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Tom Kilpatrick
Tom Kilpatrick
Contributor

A London-born outdoor enthusiast, Tom took the first ticket out of suburban life. What followed was a twelve-year career as an adventure sports guide. This took Tom on cross-Scotland canoe trips, white water adventures in Nepal, sea kayaking in Norwegian fjords, mountain running in the Alps, and many more adventures. Tom is currently living back in the Scottish Highlands, spending as much time as possible exploring the endless rivers and ridgelines that make the country so special to him.

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new outdoor gear for camping and hiking 2023 pexels jens mahnke 776117

The camping and hiking gear we’re most looking forward to in 2023

The camping and hiking gear we’re most looking forward to in 2023

Level up your hiking and camping trips with the most exciting new outdoor gear from our favorite brands.
Four-season sleeping bag

The unsung hero of the camping setup: Why your sleeping bag liner is essential

A sleeping bag liner lets you add warmth to your camping setup, keeps your sleeping bag clean, and avoids any nasty surprises in hostel bedrooms.
A reef knot is tied against a tree

Learn to tie a square knot to secure loads when you’re out camping

There are a lot of knots that any boater or outdoorsman needs to know. The square knot will help with tying bundles or packages.
Two people hiking the W Trek in Chile, mountains in the background.

Set yourself up for success on your next long-distance hike

To be able to successfully complete your next long-distance hike, you need to be prepared. Here are the best ways to set yourself up for success.
Best Tips for Camping in the Rain

Don’t let rain dampen your trip: Tips for camping in bad weather

Getting into the great outdoors means exposure to the elements. Follow our top tips to avoid getting soaked when camping in the rain.
Snowboarder with orange board

Winter may never end! Here’s how to snowboard in spring the right way

Spring riding is one of the best parts of any snowboard season, but finishing the season on a high needs some planning. Here's how to do it properly.
2023 summer x games 2016xgamesaustin1175

The X Games is planning a west coast takeover this summer

The X Games is returning to California this summer with a full slate of skateboard, BMX, and motocross events.
Skinning knife

These are the best skinning knives to up your hunting game this year

Skinning your game doesn't have to be a hassle. For your next hunting trip, be sure to come prepared with one of the best skinning knives for 2023.
burton snowboard retro collection boards ss23retroboards tahoeca blatt 7342

Burton is re-releasing some of its most iconic snowboards ever and we want them all

Burton has re-released some of its most iconic snowboards of all time, ushering in an era of retro-cool boards with modern clothing to match.
Screenshot from a video of an incredible helicopter rescue in Europe.

No room for error — watch as this skiing rescue pilot shows off his skills

This rescue helicopter in Europe hovers just inches from the mountainside during a daring rescue of an injured skier.
trew spring snowboarding gear 230228 ss23 le skieur lw anorak tline 1472 medium

TREW has created winter wear specifically for spring (yes, really!)

Spring snowboarding comes with its own set of demands. Get it right this spring with the new gear setup from TREW.
A circle of Isle SUPs laid out on the lawn on the island where they're made.

New inflatable paddleboard from Isle promises to eliminate every ‘con’ from the category

Isle's new inflatable paddleboard lineup brings portable paddleboarding to the masses without all the headaches typically associated with inflatables.
Hiking boots on the trail.

Get the right hiking boot fit for long days on the trail

Looking for a new pair of hiking boots but don't know how they should fit? This guide explains exactly how to fit hiking boots.
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How to clean your hydro flask for tang-free hydration

Using your Hydro Flask daily can take a toll on its cleanliness and condition. Here's a guide on how to clean your Hydro Flask properly so it'll last for years.
A man in a green and gray jacket whittles a stick to a sharp point

Stranded in the woods? You need to know how to make a spear

A survival spear is an essential tool to protect yourself against predators and to hunt for your food if you're stranded in the backcountry.
Snowboarder with orange board

Is the long ski and snowboard season all due to climate change?

Much of the western U.S. has enjoyed record snowfall, and skiers and snowboarders are rejoicing – but it may be because of climate change.
Walking uphill in the Quiksilver High Altitude jacket

Review: Has Quiksilver nailed the modern-retro snowboard jacket?

I took the Quiksilver High Altitude Jacket to Japan for a month to see how it performed, and here's what I found.
A man on a beach using a smoke signal.

These SOS signals could save your life

Whether you're lost in a forest or trapped in a confined space, be sure to read up on our list of SOS signals to save you from potential danger.
Dangerous hiking at Mount Washington

Type 2 fun: Do we love to suffer?

There are different types of fun when it comes to any outdoor experience, and this article looks at the psychology of enjoying your time outside.
Rhythm Rentals in Japan

Rhythm Rentals review: If you’re hitting the powder in Japan, you should leave your snowboard at home

Dragging ski and snowboarding gear on long-haul flights is expensive and hard work. Use Rhythm Rentals instead for awesome equipment and great service.
Skier digs out fortunate snowboarder stuck in tree well

Watch as this skier saves a snowboarder stuck in deep powder

Watch as this skier finds a snowboarder buried underneath a tree in this viral video.
Man with pack looks out over Yellowstone wilderness on overcast day

What’s the difference between 2 and 3 layer Gore-Tex?

As part of the description on a waterproof jacket, you'll see that it says 2, 2.5, or 3 layer GORE-TEX, but what does this really mean? We'll take a look.
A man treks through the Scottish highlands with mountains all around

Pack your multiday backpack for comfort with our guide

Learn to pack your overnight backpack to keep important items close at hand and save yourself hassle when you arrive at camp.
A person snowboarding down a hillside.

Going snowboarding in Hakuba for the first time? Here’s what you should know

I spent a month in Hakuba, Japan, snowboarding almost every day and exploring the local town at night. Here's what I can tell you for planning your trip.
Snowboard ready to wax

Our simple guide tells you which ski and snowboard wax to use for any conditions

The wax you use on your skis or snowboard should match the snow conditions. Our easy guide makes it incredibly easy to know which wax to apply - and when.
In a fishing kayak at sunset

Cast away in one of these top fishing kayaks

Take your angling to a whole new place by hitting the water. These fishing kayaks are perfect to try new spots and expand your fishing horizons.
A reef knot is tied against a tree

6 essential knots for every outdoorsman to learn

Every outdoorsman needs to know how to tie a knot for all occasions. Here are our top six outdoor knots for camping, backpacking, and survival.
a day for jake snowboarding burton carpenter 1970s

Throwback video shows the origin of tensions between skiing and snowboarding

This old-school video shows that the skiing vs. snowboarding debate has been rumbling on for as long as snowboards have existed; who do you side with?
Mountain photo

Third Man Syndrome: The weird phenomenon extreme mountain climbers experience

The Third Man has acted as a guide, advisor, companion, and much more to those in need, but who or what is this presence and does it really exist?
Using a water filter

Hydrate safely with the best portable water filters

A durable, compact, simple, and reliable water filter is indispensable. There are plenty of great ones on the market today, and we’ve rounded up the best.

Start your fire the primitive way with this bow drill method

Primitive firefighting methods are hard work, but they're an integral part of being a knowledgeable survivalist. Learn to make a bow drill fire with this guide.
win splitboard snowboard from twix mars wrigley doughboard

You can now enter to win the weirdest (and maybe coolest?) splitboard we’ve ever seen, from TWIX

With its design contest finalized, TWIX is now giving away 110 of its weird and wonderful splitboards.
The view from the inside of a tarp tent.

5 creative ways to use your tarp to stay dry when camping this spring

The tarp is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor equipment. It's time to get creative and build the perfect tarp shelter for any situation.
Best Waterproof Men's Jackets

How to care for your Gore-Tex gear properly for max performance

Did you know that GORE-TEX requires proper care to keep it working properly? Check out our guide to keep your gear working like new.
Man looking over a trail's vista

3 lesser-known tips that can save your life on the trail

Make your next hike a safe and enjoyable one with our brief guide on survival tips and hacks, which includes fighting off bears and navigating the wild.
Alpine butterfly knot

The must-know queen of knots: How to tie an alpine butterfly knot

The alpine butterfly knot is useful for its ability to be loaded in multiple directions without weakening the rope and is always able to be untied after use.
A man in a yellow GORE-TEX jacket walks past a lake

This is why your Gore-Tex jacket isn’t keeping you dry

Unbridled breathability just doesn't exist, so we take a look at the limitations of Gore-Tex, how it functions, and what you can do to help your jacket.
bluebird backcountry skiing

Summer skiing? California ski resorts have so much snow, they’ll be open until July

With record snowfall on the cards and a late season, ski resorts in California are going to be open for skiing until at least July.
leeches

How to safely remove a leech (or avoid them altogether)

Leeches love to latch onto a passing hiker, so learn what to do to avoid becoming a host, and how to remove a leech if you do get sucked.
tips for hiking in the spring hike

Dust off your gear, it’s time to hit the trail: The spring hiking tips you need

Embrace the rainy weather and muddy terrain with these springtime hiking tips, as well as what to pack for a fun and successful hike!
the best thermals for men aop a young man in merino wool thermal underwear comfortably climbs

Why wool base layers are a winter sports must-have item

Here's why you should never wear cotton in the winter months, and why Merino wool is, in fact, all it's cracked up to be.
Taking a break from hiking to drink some water from an insulated water bottle

Up your hydration game with one of the best insulated water bottles

Whether you're hiking, backpacking, heading to the gym, or just in the office, stay hydrated with these insulated water bottles.
Snowboarders walking

Snowboarding tips you didn’t realize you needed: How to ride on ice

Unless you only plan on heading out on powder days, you need to know how to get past those icy patches when snowboarding.
skiing snowboarding goggles gear

5 things you should always do on your iPhone before you go skiing or snowboarding

Smartphones are for more than just photos. These steps can help set up your ski day and give you an even better day on the slopes.
Collection of survival food and dehydrated meals.

Stock up for emergencies with these great survival food packs

Having a survival food kit stashed away in your apartment or your car might come in handy sooner than you think. Here are the best survival food kits this year.
Dress the knot and pull it tight.

Learn to tie the bowline: the king of knots

Known as the king of knots, the bowline knot creates a secure loop and can always be untied, no matter how much tension you put on the rope.
Bear running through the water

What to do when you see a bear on the trail this spring

Bear attacks are uncommon, but knowing what to do in the event of one is part of being a skilled outdoorsman in the backcountry.
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K2 releases the first ever freeride ski boot with BOA lacing system

K2's long-running relationship with BOA has led them to this, the Mindbender BOA, the first freeride ski boot with an integrated BOA system. Check it out.
what is apres ski guide usa  utah teenage girl and boy 13 16 sitting on lift at brighton resort

Snowboarding for beginners: How to conquer the dreaded chairlift without falling

Riding the ski lift isn't easy on a snowboard, but with our top tips and step-by-step guide, you'll be cruising off like a pro in no time.
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This is nuts: Never Summer tested its newest snowboard on a lake of pure ice

Watch as Nick Larson hits the ice to prove that the 2024 range of Never Summer snowboards have the ultimate edge control in any conditions.