Outdoor Activities

Who wants to cruise on boring old pavement after battling some sand dunes -- and winning? Not off-roading enthusiasts. Is there more to this driving adventure than simply ditching the road?

By Caitlin Uttley

The sport of motocross features spectacular leaps and stunts performed on off-road motorcycles. It also features broken bones and some seriously death-defying crashes. Is all off-roading similarly risky?

By Jacob Silverman

Off-roaders like public lands for their wild terrain -- water, mud, rocks and sand all make for an exciting ride. But not everyone thinks ATVs, dirt bikes or snowmobiles should be allowed free range. Why?

By Julia Layton

Most off-roaders thrive on the excitement of traveling through wide open spaces where most people don't normally tread. What do you need to bring with you during an off-roading adventure in order to make the trip a success?

By Jennifer Sellers

Winches can be very helpful for getting out of the mud. But they can also be dangerous, if you're not careful when you use yours. What do you need to know before you hook up your winch?

By Jonathan Strickland

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are compact, powerful and rugged machines that can handle a variety of jobs. But due to the increased power associated with ATVs designed for paved roads, manufacturers have started to tout the advantages of off-road ATVs.

By Ed Grabianowski

You don't have to shake hands with danger every time you gas up your ATV for a drive through the wilderness. What tips will help keep you safe behind the handlebars?

By Robert Lamb

Scenic views, glimpses of rare wildlife and good times around the campfire make camping worthwhile. But if there's one downside that a lot of us nature lovers could do without, it's the difficulty and hassle of trying to take a shower without the wonderful amenities of modern society.

By Rachel Oswald

The one really awkward thing about camping in the woods is that there aren't any restrooms. But guess what? You can bring along your own toilet!

By Sarah Winkler

A hike seems like little more than a leisurely walk -- until you hit that hilly terrain. Suddenly, your fun little stroll has just become an exercise in pain and fatigue. How can avoid that fate ahead of time?

By Josh Clark

Most dogs enjoy being outside even more than we do -- it's a brand-new world of smells, sounds and sights for them to discover. A hike might be the perfect way for you and your dog to get some exercise and have some fun. We've got some tips to make it a safe and happy trip.

By Shanna Freeman

For some people, hiking is little more than walking in the great outdoors. But others take the activity to the next level, venturing into rougher, more remote terrain. What gear can help you get the most out of your hike?

By Nicholas Gerbis

Whether we're in the kitchen or bonding with Mother Nature for a weekend, everyone needs to eat. Although some opt for easy snacks and instant foods, it's possible to bring lightweight, easy-to-carry cookware along with on camping trips.

By Heather Kolich

Thousands of unexpected encounters between people and wild bears occur each year, but these interactions don't have to result in injuries for either species. What types of gear can help protect you if you find yourself in bear country?

By Melissa Sandoval

Longboards aren't ideal for doing the impressive ollies and railslides that win the hearts and minds of skateboarding enthusiasts, but they do provide a sweet way to get from point A to point B.

By Chris Jones

Picture yourself driving on a curvy road high in the mountains. Take away the car and put yourself in a small metal sled. Now, imagine that the sled has no brakes -- and you're going 60 mph. If this sounds like fun, street luge just might be the sport for you.

By Bambi Turner

For avid snowboarders, summer brings deprivation -- six months without waist-high powder, death-defying drops and high-flying half-pipes. Mountain boarding can help board-sport fanatics cope with the sunshine.

By Dave Roos

What attracts people to this outdoor sport? The speed. Harnessing the wind, a land sailboat can easily jet across dry land at 50 miles per hour or more.

By Linda C. Brinson

People who enjoy board sports often have a need for speed. But many -- especially those who don't have access to hills or ramps -- don't know how to get it. How can a simple bungee cord help solve this problem?

By John Kelly

Hydrospeeding is a popular extreme sport that involves riding torso-length boards down fearsome river rapids. It's fun, but you should do a little research before you hit the water.

By Elizabeth Sprouse

Black water rafting is a new take on both spelunking and tubing. What's it like to tube through a cave?

By Julia Layton

Cliff diving is an extreme sport that involves hurling your body from dangerous heights and freefalling at deadly speeds, so how do cliff divers live to dive another day?

By Heather Kolich

Kayak surfing draws water sport enthusiasts who want to tackle more waves at high speeds. What exactly does this sport entail, and how does it differ from traditional board surfing?

By Sarah Winkler

Those big, classic wooden surfboards might look cool on TV, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll work well for you when you take to the waves. What other styles of surfboards are available, and how do you know which is right for you?

By Gerlinda Grimes

It's similar to waterskiing in that you're riding the waves made by a boat, but wakeboarding offers stability that can make jumps and tricks much easier -- if you have the right board. What makes one wakeboard different from another?

By Brian Boone