of...
Backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail on Catalina Island
Nestled within the old-world charm of small island towns and rustic territory is the Trans Catalina Trail: a 38.5 mile-long backpacking trail located on Santa...
20 Best Places to Camp Within 2 Hours of Pittsburgh, PA
The city of Pittsburgh is an early 20th-century industrial capital, and its history can be observed by the buildings that are modeled after the Gilded...
50 Best Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Hiking is not without its challenges, no matter how experienced the hiker might be. Sometimes it may seem as though the trail is getting longer...
How To Identify and Eat Hickory Nuts In The Wild
Hickory trees can be found all across the United States, and they’re a wonderful source of on-the-trail nutrition. The hickory is in the same family...
10 Best Hikes in Maui HI – Ancient Maui Hiking Trails
Maui is one of the islands that belong to the state of Hawaii, and it’s filled with gorgeous trees and beaches. Maui is home to...
20 Best Places to Camp Within 2 Hours of Bend, OR
Bend is a small city in central Oregon that offers beautiful landscapes and trails. One thing that attracts many tourists to Bend is the Newberry...
