Essential Trail Skills Video Series

Tutorials > Essential Trail Skills Video Series

Essential trail skills video series

Our team of outdoor experts have created a collection of tutorial guides to help you level up your outdoor skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our videos and articles will make your next adventure safer and more enjoyable.

Episodes

Ep. 1 – A Backpacker’s Oath – Leave No Trace

Ep. 1 – A Backpacker’s Oath – Leave No Trace

Learning to practice leave-no-trace backpacking is one of the most important skills any backpacker can learn.

Ep. 2 – 12 Tips for Planning Great Backpacking Adventures

Ep. 2 – 12 Tips for Planning Great Backpacking Adventures

Having an awesome adventure in the wilderness starts well before you step onto the trail.

Ep. 3 – How to Find and Fit the Right Backpack

Ep. 3 – How to Find and Fit the Right Backpack

If you’re uncomfortable while you hike, you probably won’t enjoy backpacking very much and you certainly won’t be excited for your next trip.

Ep. 4 – How to Pack a Lightweight Backpack

Ep. 4 – How to Pack a Lightweight Backpack

How you pack your backpack on a daily basis is very important for efficiency and enjoyment on the trail.

Ep. 5 – How To Find Great Campsites

Ep. 5 – How To Find Great Campsites

Choosing great campsites will lead to incredibly memorable trips, but it’s not as simple as just throwing a tent down on a flat piece of dirt.

Ep. 6 – Navigation #1 – Staying Found

Ep. 6 – Navigation #1 – Staying Found

Complications can arise even on the simplest of backcountry trips, so it always pays to be prepared.

Ep. 7 – Navigation #2 – Map, Compass & GPS

Ep. 7 – Navigation #2 – Map, Compass & GPS

No matter how simple your route may be, understanding how to use basic navigation equipment is a crucial skill for any backpacker.

Ep. 8 – Protect Your Food – Keep Wildlife Wild

Ep. 8 – Protect Your Food – Keep Wildlife Wild

Storing your food properly at night is not just a skill that’s good for you, it’s also good for the wildlife around you.

Ep. 9 – Learn to Love Backpacking in the Rain

Ep. 9 – Learn to Love Backpacking in the Rain

If you’re properly prepared and cultivate a positive attitude, backpacking in the rain can be a lot of fun.

Ep. 10 – Building Fires in Harsh Conditions

Ep. 10 – Building Fires in Harsh Conditions

Having a campfire while backpacking can be a lot of fun, but it can also be the type of skill that can save your life in an emergency.

Ep. 11 – Emergency First Aid Skills for the Backcountry

Ep. 11 – Emergency First Aid Skills for the Backcountry

You’ll hopefully never have to use them, but emergency first aid skills can literally save your life, so don’t overlook them.

Ep. 12 – Lightning Danger and High Elevation Hiking

Ep. 12 – Lightning Danger and High Elevation Hiking

Hiking above treeline will give you fantastic sweeping views, but you’ll also be much more exposed.

Ep. 13 – Backpacking Bear Encounters – Truth & Myth

Ep. 13 – Backpacking Bear Encounters – Truth & Myth

Bears are the animals we want to see the most while we’re backpacking, but they’re also the animals that we’re most afraid of.

Ep. 14 – Snake & Cougar Safety

Ep. 14 – Snake & Cougar Safety

In this episode we’ll take a look at the real danger snakes and cougars present on the trail.

Ep. 15 – How to Safely Ford Backcountry Rivers

Ep. 15 – How to Safely Ford Backcountry Rivers

River crossings are one the most dangerous parts of backcountry trips. Learn the skills that will get you and your group safely across.

Ep. 16 – Crossing Snow – Ice Axe Self-Arrest

Ep. 16 – Crossing Snow – Ice Axe Self-Arrest

Snowfield crossings are common on winter and early spring trips. This video will show you proper ice axe self-arrest techniques and teach you about the gear you’ll need.

Ep. 17 – 5 Essential Backpacking Knots

Ep. 17 – 5 Essential Backpacking Knots

This episode focuses on the most important and commonly used knots that will be helpful on trips in the backcountry.

Ep. 18 – Backpacking Blades – Knife Safety, Sharpening, & Types

Ep. 18 – Backpacking Blades – Knife Safety, Sharpening, & Types

In the wilderness, your knife is a very important tool, and knowing how to use it properly is a key skill.

Ep. 19 – Insect Protection & Poisonous Plants

Ep. 19 – Insect Protection & Poisonous Plants

Ticks, mosquitoes, and poisonous plants are not just annoyances worth avoiding. They can also carry serious diseases that come with long-term health problems.

Ep. 20 – Backpacking Hygiene – Keeping Clean in the Wilderness

Ep. 20 – Backpacking Hygiene – Keeping Clean in the Wilderness

Keeping good trail hygiene is an important part of staying healthy and feeling good while you backpack.

Up next

View video series

Lightweight Backpacking Video Series

10 Episodes

Lightweight Backpacking Basics – Episode 1

Episode 1

Lightweight Backpacking Basics –

Backpacking with a lighter pack will reduce stress on your body, give you more free time on the trail, and allow you to hike farther with less effort.

Ultralight Tents, Tarps & Bivys – Episode 2

Episode 2

Ultralight Tents, Tarps & Bivys –

Your shelter will be one of the most important pieces of gear you bring on your backcountry trips for both safety and comfort.