Outdoor Activities

When you take photos, you don't just have the ability to freeze an image -- you can tell a story. And if you want to pull off the perfect action shots, you need a few handy tips and tricks.

By Elizabeth Sprouse

Among photography buffs, the film versus digital debate rages on. But is there a difference when you're shooting action photography?

By Martha Barksdale

If you want to catch the perfect picture on the run, you'd have a lot of trouble capturing it with just a point-and-shoot camera. What kind of equipment do you need for great action photography?

By Martha Barksdale

One of the main draws to rock climbing is the chance to conquer the mountain and take in the spectacular view. It's no wonder that many enthusiasts opt to bring a camera along for the trip. How should you document your trek to the top?

By Meghan E. Smith

As you could probably guess, there's lots of dirt, dust and debris on a ranch. How do ranchers keep their trucks in good working order under such dirty and dusty conditions?

By Christopher Lampton

It's safe to say that a truck bound up in this much snow is going nowhere anytime soon. But aside from obscuring visibility, how do extreme climates affect trucks?

By Julia Layton

If you have a talent for moving cattle in seconds flat from atop a horse, then you could rule these rodeo sports. So how many cattle are we talking?

By Jacob Silverman

If you use your truck for heavy-duty work, you want to make sure it can handle the job. An aftermarket bumper can help your truck tow heavier loads than it could when it left the factory.

By Jonathan Strickland

If you've ever driven down a dirt road, you may have noticed a strange rippling effect that causes your car bump up and down. This is known as a washboard road. How do they come about?

By Marie Willsey

Horses, cowboy hats, cattle and dust: These are the things that likely come to mind when you think of ranches. As strange as it may sound, you might want to add "oil" to that list.

By Jonathan Atteberry

Biking while dehydrated is a recipe for poor judgment and low energy. So how much water should you guzzle before, after and during a ride?

By Julia Layton

Rivers can seem benign enough -- until their white-water rapids chew you up and spit you out. Which are the most aggressive?

By Garth Sundem

Before submarines, man lowered himself down into the water in a diving bell. How did these contraptions work?

By Charles W. Bryant

We can't breathe underwater, but we still want to see what's down there. When did man first start thinking up ways to explore the sea?

By Charles W. Bryant

For many, mountain biking evokes images of a mud-splattered young rider flying over impossible obstacles or a pair of bikers racing down a near-vertical descent. While it can be a thrilling sport, mountain biking is also a leisurely pastime for a growing number of participants.

By Bambi Turner

Mountain biking is an intense sport in which riders need to be committed and prepared to take on rough terrain. Check out these training tips before you hit the trail.

By Stephanie Watson

Mountain bikes have fatter tires to give your bike a better grip on the trail. If you overinflate your tires, they could give you a bumpy ride. Underinflate them and they may tear. How much air should you use?

By Jonathan Strickland

Have you seen those skiing events where skiers dodge around poles at breakneck speed? Replace the snow and the skis with dirt and a mountain bike, and you have dual slalom mountain biking. And that's just one crazy type you can try.

By Caitlin Uttley

Mountain biking can be incredibly exciting, but finding the perfect mountain bike can be a real trial. Here's a little help in choosing the mountain bike that works best for you.

By Ed Grabianowski

Mountain bike tires made of Kevlar are more durable -- but also more expensive -- than regular tires. Does the difference in quality make up for the difference in cost?

By Tom Scheve

You don't have to be an arborist or an 8-year-old to go out and climb a tree. Recreational tree climbers come in all forms -- you just need some instruction, the right gear and a minimal fear of heights.

By Jessika Toothman

It's hard to pinpoint the exact time an agile shepherd left his sheep with the dogs and climbed some rocks just for fun, but the sport of rock climbing has been a popular outdoor adventure ever since.

By Jessika Toothman

Before people go out on a hiking or climbing expedition, they typically prefer to know what's in store for them. How difficult will a climb be? Will it be relatively easy, or are there many obstacles along the way? Climbing grades attempt to answer these questions.

By Caitlin Uttley

While this climber is obviously no gumbie, you might be. If you're looking to brush up on your rock climbing terms, don't deck out -- we have you covered.

By Julia Layton

The right vehicle, sporting the right equipment, can handle almost any obstacle Mother Nature throws at it. How does your mode of exploring the road less traveled measure up?

By William Harris