Hikes

Second Class Boy Scouts work on building their outdoor survival and camping skills. Compass work, nature observation, camp tools, and swimming are areas where new skills are mastered and demonstrated. A second class scout, having completed all the requirements, should be able ...more

Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to boys. However, keep in mind that the ...more

Duct (or Duck) tape is one of the most useful products for repairing things (and we mean anything) every invented. This video explains why and how you should bring a few feet of duct tape with you when you go for a long backcountry hike. By wrapping it around your trekking pol ...more

This video shows you what to bring for a hike.

Preparing for a hike is easy with these tips. Get advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors in this video tutorial. Take action: use appropriate footwear, bring a first-aid kit, water, and food, and use walking sticks in uneven terrain. John Flaherty, the instructo ...more

In this online backpacking video series, learn from expert hiker and backpacker Kate Carcio with Zoar Outdoor. She will teach you the multi day hiking essentials, before you hit the trail. Part 1 of 15 - How to Plan a multi day hike. Plan a multi day hike - Part 2 of 15. Click ...more

Hiking is easy with these tips. Get advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors in this video tutorial. Take action: pace yourself, don't take too many long breaks, maintain good posture, keep a light spring in your step, and bring plenty of food and water. John Flah ...more

This video illustrate us how to wear and distribute the load of your hiking backpack. Here are the following steps: Step 1:First of all distribute the weight in the bag in such manner that more weight lies closer to the body and lighter parts are away from the body. Step 2: ...more

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to adjust a hiking backpack. Begin by loosening all the straps on the backpack. Then load the backpack onto yourself. Have the majority weight of the backpack on the hips. Tighten the hip belt and strap it around the hips. Make adjustm ...more

Finding out your torso length is half the battle. Backpacker's Gear editor Kristin Hostetter explains all the strategies to you need to find a good-fitting backpack--from how to simulate a fully-loaded pack, to what to look for in hip belts and shoulder straps. Learn how to fi ...more

We will be setting up a portable radio in the mountains. It will be established in a clearing with available rocks for setup. The equipment we will be using is a Yaso radio with microphone and headphone, coaxial cable, slight line and weight, 13.5 battery pack, 2o and 40 meter ...more

In this survival video series, learn how to survive hiking in the Appalachian Mountains from hiking expert David Jackel. David will teach you how to survive hiking in the Appalachian Mountains with camping tips and survival techniques such as how to pack for a camping trip in ...more

In this tutorial, we learn how to fit a backpack for long distance hiking. For scouts, look for a backpack with an adjustable torso so the pack can grow with you. After this, have the sales staff help you adjust your pack correctly, and measure how long the pack is on your bac ...more

A short how to video on how to perform a safe stream crossing or ford using trekking poles when ultralight backpacking. Hiking or trail running often involves crossing or fording rivers and streams. Make sure you cross the water properly so that you don't get caught in a curre ...more

Ali Alami with Fit Climb demonstrates how to get in shape for mountaineering. You can do these exercises in a park or at home. Your core and lower body are important in mountaineering. First, find a wet, wood bench that is four to six inches off of the ground. Do step ups to w ...more

This is a demonstration of sewing a rolled hem. A rolled hem is a stitch that is used most often when making your own gear for backpacking or hiking. Making your own gear is beneficial because you can make it totally custom, which fits your needs. This is a basic stitch, but v ...more

You literally carry it on your back for miles upon miles (or, depending on your locale, kilometers upon kilometers). Make sure it fits right. This guide will make sure you know everything you need to know to ensure that your hiking pack fits snugly and comfortably.

The advice from this video by the National Park Service is: 1. Make loud noises so you don't sneak up on them 2. Carry a bear spray 3. Know the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear. So watch this video and get more details on how to be safe in bear country - whet ...more

The lean-to is one of the most basic shelters imaginable, but if you're out in the wilderness and bad weather strikes unexpectedly one can save your life. This video will teach you how to use supplies you have in your backpack to build a lean-to shelter.

Trekking poles are the fancy, adjustable, modern version of the walking sticks of yore. If you are lucky enough to be using one on a long hike, make sure that you are using it properly! This video will teach you how to adjust your trekking pole to the proper height, ensuring t ...more

Insects can be a big nuisance while you are hiking. Different parts of the country and different parts of the world have different kinds of stinging, nasty, biting insects. Preventing insect bites is easy with these tips. Get advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoo ...more

Healing a broken heart can take time, but, if you treat it as a learning experience, you’ll discover a lot about yourself. You Will Need * Healing music * Long walks * A writing journal * A close friend or relative Step 1 Listen to soft, healing music, such as classical or ne ...more

This easy recipe for a grilled chicken sandwich is great for a picnic. Use ciabatta bread with a little olive oil, shitake mushrooms, garlic, chicken, and shallots. This sandwich packs well for long hikes or sack lunches. Pack some fresh greens for a refreshing side dish.

Out for a leisurely hike in the woods? Well, don't leave home without a few simple supplies or you could be facing a survival situation out-of-doors. Make sure to take supplies along with you, like a compass, but make sure you know how to use it. Watch this video outdoor safet ...more

Packing for a hiking trip is easy with these tips. Get advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors in this video tutorial. Take Action: pack heavy items at the bottom, bring extra water, and include a first-aid kit in your pack. John Flaherty, the instructor in this ...more

Breaking-in hiking boots can be a pain. Get tips and advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors in this video tutorial. Take action: use more time to break in bigger boots, wear boots around the house first, and avoid long hikes. John Flaherty, the instructor in thi ...more

Is it time for your planned hiking adventure? Hiking is great, but mountain hiking, through the brush and rocks, is even better. Going for a hike in the mountains can be exhilarating, but it also has its dangers. Make sure you pack for the occasion. You Will Need * A hiking ...more

Picking hiking gear is easy with these tips. Get advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors in this video tutorial. Take action: purchase a quality backpack with a good hip belt, bring some sort of shelter, bring plenty of food and water, and pack clothing for appro ...more

Going home for the holidays? Flights during this time of year can get pretty pricey because air carriers know that a lot of customers will need to fly. There are ways around the fare hikes though. In this tutorial, Rick Seaney, CEO Farecompare.com, an airfare shopping site, an ...more

In this video David Atkinson guides us through how to pack a backpack for a camping trip. The first step would be to include the bed and breakfast gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad clothes and water)and then we need stone fuel for cooking and cook kit, food, headlamp, toi ...more

This video gives you tips on how to pack your backpack for wilderness hiking. A standard backpack will do just fine. As for the gear, there are a few essential items that you must pack, such as a sleeping bag and a ziploc bag to keep your clothes dry and bowls and spoons. You ...more

Wade Bourne of MyOutdoorTV.com shows you how important it is to take care of leather hiking boots. Leather boots are expensive, and they should be treated like an investment. This means giving them proper care to extend their life and receive the greatest use and value for yo ...more

Whether it stands for “good old raisins and peanuts” or “granola, oats, raisins, and peanuts,” gorp is a great food for the outdoors. Learn how to make gorp for your next camping trip. You will need: a bowl nuts or seeds, like peanuts, almonds or sunflower seeds granola or cer ...more

Learn how to buy a pair of hiking boots, and what you can do to prevent blisters, sore arches, even chronic foot problems in 6 easy steps. Backpacker magazine editors Jason Stevenson and Jackie Ney show you how. Learn more from Backpacker's Gear School in the March 2007 Gear G ...more

As a Boy Scout, when the First Class rank is attained, a scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills of a scout. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid fo ...more