Outdoors
Catch and release fishing tips
Here are a few tips for ensuring the fish you catch have the best chance of survival.
Compass tips and tricks
Get the most out of your orienteering tools by learning how best to use them.
Hiking through history
By exploring a historical trail, hikers can follow in the footsteps of the trailblazers who carved their own paths through the American wilderness.
Properly Portaging Your Canoe
Technique is more important than sheer strength when lifting your canoe.
Calls for climbers and belayers
When climbing or rappelling, it’s very important for the person on the rock to communicate well with his belayer. To do this, they use “calls.” Here are some of the generally accepted signals for belaying climbers and rappellers.
Taking Shelter
Being prepared to live — and live well — when you’re far from the comforts of home starts with being
able to take effective shelter from the elements.
How to build a quinzee snow shelter
A quinzee is a simple shelter made by hollowing out a big pile of snow. They can take several hours to build, but are an effective way to stay warm when camping in the winter. Here’s how to build one.
Lost in the Vermont wilderness
You don’t plan on ever being lost in the woods. But things don’t always go as planned. If you were stranded in the Vermont wilderness, which of these items would you take with you?
Unusual but effective cooking methods
Bread baked by mailbox? Fish roasted on a stick? North Carolina Scouts show off their unusual — but effective — cooking skills.
How to find fossils
Sometimes a rock’s just a rock … and sometimes it’s a fossil. How can you tell the difference?
Plan and run a Klondike derby
Planning a Klondike derby is a great team-building exercise requiring leadership and decision-making skills. The best derbies incorporate traditional Scouting skills into fun competitions.
Fun games to play in the snow
Staying safe on a winter outing is hard work, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be time for fun. Here are a few activities we came up with. Can you think of more?
How to avoid frostbite
Frozen flesh won’t kill you right away — but the pain might make you wish you were dead. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.
How to tie basic fly-fishing knots
Fly fishermen depend on knots and must know how to tie several different knots properly. Here’s how to tie some of the more common fly-fishing knots.
How to avoid hypothermia
Losing body heat happens in all seasons, and it can kill. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.
An all-star tour of the night sky
Hunt the night sky for heroes, beasts and more and have a party while you’re at it!
First aid for the trail
No matter how well-prepared you are, injuries can strike anywhere on the trail. Know what to do when they strike. The next time you see one of these five common problems, you can spring into action.
Choosing the right fishing lure
Which lure is right for catching a fish? Check out these descriptions of some common lures and then go out and give it a try.
How to avoid altitude sickness
Thin air can put a deadly squeeze on your brain and body. Know the symptoms of altitude sickness and how to treat them.
How to avoid heat exhaustion
Your body is more than half water. If you don’t hydrate, you can cook your brain — and die. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.
10 steps to start fishing
Learn how to catch fish with these simple and easy steps!
How to find true north
Several techniques you can use to find true north if you don’t have a compass.
Trail Tips: Paddling
Use these paddling techniques at your next canoeing adventure.
Tips to help you build a fire
Use these simple steps to build a fire at your next campout.
Goofy Grub
These Scouts see the good, the bad, and the ugly of camp-out cooking. But what about the taste?
Lost in the woods! Now what?
These important tips can help you get found if you get lost.
Keep your gear dry when canoeing
Nothing’s worse than a soaked sleeping bag or a wet change of clothes after a day in the canoe. Here are some quick tips to keep all your stuff dry.
Spectacular hummingbird video
Watch as this unusual hummingbird spins his long tail feathers to attract the attention of females.
How to Fish in a Stream Pool
In stream fishing, 90 percent of the fish are found in 10 percent of the water. Here’s how to find out where that is.
How To Maintain Your Bike
These simple steps help your bike take you places…and get you home again.
ASK THE GEAR GUY
Send in your question for the Gear Guy
- Buying a surfboard
- Avoiding mosquito attacks
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- Contents of a bike emergency kit
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- Internal or external frame?
- Best winter jacket for hiking
>> Click here to submit a Gear Guy question
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
Guide to sharpening tools or tying knots
Can't remember how to tie a bowline? Looking for an easy guide to sharpening your knife. Check out these videos.>> Learn to tie knots
>> Sharpen an ax or knife
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