There’s nothing quite like stepping into the outdoors and making camp under an open sky. This special edition of The Backwoodsman delivers a practical, experience-driven guide to camping, whether you’re setting up your first tent or refining skills built over a lifetime. The issue begins with the fundamentals of how to prepare for your trip and choose the right campsite, gear, and setup. Next, the essentials—what to wear, how to stay warm, and the tools that belong in every pack. You'll also find a deep focus on critical outdoor skills: building fires, cooking over a campfire, navigating with map and compass, and safely finding and purifying water. Practical advice on first aid, wildlife awareness, and campsite safety ensures you’ll be ready for whatever the backcountry brings. This edition also celebrates the spirit of camping itself, with features on family trips, modern twists on classic practices, and a look at some of America’s best campsites. Rooted in tradition and built on real-world knowledge, this guide is an invitation to head out and rediscover the rewards of life in the wild.
The Evolution of Camping • What began as an essential survival skill in the age of hunter-gatherers has become a way for people to reconnect with nature.
Getting Started • Learn the basics of planning your trip, choosing the right shelter, and finding the best place to sleep.
Picking the Right Spot for Your Tent • When in the wild and choosing where to set up for the night, topography, potential hazards, and proximity to water should be among your top considerations.
Choosing the Right Shelter • Between the multitude of tent types and alternatives such as RVs and bare-bones cabins, there are many ways to make yourself at home in nature.
The Value of the Diamond Fly • For a hiker or long-range backpacker who gets caught out in the elements and is far from their vehicle, being prepared to make this kind of tarp shelter can be a true lifesaver.
The Virtues of Planning Ahead • The outdoors is more fun if you’re not fretting about the things you wish you had with you.
A Meditation on Sleeping Outdoors • Why getting the traditional eight hours in a row is not essential, but understanding the science of keeping yourself warm is.
Keeping the Family Happy • Trying a test run in the backyard, getting headlamps for the kids, and bringing along favorite foods are some steps you can take to increase the odds of making treasured memories in the woods.
New Spins on Camping • From worthwhile innovations such as property rental apps to the less welcome arrival of scammy sales propositions, the modern age has touched the outdoor world.
Camping Above the Ground • Whether you want to separate yourself from varmints or simply amp up your outdoor adventure, there are tents that offer an elevated experience.
The Essentials • Having the proper clothes, sleeping bags, and other equipment can help you feel at home in the wild.
The Importance of Good Clothing • The more comfortable you are, the more enjoyable your ventures into the outdoors will be.
Finding the Best Sleeping Bag • Once you make your selection, you also need to know the right way to use it.
Survival Tools You Need in Your Backpack • The trick is to cover every plausible situation while not weighing yourself down on the trail.
Cold-Weather Camping Tips • Venturing outdoors on the days when most people stay in can be a special expierence.
Outdoor Skills • The more your know, the more confidently you can take on your expeditions.
Camping Skills Are Life Skills • Learning how to manage in the wild helped make me a more confident and self-sufficient person.
How to Keep Your Campsite Clean • Proper handling of trash and food scraps is about safety...