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Kurt Spurlock

Kurt Spurlock

Contributor

Kurt Spurlock is a writer for the outdoors and motorcycle industries. When he's not busy writing you can find him hoarding backpacking gear, trying not to injure himself mountain biking, or doing literally anything on a motorcycle from track days to dual sport camping. Give him a piece of your mind on twitter @kurtspurlock, or at his website www.KurtSpurlock.com.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

camping vs. glamping campsite

Glamping vs. camping: What’s the difference, and which is for you?

While there's no solid line drawn between glamping vs. camping, glamping is a lot like Steve Buscemi or a rabid bear: You know it when you see it.
Couple camping with cooler and beer

How to clean a cooler that’s smelly, moldy, or stained to get ready for summer

Is you favorite cooler starting to look and smell a little funky? Here's our quick and not-so-dirty guide on how to clean a cooler the easy way.
Person camping on a river using a one person tent

The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect one-person tent for your next outing

Ready to commit to the one-person tent life but don't know where to start your search? Here's the lowdown on what makes any one-person tent great.
Man driving in the rain using windshield wipers.

How to change windshield wipers — a complete guide

Driving in the rain doesn't have to feel like a life or death situation. Here's how to change windshield wipers on just about any vehicle on the road.
HIker standing in the sunrise

Hiking for beginners: A guide to hitting the trail

Our hiking for beginners comprehensive guide has all the tips and tricks you need to hit the trail with confidence this year. So, start your journey now.
Car warning light on a vehicle dashboard.

Check engine, tire pressure, and more: The most common car warning lights explained

Wondering how serious that car warning light on your dash is? Here are the most common ones you'll see and what they're trying to tell you.
Car driving in the snow

Winter driving tips: How to put on tire chains and safely drive in the snow

Depending on where you live, you may be required to use snow chains. We walk you through how to put them on and drive safely with them on.
Winter roadside emergency kit.

These are the items you should always have in your vehicle in case of emergency

It's never too early to prepare for winter driving. That's why you'll need to make sure you have these emergency supplies on hand.
Best mountain biking destinations in Georgia feature.

The 6 best mountain biking destinations in Georgia

Whether you live here and are new to the sport or just passing through, Georgia has some of the best mountain biking destinations for all riders.
The best cold-weather camping gear can make your winter adventures warmer and more fun

The best one-person tents for your camping home away from home

These are the best one-person tents to use on solo adventures outdoor. No need to pack more than necessary when out in the wild.
Full dinner grilling on a metal grate over an open campfire with a blurred couple in the background.

Stock your on-the-go outdoor kitchen with the best camping cookware

Unsure of how to cook outdoors? Check out our easy-to-use cooking gear list for both campers and backpackers, which will bring out your inner gourmet chef!
Lake campsite booking using campspot.com

Get your camping trip organized this summer with these campground booking sites

Spring is here, and prime camp season is upon us. Most parks are already booked solid, but here are a few smart campsite booking alternatives to try.
motorcycle standing in front of a car covered in snow.

How to winterize your motorcycle in a single afternoon

For most riders, the arrival of the holidays means it's time to winterize your motorcycle. Knock it out in an afternoon with these five simple steps.
essential winter motorcycle gear ice racing.

This is the essential winter motorcycle gear to keep you riding all year long

There are two kinds of men in this world: Those who ride in the winter, and those who don't. Earn your curves year-round with the best winter motorcycle gear.
The sidewall of the BFG KO2 All-Terrain Tire.

Do BFGoodrich KO2 tires live up to the hype?

The BFG KO2 is one of the most popular and widely praised all-terrain tires of all time. We answered all the internet's most common questions and complaints.
Traveling Wisconsin off road trails in Can Am side by sides.

This is the amazing off-road travel spot no one even knows about

Wisconsin is known for three things: Cheese, beer, and football. Here's why off-road adventures should to be added to the top of that list.
Riding a mountain bike in the Five Ten Freerider Pro BCA shoes.

Help fight breast cancer with these limited edition Adidas shoes

Adidas shoes are joining the fight against breast cancer this year with a limited edition colorway of their most popular MTB shoe, the Five Ten Freerider Pro.
The 2022 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty sitting beside a trail.

Cannondale’s Topstone Carbon is the gravel bike made for mountain bikers

If you're a mountainbiker who's feeling gravel-curious, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon is the gravel bike you're looking for.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

Why the redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander AWD will have you rethinking the brand

The new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander sports a surprising level of luxury and refinement, but can it compete in the crowded compact crossover market?
Oru Lake foldable kayak on a river

Review: The Oru Lake Is the Most Accessible Folding Kayak Yet

The Oru Lake is the lightest, most compact, and most affordable Oru boat yet. Here's my take after spending a few sunny summer weekends aboard the Lake.
STEM mosquito repellent

Do All-Natural Bug Repellants Work? See How STEM Stacks Up

STEM is an all-natural mosquito repellant. Our review will tell you how it stood up to field tests and its effectiveness.
Preparing a meal with the quecha camp cookset pot.

A Field Test of the Decathalon Quechua Camp Cookware

Here's what we thought of the Quechua Camp Cookset. Does it live up to its higher-priced competitors?
The Lifestraw Peak Series collapsible water bottle in 650ml size.

The Lifestraw Peak Series Bottle Brings Versatility to the Backcountry

The new Lifestraw Peak Series collapsible water bottle is a versatile piece of gear for just about any outdoorsman, traveler, or general hydration aficionado.
Nathan Quickstart 2.0 6L hydration vest from the back.

I Spent 30 Days Running With The Nathan Quickstart Hydration Pack

I spent a month running trails with the new Nathan Quickstart 2.0 6L hydration pack. Here's my take after putting this trail running pack to the test.
The Camelbak Repack LR4 now includes the quick disconnect seen here.

This is What I Thought About the Camelbak Repack LR4 Hip Hydration Pack

The Camelbak Repack LR4 is a mountain-biking hydration pack for your hips. Here's my take after putting some miles in with the Repack on my local trails.
Mint 400 unlimited class truck speeding through the desert.

150 MPH Through the Open Desert: The Mint 400 is Back

Million-dollar trucks. 1,000 horsepower engines. Zero speed limits. The Mint 400 "Great American Desert Race" has never been wilder.
A Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P backpacking tent out in the backcountry.

Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P Review: Why I Love This Do-It-All Tent

After spending a month with the new Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P, I've gotta say I'm a fan. Here are my takeaways from my time with the latest Dagger backpacking tent.
Man wearing swiftwick flite xt trail socks in a field.

I Spent a Month in the New Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Socks

After spending a month running, hiking, and biking in the new Swiftwick Flite XT Trail, here are my impressions of Swiftwick's flagship trail runner.

8 Easy Camping Meals To Eat Anytime, Anywhere

You can't always go gourmet when eating outdoors, but that doesn't rule out eating good off the grid. Here are our favorite easy camping meals of 2022.
Man on a mountain with the best headlamp of 2022.

The 6 Best Headlamps for All Sorts of Adventures in 2022

Whether you're running down the trail after dark, pedaling to work before dawn, or setting up camp after hours, the best headlamps are here to light the way.
Two men in camping chars by a campfire.

The 12 Best Camping Chairs to Get You Off the Ground

Whether you're car camping, backpacking, or anything in between, get comfortable with our pick of the best camping chairs.

The Best Dehydrated Camping Meals For Lasting Energy

Tired of the same old trail mix and jerky snacks in the great outdoors? Refresh your palate with one of our favorite dehydrated camping meals for your pack.
A camping sleeping pad sitting outside at sunrise.

The 10 Best Sleeping Pads for Every Kind of Camping

Sleeping outdoors doesn't have to be a pain in your butt ... or side ... or back. The best sleeping pads of 2022 keep you comfy no matter where you're sleeping.
A man holding a phone in his right hand and a Somewear Global Hotspot in his left hand in the mountain.

The Somewear Global Hotspot Acts as a Satellite Messenger

The Somewear Global Hotspot is a backcountry GPS with a trick up its sleeve: It turns your smartphone into a two-way satellite messenger. Here's our take.
A man with a lantern at a crossroads in the woods.

The 10 Best Camping Lanterns to Light the Way in 2022

From ultralight backpacking LEDs to ones you can display inside your tent, here are the best portable camping lanterns to light the way in 2022.
cannondale scalpel carbon se ltd lefty review decal..

Hitting The Trails On Cannondale’s Scalpel SE Ltd Lefty

We took Cannondale's top-shelf downcountry trail bike on a tour of all our favorite local trails. Specs, ride impressions, pricing, and components.
Best gifts for hunters lifestyle image.

The 9 Best Gifts For Hunters This Holiday Season

We asked all the hunters we know to put together their ideal Christmas wish list. Here are all the best gifts for hunters they could come up with.
The best neck gaiters are comfortable, while protecting against the sun and weather.

10 of the Best Neck Gaiters for Men

Whether you're looking for a pandemic-friendly face covering or a do-it-all performance garment, the best men's neck gaiters have you covered (literally).
Best motorcycle gear triumph speed triple

Ride Safe and Look Good in the Best Motorcycle Gear

Don't let the cool factor keep you from riding protected. The best motorcycle gear of 2021 will have you looking good and riding safe for a long time coming.

The Best Kayaks for Paddling, Fishing, and Camping in 2022

We've rounded up the best kayaks for fishing, camping, or just taking it easy out on the water this year. Get paddling with The Manual's kayak buyer's guide.
A table and tent under the trees in fall.

4 Things You’ll Want To Pack for Camping in the Fall

Looking to go camping in the fall this year? Embrace those crisp mornings and chilly nights with these four additions to your fall arsenal.
Couple sitting in campsite in fall.

Should You Go Camping in the Fall? What You Need To Know

Camping in the fall is the best way to experience the season. Learn how to plan, what to wear, and what to bring right here at The Manual.
best thermoelectric coolers dometic cooler feature image

Best Thermoelectric Coolers for Ice-Free Cooling on a Budget

Planning an outdoor activity on a budget? Thermoelectric coolers with ice-free cooling technology might just be the answer for that. Here's how and why.
best 6 person tents at night.

Best 6-Person Tents For Groups And Family Camping

Cavernous ceilings, massive floor plans, and even shady front porches await in our list of all the best 6-person tents for 2021.
Backpack on a Hiking Trail

How To Choose a Backpack: Fit and Size Guide for 2022

Our backpack size guide is key to getting the perfect backpack fit. From measuring your size to efficient design, these tips will help your pick the best pack.
best mens rucksacks in snow.

The 5 Best Rucksacks for Men To Wear in 2022

It's high time you retired that trusty old Jansport from your school days. The best rucksacks for men deliver outdoor utility with urban style to boot.
A first-person view of a man relaxing in a tent on a hill.

The 9 Best Tents for All Outdoor Excursions, From Backpacking to Group Camping

We love staying in the outdoors, but when rain or creepy crawlies start to bother us, we need to invest in the best tents for a more enjoyable camping trip.
camping gear list under 200 people backpacking with dog

The 8 Best Pieces of Camping Gear Under $200 on Amazon

Not everyone has a couple grand to drop on the best camping gear out there. The Manual has got your back with all your camping essentials on a $200 budget.
best road bikes 2021

The 8 Best Road Bikes That Go the Distance

The best road bikes are lighter, faster, and can take you farther than anything else on the market. Here are our favorite two-wheelers that go the distance.
best fishing backpacks 2021

11 Great Fishing Backpacks for Every Kind of Angler

The best fishing backpacks allow anglers to carry all the gear and tackle they need with them when fishing on foot. Here are our 11 favorites on any budget.