Guide Finder

Cold hands and feet end ice fishing trips early. Here is what to look for in ice fishing boots and gloves, including the temperature ratings and the layering system that works.

Fishing 6 min read

Line is the cheapest upgrade in fishing and the one beginners ignore. Here is what monofilament, braid, and fluorocarbon each do well, and what to put on your first reel.

Fishing 6 min read

You do not need a tackle wall to catch bass. These five lure types cover shallow, deep, cover, and open water, and learning them properly beats owning fifty.

Fishing 6 min read

Lure colour matters less than depth and speed, but it does matter. Here is a simple system based on water clarity and light that will pick a sensible colour every time.

Fishing 6 min read

Live bait usually gets more bites; lures let you cover water faster and target bigger fish. Here is how to choose between them based on the water, the species, and your patience.

Fishing 6 min read

Air mattresses are comfortable and cold. Sleeping pads are insulated and firmer. Here is which one suits car camping, backpacking, and guests, and why the difference is insulation.

Camping 6 min read

A bag rated 20 degrees will not keep most people comfortable at 20 degrees. Here is what comfort, limit, and extreme ratings mean and how to pick a number you can trust.

Camping 6 min read

R-value measures how well a sleeping pad stops the ground from stealing your body heat. Here is what each range is genuinely good for, and why it matters more than your sleeping bag rating.

Camping 6 min read

A step by step method for cleaning a hydration reservoir and hose, including how to deal with existing mould, and the storage habit that prevents the problem entirely.

Hiking 6 min read

Start with half a litre per hour of moderate hiking, then adjust for heat, altitude, effort, and refill options. Here is how to get the number right without carrying dead weight.

Hiking 6 min read

Hydration bladders make you drink more; bottles are easier to monitor and refill. Here is how to decide which suits your hiking, and why many people end up carrying both.

Gear 6 min read

Solar panel ratings are measured in perfect conditions. Here is how to work out the panel wattage you actually need for camping, and what real-world output looks like.

Camping 6 min read