How personal locator beacons and satellite messengers call for help where phones have no signal, how the 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat system and NOAA registration work, how two-way messengers and phone satellite SOS compare, and how to choose, register, test and use one. Continue reading Satellite Messengers vs Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for Campers: How They Work and Which to Carry
Wildfire Smoke and Camping: Checking Air Quality, Protecting Your Health and When to Leave
How wildfire smoke affects campers, how to read the Air Quality Index and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, who is most at risk, what masks actually help, how to plan around smoke and fire closures, and the signs it is time to pack up and go. Continue reading Wildfire Smoke and Camping: Checking Air Quality, Protecting Your Health and When to Leave
The Ten Essentials for Camping and Hiking: What Each One Covers and How to Pack Them
The Ten Essentials explained for campers: where the list came from, what each of the ten systems includes, how to scale it for day hikes, car camping and backpacking, and the mistakes that leave people unprepared. Continue reading The Ten Essentials for Camping and Hiking: What Each One Covers and How to Pack Them
Map and Compass Basics for Campers: Reading Topo Maps, Taking Bearings and Declination
A beginner’s guide to navigating with a paper map and compass: parts of a baseplate compass, reading topographic contour lines, orienting a map, taking and following a bearing, adjusting for magnetic declination, plus how to combine paper navigation with GPS and phone apps. Continue reading Map and Compass Basics for Campers: Reading Topo Maps, Taking Bearings and Declination
Fall Camping Tips: Cold Nights, Short Days, Hunting Season and What to Pack
How to make the most of autumn camping: dressing and sleeping warm on cold nights, planning around shorter days and the end of daylight saving time, staying safe during hunting season, seasonal campground closures, wildlife, ticks and a fall packing checklist. Continue reading Fall Camping Tips: Cold Nights, Short Days, Hunting Season and What to Pack
Beach Camping Tips: Tides, Wind, Sand, Rip Currents, Permits and Wildlife
How to camp on or near the beach safely and comfortably: reading tide tables, choosing a site above the high tide line, anchoring tents in sand, handling wind, salt and bugs, rip current safety, permits and protecting nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. Continue reading Beach Camping Tips: Tides, Wind, Sand, Rip Currents, Permits and Wildlife