Buying Guides

The five traditional types of personal flotation devices (PFDs) are Type I offshore life jackets, Type II near-shore buoyant vests.

A tent’s waterproof rating is the hydrostatic head, measured in millimeters.

A common rule of thumb is about 15 to 20 square feet of floor area per person for lightweight backpacking.

To choose the right camping tent, match the tent’s capacity, season rating.

You should buy a portable generator if you regularly lose power for hours or days, rely on medical or temperature-sensitive equipment.

Kayaking is not inherently bad for your back, and for many people it is a good low-impact activity, but poor posture, a badly fitted seat.

You can carry a kayak without a roof rack by using foam block pads or an inflatable soft rack on the roof, a hitch-mounted extender.

The best way to store a kayak is indoors or under cover, out of direct sun.

To start kayaking, pick calm, protected water, choose a stable beginner-friendly kayak, wear a properly fitted life jacket.

To set up a tube tent, run a length of rope or cord between two anchor points such as trees, pull it taut at about chest or waist height.