Play challenging online games, laugh at funny jokes, build amazing projects and find lots of fun at the online home of Scout Life, the official youth magazine for the Boy Scouts of America.
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Q: What should I use to purify water on a long trek?
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Simply slide the flashlight's head forward or back with your finger to create a flood beam or a focused beam.
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Sunglasses can look cool, but first they should protect your eyes.
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Q: I’m looking for comfortable hiking boots that are affordable and waterproof.
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Life Jackets are designed to keep you safe. These personal flotation devices are essential equipment whenever you're on the water.
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When caught in a rip current, don't panic and don't exhaust yourself trying to swim against the current. Here's what to do.
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Learn an easy way to remember the four water rescues that can be used to save someone's life in an emergency.
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Bikepacking is a camping trip you take on your bike. Here's what you need to get started.
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You can arrange your firewood to get different results, depending on the weather and how you want to manage the fire.
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Bears can catch a scent miles away. That’s why you need to properly store your smellables when you’re in bear country.
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Q: Every time I use my propane stove, it leaves black soot all over my cookware. How can I stop this from happening?
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Sleeping pads provide cushioning to help you get a good night's sleep. Here are two of our favorites.
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Spring means it is time for the arrival of billions of birds from Mexico, Central America and South America.
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Here's how to find a comfy camp chair for whenever you need a rest.
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Relax around camp by lashing together a comfortable camping chair. It's easy if you have the pioneering skills.
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Q: The survival kit my parents gave me came with a little sewing kit. What is that for?
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Before shooting an arrow, go through the nine-step process of stance, nock, set, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, release and follow-through.
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Preparing camp meals with food allergies in mind keeps everyone safe and helps you make food everyone can enjoy.
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Need to know what to bring on your next outing? Every packing list starts with these items. They're called "Scouting Outdoor Essentials" for a reason.
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This simple knot can be used to prevent a rope from slipping through a pulley or hole, or to make a rope easier to grip.
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Q: What backpack should I get to hold all my stuff?
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The twist-on lids stay secure, keeping your gear (or snacks for the trail) from spilling.
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Q: I lost my sunglasses on my troop's last campout. What should I get to replace them?
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Not only are sleds fun, but they're also a great way to carry gear in winter.
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The amount of charcoal your Dutch oven needs will vary in order to reach the desired temperature.
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Losing body heat happens in all seasons, and it can kill. Know the symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat them.
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The Gear Guy shines some light on which headlamp of flashlight to consider for your next outdoor adventure.
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Check out our fun photos of weird and unusual headlamps and flashlights.
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An uncovered head can leave you chilly, so it’s important to keep your noggin insulated in the winter.
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Q: There are so many mess kits out there. Help!
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Lightweight and handy, the Morakniv Scout 39 is a fixed-blade knife designed for beginners.
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Q: I need a good sleeping pad. What do you suggest?
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The Nature Crew takes a look at the amazing flying squirrel.
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Go Scouting on the wild side with these awesome animal-focused activities.
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It's knot difficult. With our step-by-step videos, the seven basic Scout knots are easy to learn. Give them a tie!
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Picking a place to camp isn’t always simple. Before setting up your tent, consider these nine factors.
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Here are features to look for so you can choose the right tent for your trip.
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Try these four tasty recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth on your next campout. Plus, send us your favorite dessert recipe!
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Q: What is a good light source for inside a tent?
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Towels take up a lot of space in your backpack. Save that space for other gear by using a PackTowl.
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A good sleeping bag can make the difference between comfort and a long, miserable night. Stay warm and comfy in one of these sleeping bags.
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Here's how to properly honor and respect the flag of the United States.
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Q: Do you have advice for packing a pillow when camping?
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Q: I always have trouble setting up my tent. Can you give me some tips?
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Q: Freeze-dried meals might be a good choice because they’re lightweight and provide nutrients. Which ones would you buy?
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The Owala FreeSip water bottle gives you the option to drink from a straw or a spout.
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Picking (and wearing) the right helmet can be a life or death decision. Here's how to buy a safe and comfortable helmet.
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From stinky flowers to rocks that seem to move themselves, count yourself lucky if you see these natural wonders.
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Some tiny caterpillars can sting. Learn how to identify them and what to do if you get stung.
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Get a good night's sleep with the Gear Guy's recommendation for camping air mats and sleeping pads.
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Q: I've been planning to buy a new backpack. Any tips?
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The Bug Bite Thing is designed to suck out venom from under your skin to prevent itching.
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No signal on your phone? Try a backcountry communication device.
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Packing out human waste requires preparation. You can make a pack-out kit. Here’s what you’ll need.
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Q: I need a good flashlight for camping. Any suggestions?
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Never eat wild plants unless you know for sure what they are and how your body reacts to them.
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Weather can change, sometimes at the last minute. Here are some common hazards you'll face in the outdoors.
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Birdwatching can be a fun pastime. All you need are binoculars and a bird guide to start.
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Q: I use my pocketknife almost daily, and it gets so dirty. How can I stop that?
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The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock is made mainly with fine soft wool from merino sheep.
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Here's what you'll need to start exploring the vertical world of rock climbing.
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Gloves allow for more dexterity; mittens tend to be warmer by keeping your fingers together. A more important question: Does it fit?
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Rope tackle allows you to move a large load with a small amount of force. Here's how to set up rope tackle to move a log.
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When you think "skunk," you probably think "stink." But skunks are usually sweet-natured and helpful.
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Staying warm requires the right combination of layers based on your body, wind speeds, temperature and how much you sweat.
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Q: My troop is going to Northern Tier next summer, and I was wondering what the best camera would be to capture all of the action.
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The wearable sleeping bag has arms, legs, an adjustable insulated hood and removable booties.
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Plan to drink about 16 ounces for every hour of hiking. But it might be more. Drink enough so your urine remains clear.
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Bat "emergences" are spectacular shows that can last for hours. Here are a few of the best bat-watching sites.
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Animals are cool. Sports are cool, too. But not at the same time! Check out these uninvited critters in the sports world.
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Here are 10 interesting facts about the world's first national park.
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The simplest way to create a camp song is to take a tune everyone knows and replace the lyrics.
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This compact camp chair folds down to 13 inches and only weighs 3.5 pounds.
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Try these simple tips to outfit yourself for your next trek without breaking the bank.
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I am looking for a quality multitool made in America. I have $100 to spend on it. I want to be able to open it with one hand.
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Keen eyesight, powerful wings and strong spiny legs help dragonflies grab and hold onto prey which they almost always capture in flight.
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Choosing a canoe or kayak depends on how you want to travel and what kind of water you’ll encounter.
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When your body loses too much water and salt, trouble follows. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.
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I use a tote box for my gear because I can’t afford a backpack, but it doesn’t fit in my troop’s tents. What do I do?
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Don't bug me! Try these expert tricks and gear for avoiding biting insects.
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What sleeping bag should I use if I don’t want the heat to get to me?
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The Polar Bear Backpack Cooler is designed to keep ice frozen for 24 hours in 100-degree heat.
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The Distinguished Conservation Service Awards recognize Scouts and adults who have produced long-standing, significant impacts on the environment.
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My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it?
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Hydration packs allow you to drink water while you're wearing the pack. Here are some factors to help you pick the right pack.
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Q: I’m having trouble finding a healthy energy bar that doesn’t have too much sugar and is filling. Do you have any suggestions?
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Do you enjoy swimming, fishing or sliding? Those are some favorite pastimes for otters, too.
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Q: Every time it rains, the inside of my tent gets wet. Any tips?
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Anti-fog spray helps prevent glasses from fogging when wearing a face covering.
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Enjoy a hot meal on your next backpacking trip with one of these recommended stoves.
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Q: Does rolling up your clothes really work when packing?
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OK, OK, this cot is heavy, bulky and pricey. But this is “Stuff We Like,” and we like this cot.
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Q: When I go camping, I don’t want my phone to get damaged. Can you recommend any good phone cases for the outdoors?
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Good footwear is a vital piece of outdoor gear. Here are six great boots and hiking shoes that have you covered on any type of trail.
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From stars to planets to meteors, there's lots to see if you know where to look. Here's how to start star gazing.
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You can create an effective fire starter, even with a wet piece of wood. Just grab your knife so you can make a “fuzz stick.”
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Whatever your outdoor activities, the choice of handwear matters a lot. Here are the Gear Guy's five recommendations.
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Whether fearless or funny, animals throughout history have inspired statues and memorials. Here are some animal monuments still standing today.
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Q: When choosing a sleeping bag, does the degree level really matter or is it just a recommendation for comfort?
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Don't let the river's name fool you, Scouts saw alligators, shark teeth and more on this canoe trek.