Hey! I’m James – a hobbyist camper and hiker, born and raised in Scotland.
I started this website out of a desire to reconnect to nature and have since involved my long-time friend, Fraser.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed escaping to the outdoors. This first started through family camping trips but, in an attempt to find some freedom, quickly turned into adventure camps.
These adventure camps were brilliant for my former teenage self. They had climbing, abseiling, kayaking, survival tips and culminated in the ultimate survival experience – being left with two friends on a remote, uninhabited island in the Scottish Hebrides with nothing but a sleeping bag, a bivvy and a couple of tools.
You can see a picture of me a few days before one of these survival experiences, desperately needing a haircut and with no idea I would soon be hunting for a cave for shelter and foraging for thistles to create possibly the most unappetising soup possible.
However, I’ve things have changed. I moved to the city, I went to university, I got a job and I’ve changed a lot as an individual.
Long gone are my days of wrapping myself in a bivvy to keep out the torrential rain, of covering myself with skin so soft to keep out the particularly annoying Midge (an industry secret) and of waking up only to find out that my tent was very much not waterproof.
This website encapsulates my attempt to reconnect with nature but doing so in a way that doesn’t leave me sodden and miserable. Equipment has come a long way since I was eating thistle soup, and being outdoors no longer needs to be uncomfortable.
If you’re a side sleeper, you know the pain of camping on the ground all too well. Even if you bring a sleeping pad and some pillows, you’ll likely be tossing and turning all night long. Even worse, you’ll wake up sore and feeling worse than ever before, making it hard to enjoy the great …
Although camping can be a lot of fun, sleeping in a tent on the ground is a lot less entertaining. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer on your next camping expedition. Instead, with the most comfortable camping cot, you can almost feel like you’re sleeping at home. While other amenities like pillows and a sleeping …
If you have a bad back, sleeping on the ground doesn’t sound very appealing. Even if you use a camping mattress, the ground can be so harsh and uneven that your back will undoubtedly be worse by the time you head home. Fortunately, an easy way to correct this problem is use a camping bed …
Camping as a couple can be a romantic and engaging experience. However, if you’re going to use a camping cot, you need to make sure you’re both comfortable. Otherwise, you might wake up sore and in pain, which can ruin the entire trip. While most double camping cots can work for this situation, you need …
Packing for overnight hiking involves more than worrying about weight and space. You need to protect fragile gear, ensure certain items are easily accessible and distribute everything in a back-friendly manner. But how do you pack the tent? Does everything have to go inside the backpack? How to pack a tent in a backpack in …
Choosing the optimal temperature for your sleeping bag might be challenging. A sleeping bag’s primary purpose is to keep you nice and warm when it’s chilly without leaving you drenched in sweat when the temperature rises. Many avid campers and hikers own more than one bag in their quest to find the optimal load distribution. …
One person’s favorite hammock knot is another person’s worst. The truth is that each known method has its pros and cons. The trick is establishing your priorities and choosing knots you feel confident in tying. No point using the “best method” if it’s only going to leave you in knots. There is not a singular …
Hammocks are setting off from porches and backyards and headed out camping. Some people love rocking to sleep, others want to gaze at the moon and the stars, and then some folks are done sleeping on the ground. But hanging a hammock in the great outdoors is different from clipping in on a deck. How …
The internet is full of advice on packing your backpack. But sometimes you have extra gear. For example, maybe you have a toddler or need an extra warm sleeping bag due to Raynaud’s syndrome. Whatever the reason, sometimes the sleeping bag won’t fit. So, what’s the best way to attach it? How to attach a …
Camping is all about organizing. The more thought put into packing and setup, the more enjoyable the experience. Nobody wants to dig through their underwear to find the coffee at o’dark-early. Nine campsite setup ideas: 1. Pack For Your Campsite With Purpose Packing with purpose takes longer than simply tossing whatever wherever. But the more …
We all know ash needs to be cold before removing it from a fire pit. There are warnings, “No hot ash,” plastered all over, including on trashcans and dumpsters. But throwing it away should be a last resort. Ash from wood and additive-free charcoal (not coal!) is good stuff and has a multitude of uses. …
Tents come in various styles, and each has its own special amenities. The yurt is a unique and interesting tent design that has become very popular amongst “glampers”. What, though, is a yurt tent? A yurt is a portable dome-shaped, tent-like dwelling made from a network of pliable wood poles and a waterproof covering of …
To people new to camping, it can be startling to discover that tents are sold with a second tent lacking a floor. However, this minimalist design isn’t for creating a separate covered area for dancing and picnics but is still for your tent. It is called a rain fly and will help make your camping …
Sleeping pads look like mattresses for monks or poor swimming pool floats. Thus, for campers with plenty of packing space, many forego these thin pads and sleep on air mattresses or cots. But while sleeping pads do add comfort, that isn’t their primary purpose; they are insulation. Sleeping pad R-values reflect its level of insulation. …
Pop-up tents are magical creations. While watching everybody else in the campground struggle to set up their nylon abodes, you unzip, it pops, you peg, and smug. However, that self-congratulatory feeling vanishes when it’s time to go home. So how the bleep–bleep do you fold a pop-up tent? How to fold a pop up tent …
Maintaining your hammock’s beautiful looks, scent, and functionality over time requires some regular maintenance, just like any other piece of outdoor equipment. The good news is that washing a hammock is much less complicated and time-consuming than washing a sleeping bag, tent, or any other delicate hiking or camping equipment. How to clean a hammock …
Fire pits, the at-home campfire, can be found in backyards across the world. But those of us late to the trend now have other options, such as the chiminea. Chimineas are hardly new, a staple in Spain, Mexico, California, and Arizona. However, they’ve finally gone mainstream. But are they just for artsy folks? Chimineas are …
Only dedicated travelers can fully appreciate and understand the value of a quilt or a sleeping bag. Spending the night without a warm bed or even a blanket to rest on is no laughing matter. You rely only on your quilt or sleeping bag to keep warm during the night. This raises the obvious question …
After an adventurous camping or backpacking weekend, returning from your trip means packing things away, cleaning tents, and, most importantly, washing your sleeping bag. What you do to maintain your bag will change based on whether it’s made of synthetic or down materials. Several backpackers and campers opt to hire an expert rather than spend …
Old-timey cartoon characters start fires twirling two sticks together in less than ten seconds. Of course, seasoned survivalists know it is never that simple, and scouts across America have the blisters to prove it. Nevertheless, knowing how to start a fire with sticks is the life-saving party trick to have. How to start a fire …
Choosing the best sleeping bag for camping adventures requires attention to a few details. You may tailor your purchase to your requirements by considering various parameters, including insulation, compression, cost, weight, etc. So, what is the difference between a down and a synthetic sleeping bag, and how do you choose? Down sleeping bags consist of …
Fire pits bring home one of the best parts of camping. The added ambience makes any evening that much more special, even if you are alone hanging out with the stars. But do fire pits have to be built directly on the ground, or can you install them on a deck? Most areas forbid the …
Tents are the iconic image of camping. Yet, many people end up giving up their favorite pastime due to back problems. Others begin using RVs or looking into van conversations. RVs and vans have advantages but add a barrier between you and nature. Thankfully, there are hammocks. Hammocks can be good for backs. They support …
Getting decent sleep can be the most challenging part of camping. Also, the ground gets harder when you age. Science may argue otherwise, but it’s a camping truth. Thus, even hardened, seasoned campers find themselves debating getting an air mattress or cot as middle-age rolls in. Air mattresses are easier to transport, take up less …
Camping chairs are handy, even when you are not on vacation. They can be used in the backyard and supplement your chairs when you have extra guests. But when these chairs are not in use, they can get in the way. Thus, I looked at the best ways to sash camping chairs. How to store …
Camping in freezing temperatures has often been left to mountaineers and folks living in northern regions, such as Canada, Alaska, and Norway. But more people are venturing into the outdoors in the off-season to escape the crowds. Yet, it’s still icy cold. Thus, some people have turned to hot tents. Hot tent camping involves a …
The two most common sleep support systems, the sleeping pad and the air mattress have their strengths and weaknesses. While an air mattress offers more luxury inside your tent, a sleeping pad is an ultralight backpacker’s best friend. Now that camping season has arrived, which one would you prefer for your outings? The decision between …
The term “recreational activities” is any physical or mental endeavor undertaken in the great outdoors to relieve stress, increase fitness, or elicit pure enjoyment. The important thing about leisure time is having fun and enjoying every moment. The very thought of spending time on these activities should make you happy and excited. Recreational Activities Examples: …
While you’re in the wilderness, your tent serves as your home. It shields you from the weather and ensures seclusion from people around you. Most people go camping but are unaware of the construction of a tent. A tent has many parts, each intended for a specific purpose. What are all the parts of a …
Camping in the great outdoors is a terrific way to disconnect from technology, escape the stresses of daily life, and enjoy yourself. However, nothing can ruin a camping trip like a bad night’s sleep in an oppressive, cramped, and uncomfortable tent. Therefore, we’ve produced a list of the most useful suggestions to ensure you have …
Camping conjures up different images depending on the person. For some, it involves a tent. For others, it means an RV that ticks off states visited across the USA. Then there are those unique souls that find both those options far too bourgeoisie. So, what are the different types of camping? 1. Car Camping Car …
There is romanticism in sleeping under the stars. It is the ultimate outdoor experience, as a person lets go of the everyday barriers humans put between them and nature. Yet nature isn’t just falling stars and the chirp of crickets, but mosquitos and storms. So, is a bivy enough, or are tents better? Bivy sacks …
It’s a classic summertime disappointment to open the cooler in search of a refreshing beverage, only to discover that the bottles and cans are floating in the water, with no sign of any ice. Many people, especially those who love exploring the great outdoors, rave about their YETI coolers and how it keeps their items …
Hiking in jeans and an organic cotton t-shirt sounds like the perfect outfit for a beautiful spring day. But it isn’t the most comfortable choice. Not only could you end up feeling cold and clammy (yes, exactly as awful as that word sounds), it is a recipe for chafing. Instead, dress better for the outdoors. …
One of the most exciting and sociable things about camping is participating in campfire BBQs and other communal meals. Camping is a wonderful way to take in life’s simple pleasures, such as eating delicious food and taking in the sounds and scenery of nature. Every camper’s biggest dread is the inevitable aftermath: washing up. Luckily, …
One of the most iconic parts of camping is dying out due to wildfires: the campfire. Thankfully, this cozy tradition can often be enjoyed in our backyards, thanks to fire pits. But with fire comes great responsibility, including cleaning the pit. Unfortunately, you can’t stick it in the dishwasher. Here’s how to clean a fire …
Maintaining your tent by treating and cleaning it regularly will extend its useful life. Sun exposure, mold spores, humidity, and airborne pollutants caused by vegetation, are just a few environmental elements that can vary greatly from one site to the next. So how do you clean a canvas tent? How To Clean A Canvas Tent: …
“Cotton kills” is a popular mantra in the hiking community. But after James Dean and Marlon Brandon made jeans cool in the 50s, jeans spent decades as the clothing to wear for everything, including hiking. Just look at snaps from the 60s and 70s. Thus, the “don’t wear jeans hiking” seems extreme. Wearing jeans while …
You can find a tent in almost every big outdoor supply company, but only a few tent brands are reliable in harsh weather. It doesn’t matter where you’ll be going; the quality of your tented accommodation may tremendously impact the quality of your adventure. We have reviewed and selected 13 of the best tent brands …
Outdoor recreational activities provide a wonderful opportunity to unwind and fully immerse in nature. They help you decompress and reconnect with your environment, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced society. Outdoor activity options include kayaking, hiking, swimming, camping, etc.; we have listed them and many more! 33 fun outdoor recreational activities include the following: If …
One of the hidden drawbacks to camping is figuring out how to store your stuff. It’s even more frustrating if you live in a snug apartment or one of those adorable and trendy tiny homes. Thus, it’s tempting to cram gear into small nooks. But if you do that with your sleeping bag, you could …
Hammocks are rising in popularity amongst campers and backpackers. The gentle rocking motion lulls people to sleep, and many find them more comfortable. But how do you sleep in a hammock? Is it possible to rest on your side or slumber on your stomach? How to sleep in a hammock in 9 steps: 1. Select …
Motorcycle camping is the cherry on top of exploring the world on your bike. It increases the freedom to roam and substantially reduces costs and the stress of finding accommodation. But packing for a motorcycle camping trip greatly differs from going out in a 4X4. Motorcycle camping has a lot in common with backpackers as …
When did camping become so complicated? There are more gear and gadgets to head out into the wilds than some people have in an entire home. Yet people used to explore with less stuff than can be crammed into a backpacker’s bag. Thus, those craving for simpler ways turn to cowboy camping. Cowboy camping is …
The great outdoors is full of mud, dirt, twigs, and more. Thus, it’s no surprise when our tents get a bit grimy. Often this can be fixed with a broom and a bit of spot cleaning. But sometimes mold, mildew, and the dreaded stink emerge, and you just have to wash your tent. If you …
Going for a walk is linguistically complicated. The vocabulary is expansive: hiking, rambling, thru-hiking, backpacking, trekking, jaunt, hillwalking, and scrambling. Never mind the technicalities between mountaineering vs rock climbing vs bouldering. In everyday language, these outdoor terms are often used interchangeably. But in real terms hiking and trekking are not precisely the same. Hiking and …
Pregnancy camping is a healthy and positive experience. Exercising in nature and spending time away from your normal routine may be both invigorating and restful; everything a mother-to-be needs! However, even if you have a low-risk pregnancy, speak to your OB before you plan your trip and ask them for advice about what is safe and what …
Going camping is such a magical experience. Some people enjoy camping to get perspective, relax, and get away from the city and into the woods to refuel. However, camping is also ideal for spending quality time with friends and loved ones. To accomplish this, you will need to consider entertainment such as camp games and …
Recreational activities are supposed to take our minds off everyday stresses and add excitement to our lives. Sometimes we choose to stay indoors, and other times it’s required due to bad weather, sickness, or another circumstance. Whatever the case, you can do tons of entertaining indoor recreational activities, and we’ve got the best list! The …
Growing up, camping was a large family affair where everything and anything was tossed into the minivan and truck. If it could fit, it went. But once I reached university, backpacking beckoned. Suddenly, the rules changed, and weight was the priority. But knowing the weight of gear can be confusing. Take tents sold with terms …