When winter snows fill the high country of the Northwest, there are still plenty of low-elevation, snow-free trails for dedicated hikers to enjoy. And one of the best ways to take advantage of year-round trail fun is by car camping.
Camping in the winter can be great. The crowds are gone and the wildlife is less skittish, creating a wonderfully peaceful wildland environment.
One of the most important considerations for four-season camping is the quality of your tent.
By Dan A. Nelson | December 26, 2002
There are lots of maps available for people who venture into the wilderness, but all too often, the best maps are offered only for popular areas. That's no longer the case with the CD-ROM maps from TOPO!, a division of National Geographic.
TOPO! digital maps have been available for various parts of the United States for years Washington was one of the first states covered but now, outdoor enthusiasts can travel anywhere in the country and be prepared with a detailed topographic map of their destination.
By Dan A. Nelson | January 2, 2003
As long as folks have journeyed into the woods, they've carried knives. Stone flakes and sharpened bone shards have been replaced with steel blades, but the basic requirement of the blade remains the shape: It must be sharp, and it must be useful.
All too often, today's wilderness traveler packs along a multifunctional, multibladed gadget that looks great in the store but proves to be overloaded with useless features in the backcountry. A simple single blade, when done right, can be far more practical and useful.
By Dan A. Nelson | March 27, 2003
Nobody enjoys the gift-giving tradition of Christmas more than kids and outdoor enthusiasts. Kids, naturally, love any holiday that brings free toys. But so do outdoor-sports fiends.
If there's a hiker, biker, kayaker, climber, skier or snowboarder on your list, we have done the research for you. Here's a list of sure-to-please gadgets, gizmos and gear items:
Arc'Teryx Covert Sweater, $100
By Dan A. Nelson | December 5, 2002
Snowshoeing and backcountry skiing provide wonderful wintertime fun for outdoor enthusiasts. But they also present problems. These are two highly aerobic activities, meaning you'll generally work up a sweat. The problem is, you'll be sweating in the freezing winter wilderness, and once you stop moving, the perspiration freezes.
By Dan A. Nelson | January 16, 2003
As I grow older (I'm now deep into the dark side of my 30s), I grow more aware of the importance of clear eyewear. I have enough trouble picking up fine details at even short distances without having to worry about sunglasses that make things look muddier.
By Dan A. Nelson | April 3, 2003
