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.
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 …
Camping with a cat can be an absolute delight or your worst nightmare. So, before you plan that outdoor vacation, ask yourself if your four-pawed friend has a sense of adventure or at least a tolerance for a change of scenery. However, camping is not for kitty if she spooks at dust bunnies. But even …
A bad night’s sleep can easily ruin a trip to the great outdoors. Spending a night on a bad sleeping pad can leave you exhausted the next morning, after having dealt with rocks digging into your back and a deflating pad half way through the night. But camping and backpacking doesn’t have to be this …
There’s nothing worse than spending time in the great outdoors only to have a miserable night’s sleep. I’ve been a side sleeper all my life and so many sleeping pads out there result in me waking up in the middle of the night with my shoulder and hip digging into the cold, hard ground. Thankfully, …
When camping in summer, you’ll always want your tent to be cool. Come winter camping, you’ll need to know that heating your tent and insulating it for the coldest times of the night or morning requires that you have the right tools on hand. How to insulate a tent for winter camping: These are some …
Going camping with a hammock instead of a tent is all well and good as long as there are trees around. Being stuck with a hammock but no trees to use as anchor points to hang it from is a tough situation. However, with a bit of DIY creativity, you can find a solution. Without …
Camping is a joy. But as more people rediscover the outdoors, camping is becoming crowded. Thus, those who crave a less populated outdoor experience are venturing out during cooler times of the year. However, staying warm in a tent can become a challenge. Yes, people climb Everest and live in tiny tents. But the average …
When you are going to camp for the first time in your life, or you are about to tackle a new challenge in your camping experience, you need to know a few basic things. Setting a tent in the best conditions can be challenging, but getting the basics down may feel impossible in harmful conditions. …
When you are going out to camp, there are several things you will hopefully never happen when you are out in the wilds. One of the most common challenges that tent campers face is that you need to set up your tent with wild winds causing everything to become a kite with very short strings. …
Whether you’re out camping or sitting in the backyard on a cool summer night, nothing beats a roaring fire. However, if you’re unsure how to start a fire, you may struggle to get the flames going. Fortunately, starting a fire is pretty straightforward, both as a camp fire or in a fire pit. As long …
Tent zippers are prone to breaking, leaving you in an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation. When camping, carrying a pair of adjustable pliers and a quality tent repair kit is always wise. Inevitably, you will need it at some stage! A tent zipper can be fixed by following these simple steps: Knowing how to fix …
Whether you’re lighting a fire pit in the backyard or in the woods while camping, it’s essential to keep a fire pit going. However, depending on the situation, you may need to use different methods and preparation. If you’re not familiar with fire pits or keeping a fire going in general, you might not know …
The joy of planning your next camping trip is an experience many have enjoyed numerous times over the years, and excitement mounts as the departure day approaches. However, one sure mood-killer to any bubbly conversation is the advent of rain as you near your site, and happy chatter invariably turns to groans. However, it takes …
Not properly staking a tent is one of the most common mistakes that rookie campers make. It’s important to do it correctly to maximize the tent’s wind and water resistance and to ensure that you enjoy your camping trip to the fullest. Wondering how to stake a tent? Follow these steps to stake a tent …
Shopping for a new tent? With the expansive types of tents available today, knowing when to use what type of tent can be intimidating. As we explore the different types of tents in this article, the pros and cons of each, and their best use, picking the right tent for you will be more obvious. …
You can’t beat the convenience of a Coleman Fuel Canister. But once the hike or camping trip is over, and you’ve got an empty canister to dispose of, what do you do with it? You can’t throw it in the trash. In some places, it’s even illegal to do that, so how should an eco-conscious …
You’ve just arrived at your campsite, everything is unpacked, and the tent is pitched, but when you walk into your tent, you realize there’s a foul smell. Unfortunately, the smell has permeated into the tent itself. If there’s anything an avid camper needs to know, it’s how to clean a tent that smells. Here are …
Tents have one job: to protect campers from the elements. Thus, it seems ridiculous that they sometimes need help to do the exact thing they are designed to do. Alas, crying about it won’t help, it just adds water. Sometimes you really do have to waterproof your tent to keep the rain out. If you’re …
Many a camper has toyed with the idea of abandoning the status quo to camp full time. Whether traveling cross country, trying to save money, or exploring alternative ways to live, if you want to make your adventure successful, you must know how to live in a tent long term. Here are the steps to …
Unpacking your tent and finding it infested with mold or mildew is awful, but thankfully the problem can be solved! Before you reach for your bottle of Chlorox, keep in mind that harsh chemicals can damage the tent fabric. It is crucial to clean your tent the right way to ensure its longevity. Wondering how …
Tent vestibules are not a staple addition to every tent, but they come in handy for rainy weather. If you’ve been looking at purchasing a tent or have seen or heard about a tent vestibule but aren’t exactly sure what it is or if you need one, we’ll be answering these questions and how it …