Which Outdoors Activity Do You Need Help With?
Thinking about taking your kids car camping for the first time? Want to know the most efficient way to layer clothes for cold weather? Looking for some trip guides for your next hiking adventure? How to (avoid or) treat for poison ivy? Look no further than My Open Country®, where our in-house experts give their advice on all the above and more.
From camping, backpacking, hiking, health & hygiene, clothing, environment & safety, navigation, food & water, family adventures, fitness, trail entertainment or survival techniques. Just pick your topic below to get started!
Recent Posts
Best Hiking Sandals of 2023
Our list of this year’s top hiking sandals has something for everyone, from minimalist open-toe sandals to closed-toe models that perform just like scaled-down trail shoes.
Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes: Our Top 11 Picks
Looking to lighten the load on your legs on your hiking adventures? We break down 11 of the best hiking shoes at, under, or around the 2 lbs mark to help you find the best option for you.
Best Hiking Boots for Men and Women: 13 Top Picks Of 2023
We know how important footwear is to your hiking game. To help ensure you have the best hiking boots for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the top 13 models on the market.
Best Crampons for Hiking & Mountaineering of 2023
When the conditions underfoot get treacherous, never lose your footing again with our guide to the Best Crampons for Mountaineering & Winter Hiking!
Best Trail Running Shoes For Hiking: The Ultimate Guide
If you think trail running shoes are just for ultrarunners, think again! Keep your feet happy while hiking all day long with our recommendations for trail runners for hiking.
Best Boots For Snowshoeing: 9 Cozy Boots for Winter Wandering
Need a little more insulation for your snowshoeing adventures? Our guide has you covered, introducing you to 9 awesome boots that will keep your feet warm and dry in even the most extreme conditions.
Average Hiking Speed – How to Calculate & Why It’s Important
Knowing the typical pace that you hike at will help you plan, pack & hike better. This guide will take you through how to calculate your speed as well as what this means for your hike.
How to Use a Compass Correctly
In the good ol’ days if you wanted to know where you were on your hike you needed to be able to read a compass. Even now, this skill is handy to have as a backup in case your GPS or phone runs out of battery. Learn how it’s done in this handy guide.
Mountain Climbing for Beginners: 7 Tips and 6 Peaks For Novice Climbers
Ready to start tackling terrain that’s a little more vertical? In this guide, we tell you how to go about it with 7 expert tips and 6 suggestions for your first big climb.
What is Scrambling in Hiking? A Beginner’s Guide
Scrambling is a hiking-climbing hybrid that lets you enjoy some of the thrill of rock climbing without quite so much risk. Learn more about scrambling and how to do it safely in this guide!
How To Use A Compass And Map
While using a GPS may seem the easy way to navigate the wild, accidents happen and batteries run out. Learn to use a map & compass so you never get lost. Learn how with our in-depth guide.
Best Hikes in Maryland: 15 Unmissable Trails in The Free State
Whether it’s trekking to see the state’s tallest waterfall at Cunningham Falls or scrambling up boulders on the famous Goat Trail, these are the top trails in Maryland.
How to Pack a Cooler For Short and Long-Stay Camping Trips
How well your camping cooler performs depends on how well you pack and prep its contents. Learn how to properly do both in this guide.
Big Pine Lakes Trail: A Guide to One of California’s Top Hikes
Take in breathtaking views of glacial lakes surrounded by towering snowy peaks on this hike through the John Muir Wilderness. Our guide covers all the need-to-know info and features a step-by-step trail description.
Backpacking in California: 15 Amazing Multi-Day Itineraries
With its sandy beaches, snowy mountains, and acres of pristine wilderness, California is a backpacker’s dream destination. In this guide to the best backpacking trips, we’re covering the top multi-day treks in the Golden State.
Best Camping in Rhode Island: The Ocean State’s Top Campsites
There is no shortage of beautiful campgrounds to stay in Rhode Island. Whether you prefer a quiet forested tent site or an oceanfront RV hookup, our Rhode Island guide has you covered!
Best Hikes in Georgia: 11 Must-Do Trails in the Peach State
Whether you plan on day hiking along the famous Appalachian Trail or backpacking in the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest, this guide to Georgia’s top trails covers everything you need to know to get outdoors in the Peach State.
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What is My Open Country®?
My Open Country® is a campaign to try and get more people excited about the outdoors and wilderness. We believe life wasn’t meant to be lived behind a computer screen so we’ve pulled together as much information as we can into one site, so you can spend less time planning and more time doing.
Improve your wilderness adventures with our in-depth articles on hiking, camping and backpacking skills, inspirational trip guides and awesome gear reviews.