Outdoorshopping Blog

South Carolina is filled with wonderfully diverse natural landscapes that offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From exhilarating outdoor adventure parks to peaceful, rejuvenating retreats, you can be sure to find whatever outdoor activity you’re looking for in the Palmetto State. Here are just a few of the many unforgettable outdoor activities to choose from in the beautiful state of South Carolina.

In terms of square footage, Texas is the second-largest state in the country, and along with size, comes a great selection of outdoor activities to choose from. With its wide variety of terrain and landscaping, Texas has plenty of room to roam and explore. From hiking, biking, and camping to kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, Texas is nothing short of awe-inspiring and entertaining for all of its residents and visitors. Here are just a few of the top Texas destinations to visit when searching for places to experience your favorite outdoor activities!

Big Bend National Park

Pretty much any outdoor recreational activity you can think of - hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, fishing, boating, rafting, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, nature watching, rock and fossil finding, you name it - can all be experienced at

Utah offers such an abundant supply of adventure for outdoor enthusiasts, that 80% of the state is designated just for public use! What’s more is that the outdoor fun lasts all four seasons throughout the year in Utah! During the spring and summer months, you can experience hiking, biking, camping, geocaching, horseback riding, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, ATV riding, fishing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, boating, water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, paragliding, and more. Many of these activities can even be enjoyed during the fall, as well. During the winter months, take advantage of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and the like. Take a look!

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Simple living starts with deconstructing one’s life and finding ways to downsize where possible, and the ‘tiny house movement’ has seen a rapid increase in interest as people worldwide look for ways to make do with less. This architectural and social movement has pushed people who live in large houses to reconsider their lifestyle setup.

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So many people make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight or get into shape. Unfortunately, most of these people have given up or forgotten about that resolution after only a month or two. Now that summer is quickly approaching, people are scrambling once again to lose those extra pounds or tone their trouble areas before making a public appearance in their bathing suits.

As you probably already know, there is practically an app for everything. Luckily, there is an endless number of apps for weight loss, ranging from calorie counting to exercise assistance to general health tips. So whether you are looking to get back on track with your New Year’s resolutions or simply do better with your current weight loss or health goals, here are three apps we’ve chosen for you that will be sure to help you along your journey.

Known for its cotton cultivation, Mississippi has grown into a state with much to offer the outdoorsman in recent years. Mississippi is a southern US state with a small portion of its border resting along the Gulf of Mexico. The state is entirely composed of lowlands, the highest point being Woodall Mountain (807 ft above sea level), which is located in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. The lowest point is sea level at the Gulf coast. The Mississippi landscape is filled with forests, waterways, and wildlife, providing an abundance of opportunities for ample outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and more. If you’re planning a getaway into The Magnolia State, then check out some of these outdoor activities in the area.

Located in east-central Asia is a landlocked country known as Mongolia. You’ve probably heard of Mongolia before and may have some ideas about what this region looks like, but have you ever stopped to consider a trip here?

Known for its mountainous landscapes, extensive areas of protected wilderness, and outdoor recreation areas, Idaho is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Idaho is located in the northwestern region of the United States and shares a small border area with Canada. The Columbia and Snake Rivers within the state boast a series of dams and locks, making the city of Lewiston, Idaho the farthest inland seaport on the Pacific coast of the contiguous United States.

Wildlife can be very unpredictable. Although these encounters are typically very rare, it is still important that people are aware of their surroundings and use common sense when necessary. Every animal responds differently to human interaction, so it is crucial that you are always prepared and looking for signs of alarm. Whether the animal gives verbal clues, puts its ears back, or scrapes its paws, all wildlife will give you some sort of sign. As a general rule of thumb: if the animal is reacting to you, you’re too close.

 With the integration of smartphones in our daily routines, experts have found ways to utilize applications on our smartphones to help connect with users who aim to work on their fitness. Luckily, there are many tools available today to help those who want to work on their fitness. Here are our top five picks for fitness apps for your smartphone: 

Established in 1732, Georgia is one of the southeastern-most states in the US and is the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. As the largest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia has a land area of almost 60,000 square miles. The state is bordered by land as well as the Atlantic ocean on the east coast. There are approximately 250 species of trees and 58 protected plants within the state, and much of the state is categorized in climate as humid subtropical. With several tourist attractions, state parks, and barrier islands, Georgia is a hot-spot for activity and is a sure-fire hit for visitors with a love for the outdoors. 

When most people think of Nevada, they probably imagine Las Vegas and the associated bright lights and night life. In actuality, the Silver State is much more than that. Nevada is home to some of the most diverse outdoor recreational opportunities in the country. Known for its world-class kayaking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, and skiing, Nevada attracts people from all over the world to come and experience the joy and excitement brought from each of these outdoor activities and more. 

Bordered by the Ohio River to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the east, Kentucky is also known as the ‘Bluegrass State’ due to its abundance of bluegrass found in many of its pastures. Kentucky is known for its diverse landscape which includes the world’s longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park. Kentucky is also home to the longest navigable waterways and streams in the contiguous US as well as the two largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River.

Florida claims the title of the southernmost state of the US, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and forming the eastern boundary of the Gulf of Mexico. Because of its peninsular formation, Florida is host to hundreds of miles of beaches and is known as “The Sunshine State”. In fact, Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous, boasting around 1,350 miles of beach. United States Home to world-famous theme parks, Latin cultures, and a vivacious nightlife, Florida is famous as a vacation and retirement getaway.

The best part about exploring the outdoors is the memories you make, and technology has allowed us to preserve those memories in photographs. As our tastes became more inquisitive, many began to take their outdoor photography to the next level. For one photographer called ‘Everyday Astronaut’, their bucket list included outdoor locations prime for photography art. One such location in Utah called the Bonneville Salt Flats was next on their list, but upon arrival, they were met with a flooded plain. Instead of turning away, they changed their plans for a beautiful result.

Winter is a wonderful time of year to rent a cottage. Imagine bundling up for a moonlit walk around a frozen lake with your loved one with the smell of campfire smoke in the air. Or wrapping yourself up in a blanket and sitting by the crackling fire with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Sounds romantic and relaxing, right?

At this point, many fans have already found ways to stay on top of their favorite games. If you’re still looking for ways to follow the games, then it’s time you started looking into football apps for your mobile device. Here are our top 5 favorites:

The northeasternmost state in the US is home to Acadia National Park and is known for rocky coastlines as well as abundant parks and reserves. We’re of course talking about Maine! Sharing a border with Canada, Maine has a variety of geological features that many outdoor adventurers are drawn to including low, rolling mountains, heavily forested interior, and picturesque waterways. A visit to Maine could easily consist of simply basking in the freedom of wide-open spaces, taking deep breaths of salty ocean air, and marveling at the views from the tops of our mountains, but many outdoor adventurers choose to take a more hands-on approach.

Many of us may have noticed a shift in fashion in modern years - and some of us may also be culprits! While activewear used to be reserved for nights at the gym, it’s now become part of mainstream apparel. Those who don’t work out at all might even have a hefty supply of activewear. But what is driving this trend, and why has activewear become so popular in recent years?

Snowboarding is one of the most popular ways for outdoor adventurers to enjoy snowy slopes. This recreational activity is certainly reserved for those who are looking for a little more action to their winter getaway, but there’s something for all skill levels when it comes to snowboarding. Resorts typically cater to all levels of experience, but there are some resorts that are hailed as ‘the best’ when it comes to snowboarding.

Even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders had to start somewhere, and pro-athletes all had to start with their first time trying their sport. Youngsters and adults alike who are trying out skiing and snowboarding for the first time will want to not only research the sport a bit but will also want to take extra precautions to ensure safety and fun when hitting the slopes. Here are a few tips for first-time skiers and snowboarders.

Before embarking on your vacation, hunting trip, or other outdoor excursion, you’ll likely take to the internet to see what others have to say about your planned destination. Online reviews have been heralded as a trustworthy source for gauging whether or not a destination is worth your time. But as review sites like Yelp, Google, and others grew in popularity, so did the likelihood of dishonesty. Here are three big reasons why you shouldn’t always trust online reviews when planning your trip.

Planning a snowy getaway can involve a bit of spontaneity, but the fact of the matter is that some items are best purchased ahead of time to cut down on wasted time and inevitable headaches. Busy winter seasons at ski resorts can mean longer waiting times and pass purchasing hassles, but those who plan ahead and get their passes before they get to the resort can feel the benefits of a smoother, faster check-in process leading to more time on the slopes. Here are a few tips to buying your ski passes in advance. 

The idea of camping during the fall or winter season may seem unusual to some people, but it may actually be a fun, adventurous, and inexpensive way to say goodbye to the hot summer and hello to the cool, crisp autumn. There are several benefits of camping during the fall season as opposed to the summer season. One of these is that the mosquitoes and insects are much less abundant during the cooler seasons. Another is that campgrounds are much less crowded after the summer is over.

No matter where you’re going, and no matter how you plan to get there, traveling during the holidays can be extremely busy, expensive, chaotic, and stressful. Although, with careful consideration and planning, you can certainly make your travels much more manageable. Check out these seven tips to make this year’s travel a bit easier on yourself. 

With a mix of coastal cities and rural areas, Connecticut is famed for its seaport in Mystic filled with centuries-old ships. Connecticut is the third smallest state by area and is named after the Connecticut River. Due to its extensive waterways and ports, Connecticut is famed for its maritime traditions (although it has no direct access to the sea). Despite the state’s relatively small size, it features wide regional variations in its landscape. From the northwestern Litchfield Hills featuring rolling mountains and horse farms to the southeastern New London County featuring beaches and maritime activities, there’s a little something from every outdoor adventurer in Connecticut.

Known for its geographic diversity, Colorado is one of the most sought-after locations in the western US for outdoor activities. Here, one can visit snow-covered mountains, arid deserts, and river canyons throughout its over 100,000 square miles of land. The state itself encompasses most of the Southern Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains. With so much to explore, it’s no wonder that Colorado is a key destination for outdoor adventurers.

Stretching from Mexico northwards along the Pacific Ocean for about 900 miles, California has a vast terrain encompassing cliff-lined beaches, redwood forests, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Central Valley farmland, and the arid Mojave Desert. While many may think of Hollywood and other famous cities and regions within the state, California is also a jackpot for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of adventure. Indeed, the sheer size of the state demands a wide variety of climates and geological features prime for outdoor exploring. 

As the largest and most sparsely-populated state in the U.S., Alaska is ideal for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors away from the hustle and hubbub of modern-day urbanization. Indeed, Alaska is well-known for its diverse geographical features including diverse terrain, wide-open spaces, mountains, and forests. Abundant wildlife makes for a scenic trip, and there are a host of activities available for visitors and tourists looking to make the most of their Alaskan vacation. 

Pumpkin is in-season, and almost everyone is on the hunt for pumpkin-flavored foods. Loaded with beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in the body, pumpkin is part of a group of foods thought to help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers and heart disease. By incorporating pumpkin into several food items, you can get the boost of energy you need to hit the ground running while also enjoying the flavors of fall. Here are three of our favorite energy-boosting pumpkin recipes to try today!

Nestled between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers is the midwestern state of Iowa, the only state to have both eastern and western borders formed entirely of rivers. Known for its vast landscape of rolling hills and fertile cornfields, Iowa’s agricultural economy has also made a recent transition to a more diversified economy consisting of biotechnology and green energy production, to name a few. There are several natural lakes within the state as well as well as a multitude of diversified ecological areas, but most of the state still remains primarily agricultural in nature. Still, there are several areas of interest to the avid outdoor explorer in Iowa!

Nicknamed “The Prairie State”, Illinois is located in the midwestern region of the US and is marked by geographical features such as its farmland, rolling hills, forests, and even wetlands. There are three major divisions within the state known as Chicagoland, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois. The latter 2 of these sections boasts more of the rural farmlands and rugged terrains that are ideal for outdoor adventurers, as Chicagoland is aptly named for its most notable feature: Chicago. Most of Illinois’ climate can be characterized as humid continental climate, making for hot, humid summers and cold winters.

A treehouse can be a special, magical hideaway or fort for almost any child. Whether it’s camping under the stars, playing make-believe, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, treehouses are ultimately the perfect idea for any child. Below are some tips from experienced builders that you should be sure to keep in mind when completing your project.

Outdoor activities can be great therapy for your dog. Here are a few things you should remember to pack for your pooch.

As the second smallest state in the United States, Delaware clocks in at just under 2,000 square miles in area. Fortunately, there’s still much to see and do, as Delaware dips down to touch the Atlantic Ocean for many miles. In fact, Delaware was ranked number 1 in water quality (out of the 30 states with coastline) in both 2011 and 2014! Fishing, golf courses, and boardwalk areas make Delaware a popular outdoor enthusiast location, and the beaches themselves are popular year-round tourist destinations for residents from the nearby areas of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia.

While his friends went to Vegas for the weekend, this guy chose the Yosemite National Park located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. All he needed was a tent, some nice camping clothing to keep him warm and food for a couple of days. He had a great experience hiking and camping all by himself, enjoying the breathtaking views and the freshness of the air.

Located in the southeastern region of the United States, Alabama’s name is believed to have originated from the Choctaw language. With the second-largest inland waterway system in the US, many travel to this state to experience all that the Alabama waterways have to offer! Geographically, the rest of the state is ⅗ gentle plain with some mountainous regions in the Northern region. The Tennessee River cuts through these mountains, creating a vast, beautiful array of streams, creeks, and waterways leading down towards the Gulf of Mexico.

Hiking with an infant or toddler can be quite the chore if you haven’t properly prepared for it, but it is certainly not an impossible task. With a little extra planning, hiking with your little one can be an excellent bonding experience, a great way to introduce them to the wilderness, and maybe even a stress-reliever for yourself.