Outdoors & Gear
How to go fishing at night
Fishing after dark takes skill. Here are tips to help you catch your limit.
GUY GEAR
Sun protection buying guide
Be prepared for those broiling summer days with these handy tips and hot gear.
Backpack buying guide
Here’s an Eagle Scout’s advice on picking the perfect pack.
Gear checklists for your next trip
Need to know what you need to bring on your next trip? Here are gear checklists and expert tips for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Shell jacket buying guide
Be prepared for all sorts of weather with one of these jackets or “shells.”
Ski and snowboard buying guide
Get ready to shred with these need-to-know basic buying tips for skis and snowboards.
OUTDOORS
Camping quiz
Ready to put more “outing” into “Scouting”? You will be, once you ace this quiz on camping basics.
Watch Venturers take part in Road to Ranger program
Venturers from the Lone Star State take significant steps toward earning the Ranger Award during a week at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch in north Texas.
Emergency preparedness quiz
Whether you’re on the trail or just having fun in the park, it’s easy to get into trouble. Accidents happen. People don’t think ahead — or just plain don’t think. Here are 12 such situations. Would you know how to handle them? Take this quiz and compare your answers to those Boys’ Life got from the experts.
Five great outdoor games
Got some free time during a camp-out? Don’t hide in your tent. Get out and play!
How to set a steady hiking pace
The key to a smooth hike: setting the right pace. Here’s how to find it.
ASK THE GEAR GUY
Send in your question for the Gear Guy
- Mountain bike or road bike?
- Stuff We Like: Custom T-shirts
- White gas stoves more versatile
- Which tent material handles the sun?
- Stuff We Like: Pandora
- Keep kayak paddles from slipping
- Stuff We Like: Hammock shelters
- Hate leaving the tent to pee at night
- Discounts for Boy Scouts
- Stuff We Like: Injinji Toesocks
>> Click here to submit a Gear Guy question
ULTIMATE GEAR GUIDE
Check our buyer's guide before you shop
Here's the lowdown on how to buy great stuff:- Backpacking stoves
- Backpacking tents
- Backpacks
- Binoculars
- Daypacks
- Digital cameras
- First-aid kits
- Headlamps and flashlights
- Helmets
- Hydration systems
- Jackets and shells
- Mountain bikes
- Pocketknives and multi-tools
- Running shoes
- Skateboards
- Skis and snowboards
- Sleeping bags
- Sunglasses
- Tents
- Two-way radios
- Watches
YOUR PHOTOS
Post your outdoor and nature pictures
>> Click here to upload photos
>> Click here to see all the photos
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Guide to sharpening tools or tying knots
Can't remember how to tie a bowline? Looking for an easy guide to sharpening your knife. Check out these videos.>> Learn to tie knots
>> Sharpen an ax or knife
