Placid Outdoors

Your Peaceful Outdoors

Latest Content

The Benefits of Trail Running: Why It's Worth Trying

Trail running, also known as running trails or outdoor running, has gained significant popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Beyond being a great way to stay active and fit, trail running offers a myriad of benefits for both the body and mind. From physical health improvements to mental well-being, connecting with nature, and fostering a sense of community, trail running is an activity that is truly worth trying.


How to Banish That Funky Odor: A Comprehensive Guide on Cleaning a Stinky Tent

The great outdoors offers endless adventures, from camping under starry skies to exploring picturesque landscapes. However, sometimes even the most memorable experiences can leave behind an unwelcome souvenir: a stinky tent. Whether it's the result of dampness, mold, or lingering odors from a campfire, fear not! In this guide, we'll walk you through effective methods to clean and refresh your tent, so it's ready for your next outdoor escapade.


10 Essential Tips for Beginner Trail Runners

Embarking on the thrilling journey of trail running can be an exhilarating experience. Whether you're a seasoned road runner looking to explore new terrain or a fitness enthusiast seeking a refreshing outdoor workout, hitting the trails offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards. To help you make the most of your trail running adventures, we've compiled ten essential tips that will empower beginner trail runners to conquer the rugged landscapes with confidence and enjoyment.


Ultralight Backpacking Tips

During my military experience and just overall hiking out in nature it's become painfully obvious to have a very disciplined backpacking setup. You really only make a few mistakes before you learn how important it is. It's my goal with this short article to save you the mistakes I’ve made.


The benefits of hiking for a healthier and happier life

There’s nothing like a good hike in nature, away from the frantic rhythm of a crowded city, to help you recharge your batteries and improve your physical and mental health. While any kind of workout has its share of benefits, hiking may just be an all-around activity for a healthier mind and body.   


Day Hiking Essentials

As most of us when we start hiking, we wing it. It's only after a few mistakes that we realize the importance of having a good pack even on small day hikes. It's my hope with this article to save you from those mistakes. Contains a printable check list for you to use.


How to Organize Your RV Trailer

No matter how much you use your RV you very quickly learn the importance of organizing it properly. Keeping everything in order ensure you can find items when you need it and it just makes the trip so much more relaxing since you don’t have to waste time looking for things and the inevitable frustration of not being able to find what you need.


How to bring water on a run

A lot of runners don’t have good plans for bringing water. We spend lots of money on good shoes and clothing yet often forget about hydration. In this short article we’ll cover a few ways to bring water so that you can pick the best option for your unique needs.


How much food should you pack for a 1-2 day backpacking trip?

Most people pack way to much when they go on a hiking trip.

There are general rules that people swear by such as 4000 calories per day but in my opinion that really does not make much sense. If you're a large 200+lbs male you'll need a lot more calories compared to small 80 lbs female. The really only useful way is to know your own Basal Metabolic Rate and then adding extra calories on top to factor in the hike.


Getting Started With Trail Running

So you’re thinking of trying out trail running? Trail running is a great way to get out in the peaceful outdoors. Its hard to beat running through a forest with nothing but your breath as company.

Trail running is great for your body and your mind. The mixed terrain will challenge you physically more so than running on a road, but you’ll also reap the meditative effects of being out in the great outdoors.


Most Popular Content

The benefits of hiking for a healthier and happier life

There’s nothing like a good hike in nature, away from the frantic rhythm of a crowded city, to help you recharge your batteries and improve your physical and mental health. While any kind of workout has its share of benefits, hiking may just be an all-around activity for a healthier mind and body.   


How to bring water on a run

A lot of runners don’t have good plans for bringing water. We spend lots of money on good shoes and clothing yet often forget about hydration. In this short article we’ll cover a few ways to bring water so that you can pick the best option for your unique needs.


Day Hiking Essentials

As most of us when we start hiking, we wing it. It's only after a few mistakes that we realize the importance of having a good pack even on small day hikes. It's my hope with this article to save you from those mistakes. Contains a printable check list for you to use.


How to Organize Your RV Trailer

No matter how much you use your RV you very quickly learn the importance of organizing it properly. Keeping everything in order ensure you can find items when you need it and it just makes the trip so much more relaxing since you don’t have to waste time looking for things and the inevitable frustration of not being able to find what you need.


Getting Started With Trail Running

So you’re thinking of trying out trail running? Trail running is a great way to get out in the peaceful outdoors. Its hard to beat running through a forest with nothing but your breath as company.

Trail running is great for your body and your mind. The mixed terrain will challenge you physically more so than running on a road, but you’ll also reap the meditative effects of being out in the great outdoors.


How to clean a tent that smells

You pull out your tent to make sure its all good and ready for your upcoming trip and ohh man it does not smell good. What happened?

Well, this typically happens when you don’t dry and clean your tent properly before packing it. So next time make sure you let it fully dry and clean any dirt or grime.

This will take a 1-3 days so make sure you do this early


How to Clean Your RV During COVID-19

Now is the time to be extra thorough with your cleaning.  In this short article we'll cover how you can safely clean your RV during COVID-19.


How much food should you pack for a 1-2 day backpacking trip?

Most people pack way to much when they go on a hiking trip.

There are general rules that people swear by such as 4000 calories per day but in my opinion that really does not make much sense. If you're a large 200+lbs male you'll need a lot more calories compared to small 80 lbs female. The really only useful way is to know your own Basal Metabolic Rate and then adding extra calories on top to factor in the hike.


How to choose a hiking tent

There’s two main factors to consider when purchasing a hiking tent and those are:

  1. Cost.
  2. Weight.

There’s of course other factors such as number of sleepers, quality and such, but the 2 main factors are cost and weight for most people. You want to find a good balance of good value and lower weight since you will be carrying this tent to the camping spot.


Ultralight Backpacking Tips

During my military experience and just overall hiking out in nature it's become painfully obvious to have a very disciplined backpacking setup. You really only make a few mistakes before you learn how important it is. It's my goal with this short article to save you the mistakes I’ve made.