HowToDoThings.com Outdoor & Event Sports

How To Make a Campfire

Brian263 — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 15:15:00 -0600

We've all been burned (figuratively) by lousy campfires in the past. Perhaps because making fires is such an age-old human endeavor, failing to make a good one can be a humbling experience. You might use up several days' supply of newspaper trying to light a campfire for day one. You might smell even more like hot dog smoke than you otherwise would have. You might worry that your fire-making ineptitude, together with that protruding brow of yours, could prompt comparisons between you and Ron Perlman in the classic "Quest for Fire." Far worse, you might be cold. Avoid this unfortunate fate!

How To Make the Perfect Snowball

Brian263 — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:40:00 -0600

The perfect snowball... when you've made it, you'll know. It's unmistakable - that perfect weight and texture for packing, the ease on the elbow as you throw it, splattering perfectly across your hapless victim upon impact. So how do we make the best possible snowball, the winter projectile of our dreams? You have to know where to get the best snow, and then how to shape it for best results.

They say no two snowflakes are the same, and the same is true of snowballs. But there are different kinds of snow that we can define. There's slush, light powder, heavy snow and popcorn snow, to name a few kinds. The Inuit have many more names for snow than we use (though I bet we Seattleites have them beat in the rain department), and we can learn a lot from their distinctions; we're down here trying to make the best possible snowball, but for them, knowledge of snow is a matter of survival.

How To Pack as Little as Possible

ronkhare — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:48:24 -0500

Tried of lugging hundreds of pounds of luggage? Too much stuff can ruin a trip, from holding up buses or airport security, even requiring hotel staff, friendly passers-by or anyone around to help lug your stuff from here to there.

Rid yourself of excessive stuff, and revel in the freedom and ease of traveling unburdened!

Pack normally. Go ahead, just cram in everything you think you might want to take with you.
Unpack and spread everything out. Now that you can see everything you wanted to bring, we can begin to prune.
What are you actually going to wear? Honestly, pick out the few, best clothes and items, the ones you know for certain you enjoy wearing, and will often. Set them aside for the moment.

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How To Get a Discounted Lift Ticket

The2 — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 16:10:00 -0600

Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter sports; they're also two of the most expensive. Unfortunately, after getting to the mountain, renting (or buying) gear and buying a lift ticket, your wallet can be a lot skinner than it was before you left. However, if you plan ahead and consider all your options, there are some easy ways to save a few bucks on lift tickets...even if you're just going to spend it on lunch in the lodge.

How To Take Your Dog Camping

The2 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:01:26 -0500

Summer’s inviting weather tempts most people to spend more time outdoors, and there’s no better way to do that than by packing up the car and heading out for a weekend camping trip. The beauty of this short vacation is that you can bring your dog along for the ride without worrying about finding a pet-friendly hotel.

Depending on where you’re headed, you may want to double check that dogs are welcome, but it’s pretty much a guarantee that your dog will be allowed to stay at almost any campground you choose. Be aware that some National Parks, like Yosemite, may allow dogs in certain campsites and not others.

How To Handle a Gun Safely

The2 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:25:41 -0500

You should never handle a gun unless you know how it operates.

How To Roast Marshmallows

ralexander — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:18:20 -0500

Roasting marshmallow is an excellent way to bring families and friends together on a chilly outdoor evening. Children and adults alike enjoy sitting around the campfire and toasting their own marshmallows. Whether it be for making s'mores or eating them alone, make sure you know these basic tips so you can safely and effectively roast a marshmallow.

How To Rent Portable Toilets

Staff468 — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 15:18:00 -0500

Are you trying to rent portable toilets? Maybe you're organizing an outdoor concert or special event. Maybe you're a football coach or league manager and you've noticed a need for a portable toilet at the field. Or maybe you have a construction crew at work on your property and want them to have the easy access that a portable toilet provides. You could even be looking for an entirely different kind of portable toilet - one that you can take into the outdoors when camping, fishing or hunting. Whatever the reason, there are several ways to rent portable toilets. First, let's look at how you can get your hands on some portable toilets for the non-backcountry needs like community events and construction.

How To Build a Shelter in the Wilderness

teacher — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:11:11 -0500

It doesn't matter if you are lost into the wilderness, hurt, have no camping gear or simply prefer to use what Mother Nature has to offer you as sleeping arrangements -- this type of shelter will help you out. Even during the winter season, you can use this type of shelter as it can also keep you warm. Of course, a fire pit helps also, unless it's too close for comfort, but this shelter can make an enormous difference when you need protection from the elements.

How To Dress for Skiing

chaletsusa — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:00:57 -0500

Skiing holidays are such fun and can be the perfect holiday for all the family to enjoy. But without the right clothing, the perfect holiday can turn into a cold, miserable fiasco. Plus weather can vary so much in the mountains and a hot spring skiing day can turn into a nasty storm very quickly. Make sure you and your family are prepared for all eventualities to keep your holiday enjoyable and to keep everyone safe. Nobody wants frostbite or hypothermia. Here's what to wear when skiing: