– Boys Life Magazine

Q: What’s the best type of multitool that’s useful and affordable? — Levi, Orcutt, California A: The best type is one that has the tools you need. Do you really need to spend $170 on a heavy-duty device equipped with a miniature saw, hammer and electrical crimper for your monthly campouts? Probably not. Shop in…

Check out this photo gallery of crazy, futuristic, unusual and awesome tents. Which is your favorite? The Tunnel Tent These concept tents can be easily set up by themselves, or they can be connected together to make an entire tent community. The Solar Tent Three panels above this tent are woven with solar threads that…

SAFETY FIRST: Ask an adult to help with tools you haven’t used before. [embedded content] Being prepared with the right first-aid supplies could save your pup’s life in an emergency. Keep the items below in a gallon-sized resealable bag and label it “Dog First Aid” with permanent marker. Then store the kit in an easily…

One of the best things about being in the wilderness is getting away from the rush of cities and everyday life. One of the biggest challenges of being in the wilderness is that you’re far away from the conveniences of cities and everyday life. That’s why it’s critical to Be Prepared for a variety of…

For a safe and fun bicycle ride, make sure you check and maintain these important parts of your bike. 1. Make sure your tires are inflated at the correct pressure. Underinflated tires can result in cuts and damage. 2. Make sure the chain is clean and lubricated with a bike-specific lubricant. Less is best when…

Did you know you can launch a rocket in your backyard using only an empty plastic bottle, water and a launchpad? Unlike engine-powered rockets, water bottle rockets don’t pose a fire risk and often require less prep. These DIY rockets still pack a powerful launch and should be treated with caution. Read on to prepare…

It can be unsettling to come across a snake on a campout, especially a venomous one. Snakebites present a potential danger — about 8,000 people in the U.S. are bitten by pit vipers and coral snakes every year, while another 37,000 are bitten by nonvenomous snakes. Deaths are extremely rare, but it’s still best to…

Dayhiking is simple: Stuff what you need into a small pack and head off for a day of adventure. What can seem complicated is picking the right daypack. YOUR FIRST QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU NEED A DAYPACK FOR? Determining when, where and how far you hike — and how much gear you’ll carry — is…

Q: I am going on a long camping trip. What is the best water bottle to bring? — Andrew, Yorktown, Virginia A: If you’re car camping with a dayhike or two on the schedule, take a look at CamelBak Chute Mag bottles ($15, holds 32 oz., scoutshop.org) or Nalgene bottles ($12, holds 32 oz., scoutshop.org).…

The monarch butterfly population is in decline. To help out these beautiful creatures that pollinate wildflowers, you can build this protective habitat. It provides access to sunlight and keeps out predators, giving monarchs a safe place to grow before being released into the world. WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A MONARCH BUTTERFLY HABITAT Common milkweed…