Pelican Flyer
Storage
How to Pack a Rooftop Cargo Carrier
Ready to hit the road and need some extra space in your vehicle? Introducing the Pelican rooftop cargo carrier, designed to secure cargo boxes to bring along all your important gear and belongings. From hunting and sporting equipment to suitcases, sleeping bags and pet beds, a cargo carrier can give you and your passengers some extra elbow room for a more comfortable ride. But before you stash all your gear up top, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, learn how to pack a rooftop cargo carrier properly so you can travel safely, keep items from getting damaged and retrieve items quicker once you arrive at your destination. Distribute Heavier Items Correctly Before we dive into how to pack a rooftop cargo carrier, let’s talk about weight distribution. Even with the hardiest and toughest roof storage box, you don’t want to overload it on top of your car. So, first, determine your car’s weight limit and the storage box’s weight limit. While the weight limits are usually pretty high, it’s a good idea to know it regardless. You can typically find your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the driver-side door sill or the manual. For the cargo carrier, it should be in the instructions or manual also.Now, before you load up the carrier itself, place heavier items in the vehicle, whether it’s a truck bed or the trunk of a car. Keeping heavier items closer to the ground is safer and ensures your vehicle is not top-heavy. Be mindful of your weight distribution, both inside and outside of your car. For example, weighing your cargo carrier down on one side can cause items inside to be crushed or slide around too much. A good rule of thumb is to secure heavier items towards the middle or split the difference with some heavy items to each side.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Keep Meat Cool While Hunting
A week-long hunting trip is a lot different than a day-long excursion. Instead of a convenient walk-in cooler or ice chest back at home a few hours away, you’ll need to contend with butchered meat from the moment you take down the animal to prevent it from spoiling. In this guide, Pelican offers some tips on how to keep meat cool when hunting. In addition, we explore how soon after the shot you need to get the meat cool and how to tell if your meat is already gone and unsafe to eat. Understanding How Meat Spoils Spoiled meat is caused by bacteria, which can grow in certain ideal conditions. Temperature, for example, can cause bacteria to grow quite rapidly. The USDA states that bacteria can double once temperatures reach above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. So unless you are hunting in winter, you need to recover your kill and keep your meat from spoiling as soon as possible. Otherwise, if the deer or game is left unattended, it can begin to spawn bacteria from its organs, spoiling the meat and going to waste. How long do you have after you make the shot? Don’t let the game lay there for more than half an hour before field-dressing and removing the organs and getting the quartered meat on ice. How to Keep Meat Cool When Hunting First Things First: Field Dress the Animal Learning how to properly gut and field dress animals is an important step in preserving meat. If you aim well and strike the neck, lungs, heart or liver, it will bleed the animal out, removing an extra step. However, you must still remove the organs, including the heart and lungs, which requires breaking the sternum — and quickly! Once you finish field dressing the deer or whatever you shoot, you can also throw some ice in the newly-made cavity and throw it in a hunting cooler. If you’re hunting big game like deer or elk, we suggest using a rolling cooler with wheels to carry it back to your truck or vehicle once it’s loaded up and heavy. Shop Hard Coolers for Your Next Hunting Trip Dry the Meat and Cool It Slowly (If Necessary) After taking apart the game, keep the quarters dry as possible, cooling them slowly over time in the shade. Then, place the quarters on a clear tarp or clean plastic trash bags somewhere shaded, like beneath a tree, and give them time to air dry. When hunting in the colder months, all you need is a few hours to dry them. However, it’s the warmer months you need to worry about. For the warmer seasons, you want to be sure to keep the meat cool. This is where a cooler comes in handy. Instead of leaving the meat out to dry, place it in a high-quality hard cooler that can keep it fresh for several days. Extra Tip: While you might want to keep that perfectly white cooler interior as clean as possible, never place meat in a garbage bag. The airflow is not adequate and the meat will actually sweat, making a pretty awful odor instead. It’s easier to clean a cooler of blood than to try to remove a smell. Keep Meat Above Ice
Firearms
How to Adjust a Rifle Scope
Whether you’re teaching your kids how to hunt or replacing an old scope for one of your seasoned buddies, a new rifle scope makes a wonderful gift idea for hunters. However, like most new gear, a scope comes with some initial steps to get it up to snuff. But just what kind of steps does a scope require to make it 100 percent satisfactory? Discover how to adjust a rifle scope, from the lens to the turrets and more, before it’s taken on the field. Know Your Rifle Scope Parts As we break down how to adjust a rifle scope, specific parts will be mentioned. To better understand the steps, it’s essential to become familiar with a scope’s central components, such as the ocular lens, the magnification adjustment and turrets. Here’s what you’ll be adjusting and working with: Scope Body – This one is pretty self-explanatory. Used to aim, this is the main tube of the scope where the other parts are attached. Ocular Lens – This lens rests in the ocular housing and is closest to the eye when looking through the scope.
Hunting/Fishing
The Best Time to Fish for Bass
Ready to catch some bass? You have the right lures and know a good fishing hole, but when precisely should you carve out some time? Bass, like many fish, have their own habits, feeding and spawning during certain hours of the day and seasons within the year. So, just when should you plan to hitch the boat up and head to the lake? Spring, summer, fall or winter? Here’s the best time to fish for bass! The Best Time to Fish for Bass Generally speaking, the best time to fish for bass is at dawn and dusk. Catching bass requires you to wake up early in the morning and to stay out later in the evening. Why is this? Because bass like to hunt and feed in low-light environments. Before the sun rises high in the sky, bass can hunt better. Alternatively, you can also catch bass midday if it’s overcast and rainy, too. When it comes to the best season to fish for bass, spring and summer are good times. Ideally, it’s when the water temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees. However, many anglers will also tell you that it’s in spring whenever bass begin to spawn. When bass begin to spawn, they feed heavily to fatten up so they have energy for reproduction. During their feeding times, the bass get more active, jumpy and aggressive, which means they will take the bait more readily.
Hunting/Fishing
6 Hunting Gifts for Kids
Teaching your kid how to start hunting? Get them some new gear as their next gift. Whether it’s for Christmas, their birthday or to celebrate a milestone or accomplishment, hunting gear and accessories that can help them learn new hunting skills make a great gift. And if you’re stumped on ideas, look no further! Here are six hunting gifts for kids that are sure to excite them for their next hunt.
Adventure
The Best Ways to Store Guns Without a Safe
Keeping firearms secure around the house is vital for your family’s safety. It prevents unauthorized people from accessing guns and keeps them out of the hands of those who are unqualified to operate the weapon. So how do you store firearms safely in the home? While many gun owners choose to keep guns in a safe, it isn’t always ideal for some living situations. For example, some gun owners prefer quick access for home defense, which makes safes inconvenient. For competitors, a dedicated gun safe isn’t transportable either. So what can you do to keep your weapon secure? Here are some of the best ways to store guns without a safe, from trigger locks to lockable gun cases. Trigger Locks Trigger locks are a practical replacement for a gun safe. Affordable with a simple design, a trigger lock or cable lock can prevent a gun from being loaded or fired by unfamiliar hands or an unauthorized user. You can often find trigger locks provided by the gun manufacturer or gun dealer. When you purchase a new firearm, it will most likely already be accompanied by the trigger lock. However, there are different types of trigger locks: Trigger Shoe You can choose a trigger shoe that clamps down around the firearm’s trigger or trigger housing, preventing it from being tampered with. Cable Locks Cable locks are designed to block a firearm’s action, preventing it from being closed. Using a cable lock on a semi-automatic pistol prevents the magazine from being loaded into the grip. And when a cable lock is used on a revolver, the cable lock is looped through the barrel to prevent the cylinder from closing. Padlocks Another basic trigger lock is a simple padlock system. This comes in handy when your gun manufacturer doesn't have a specialized trigger lock that comes with the firearm purchase or you have an older gun. All you have to do is slip the lock’s hasp between the backside of the trigger and the trigger guard to prevent it from cycling. When options are limited, an inexpensive padlock can prevent unintentional discharge. One thing to keep in mind: Because these types of locks come into contact with the trigger, you must never use them on a loaded gun. If you own a firearm for home defense, a trigger lock may not be the best option. In addition, they do not protect against theft. Furthermore, these kinds of trigger locks and cable locks were found to be insufficient, especially when it comes to child safety. In 2001, the NSSF recalled 400,000 cable locks that could be accessed without using a key, defeating the purpose of the lock. Shop Gun Cases to Secure Your Weapon Gun Cases
Photography
How to Travel with Photography Equipment
Planning a trip out west to capture beautiful panoramas of the landscape? Or want to capture all the fun activities with the kids on your family vacation? Traveling with photography equipment doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you know how to pack your camera and gear securely so it’s protected and remember to bring all the accessories, you can bring back stunning images and memories. Here is how to travel with camera equipment worry-free.Camera Backpacks vs. Hard Cases One of the most important considerations to make is whether you plan to check your camera or carry it on board the cabin. This will help you determine what kind of travel case to get for your camera. Some photographers prefer to travel light and avoid check luggage, while others might need to transport lots of equipment, requiring more than one travel case. Not sure how to decide? Here are some considerations: Camera Backpacks Want to bring camera equipment in check-on luggage? Then you need to consider how much room you are allowed. The case will need to fit in your overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. For this, a camera backpack is a perfect option. Each Pelican camera backpack is conveniently sized to slip directly under a seat. Plus, it offers TSA-ready access and a crushproof, watertight case for protecting gear once you arrive at your destination for your adventure. Not to mention, with a floating ergonomic strap design and ventilated back panel, it can be transported easily, even across rocky terrain. Hard Cases On the other hand, if you decide that your camera equipment needs to be checked, a camera hard case is recommended. This kind of rugged case can take on whatever the airline throws at it — and then some! For smaller cases, you could choose to slip it directly inside your luggage. However, Pelican camera hard cases come with extra features like lockable stainless steel hasps for extra security and a retractable extension handle and heavy-duty wheels that make getting around much easier.
Photography
How to Ship a Camera
Need to ship a camera somewhere ahead of time so you can capture stunning landscape images or local wildlife? Sometimes, carrying a camera on a plane just isn’t in the cards. Besides, some photographers prefer to ship their cameras simply to travel lighter and have all their gear waiting on arrival. So how exactly do you ship this expensive piece of gear? While many recommend flimsy packaging materials and bubble wrap, cameras need much more than that. Traveling great distances, possibly even overseas, requires proper packaging like a shock-resistant camera hard case. Only this will guarantee your photography or video equipment arrives safe and sound. Here’s Pelican’s advice on how to ship a camera — the right way! Choose a High-Quality Hard Case Should you choose to ship a camera, you want to protect it from rough handling, rain and whatever it might encounter to reach its destination. While many might wrap it in bubble wrap that offers bare minimum protection, we recommend placing your camera inside a heavy-duty hard case. With an open cell core and solid wall design that is simultaneously strong and lightweight, nothing gets into Pelican hard cases. Each camera case is watertight, crushproof and dustproof, meaning if it’s left outside in the rain upon delivery, your camera will still be completely dry. With a pick and pluck foam interior, you can customize the shape to your camera’s exact dimensions. One extra bit of advice: Choose a hard case designed for air travel and carry-on luggage. More than a rugged box with a handle, a travel case for cameras offers extra features like polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings and additional removable accessory pouches for lenses. Plus, they are perfectly sized to suit many airline carry-on requirements and offer an automatic purge valve that equalizes air pressure when inside the cabin. Ship Gear in a Camera Hard Case Create a Legible Label and ‘Fragile’ Stamps Next, make sure to create a stick-on label that is entirely legible. Avoid handwriting this at the last moment at the post office or shipping service. Instead, print it on your computer or have a printing service do it for you. If you have decent handwriting and can pull off simple block letters, you can do that, too. Make sure to include all the details — address, zip code and country, if necessary — of your own address and the destination. Phone numbers can also come in handy if the package gets lost or misplaced in handling. Generally speaking, make certain there is no confusion as to where it came from and where the camera is headed. Also — and this step is crucial — be sure to add a few “Fragile” stickers to the box to let handlers know to treat it with care. You can print and slap on a few around the box if you have a leftover address application. Lastly, attach your labels to the package and to protect them from rain (that could smear the ink), put a stretch of clear packing tape over everything. Of course, you could also do this to the corners of the exterior box, but when placing your camera in a Pelican case, there’s really no need to take this extra step of precaution. Choose a Protective Travel Case for Your Camera Choose the Best Shipping for Your Camera
Adventure
What to Bring Backpacking
Heading out in the wilderness with only what you can carry offers a certain sense of adventure. Everything you need fits all in a backpack, plus a few lashes along the side. But with a pack that can only hold so much, you also have to consider what is absolutely necessary to your survival outdoors.
Camping
The Ultimate Car Camping Packing Checklist
Want to try camping? Before you set out on an overnight backcountry hike, get your feet wet with car camping. The best type of camping for beginners, car camping allows you to carry the gear you need in your car, including all the essentials and even some creature comforts. All you have to do is book a campsite at a local campground, which often already has restroom facilities, hot showers and sometimes even a canteen store to grab last-minute (or forgotten) items.
Storage
5 Tips and Tricks for Storing Camping Gear at Home
Camp gear can last for generations, if taken care of properly. If you still have your grandfather’s Coleman lantern, you know what we’re talking about. However, it’s important to take care of your camp gear not only while it’s being used at the site with a few camping storage ideas, but at home, too. Once you return from your weekend or even month-long camping trip, it's a good idea to look things over, repairing leaky tents or broken poles.
Hunting/Fishing
7 Surf Fishing Tips and Techniques
Tired of casting from the shore all day without much to show for it? We’ve got the expert advice for surf fishing anglers right here!
Camping
8 Glamping Essentials
Want to try camping, but not entirely convinced you’ll make it through the night? If you don’t want to necessarily be roughing it at a campsite and prefer to have the creature comforts of home, glamping is a great way to go. And once you understand the difference between glamping vs. camping, you might be hooked! But how does one go glamping and what kind of gear is needed?
Adventure
7 Essential Boating Safety Tips
Ready to buy a boat or rent a charter and head out on the water? Before you go packing your personal cooler, fishing tackle and water toys, it’s important to understand basic boating safety. From the proper gear and equipment to just generally being aware of your surroundings and following navigational rules of the waterways, here are seven boating safety tips that all boaters should know.
Adventure
12 Tips for Taking a Bike Ride at Night
Biking to work in the wee hours of the morning? Or just looking to get out on the weekends for some night life? While cycling is generally done during the day, there are steps you can take to make a night ride more safe.
Adventure
Need-to-Know Trail Etiquette
Has hiking become your recent favorite activity? Getting outdoors in nature is beneficial for both your mental and physical well-being. However, like any new activity, there’s going to be a learning curve.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Surf Fish for Beginners
Want to pick up fishing but lack a boat for the high seas? You don’t need one! Try surf fishing instead. It’s an easy way to break into saltwater fishing, plus it takes minimal effort to head to the nearest shore and requires much less fuel than a vessel.
Camping
Easy Car Camping Meals for Your Next Trip
Planning a car camping trip with friends or family? Take time to plan some delicious meals, too! Whether you plan to cook around the fire pit or on a double burner stove, there are tons of tasty dinners, breakfasts and lunches you can conjure up. Here are some easy car camping meals to give you some inspiration.
Hunting/Fishing
6 Deep Sea Fishing Tips for Beginners
Tired of fishing on the lake for bass or fly fishing for trout? Love the delicate, meatier taste of fresh saltwater fish? Then it might be time to try some blue water, deep sea fishing. Whether you have your heart set on catching Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Shark or Wahoo, it takes more than artificial bait and patience. You have to know where to look in the vast ocean and what you’re doing!
Storage
Boat Must-Haves: 9 Things You Need on a Boat
Have you recently bought a boat and need to outfit it? From useful accessories to safety equipment, there are countless boat must-haves that you should carry on board. From basic items like a bimini shade and sunscreen to a waterproof Bluetooth radio to stream some tunes, a boater’s wishlist is practically never-ending.
Adventure
What Is Spelunking?
Spelunking, also known as caving, is not for the timid. This increasingly popular sport often asks you to walk, climb or crawl blindly into the darkness with only a headlamp and spiders and bats for company. Sometimes, it even requires the use of a zip line, sending you into the abyss fast and without a second thought as to what lies ahead. Other times, spelunking requires you to dive into a black hole underwater. Either way, the challenge does come with its rewards.
Adventure
What Is Canyoneering?
Canyoneering. The word invokes a sense of adventure all on its own. However, while many mountain sports offer an exhilarating thrill and rush of adrenaline, canyoneering is special. Instead of going up, it’s all about enjoying the ride down.
Adventure
Trad vs. Sport Climbing
Did you know there is a variety of rock climbing styles? From mountaineering to bouldering, climbers have a wide range of options when it comes to gaining higher ground. But out of the several rock climbing types, there are two that are often mistaken for one another: trad climbing and sport climbing.
Adventure
The 6 Best Places to Stargaze
Ready to photograph the stars? Whether it’s to capture the North or Southern hemisphere’s constellations, Milky Ways and Magellanic clouds, you’ll need to seek out a dark, remote spot, away from light pollution where the stars can truly shine. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to photograph stars, you will need some practice, too.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Become a Fishing Guide
Love to fish and know your local waters like the back of your hand? Love meeting new people, too? Then you might be an excellent fishing guide! If you feel like you are the master and commander of your vessel and know precisely where to find every type of fish, rise to the challenge and become a fishing guide.
Hunting/Fishing
8 Tips for Successful Night Fishing
Night fishing has many advantages. It’s the perfect alternative to a blisteringly hot summer day. Plus, you can catch a wide variety of fish, stirring them from their sleep and catching them off their guard. However, while night fishing can be lots of fun, it can be challenging, too. Luckily, with these eight tips and tricks, you are bound to catch a few fish. So pack your personal cooler with some midnight munchies and grab the rods. It’s time to go night fishing!
Adventure
6 Night Hike Tips and Essentials
Compared to hiking during the day, a night hike offers many advantages. For starters, it provides cooler temps, relieving you from a blistering hot summer day. And second, night hiking gives you a new perspective of the skies, allowing you to see stars, constellations and even the Milky Way galaxy.
Storage
What Size Cargo Box Do I Need?
Rugged and highly efficient, cargo boxes offer lots of benefits. Instead of overcrowding your car with multiple passengers, backpacks and all your provisions and gear, a cargo box can provide more space to stretch out and enjoy the drive. It can also keep longer items like fishing poles and skis up top while driving through snow, rain and ice.
Firearms
What Does MOA Mean?
As you perfect your aim, you might hear shooting instructors and your buddies refer to something called an MOA. Generally speaking, an MOA is your solution to an accurate target hit. But exactly what does MOA mean and how do you find yours? In this article, we break down the Minute of Angle in layman's terms with basic equations so you can hit your mark like a pro the minute you pull your rifle out of the gun case.
Adventure
How to Snag a Hard-to-Get Backcountry Permit
When you need to get away from cramped campsite parks with hordes of people and into the wilderness where you’re alone with your thoughts, a backcountry trip will do the trick. Still, while you don’t have to book a site through a reservation system, you can’t just strap on your boots and head out. You will need a permit. And while it may be a bit of a challenge, it’s well worth the effort! Here are seven tips on how to snag a backcountry permit and get away from the crowds.
Adventure
How to Plan a Camping Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Looking for a fun activity to entertain the kids while camping? Try a scavenger hunt! Whether you look for items as you go hiking with the kids or to keep them occupied at the site while you cook dinner, use these handy tips and ideas to make your scavenger hunt a fun outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy.
Firearms
How to Clean a Rifle
Any hunter or sharpshooter needs to learn how to take excellent care of their weapons, in addition to keeping them in a protective gun case. Whether you are learning how to hunt coyote or practicing your aim for tournaments, having a clean weapon will help you make a clean shot. In this guide, we break down how to clean a rifle with easy step-by-step instructions.
Storage
How to Attach a Cargo Carrier to Your Roof Rack
Ready to head out for a family camping trip or a ski trip with your friends? Instead of having a crowded car plus added gear and backpacks, give everyone a little breathing room with an exterior rooftop cargo carrier! Never used one? Don’t worry – it’s easy! Here’s how to attach a cargo carrier to your roof rack so that you can store skis, tents, muddy gear and more.
Adventure
8 Nature Documentaries to Make You Want to Get Outside
Want to learn more about Earth or explore exotic terrains from the comfort of home? Or do you need to pass the time on a rainy spring day until you can get outside again? Here are eight nature documentaries to make you want to get outside and protect the wildlife and Earth we all inhabit. These stunning films will have you grabbing your camera hard case and setting out to photograph butterflies, exotic wildlife, chimpanzees and more.
Adventure
6 Bushcraft Skills You Should Know
Getting lost in the wilderness – even if it’s on purpose to escape the crowds or hunt for wildlife – requires specific survival skills. And it’s vital for any backcountry hiker or avid hunter to sharpen these skills, whether it’s foraging for food to creating a shelter using only the materials and elements around you.
Camping
The Ultimate Guide to RV Classes
What’s the only thing better than traveling the world? Why, bringing along the comforts of home, of course. RVing is an incredible way to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing the small luxuries of modern living that can make traveling so much easier.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Fly Fish: A Guide to Getting Started
Many of us who have fished with a spinner rod for years inevitably become interested in learning how to fly fish. There’s just something poetic about watching an experienced fly fisher cast a fly into the water at sunset, their silhouette illuminated by a red sky and their smooth casting motion on full display.
Camping
22 Camping Terms You Should Know Before You Go
“So I’ve finally anchored the tent with a deadman and now I’m starving. Do we have any GORP that I could scarf down real quick? Maybe we should consider boondocking next time…”
Adventure
What is Thru Hiking?
So, you hike all the time. You have hundreds of weekend backpacking trips under your belt and know a thing or two about surviving in the wilderness. Now, you’re itching for a new hiking challenge. You want to immerse yourself in the wilderness and take your backpacking skills up a notch.
Camping
Paleo Camping Food: What To Bring
Following a paleo diet while camping can be tricky. After all, most of the foods in a paleo diet — lean meats, fish, fresh fruits and veggies — need to be refrigerated. So what’s a paleo camper to do? Temporarily give up on your diet and resign yourself to eating chips, hot dogs and s’mores?
Hunting/Fishing
When Does Bow Hunting Season Start in Each State?
Bow hunting is like no other sport out there. Perhaps more than any other method of hunting, bow hunting feels timeless—probably because it’s been practiced for thousands upon thousands of years in some form or another. And while many of our ancestors could (and had to) go bow hunting at any time of year, modern humans have to wait until the start of bow season.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Train a Hunting Dog
There is nothing better than having a well-bred hunting dog that loves to hunt just as much as you do. But the training process can be a little daunting, especially for first-time hunting dog owners. You need to start early — as in, the moment you gather that little furball into your arms — and continue his or her training well into adulthood. You also need to have a lot of patience and introduce new concepts to your dog at what may seem like a snail’s pace.
Camping
How to Keep Bears Away from Your Campsite
It’s your worst camping nightmare. No, we don’t mean camping with the in-laws. We’re talking about bears crashing your campsite. Although bears may appear clumsy, they’re considered to be one of the most dangerous mammals in the world. Bears have a super-strong sense of smell — stronger even than a bloodhound’s. And your campsite has all of that delicious food…
Adventure
How to Break in Hiking Boots
The road to successful hiking is often paved with many innocent mistakes. Unfortunately, there is one mistake in particular that can be a painful lesson in footwear for new hikers. We are, of course, talking about not knowing how to break in hiking boots.
Adventure
Hiking vs Trekking
Hiking vs. trekking. Is there a difference between the two? More importantly, does it even matter? The answers are yes and yes.
Camping
9 Free Camping Apps to Download Before Your Next Adventure
Camping is packed with amazing benefits: fresh air, improved mood, better sleep — the list is endless. Unfortunately, all of those positives often come with a lot of work. You need to think about where to set up camp, what meals to eat, how to pack for your trip and how to keep the kiddos entertained. The solution? Free camping apps to make your life much, much easier.
Adventure
8 Outdoor Skills You Should Know
Itching to get out and explore the great outdoors? We’re not surprised! Even the most urban-loving people experience the desire to temporarily escape city living and spend time in nature. But if you’re new to the outdoors or haven’t been camping since you were a little kid, getting out there can also be a little scary. To help you feel more at ease in the wilderness, we’ve rounded up a few basic outdoor skills that are worth learning before your next big adventure.
Hunting/Fishing
5 Handgun Shooting Tips for a More Accurate Shot
Why is shooting a handgun so hard? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, don’t worry — you’re in good company. Many people find that, despite being a decent shot with a rifle, their pistol game leaves much to be desired. If you’re looking to improve your accuracy and could use a few pointers, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our top handgun shooting tips for an accurate shot.
Storage
What to Put in a Hurricane Preparedness Kit
In areas of the US located near the Atlantic hurricane basin, hurricanes are a fact of life. Residents of states like Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, and even New York know that for a few months each year, their weather can turn deadly—so they have to be prepared, both physically and mentally.
Camping
Camping with Kids: Plan the Best Family-Friendly Nature Getaway
Nature can instill many teachable moments to our children, building character and making them appreciate the earth around them. Children can take in the sights and sounds of nature even at a young age, from the croak of a frog to the tickle of grass blades beneath their feet. And one of the best ways to allow kids to experience nature is by camping! But if camping with your offspring sounds scary, we’ve got you covered!
Adventure
The 18 Best Hikes in the U.S.
Desperate to finally pull out those hiking boots from winter storage and hit the trail? Then pack your Ten Essentials and break out the maps! Here are the 18 best hikes in the U.S., from sea to shining sea.
Adventure
All About Climbing Grades and Bouldering Ratings
Rock climbing is a thrilling outdoor activity that can be highly rewarding. It offers stellar views of the surrounding landscapes and a real physical challenge, to say the least. But if you’re just getting into this outdoor sport, you might be taken off guard by the vocabulary and jargon that goes along with it. When you hear someone mention a cluster of numbers or a scale of this or that, you will have no idea what it means.
Adventure
7 Wilderness Survival Tips You Need to Know
Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. That should be the motto of every outdoor enthusiast. Faced off against nature, many things can go wrong. You can stumble upon a bear, get carried down a river and even get trapped by an avalanche. Needless to say, you might even find yourself miles from home with a dead cell phone. And when you are stranded in the great wild wilderness, preparedness can even save your life!
Camping
The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Camping
Whether it’s for a quick day hike, overnight camping trip or a week-long hunting excursion, setting out into the backcountry wilderness is a wonderful experience. It removes us from the everyday hustle and bustle of our modern lives and allows us to get in better touch with nature. Taking in the fresh scent of evergreen pines or taking off your boots and dipping your toes in a stream can do a lot for one’s spirit. It connects us to the earth and sends us packing home with a renewed sense of wonder and amazement of all its beauty.
Camping
First Time Camping? Here's What You Need to Know
Camping offers a way to escape the grind and get out in the great outdoors. But if you’ve never been camping, even as a scout or young child, it can feel a tad bit intimidating and overwhelming. What kind of gear do you need? How do you cook? Furthermore, what do you cook? But don’t worry! Camping is pretty simple, especially once you get the hang of it.
Camping
15 Great Camping Meals for Groups
Are you headed on a camping trip with a bunch of friends or your entire family? Whether you prefer no-cook camping meals or to be the campsite chef, here are 15 great camping meals for groups of all sizes to enjoy!
Camping
What to Wear Camping
You have camp gear organized and placed aside, along with a strategy to stuff provisions in your new waterproof cooler backpack come morning. Now, what else is there to pack? Oh, right! Your clothes. But before you roll your Bermuda shorts and pick out your favorite sunglasses, understand that there’s a little more that goes into it. From your head to your toes, here is what to wear camping.
Camping
The 8 Best Places for Year-Round Camping
Avid campers need more than a summer to decompress with nature. Good thing there’s plenty of year-round campgrounds! Whether you need a break from the world for a weekend or intend to take a winter camping trip with the entire family, take a look and explore these year-round camping spots. From California to the Florida Keys, there’s something for everybody.
Camping
The 9 Best Cars for Camping
Ready to hit the road and go camping? Whether you’re a family who’s recently gotten into camping or an avid camper looking to explore more remote areas, here are the nine best cars for camping. From the family-friendly Subarus built for the snow and plenty of camping storage to the open-air Jeeps, this list is sure to have a vehicle you might like for your next camping trip.
Camping
Our Essential List of Must-Have Camping Gear
Before you set out on your first camping trip, do you have everything you need? It’s not just about the marshmallows for the kids and the beer for the adults. You need to consider the camp gear you need to survive, too. From finding the right tent to wearing proper clothing and boots, here are some of the must-have camping gear you need for your camping setup.
Camping
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
Does your sleeping bag have a funky odor you just can’t seem to shake? Then it might be time for a wash! Hardcore campers who sleep beneath an A-frame tarp sans bivvy can abuse their sleeping bags, but so do families with kids and pets. From the sweat buildup on the interior lining to dog hair and muddy paws on the outer shell, your sleeping bag needs a cleaning every now and then.
Camping
How to Stay Warm in a Tent
Did you have a sleepless night, chattering away as you tried to keep warm inside your tent? Or are you usually cold-blooded and want to prepare for the worst-case scenario? Either way, staying cozy and bundled up will make for a much more enjoyable camping experience. And sometimes, all it takes is the right gear and a little preparedness to stay safe and get a good night’s sleep. Learn how to stay warm in a tent and make your campsite toasty.
Photography
How to Photograph Lightning
Are you trying to capture lightning in a bottle via camera and lens? It’s not an easy task! It takes commitment and patience above all, and it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. But do it right, and you’ll reap the rewards of an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping shot. Ready to lasso a lightning bolt? Learn how to photograph lightning so you can capture the light show in all its glory.
Camping
How to Master SUV Camping
Not ready to invest in a tent? There are still ways to enjoy camping! Whether you want to explore America state-by-state or visit the coastlines, here’s how to master SUV camping and make an enjoyable, memorable trip.
Camping
How to Keep a Tent Cool
If you’ve ever gone camping in the dead heat of summer, you know how hot a tent can get. Your sleeping bag’s interior sheets become drenched with sweat each night and you pretty much avoid entering your greenhouse-like structure during the day. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are some tips on how to keep a tent cool so you can make your hot summer nights more enjoyable.
Adventure
What is Mountaineering?
When we hear the word “mountaineering,” many things might come to mind. Some assume this merely means climbing mountains; others think of rugged Mt. Everest explorers from days past. The truth is, mountaineering is much more than that and is still being done. While there might be little left to explore, mountaineering is one heck of a rugged, adventurous activity.
Camping
Is Camping Safe?
You’re ready to go camping but you’re afraid it isn’t safe. A weekend getaway or month-long camping adventure can be a wonderful activity for you and the entire family. But you worry about all the things that can go wrong and wonder: Is camping safe?
Hunting/Fishing
How to Shoot a Compound Bow
Investing in a new compound bow is a thrill. But after you come away with your new hunting equipment, there’s still lots of work to be done. Compound bows take lots of fine-tuning and customization to personalize them to your skill level and strength.
Photography
Just a Phase: How to Photograph the Moon
Night photography can turn photographers into night owls. And it’s easy to see why! Capturing the moon in all of its brightness and depth is one tricky shot, making photographers stay out for hours, tweaking their camera to achieve an award-winning nature photo.
Camping
How to Master Dutch Oven Cooking While Camping
With that being said, it’s critical to carry a first-aid kit with you at all times. So, don’t forget to pack one in your rooftop cargo carrier, along with any running gear, ski equipment and other travel items.
Adventure
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to Altitude?
You typically begin to reach areas considered high altitude at around 8,000 feet. But, for some of us who reside closer to sea level, altitude sickness may rear its ugly head even lower, closer to 5,000 feet. While most people can adjust, the effects of high altitude — even lighter side effects — do take time.
Hunting/Fishing
Get Hooked with These 10 Spring Fishing Tips
Unless you’re an ice fisherman or live in the south, you’re probably itching to cast a line. Brush up on your fishing skills and learn where to find your favorite catch come spring.
Hunting/Fishing
Oh, Shoot: 5 Trap Shooting Tips to Know
Feeling rusty and nervous about the upcoming hunting season? Break your gun or rifle out of that gun case and hit the range for some trap shooting practice. Spring and summer are the best times to sharpen your skills!
Photography
Don't Lose Focus: 5 Landscape Photography Tips
Landscapes vary greatly, which makes photographing its unique characteristics tricky. It’s not as simple as framing the horizon. Sometimes, a landscape can even appear monotonous. But look again, and you’ll find not only the tiny details but you’ll appreciate the grandness of its scale.
Camping
7 Steps to De-Winterize Your RV
Spring is nearly here and you know what time it is! Time to hit the road and explore the great states of America. For many RV owners, hunkering down and winterizing their trailer is a necessity. But once the snow begins to melt, they’re eager for a vacation. Before you do so, you need to make sure your RV is in good working order.
Camping
9 Need-to-Know Hammock Camping Tips
Lightweight and hassle-free, hammock camping has become a popular way to replace tents in the great outdoors. Luckily, with durable hammock brands and ingenious features for sleeping and staying dry, it’s become easier than ever to enjoy sleeping off the ground and swaying under leafy canopies.
Camping
Outdoor Camping Games: 7 Games to Play Outside the Tent
Camping is made for hammock naps, trail hikes and relaxation around the campfire at night. But it’s also meant for bonding with family and friends. One of the best ways to do so is with outdoor camping games and activities.
Camping
How to Master Solo Camping
Group camping or just camping with friends requires lots of coordination. From ensuring there are enough provisions for everyone to stay nourished and hydrated to guaranteeing everyone has a nice dry spot inside a tent, planning correctly is more important when camping. Otherwise, it could turn into a disaster – or at least some frustrated campers.
Camping
Don't Lose Your Bearing - Here's How to Use Bear Spray
From the Great Smoky Mountains to Yellowstone National Park, America is home to various bear species and populations. And when entering bear territory, it’s critical that you remain alert and even take extra precautions like carrying bear spray.
Camping
Glamping vs. Camping: Which is Right For You?
Glamping is a relatively new concept. Ultimately, it means a more luxurious camping experience and, since its conception, many high-standard outdoor enthusiasts have taken a liking to it so much that this once made-up word has been added to the 2018 edition of the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Camping
Disabled Camping 101
Camping is good for the soul. But it can also be tough on our bodies, especially for the disabled. Whether it’s mobility issues or chronic health problems that impair everyday life, the great outdoors presents some challenges.
Camping
Camping with Dogs: How to Enjoy Camping with Your Best Friend
Want to bring your loyal companion along on your next camping trip? Before you pack the kibble and leash all willy nilly, there are some things to consider. For starters, camping with dogs comes with rules. Plus, this time the camping trip is not just about you. You want your pup to enjoy their adventure, too! So to fully appreciate camping with dogs, find the best spots and consider these extra tips and tricks.
Photography
19 Travel Photography Tips for Your Next Adventure
Travel photography is becoming a popular activity and a skill. From Instagram to content creation, the demand is also quite high and ever present, too. Are you a wanderlust traveler who thinks they have what it takes to be a travel photographer, too? Why not try? Grab your camera case and sense of adventure! Here are 19 travel photography tips for capturing the perfect shot.
Adventure
The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding
We get it! You’ve grown bored of waiting for lift lines and want to get out in nature more. With untracked and uncarved banks of freshly fallen snow, the beautiful backcountry landscape is calling to you to come and play. But you can’t merely go on a backcountry skiing or snowboarding trip without knowing precisely what you’re doing. It helps to understand how to travel responsibly in the backcountry (and even avoid the very real threat of avalanches).
Hunting/Fishing
Where to Shoot a Deer
Many deer hunting misconceptions and bad advice are given to beginner hunters, especially when it comes to tracking and shooting. But with deer being the most common and popular game in the United States with 10.9 million hunters out there, it’s crucial to get the facts straight. And when it comes to being an ethical hunter and doing your part for a swift and successful kill, knowing where to aim is crucial. With your eye on the target, here’s where to shoot a deer to minimize suffering and make recovery of the animal easier.
Camping
What is Dispersed Camping
Wanna get off the grid? Avid campers know that there’s one well-kept secret to doing so, even in the busiest and most popular natural regions of the world: dispersed camping. This underrated form of outdoor adventuring involves pitching a tent on areas of public land not designated as a campground. There are some major benefits to this type of exploration (more on that below) so it’s definitely something you want to keep in your ever-growing stash of camping hacks.
Hunting/Fishing
Shed Hunting 101
As deer and other proudly crowned animals drop their antlers after a rut, it offers a new activity for hunters called “shed hunting.” And besides looking nice hung decoratively on a wall or as a nutritional chew toy for your pup, shed hunting has many advantages. It allows hunters to take inventory of nearby bucks and become familiar with the deer’s habitats, tracking their whereabouts. Deer hunter or not, this wonderful activity also gives an excuse to get outdoors after a long winter.
Hunting/Fishing
Saddle Hunting 101
Saddle hunting has many benefits and can bring a successful hunt. Being above passing deer, you can blend in among the cover of treetops. Plus, unlike tree stands that require you to stay in one position, saddles allow you to swing about for a completely unobstructed 360-degree vantage point. If this sounds like the perfect way to catch that elusive buck, we have you covered! From choosing the best tree saddle to taking the perfect high-angle shot, here are some saddle hunting basics to get you started.
Hunting/Fishing
Hunting Dog Breeds
Hunting dogs are not bred to hunt everything. Certain breeds excel at flushing and retrieving duck and other fowl, while other pups are raised to be fearless, walking alongside you as you hunt bigger game. So, you’ll want to choose the best dog for the type of hunting you prefer. With that in mind, let’s break down the top dogs for each hunting style and game.
Adventure
How to Start Hiking - The Basics
Looking for a hobby that’s rewarding, inspiring and good for you to boot? Hiking is a mighty fine option! Seriously, few recreational activities tick as many boxes as this one. Studies show that hiking has a calming effect and can stimulate better mental focus and feelings of happiness. Of course, combining the benefits of outdoor enjoyment with exercise is pretty powerful, so it’s no surprise that hiking can contribute to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and anxiety. Sign us up!
Hunting/Fishing
How to Hunt Raccoons
Raccoons can be a nuisance. And unlike other pests, these scavenger ringtail critters have deft little hands that can cause a whole lot of chaos, from scattering trash to even harming our beloved pets. In fact, they can be quite vicious to anyone or anything that tries to tangle with them. So, sometimes, a raccoon or two just has to go. And whether it’s to get rid of annoying trash pandas in the neighborhood or to hunt them for game, here is how to hunt raccoon successfully.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Fish for Wallleye
With a delicious fillet, walleye is one of the most sought after freshwater fish. But even for an experienced angler, walleye are challenging to catch. However, we have a feeling you’re up for the challenge, which is why we put together this beginner guide on how to fish for walleye, from choosing the best rod and filament to using live bait and more.
Adventure
Foraging for Food for Beginners
Did you know that there’s a whole wide world of appetizing food growing right outside your door, free for the taking? And it’s not all blackberries and dandelions (though, don’t get us wrong, those are yummy, too). Indeed, some of the most expensive and sought-after foodstuffs are foraged. For example, the European white truffle — foraged exclusively with the help of highly trained truffle-sniffing dogs — sells for over $3,600 a pound! A 3.3-pound white truffle from Tuscany once sold for $330,000!
Hunting/Fishing
Bow Hunting for Beginners
Interested in bow hunting? Whether taught to hunt with a rifle at an early age or only now getting into the sport, bow hunting requires particular skills all of their own. For instance, archery is about more than pulling a trigger, taking lots of practice to pull off a successful hunt.
Adventure
Orienteering 101: What You Need to Know
If you already love the outdoors, you’ll get hooked on orienteering. Created by the Swedish military in the late 1800s as a way for members to compete and show off their navigational skills, orienteering is an extremely popular activity today, appreciated the world over.
Adventure
71 Hiking Terms
Do you know the terms for your natural environment, such as ford, glissade, monorail, scree and talus? Additionally, what is thru-hiking and peak bagging? Most activities develop their own unique culture, full of jargon and lingo that only the truest diehards understand, and hiking is no different! So instead of looking like a complete newbie as you gear up at the outdoor rec store or even out there on the trail, study up so you can keep up!
Hunting/Fishing
9 Gifts for Bowhunters
Bowhunters cherish their bows, so give them a high-quality bow case that will protect it for a lifetime. Pelican offers all types of hard cases with tons of convenient, durable features. For starters, they’re made of Pelican’s trademark Air construction HPX® resin that rebounds without breaking and is completely crushproof. This lightweight resin also makes them great for travel, minimizing baggage check expenses. Plus, the interior offers a modular storage system that allows a custom configuration to keep bows, arrows and accessory kits.
Photography
10 Gift Ideas for Photographers
Stuck on ideas for a budding or even professional photographer? Pelican has put together this list of useful and practical gift ideas for photographers in your life.
Adventure
11 Gift Ideas for Hikers
Do you have a special someone in your life who’s an avid hiker and are completely stumped on a gift? Pelican has you covered! Here are some of the best gift ideas for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, from gear to clothing and extra gadgets to help along the trail.
Adventure
What is Bouldering?
In general, bouldering is a lot like rock climbing, but without all the ropes, harnesses and hardware. Also, instead of scaling a high craggy rock face, you are climbing large rocks. Bouldering has also grown in popularity due to its relatively affordable equipment (or lack thereof).
Adventure
Trail Running vs. Road Running
When some consider trail running, a broken ankle first comes to mind. After all, road running offers an easy-to-follow, flat and usually straight path, so why would you ever choose its rugged, branch-dodging counterpart? Well, the truth is that both trail running and road running offer their advantages.
Hunting/Fishing
The 9 Best Gift Ideas for Hunters
Stumped on gift ideas for family members who enjoy hunting? Don’t don the camo and go spying on them just yet. Let Pelican help guide your aim and hit your mark with a truly awesome gift. Here are nine gift ideas for hunters that they are sure to appreciate and get tons of use out of.
Adventure
How to Start Trail Running
Trail running has gained popularity over the years, primarily due to the recent pandemic and society’s insatiable desire to spend more time outdoors. And it’s not hard to see why. Real trail junkies enjoy it for the adrenaline rush and primal experience it offers, running wild like our ancestors. It’s dirty and gritty and people love it!
Firearms
How to Hunt Hogs for Beginners
A non-native and fast-breeding species, the feral hog has absolutely exploded in America. So much so that many states have opened up hunting to ensure that 70 percent of the population is eradicated annually, preventing further damage to native wildlife and crops. And many hunters have taken advantage of some states' loose hunting laws towards them.
Firearms
How to Get Into Hunting
Many experienced hunters grew up hunting. They started as kids, taught at a young age. And today, it’s as natural to them as riding a bike. But for adults who have the sudden urge to learn how to hunt, where do you start? Want to know how to get into hunting? Here are some basic steps to take to become a true huntsman or huntswoman.
Camping
How Much Does Camping Cost
Camping has surged in America. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many have sought the great outdoors in their local region in lieu of resorts and overseas travel. And now, you kind of like the idea yourself. After all, camping can be an affordable option compared to the average vacation.
Camping
Winter Camping: The Essentials
Winter is a lovely time to go camping. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful. Plus, you get to see the usually lush forests in a practically new landscape, covered with freshly fallen snow. However, winter camping does present some challenges.
Adventure
The 10 Essentials for Hiking
Whether you’re hiking with kids, a large group or by yourself, it’s important to stay safe. And from backcountry trails to day hikes, there is a collection of 10 essential items you should try to carry for emergency purposes. While these items may not seem necessary on such a short outing, if you take on an injury or experience bad weather, they are valuable and possibly even critical for survival.
Adventure
What to Wear Hiking in Winter
Winter is a beautiful time to go for a hike. The crisp air in your lungs and the view of land with freshly fallen snow–there’s nothing quite like it! But to make hiking in winter more enjoyable, it helps to know how to stay warm. Here are tips on what to wear hiking in winter, from selecting moisture-wicking fabrics to dressing in layers from head to toe. Plus, we list what extra gear and winter survival equipment you need to stay ultra-warm in emergencies.
Camping
Off-Road Camping Basics
Off-road camping is a bit like wilderness backpacking, except with a few advantages. For one, you can get to your destination faster. And second, you can carry a ton more gear, creating a more luxurious camping experience. However, it’s important to set the right expectations, as it also presents many challenges. Ready to experience off-road camping? Here’s what you need to know.
Hunting/Fishing
Let's Talk Turkey: How to Turkey Hunt
Turkey is an excellent game to hunt. However, it requires proper gear and a basic understanding of scouting and calling–plus, the methods of using decoys to get the gobbler all riled up over his territory. It’s lots of patience and work, but in the end, the challenge of a turkey hunt can also be a ton of fun.
Storage
How to Prepare for a Wildfire
According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), there have been over 45,000 wildfires in 2020 alone. Sadly, this has placed countless families and homes in harm’s way. Started suddenly by lightning strikes or other accidents, they begin small and spread rapidly. To better protect yourself from a wildfire, it’s essential for you and your entire family to have an emergency plan in place and know what to do should you need to evacuate.
Storage
How to Pack a Hiking Backpack
Your hiking trip has arrived and gear is strewn across the floor. Now it’s time to load your heavy-duty backpack! What’s laid out might look like a lot, but with careful Tetris-like planning, you can make every square inch of space count. While loading methods might vary slightly with each backpack, there are fundamental rules that every hiker should follow. A literal balancing act, here is how to pack a hiking backpack efficiently and methodically.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Dove Hunt
Dove openers tend to make the start of hunting season. A fine time to go dove shooting, this easy hunt also hones your marksman skills, preparing you for larger game–like larger turkey!–later in the season.
Hunting/Fishing
Hooked: 5 Tips for Winter Bass Fishing
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few more angling days before storing rods away for winter? Well, the good news is that it’s not only possible, but it’s a great time for catching bass! In fact, winter bass fishing might present the perfect opportunity to reel in your biggest trophy fish yet.
Adventure
11 Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
Stuck on gift ideas for your outdoorsy friend or family member? Pelican has you covered! Whatever holiday or milestone is on the horizon, find the perfect gift for your outdoor-loving recipient. Whether seeking the perfect gift for gun enthusiasts or world travelers, here are 11 clever and practical gifts for outdoor lovers.
Adventure
5 Winter Survival Skills to Know
Winter activities like backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and camping make wonderfully fun trips. But should a life-threatening injury occur or you accidentally lose your path, it truly pays to know certain winter survival skills. In dire situations, you may even save a life.
Photography
5 Wildlife Photography Tips
Spending time with animals is a rewarding experience. Photographing them in the wild is even more so. As you venture into wildlife photography, remember to carry the right gear and follow a few fundamental rules. From learning the virtue of patience to bringing the best equipment, here are some of those basic wildlife photography practices to capture the perfect shot.
Camping
How to Optimize Your Camping Setup
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.
Adventure
What is Overlanding?
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.
Adventure
What to Do on a Road Trip
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.
Storage
Running Out of Space? 5 Truck Bed Storage Ideas
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.
Adventure
How to Train for Hiking
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.
Hunting/Fishing
How to Start Hunting
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!
Adventure
How to Plan a Road Trip
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?
Hunting/Fishing
How to Hunt Coyotes
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.
Camping
How to Cook Over a Campfire
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
How to Camp in the Rain
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.
Camping
Camping Question: How Far Can a Bear Smell
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.
Camping
10 Genius Camping Storage Ideas
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.
Firearms
Best Practice: 6 Skeet Shooting Tips
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.
Hunting/Fishing
Bullseye: 7 Tips for Improving Your Archery Practice
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).
Hunting/Fishing
Bowhunting Tips For a More Accurate Target
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!
Firearms
Handgun Hunting 101
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.
Hunting/Fishing
How to: Bowhunting for Hogs
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!
Storage
Hurricane Prep: Evacuating With Pets
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.
Firearms
Trap Vs. Skeet Shooting
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.
Hunting/Fishing
Preparation is Key: Getting Ready for Hunting Season
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.
Hunting/Fishing
Carp Bowfishing for Beginners
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.
Adventure
6 Tips for Hiking With Kids: How to Properly Plan Ahead
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!
Camping
How to Start a Bonfire (Safely!)
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.
Camping
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles: How to Respect and Protect Nature
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.
Firearms
How to Store Guns to Prevent Rust
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.
Camping
How to Start a Campfire
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.
Photography
How to Photograph Stars
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
How to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) Camping With a Baby
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.
Adventure
How to Live Off the Grid
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.
Camping
How to Keep Food Cold While Camping
Part of the fun of a camping trip is being away from the routine of normal life. The tradeoff, of course, is that you have to give up some luxuries. One such luxury is the refrigerator. When you’re heading off the grid for a couple of days, 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.
Camping
10 Camping Games to Play With Family and Friends
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.
Storage
How to Wash a Backpack
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.
Camping
10 Easy No-Cook Camping Meals
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
How Often Should You Clean Your Gun
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
Beach Camping: What You Need to Know
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.
Photography
Branch Out: How to Find Success in Nature Photography
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.
Storage
Go Bag Checklist: What to Pack in Your Go Bag
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.
Camping
Camping in California: The 7 Best Campgrounds
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.
Storage
Best Way to Pack Your Car
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.
Storage
What To Put in a Basic Earthquake Emergency Kit
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.
Storage
7 Tips for Storing Camera Gear
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?
Adventure
How to Read a Topographic Map
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.
Storage
What is a Bug Out Bag?
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.
Adventure
Geocaching 101
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!
Storage
What is a Rucksack?
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.
Camping
The Simple Guide to Kayak and Canoe Camping
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.
Storage
What to Put in a Car Emergency Kit
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.
Camping
18 Camping Hacks for Your Next Outing
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.
Firearms
7 Great Gifts for Gun Enthusiasts
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.
Camping
What is Boondocking?
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.
Camping
6 Tips for Successful Car Camping
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.
Camping
What is Dry Camping?
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.
Camping
What to Bring to 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.
Storage
How to Pack a Cooler the Pelican Way
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 once the ice melts, 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 go a long way.
Adventure
The 5 Most Scenic Drives in America
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!
Adventure
What To Take On a Hike To Stay Safe
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.
Firearms
How to Fly with a Gun: Everything You Need to Know
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.
Adventure
Bright as Day - What is a Tactical Flashlight
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.
Firearms
How to Clean a Gun in 6 Steps
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.
Storage
Step by Step Guide for How to Pack a Backpack
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.
Storage
How to Use Dry Ice in a Cooler
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.
Adventure
20 Gifts for a Dad Who Wants Nothing
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
Backyard Camping with Kids: How to Do it the Right Way
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.
Adventure
Emergency Kits: Expert Guide to Preparing for Any Disaster
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.
Adventure
Ultimate Travel Checklist
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.
