Imagine this: You purchase a secondhand RV in beautiful condition. It's been inspected and cleared as good to go. Your first few hundred miles of adventure are blissfully smooth... then comes a mechanical breakdown, followed by the painful discovery that instead of buying your dream home on wheels, you purchased a nightmare that is riddled with hidden problems. That happened to me. And while it's tempting to say I was a fool for being — well, fooled — the truth is that a whole lot of used-RV buy...
Lisa Maloney is a long-time Alaskan, freelance writer, and author of three award-winning guidebooks, including "Moon Alaska" and "Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska." She loves hiking, camping and travel, and when she's not traipsing around in her beloved mountains — or maybe exploring even farther afield — you'll probably find her dancing or making music on fiddle and button accordion.
Seasoned campers may already know what to expect while camping in Alaska: There'll be spectacular scenery, lots of wildlife, and many of the familiar trappings of any camping experience such as picnic tables, fire pits, and an overall opportunity to live closely with nature. But Alaska packs a few notable surprises that make it stand out from other camping destinations, and a few other aspects that can be challenging if you're not prepared for them. Here's a look at some of the things that make ...
Recent Stories
Van life for sure has its perks. Waking up to mountain views, chasing sunsets, and the freedom to go wherever the road takes you. But after a few too many ramen packets, PB&J sandwiches, and overly ambitious cook-ups that leave a pile of dishes in the sink, reality hit me. I really needed to find some recipes that were quick, healthy, and actually satisfying. These campervan meals are some of my favorites because they’re healthy, delicious, and designed to make campervan cooking simple. Plus...
I’ll never forget the first time I woke up at 3 a.m., fully zipped into my sleeping bag, teeth chattering, completely miserable. I couldn’t stop shaking and I was just white knuckling until the sun came up. Since then, I’ve picked up a bunch of tricks that actually work. Tent camping in colder temps can still be a lot of fun, as long as you go in with the right setup. From understanding sleeping bag ratings to boosting body heat with simple gear hacks, here’s how I stay warm (and get real sleep)...
There’s something incredibly freeing about hitting the trail alone. No compromises, no pressure—just you, the outdoors, and the chance to move at your own pace. Solo hiking offers solitude, clarity, and a real sense of self-reliance. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Being alone on the trail is empowering, but it also means you need to be more intentional about planning and safety. In this guide, I’m covering everything first-time solo hikers need to know: how to prepare before you go,...
I’ve been camping with dogs for years. Sometimes car camping, sometimes deep in the backcountry. As any seasoned pet owner will tell you, bringing your four-legged friend on a camping trip can be a lot of fun... but it also takes way more prep than you’d think, especially the first time. From gear that’s actually worth packing to keeping your dog safe, dry, and (somewhat) calm (I have herding breeds so iykyk), here’s everything I’ve learned the hard way. Getting Ready Before the Trip Vaccination...
Fifth Water Hot Springs has become one of Utah’s most famous soaking spots, thanks to its milky blue water and easy access from Salt Lake City. But with popularity comes crowds, and not everyone loves what it’s turned into. Some say it’s overrun with influencers, drones, and too many people, while others think it’s just part of the deal with well-known outdoor destinations. If you still want to visit, here’s how to avoid the madness and get the most out of your experience. How to Get to the Fift...