Outdoor 101

Sprinter Van camped at free dispersed campsite in Colorado during fall with mountains in the background

My Exact Process for Finding Free Dispersed Campsites Away from Crowds

Kristen Bor looking out at mountains and fall colors in Telluride, Colorado while hiking the Wasatch Connector Trail

Day Hiking Essentials: What I Bring on Every Hike

An orange tent at a campsite with green grass and mountains

How to Reduce Waste on Car Camping Trips

Tips and advice on how to successfully introduce your partner to camping for the first time.

11 Tips for Taking Someone Camping for the First Time

Tent pitched at a backcountry campsite next to a lake

How to Choose a Backcountry Campsite (that follows Leave No Trace)

Kristen Bor backpacking in Sequoia National Park

Backpacking 101 for Beginners: My Tips for Your First Trip

Woman sitting on the ground in front of a backpacking tent cooking on a backpacking stove

My 3-Day Backpacking Checklist (with PDF)

Girl on a backpacking trip in Kings Canyon National Park in Dusy Basin holding a trail map

17 Beginner Backpacking Mistakes to Avoid

A woman sits on top of an RTIC cooler outside of a MSR Habitude Tent while car camping

Car Camping Essentials: Packing Checklist (with Printable PDF)

Protecting your skin from the sun is especially important if you spend lots of time outdoors. Learn all about sun protection for hiking.

Essential Sun Protection Tips For Hikers

A pair of feet hanging out of a backpacking tent with mountains in the distance,

How to Prevent & Treat Hiking Blisters on the Trail

Woman hiking through dry meadow on high alpine hike in Colorado

65+ Essential Hiking Terms You Need to Know (A-Z Glossary)

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor on a rainy hike in Alaska

23 Tips For Hiking In The Rain: How To Stay Dry and Comfortable

Two people in tent lying on top of double sleeping bag

18 Tips for Sleeping in a Tent Comfortably (Plus, What Not to Do)

Being an REI Member comes with perks like REI coupons and discounts on gear rental. Learn all the benefits you get when you join the program.

12 Reasons to Become an REI Member

Learn our top winter hiking tips to keep you toasty and safe on cold and snowy trails, including advice on layering, snacks, staying hydrated & more.

25 Winter Hiking Tips for Staying Warm and Safe in the Snow

Kristen Bor setting up a tent at a lookout surrounded by fall colors

25 Essential Fall Camping Tips that I Use on Every Trip

Women standing on rocky section of the Mount Olympus Trail overlooking Salt Lake City Utah

22 Hiking Safety Tips Every Hiker Should Know

A woman backpacks through Sequoia National Park wearing a red backpacking pack

How to Pack a Backpacking Pack for a Multi-Day Hiking Trip

A woman smiles at the camera from her blue kayak. She is paddling in Golden Columbia River in Golden BC. She is wearing a life vest and sun hat while holding her paddle and not paddling.

Beginner Kayaking Tips for First-Time Paddlers

A family car camping setup with a tent and VW van

Family Camping 101: How To Go Camping with Kids

Man hiking on trail in the Italian Alps with baby strapped to chest

10 Practical Tips for Hiking with Kids

Hiking is a fantastic way to build strength, improve fitness, and cultivate mental health. Learn more about the physical and mental benefits of hiking.

11 Benefits of Hiking for Health and Well-Being

Woman hiking on a dirt trail in Colorado with low mountains in the background

How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking: Tips for Preparing for the Trail

A woman stands on the ground facing a bouldering wall while indoor rock climbing

A Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Rock Climbing

Learn how to snowshoe with our snowshoeing 101 guide. Get tips on how to find trails, what to wear, gear, important safety tips, and more.

How to Snowshoe: Beginner’s Guide

a man and woman cooking over a campfire

6 Easy One Pot Camping Meals

a truck camper on a beach at sunset

10 Truck Camping Tips for Beginners

Female bikepacker on fully loaded bike pedaling down red dirt road in Utah with red mesas and bluffs in distance

Beginner Bikepacking Tips: Preparing for Your First Overnight Ride

Learn how to put together a hiking first aid kit to keep you and your friends safe out on the trail with this DIY first aid kit checklist.

How to Build a Hiking First Aid Kit: A Complete Checklist

20 tried and true tips for staying warm while cold weather camping. Be prepared & comfortable for cold weather camping regardless of the temperature.

Backcountry Female Hygiene: How to Stay Clean While Camping

Bow of kayak on lake surrounded by fall foliage

Clean Drain Dry: Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Woman standing on paddle board paddling in calm water

Paddle Boarding for Beginners: SUP Tips and Gear

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor hiking the Kaweah Gap with backpacking gear in Sequoia National Park

Knee Pain Hiking Downhill? 10 Tips To Lessen Discomfort on the Trail

Learn how to have a safe campfire and Leave No Trace on your camping trips whether you're toasting s'mores or using a fire to stay warm.

How to Have a Safe Campfire & Leave No Trace

Woman hiking at high elevation on a rocky trail with mountain peaks in the background

How to Increase Your Lung Capacity for Hiking

An orange trowel, toilet paper roll, hand sanitizer, and Ziploc bag laid out on the ground. This is a poop kit for backpackers.

How to Poop Outdoors and Leave No Trace

Tips for Climbing Your First 14er

Tips for Climbing Your First 14er

Should your hiking boots be waterproof? Learn the difference between waterproof vs non-waterproof hiking boots and which ones you need.

Do You Need Waterproof or Non-Waterproof Hiking Boots?

If you're planning on thru hiking, learn how to train for a thru hike mentally and physically with these tips from PCT and JMT thru hikers.

How to Mentally and Physically Train for a Thru-Hike

Learn how to plan a backpacking trip! From how to pick a trail to what gear to pack, this guide covers all the important planning steps.

How to Plan a Backpacking Trip in 12 Simple Steps

Looking to discover new hikes? Here are the best hiking apps and trail finders to help you navigate and find local trails.

Best Hiking Apps for Finding Local Trails & Navigation