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 Down Pants For Cold-Weather Adventures
Our guide includes a list of ten super-cozy pin-warmers for camping, hiking, or just chilling, and all the advice you need to find the perfect pair for you
Best Lightweight Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirt for Men & Women
Need more warmth than a tee, extra sun protection, or a versatile baselayer that works well both as long underwear or a standalone garment in higher temps? If so, it’s time to get your hands on a long-sleeve hiking shirt.
Best 6-Person Tent for the Ultimate Camping Experience
Our list includes 6-person tents to cater to all tastes and activities, from car-camping trips with the family to farther-flung adventures deep in the wilds.
Best Sleeping Bag Liner of 2021
Our list of this year’s top liners has it all, from ultralight models for backpacking trips to luxurious and crazily cozy winter warmers.
Best Camp Shoes for Taking the Load Off [2021 Update]
Do your trail-wearied feet a favor with a pair of these super-comfy camp shoes for post-hike R&R and lazy days around the campsite.
Best Tent Stakes for Camping in Any Environment
Not losing your tent to high winds, or avoiding waking up in covered in dew can be a matter of choosing the best tent stakes for the situation.
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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.
Hiking Guides
Hiking for Beginners: Start Hiking with Confidence
Any new endeavor can seem intimidating, but don’t worry. We’ve put together our Hiking for Beginners guide so you won’t make the same mistakes we did.
Average Hiking Speed—How to Calculate It & Why It’s Important
Knowing how long it will take to get from A-to-B is almost as important as how you get there. Knowing your average hiking speed helps you plan, pack & hike better. Find out why below!
Hiking with Dogs (Bringing your best friend on the trail)
Our ultimate guide to Hiking with Dogs leads you through how to prepare for a fun trip for both of you, and which pitfalls to avoid, and how.
Hiking Gear
Best Hiking Watch for the Trail Less Travelled [2021 Edition]
Deciding how smart your next hiking watch needs to be doesn’t have to leave you dumbfounded. How did the best hiking watches fare in our in-depth review?
Best Compass for Hiking: 2021 Update
An essential for the outdoors, picking the best compass for hiking is simple with our hands-on reviews of the top models.
Best Hiking GPS For Outdoor Adventures [2021 Edition]
With many options available picking the best hiking GPS can be a tough choice – we break down what’s important & give our views in this handheld GPS review.
Best Dog Harness for Hiking Reviewed [2021 Update]
The best dog harness for hiking will make your next adventure with your dog safer and more enjoyable. Check out our reviews to find out who won.
Best Hydration Bladder for Hiking & Backpacking [2021 Edition]
Choosing the best hydration bladder for you doesn’t have to be complicated – To help we’ve reviewed 11 of the top hydration bladders on the market.
Best Water Purification Tablets of 2021
Drinking from a stream can be risky, so we’ve reviewed the best water purification tablets on the market to help keep your gut healthy.
Backpacking Guides
Backpacking Checklist: 3 Season Gear List
Never leave anything important behind again, with our comprehensive Backpacking Checklist. We give you the lowdown on what you absolutely need, what we would recommend and what is either optional or pointless in our editable/downloadable & printable checklist.
How to Pack a Backpack – Are You Doing it Right?
How to Pack a Backpack is almost as important as choosing which backpack to purchase. If you load up incorrectly, you may be in for days of hassle and back pain. We’ve drawn up this easy guide to show you how to pack the right way. Every time.
The Best Biodegradable Soap: The Responsible Way To Stay Clean Outdoors
Venturing outside can be a messy endeavor. However, it is important to understand the environmental impacts that using soap outdoors will entail. Check out our guide on the best biodegradable soap, why you should be using one & how to keep clean & LNT compliant.
Backpacking Gear
Best Sleeping Bag Liner of 2021
Our list of this year’s top liners has it all, from ultralight models for backpacking trips to luxurious and crazily cozy winter warmers.
Best Camping Knife for Wilderness Adventures [2021 Edition]
Benefits and Features of Camping Knives What Are Camping Knives Used For? Anyone who has watched too many survivor TV shows might have the false impression that knives are necessary…
Best Backpacking Saw: Cutting through the Competition [2021 Edition]
Needs a new backpacking saw? We discuss the various types, pros/cons and give our recommendations for the best backpacking saw for your needs.
Camping Guides
How To Pitch A Tent In Any Terrain
Pitching a tent may seem simple to a beginner, but learning how to pitch you tent on different terrains requires different techniques. We show you how.
Camping for Beginners: Tips & Advice for Your First Time Camping
A little bit of know how can be the difference between ok and an awesome trip. Read our guide to camping for beginners to jump start your outdoor adventures
12 Essential Camping Knots to Master for Campers & Backpackers
Learning how to tie a few basic knots is a useful skill and may get you out of a bind the next time you go camping. We show you how to tie 12 of the most important camping knots and when to use them.
Camping Gear
Best 4-Person Tent For Comfortable Camping
Improve your next camping trip with the Best 4-Person Tent to suit your needs – we break down some of the top models to help you choose the best fit for you.
Best 10 Person Tent: 10 Top Picks of 2021
For those memorable extended family camping trips, you need a bit tent – we’ve reviewed the best 10 person tents to help you find the perfect option for you.
Best 8 Person Tent For Group Camping Outdoors
Camping in a large group requires a special kinda tent. We’ve run the rule over 5 of the Best 8-Person Tents on the market to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
Best Cabin Tents For The Ultimate Group Camping Experience
Few tents provide the roomy interior quite as well as the best cabin tents – we test drive several of the top models to help you pick your favored tent.
The Top 5 Best Truck Tents for Mobile Camping
Combining mobility and shelter, the best truck tents have been put through their paces in our in-depth review – find out which suits you.
Best Tent Brands (and Shelters) of 2021
If you overnight in the wilderness, you’ll need shelter. We’ve reviewed some of the Best Tent Brands and their latest models to help you pick a favorite.
Outdoor Apparel Guides
How to Layer Clothes in Cold Weather
Most folks assume that throwing on as many layers as possible is the best way to defeat the cold. However, a 3-Layer system is actually more efficient at preventing the chills. Learn how to layer clothes like the pros to stay warm when your outdoors this winter with our straightforward guide.
Hiking in the Rain: How to Stay Dry and Still Have Fun
Wet weather doesn’t have to put a damper on your hiking or backpacking trip! If you know how to plan, what to pack and bring the right attitude you can have a fantastic time. Learn how with My Open Country.
What to Wear Hiking: The Foolproof Guide
Giving some serious consideration to what to wear hiking, and with some basic prep you’ll likely find your trip that much enjoyable. Find out how …
Outdoor Apparel Gear
Best Camp Shoes for Taking the Load Off [2021 Update]
Do your trail-wearied feet a favor with a pair of these super-comfy camp shoes for post-hike R&R and lazy days around the campsite.
Best 3-in-1 Jacket for Outdoor Adventure [2021 Edition]
If you like a little versatility in your mid & shell layers, then consider our top pick for the title of the Best 3-in-1 Jacket.
Best Hiking Leggings for on the Trail Comfort [2021 Update]
If you want to find the best hiking leggings we’ve done the research for you to narrow down the best 9 products for both men and women
Best Hiking Hat for Rain & UV Protection [2021 Edition]
Choosing the Best Sun Hats for Hiking has never been easier with My Open Country’s buyers guide – find out the best hat on the market.
Best Rain Pants for Hiking & Backpacking [2021 Edition]
Packing a pair of waterproof pants may not always be necessary, but you can’t always predict when Mother Nature will throw a downpour your way. We run you through what to look for & give our recommendations for the best rain pants on the market today.
Best Thin Winter Gloves of 2021
If you need some dexterity along with protection from the elements, then we recommend you check out our guide to the best thin winter gloves.
Trails & Campsites Inspiration
Best Hikes in Washington: The Evergreen State’s Greatest Trails
Traveling to Washington, but not sure what trails to check out? In this guide, we introduce you to the Evergreen State’s 14 most unmissable and memorable hikes.
Buckskin Gulch & Paria Canyon Hiking Guides
Paria Canyon straddling the Utah/Arizona border is considered one of the longest slot canyons in the world. If you are considering backpacking this 30+ mile long route then we’ll take you through everything you need to know to have a hassle-free trip.
Best Camping in Texas: Our Top 10 Spots to Camp
Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the camping possibilities – check out our guide to the 10 Best Places to Camp, Texas Edition. You’ll find something for everyone…
Best Camping In Colorado: 10 Top Destinations for Your Next Trip
The Centennial State has an incredible diverse landscape, and we share 10 of our top picks for the best camping spots in Colorado. Why not dive right in.
Best Hikes In Kings Canyon National Park: Top Trails In The Sierra
Whether you want to walk among giant sequoias or trek into the alpine, Kings Canyon National Park is a must-visit. Our list of the 10 best hiking trails in Kings Canyon has everything you need to plan your next trip.
Great Sand Dunes Hiking: 9 Awesome Trails
Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of the most unique geological featuers in the MidWest. Learn about preparation for the unique terrain and hot to get to the best spots in the park.