Education

Your ski jacket is filthy. Don’t think so? Is it shedding water like it should? Or does the inside feel clammy after one run? Then guess what…It’s dirty. But I have good news: you can and should wash your ski jacket. Here’s how to do it right.

Avalanche danger in snowy mountains is real, even if you’re not a backcountry skier. So here’s an intro on how to stay safe in avalanche terrain (including being able to identify what avalanche terrain looks like). Yup, even if you’re “just” a hiker or snowshoer.

Winter hiking is a blast. Trails are less crowded, parking lots are empty, the views are spectacular (especially if there’s snow on the mountains where you live) and it’s a great excuse to indulge in your favorite trail snacks or a hot beverage (you burn more calories hiking in the cold). Here are some simple guidelines, recommendations and tips for what to wear winter hiking so you can enjoy the fourth season.

Have a puncture in your sleeping bag? A sticky zipper on your favorite backpack? A tear in your ski shell?Don’t trash it, repair it! Here’s how to repair outdoor gear.

These gear repair shops offer services for outdoorists across the U.S. so you can keep your gear in play and out of a landfill.

Clothing and gear can often be recycled. But you can’t just add it to your curbside bin. Here’s where to recycle clothing and outdoor gear.

Want an ultralight fleece like Alpha? Read this first to learn what they’re best for, what they’re not, and what you MUST know before you buy.

Don’t forget the necessities. Here are a few tips for making sure everything makes it into your pack.

Ever pooped in a bag in the great outdoors? If you haven’t, you’re either lucky enough to live and hike where catholes are allowed and recommended (read about when to dig a cathole and when to use a WAG bag HERE) or you haven’t yet spent enough nights deep in the wilderness. Because if there’s one thing most seasoned outdoorists know how to do, it’s poop in a bag. But there’s a first time for everything, so if you’re looking for how to use a WAG Bag, what they even are, or need some tips for reducing the ick factor and the smell when packing them out, we’ve got you covered.

Think you know bear safety? It’s kind of an important one. After all, different rules apply to different bears and situations: Is it a black bear or grizzly bear? Are there cubs present? Is the bear bluff charging? Did you leave food in your van in Yosemite National Park (that’s a big no no)? Plus there are a lot of myths out there that range from nonsense to just plain dangerous.

So brush up on your bear safety knowledge with our handy quiz (see all of our quizzes here), then challenge your friends!