AW Contributor

For outdoor enthusiasts, such as campers and backpackers, the proper gear is everything.  But what do you do when an item in that gear—a tent, backpack, sleeping bag or a piece of insulated outerwear—becomes ripped or torn?  Sure, you could just opt to throw that item out and replace it, but that can become really […]

If you are an avid backpacker and/or wilderness camper, one of the most crucial pieces of gear available to you is a sleeping pad, also known as a sleeping mat, air mattress, insulated pad, ground pad or bed roll.  These vital pieces of equipment serve a number of purposes when braving the outdoor elements and

Camping and backpacking are outdoor pursuits that are loved by millions of people around the globe. Nothing is better than arriving at your wilderness destination and inhaling that first burst of clean pine-scented air—a smell so pleasant that it is often recreated in car air fresheners. However, there is one downside associated with the early

Camping and backpacking. Two of the most enjoyable outdoor pastimes. Each and every year millions of adventure-seeking souls head to the backcountry to hike, camp and just get away from the hustle and bustle of their workaday lives. From nature walking to bird watching to a calm day alone, just fishing along a little-known section

While certain members of the backpacking community are satisfied with hiking partial trails and the easier routes that can that can be completed in just a day or two, there is another group of individuals with an entirely different view of hiking: the thru-hikers. Thru-hikers can only be described as master outdoorspeople, and they come

These days, when most people go camping, they tend to bring along a flat of bottled water to make sure they stay hydrated. But what happens when there is no fresh or bottled water around to drink, such as when you go wilderness camping or when you are in a survival situation, lost in the

One of the greatest allures of camping in the great outdoors is sitting in a warm campfire and cooking your food while surrounded by the beauty of nature. Nothing is more enticing and appetite boosting than the scent of freshly made food permeating the air, while you are surrounded by your loved ones who are

Embarking on a camp trip as a family can be an exhilarating experience. There are numerous activities to participate in as you venture into the great outdoors. If teenagers are along for the ride, your ideas and innovation skills are about to be launched into motion. If you’re a camping enthusiast and know your way

As the weather warms, people start pulling out their camping gear in preparation for the first big overnight excursion of the year. From tents to cookware, all of your camping stuff should be inspected before you pack up your car for parts unknown. This is also true of your camping furniture—things like camping chairs and fabric-based

Is there anything better than sitting around a campfire? Is there a more pleasurable experience possible than catching up with old friends and family in the majesty of the great outdoors, lounging around an open-air fire while the kids roast weenies and marshmallows to their hearts’ content? The answer, at least according to the millions

If you enjoy hiking or camping in wilderness areas, whether developed or completely wild, chances are you may one day encounter a bear. This can be a very scary proposition to say the least, especially if you have no idea what to do should this situation present itself. So, just what are you supposed to

There are plenty of great things to love about camping—the sights and sounds of the wilderness, the fresh air, and tasty treats around a roaring campfire. However, there is one occurrence that is NOT very great—the sight, sound or feel of water penetrating into the inside of your tent. Although rainy nights are usually a