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Kieran James Cunningham

Kieran James Cunningham is a climber, mountaineer, and author who divides his time between the Italian Alps, the US, and his native Scotland.

He has climbed a handful of 6000ers in the Himalayas, 4000ers in the Alps, 14ers in the US, and loves nothing more than a good long-distance wander in the wilderness. He climbs when he should be writing, writes when he should be sleeping, has fun always.

Kieran has taught mountaineering, ice climbing, and single-pitch and multi-pitch rock climbing in a variety of contexts over the years and has led trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Alps, Rockies, and UK. He is currently working towards qualifying as a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and International Mountain Leader.

Kieran’s book Climbing the Walls—an exploration of the mental health benefits of climbing, mountaineering, and the great outdoors—released by Simon & Schuster in 2021.

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brown bear in forest

9 Best Bear Bags & Canisters for Camping & Hiking

Heading into bear country? If so, the first item at the top of your gear list should be a certified bear-resistant canister or bag. In this guide, we review our top 9 picks.
Man walking over alpine field in hiking boots and socks

Best Sock Liners to Prevent Blisters and Chafing When Hiking

If your days on the trails are frequently blighted by blisters, it may be time to try liners inside your socks. In this post, we introduce you to our favorites.
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Best Tent for Hot Weather: Stay Cool in the Summer Heat!

Summer camping trips can descend into true sufferfests without a tent that’s specially designed to keep you cool. We review 7 such tents in this guide and provide all the info you need to pick the perfect one for you.
Frying pan sitting over an open fire at dusk

Best Backpacking Frying Pan for Tasty Campsite Eats

Ready to fry up some tasty eats on your backcountry adventures? Read on to find 9 awesome frying pans custom designed to help you do just that!
Man holding a shovel in the forest

Best Camping Shovels Reviewed and Tested

A good shovel is something that belongs in every outdoor enthusiast’s kit. In this guide, we review 7 of the best models on the market.
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Sugarloaf Mountain Hike Trail Guide

Maryland’s Sugarloaf Mountain offers an easy, family-friendly half-day hike that packs a surprising amount of natural eye-candy into a short network of trails. We’ll run you through the need-to-know for hiking on and around Sugarloaf Mountain.
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How to Pack Crampons Safely

How are we to ensure our cherished, pricey camping gear, clothing, etc. stay puncture and tear-free while carrying crampons? In this article, we’ll explain how it’s done with a simple, fuss-free guide.
Men wearing ponchos in the rain in front of a lake and mountain scenery

How to Make a Rain Poncho: A Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t have to splash the cash to get great protection from the rain on your hikes. In this guide, we show you how to make your very own rain blocker at home using upcycled or low-cost materials: the rain poncho!
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How to Wear a Buff in Any Weather

Get the most out of your Buff by knowing the various combinations of practical uses you can put it to, with just a few simple directions.