One of the great things about ultralight backpacking is that because your gear will be much lighter, you can indulge a little extra weight in your meals and snacks. Even still, there are some general guidelines and tricks to follow for choosing ultralight backpacking food.

What Do Ultralight Backpackers Eat?

Ultralight backpackers prioritize calorie-dense, lightweight food. Choosing food like instant oatmeal, dried fruits, jerky, tortillas, and dehydrated meals can help keep your pack light while meeting your energy needs.

How to Plan a Full Day of Ultralight Backpacking Food

The most important thing to do when packing food for an ultralight backpacking trip is meal planning. This way, you’ll stay organized, ensure you have enough calories per day, and avoid over or underpacking.

Consider the nutrients and calories you’ll need to sustain your energy levels and support your mileage.

Here are some steps to help you create a well-rounded backpacking meal plan.

1. Determine your daily calorie intake.

Calculate the approximate calories you’ll need to consume during your backpacking trip. This can vary depending on your body weight, hiking speed, and trail conditions.

Generally, you can expect to burn about 150 calories or more per mile. Multiply this by your daily mileage to get a rough estimate of your caloric needs.

2. Factor in nutrition.

In addition to calories, it’s helpful to ensure you’re getting a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Ideally, aim for a diet that supports overall health and muscle recovery while promoting high energy levels.

I prefer a protein-rich diet while hiking, as I find it brings the best-sustained energy throughout the day without any crashes. (Like those you may deal with if you’re relying on sugar and carbs.) You can also supplement with electrolyte powders, green drink mixes, or protein powders to ensure you cover all of your bases.

3. Choose lightweight, calorie-dense foods.

Choose foods with a high ratio of calories per ounce. Some examples include dried fruits, trail mixes, nuts, and protein bars.

Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals are also convenient options that are lightweight, require minimal preparation, and often provide a good mix of nutrients and high calories.

4. Plan your meals.

Divide your day into meals and ensure you’re packing adequate snacks, too. See a few ideas and options below.

Best Ultralight Snacks

Snacks provide quick energy bursts and help keep you going between meals. On a long-distance trip, I like to use the pro tip of eating a small snack roughly once an hour. Below are some of the best options for ultralight backpacking snacks.

Nuts and trail mix: Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and calories. Trail mixes live up to their name and are calorie-dense and easy to pack.

Dried fruit: Dried fruits like banana chips, cubed pineapple, mango strips, or craisins are lightweight, natural sources of sugar. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious snack choice.

Fruit snacks: You can buy a box of fruit snacks, which usually come in a bunch of small, single-serving packets. A little package of fruit snacks made with real fruit juice is one of my favorite ways to get a burst of sugar.

Jerky and other dried meat: Jerky and other dried meats are excellent sources of protein, making them an ideal snack for replenishing energy during long hikes. I’ve even brought air-dried beef slices that are more lightweight than jerky.

Nut butter packets: Almond or peanut butter packets are a convenient way to pump up your protein and fat consumption on a hike.

Small cheeses: Some cheeses are lightweight and resistant to spoiling on a backpacking trip. I like Babybels and Laughing Cow spreadable cheeses as they last a while without refrigeration.

Protein bars: While there are endless options for bars available these days, try to pick bars with high levels of protein rather than junk calories based on sugar. ProBars are my favorite because they’re lightweight and are high in protein with clean ingredients.

Energy blocks and gels: Energy blocks and gels are basically highly-concentrated sugars and electrolytes. They’re great when you really need a pick-me-up mid-hike.

Tips to Make Your Backpacking Food Lighter

The ultralight backpacker seems to be always searching for ways to cut down on pack weight. It’s a never-ending game, and ultralight backpacking food storage is one area where you can shed some grams!

Food will always get lighter as your trip goes on since it’s a consumable, but it’s great to be as lightweight as possible to begin with. In addition to choosing lightweight snacks, here are a few tips to make your backpacking food lighter:

1. Remove everything from its original packaging.

Transfer your ultralight backpacking food items to resealable bags (e.g. Ziploc). This eliminates unnecessary bulk and weight. And it really simplifies the Tetris game of packing your food, especially if you need to use a bear canister (like in some national parks and parts of the Pacific Crest Trail).

2. Don’t bring canned food.

Cans are heavy, take up too much space in your pack, and create awkward trash you’ll have to carry around.

3. Make a detailed plan.

Calculate precisely how much food you need for your trip, then add one extra meal for emergencies. Consider your daily calorie requirements and pack accordingly.

While it’s better to overpack than under-pack, making a meal plan for your backpacking trip will help you to avoid bringing excess food. And that will help cut weight that you don’t need.

4. Consider a food cache.

Consider a food cache if you’re taking a longer backpacking trip, a trek, or a thru-hike. Rather than packing food for the whole trip, just take enough for a few days or until you’ll intersect another trailhead or road.

On your drive to your starting point, swing by that spot and hide a food container from public view, where you can find it a few days later. Just make sure it’s in a bear and varmint-proof container and that you’re not breaking any rules.

Once you pick up your fresh batch of food, you can even ditch some of your trash or other used items. Just don’t forget to pick it up on your way home.

How to Find Cheap Backpacking Food Anywhere

If you are embarking on a thru-hike, by necessity, you’re eventually going to become an expert at finding cheap backpacking food at random places. Even if you’re only going on a shorter adventure, you can still benefit from buying backpacking food at a supermarket, rather than a specialty outdoors store, to keep your food costs low.

Any grocery store or gas station will have light, cheap, non-perishable food suitable for backpacking. Look for options like:

Ramen: Ramen noodles are a staple for many backpackers due to their low cost, availability, ease, and low weight. They can also be enhanced with additional ingredients like dehydrated vegetables or meat.

Mac and cheese: Instant mac and cheese is another budget-friendly and easy-to-prepare option. Look for single-serving boxes.

Instant mashed potatoes: These come in several different-sized bags and are a calorie-dense, inexpensive, and extremely lightweight option.

Ramen bombs: Combine a regular-sized bag of Idahoan instant mashed potatoes with a package of ramen noodles, and you have a super cheap base for two ultralight backpacking dinners. Put these into two separate Ziploc bags in advance for less hassle.

At camp, you’ll just add half to 1 cup of boiling water, gobble it up quickly, and sleep like a baby when you’re done. You can combine different flavors of ramen or potatoes and even add a pack of tuna or pre-cooked chicken for some protein.

Pre-packaged meals: I’ve used pre-packaged rice and Indian or Asian-inspired meals from the grocery store on trips. Tasty Bites or similar options are fully cooked and flavorful.

Instant oatmeal: Buy a box of single-serving oatmeal packets for convenience and flavor variety, or purchase a big box of instant oatmeal and portion it in ziplocks.

Tuna and chicken salad packets: Single-serving packets of tuna or chicken salad can be eaten with crackers or tortillas. I usually look for little boxed chicken salad meals with crackers and a plastic serving spoon.

Trail mixes and small nut packages: Look for small packages of nuts or trail mixes in the snack aisle. Sometimes these are only 99 cents at a gas station!

Toaster pastries: High in calories and sugar but actually sometimes fortified with vitamins, toaster pastries are available in any grocery store. I like to buy mine in advance from health food stores for a slightly more nutritious breakfast option on the trail, but you can find Pop Tarts anywhere.

Candy: While not the most nutritious option, candy can provide a quick burst of energy when you need it. Choose lightweight options like gummies, M&M’s, or small candy bars.

How to Find Cheap Backpacking Food at a Grocery Store

So you find yourself in a supermarket or gas station looking for cheap backpacking food. Wading through aisles of food for something suitable to throw in your pack doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is it shelf-stable?

Look for food that does not require refrigeration.

2. Is it lightweight?

Choose foods that are lightweight and easily packable. Avoid cans and other bulky items that can’t be re-packaged for your trip.

3. Is it calorie-dense?

Read the nutritional labels and choose items that provide a good number of calories per serving. High protein is a plus.

Does it meet all of these requirements? If so, bring it along. Congratulations, you’ve successfully shopped for your ultralight backpacking trip at a grocery store without spending a bunch of money at an outdoor retailer!

Homemade vs. Store-bought Backpacking Food

There are plenty of nutritious, lightweight, and tasty backpacking meals on the market. You can have a variety of good meals on the trail just by purchasing pre-made dehydrated food.

These pouches are convenient, lightweight, and calorie-dense. Most can be cooked in the package they come in just by adding boiling water, saving you from dish cleanup.

However, building an entire trip around pre-packaged, dehydrated meals can get expensive.

Some hikers make their own backpacking meals using a dehydrator. Dehydrating food at home allows you to save money in the long run. Plus, you can also cook and bring almost whatever you want!

While there is an initial investment in the dehydrator, the cost-per-meal can be significantly lower than purchasing pre-packaged meals.

Homemade backpacking meals do require an extra level of preparation and planning. Dehydrating food can be time-consuming. Additionally, homemade dehydrated food has a shorter shelf life than store-bought, pre-packaged backpacking meals.

Ultimately, deciding between homemade and store-bought backpacking food depends on your personal meal preferences, budget, and the time you’re willing to dedicate to food preparation.

Some of the best hiking meals I’ve ever had have been homemade, but there are great pre-made options on the market, too. It’s up to you how much time and preparation you want to put into creating your backpacking meals.

The post Ultralight Backpacking Food Tips and Meal Planning Guide appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of excellent options when it comes to coolers crafted on American soil. Whether you need a small cooler for tailgating, a spacious one for a multi-day camping trip, a convenient backpack cooler for when you’re on the move, or a sturdy companion for hunting expeditions, American companies have got you covered.

Discover the truth about coolers made in the USA! Not all popular brands, like YETI, are entirely American-made. But fear not! Look for Igloo, Pelican, Otterbox, Cordova, and more. These American-made coolers keep drinks chilled and adventures exciting.

Who Makes Coolers in the USA?

1. Igloo

Made in: Katy, Texas
Popular US-made models: IMX Collection, Trailmate, Tag Along Too
Best for: Small personal coolers (Tag Along Too), camping coolers in many different sizes (IMX collection), and large-wheeled cooler carts (Trailmate). Igloo is a well-known American brand that produces many rugged coolers for any outdoor adventure.

2. OtterBox

Made in: Fort Collins, Colorado
Popular US-made models: Trooper series
Best for: Durable soft-sided coolers (Trooper), backpack coolers, and tote coolers. Otterbox is known for its protective phone cases, but they also offer a small line of USA-made coolers. Otterbox coolers are best when you need something portable and lightweight that will stand up to most easy adventures.

3. Pelican

Made in: South Deerfield, Massachusetts
Popular US-made models: Elite series, Dayventure series
Best for: Wheeled hard-sided coolers (Elite), heavy-duty backpack coolers (Dayventure), and rugged personal coolers. Pelican offers a variety of options for the person who needs a cooler that will stand up to the elements – and to wildlife. The Elite series is registered as bear-resistant.

4. Cordova

Made in: Nampa, Idaho
Popular US-made models: Basecamp Class series, Backcountry Class series
Best for: Hard-sided coolers designed to keep things cold for days (Basecamp). Cordova Basecamp Class coolers are also bear-resistant. Cordova also offers soft-sided day pack coolers for when you need to bring your cooler on the go (Backcountry Class).

5. Orion

Made in: Sparta, Tennessee
Popular US-made models: Core series
Best for: Kayak fishing, boating, whitewater, camping, and long trips. Orion coolers are made by Jackson Kayaks, one of the most respected names in the kayak industry. Their coolers take on a similar look and feel as their kayaks. Out of 28 coolers tested, the Orion Core cooler won our very own ice retention challenge, holding ice a full two days longer than other popular rotomolded cooler brands like YETI. It has gobs of cool accessories, and it’s just a solid ice chest all around.

6. Grizzly

Made in: Decorah, Iowa
Popular US-made models: Grizzly series, Drifter series
Best for: Coolers made with hunters and anglers in mind. Grizzly’s American-made ice chests are available in any size that you could ever need. They offer some of the largest outdoor coolers on the market in 400-quart sizes. The Drifter series also offers small soft-sided coolers for lunch or cans on short trips.

7. RovR Coolers

Made in: Boulder, Colorado
Popular US-made models: RollR series
Best for: All-terrain wheeled coolers with plenty of accessories (RollR). RovR coolers come with a dry storage bin and a cutting board that can be mounted on the cooler’s side. They also sell additional storage bins that fit into the top.

8. Orca Coolers

Made in: Nashville, Tennessee
Popular US-made models: 20 quart, 58 quart, 65 quart wheeled, 140 quart
Best for: Hard-sided rotomolded coolers in a variety of sizes. Orca offers USA-made coolers from 20 quarts up to 140-quart sizes and several sizes in between for any need. They also have one wheeled model in a 65-quart size.

9. Bison Coolers

Made in: Fort Worth, Texas
Popular US-made models: Gen 2 series, XD series
Best for: Heavy-duty coolers for tailgating, hunting, or fishing. The Gen 2 series features roto-molded coolers with multiple drains and up to 7-day ice retention. Bison also makes soft-sided coolers in 12 or 24-can sizes.

10. Kong

Made in: South Bend, Indiana
Popular US-made models: 20 quarts, 50 quarts, 110 quarts, Kong Cruiser
Best for: Rotomolded coolers in a range of standard sizes, built with extra insulation and sealing to keep ice cold for ten days. Kong also offers a wheeled cooler (Kong Cruiser) in its 50-quart size, a versatile option for camping, tailgating, or other adventures.

11. Magellan

Made in: Katy, Texas
Popular US-made models: 40-Can Rolling Cooler, Explore Icebox, 30 qt Insulated Bait/Dry Box
Best for: Versatile hard or soft-sided coolers for fishing or camping trips. Magellan is a Texas outdoor retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors brand. Magellan also makes insulated bait/dry boxes for fishing trips (30 qt Insulated Bait/Dry Box). Magellan’s line of cooler backpacks and totes are leak-proof and easy to take on the go; some even convert into rolling coolers (40-Can Rolling Cooler).

12. Lifetime

Made in: Clearfield, Utah
Popular US-made models: 28 quarts, 48 quarts, and 65 quart High-Performance Coolers
Best for: Various uses, such as camping, tailgating, and fishing. Lifetime coolers come in most common sizes up to 115 quarts. They are built to keep ice cold for up to 5 days and are certified to be bear-resistant.

13. Rubbermaid

Made in: Atlanta, Georgia
Popular US-made models: Modern Red Victory Ice Chest, Rubbermaid Water Coolers
Best for: Tailgating or car camping. Rubbermaid is a very affordable option for all-around coolers, available in stores like Walmart or Home Depot. These are a good choice if you don’t need something rugged but want to keep ice or water cold on a budget.

Popular Coolers Made Overseas

Some of the most popular brands, such as YETI, are at least somewhat outsourced to other countries. Some models may be made in America, while some may be made overseas. It’s best to check specifically for the model you want to purchase. But even then, you don’t always know for sure.

Even though they aren’t fully made in the United States, these brands are still known for high-quality coolers.

1. YETI

Made in: Philippines, Iowa, and Wisconsin (select models)
Popular models: Tundra, Hopper, Roadie
Best for: Camping, hunting, fishing, tailgating – when you need something rugged to keep ice cold for days. YETI coolers are extremely popular because of their durability, thick walls, and various designs. They offer traditional coolers (Tundra), wheeled coolers (Roadie), and soft-sided coolers (Hopper).

2. Cabela’s

Made in: China (some models), USA (Polar Cap)
Popular models: Polar Cap
Best for: Lightweight but heavy-duty cooler needs. Cabela’s says their Polar Cap series is made in the USA. These hard-sided coolers are designed to be easy to carry, with glow-in-the-dark handles and insulation without excessive weight. The series also claims to keep ice cold for up to 12 days.

3. Coleman

Made in: China (some models), Wichita, KS (some models)
Popular models: Xtreme series, 316 series, Pro series
Best for: All-around trips or outdoor adventures. Coleman is an affordable option for coolers that will fit most needs. The 316 series is an excellent all-around cooler available in many sizes. Coleman also offers the Pro series hard-sided coolers for something a little more rugged.

4. RTIC

Made in: China
Popular models: Ultra-Light Cooler, Hard Coolers
Best for: Lightweight, portable cooler needs. The Ultra-light line of hard-sided coolers weighs 30% less than competing rotomolded coolers and comes in sizes up to 52 quarts. They also include a wheeled ultralight option.

5. Engel

Made in: Thailand
Popular models: 25 quarts to 320 quart High Performance Cooler
Best for: Hard-sided rotomolded coolers made for any adventure. Engel coolers have an air-tight silicone seal, and Heavy-duty soft-sided coolers made with waterproof ripstop material, built to withstand harsher conditions than most soft-sided coolers.

6. Canyon

Made in: China, using American-made materials
Popular models: Outfitter, PRO, Nomad
Best for: Tailgating, camping, fishing. Canyon is based in Flagstaff, Arizona but assembles its coolers overseas. The Nomad series of soft-sided coolers claim to keep ice cold longer than hard-sided coolers, weighing only 5 pounds. The hard-sided Outfitter and PRO coolers are mostly smaller but durable and convenient.

Why Buy an American-Made Cooler?

Buying USA-made coolers will reduce your carbon footprint. When you purchase anything made overseas, transporting that item to you creates emissions. You can cut back on that by reducing the distance the products you buy need to travel to get into your hands.

American-made coolers will also guarantee, for the most part, that workers making the items will be employed in safe working conditions. Additionally, it will be easier to track where your cooler comes from, and you can buy more confidently.

The quality of American-made coolers may be better than coolers made overseas. Purchasing a cooler made in America will help ensure you’re buying a quality cooler that will keep ice cold for a while.

Finally, you will support the US economy by purchasing a cooler made in the USA. This ensures your money goes to American businesses and people. You might pay more for an American-made cooler, but that money stays local.

See also:
Best Wheeled Coolers
Best Rotomolded Coolers Reviewed

The post 13 Coolers Made in the USA and 6 That Surprisingly Are Not appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Fixing a hole or tear in your tent requires a few materials. There are inexpensive patch kits on the market that make repairs easy. Most repairs will be able to be fixed by adhesive patches or gear tape. Otherwise, basic sewing will do the trick.

How to Patch a Hole in a Tent

An easy and effective way to patch a hole in a synthetic tent is by using patch kits or gear repair tape. Both can be purchased at any outdoor retailer. These kits have a peel-and-stick technology that is very user-friendly.

Canvas tents can be patched similarly, and canvas patch kits are also on the market. The difference with a canvas tent is that canvas can and should be sewn together.

Nylon Tents

The process of fixing a hole in a nylon tent using tape or patches is pretty straightforward.

1. Clean the area that needs to be patched. Remove any dirt and debris before starting the repair. Rubbing alcohol works well for this.
2. Choose either your gear tape or your patch kit. For gear tape, cut to size and round the edges so they won’t peel off in the future.
3. Remove the backing on the tape or patch to expose the adhesive.
4. Press the patch down firmly on the hole. Make sure it is smooth.
5. Repeat on the other side.
6. You can also use a tent seam sealant to add an extra layer of protection and adhesive to the patch. Cure for 24 hours.

Recommended: Best Backpacking Tents Reviewed

Polyester Tents

How to patch a polyester tent will be the same as a nylon tent. Gear repair tape or tent patches will work on polyester, as well. Any nylon tent repair kit would also be able to repair a polyester tent.

Canvas Tents

Canvas tents are patched a little differently. You will want a needle and thread as well as a piece of canvas to cover the hole.

1. Clean any dirt and debris away from the tear.
2. Sew the hole together using a simple stitch.
3. Grab a piece of canvas or canvas patch and sew the patch over the hole.
4. Repeat on the inside of the tent.
5. Just like with a synthetic tent, you can use tent seam sealant to increase the durability of your patch job. Cover your patch, and let it dry for 24 hours.

Recommended: Best Canvas Tents Reviewed

It’s also a good idea to check the warranty for your tent. Reputable manufacturers like Springbar may repair your canvas tent for free or at a reasonable price. Contact customer service to see if that’s an option for you.

How to Fix a Hole in Tent Mesh or Netting

The easiest way to fix a hole in the mesh or netting of your tent is by using a mesh patch. These patches are also peel-and-stick and don’t require any sewing or sealant. They will come pre-cut in small circles that will be sufficient for most rips in the mesh of your tent.

Here’s how to use them. It’s nearly the same process as patching any other hole in your tent.

1. Peel off the backing from the patch to expose the adhesive.
2. Put the patch on the rip in your tent mesh.
3. Press the patch down, making sure it’s smooth and fully adhered.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. From there, you’re good to go.

How to Repair a Tear in a Tent

If you have a long tear in your tent that is too big for a patch kit, you can still repair it. The process will be mostly the same, with just slightly different supplies.

Instead of patches, you can buy rolls of gear repair tape and cut them to whatever size you need. If your canvas tent tears, you can purchase canvas fabric and cut it to shape. Then you would adhere or sew on using the same steps as above.

How to Patch a Hole in a Tent Floor

In most tents, you can use the same patch kit or gear repair tape you would for a hole in the wall. The process to repair it will be the same.

For other tents with vinyl flooring or different floor material, you can buy specific patch kits designed for tent floors. They will be the same adhesive design as any other patch kit.

If you know, you’ll be camping on rocky ground or on a surface that might poke through your tent floor, it’s a good idea to use a ground sheet to help prevent damage in the first place so you don’t have to fix holes in your tent later.

What to Use to Patch a Hole in a Tent

There are several options on the market for what to use to patch a hole in your tent. You can buy a repair kit with a needle and thread or patch tape that either comes in a roll or pre-cut.

For synthetic tents:

• Gear Aid Tenacious Tape
• Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Hex Patches
• Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair Kit
• Coghlan’s Nylon Tent Repair Kit

For canvas tents:

• Coghlan’s Canvas Tent Repair Kit
• Kodiak Canvas Patch Kit

Seam sealer to seal your patch:

• Gear Aid Seam Grip Seam Sealer

For mesh or netting:

• Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Mesh Patches

Can you fix a tent with duct tape?

Duct tape can be used in a pinch to fix a tent. It is an easy but temporary fix. It could be a good thing to carry in your car on a camping trip for emergencies, but it should be replaced with a better solution when you get home.

If your tent poles snapped during an adventure, you could use duct tape to hold them together. You could also use it to patch a tent in an emergency, but I don’t recommend it as a patching material unless you absolutely have to.

Duct tape leaves a sticky residue that is difficult to remove, especially from a delicate surface like the wall of a tent.

The older the tape is, the harder it is to clean off. It will hold up well in the short term but eventually break down with time and exposure and must be replaced. Therefore, it’s best to wait to use tent patching kits and materials to fix a rip in your tent.

The post How to Fix Holes in Tents (Nylon, Polyester, Canvas & More) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Tents come in a wide range of prices. For this article, I compared prices and options between a few big retailers. Looking at REI, Backcountry, Cabela’s, and Walmart, I’ve compiled all the data you need to make an informed decision on your tent budget.

At the beginning of 2023, the average price range of a camping tent is about $50 to $300. Variables such as size, intended use, seasonality, and extra features will affect the cost. You can purchase a good tent at either end of this price range, depending on what you’re looking for.

How Much Does a Tent Cost?

The cost of a camping tent will depend on what type of tent you’re looking for and what variables are important to you. A small car camping tent without extra features may cost only $30.

The price will go up as you increase in size, additional features, and durability. The average cost of a camping tent will be $50 to $300 but can be as high as $700 for a high-end, ultralight backpacking tent.

In a nutshell, here is a list of variables that will factor into the price of your tent. I’ll go more in-depth into these points below.

More expensive:

• Larger, multiple-person tents
• Rain fly included
• Footprint included
• Built-in lighting
• Lightweight backpacking tents
• Durable canvas tents
• Three-season or four-season tents
• Recognizable brand name

Less expensive:

• One-person tents (they are quite small!)
• Lower-quality materials such as polyester or plastic material
• Smaller brands without name recognition
• One-season, fair-weather-only tents
• No rain fly or waterproofing
• Bulkier, heavier backpacking tents
• Older designs or used tents
• Budget retailers such as Walmart

What Makes a Tent More Expensive?

Tent Size

As a rule of thumb, the larger the size, the larger the price. This is true no matter what type of tent you’re looking at.

You can find tents ranging in size from one-person up to ten-person or more. These larger tents may even have more than one room. Even without any additional bells and whistles, size alone can dictate a wide variety of prices.

Tent Seasonality

A three-season tent is the most common type of tent to find as far as seasonality goes. A tent without extra weatherproofing for colder fall temperatures or spring rain will be less expensive. A four-season tent for use in the winter will be at the top of the price range in this department.

You can even go beyond this and purchase a tent for extreme weather and temperatures. These are called mountaineering or “five-season” tents.

Most tents will be marketed as either single-wall or double-wall tents. Three-season, and especially four-season, tents are nearly always double-wall tents.

Single-wall: A single-wall tent may not have any screen windows and just be a solid piece of nylon or polyester. This includes a lot of cheap tents but also high-end ultralight backpacking tents, including what you hear referred to as tarps or simply shelters.

Single-wall tents tend to build up condensation on the inside, which is a real bummer when the tent wall touches your sleeping bag and gets it all wet.

Double-wall: Double-wall tents are generally considered more weatherproof and comfortable because moisture will condense or build up on the outer wall instead of the inner wall that comes in contact with you and your gear.

The inner wall is often all screen mesh, and the outer wall may be a separate nylon rainfly. In many cases, both walls are sewn together in a single construction to save on weight.

While they are generally more expensive than single-wall tents, double-wall tents often hold up better in wind, rain, and snow. They are more versatile for use over three to four seasons in various environments.

Rain Fly

Some budget tents may not come with a rain fly included. A rain fly is an additional waterproof tent material pitched over your tent to keep the rain out. As you increase in price and quality, a tent should come with a rain fly as part of the package. If you only camp in sunny, fair weather, this may not be an issue for you.

However, if you plan camping in areas where the weather can change quickly and without notice, such as high alpine environments, you will want to carry a rain fly.

They also provide extra shade and privacy to a tent. I find this useful, especially with lighter-weight tents that may mostly be mesh.

Tent Material

The type of material used in your tent will also affect the price. At the lower end of the price range will be tents made of polyester or other cheaper plastic materials.

Canvas tents will be more expensive, but they will be more durable and well-suited to long-term camping and living in the woods. Canvas tents are available in various sizes and designs, such as bell tents, tent cabins, and more traditional camping tent designs.

A backpacking tent made of lightweight materials such as nylon will also be a higher price. Backpacking tents are at the highest side of the price range, though they can be comparable with the cost of an excellent car-camping tent. Once you start getting into ultralight designs, the price jumps to over $400.

Recommended: Best Canvas Tents

Brand Names

Major brands may also sit at a higher price point than smaller brands because of name recognition. Brands that people trust for high-quality tents will vary depending on the type of camping you’re doing, but a few are Kelty, Big Agnes, Nemo, Marmot, REI, and Mountain Hardwear.

These brands make various models but are mostly known for high-quality car camping and backpacking tents.

There are also recognizable brands for car camping at lower price points, such as Coleman.

These are just a few brands on the market – there are many more. I have some favorite brands but honestly, the brand is one of the last things I consider when purchasing a tent. Many of these brands are making similar designs to each other.

Comparing Tent Prices

Below is a comparison of a few types of tents and their prices.

Remember that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a tent is higher quality or more durable. Make sure you do a thorough read-through of a tent’s specifications, materials, and extra features before you make a purchase.

I recommend checking out a tent in-person at a physical retailer if possible. That’s also a great way to chat with experts who have likely tried many of the options you’re considering and can help guide you.

How Much Are Camping Tents at Walmart?

Walmart is a common retailer of tents on a lower budget. They carry camping tents in the price range of about $30 to $150, on average. You will also see a couple of options in the ballpark of $200 or more for an 8-person size.

I’d recommend staying within the $50 to $100 price range for most people’s needs. This will get you a relatively durable car camping tent that will be large enough for two people.

Types of Tents at Walmart

Walmart is a good option for purchasing the following types of tents:

• Entry-level, budget car-camping tents
• Mid-range car-camping tents
• Large, budget-friendly family tents (8+ person size)

You can also purchase different types of tents at Walmart, such as canopies or pop-up tents. Both of these are easy shelters to add to a car camping experience. They will be slightly more expensive than a regular tent but are great for keeping you out of the sun while hanging out at your campsite.

Should You Buy a Tent at Walmart?

The tents at Walmart are generally not considered high-end, though they carry some well-known entry-level brands such as Coleman and Ozark Trail that are still a good option. These are great if you’re just getting into car camping.

They also carry a range of larger, family-sized tents by these brands. Walmart is a good place to purchase tents if you’re on a strict budget.

Additionally, if you’re just starting to build your camping supplies and have a lot of things to get, purchasing some of the cheaper items at Walmart can be a great way to build your arsenal without breaking the bank.

Backpacking Tents at Walmart

Walmart doesn’t focus its offerings too much on tents well-suited for backpacking. They do carry a few entry-level backpacking tents, but I don’t really recommend purchasing a backpacking tent at Walmart.

If you’re seeking a tent to hike with, an outdoor-specific retailer will have a wider selection of higher-quality options. They won’t have these low Walmart prices, but a good backpacking tent generally is a higher investment.

Comparing Tent Prices at Walmart

How Much Should You Spend on a Backpacking Tent?

Backpacking tents are more expensive because you’re paying for finer quality materials that weigh much less than car camping materials. There’s no way you could carry an 80-pound car camping tent up the side of a mountain. You’ve got to pay a bit more for the lighter materials so you can actually carry your tent on your back for a few miles.

An average price point for a backpacking tent is $300 to $400. However, ultralight tents can range from $500 to $700. The lighter the weight of a backpacking tent, the more expensive it will be.

You’ll find heavier tents generally made of lower-quality, bulkier materials at the lower end of this price range. At the higher end, you’ll find ultralight tents weighing only a few pounds and packed down to be super compact.

Ultralight Backpacking Tents

If you plan on doing extended backpacking trips or thru-hikes, you may want to invest more money into an ultralight tent. These types of backpacking tents are minimalist.

They use high-quality, lightweight materials like nylon and have simple designs without many bells and whistles. As a result, they cut down considerably on weight and space inside your pack, making for a more comfortable trip.

Trekking Pole Ultralight Tents

Some hikers have started using trekking pole tents. These ultralight models are the most minimalist of any backpacking tent available.

Usually, in a one-person size and without much room to speak of, they are extremely simple and lightweight. The attraction of a trekking pole tent is that you will save weight by not carrying additional tent poles. These tents are set up using the trekking poles you are already carrying on your hike.

Do You Need An Ultralight Tent?

If you haven’t reached a point with your backpacking where weight is of major importance to you, a regular backpacking tent will probably work fine for most of your trips. This is especially true if you’re only going out a few weekends per year.

Some avid backpackers still prefer a heavier tent for its added comfort and functionality. A non-ultralight backpacking tent may have additional features that would’ve been sacrificed for weight in an ultralight tent.

Comparing Backpacking Tent Prices

How Can You Save Money on a Tent?

There are a few tricks to saving money on a camping tent:

1. Off-season Sales

Big outdoor retailers such as REI have annual sales with steep discounts on everything from clothing to tents. Generally, these happen during the winter months. Indie outdoor stores may have sales during the winter as well. Outdoor gear can be cheaper when it’s out of season, and it’s a good way to get some deals.

2. Buy Used Gear

Buying used is another option. Your local gear shop may have a used section with great deals. I’m personally a big supporter of buying your camping gear used whenever you can. Often these tents will still be in great shape and have a ton of life left in them. This is a sustainable way to get out into nature on a budget.

3. Rent a Tent

You can try renting a tent if you’re not sure you want to commit to buying one quite yet. This is a good way to test out a particular tent you’re also considering purchasing.

Check with the gear shops in your area to see which tents they have available for you to take on a test run. This way, you avoid investing your money in a tent that doesn’t work for you. You’ll save money in the long run by knowing that you love the tent you’re purchasing.

The post How Much Camping Tents Cost in 2023 (Budget to High-end) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Nearly every camping tent in the world is made of one of these materials, but it’s hard to know which one is best for you.

Which tent material is best depends on the type of camping you do. Nylon is best suited for backpacking. Polyester is mainly used for car camping, though some can be used for backpacking. Canvas can’t be used as a backpacking tent but is excellent for car camping, glamping, and packing with stock.

Let’s take a detailed look at these tent materials, their tradeoffs, and what makes the most sense for you.

Which Tent Material Is Best?

Find even more insight in our video on this topic!

Which camping tent material is best depends on the intended use. Each material has pros and cons. Weight, durability, and comfort are all varying issues depending on the type of camping you plan to do.

The table below describes some of the main factors you should consider when it comes to tent materials, along with which material excels at what.

A good backpacking tent is much different than a good all-weather car camping tent. It depends on how weather-resistant, durable, lightweight, or inexpensive a tent you are looking for.

But if you’re packing into the backcountry on horseback or with pack animals like mules, llamas, or goats, you may be prone to cooking on cast iron and living it up in a big, comfy, canvas tent.

Here are a few key variables and why the distinctions are important.

Carrying Weight

Are you planning on hiking to your campsite? The weight of your tent is one of three things that many find most essential to cut down on (the other two being the weight of your cooking system and your backpack). Many backpackers strive to go ultralight with their gear for an easier, more comfortable hiking experience.

Backpacking tents need to be lightweight and easily packable. This is why nylon tents are the best option for backpackers. Some nylon tents can boast carrying weights of two pounds or less.

Of course, lightweight gear may not interest you at all. If you’re not hauling a tent up a mountain or through the woods, carry-weight can be taken out of the picture. Canvas would be the best option for someone who doesn’t care about a bulky tent as long as it is heavy-duty, durable, and comfortable.

Sustainability

If you’re anything like me, sustainability is an essential factor when choosing outdoor gear.

Unsurprisingly, synthetic material such as nylon and polyester is less sustainable than natural fibers such as canvas.

All synthetic, man-made fibers are actually a form of plastic. They are a cause of emissions the same way any product created from fossil fuel is. They will never fully biodegrade and will be on the planet forever.

Canvas is a natural material. It is a weave made out of thick cotton fibers. Because it’s made out of cotton, it is biodegradable. A canvas tent, if thrown away, will eventually break down rather than eternally sit in the landfill.

Canvas isn’t a perfect ten on the eco-friendly scale. There are a lot of environmental issues with the cotton industry. Cotton is responsible for an unsustainable level of water usage across the world. Water diverted to cotton farms has drained lakes and decimated watersheds. It also is responsible for pesticides leaking into the surrounding land.

However, any natural material is inherently more sustainable than material made from petroleum. It does not create the same level of emissions, nor is it a “forever” product. Canvas is the most sustainable material for tents currently available.

Durability

Nylon and canvas are both very durable materials. They are different in how they are made, but both hold up very well.

Canvas is a step above because it is a heavier material with thicker threads. It is easier to repair if necessary with just a needle and thread. Synthetic tent materials require a special patch kit to repair them if they rip.

Polyester does not hold up as well as nylon. Some brands have developed ripstop poly blends in an attempt to increase the strength-to-weight ratio and durability of polyester tents. These will be more expensive than regular polyester.

Despite its durability, canvas is much more susceptible to rot if it is not taken care of properly. If you pack your canvas tent away wet, it will decay. This is, however, a relatively unimpactful issue as long as you care for your canvas tent. Let it dry out before storage and the problem is negligible.

Comfort

Canvas regulates the temperature inside your tent and makes for a more comfortable experience. They hold in heat very well in colder temperatures and provide cool shade in warmer temperatures.

Nylon and polyester don’t hold in heat the same way. They also generally require a separate rain fly if you want shade when it is warmer outside. A canvas tent will be warmer in the cold and cooler in the heat than synthetic tent materials.

Canvas vs. Nylon

Both canvas and nylon are widely used, yet very different, tent materials. It’s a bit like comparing apples to oranges.

Both of these tent materials are high-quality and durable. Their design, and mostly their weight, are what sets them so far apart.

Nylon tents are lightweight and packed down to be quite compact. Their tent poles are thin, light, and simple. Pitching a nylon tent is quick and easy. They make wonderful backpacking tents. When simplicity, size, and weight are the issue, nylon tents stand out.

Canvas is bulky and heavy. It can’t be packed down small enough to be a backpacking tent. You also wouldn’t want to carry it hiking, as its weight is so significant.

Canvas makes a wonderful heavy-duty tent for comfortable car camping, glamping or long-term tent stays.

Because it is a hefty material, a canvas tent is better equipped than nylon to handle all sorts of weather. 4-season synthetic tents do exist, but they are costly. Canvas will stand up to the elements better than most nylon tents. This makes it an excellent option for winter camping.

Which Material is Better, Canvas or Nylon?

Whether you should choose a canvas or nylon tent depends entirely on your intended use. Nylon is better for a backpacker. Canvas is better for a car camper or glamper. The big difference is in their design and vast polarity in carry-weight.

They are both great options for their specific uses. Nylon will be a high-quality lightweight tent. Canvas is great for a comfortable, long-lasting, heavy-duty tent.

Canvas vs. Polyester

Canvas and polyester are both tent materials used for car camping and developed campgrounds. Neither is recommended for backpacking or trekking. Both are too bulky and heavy.

The biggest difference between the two is that canvas is a heavy-duty car camping material that will hold very well to the elements. Polyester is cheaper, more lightweight (though not as light as nylon), uses a separate rain fly, will not regulate temperature, and is not very durable.

Many car camping tents are made of polyester. They are very widely available. These will look similar to the design of nylon tents with a large mesh panel, a separate rain fly, and a lightweight pole structure.

Polyester tents will be significantly more lightweight than canvas, though it is not an ultralight material like nylon can be. Many polyester tent options will be easier to haul around and less bulky to set up and pack away than canvas. Think of a six to ten-pound tent (polyester) versus a thirty-pound tent (canvas).

However, polyester’s strength-to-weight ratio is very poor compared to canvas. Canvas, being a durable material with thick natural fibers, will hold up better in the long run than a polyester tent.

Like nylon, polyester as a synthetic option will not weather in the sun and other elements as well as canvas. UV rays will slowly deteriorate them. Canvas does better against this and doesn’t break down in the sun the same way.

The all-weather durability of canvas also contributes to a huge comfort factor that polyester can’t match. Canvas tents can withstand bitter cold and beating sun while still holding up. Because of the way it regulates temperature, holds in heat, and stands up to the elements, canvas is the way to go if you’re planning on camping in the winter.

Canvas is the best option for glamping. Smaller canvas car camping tents are also available, similar in size to many polyester tents you may find. Canvas tents come in many different designs. You will have the option of car camping in luxury or in a small one or two-person canvas tent.

A polyester tent is fine for many people’s car camping usage. A canvas tent would be a level up in comfort that would likely be worth it for many reasons if you’re willing to increase your price point.

Polyester vs. Nylon

Polyester and nylon are both synthetic fabrics, but they are quite different in their performance, weight, and cost.

These two types of materials may be the most confusing to compare. Many nylon and polyester tent designs may look nearly identical. The difference is in their specs and durability.

You may see a $500 nylon tent and a $300 polyester tent with an extremely similar design. Nylon tents will usually be towards the top of the price spectrum. Polyester tents are a good budget option. However, there is a reason that they are cheaper.

Polyester tents tear more easily than nylon and generally have a poor strength-to-weight ratio. They are not as durable of a material and tend to be heavier. The weight difference may only be a few pounds, but those pounds add up on a hike especially when the heavier tent won’t hold up as well.

If you are car camping and trying to decide between nylon and polyester tent materials, consider the investment you’d like to put into your tent purchase.

A nylon tent will work great for car camping and can also be taken on backpacking trips. A polyester tent will do you just fine for car camping, but you will eventually need to upgrade if you intend to hike to camp.

When to Use Which Type of Tent

Ultimately, when to use each type of tent really comes down to what kind of camping you’re doing. Additionally, think about whether you are in a position to sacrifice carry weight for durability, longevity, and extra comfort.

Backpacking

As a backpacker, I exclusively use nylon tents. None of the benefits of canvas are worth the weight and the lack of packability for the type of camping I do. Using canvas for this type of camping is not realistic or doable. Polyester’s poor strength-to-weight ratio also doesn’t fit my criteria.

My nylon tent weighs just a few pounds. It stuffs down into a sack or around the gaps in my backpack and becomes extremely compact. A canvas or polyester tent is not capable of that.

Any ultralight backpacking tent you will find will be made out of nylon. I would not recommend any other type of tent material to a backpacker.

Car Camping

If you’re not trekking to get to your campsite, a canvas tent’s comfort and durability is worth it. They are great for car camping and developed campgrounds. Canvas has better strength and weather resistance than both nylon and polyester.

While synthetic tents can definitely be used for car camping, canvas is a step above them. It will be a significant upgrade in comfort for your camping experience.

Glamping and Long-term Camping

Looking to do “glamping” or long-term living in a tent? Canvas is the option for you here. When I was living in a tent for extended periods, including in winter months, it was a canvas tent. It was large enough for a small bed, a wood stove or heater, and other furniture.

The canvas material kept the heat in even during some freezing nights. It kept me warm and dry during some snow. It also provided shade during the height of the summer.

For good reason, bell tents, yurts, and tent cabins are all usually made of canvas. Canvas is the way to go if you’re setting yourself up for the long haul in a tent.

Winter Camping

While you can find 4-season synthetic tents, canvas really shines for winter camping as well. Canvas holds in heat (without condensation) in a way that synthetic tents do not. A bit of snow doesn’t phase a canvas tent, either.

If you’re planning on spending a good chunk of your camping time in the winter, adding a canvas tent to your lineup would be a smart investment.

The post Canvas vs Nylon vs Polyester: Camping Tent Material Faceoff appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Many of us have also found it increasingly necessary to promote our self-reliance wherever possible in an unpredictable world. Growing or hunting your own food is a hobby and skill with real advantages for your food security, health, the environment, and more.

There are many benefits to adding game meat and homegrown produce to your diet. When you know exactly where your food comes from, you are taking control of your health. It’s more sustainable than store-bought food. You’re also increasing your self-reliance by putting your own food on the table.

Better Nutrition and Overall Health

Wild game, fish, and homegrown produce can be much better for your health than store-bought food. Most meat in the supermarket has been pumped with antibiotics and hormones. Farmed fish have been found to be full of microplastics. Vegetables may have been sprayed with all sorts of pesticides that are harmful.

You can avoid all of these health risks with hunting, fishing and gardening. There are added benefits to these activities, as well, such as exercise and better mood.

Health Benefits of Hunting and Fishing

Fishing is a great stress reliever. While it may not be the most physically active outdoors hobby, it still provides numerous benefits to the mind and body. Time spent in nature is a natural antidepressant and has been found to help fight disease.

Hunting increases your stamina, strength and mental focus. It can require plenty of time walking and carrying equipment and game through the woods, which is good exercise. The requirement of being still for long periods of time and quieting the mind is also a great contributor to a mindful lifestyle.

Health Benefits of Home Gardening

I find it incredibly grounding to get my hands in some soil. It’s mindful, intentional and soothing. Gardening has a lot of mental health benefits. It is time that you can take out of your day to just be with the earth. You’ll find that it relieves stress and brings you back to your center.

Gardening is an easy, and more inexpensive, way to make sure that the produce you consume is organic. You will know exactly what you’ve used in your own garden! This way you can avoid unnamed chemical residues on your food.

Living More Sustainably

Sustainability means to use resources without depleting them. Some of the biggest environmental concerns in our society are related to our food supplies. You can take action to create a more sustainable world by changing where your food comes from.

By growing some of your produce at home, you’re bypassing the ecological issues of the factory farm industry. Most large-scale farms in the United States use an approach called monocropping. This means to repeatedly plant a single crop, instead of diversifying the fields. Monocropping has negative consequences and degrades the health of soil. These crops are then at a greater health risk, requiring more toxic pesticides that harm pollinators (and humans).

Instead of buying cuts of meat wrapped in single-use plastic from the grocery store, hunting or fishing for your own is more sustainable. Factory meat farming produces waste, uses a lot of water, creates emissions, and doesn’t focus on the well-being of the animals. Hunting and fishing for your own meat solves all of those problems. It offers a greater respect to the animals we rely on for nourishment.

Helping Wildlife Conservation

A healthy ecosystem has a balance of different species, as well as a balance between predators and prey. When there is a balance of animal species, the entire system is able to work the way it should. Wildlife conservation requires maintaining the balance of all living things, from plant to insect to animal, so that they all may thrive.

Hunters contribute to conservation programs through the fees from their licenses. This money will go to support rewilding efforts and wildlife maintenance. Ethical hunting is necessary to keep wildlife populations healthy. Many hunter-backed wild game organizations have helped restore ecosystems and wildlife numbers through conservation programs.

Fishermen have a code of conduct to maintain healthy fisheries. By fishing in-season, only taking what you will eat, purchasing a license, and advocating for waterways, fishermen can help with conservation.

Your home garden can benefit wildlife by providing habitat and resources. Flowering plants will attract and help pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Plants can also provide cover and places for small animals to raise their young.

Improving Self-Reliance

We have all seen the shelves at our local supermarkets become barren because of supply and demand issues since the pandemic. You can remove the supply chain’s impact on you by providing your own food. Adding wild game and homegrown produce to your routine increases your self-reliance and stability.

You will also save money in the long-run. Of course there will be start-up costs, but after the initial investment, you can save a lot of money per year. This is especially true with game such as deer, where bringing home an entire animal will provide quite a bit of food and resources. Similarly, a garden will be renewable year after year and provide you with plentiful food and seeds. None of this requires a costly trip to the grocery store!

How to Start Growing Food at Home

With a bit of planning, some dedication, and a bit of time, you can start growing your own food from your home. Here’s some tips to get you started.

• Start small. You don’t need to be growing 100% of your produce from home right away, but you can work up to that! Building slowly will allow you to figure out how much time you want to put into it without any overwhelm.
• Make a plan. Decide what you want to grow and research when it should be started. Each climate area will have different growing requirements. If you don’t have a suitable plot of land, you can also use a raised bed or even planters. Choose a space that receives about six hours of sunlight per day.
• Get your supplies. You can pick up everything you need at a hardware or home improvement store. For a small vegetable garden, you’ll want a few tools: gardening gloves, a trowel for digging, a rake for preparing beds, good soil, and a watering system such as a handheld can or sprinklers. Finally, you’ll need seeds!

How to Start Fishing

The first thing you need to do to get started fishing is to pick up a license and figure out where you can fish in your area.

Once you figure out where you want to fish, you just need to get your starting equipment. This will consist of only a few things, such as a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, and lures.

You can also go on a guided fishing trip in many places and receive professional instruction.

How to Start Hunting Wild Game

A sporting good store can get you set up with the supplies you need to get started hunting. Most importantly, you want to be educated on safety and ethics when you first start hunting. Start by taking a hunter education course.

Make sure you read up, and possibly seek out a mentor. Join a local hunter’s club or ask friends to bring you along on their trips. Experienced hunters will have plenty of knowledge to pass onto you to make you a more skillful hunter. You can make hunting a family-friendly activity, as well, by bringing the kids along and teaching them everything they need to know. This way, the whole family can hunt together.

The post The Unexpected Benefits of Supplementing Your Diet With Game Meat and Homegrown Foods appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Living sustainably and communally is increasingly necessary. Focusing on self-reliance with a collaborative approach makes a strong community. Offering your skills, supporting local businesses, and giving back to your neighbors are a few ways to support the self-sufficiency of your community.

Using Your Skills to Support Your Community

We become stronger through independence. This is relevant on a communal scale, too. The less we need to rely on the larger society, the more sustainable we will be.

Self-sufficient communities work because everyone contributes their unique skill sets. No matter what your skills are, there is something that you can contribute to the betterment of your community.

Gardening and Landscaping

While local farms are extremely important, you don’t have to have acres of agricultural land. There are plenty of ways anyone can use gardening to promote self-reliance.

• Grow your food. Even a small home garden can be a communal contribution. Trade produce and seeds with your neighbors to diversify your food supply.
• Start, or help out with, a community garden. Community gardens are educational, put food on the table, and can even support local organizations. A town I used to live in had a community garden at our library. The food was free for anyone who needed it.
• Cater your landscaping to your climate and local ecosystem. A green lawn uses a lot of water and creates fertilizer runoff, polluting watersheds. It also doesn’t provide much of a habitat for wildlife. Native species benefit birds and pollinators and create a healthy environment.

Hunting and Fishing

Hunters know our responsibility for a sustainable future. A huge part of subsistence living relies on the land and what nature provides for us. Hunting and fishing can provide food, clothing, and other items we need. You can use these skills and resources to give back to your community.

• Consider donating game meat to local food banks, homeless shelters, or even your neighbors. First, you’ll want to confirm whether or not there are restrictions on this practice from your local game and fish agency or health department. Where possible, this is the best model for a self-sufficient community: everyone pitching in what they can provide, but others may not have.
• Your skills and knowledge as a hunter or fisherman are valuable. You might have neighbors who have always wanted to learn how to hunt or fish for their food but don’t know where to start. By passing this along to others, especially the younger generations, we are investing in the future of our entire community.

Buying Local

The convenience of purchasing everything from one big box store or online seller has made it difficult for smaller businesses to thrive. Combat this by shopping small.

• Farmer’s markets are my favorite place to buy fresh produce, dairy and meat. This is a fantastic way to connect with the people that grow or raise your food!
• Ditch the consumer giants as much as you can and patronize businesses in your neighborhood. I even shop at family-owned markets instead of big grocery stores.
• Stop at yard sales. My mom furnished almost her entire house through yard sales! I’ve found great things for cheap, too. The best thing is that your money either goes straight to your neighbors, or in some cases, you can support churches and schools.
• Eating out or grabbing coffee? Try somewhere that isn’t a chain. Chances are, the quality is better, and you’re contributing to the neighborhood’s success.

Volunteering and Teaching

Do you have skills that you can offer as a volunteer? Maybe you have extra resources you don’t need that someone else can benefit from? Even just a helping hand and some of your time can make a big difference.

• Your time can be put to use for a good cause. Volunteering for something you care about will also help others and make you feel great.
• Donate your extra clothing, food, furniture, books, or anything else taking up space in your home. Look into charity drives and see what you can give.
• If you have a specific skill that you can teach, consider offering community education classes. This could be something like computer skills, resume writing, or math tutoring. If you’re an artist, you could offer a beginner’s course on your medium. If you’re great in the kitchen, you can teach a cooking class. There are plenty of possibilities.

Getting Involved

Good values and compassion will resonate through a community when people get involved. Your impact is only limited by how much you give back.

• Non-profits and charities are always in need of help. Whether that’s a food bank, an animal shelter, or anything else – your effort and dedication are incredibly valuable.
• If you are a natural leader, consider running for a local public office position. You could help the voices of your community be heard on a larger scale.
• Consider learning about and finding ways to support the environment on a local scale. Practicing sustainability and conservation is essential for the success and well-being of future generations.
• What do you care about? Activism and advocacy are where we can make the changes necessary for the future we believe in. Find what resonates with you and follow through.

The post Creative Ways You Can Support the Self-sufficiency of Your Community appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

• Fresh air and sunlight promote an overall sense of well-being.
• Getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern society provides mental health benefits, lowers stress, and can combat anxiety and depression.
• It’s educational. There is plenty to learn about and from the natural world, whether that’s a new skill or scientific knowledge.
• You’ll find a strong sense of community – I’ve met all my closest friends through outdoor activities.

Getting outdoors may seem a bit daunting. I was intimidated when I was first starting, too. However, nature is accessible to everyone no matter where you are! There are plenty of easy and fun ways to incorporate nature into your life at any experience level.

Gardening or Landscaping

You can bring nature to your home by taking up gardening or landscaping. Caring for plants is a mindful and rewarding routine. You’ll also benefit the ecosystem.

• Look into planting native species in your yard. Landscaping with these species creates a positive ripple effect in the ecosystem, as they support pollinators, wildlife, and other plants. They will also be hardier, resisting disease and requiring fewer resources to grow.
• Starting a garden can provide food for you and your family, whether this is greens, vegetables, or herbs. Research what grows best in your climate and when to plant each seed. Some plants are easier than others to grow successfully, but with a bit of time and dedication, anybody can have their fresh produce.
• Don’t have space for a garden outside? I always keep house plants when I’m living in an apartment. There are plenty of low-maintenance beginner plants. I’ve even grown an entire herb garden inside! You can purchase complete indoor growing kits.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is something enjoyable you can add to your daily routine. It allows you to tune into nature anywhere you go. Birds remind us that nature and wildlife still exist around us, even in the city’s densest areas. They can teach us to slow down and appreciate small things in life.

Here are a few easy steps to get started birdwatching.

• Pick up some binoculars. You don’t have to have anything expensive or complicated. When I first got into birdwatching, I used a pair of binoculars found at a yard sale for a few dollars.
• Get an identification guide. I recommend the Sibley guides, as they’re easy to use and informative. Most will be organized by color and type, making them user-friendly.
• Go on a walk! Explore trails, parks, rivers, or marinas; these are all birding hotspots.
• Setting up a bird feeder can attract a diverse range of birds to your home.

Identifying Wild Plants

Seeking out wildflowers is one of my favorite ways to ring in the springtime. Learning to identify wild plants is not only fun, but it’s also a pretty practical skill to have. You may be surprised to know there are many useful plants growing wild where you live – some are even edible.

• The easiest way to learn plant identification is by using a field guide. Field guides can be broad or focus on a specific type of plant.
• See a plant on a hike that you don’t recognize? Take a picture of it and look it up when you get home. Next time you see it, you’ll know what it is!
• Go on a naturalist walk. These programs may be put together by parks or environmental organizations. A naturalist guide will point out plants on an easy hike and answer any questions you might have about what grows in your area.

Hiking and Camping

There are a lot of health benefits from hiking and camping. Getting out into the woods has always been my meditation. It allows me to work out my thoughts in a calm setting. It’s great for just being present.

Hiking and camping also promote physical health. I love a good hike to get in my exercise and build strength and endurance.

Here’s how to get started.

• Outdoor websites, forums, or guidebooks will all be able to direct you where to go. Some hiking websites will list trails by difficulty or mileage so you can find something to fit your skills.
• Even if you are in the city, most urban areas will have some green space! Look up your local parks and see what your city has to offer. Nature might be easier to access than you think.
• You don’t need elaborate or expensive gear to start. You can pick up affordable camping equipment in any store with an outdoors section. If you’re open to buying used to stay sustainable and low-cost, check online marketplaces or second-hand stores.

Fishing or Hunting

Both hunting and fishing will afford you a greater respect for the natural world. This is an ancestral activity that will get you closer to both your roots and the earth. It’s something that has been passed down for generations.

Fishing or hunting might seem a bit more complicated to get into than some other hobbies on this list. Here are some pointers to help you get started.

Getting Started Fishing

It’s actually relatively simple to get started fishing.

• You need a few pieces of equipment to get started: a rod, a reel, a fishing line, and lures. These are all easily purchased in many places.
• Make sure you have a fishing license. This is your annual permit to fish in public waterways. It can be purchased at outdoor retailers or possibly through your city itself.
• Get out there! Fishing is good for you. It is a peaceful and meditative hobby that can even burn a few calories. Plus, fish is a food that is nutritional and high in protein.

Getting Started Hunting

You will learn a lot about conservation through hunting. Hunters adhere to a set of responsibilities and ethics for the sake of wildlife, the forest, and hunter safety.

• Read up and follow the laws in your state. This includes getting a license and following age requirements if you’re bringing the kiddos along.
• Make sure you’re educated on what wildlife you can hunt in your chosen location. Deer are the most popular animal to hunt in the United States. Fowl, rabbits, and squirrels are some other frequently hunted species.
• Start getting your equipment. What you need may vary depending on whether you want to use a firearm or a bow, the range at which you’ll be from your target and the type of wildlife you’re hunting.
• It’s easiest to start out using a rifle. Hunting bows are also quite popular but require a close range to the target and a different skill set.

Community Conservation Projects

Our wild spaces need advocates and people looking out for them. See how you can get involved in your community by caring for your local environment.

• Pick up garbage and join in on cleanups. Your community may have clean up days where groups of people will get together to clear trash from trails, parks, or roads.
• Environmental non-profits near you may have restoration projects you can volunteer for. Restoring habitat is labor intensive, and each pair of hands (or gardening gloves!) helps out. I’ve pulled invasive plants, cleaned up rivers, and planted trees in my area.
• Public land requires maintenance to keep its trails accessible and open. Help keep your favorite trails in good shape by joining a trail crew.

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