Steve Wilde is the current owner of TakeOutdoors and an outdoors lover who believes everyone can benefit from fresh air and open spaces. His experience comes from years of hiking and camping, including a month living on the beach in a tent, a backpacking trip across Puerto Rico, and countless childhood adventures under the stars. His mission is simple. Help people enjoy the outdoors, feel confident exploring, and reconnect with nature in a way that feels real and accessible. When he is not working on TakeOutdoors, you can usually find him out on a trail enjoying the quiet.
If there is one thing guaranteed to ruin a quiet moment in the woods, it is bug bites. You can set up camp beside a beautiful lake, enjoy a hot summer evening, and still find pesky mosquitoes lining up for a chance at your arms and ankles. Whether you are dealing with black flies in…
The sun is setting on your hard-earned miles, and a cold night approaches as you make camp. Your legs are weary from a full day of hiking, your hiking partners are hungry, and the thought of scrubbing crusty pots in freezing mountain water makes you cringe. Sound familiar? That’s exactly why boil bag cooking, also…
The weight of your tent can make or break a backpacking adventure. As one of the heaviest items in your pack alongside food and water, your shelter choice influences everything from daily hiking performance to campsite comfort. In recent years, tent design has undergone a revolutionary transformation, driven by advances in material science and engineering…
A quality machete stands as one of the most versatile tools in any outdoor enthusiast’s arsenal. From establishing backcountry campsites to maintaining trails, this essential companion transforms challenging outdoor tasks into manageable work. The right machete not only aids in clearing dense vegetation and processing firewood but can also serve as a reliable tool in…
Adding a full-sized tripod to your camera bag is one of those decisions that tests every backpacker’s commitment to photography. But for capturing those dawn-lit landscapes or star-filled skies, a sturdy tripod isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Unless you’ve somehow mastered the art of standing perfectly still like a statue for 30-second exposures, you’re…
Picture this: You’re on top of the world. Well, maybe just a really big hill in the United Kingdom. Your legs feel like jelly, but your heart’s soaring. The sun’s painting the sky in Instagram-worthy hues, and your stomach’s growling louder than a bear. You reach for your pack, dreading another bland energy bar. But…
Picture this: You’re halfway up a challenging trail, the sun beating down on your back, when suddenly you need to check your map or grab a snack. The last thing you want is to halt your momentum, shrug off your backpack, and dig through it for that essential item. Enter the chest pack – your…
For many outdoor enthusiasts, a good cup of coffee is more than just a luxury item—it’s an essential part of the backpacking experience. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from your campsite on the Pacific Crest Trail or need a pick-me-up after a long day of hiking, that perfect cup of joe can be a real…
When you’re miles from civilization, setting up camp as the sun dips below the horizon, having the right 1-person backpacking tent can make or break your solo adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or planning your first backpacking trip, choosing the perfect shelter is crucial for comfort, safety, and enjoyment in the backcountry. In this…
Imagine waking up to the gentle rustling of leaves, stepping out of your tent, cozy yurt, or rustic cabin, and breathing in the crisp morning air of the great outdoors. This is the magic of camping with comfortable lodging – a perfect blend of natural immersion and modern convenience that allows you to experience nature…