outdoors3.175 min read
NC Sets August Antlered Deer Special in 7 Counties
10 days ago•Source: Carolina Sportsman
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7.11 min•12 days ago
A $380 foldable kayak that fits a Prius and kicks off on the water in 10 minutes
A reader-style review of the Tucktec 10 Pro foldable kayak ($380) praising its portability and quick setup: when folded it’s 48x14x8 inches and weighs about 24 lb, allowing two pieces to fit in a Prius hatchback. It unfolds into a 10 ft, stable craft in roughly 10 minutes with a skeg and new rigid poles for back support and improved paddling efficiency. It offers more straightforward storage and setup than inflatables and is cheaper than folding rivals, but the open cockpit can get wet and the foam seat can become hard over long trips. Not meant for speed or whitewater—best for easy, spontaneous water outings with gear storage.}
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Blade Show Debuts: 11 Fresh EDC Knives and Gear You May Have Missed
Gear Patrol•27 days ago
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Old-School Climber Pushes Back on Snake Dike Bolting Surge
Gripped Climbing Magazine•1 month ago
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Switchbacks Explain Why East Coast Trails Feel Harder Than West Coast Counterparts
The article argues East Coast hikes are typically tougher than West Coast routes largely because East Coast trails lack switchbacks, resulting in steeper climbs, whereas West Coast paths—designed in part for pack animals—use switchbacks to ease ascent. It highlights brutal East Coast sections like Devil’s Path (Catskills), Presidential Traverse (White Mountains), and Precipice Trail (Acadia) and contrasts them with gradual climbs on Mount Whitney and the Pacific Crest Trail. Anecdotes from hikers and thru-hikers are cited to support the view that AT climbs can be more physically demanding per mile, though overall difficulty varies by trail. The takeaway is that switchbacks are a key factor in perceived difficulty, and the best way to know which coast is harder is to hike both.
Rediscovered Waterfall Triggers a Half-Century Memory Lane in Santa Barbara’s San Rafael Wilderness
Dan McCaslin takes a spring ramble along Manzana Creek in the San Rafael Wilderness, revisiting Davy Brown Camp and hiking to Lost Valley Camp via Nira Trailhead, where he uncovers a mini-waterfall he hadn’t noticed in about 50 years. The hike blends dirt camping memories, fire regulations, and seasonal water conditions with practical driving directions and reflections on the area’s history and natural beauty.
Mild Winter Spurs Tick Surge: Precautions for Outdoors
A mild Utah/Idaho winter has boosted tick populations, increasing the risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Health experts urge precautions when outdoors: use EPA-approved DEET repellent (20%+), wear light-colored long sleeves and closed shoes, avoid tall grasses, and perform thorough tick checks on people, pets, and clothing. To reduce tick activity around homes, maintain lawns, trim vegetation, remove leaf litter, create a 3-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel around play areas, and deter wildlife. If a tick is found, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, avoiding the mouthparts, and seek medical care if part remains embedded or symptoms appear. As warmer weather arrives, tick activity is expected to rise; for more guidance, consult the University of Idaho extension in Bannock County.
13 Fresh Pocket Knives and EDC Gear Debut Across Brand Lineups
Gear Patrol’s feature rounds up 13 new pocket knives, multi-tools, and EDC items from Civivi, Montana Knife Company, Buck, Liong Mah Design, CRKT, Tecovas, Böker, Finch Knife Co. and Knafs, mixing premium releases (M390, MagnaCut, 14C28N) with inventive designs like Montana Knife Company’s first folding knife and new clip/pivot mechanisms, alongside budget-friendly options, showcasing a broad range of styles, materials, and deployment options.
Yeti's Trailhead Field Chair Dials Down Weight and Price
Yeti unveils the Trailhead Field Chair, a lighter (about 9.3 lb vs 13.3 lb), cheaper ($225 vs $300) version of its Trailhead Camp Chair that drops armrests, uses Twilite fabric, and supports up to 350 lb; it folds to 37 inches, comes in black or tan with a carry bag, lacks a cup holder (but a $20 add-on is available).
Adidas Unveils a Triple-Activity Guide Tennie for Hiking, Climbing, and MTB
Adidas’ Five Ten line revamps its versatile Guide Tennie with a new Guide Tennie Pro, introducing Gore-Tex waterproofing, improved grip via a Dual-zone Stealth rubber outsole with a climbing-specific C4 zone and an extended toe cap, plus an EVA midsole and waterproofing on the Pro. The shoes are pitched as multi-activity gear for hiking, biking, and climbing, and launch March 1 for $165–$200 at Adidas’ Five Ten site and retailers.
Top Walking and Hiking Shoes of 2025: Reviews and Best Deals
After a year of testing various walking shoes, the reviewer finds the Keen Targhee IV hiking boots to be the best, praising their ankle support, toe comfort, durable soles, and overall suitability for challenging hikes, making them the reviewer's top choice for outdoor footwear in 2025.
Challenging Snow Hike Without Trails
The hiker describes a challenging day on the trail with slow snow travel, following footprints, and fluctuating trail conditions, but also moments of beauty and support from a friend, ending with a successful long day of over 34 miles despite the snow and cold.
Free USGS Topographic Maps Now Available for Hikers and Adventurers
The USGS has released a free, detailed 25K Recreational Topo series of topographic maps designed for hikers, bikers, and boaters, emphasizing trails, water sources, and landmarks with a clear, consistent layout, accessible via a web app, and supporting safe outdoor exploration with current data and offline capabilities.
PCT Sobo Day 30: Unexpected Challenges Arise
A PCT SOBO hiker recounts a day of trail highlights including berry feasting, descending into Cascade Locks, crossing the Bridge of the Gods, enjoying a town stop with food and drinks, and dealing with a bee sting, all while preparing to part ways with a hiking companion and resupply in Hood River.