Climbing & Hiking

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

Recommended hiking trails in and around the mountain town of Ouray

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

As a resident of San Marcos, Texas and an avid hiker, these are my personal Top 5 trails to hike in San Marcos. These are relatively short hikes ranging from about a mile to 8.4 miles. Some hikes could be longer depending upon the route you take. Always remember to stay safe and stay hydrated!

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.

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

Enjoy great hiking and wide open spaces just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Discover Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

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 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.

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?

A summary of our hike and the trials and mistakes we made on the mountains of Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge in the Adirondacks. Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge are two of the forty-six Adirondack high peaks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Newfoundland is a hiker's paradise with more than 200 hiking and walking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, covering thousands of kilometers of this beautiful island.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Technical rescue training with Search & Rescue: Learning to belay

Max Patch is a beautiful place to visit and hike in Western North Carolina. There are a number of options for hiking. You can also just climb to the summit - about 1/2 mile - and enjoy the 360-degree views.

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.

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.

Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with hiking opportunities at all levels of difficulty. Here are a few family-friendly trails that we enjoyed.

Gulf Hagas, the Grand Canyon of Maine, very remote and only about 4 miles long and 100 feet deep, is filled with breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, pools, and sheer rock walls.

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

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 our day trip to Cliff and Redfield Mountains in the Adirondack Park of Upstate, N.Y. In the Adirondack 46 High Peaks, Cliff is the 44th highest peak at 3,960 feet and Redfield is 15th at 4,606 feet.

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.

Mount Jefferson, in Ashe County in western North Carolina, offers picnicking and seven miles of wonderful hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous.

Technical rescue training with my Search & Rescue team.

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

In this 100-mile review, the Keen Marshall hiking boot is thoroughly tested during backpacking and hiking trips.

This is very different from walking through a spacious cavern. It literally involves crawling on hands and knees through underground tunnels. I once had this experience and I'll describe it. It's called Spelunking.

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.

Steep & Cheap is a legit website and business. Here's what you need to know about buying discount outdoor gear on Steep & Cheap.

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.

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

Hanging Rock State Park is about a half-hour drive north of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and has some of the best hiking trails in the Triad. This park also has four waterfalls and even a mountain cave called Tory's Den.

A trip summary from the hike on Nippletop and Dial Mountains in the Adirondacks. Nippletop and Dial are two of the forty-six high peaks in the mountainous region of New York State.

This article is intended as a guide to the best hiking spots near Burlington, Vermont.

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.

A dayhike to the O'Leary Lookout.

Hiking Street Mountain and Nye Mountain in the Adirondack Mountain range of New York.

A giant reaching 5,895 meters, Mt. Kilimanjaro dwarfs all in its path. The pinnacle is blanketed in snow crystals and ice formations. Accessible from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, this natural wonder is high on the list for hikers from all over the world.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Although Phoenix is a huge city in the middle of the desert, it offers many hiking opportunities in its preserves. The perfect time to experience this environment is the winter.

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

As a newcomer to hiking, you may be wondering what brands to use, what gear to bring, and how to best prepare for a climb. With this introduction to trekking, you will be ready for your next adventure in no time.

Do you want to reach the highest peak in Poland? Learn more about the trail and how to prepare.

Technical rescue training with Search & Rescue: mechanical advantage, pulley systems, and packaging the patient for a raise.

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.

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

A trip report from a hike up to McKenzie and Haystack Mountains in the Adirondacks of Upstate, N.Y. Both mountains are part of the Saranac 6 Challenge.

Hike further and faster by adopting lightweight backpacking. These are my top tips for carrying a lighter pack.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Walking trails can be difficult, but also incredibly rewarding. Use these hiking tips to get to the top of every mountain...even if you aren't in the best physical shape!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Deciding what to put in your backpack for your first hitchhiking trip can be a hassle. You are worried about forgetting the important stuff and packing useless junk. This list is the perfect guide for beginners eager to embark on their first journey!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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

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

If you can go back where you grew up, take a walk through your old neighborhood. It might awaken lost feelings from childhood with enlightened consciousness.

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