explainer

Knife Blades: Common Steels Explained

We looked at common steels used by popular knife brands to help you select the right material for your blade.

Written by Anthony Sculimbrene & Sean McCoy April 11, 2024

SRAM Groupset Hierarchy Explainer: What You Need to Know

SRAM groupset hierarchy inches closer to electronic-only as the brand continues its fast-paced development.

Written by Seiji Ishii and Mark Wilson March 27, 2024

Thru-Hiking Culture Shock: Navigating Trail Differences Between the US and Europe

I’ve thru-hiked several long trails in the United States, but after 5 weeks on Spain’s GR11 trail, I realized that there are some big differences…

Written by Brett Kretzer March 12, 2024

Turkey Hunting 101: The Gear That Gets the Job Done

We’ve put together a list of turkey hunting gear that will help you be successful and comfortable while you’re out chasing gobblers.

Written by Rachelle Schrute March 07, 2024

Treasure Hunting for Antlers: An Intro to Shed Hunting

On a weeklong Utah trip with SITKA Gear, hunting guides and experts dove into a range of tactics to strike gold. Here’s how to start…

Written by Morgan Tilton March 04, 2024

Ski the Back Bowls of Vail: GearJunkie’s Guide to Shredding the Legendary Powder

The Back Bowls of Vail command a legendary status as some of the best in-bounds skiing in the world. Here’s a guide to navigating them,…

Written by Will Brendza February 16, 2024

Backcountry Communication: Using Satellite Communicators, PLBs, Apps, and More

From backcountry satellite communication devices to PLBs, two-way radios, and more, here are the tools you can use to contact the outside world or to…

Written by David Young February 15, 2024

How to Backcountry Camp in Winter: The Ultimate Gear Guide, Pro Tips, and Considerations

Packing, staying warm, setting up camp, cooking, and thriving in the backcountry in the depths of winter gets a lot easier when you know what…

Written by Bergen Tjossem February 06, 2024

Crested Butte Unleashed: Navigating the Birthplace of Extreme Inbounds Skiing

Crested Butte is known for extreme skiing and pioneered lift-serve access to super-steep terrain.

Written by Morgan Tilton February 06, 2024

How Not to Drive in Snow: Pro Tips for Winter Drivers

Want to know how to drive in snow? It’s easy — just don’t do these boneheaded things. Instead, plan ahead, slow things down, and don’t…

Written by Sean McCoy December 27, 2023

Skiing With Dogs: Tips and Tricks From a Professional Avi Dog Trainer

One of the greatest benefits of skiing in the backcountry is that your dog can come along for the ride. Here are a few tips…

Written by Will Brendza December 06, 2023

Youth Hunting 101: Tips for Mentoring Kids in the Field

We put together some key hunting tips for youth and hunting gear to help make your young hunter successful and comfortable in the field.

Written by Justin Brouillard November 13, 2023

Spring Tent Care: How to Clean, Patch, and Waterproof a Tent

Whether you tore it, trashed it, or put it away wet, we’ve got you. Here are top tips from the experts to revitalize your tent…

Written by Adam Ruggiero and Andrew Marshall October 04, 2023

How to Wash a Down Jacket

Don’t be intimidated to wash your down jacket. This handy guide will take the mystery out of the process, so you can wash without worry.

Written by Adam Ruggiero September 28, 2023

Ultramarathons: The 15 Stages of Suffering

Each ultramarathon is a unique journey into an abyss of pain and uncertainty. But when running more than 26 miles in one go, you can…

Written by Sean McCoy August 18, 2023

Engines 101 Video Series: Even Our Experts Learned a Thing or Two

The Toyota Engines 101 videos have kid-friendly, simple explanations and great animations of how everything goes together. They also add enough detail that even our…

Written by Evan Williams January 25, 2023

Ceramic Window Tint: You Might Not Have Heard of It, but You Want It

Learn about ceramic window tint and which companies use nanotechnology to keep your car cool and protected from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Written by Derek Mau December 21, 2022

How to Make Backpacking Suck Less? It Might Be Easier Than You ‘Think’

This brief explainer from MyLifeOutdoors provides tips and tricks for sharpening your backpacking head game.

Written by Jilli Cluff July 25, 2022

How to Fish a ‘Shoreline Bucket’: Trout Fly Fishing 101

What’s a shoreline bucket and what makes it such a prime lie for trout? This brief explainer from Jensen Fly Fishing reels it in.

Written by Jilli Cluff July 18, 2022

Learn How to Jump a Mountain Bike in 7 Minutes

All of us can appreciate when somebody tells it like it is — no obscure technical jargon, no gatekeeper attitude. Watch this guy stick the…

Written by Sam Anderson July 11, 2022

Climbing Explainer: What Is a Portaledge and How Does It Work?

Nothing quite compares to being able to sit or lie down after toiling on a big wall for 10 hours. It’s crucial to have a…

Written by Christian Black February 02, 2022

How to Lace Running Shoes the Right Way: 12 Variations to Fit Your Foot

Before you give up on a pair of shoes because they hurt your feet, try lacing them based on this super handy chart.

Written by Adam Ruggiero June 16, 2021

10 Questions From Gym Climbing Newbies, Answered

Climbing indoors is intimidating. Here’s what to expect for your first visit to the gym climbing world.

Written by Nate Mitka May 01, 2019

How to Hike 25-Plus Miles a Day: A Thru-Hiker Explains

Hiking 25 miles in a day is absolutely doable. That may sound unrealistic to some, but thru-hikers do 25 miles every day. For months on…

Written by Paul Ingram March 05, 2019

Video: How Hand-Built Custom Skis Are Made

From ski shape to layering wooden boards, learn how one custom ski-maker, Wagner Custom Skis, handmakes skis in Telluride, Colo.

Written by Sean McCoy January 02, 2019

What’s on Your Reel? Fly Line and Backing Explained

Fly rods get all the glory, but when it comes to catching fish and delivering perfect casts, the line does much of the work. This…

Written by Chloe Nostrant June 27, 2018

Kids & Knives: Teaching The Primary Outdoors Tool

When’s the right time to teach a child how to use a knife, how do you do it safely, and what type of knife is…

Written by Anthony Sculimbrene March 23, 2016

The Comprehensive Gear Guide for Your Adventure Dog

Thousands of miles of hiking, running, and exploring with a dog have uncovered some must-have gear to keep you and your four-legged friend safe and…

Written by Mackenzie Lobby Havey March 17, 2016

Know Your Knife: Handle Grip to Blade Tip

Knives are one of our oldest tools, so it makes sense that they have evolved into thousands of styles since the first person chipped one…

Written by Sean McCoy August 22, 2014

Andrew Skurka: How To Choose A Great Outdoors Guide

You want to hire a guide for an outdoor adventure. Whether it be hiking, camping, climbing or mountaineering, these tips will help you choose the…

Written by Sean McCoy May 28, 2014

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