How to: outdoor skills

NEW: Video recording of the live event with panelists! Five thru-hikers age 60+ share advice on gear, training, nutrition, injury, recovery and motivation to get you inspired to backpack a long trail

Don’t forget your patch and repair kit at home! Learn about quick fixes for your tent with our guide. With these tips on tent maintenance and repair, you’ll be prepped for the season and able to make your backcountry dwelling last as long as you can.

Prepare for downhill skiing with yoga poses for before and after, and get better strength, balance, flexibility, and recovery on and off the slopes.

Remove odors and feel warmer with Do-It-Yourself step-by-step instructions for cleaning a down sleeping bag or down backpacking quilt or synthetic camping sleeping bag.

Learning the ropes of Ice climbing doesn’t have to be scary, even with constantly changing conditions and unfamiliar climbing tools. Here’s our guide on some gear, basic techniques, and body positioning to help make your time on the ice rewarding.

An ultra-lofty down jacket is a luxury item in the outdoors. An item this essential and well-loved should be cared for so it’ll last for as many adventures as possible. Here are some tips on how to clean, wash, dry, and repair your down jacket.

Four plus-size skiers and snowboarders share advice on motivation, gear, community and being in a bigger bodies outdoors to get you inspired to take up space in the snow.

Step-by-step instructions on building a home climbing wall, including gathering materials, setting up a lumber framework, etc. It can get expensive, so we discuss money-saving tips for bouldering walls, such as where to find climbing holds and more.

Discover the joys of cross-country skiing with our comprehensive guide for beginners. Learn the techniques, gear, and tips to kickstart your adventure.

We cover the basics of backcountry skiing: how to get educated on avalanche safety, understand your abilities as a skier, and know what equipment you need.

Your ski/snowshoe setup means you’re ready for the slopes, but what about your dog? Starting seems hard, but by researching your destination’s rules, starting with small slopes, and prioritizing your dog’s health, you can find new adventure together!

Tips for getting started on your first winter camping trip. This beginner friendly guide will help you prepare and plan for a cold weather camping trip in snow including what to wear winter camping, what to eat, and how to sleep safely.

Thirteen tips for running in the cold, including layering strategy, hydration, reflective gear, warming up, what to wear, how to get motivated, pacing yourself, and more.

We spoke with skiers in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and above to learn some of the secrets to staying in shape for skiing into old age. These senior skiers reflect on memories, what they’ve learned, and share advice for skiing no matter your age.

You're likely in the best shape of your life after a thru hike. Heather Anderson, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and FKT record holder, tells us how she keeps that fitness.

What's the best way to train for a thru hike? We asked National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and FKT record holder, Heather Anderson, how she does it.

Wondering how to stay warm when camping or backpacking in colder weather? Follow these tips from our expert staff to stay warm at camp, whether it's fall, winter, or at high elevation.

See our video for a beginner’s guide to packrafting, as outlined by experts Luc Mehl and Renee Patrick. In this video, they share their tips to getting into the sport, the gear they use, and what they are able to do with packrafts.

Tips for beginner solo camping, gear checklist, safety tips, and how to plan and prepare for camping alone, choosing campsites, permits, tents and sleeping bags

3 thru-hikers share tips for resupply, nutrition, meeting dietary restrictions, box and grocery store refueling on long distance trails

The top reasons to use hiking poles as backed by science and pro backpackers include hiking faster, balance, stability, and protecting joints and knees.

Now with Video recording! Financially savvy thru-hikers share tips on saving up for a hike, budgeting for the trail, and careers for hiking multiple trails

Her Odyssey was a 5-year 10,000-mile journey across the Americas. Here are tips from that trip for slow travel, ethical travel while walking, kayaking and exploring internationally.

Prepare for an adventure of a lifetime with our comprehensive guide to solo backpacking. Learn about essential skills, gear, safety, and more!

Some zippers are a quick fix, needing simple cleaning, lubrication, and pliers. Whether you have an issue with your backpack, tent, or jacket, zipper replacement and repair is an easy outdoor gear skill that can help extend the life of your gear.

An Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail thru-hiker shares tips on how to support a thru-hiker. Find out how to be a good support system and take on this responsibility with confidence.

Properly caring for GORE-TEX and other shells can extend their life from 10-20 years! These cleaning instructions give details on machine washing with warm water, stain treating, liquid detergent, reproofing DWR treatments, and patch repair.

Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) runners share their experience and tips on races and run groups, gear and staying motivated, and building connections

Learn what you can do to help put everyone in America within 5 minutes of public green space through passing the Outdoors for All Act

Looking to reduce your environmental impact in 2024 when it comes to gear? Shop these brands! These sustainable and eco-friendly products are viable alternatives to some basic outdoor gear and a great place to start shopping more consciously.

Trying to decide between a down or synthetic jacket? Our definitive guide (and quiz) will help you decide! We’ll help you consider warmth-to-weight ratio, DWR treatment, insulation type, weather conditions, packability, cleaning and care, and more!

More than any other ski gear, boots must fit your foot right to perform well, and everyone’s feet are different. Here's how to find the right fit for you.

Learn all about ski bindings! From types to tips about choosing the right ones, our comprehensive guide ensures you hit the slopes with confidence.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a backpacking stove including fuel type, price, and accessories. Prioritize pack weight and weigh the pros and cons of liquid fuel stoves, wood-burning stoves, and alcohol stoves to find the right one for you.

Find the right trekking poles for on- and off-trail hiking and backpacking trips. Choose wisely, hike confidently!

For hikers, backpackers, and trail runners, even a marginal improvement in foot pain or fatigue is worth it. Insoles can provide this relief.

Reduce consumption by opting for used gear. We delve into why used gear, what to get used, the environmental impact, and how to change culture around used.

Outdoor companies are producing gear without PFAs and PFCs –  without sacrificing performance. Here's why it matters.

From an overnighter to a PCT thru hike, here’s how to find the best backpack for you, how to fit a backpack, how to pack a backpack, and keeping your gear dry.

When are trail runners best? When are hiking shoes best? We dive into the details of the great hiking footwear debate.

What makes a good trail running shoe, tips for choosing your first pair, and buying advice to find the right shoe for your running style and technical terrain

How to fit a bicycle seat and choose a bike saddle for women that is comfortable and is measured to work with each woman’s unique anatomy

While testing volumes for our Backpacking Backpacks guide, we suspected manufacturer-stated volumes weren’t accurate or consistent for all brands. So, we measured the volumes and capacities specified across multiple brands, and here's what we found.

Quarantine training starts with patience, balance, and a good home workout. Here are the at-home exercise routines some of our writers and editors are using to build strength, challenge themselves, and stay sane during these hectic, uncertain times.