Going camping as an adult really gives you a newfound appreciation for your parents. Think about it: While they were busy doing all the work—figuring out where to camp, how to set things up, what to eat—you got to enjoy nature without worrying about all the logistics of your camping setup. Those were the good old days.
Going camping as an adult really gives you a newfound appreciation for your parents. Think about it: While they were busy doing all the work—figuring out where to camp, how to set things up, what to eat—you got to enjoy nature without worrying about all the logistics of your camping setup. Those were the good old days.
If you enjoy camping as well as the occasional off-road adventure, then allow us to introduce you to your new favorite hobby: overlanding. A century-old activity originating in the Australian Outback, overlanding is a relatively new phenomenon in the United States, and one that has been steadily growing in popularity over the last decade or so.
Ah, the classic road trip. Is there anything more American than hitting the open road with the people you love? Road trips can take you across the most beautiful landscapes and introduce you to some truly fascinating people. But that’s only if you don’t die of boredom along the way.
Who doesn’t like a clean and clutter-free pickup? There’s just something about seeing a well-organized truck bed that is just so pleasing to the eye. But if you’re like most truck owners, your truck bed storage setup could probably use some major help. Between daily trips to the job site, outdoor adventures and last-minute outings, things can get pretty messy back there.
Knowing how to train for hiking can be useful for a number of reasons. First, not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy mild, “hike-friendly” weather year-round. Training for hikes at home often helps experienced hikers maintain their fitness levels through winter so they can be ready to hit the trail come spring.
There are many reasons to learn to hunt. Hunting supports wildlife conservation efforts, and helps farmers preserve their precious crops. It can increase your self-reliance by putting food on your family’s table. And, of course, there is the simplest reason of them all: hunting is enjoyable!
We’ve all seen those movies—the ones where the main characters all pile into a car and hit the open road with little, if any, planning. Sure, it might have worked out well enough in a fictional movie. But in real life, getting into your car and driving wherever the wind takes you isn’t the best idea. What if your car breaks down? What if you get lost or run into some unforeseen trouble?
Flexible, adaptive and highly intelligent, coyotes have a well-deserved reputation for being true American survivors. Once confined to the Western Plains, this cunning creature has managed to expand across much of North America. The increase in the coyote population is largely attributed to their extreme adaptability, along with a lack of apex predators that would normally keep their numbers in check.
If you ask someone what their favorite part of camping is, there’s a good chance that they’ll mention hanging out by the fire and eating delicious food. What’s not to love? From gooey s’mores and apple pie packets to juicy skirt steaks and hearty stews, the number of mouthwatering foods you can make over a campfire is truly endless.
Camping in nice weather is pretty easy. Camping in the rain, however, takes some skill and mental fortitude. If you’re not properly prepared to deal with precipitation, you’ll be soaked to the bone and miserable in no time.
Hike and camp for long enough, and you will inevitably cross paths with wildlife. Most of these encounters will be brief and pleasant: chipmunks stuffing their cheeks with food, migrating birds flying overhead, white-tailed deer eating grass. But if there is one animal in particular that most campers want to avoid at all costs, it’s a bear.
Have you ever looked at your camping gear and thought, “I wonder if there is a better way to pack/store/organize this?” Well, we’re here to tell you that the answer is almost always yes. That’s because campers in general are a pretty innovative bunch. Turns out, you kind of need to be creative with your camping storage system when you’re in the remote wilderness.
Looking to crush your personal best the next time you head out to shoot some clay pigeons? We’ve got your back with a few tips to help you score higher and make your competition sweat.
As far as practical life skills go, few are as fun and challenging as archery. Target practice will improve your skills and help you hit that clean bullseye consistently. Practice can also build strength, coordination, self-confidence and overall feelings of badassery (archers know what we’re talking about).
Bowhunting is arguably one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities around. Giving your target the benefit of the fair chase means a much bigger challenge that requires thousands of hours honing your archery skills. In fact, it takes some hunters years in the field before they nab their first kill. It’s a genuine thrill for all who partake!
Handgun hunting is a relatively short-range hunting style that involves taking game with a hunting pistol or revolver. Though similar in many ways to firearm and bow hunting, handgun hunting relies on additional accuracy and marksmanship skills. It's truly one of the most thrilling hunting pursuits around. If you're interested in giving handgun hunting a shot — pun intended — be sure to start with this useful guide from Pelican. We can help you find a handgun case to keep your weapons safe in transit and out in the field.
Bowhunting wild hogs is a great way to feed your family, get some fresh air and, surprisingly, help your community. Indeed, the opportunistic wild swine is a destructive, invasive species. Wild hogs cause as much as $400 million in damages annually. Ecologists, farmers and parks services don’t want them on their land because they edge out other wildlife, erode the soil and disrupt native vegetation. So what do we do? We go hunting!
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricanes have caused the most death and destruction out of all recorded weather disasters in the United States. That equates to over $50 billion in damage per year and immeasurable amounts of harm to people, property and pets. But there are some simple things you can do to ensure that you and your four-legged friends are ready for whatever Mother Nature hurls your way.
Trap shooting and skeet shooting are sports where participants use shotguns to shoot moving clay targets. Both forms started as bird hunting simulations and have grown into full-blown sports in their own right. The small clay targets are also known as "pigeons" or "birds." While similar, trap shooting and skeet shooting have some key differences, which we'll detail below.
Seasoned shooters know that it's crucial to handle firearms properly for safety at the range or in the field. We do a lot more handling than we do shooting, but you are not suddenly safe just because you're not aiming at a target. On the contrary, in fact. Knowing where you're pointing your barrel at all times helps drastically reduce the likelihood of an accident.
For forward-thinking hunters, mid- to late-summer is the time to start gearing up for hunting season. No matter your weapon of choice or your preferred bounty, hunting season kicks up in most places toward the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It usually lasts through the winter in many regions. Spend the next few weeks or months prepping for a fruitful hunting season so you can enjoy a full freezer and fewer hiccups once you get into the field.
Love fishing? Love hunting? Combine the two with bowfishing! This sport is beloved by tried-and-true outdoorsy types because it’s a unique fusion of two of the most popular sporting niches. With bowfishing, you truly get the best of both worlds: the thrill of stalking and shooting your prey mixed with a relaxing, aquatic environment. All in all, bowfishing is a great way to get outside and put your skills to the test.
If you’re an outdoor lover, we probably don’t have to tell you why hitting the trail with your little ones is an amazing activity, but let us provide a quick rundown anyway. Studies show that fresh air is the ultimate medicine, providing benefits ranging from improved concentration to better physical health. Throw in some hands-on learning, family bonding and a break from the screens, and you’ve got yourself an all-around positive family activity!
The radiating warmth and unmistakable smell of a backyard bonfire are some of the best parts of summer and fall. But, by their very nature, bonfires can be dangerous. Knowing how to properly build and control one is crucial to the success and safety of your fire-centric gathering.
Most people who have gone camping or spent any time in the outdoors have probably heard the phrase “leave no trace.” This concept traces its roots back to the 1960s when a boom in wildland recreation led to overcrowding and ecological damage. It embodies the principle that one should leave the wilds exactly as they found it, with no exceptions. At its core, “leave no trace” means allowing nature to be as it is with minimal impact or intervention from the people who enjoy it.
Here’s some simple math: moisture plus oxygen plus metal equals rust. It doesn’t matter from which material your gun is made — steel, aluminum, titanium — it, by nature, will have the tendency to rust. But that doesn’t mean that rust is inevitable. And it certainly doesn’t mean your firearm should stay locked in a box for most of its life.
Knowing how to start a fire is one of the most fundamental survival skills you can learn. In fact, it’s one of the core skills covered in classic survival guides like the SAS Survival Handbook and the Boy Scouts’ Fieldbook. Being able to start a campfire is important because fire provides so many crucial survival necessities, allowing people to keep warm, cook, purify water, signal for help and more. Most of the time, though, the campfire serves as a fun place to gather, make s’mores, tell stories and play music. No matter your wilderness needs, knowing how to light the fire is the first step.
Anyone who has ever attempted to snap a shot of a star or planet knows that it’s seemingly impossible to capture that same wonderous feeling and spectacular view through a camera lens. What looks bright, mystical and awe-inspiring in real life just looks like a blurry blob on the screen. And yet, we frequently see breathtaking celestial snapshots all over the internet. So, it begs the question: What are we doing wrong?
Camping with a baby seems like a lot of work. In addition to all your standard camp gear, you’ve also got to think about packing an endless list of supplies for your little one. But despite all the extra work, camping is actually a fantastic way to introduce your kids to the great outdoors, and it’s never too early to light the fire. For many parents, short camping trips can serve as a trial run for longer, more involved outings, so think of them as practice.
With the pace of city life getting faster, the planet getting warmer and the cost of living getting higher, it’s not hard to see why so many people are charmed by the idea of off-grid living. This way of life involves living off the power grid, with no access to public utilities that supply electricity, gas or water. But there’s a lot more to off-grid living than that. In this guide, we review a few important basics on how to live off the grid. Hopefully, it will help you decide if it’s something you might want to seriously consider.
Part of the fun of camping is being away from the routine of normal life. The tradeoff, of course, is that you have to give up some luxuries along with it. One such luxury is the refrigerator. When you’re heading off the grid, you’ve got to eat and — if you’re like many modern campers — you want to eat well. The key to feasting (and drinking) like royalty in the woods is to develop a food-cooling strategy that keeps everything fresh.
Heading out for a weekend camping trip means disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with family and friends. The best way to do that? Some friendly competition, of course! Bring along a few games to help pass the time and connect with your crew.
Your backpack was designed to go with you everywhere, so don’t be ashamed if it faces the occasional snack spill or gunk buildup. After all, for many of us, the backpack is the ultimate go-everywhere cargo carrier, the thing we use to tote anything and everything, from dirty gym gear and extra clothes to trail snacks on the weekend and full lunches during the week. A dirty, worn-out pack just comes with the territory, which is why it’s crucial to carry heavy-duty backpacks as much as possible.
Whether you’re working with a 100-year-old antique firearm or a modern handgun fresh from the range, you need to be vigilant about oxidation, which leads to rust. Rust occurs in firearms because some ammunition contains corrosive materials that leave behind salts — copper, lead, etc. — and because metal mixed with salt and humidity can kickstart the corrosion process. Even if you’re using the cleanest ammo around, you still need to think about rust prevention and storage in a quality gun case.
All experienced campers know that simple options are better when it comes to food. We all love our fire-roasted hot dogs and s’mores, but no one wants to get too gourmet when spending time outdoors. We believe that with a perfectly packed cooler and a little bit of preparation, you can eat like royalty out in the woods without even boiling a pot of water. No campfire needed! In the spirit of simplicity, here are a few no-cook meals to make the next time you’re camping.
Firearms are complex pieces of machinery that require routine maintenance. Cleaning and the occasional tune-up helps keep your gun shooting accurately and safely while preserving it so it stays in good condition for years to come. But this begs the question: How often, exactly, should you clean your gun? The answer depends on a few factors, including what it is used for, how often you use it, what kind of ammo you’re using and if it has been exposed to any potentially damaging materials, like water or dust.
Camping is all about getting close to nature, which is why beach camping is such a popular activity for outdoorsy types. It’s the only form of camping where you get to fall asleep to the gentle sound of crashing waves or unroll your sleeping bag on soft, sandy ground. Indeed, beach camping is a bucket list item for many of us. But you can’t set up camp just anywhere. There are a few important things you need to know beforehand.
Love photography? Love the outdoors? Why not combine your passions by taking up nature photography? This endlessly fulfilling hobby combines creativity, fresh air, exercise and serenity, providing an enjoyable experience for all kinds of photographers. Indeed, the outdoors offer ample subject matter to keep all personalities engaged. From rare wildlife to stunning seascapes and mountain vistas, nature’s beauty awaits you.
None of us want to imagine what might happen in the event of an emergency, but — as scary as it is to consider — preparing for a disaster is crucial to ensuring the health and safety of you and your family. Having a well-derived disaster plan can mean the difference between life and death in potentially devastating situations, so it’s well worth your while to conceive. One of the facets of your emergency response plan should be to pack a go bag that you can grab and go should you need to flee.
California truly has it all: breathtaking coastal vistas, centuries-old redwoods, pristine white-sand beaches. The natural splendor is especially bountiful for the dedicated outdoor explorer. Camping is our favorite way to see all the amazing landscapes this state has to offer, so why not hop down the coast to explore all the gorgeous campgrounds? Here are our top 7 recommendations, from north to south.
When you’re heading out on a road trip or are moving, your car becomes the hub of everything. In a sense, it becomes your home between homes, and it’s the trusted transporter of your most precious valuables (including your family). One other important thing about the car: it has limited cargo space. You’ve got to find a way to safely fit your belongings, plus the cooler and the snacks — which, by the way, need to be immediately accessible at all times — as well as you, your family and your pets, all in a car with a trunk the size of a bathtub. It’s a true challenge.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there are about 20,000 earthquakes per year in the United States, with some of the biggest earthquakes in the past decade leaving unprecedented damage in their wake. Large-scale quakes cause large-scale devastation — mudslides, landslides, fires, tsunamis and collapsed buildings or roads are common. As a result, earthquakes can leave victims badly injured or even dead.
The best photographers know that the prize-winning shots are the ones that come from off the beaten path, from the middle of a rainstorm, from the far-off angles that you can’t get to easily. They also know that these places can be disastrous for expensive photography gear. The fact is, cameras are fragile and expensive, and they operate best when they are free of debris, moisture and impact. A solid storage solution — both while out in the field snapping photos and when not in use at home — is crucial for any dedicated photographer. So what are some simple and effective ways to keep your camera safe and sound between uses?
Knowing how to read a map is as basic to survival as knowing how to make a fire or how to build an emergency shelter, and that’s because it could be lifesaving in perilous scenarios. Maps and compasses keep us on the right track while helping us determine distance, time and the nature of the journey. One of the most useful tools for this is the topographic (topo) map.
Though none of us want to think about facing an emergency situation, preparing for a disaster is actually one of the best ways to ensure that you weather even the harshest storms without incident (perhaps quite literally). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that citizens have an emergency plan in place and keep at least 72 hours of basic survival supplies on hand at all times. A bug out bag (BOB) is a smart and simple way to do this, and it doesn’t take a huge investment of money or time.
Want to go on a real-life treasure hunt while getting exercise and sharpening your navigation skills? Try geocaching! This exploratory hobby — nicknamed “the world’s largest treasure hunt” — involves heading outside and finding treasures (“caches”) hidden by a vast network of finders and hiders. Geocachers use traditional navigation tools coupled with the Geocaching app, which employs GPS on your phone to identify and locate treasures. There are over 3 million of these caches out in the world just waiting to be discovered!
Thinking about upgrading your backpack? Consider the rucksack. Perhaps the word “rucksack” calls to mind some quaint, primitive pack used by a traveler from the 1800s, but the truth is that it’s actually the exact opposite. In fact, a rucksack is more like an upgraded version of your typical backpack, and it’s a lot more rugged and technical than the one you used to take to school.
For serious outdoor adventurers, nothing brings a thrill quite like getting totally off the grid. And one of the best ways to get far off the beaten path is to paddle your way to your destination. Kayak and canoe camping combines all the best parts of outdoor fun into one big adventure. But first-timers need to be aware that this kind of camping requires a bit of extra preparation. Pelican is here to help you master it.
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself whether you’d be safe in the event of an automotive emergency? Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for cars to break down and require a tow, potentially leaving you in a vulnerable situation on the side of the road. In fact, AAA reports that it fields over 30 million roadside assistance requests each year, with the most calls involving battery failures, flat tires and keys locked inside the car.
Part of being a skilled camper is knowing how to handle the unexpected without breaking a sweat. A sudden downpour or cold spell? No biggie. Dead batteries or a burned-out bulb in your lantern? Nothing you can’t handle. A missing tent pole? Not worth a second of worry. Indeed, seasoned campers possess the unique ability to shake off hiccups with grace and quickly maneuver to find solutions using the most basic tools and supplies.
Got a gun enthusiast in your life? Do you want to surprise them with a special gift? The key is to find a present that honors your recipient’s love for all things firearms while also choosing something they’ll use forever. Anything and everything dealing with gun maintenance is a good choice. Take it from us: gun collectors tend to get downright giddy over finding the perfect gun case. Unique shooting-related experiences are also fantastic gift ideas that you can enjoy together. Here are some gifts for gun enthusiasts that always hit the mark.
When we think about going camping, most of us picture a scenic campsite with a designated picnic table, fire ring and camping pad. There may be public showers and a camp shop. But this is far from the only way to camp, especially when you’re rolling with a full-blown RV or camper. Another option, and an arguably more primitive one, is boondocking. In this guide, we’re going over all the basics of boondocking to see if it’s something you may want to try.
Who needs a tent when you’ve got a roomy hatch, truck bed or backseat? Car camping comes in many forms. Depending on your preferences, budget and needs, you might want to try a sleeping bag in the hatch, a conversion van or a car-camping tent for your next overnight adventure. Either way, all of these options provide the same minimalist camping experience and the same opportunity for limitless roaming.
One of the main benefits of trading up your tent for an RV or camper van is that, well… everywhere you go, you’re home. Self-contained camping units come equipped with many of the same comforts as your permanent residence — a roomy bed with a real mattress, a full-scale kitchen and, in some cases, a bathroom. Another big advantage? With all of these amenities, you may not need the ones you’d get at a standard campground. Enter dry camping.
Due to the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19), some of the ideas listed here may not be appropriate to try at this time. Please refer to guidance from your local health authority.
Though not complicated, packing a cooler is a task that involves some considerable forethought and strategy. We’ve all experienced the dreaded soggy butter boxes and floating soda cans, but prevention comes down to two important factors: selecting the right cooler and packing it properly. The first one is easy if you use a Pelican cooler. The second one takes a little bit of practice and planning, but it’s practice and planning that goes a long way.
The United States boasts an incredible 4 million miles of public roads and the biggest total road network in the world, so it’s not hard to see why the road trip is such a cherished American tradition. There is so much to discover along those 4 million miles, from the breathtaking sea-cliff views of the Pacific coast to the tree-lined mountains of North Carolina. The best way to see everything, of course, is by car. So pack your camera backpack and load up the snacks, because we’re going for a drive!
There’s no denying the healing power of nature. A long, meandering walk through the woods or mountains can leave you feeling happier, more energized and more focused, all while connecting you with the natural world. But taking a hike can quickly turn from restorative to scary, and even downright dangerous in the wrong situation. Inclement weather, rough terrain, threatening wildlife — it’s all par for the trail when you’re bonding with Mother Nature.
Boarding a domestic flight with a gun in your checked bag is your right as an American, but for your safety and security, you need to know how to do it in accordance with the law. Preparing for a trip with a firearm is fairly straightforward. You just need to know the rules set by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and make sure you have the proper gear so you don’t get turned away at security.
Can we take a brief moment to show some appreciation for the duffel bag? These essential carry-alls somehow manage to fit a week’s worth of clothes and gear without breaking a sweat, making them truly versatile pieces of luggage for all manners of adventure. Even when they’re jam-packed, they’re fairly easy to transport thanks to the multiple straps and carrying configurations. But a well-packed bag makes all the difference, so today we’re covering the best way to pack durable duffel bags so you get the most out of every single liter.
Tactical situations are no joke, and they call for heavy-duty, rugged gear that can handle anything. Today, we’re shining a light on one of the most all-around practical pieces of tactical gear in your pack — the tactical flashlight. These ultra-durable, ultra-bright flashlights can provide lifesaving protection and essential illumination when the scenario demands it.
If you choose to wield a firearm at any point in your life, you’re effectively agreeing to follow a set of rules and handling practices to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. The safe, responsible use of firearms involves certain basics. For example, always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. One such obligation you have as a gun owner is to keep your firearm thoroughly cleaned, well-maintained and properly stored so it performs as it should at all times.
Thinking about taking your handgun with you when hitting the road across state lines? Depending on where you’re going, you may be able to take your handgun with you without breaking the law. The most important thing you can do when traveling with a firearm is to closely follow all current laws and to consult a lawyer if you aren’t clear on something. Always select the right handgun or pistol case to stay safe and compliant on the road.
Packing a backpack, like starting a fire or pitching a tent, is art masquerading as a chore. A perfectly-packed pack is easier to carry, fits more stuff and stores your items so you don’t have to go rifling through it every single time you need something. But the thing is, there’s no backpack-packing formula that works for everyone, mainly because we’ve all got different gear to stash depending on the expedition at hand. Luckily, there are a few packing tips that’ll help ensure you get the most out of your backpack no matter where you’re going.
We all get satisfaction out of dumping a 10-pound bag of gas station ice atop the contents of a perfectly-packed cooler, but is there a better way to keep the cooler... cooler? Actually, yes, and it involves the same subzero stuff you used to mess around with in high school chemistry class. Dry ice is the underrated cooler companion that helps keep all your perishables cool and dry for longer. Here’s how to master it using your Pelican hard cooler.
Got a dad who insists he needs nothing and has everything? We don’t want to make any assumptions, but we’re willing to bet that there are a few things he could in fact use, even if he won’t admit it. Sure, a six-pack or a nice cigar would do, but nothing beats giving your dad a gift he’ll rely on well into the future. Think: a rugged tactical flashlight or a hard cooler that will last for the next dozen seasons of tailgating.
Camping is without a doubt one of the best ways to introduce your kids to the basic concepts of survival and outdoor stewardship. By taking them out of their typical environment and putting them somewhere new, you’re helping them to build self-confidence, problem-solving skills, independence and a spirit for adventure. The quality family bonding time is an added bonus! With no screens, no air conditioning and no pantry full of snacks, everything becomes a fun, family-centric activity when you’re out in the wild.
Here at Pelican, we’re all about taking a page out of the Boy Scouts manual, and we always want to be prepared. But with all the fearmongering and misinformation floating around out there, it’s a fair question: Do you really need an emergency kit? The answer is yes, and here’s why: large-scale disasters can limit our ability to access essential resources, including food, water, shelter and healthcare. In an ideal world, you’ll never have to crack open your emergency kit, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
They say the journey is the destination, and that starts with packing. Creating and following a well-considered travel checklist is truly the secret to an enjoyable, worry-free vacation free of any snafus. It ensures that you have everything you need in the right place at all times, eliminating those small stressors from the sometimes-hectic travel experience. Before you head out for any kind of journey — whether it be a week by the sea or a quick trip to the countryside — be sure to reference our ultimate travel checklist to ensure that you’ve thought of everything before you walk out the door.
Free ground shipping excludes Cargo Cases and Flightline Drone Cases.
Japan 
