Lori Bell

So, you’ve bought yourself a tent and some camping gear and you’re ready to set out into the great outdoors and sleep under the stars. Well, slow your roll there a bit outdoorsman-wannabe. You can’t just buy a tent and think that you’re ready to go camping for the very first time. There’s things you […]

There’s something primal about cooking your meals over an open fire, especially when you’re spending time out in the wilderness. It’s a lot different from preparing food in your kitchen. You don’t have access to easily regulated heat or a spice cabinet full of flavorful additions when you’re out in the wild. If camping is

If you’re planning a day hike or other outdoor adventure, then you might want to consider how waterproof your backpack is (in case it rains on you). While plenty of high end packs some with rain covers, your average cheap daypack does not. So, what do you do if there’s a chance of rain in

Feeling the sometimes bitter cold of the wilderness is enough to make any person head to the nearest warm cabin they can find.  But what if you are a backpacker or camper who does not have that luxury?  Truth be told, if you enjoy backpacking, especially if you do regular treks during the colder fall

Are you planning a road trip adventure close to nature and away from traditional campgrounds? If yes, you need the right equipment that allows you to set camp away from rough surfaces or close to insects and prowling animals. Rooftop tents offer an opportunity to camp in nature while staying off the ground and away

Backpacking is one of those activities that is both peaceful and exhilarating.  Nothing can beat the serenity you feel as you traverse through untouched wilderness or the excitement that comes from tackling new and unique challenges. And while backpacking is certainly ultra-enjoyable, so too is the experience of camping under the stars once you have

It’s summer, which means there’s no better time for a hike! Before you remove those boots and stash them away for next weekend, though, it’s crucial to take a step back. You never want to discover that your equipment has started to emit a nasty odor. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much effort to ensure that

Nothing matches the fun and adventure of backpacking; the fun of exploring the backcountry of this great country and taking in all of the gorgeous flora and fauna it offers. One of the keys to a successful backpacking adventure is a pack that is loaded up correctly and thoroughly, with all the gear one might

If you’re doing some hiking in a rainforest or anywhere else that leeches can be found, then it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for the inevitable. Those blood-thirty little suckers will ruin an otherwise good hike. So we’ve got some tips on how to avoid them and what to do if some have already

When you go camping, you’re not always guaranteed access to running water and a shower. In fact, while some campgrounds do make a shower houses available to campers, often when you go car camping there is no shower for you to use. So, what’s a cleanliness conscious camper to do when there’s no shower house?

Planning a backpacking trip and looking for ways to maximize the available space in your pack? One easy way to free up more space in your backpack is to attach your sleeping bag to the exterior of the pack, instead of stuffing it inside with the rest of your gear. As you might have guessed,

Have you dreamed about a trek on the Appalachian Trail? If you’re an avid hiker, you’ve likely considered this trip at least once or twice. Like all thru-hikes, preparation needs to be a top priority — otherwise, you won’t make it to the finish line. You have to get in shape, mentally and physically, before