Sleeping Bags vs. Quilts: What to choose?

Over the last few years, the popularity of sleeping bags has significantly decreased as many backpackers started using quilts instead. Quilts are basically lightweight insulated blankets and there is no doubt, that they’re great. They are very comfortable, lightweight and easy to fit in the backpack because they pack very small. However, sleeping bags do…

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Sleeping Bags vs Quilts

How to Choose the Right Backpack Size?

Buying a new backpack and not sure what size you need? In this article we’ll explain how to choose the right backpack size for your needs. Choosing the right size of backpack is tricky because it depends on many different factors such as duration of your activities, your packing style and quality of your gear….

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How to Choose the Right Backpack Size?

How to print topographic maps for free?

When you go out hiking, it’s good to bring a map, especially if you’re hiking in areas with little people or terrain that’s tricky navigation-wise. Electronic devices such as smartphones and handheld GPS devices are indeed great, but they don’t replace a map and a compass because they’re not as reliable. They can run out…

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How to print topographic maps for free

Hiking Pants vs Shorts: What is better for hiking?

When it comes to hiking, most people wear either hiking pants or shorts. Both garment types can be great for outdoor activities. Hiking pants are very versatile because they protect your legs against vegetation, terrain, insects and sun. Since they completely cover your legs, they are a great option for hiking year-round, although in winter…

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Hiking pants are perfect for hiking in changing weather conditions

What is a neck gaiter and what is it useful for?

I got my first neck gaiter in 2008 as a part of the promotional stuff you get in marathon bags. At first, I didn’t know what the tube-shaped piece of fabric was supposed to be used for but after a little bit of research I figured out that it’s a neck gaiter. I checked how…

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Neck gaiters laid out flat

Hiking with a Toddler: Tips and Advice

It is nothing short of wonderful to take your kids, big or small, with you out in nature for a hiking trip. All children are different, but there are still some common traits and needs for the different age groups when venturing out in the blue. Previously I wrote the article Hiking with a Baby:…

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Hiking with a toddler - be sure to lower the cockpit of the child carrier backpack as the child grows

Softshell vs Hardshell Jackets – What to choose?

If you need a jacket for protection against rain and wind, you can choose between a hardshell or a softshell jacket. While there are many similarities between hardshell and softshell jackets, the two garment types are ultimately made for different weather conditions. They also differ by breathability, weight, drying time, price and more. I own…

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Softshell vs Hardshell Jackets: Left a Hardshell jacket and right a Softshell jacket

How to Wash Outdoor Clothing?

Outdoor clothing is performance wear, which is made to make you perform better in the great outdoors whether it is in the form of a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer or a shielding shell layer. However, as all other apparel, outdoor clothing will get dirty eventually – from within as well as from without….

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How to Wash Outdoor Clothing - washing tags can be annoying and confusing, but are vital for taking proper care.