After 15 years of camping and countless nights spent in everything from backyard tents to backcountry shelters, I've learned that the difference between a miserable wet night and a comfortable dry morning often comes down to what's underneath your tent. Putting a tarp under your tent creates a protective barrier that prevents ground moisture from […]

After three months of testing across varied terrain in the Scottish Highlands, I've put Meindl's flagship Burma Pro MFS boots through their paces. These German-made hiking boots carry a premium price tag and a serious reputation in the outdoor community. The Meindl Burma Pro MFS is a premium hiking and tactical boot built for serious […]

I've spent years sleeping outside in everything from 20-degree nights to mild autumn evenings. After testing both wool blankets and sleeping bags across dozens of camping trips, I can tell you the answer isn't as simple as one being better than the other. The choice depends entirely on how you camp, where you camp, and […]

Zipping two sleeping bags together is one of the best ways to stay warm while camping with a partner. When you connect compatible bags, you share body heat and create a cozy sleeping space for two. Yes, you can zip two sleeping bags together, but they need compatible zippers. The bags must have opposite zipper […]

Camping without a tent opens up a world of freedom. You see stars most people never see. You feel the breeze directly on your face. Your pack gets lighter with every step. I've spent over 100 nights sleeping without tents across the American West, and the connection to nature is unmatched. The secret is choosing […]

There's something magical about 60-degree weather camping. The air is crisp but not biting, mornings are refreshing, and you can actually enjoy sitting around the fire without sweating through your clothes. After camping in everything from sweltering 85-degree summer heat to freezing 30-degree fall nights, I've found that 60-degree weather strikes the perfect balance. Camping […]

There is something special about sleeping under a simple sheet of fabric, open to the sounds and smells of nature while staying protected from the elements. Tarp camping strips away the walls between you and the outdoors, creating an experience that traditional tents simply cannot match. I have spent over 15 years backpacking and camping […]

I've spent over 15 years camping in exposed locations from the Wyoming high desert to coastal cliffs, and I've learned that wind can make or break a trip faster than any other weather element. During one memorable trip to Colorado's Indian Peaks, sustained winds hit 45 mph overnight and collapsed my neighbor's poorly staked tent […]

A hammock ridgeline is the difference between struggling to find a comfortable position and laying perfectly flat every single time you hang your hammock. After spending three years hammock camping across the Appalachians and repeatedly waking up with sore shoulders from banana-shaped hangs, I finally installed a structural ridgeline. That simple addition transformed my sleep […]

I'll never forget my first beach camping disaster. After driving three hours to the coast, I set up my tent about 20 feet from the water. Regular tent stakes, sandy soil, beautiful sunset. Around 2am, I woke up to waves crashing way too close. Had to pack up everything in the dark and move. The […]