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Tom Kilpatrick

Tom Kilpatrick

Contributor

A London-born outdoor enthusiast, Tom took the first ticket out of suburban life. What followed was a twelve-year career as an adventure sports guide. This took Tom on cross-Scotland canoe trips, white water adventures in Nepal, sea kayaking in Norwegian fjords, mountain running in the Alps, and many more adventures. Tom is currently living back in the Scottish Highlands, spending as much time as possible exploring the endless rivers and ridgelines that make the country so special to him.

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Man camping in the fall

Camping in the rain? Here’s how to stay dry and comfortable

Getting into the great outdoors means exposure to the elements. Follow our top tips to avoid getting soaked when camping in the rain.
A table and tent under the trees in fall.

Fall camping made easy: How to ensure a great adventure

Keep your fall camping trips enjoyable and prepare for long nights outside with these camping tips.
Man running on a mountain trail

These are the fantastic trail running brands you should be wearing

These are the brands you should be wearing this year, whether you're training for your first park run or you're a seasoned ultramarathon runner.
Mount Everest with prayer flags in the foreground

Want to climb to the top of the world? Here’s how long it takes to climb Mount Everest

From landing in Nepal to standing on top of the world, how long does it take to summit Mount Everest?
A view from the inside of a tent looking out on a campground.

The best camping hacks for first-time campers

Whether you're heading out under the stars for the first time or convincing your buddies it's the way to live, do it right with our camping hacks.
Date and cashew bars

How to make nutritious and delicious trail snacks: Your DIY guide

Learn how to make healthy trail snacks that will fuel you for long days of trekking or overnight hikes.
A campfire pot hanger holds a kettle over a stone circle

Campfire cooking: This is the absolute best way to make a pot hanger

There are many ways to hang a campfire cooking pot, but this adjustable pot hanger lets you adjust the heat exposure and go from boil to simmer.
A person hiking

Dust off your gear, it’s time to hit the trail: The spring hiking tips you need

Embrace the rainy weather and muddy terrain with these springtime hiking tips, as well as what to pack for a fun and successful hike.
A reef knot is tied against a tree

These are the essential outdoor knots every outdoorsman should know

Every outdoorsman needs to know how to tie a knot for all occasions. Here are our most important outdoor knots for camping, backpacking, and survival.
Fingers holding a map and compass in the outdoors

Ditch the GPS: How to navigate using a map and compass

No matter how advanced technology is, the age-old map and compass are indispensable. Learn how to use them with our quick and easy guide.
Man looking over a trail's vista

3 lesser-known tips that can save your life on the trail

Make your next hike a safe and enjoyable one with our brief guide on survival tips and hacks, which includes fighting off bears and navigating the wild.
The view from the inside of a tarp tent.

Try these creative ways to use your tarp to stay dry when camping this spring

The tarp is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor equipment. It's time to get creative and build the perfect tarp shelter for any situation.
A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot

The clove hitch is the ultimate answer when it comes to tying an adjustable knot. Our guide teaches you to tie this hitch to a fixed point and for a carabiner.
A person holding a Hydro Flask.

How to clean your hydro flask for tang-free hydration

Using your Hydro Flask daily can take a toll on its cleanliness and condition. Here's a guide on how to clean your Hydro Flask properly so it'll last for years.
Bear running through the water

How to survive a bear attack: Brown, black, and polar bears

Bear attacks are uncommon, but knowing what to do in the event of one is part of being a skilled outdoorsman in the backcountry.
Young man using a portable water filter near a backcountry stream.

Hydrate safely with the best portable water filters

A durable, compact, simple, and reliable water filter is indispensable. There are plenty of great ones on the market today, and we’ve rounded up the best.
A man walks up a mountain in deep snow with a snowboard.

The 6 best hotels for IKON pass holders this ski and snowboarding season

IKON pass holders, read up: These are the 6 best hotels to stay at after a long day on the mountain
Two fighter planes, one yellow one black, sit facing an aircraft hangar.

Wineries, golf courses, museums, and more: Here are 12 of the best campground alternatives for RVs

Take a break from campsites and spend the night somewhere unique with some of the best RV campground alternatives out there.
Three skiers

Learn your turns and your terms with our ski slang dictionary

There's a whole culture around skiing, and that means a whole language. Our ski slang dictionary is here to help you sound like a true skier.
Best Skis for All Types of Skiers in 2021

Are you a park rat, powder hound, or all mountain ripper? We have a ski for you

Whether you're still honing your turns, carving on groomers, finding powder, or hitting the park, find your perfect ski for this winter.
a day for jake snowboarding burton carpenter 1970s

Throwback video shows the origin of tensions between skiing and snowboarding

This old-school video shows that the skiing vs. snowboarding debate has been rumbling on for as long as snowboards have existed; who do you side with?
The best ski and snowboard racks secure and protect all your most precious winter gear.

How to set up a snowboard: A beginner’s guide

Getting your snowboard set up properly is key to developing your riding and having a great time on the slopes. We're here to help you get it right.
Hand holding a leech

How to safely remove a leech (or avoid them altogether)

Leeches love to latch onto a passing hiker, so learn what to do to avoid becoming a host, and how to remove a leech if you do get sucked.
Group of skiiers learning to sk

Hit the slopes at these beginner-friendly ski resorts in Vermont

Whether you're taking to the snow for the first time or learning to link your turns on skis or snowboards, these beginner-friendly Vermont resorts are for you.
Taking a break from hiking to drink some water from an insulated water bottle

Up your hydration game with one of the best insulated water bottles from CamelBak, Yeti, and more

Whether you're hiking, backpacking, heading to the gym, or just in the office, stay hydrated with these insulated water bottles.
The North Face Nuptse Jacket on a plain background

This is the North Face jacket I’d buy this winter (if I had to pick just one)

The North Face has plenty of great jackets and outerwear for winter — this is the best.
Skiing down hill

A guide to different ski types, no matter what your skiing adventure looks like

We're here to help you learn your pistes from your powders so you can get the right skis this winter.
Ski goggles hanging on a snowboard

Snowboarding 101: Rocker vs. camber? What do snowboard profiles mean?

Camber, rocker, flat, and flying V are all terms you'll see when shopping for a snowboard, but what's the difference? And how do they affect your ride?
Two skiers at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort

Ski trail ratings, explained (and why most ratings are actually BS)

While ski trail ratings provide guidance, they aren't absolute. The official rating guide shows how subjective the system is.
A snowboarder hits a park feature on their freestyle snowboard.

Snowboards gift guide: Burton, Arbor, CAPiTA, and more for every skill level

Whether you're buying for the snowboarder in your life or creating your own list, our guide has all the best stuff — we guarantee
A man in a yellow GORE-TEX jacket walks past a lake

This is why your Gor-Tex jacket isn’t keeping you dry

Unbridled breathability just doesn't exist, so we take a look at the limitations of Gore-Tex, how it functions, and what you can do to help your jacket.
A snowboarder hits a park feature on their freestyle snowboard.

The 10 best snowboarding movies and documentaries to add to your watch list

Need to keep yourself motivated to go snowboarding? These videos, documentaries, and movies will get you going!
Stopping on a snowboard

The 4 types of snowboard shapes, explained

The right shape of snowboard can make or break your time on the slopes. We break down the main four so you can get the right board this winter.
Beech Mountain snowboarding

Snowboarding tips: Set your snowboard stance for a winter of shredding

Setting up your snowboarding stance is the foundation of getting your ride right. Get your setup sorted now for a winter of shredding.
Snowboarders walking

Snowboarding tips you didn’t realize you needed: How to ride on ice

Unless you only plan on heading out on powder days, you need to know how to get past those icy patches when snowboarding. Here are some tips.
Helly Hansen Odin Collection

New Helly Hansen Odin Collection leans into feedback from ski patrol teams for all-conditions protection

Helly Hansen's new Odin Collection leans into search and rescue team feedback for all-weather, any-condition protection
Snowboarder and skier sitting on ski lift at Brighton ski resort

Snowboarding for beginners: How to conquer the dreaded chairlift without falling

Riding the ski lift isn't easy on a snowboard, but with our top tips and step-by-step guide, you'll be cruising off like a pro in no time.
Snowboarder cranks turn on mountain slope

Snowboarding slander or cartoon nonsense? What is goofy foot stance?

Snowboarding with your right foot forward is commonly referred to as goofy-footed, but where does this term come from, and why is there a difference?
Snowboarder with orange board

New to snow sports? We have one clever trick to decide if skiing or snowboarding is right for you

Not sure if you want to try skiing or snowboarding? Our clever trick will help you decide
A man snowboarding across an open mountainside ready to drop-in.

Snowboard types, explained: All Mountain, freeride, freestyle, park, powder, and touring/splitboard

Snowboard shopping can be confusing, but fear not! We explain all the types of boards so you can make the right decision
Snowboard ready to wax

Our simple guide tells you which ski and snowboard wax to use for any conditions

The wax you use on your skis or snowboard should match the snow conditions. Our easy guide makes it incredibly easy to know which wax to apply — and when.
Snowboarder mid-flight

Pop and jib this winter with our snowboarding flex guide

Snowboard flex is key to choosing the right snowboard. Do you want a stiff setup for deep powder or a flexible jibbing snowboard?
Skiiers shred slopes at Beaver Creek ski resort

These are the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners to learn their turns

These Colorado ski resorts are primed to help you go from your first turns on the slopes to being a fully fledged cruiser on the mountain this winter.
People on ski lift

The story behind that viral, terrifying ski lift malfunction video you’ll see posted across social media all winter long

You'll see it posted all winter long: A video of people being tossed off a malfunctioning ski lift. This is what happened.
Snowboarder cranks turn on mountain slope

Improve your snowboarding edge transition with this easy-to-follow rule

Get your snowboarding turns cleaner and catch your edges less with this simple piece of advice.
Sun Valley Idaho

These are the best ski resorts for beginners in the U.S.

Whether you've never strapped on a pair of skis or you just need a refresher, these are some of the best ski resorts for beginners.
A man skiing in powder.

NOAA has released its winter weather outlook, and it’s good news for ski and snowboard season in these regions

Ski and snowboard weather was all over the place last year. This is what NOAA predicts we're in for this season.
Skiing snowboarding goggles gear

3 things you should always do on your iPhone before you go skiing or snowboarding

Smartphones are for more than just photos. These steps can help set up your ski day and give you an even better day on the slopes.
Skiiers look down couloir from the edge

Are you a top shredder? These incredible U.S. ski resorts are for you

These ski resorts are the best in the U.S. for advanced and expert skiers who want varied terrain, steep skiing, and gnarly tree runs.
The Premium lineup from Ski Butlers.

This service delivers premium ski and snowboard rental equipment to top-tier resorts across the U.S.

Renting ski and snowboarding equipment might be a lot better with Ski Butlers, which delivers premium products right to the resort you're at.