How to Do Everything Yourself
Eat Well
It's the lightest backpacking meal—and one of the easiest and tastiest
We could all use a good drink right about now
Kimchi, kombucha, and pickled veggies all have one thing in common: good-for-you bacteria
If you haven't ever baked a loaf, or haven't baked one since that time you tried it in college, it’s time to try again. Here's some expert advice to help you get started.
It's called a water smoker. And while you're off having fun, it will slow-cook the best chicken, ribs, and fish you've ever had.
They know a thing or two about cooking meat in the Lone Star State
Spring is the ideal time to collect maple sap and boil it down to syrup. When COVID-19 hit, writer and photographer Andy Cochrane paused his travels around the country and headed home just in time to help his parents with their annual maple-syrup operation in northern Minnesota. Here's how they did it.
In and around San Francisco, locavores are scouring their neighborhoods for edible ingredients. And you can, too.
During this strange summer, we need something productive to do. Growing your own vegetables is yummy, fun, and the ideal practical response to a challenging time.
And four things you should definitely not use it for
Build Your Own
A father-daughter duo tackle the world's cheapest build-out and give you the guide to try it yourself
A little organization goes a long way
And it was also the most awesome experience
From setting up a vise to gathering materials, here's everything you need to tie a basic fly
This is the single finest example of a go-anywhere family wagon ever created
Ever fantasized about building a restful escape, with your bare hands, in some untrammeled back of beyond—and it all coming together just as you'd planned? Moron.
Making your favorite tree or flower reproduce itself is easier than you think
Our savvy, Norwegian-folk-school-trained writer shows you how to craft your own skijoring belts and mid layers
Spending just $25 and 15 minutes nets you something stronger and more comfortable than anything you could ever buy
You could order a premade kit. Or you could get crafty and build your own hot box.
Fix Anything
We spoke with Patagonia's Worn Wear crew about the tools they use to keep stuff looking good and working well for decades
Be prepared for every obstacle, and save a ton of money by making your own equipment and learning how to fix your stuff when it breaks in the backcountry
Make your favorite pieces last longer with these quick stitches
We reached out to outdoor expert Yong-Soo Chung, founder of Urban EDC Supply, to give us a few tips on how to sharpen a pocketknife
Survive and Thrive
Pitching a tent, healing a wound, and finding your way are about the most important things you can learn how to do. They're also the easiest.
Bomber tie-downs and secure hitches to have in your repertoire
Have Fun
Where to go, what to bring, and---most importantly---how to make it fun
Homesteaders were ready for this. Here's how to kick your self-sufficiency skills into high gear.