Climbing & Hiking

From Giardia and Crypto to Hepatitis A and E. coli, there are some nasty little critters lurking in your drinking water. Be prepared in an emergency too, by having the skills to purify water.

How to navigate on land without the use of instruments or anything but a map and some common sense skills.

This is a 14-mile, end-to-end hike (and wade and swim and bushwhack) of the West Fork canyon between Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona, requiring a vehicle shuttle. Allow at least 12 hours to do this as a day-trip.

A trip report from our hike up Seymour Mountain, one of the forty-six high peaks of the Adirondacks in New York. It ranks thirty-fourth on the list with a height of 4,120 feet.

Part 2 of a four-part series on how to navigate with a handheld GPS

How to navigate with a map and compass, with an overview of types of maps, compass parts, declination, intersection and resection.

A summary of the hike of Mt. Arab, Coney Mountain, and Goodman Mountain in the Adirondack Mountain range of New York. The three make up the Tupper Lake Triad.

A trip report from our hike on the Santanoni Range of the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate, N.Y. The range includes Santanoni, Couchsachraga, and Panther Mountains.

A trip report from a hike to the summit of St. Regis Mountain on June 15, 2019. St. Regis is part of the Saranac Lake 6'er Hiking Challenge and the mountain resides just to the north of the town of Saranac Lake, N.Y. in the Adirondack Park.

A 24-hour pack for Search and Rescue personnel (and anyone else who wants to be prepared for twenty-four hours in the backcountry).

In this article, I review the Keen Gypsum hiking boot. This tough new waterproof hiker conquers the trails while cushioning your feet. From backpacking to rugged hiking, I field tested the Gypsum for several months before writing this review.

A trail report and guide to climbing the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains.

Utah is a great place to visit with everything from the "greatest snow on earth" to unique and beautiful geological sites. This list is a convenient starting place for your next adventure.

A trip report from a hike to the summit of Ampersand Mountain on June 15, 2019. Ampersand is part of the Saranac Lake 6'er Hiking Challenge and sits on the west side of the town of Saranac Lake, N.Y. in the Adirondack Park.

Want to explore a place with a mysterious past? Try taking a walking tour of Gungywamp in Groton, Connecticut.

In what began as a simple solo snowshoeing trip in the Adirondack backcountry, a momentary lack of safety protocol pits a backpacker against potential death. Only a knife can change his fate.

Indoor rock climbing holds come in all shapes and sizes. Learning climbing hold names and types is essential to improving your climbing.

But you said to always hike with a small group didn't you? As solo hikers, we bear the scorn of the outdoor world. Outing clubs view us with disdain and park rangers scowl as we register as a "party of one." However responsible solo backpackers and hikers who manage their risk appropriately can have a safe and enlightening wilderness experience. This article offers encouragement, explanation, and skill sets for a safe solo hiking experience.

Don't be caught unprepared. Here's recommended day-hiking gear from a Search and Rescue volunteer.

So you want to go night hiking? Taking a hike in the darkness is more complicated than just grabbing a flashlight and heading down the trail. Use these trail-tested techniques for a safe night hiking experience.

Take a hike to the Eternal Flame Falls and see the wonder of a waterfall passing over a natural gas flame. Follow this trail map to find this treasure at Chestnut Ridge Park in New York.

Backpacking off Grand Canyon's beaten paths: My favorite rim-to-river hike on the South Rim

Pelican Island NWR was established in 1903 as the very first protected area of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Over 100 years later there are over 560 Wildlife Refuge areas for visitors to enjoy.

There are plenty of re-usable water bottles on the market today. But are they any safer than drinking out of a plastic one containing BPA left in the sun?

Technical rescue training with my teammates from Coconino County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team.

Mount Sinai Egypt, also known by some as Moses Mountain, is an awe-inspiring place, rich in history and religious significance. Read on to experience my climb up this majestic mountain.

Potentially life-saving gear hikers and other backcountry users should carry—some of it in the "just in case" category—whenever they hit the trail.

A trip report from our day hike to the Great Range in the Adirondacks. The Great Range is made up of many mountains with great views, right in the heart of the Adirondack Park. Our trip included Lower Wolfjaw, Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong, Gothics, Pyramid, and Sawteeth.

Join Outbound Dan Human on a short loop hike into the Niagara Falls Gorge from Devil's Hole State Park, down the Whirlpool Stairs and into the gorge past the iconic Giant Rock.

Considerations and opinions about going solo in the backcountry -- what do you think?

Tips and techniques for using hiking poles, and recommended brands and models, from a hiker who's used them for thousands of miles.

Information, tips, and suggested gear for section-hiking the CT based on our hike from Silverton to Durango, Colorado

Technical rescue training with my Search & Rescue team.

For some, hiking is a pastime. Others think of it as more of an adventure and a few just like to stroll. Whatever your objective, there are some things you should know before hiking in Arizona.

Established in 1951, the Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge provides hikers and bird enthusiasts with a chance to explore over 330 acres of pristine floodplain land along the Connecticut River.

My wife and I traveled two hours south of our Middle Tennessee home to visit Stone Door in South Cumberland State Park.

For nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts, the Menalon Trail is one of the best if not the best experience you will ever have in Greece. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of information online and so here is the detailed guide to give you a glimpse of what it's really like...

Has a skunk tried mating with your stinky sandals? If so, it is time to clean them. Follow these steps to remove the funky smell from your favorite summertime footwear.

From local day hikes to extended backpacking trips, everyone should carry the Ten Essentials while outdoors.

If you want a clean, well-maintained, quiet place to camp with your tent or RV, Iron Ridge Campground is your place.  If you want well-cleared, moderately tough trails to hike/run, the Lakeshore Trail that starts from the campground is the perfect compliment to a relaxing, yet adventurous getaway.

If you've been looking for a unique place to hike around Los Angeles, the Devil's Punchbowl may be it. This canyon is filled with interesting formations carved out by earthquakes and water erosion. It's one of my favorite places to hike.

Information and safety tips for hiking into the canyon during the hottest months of the year

It's not often that we have a long weekend open. Due to the cancellation of my 30-year class reunion that weekend, we made a last-minute decision to turn lemons to lemonade, fill our backpacks, and head out on our first Appalachian Trail section hike! It was an amazing 42-mile weekend!

If you're looking for the best running shoe for a big man, this article will provide insight and reviews of a few favorites. A bigger guy can still find a shoe that's comfortable and healthy.

GPS units are essential to successful Search and Rescue teams. This step-by-step guide illustrates the most common SAR GPS tasks. Directions work well for a Garmin Map 60 and other units.

This tutorial demonstrates how to easily install topographical maps on a Garmin GPSmap 62 series global positioning system.

A summary of our hike up Mount Colden in the Adirondack Mountains. This hike was our fourth high peak of the forty-six that qualify.

The trip report from our hike to Mount Marshall on Saturday June 22, 2019 via Avalanche Lake. Marshall is the twenty-fifth highest peak in the Adirondack Park with a height of 4,360 feet.

A well made knife can be a great hiking companion. Outbound Dan reviews several knives from multi-tools to neck knives for backpacking.

A look inside all Antelope Canyon has to offer, from guided tours of the canyon to kayaking on Lake Powell and camping on Antelope Island.

Peppersauce Cave in southern Arizona is relatively well known but not a tourist attraction. It's in a wilderness area on the north side of Mt. Lemon in the Santa Catalina mountains north of Tucson.

See geology at its best in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in northern Arizona.

The bounce box, or drift box, provides access to gear and supplies on your backpacking trip without actually having to carry it on your back the entire time.

Spelunking is very different from simply walking through a spacious cavern. My experience involved crawling on hands and knees through underground tunnels, and I describe it in this article.

The annual gathering of Appalachian trail hikers, from those who dayhike to those who hike the A.T. from end to end.

Adventure to one of Southern Utah's most untouched hideouts: Coyote Gulch, the hidden gem of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. I'll explain the fastest way to get there and what you must see.

Information, advice, and moral support for new or aspiring climbers, based on personal experience.

Hiking in Western North Carolina near Asheville offers majestic views, fun adventures and historical significance. Paint Rock is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Asheville near Hot Springs, NC.

Signal Hill National Historic Site, in St. John's, has several excellent hiking trails. Rated from easy to difficult, they all offer panoramic views and breathtaking scenery.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. How to get there and climb to the summit. Includes a Ben Nevis map and practical tips.

A trip report from our hike up Phelps Mountain in the Adirondack Park of Upstate, N.Y. Phelps is the thirty-second highest peak of the Adirondack forty-six high peaks with an elevation of 4,160 feet.

As a Search & Rescue volunteer myself since 2007, I've put together this page to give you an idea of what "SAR" is all about and how you can get involved with a team in your area.

In the search for the perfect Search and Rescue 24-hour pack, Outbound Dan finds the Terra 35 from The North Face a durable and comfortable option.

Take a virtual tour of this geological, scenic gem, along with information, safety tips, and directions for making the trip yourself to this remote location.

Part 1 of a four-part series on how to use a handheld GPS unit.

Things to think about before venturing into the backcountry, brought to you by a Search and Rescue volunteer who sees a lot of people who made one or more of these mistakes.

Visit one of the strangest rock formations in the western hemisphere. Make the Bisti Badlands a must see during your next trip to New Mexico and have an otherworldly experience.

If you have the opportunity, take a walk through your old neighborhood where you grew up. It can awaken lost feelings and bring back childhood memories.

Even though hiking is a rewarding activity, it has its potential risks too. A slippery rock can turn a simple day hike into a complex rescue mission. Outbound Dan offers 10 tips to hikers on how to stay safe in the outdoors.

The 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia attracts millions of hikers each year. Additionally about 500 people each year successfully backpack the entire length of the trail. This article explores the history and culture of hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Making our way through "The Jug," a slot canyon along Salome Creek: a trip report

A summary of our hike to the Dix Mountain Range in the Adirondacks. The Dix Range includes the high peaks of Macomb, South Dix (Carson), East Dix (Grace), Hough, and Dix.

What is the best backpacking stove for your next wilderness adventure? This article covers the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of camping stoves.

Situated near Clochan, in Kerry, Ireland, the Lough Adoon valley at Ballyhoneen contains rock art, wedge tombs, ancient settlements, & monuments from the Bronze Age to Early Christian times.

How to use and read a compass; a valuable outdoor skill for fun and survival. An introduction to the device and its basic use.

Over three days, I backpacked over Sawteeth, Gothics, Saddleback, Basin, Gray, and Dix Mountains. I had a slight fall, a bad weather bivy, an unplanned ceremony, and a meeting with a bear.

A full trip report from our hike to the summits of Seward, Donaldson and Emmons in the Adirondack Park of upper New York on July 3, 2019. The three mountains are part of the Adirondack Forty-Six Hiking Challenge.

As snow recedes and wildflowers bloom, the trail calls to hikers in spring time. Follow these five safety tips for safe hiking in spring.

Why cotton kills ,and why you shouldn't wear it for backpacking or hiking clothing.

A four-day hike on the Bruce Trail on Ontario's Bruce Peninsula. I went 72 miles in four days. I wanted to see how fast I could go on mixed terrain.

Bright Angel Trail, a corridor trail, is one of the most popular trails at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Despite Backpacker Magazine declaring it one of America's Most Dangerous Hikes, with water sources, some shade, rest areas, and a park ranger presence, it is the safest trail at the Grand Canyon. It is a frequent route to or from Phantom Ranch. We hiked to 3 Mile Resthouse and back to the South Rim; a 6 mile, 2110 foot adventure.

Geocaching (GEE-oh-cash-ing) is a great outdoors recreational activity that's similar to a scavenger hunt. There is a hidden object, and you're given clues and GPS (global positioning) coordinates to help you find it. It's incredibly fun, and...

Recommended gear for preparedness on the trail, from a member of a Search & Rescue team, who sees a lot of people who could have avoided (or at least alleviated) problems with proper equipment

Ever have a pair of boots that leaked, blew out a seam, or fell apart after only a few months of use? Read more to see if the defective boots can be replaced per their warranty service.

How to climb Mount Toubkal, Morocco, without using a local guide service, including route details, required equipment, and important local specifics.

Are you looking to buy new hiking or backpacking boots? A footwear manager and backpacker guides you through the boot buying decision making process.

Looking for a jacket to push to the limits of outdoor adventure? Check out this review of the Victorio jacket from Mountain Hardwear. In this review, I test the durability, breathability, and waterproofness of this new Dry.Q Elite jacket.

Information about long-distance footpaths around the globe, grouped by continent. Have you hiked any of these trails or routes? Want to?

A trip report from my May 31, 2019 hike to the summit of Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. Hunter is the second highest peak in the Catskills with an elevation of 4,040 feet.

A dozen beautiful hikes in San Diego County: desert, ocean, and everything in between.

The East Coast Trail consists of 26 developed wilderness paths along 300km of coastline on the East Coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Bay Bulls to the lighthouse is the first 3.5km of the Spout Path.

Outbound Dan Human recounts his more than two thousand-mile backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail. Memories of the southbound thru hike are shared through a collection of pictures.

Hiking boots that help foot and heel pain can set you free to explore nature without pain. Here are 5 of the best pairs of hiking boots for sensitive feet.

Insider tips on where to hike for a short day trip and a longer over-nighter, Park trail vs. Forest trail comparison, details on park and pack campsites, and another reason to visit Central Ohio!

A pictorial guide of one of my favorite (long) dayhikes from -- and back to -- the South Rim of Grand Canyon

What is a trail register? It is more than a ledger tracking the comings and goings of backcountry users. It is a chronicle of adventure, detailing the impressions of time well spent in nature.

A trip report from the hike on Allen Mountain in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Allen is the 26th highest Adirondack peak with an elevation of 4,340 feet.

From south to north—or north to south—in one day, one week, or more.

A dayhike to the O'Leary Lookout.

Learn to follow footprints and other types of clues in all types of terrain.