Camping Articles

How to Buy a Tent - The Basics - Includes a description of the most common features to look for when purchasing a tent

How to Buy a Tent for Warm Climates - In addition to the basics of buying a tent, this article discusses the special features that you should look for in a tent that will be used in warm climates.

How to Buy an All Weather/Convertible Tent - features to look for when buying a tent intended to be use in many different climates

How to Buy a Tent for Extreme Winter Camping - features to look for when buying a tent for extreme winter camping

What To Avoid When Buying A Tent - things to look out for when buying a camping tent

GPS Unit Basics - what to look for when buying a GPS unit

Mapping vs. Non-Mapping GPS - the difference between mapping and non-mapping GPS units

About GPS and GPS Accuracy - basic information about GPS satellites and accuracy

Buying the Right Knife - 4 Steps to Buying the Right Knife

Fixed Blade vs. Folding Blade Knives - explains the difference between fixed and folding blade knives

Caring for Your Tent - tips for making your tent last

Types of Knives - a summary of the different styles and functions of knives

How To Buy A Diving Knife - With so many choices for dive knives on the market, how do you decide which one is right for you?

About Family Radio Service (FRS) - basic information about FRS radios

About General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) - basic information about GMRS radios

About FRS/GMRS Dual Service Radios - basic information about FRS/GMRS dual-use radios

Why Camping Is Important - The need to forego modern, artificial comfort and convenience and reconnect with nature is quite natural.

Camping Gear Reference Card - A quick-reference guide to everything you need to bring on your next camping trip.

In Camping, Experience is the Best Teacher - With a little foreknowledge and advice at the beginning, most of your trips will turn out as pleasant as our first trip did.

Getting Ready for Your First Camping Trip - When starting out, you're not going to need the best of everything, and you can scrounge around for the items that can be called into duty.

Where to Camp - finding National Parks, State Parks, and other public Wilderness areas

Luxury Camping - easy ways to make your "roughing it" camping trip a little less rough.

Camping Glossary - short definitions of commonly used camping terminology.

Camping Checklist - make a camping list and check it twice. Expect that something will be forgotten, and try to improvise.

The Animals and Bugs of Mother Nature - You're likely to encounter wildlife in the woods. The chances of coming face-to-face with an animal, is pretty remote, but you'll probably hear plenty of animals doing their thing.

Avoiding Ticks - In grassy eastern woodlands deer ticks may be a hazard because they carry Lyme disease

Ground Rules for Respecting Nature - There is no garbage pickup in the wilderness; you'll have to "pack out" most of whatever garbage you bring in.

Gauging Your Abilities - If you're new to camping, or are bringing the family, make sure you don't plan an activity that is out of your league.

Camping Safety - Safety on the trail has much to do with whether adventurers are traveling solo.

Unexpected Stuff Happens When Camping - Now that you're high on venturing into the great outdoors, there is the chance that nature won't cooperate.

How Many People Should You Camp With? - A group can consist of two or more people, but camping with more than six people can be problematic.

Family Camping - Family camping usually means gearing up for a camping or hiking trip with one or more relatives, and typically means at least camping with a spouse.

Guided Camping Trips - For first-time adventurers (or those not especially confident about taking off by themselves the first time), going with a guide may be the best way.

Solo Camping - Guided treks can be a great getaway - that said, there are times when camping solo is preferable to visiting the wilderness with someone else.

Travelling To Your Camping Destination - In most cases you'll have to figure out how to get to your camping destination yourself.

Enjoying Your Camping Trip - Take time to enjoy the fresh air, stop and sit down for a few minutes every once in a while, and take your time if possible.

Car Camping - For now, car camping may be an ideal way for those short on time and skills to get to the edge of the wilderness and take in some of the joys of an outdoor vacation.

Finding Quiet Locations in Crowded Campgrounds - Unfortunately, not all campers regard camping as a chance to a have a quiet commune with nature.

Finding Good Campsites - good campgrounds offer hiking trails, biking trails, lakes, and opportunities for swimming and enjoying the simpler pleasures of exercise.

Avoiding Crowded Campgrounds - No matter what kind of camping you have in mind, the likelihood of experiencing its downside hinges on the time of year you head to the country.

Cold Weather Camping - Spring and fall ushers in all kinds of weather. Be prepared to handle rain and colder weather, particularly at night.

Buying a Tent - Tents can be your most important piece of equipment when you're faced with heavy weather.

Pitching a Tent - always remember one Golden Rule: Practice pitching a tent before heading off on your camping trip.

Types of Sleeping Bags - Sleeping bags work by trapping warm air created by the body to prevent it from cooling off.

Synthetic vs. Down Sleeping Bags - The warmth and insulating properties of any sleeping bag are related to what material, and how much, it is filled with. You will have two basic choices of fill: synthetics or down.

Sleeping Bag Construction, Care, & Cleaning - how sleeping bags are made, and how to care for and clean them.

Sleeping Pads and Air Mattresses - Besides the sleeping bag, you'll require some kind of sleeping mat to soften out the bumps in the ground.

Knife Care and Maintenance - To keep your knife in the best possible working condition, follow the points outlined in this article

How to Buy and Use Knife Sharpeners - Learn the key to a long-lasting blade--and your own safety

Types of Kitchen Knives - A glossary of kitchen knives to help you get started

Cutting Board Basics - Welcome to the world of cutting boards.

Knife Steel Facts - Attributes and Best Applications of Stainless Steels used in Knife Manufacturing

Tips to Make You a Better Knife Thrower - The following tips are designed to introduce the beginning thrower to the basics of knife throwing.

Anatomy of a Knife - describes the makeup of a knife as well as different types of blades

Sharpening Your Knives - information about different types of knife sharpeners and how to use them

Knife Legal Considerations - brief summary of legal considerations when dealing with knives

Blade Geometry FAQ - provides a working knowledge of blade shapes and grinds

Serrated vs. Plain Edge Knives - There's been a jump in recent years in the popularity of serrated edges, and there's often confusion as to when a serrated edge is advantageous, versus when a plain edge is advantageous

About the Bowie Knife - A Bowie knife is commonly used in modern times to refer to any large sheath knife. The term also applies to a specific style of knife designed by Colonel James "Jim" Bowie and originally created by James Black.

History of the Bowie Knife - The first knife Bowie became famous with was allegedly designed by his brother Rezin in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana and smithed by blacksmith Jesse Cleft out of an old file.