Outdoor Library
Outdoor Library
Browse hundreds of articles, guides and reviews (organized by category).
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Latest Articles
How Old Do Camp Counselors Have to Be to Get Hired?
By Narcis Bejtic | May 10, 2022Summer camp is a time to learn new skills while fellowshipping with one another, and being a camp counselor is a rewarding way to experience this. Summer camp means participating in various outdoor activities that help develop social, developmental, and intellectual skills. Being a camp counselor is an important job, and you’ll need to be…
How Much Should You Tip Camp Counselors (If Any)?
By Narcis Bejtic | May 6, 2022When you send your child to summer camp, you entrust their care to the camp counselors who work there. Camp counselors are responsible for the safety of their campers while also planning fun activities for them to enjoy. At the end of summer camp, your child will have memories with their counselor that can last…
Do You Need to Ground Your Generator When Camping?
By Narcis Bejtic | May 3, 2022If you’re familiar with generators, you probably know that they often require being grounded to safely use them. Portable generators that you would use for camping are built with safety features that allow the generator to be used safely without any grounding required; however, there are times when you may want to ground your generator…
8 Tips for Staying Cool on Camping Trips
By Narcis Bejtic | April 29, 2022Camping in the summer means enjoying swimming, fishing, and hiking. It also means hot days and humid nights, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Staying cool on a camping trip can keep you both comfortable and safe, so it is important to follow these 8 tips for staying cool on camping trips. How to…
The 10 Best Movies About Camping of All-Time
By Narcis Bejtic | April 26, 2022Some of the best movies are about camping. You have the classics like The Long, Long Trailer (1954), horror movies like Friday the 13th (1980), and family comedy classics like RV (2006). Today, we’re going to narrow the list down to the 10 best movies about camping of all time – in no particular order.…
Where Is Camp Crystal Lake & Is It a Real Place?
By Narcis Bejtic | April 22, 2022If you’ve seen Friday the 13th (1980), you know that Camp Crystal Lake is the summer camp that Jason Voorhees terrorizes 22 years after drowning the lake as a young boy in 1957. You may not know that Camp Crystal Lake is a real place you can visit, all without the risk of a slasher…
What Tree Camping Is & Why You Should Try It
By Narcis Bejtic | April 19, 2022When you think of tent camping, you probably think of setting up your tent on the hard ground. This can be a dealbreaker for those who enjoy the outdoors but don’t want to sleep on the rugged, uncomfortable ground. With tree camping, you don’t have to set up your tent on the cold, hard ground.…
5 Pro Tips For Using A Hobie Fishing Kayak
By Caleb Cole | April 18, 2022Kayak fishing has been increasingly popular through the years. From the traditional kayaks, they have evolved into more efficient vessels. One of the modern and go-to options of these is the Hobie kayak. Some of these kayaks have paddles, while others are pedaled, making them ideal for fishing. Suppose you’re planning to buy and use…
What Is White Gas & Why Is It Great for Camping?
By Narcis Bejtic | April 15, 2022Whether you need to light your camping stove or a lantern, you’ll need fuel to do that, and white gas is one of the best you can choose. If you’ve never heard of white gas, don’t worry. We will explain what white gas is and why it is great for camping. What Is White Gas?…
The 4 Different Types of Sleeping Bags (& How to Choose)
By Narcis Bejtic | April 12, 2022A sleeping bag is a sleeping bag, right? This kind of mentality can immediately set you up for failure on your next camping trip. Choosing the wrong type of sleeping bag can make your camping trip miserable and cut your trip short. We are dedicating this article to the 4 different types of sleeping bags…
Tent Footprint vs Tarp: What’s the Difference?
By Narcis Bejtic | April 8, 2022Packing your bag for a camping trip will likely include a tent, sleeping bag, and various supplies, but one thing you also should consider packing is some type of tent pad. This can be a tent footprint or a tarp, but what’s the difference? Today, we will explain the difference between these two types of…
How to Attach a Propane Tank to a Camping Stove
By Narcis Bejtic | April 5, 2022Small camping propane tanks are easy to attach to a camping stove, but you can quickly go through one after another, causing you to frequently replace the camping propane tank with a new one. To avoid frequently replacing those small camping propane tanks, you can attach your camping stove to a larger propane tank. You…
Tips for Buying Outdoor Adventure Supplies for Beginners
By Dan Winker | March 18, 2022When you’re gearing up for your next outdoor adventure, it’s essential to make sure you have the right supplies. Here are a few tips for buying outdoor adventure supplies for beginners: Decide which outdoor activities you’ll be doing It would help if you start by figuring out the activities you’ll be carrying on…
6 Pieces of Equipment You Should Get to Have a Safe and Pleasant Outdoor Experience
By Caleb Cole | March 10, 2022People like to spend their time outside and unwind, no matter if they are going hiking or camping there are some pieces of equipment you should have to make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable. There’s nothing like taking a break from the indoors and enjoying the great outdoors. However, to make the…
The 7 Best Microspikes for Hiking – Reviews
By Riley Draper | February 25, 2022Microspikes make hiking easier. Hiking is a wonderful activity. It allows us to see beautiful highs and exhilarating lows. From canyon valleys to high-altitude peaks, it’s a great way to see the world and give your body a superb workout. Not to mention a rewarding palate cleanse for your eyeballs. But when the leaves start…
7 Best Wildlife Trail Cameras – Reviewed
By Riley Draper | February 24, 2022From assisting in hunting to home security purposes, trail cameras have many uses. When used in the bush, wildlife trail cameras can provide us with amazing insight into the behavior of wild animals. With the help of a motion-activated trail camera, you can study the movements and activities of wild animals without human interference. Wildlife trail…
Protecting Yourself From Local Wildlife While Camping
By Sam Brooks | February 21, 2022To ensure that your next trip to the woods doesn’t turn into a nightmare, it’s important to consider possible wildlife encounters. When humans head out on a camping trip, we are entering the domain of the wild, and should respect the dangers that are all around. Enjoying the wilderness takes experience and preparation for every…
Are You Prepared To Handle These Camping Emergencies?
By Caleb Cole | February 18, 2022If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors, be one with nature, unplug from everyday life, and encounter adventures, camping fits the mold. It’s a physically and emotionally empowering opportunity enjoyed worldwide by people from all walks of life. As fun and therapeutic as camping can be, it’s not always a picture-perfect experience. From having…
10 Best Blackout Tents That Block Out The Sun
By Bree-Anna Burick | February 11, 2022Just because the sun is an early riser doesn’t mean you have to be too. Most standard camping tents allow the sun to shine in, which may be great during the day but annoying at six in the morning. However, there’s been an increasingly popular solution, and they’re called blackout tents. Blackout tents are designed…
10 Best Travel Tunnel Tents for Camping Reviewed
By Bree-Anna Burick | February 8, 2022Compared to just a few years ago, the technology of tents has come a long way. Before you may have spent hours trying to set up a tent with heavy, wooden poles and complicated instructions, but luckily, there are tents that may just make your camping experience less stressful. Tunnel tents can be great for…
7 Best Portable Fish Finders Reviewed
By Bree-Anna Burick | February 4, 2022Fishing can take a lot of time and patience, which for some fishermen can be part of the fun, whereas for others can be downright aggravating. Finding the right fishing spot can be difficult because unless you put on goggles and go underwater yourself, you’re not able to see the fish, the water depth, or…
The Best Camping Director’s Chairs (Top 7 Reviewed)
By Bree-Anna Burick | February 1, 2022One of the activities you may find yourself doing quite often while camping is sitting, so why not choose the best chair for it? Camping directors chairs are known for being sturdy, durable, and full of features. The sturdiness comes from the frame design and chair materials, and the features range from side tables to…
How to Make Your Rig Outdoor and Camp Ready
By Dan Winker | January 28, 2022The pickup truck is an American icon, a symbolic staple. No doubt, it’s the vehicular equivalent of the standard toolbox or multitool. And with truck sales trending upwards for the last few years, it’s to no surprise that truck camping is also on the rise There is something unique about the pickup truck that makes…
The Best Cordless Drills for Ice Auger Reviewed
By Bree-Anna Burick | January 28, 2022Drilling into ice can be tough work, and without the right drill for your ice auger, you might spend more time drilling and less time ice fishing. Picking the best cordless drill will be up to you, your preferences, and your priorities. You may be searching for speed over ergonomics, or you may just be…
The Best Camping Chairs With Footrest (Top 7 Reviewed)
By Bree-Anna Burick | January 25, 2022Camping with a comfortable chair is one thing, but camping with your feet up, your seat back, and lounging in the sun may make you never go back to a regular camping chair. Believe it or not, there are plenty of camping chairs that mimic the chairs on your porch or the ones in your…
10 Best Tents with Screened Porch Areas
By Bree-Anna Burick | January 21, 2022Sitting out on the porch drinking your morning coffee and enjoying the sunshine may be the best part of your day at home, and if you think you can’t get that from camping, then keep reading. Some tents come equipped with screen porch areas that allow you to get that home away from home experience…
The Best Ice Fishing Gloves – Top 10 Pairs Reviewed
By Bree-Anna Burick | January 18, 2022Ice fishing can be fun, especially when you’ve got some great catches, but the right type of ice fishing gloves can make or break a trip. The right gloves are important for staying warm, comfortable, and happy. Ultimately, choosing the best ice fishing glove comes down to your preferences and the elements you’ll be facing. …
Best Ozark Trail Tents: Reviews and Comparisons
By Bree-Anna Burick | January 14, 2022When planning a large group camping trip, space and privacy are probably on your mind when shopping for tents. Ozark Trail tents are a great option if you’re on a budget and need room for multiple people. Although Ozark Trail specializes in larger tents, they also make smaller tents as well. One thing that most…
Best Northwest Territory Tents: Reviews and Comparisons
By Bree-Anna Burick | January 11, 2022So you’re planning a camping trip. You have all the s’mores supplies and the best camping grounds, but now it’s time to figure out where you’ll sleep. Buying a tent can be a stressful process because there are so many options to choose from. From brands that promise comfortability, safety, and a glamorous experience but…
Plinking 101: 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Pistol
By Jason Marks | December 29, 2021Picking the right pistol can be a daunting task for anyone who doesn’t know what they’re looking for. There are so many different guns out there, and all of them have unique features that make them attractive to certain people. The best way to narrow down your options is by answering these three questions: What…
Most Reliable Car Brands For Lovers Of The Great Outdoors
By Jason Marks | November 30, 2021Some vehicles just handle the outdoors better than others. When we say the outdoors, we do not mean driving on the motorway or through towns, but instead, through woodland, the countryside, and unpredictable landscapes. If you try to take a town car out into the country, your car could break down, get damaged, or get…
10 Best Cameras for Hiking & Backpacking
By Riley Draper | November 21, 2021The trail has a lot of breathtaking sights, and you will encounter moments you wish you could capture for posterity. This is where most discussions about backpacking cameras usually begin. Sometimes you just want to have proof that you got there or preserve that feeling of triumph. Whatever your motivation is, the camera selection process…
5 Best Heated Vests
By Riley Draper | November 21, 2021Sometimes all you’re missing is the perfect accessory. The difference between a pleasant hike and a thorn in your side is as small as a little bit of fabric and metal. A good heated vest will do more than just warm up your pockets. They’ll vastly improve your daily life and every hike you bring…
10 Best Heated Gloves
By Caleb Cole | November 21, 2021The best heated gloves are undoubtedly effective at keeping your hands warm in the cold seasons. They are available in a wide range of sizes and specifications. They also differ in their efficiency. This article reviews the 10 best heated gloves and classifies them in different categories to help you narrow down to the best…
7 Best Compasses for Hiking
By Caleb Cole | November 20, 2021Relying on location markers that are placed on developed hiking trails can be a costly mistake. Just because a hiking trail is well-developed with directional and location markers doesn’t mean you are safe against veering off-course. That’s why you need to keep a compass on you at all times while hiking, and we have included…
7 Best Lightweight Tents for Backpacking
By Riley Draper | November 20, 2021Your tent may be the most important piece of camping gear you pack in your backpack. It will keep you warm and protected from the elements after a long day on the trails. For backpacking, you’ll want to choose a lightweight tent, so we’ve put together our list of the 7 best lightweight tents for…
7 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
By Samantha Bos | November 20, 2021As a backpacker, you know there’s nothing worse than setting up camp at the end of the day only to feel every single rock and root underneath you as you’re trying to sleep. A sleeping bag will keep you warm, but it won’t cushion you from the earth underneath. That’s why you need a backpacking…
10 Best Handheld GPS Units
By Riley Draper | November 19, 2021The outdoors can be beautiful, and bathing in this beauty is therapeutic and revitalizing, which is why people organize these trips to the middle of nowhere. Some people indulge in recreation while others do it as part of their work routine. The one thing they have in common is the fear of getting lost which…
7 Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet
By Samantha Bos | November 19, 2021Best Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet. Top-rated footwear to reduce overpronation/fallen arches, and provide superb support to keep you going, all day long! More:
7 Best Hiking Boots for Wide Feet
By Riley Draper | November 19, 2021Every hiker has their own unique motivation. There are plenty of incentives for the activity; beautiful views, fresh air, keeping in touch with nature, or general wellbeing, whether health-wise or socially. It is a good workout and an excellent stress and anxiety reliever. To optimize these perks, one should match the right gear and attire…
10 Best Fishing Kayaks
By Caleb Cole | November 18, 2021Every angler needs a vessel to, at some point, venture into fishing hotspots that can’t be accessed from the shore. The best game fish learned long ago to stay away from humans, forcing us to search deeper in their habitat if we want to see them. The type of conveyance you opt for may make…
7 Best Baitcasting Reels
By Caleb Cole | November 18, 2021Baitcasting is an advanced fishing technique that relies on exceptional accuracy and control for the best results. Your fishing reel has a significant amount of influence on both of these requirements, and it can make or break your cast. We have broken down some of the best baitcasting reels based on reviews by seasoned anglers…
10 Best Fishing Backpacks
By Riley Draper | November 18, 2021The roaming angler appreciates the impact a fishing backpack will have on the kind of fishing day they have. They often find themselves carrying their entire arsenal of fishing gear to a remote stream where the fish will have retreated to avoid human contact. A certain level of agility is required, so you are not…
7 Best Fishing Lures
By Riley Draper | November 17, 2021Fishing lures are eye-catching, flashy, and fun to shop for. However, it is important to remember that their functionality is the main reason you need them, so you don’t get lured by your own fishing bait. They can also be expensive beyond their value, so you need to research what is needed. Read on and…
7 Best Canvas Tents
By Riley Draper | November 17, 2021When it comes to buying a spacious tent, the choices are seemingly endless. From bell-shaped tents to dome tents, waterproof tents, and even nylon tents, you have a raft of options at your disposal. However, if you are looking for a tent that will not only serve you for a very long time but is…
7 Best Coolers for Camping
By Riley Draper | November 17, 2021Finding the best coolers for camping can be a difficult task for any adventurer! Learn the specifics of the best coolers out there and where to buy them!
7 Best Camping Tables
By Samantha Bos | November 16, 2021You’ve probably been on a camping trip where you found yourself struggling to enjoy your meal simply because the paper plate on its own won’t stay balanced on your lap. You don’t want to put it on the ground because that’s too far down, and there are ants and dirt down there. It’s safe to say that…
7 Best Portable Camping Showers
By Caleb Cole | November 16, 2021Just because you are out camping and roughing it doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to a life of filth. It also doesn’t mean you have to take a bath in the local river. There are a host of portable camping showers that will work as well as your shower at home. Granted, they require a…
7 Best Camping Hammocks
By Riley Draper | November 16, 2021The kind of camper or hiker you are greatly influences the type of gear you bring along. In many cases, you will find that solo hikers or minimalist campers don’t like the complications and extra chore that comes with setting up a tent. A camping hammock is quite often the next best thing (THE best…
10 Best Camping Chairs
By Riley Draper | November 15, 2021With all the camping chairs out there, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. Learn about all the great camping chairs with this useful guide!
5 Best Camping Lanterns
By Riley Draper | November 15, 2021A good, reliable camping lantern is one of the most essential pieces of camping equipment you should include in your list. Yes, doing everything by the light of the moon or the illumination you get from your campfire might sound romantic and very “survivalist,” but it isn’t very practical. Another wonderful option would be to…
7 Best Camping Tarps
By Samantha Bos | November 14, 2021Camping can be fun, especially when you bring the right equipment, including the best camping tarp you can get your hands on. Unfortunately, the camping tarp doesn’t get as much love or recognition as other camping and backpacking equipment. As you have probably experienced and know very well – the weather can change on a dime regardless of what the forecast says. As…
5 Best Camping Stoves
By Riley Draper | November 14, 2021With all the camping stoves out there, it can be hard to find which one is best for you. Learn about the best stoves and where to look with this guide!
7 Best Camping Tents (Tested & Reviewed)
By Riley Draper | November 13, 2021Owning the best camping tent is an absolute necessity for anyone who loves spending time outdoors or living away from home every now and again. If you think about it, a luxurious, heavy-duty camping tent can actually be your home away from home. Some of the best tents have enough room for everything you might…
10 Best Heated Jackets
By Riley Draper | November 13, 2021Winter is coming, and you know what that means, right? Spoiler alert! It has nothing to do with White Walkers. That being said, you still need to make sure you’re warm enough before venturing out into icy cold weather conditions. If your idea of preparation means piling on layers upon layers of insulated clothing, there’s…
7 Best Fishing Lines
By Riley Draper | November 12, 2021Don’t we all miss the days when our problems would start and end at figuring out the test strength of our mono line? Nowadays, it seems like you are just one decision away from losing your jigs and the big fish that bit because your line broke. The overabundance of options when it comes to…
8 Best Fishing Rods
By Riley Draper | November 12, 2021High-quality fishing rods are critical players for success on any fishing expedition. Their efficiency is optimized when you pair them with the right fishing reels and lines so that you can finesse your technique. Knowing how each type of rod works and what they are suitable for helps you optimize the application of the ones…
5 Best Winter Tents for Cold Weather Camping
By Riley Draper | November 11, 2021There’s no doubt about it; summer is the most popular season for camping. Most people do this because they don’t have to contend with environmental issues that come with other seasons, such as rain, cold, snow, and visibility problems. This is not to say that there aren’t a select group of people who don’t mind…
The 7 Best Camping Mattresses
By Riley Draper | November 11, 2021If you have been thinking about buying a camping mattress but don’t know where to start, here is a quick review of the best camping mattress options currently available. Whether you’re looking for the best air mattress, sleeping pad, roll out mattress or cot, you will find a trip-improving option in your price range below. We…
The Best Sleeping Bags for Cold Weather (Top 7)
By Samantha Bos | November 10, 2021Cold weather camping trips can be just as much fun as pitching your tent at the beach. The biggest difference is in the kind of preparation that needs to be undertaken. While you will need things like sunscreen and maybe a surfboard at the beach, you absolutely must bring the best sleeping bag for cold weather when you go camping in extreme weather.…
The Best Sleeping Bags for Camping (Top 10)
By Riley Draper | November 10, 2021A sleeping bag is a central fixture in the backpacker’s rucksack and, for most people, the first piece of camping gear they ever use. Sleeping bags are pretty simple to figure out, but that doesn’t mean that every sleeping bag on the market functions the same way. It all depends on what kind of camping trip you’re planning to undertake; whether car camping, primitive camping, or dry…
7 Best Ski Goggles
By Riley Draper | November 9, 2021Nothing compares to the thrill that comes with skiing down a mountain. It’s the closest thing to flying, without ever having to jump off a plane. Nonetheless, without the right gear, an adrenaline-filled adventure can quickly turn into a never-ending nightmare. Central to this is having the right ski goggles. At high altitudes, the sun’s…
7 Best Winter Gloves
By Riley Draper | November 9, 2021There’s a lot that goes into picking the best winter gloves. You need to think about the material they’re made of, whether the insulation they have is sufficient, the length of the cuff, how flexible they are, and a host of other performance-related features. We tested various brands of winter gloves to bring you our…
10 Best Winter Hiking Boots
By Riley Draper | November 8, 2021Winter is different for everyone. What may be wet and snowy for some may be cold and dry for others, so if you think you’re getting an article on snow boots, don’t go anywhere. We’ve got the 7 best winter hiking boots for everyone in all types of wintry conditions. Best Winter Hiking Boots –…
10 Best Baitcasting Rods
By Riley Draper | November 8, 2021We all want to land that massive catch. You know, that massive 25-inch monster that puts up a real fight before you can reel it in and show it off to all your friends and peers. The problem with landing such a catch is that you need to use the best baitcasting rod to…
5 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
By Riley Draper | November 7, 2021To maximize your spinning reel’s life cycle, it is important to know the conditions that lead to premature wear and tear or even damage to the best of them. Many new anglers get disappointed with the seemingly poor quality of their newly acquired reels, oblivious of their own contribution to the problem. A common mistake…
7 Best Spinning Rods
By Riley Draper | November 7, 2021Spinning fishing rods are best used by beginner anglers who want something that’s not only less prone to tangles but also ideal for casting smaller lures and live bait. That doesn’t mean that the best spinning rod isn’t right for an experienced angler. Spinning rods are perfect for just about every fishing experience level.…
7 Best Crappie Fishing Rods
By Riley Draper | November 6, 2021Highly specialized skills such as crappie fishing call for specialized tools. As the fishing season approaches, crappie fishermen need to find the best fishing rod for their hobby. If you have experience with crappie fishing, you know that you need the right fishing technique, the right bait, and the best crappie fishing rod to…
7 Best Catfish Rods
By Riley Draper | November 6, 2021Catfishing is one of the most fun activities anglers participate in. Catfish are responsible for numerous interesting duels because they are hard fighting and can attain impressive trophy sizes. 30-pound kitties are a common freshwater and occasionally brackish water feature. Besides being prize game fish, they make a mean meal. These powerful swimmers can,…
5 Best Fly Reels
By Riley Draper | November 5, 2021Did you know that fly fishing saves lives beyond landing a big fish in your pan for dinner? The activity provides many health benefits as it engages your mental and physical faculties and allows you to declutter the mind as you work in some exercise hours. Any fly fisherman who has been in the…
Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments
Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails
Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance
4 Different Types of Camping
5 Reasons Why Bass is the Most Popular Among Anglers
The Top 7 Bike Models for Thrilling Outdoor Adventures
The Best Snacks to Bring on a Hike
How to Pack for a Day Hike
Hiking Safety Tips and Precautions
How to Plan a Multi-day Backpacking Trip
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Find the Perfect Hiking Spot for the Ultimate Adventure
11 Campgrounds within Two Hours Distance from Philadelphia
How to Find & Buy a House in a Remote Location? Top Tips to Follow
