Camping & Outdoors Features Archives

There was probably a day in your childhood when, dressed in your yellow rain suit and galoshes, you loved stomping around in puddles. Now, all grown up, you find rain too wet, and always screwing up your playtime. The spring rainy season isn't too far off though, so don't let a little water get you down. We've detailed some guidelines for buying rain gear to keep you nice and dry whether you're outside for play or en route to work.

There are few places as majestic as America's national parks, from the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the wonders of Yellowstone to the serenity of the Smoky Mountains. And nature won't cost you much if you're equipped with a few tips on how to minimize the expenses of enjoying the nation's great parks and historical sites.

Oh, to have the eyes of a hawk, able to spot a mouse a half-mile away! Of course, being more clever than hawks, ever-adapting human beings invented the binoculars, which give us even better long-distance sight. Whether your passion is watching birds, hunting, boating, or even studying the stars, a good pair of binoculars can bring these objects of interest up close and personal. And although the notion of specialized optical equipment may make you see "$$$," we're here to bring you the best deals and discounts on binoculars around.

If you've ever dreamed of soaring with the birds with the Earth scrolling beneath your wings, then you might have noted the fairly popular deal we posted on flying lessons last week. If you're one of our readers who jumped on the deal, you may now have visions of flight school (and maybe Top Gun) dancing through your head. But just how much would it cost you to get your private pilot certificate?

Are you on the hunt for informational resources for your outdoors activities, but hesitant about carrying around cumbersome guidebooks? With these eight outdoors apps for both iPhone or Android, you'll have all the information you need at your fingertips. And in some cases, these apps you can even save you some money to put toward, say, a new set of golf clubs or a telescope.

Snow may seem like the enemy when you're shoveling your walk or commuting through it, but for the skier, a heavy snowfall is a ticket to heaven. Few moments in life are as exhilarating as gliding down a mountain, carving smooth curves in fresh snow. If you're itching to give the sport a try, read our checklist of the gear you'll need, and about how much you can expect to pay.

Twenty-first century technology has revolutionized the way hikers and hunters explore the woods. Both handheld GPS units and smartphones have compasses, but which is more reliable out in the middle of Mother Nature? Are smartphones replacing GPSs in this area as well? We compared the two technologies to determine which is the better wilderness guide for your needs.

The leaves have fallen, and have been raked and bagged. Now snow season is making its way down from the northern climes, and you'll soon have to shovel before you can walk in a winter wonderland. Before you resign yourself to breaking your back tossing snow with the standard shovel, read our feature on the various snow-removal options available — including a pretty nifty levered shovel — that can make your life easier.

Don't hibernate this winter: keep active with a winter hike and experience the majesty of a winter landscape. Just remember to bundle up! We've got tips (and deals) on what the well-dressed hiker should wear, from head to toe, this upcoming season.

When pumpkins appear on front stoops and the trees turn into a blaze of color, the season is near for a tradition hearkening back to the dawn of man: the hunt. The whole experience, however, can be ruined by making a poor choice on footwear. Who wants to stalk game on sore feet? We've got tips for selecting the proper hunting boots as well as coupons and deals to fit your budget.

The smells and sights of fall have arrived, and now's the perfect time to go exploring — but not without the proper gear and provisions. Tom Barlow offers this checklist for finding the best hiking equipment for day-long trips, including: boots, navigation tools, and emergency kits for your autumn adventure.

Camping in the fall can be a delight, but at the end of the day, your comfort depends on picking the right sleeping bag for the weather and your needs. How do you make the right choice? Tom Barlow has the factors you should consider, and some deals to make the purchase even easier.

Flat-water kayaking is a serene and cooling sport, and with a few convenient coupon codes we found, you can give it a try at a discount. Tom Barlow rounds up the necessities — from the boat to the dry bag — to get you paddling.

You may be tempted to spend these summer days fishing by the water, peacefully waiting to reel in a hard-earned catch. But if you aren't equipped for it, where to begin? Tom Barlow details how to assemble a basic tackle box for freshwater fishing. And being dealnews, we grabbed a few selections at lowest-we-could-find prices to get your started.

From hacking down branches to filleting a fish to breaking open impenetrable packaging on a new purchase, we all come across a need for knives on an everyday basis. But it's always best to find the best knife for the job, especially for use in the great outdoors. Here's a guide to the best knives for the purpose, and how (and where) you can get them for the best price.

If what you really want to do this summer is lounge around by the pool, don't let the cost stop you. Green Dad Lou Carlozo has figured out eight ways to lower the costs of buying and maintaining a pool right in your own backyard.

Your enjoyment of your next hiking or camping trip is directly dependent upon how you carry your gear. If you have an older backpack (think pre-1999), then you might want to check out how technology has improved the ride. Tom Barlow tells you how to pick the right pack and get it for the best price.