– Boys Life Magazine

Animals are cool. Sports are cool, too. But not at the same time! Dogs and cats often wander onto playing fields, but check out these uninvited critters. SQUIRRELLY BASEBALL A squirrel ran between the legs of baseball pro Max Kepler of the Minnesota Twins in a game against the Chicago White Sox in 2019. Kepler…

You’re ready to go backpacking, but looking at the cost of all the needed gear has you wondering: Will you even make it to the trailhead? That’s understandable. Prices can be intimidating, but there’s good news. You don’t need to drop a small fortune to outfit yourself for backpacking — in fact, you can get…

Q: I am looking for a quality multitool made in America. I have $100 to spend on it. I want to be able to open it with one hand. — Sam, Bismarck, North Dakota A: With those requirements, my first choice would be the Leatherman Wave+ ($100, leatherman.com). At 4 inches long, it’s sleek, compact…

[embedded content] Long before dinosaurs appeared on Earth, huge one-pound bugs with wings nearly 2.5 feet wide dominated the skies. A swarm of those dragonflies might have carried off your tent. Dragonflies still look much the same today, but they got quite a bit smaller over the course of 250 to 300 million years. Today,…

When planning an aquatic trek, you’ll need the right vessel to carry you and your gear. That decision depends on how you want to travel and what kind of water you’ll encounter. Typically, kayaks are ideal for solo paddling, while canoes can fit two or three people. The kayak’s smaller size often allows for better…

John Musgrove was on his first backpacking trip, and he was not a happy hiker. “I’m tired, and I think I’m going to barf,” he moaned. The eighth grader and his Scouts BSA patrol were hiking a section of the Appalachian Trial in the Mark Trail Wilderness of north Georgia. John, 13, was a good…

Q: I use a tote box for my gear because I can’t afford a backpack, but it doesn’t fit in my troop’s tents. What do I do? — Henry, Greenwood, Indiana A: First, kudos on your resourcefulness. Second, you’re going to have to be a little more resourceful, because it’s impractical to drag around a…

Nobody likes bug bites. And some insects can spread serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus and dengue fever. You can avoid biting insects using this three-part strategy. 1. DON’T GO WHERE BUGS ARE. Mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, horseflies and the like generally emerge with warmer temperatures in spring. They thrive in wet places,…

Q: What sleeping bag should I use if I don’t want the heat to get to me? — Gus, Atlanta, Georgia A: Many factors affect a sleeping bag’s comfort: rectangular or mummy design, temperature rating, down or synthetic insulation — it can be tough to find the right fit. Your easiest solution can be to…

The BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards recognize Scouts and adults who have produced long-standing, significant impacts on the environment. It’s a lot of work to earn Eagle. It’s also a lot to earn a BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award. You must provide clear, written evidence that you planned, led and carried out two substantial long-term…