Plan an easy outdoor weekend with 10 scenic U.S. getaways for hiking, camping, paddling, wildlife watching, and fresh air, plus simple trip-planning tips.
Learn how to read a topographic map for hiking. Understand contour lines, scale, elevation, ridges, valleys, steep slopes, compass use, and simple trail navigation.
Learn how to build a safe campfire, choose the right site, use tinder and kindling, control the flames, cook over coals, and put the fire completely out.
Learn how to hike alone more safely with a trip plan, Ten Essentials, navigation, weather checks, wildlife awareness, emergency steps, and smart solo hiking habits.
Pack the right day hiking essentials with this simple checklist for water, food, navigation, layers, first aid, sun care, emergency gear, and trail safety.
Learn how to prevent hiking blisters, stop hot spots early, choose better socks and shoes, treat a blister safely, and know when to seek medical care.
Learn how to plan your first backcountry camping trip with simple advice on routes, permits, gear, water, food, navigation, campsites, safety, and Leave No Trace.
Plan a 2026 national park trip with current timed-entry rules, crowd strategies, booking tips, backup plans, hiking gear, and simple ways to avoid reservation stress.
Build a safer, lighter backpacking setup with eight simple systems for shelter, sleep, clothing, water, food, navigation, first aid, and gear repair.
Get ready for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor trips with a simple plan for weather, maps, gear, water, camp safety, emergencies, and low-impact travel.