Old power banks can still be useful for various practical purposes such as powering portable speakers, emergency lights, camping gear, or even jump-starting cars, provided they are still in good condition. They should be safely disposed of if damaged or swollen, but otherwise can be repurposed or even rebuilt for extended use.
A man in New Mexico contracted the bubonic plague after camping near Santa Fe National Forest, marking the first human case in the state this year, likely transmitted via flea bite from infected rodents; similar cases have occurred in California.
The camp leader at Camp Mystic in Texas delayed evacuating despite a severe flood warning, leading to fatalities among children and counselors during the Hill Country floods. The leader received the warning at 1:14 am but only began evacuating at 2:30 am, after conferring with family. The incident highlights communication issues and delayed responses amid a chaotic emergency, with ongoing investigations into the response efforts and search for missing persons.
A severe storm in central Texas caused catastrophic flooding, resulting in over 100 deaths, extensive property damage, and highlighting the impact of climate change and drought conditions that worsened the flood's severity. The event was exacerbated by delayed warnings, night-time flooding, and the area's vulnerability, including flood-prone camps along the Guadalupe River.
Children’s camps in Texas, specifically Camp Mystic and Camp La Junta, were located in flood-prone areas along the Guadalupe River, which experienced a 1-in-100-year flood event on July 4th, leading to significant damage and missing persons. The increasing frequency of such extreme weather events is linked to climate change, and many camps are situated in zones known to flood, raising concerns about safety and preparedness.
The Anker Solix EverFrost 2, a portable electric cooler with dual-zone cooling and rechargeable batteries, is now available at a record low price of $800 for the 58L model, making it a convenient and versatile option for camping and outdoor activities, despite its weight and cost.
Severe flooding in Kerr County, Texas, caused by heavy rains, has resulted in 13 deaths and about 23 campers missing, with rescue efforts ongoing and residents advised to move to higher ground.
Day one of Glastonbury Festival 2025 saw thousands arrive under cloudy skies, with festival-goers setting up camp, enjoying the atmosphere, and preparing for the upcoming performances, including the first official opening since 1990 on the Pyramid Stage.
Two teenagers, Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark, were found shot to death at a remote camping site in Tonto National Forest, Arizona, with authorities treating their deaths as homicides and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A Canadian man, Sam Benastick, was found safe after being missing for over five weeks in the Northern Rockies. He was discovered by two people at Redfern Lake trail in Redfern-Keily Park and taken to a hospital. Benastick had been camping in various locations, including his car and a dry creek bed, before reaching the trail. His disappearance had prompted a large search effort involving multiple rescue teams and local volunteers. Authorities expressed relief at his safe recovery.
The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 11-12, 2024, offering a spectacular stargazing experience. To see the meteors clearly, travel to dark sky parks away from urban light pollution. The article lists 14 top parks across the U.S. for optimal viewing, including Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Joshua Tree National Park in California. Plan ahead for camping and lodging to ensure a spot.
Outside tested seven new larger camping tents to find the most luxurious, well-designed, and storm-worthy options for camping in comfort and style. The top picks include the Big Agnes Bunk House 4 for overall best, Snow Peak Alpha Breeze for durability, MSR Habiscape 4P for best bonus feature, The North Face Wawona 8P for larger families, and Mountain Hardwear Bridger 4P for bad weather. The article also provides tips on how to choose a camping tent and details on the testing process.
The author recounts his acquisition of a rare Pontiac Aztek tent, a coveted car accessory, and details its simple setup. He urges readers to sign up for Autopian membership, promising to daily drive an Aztek and live in the tent for a week if 200 people join. The article also includes comments from readers sharing their experiences with the Aztek and discussing other unique car accessories.
Hotel bookings in the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 have surged, with some accommodations seeing a 900% increase in reservations. Many hotels are already sold out, prompting travelers to seek alternative options such as renting mobile tents or luxury camping experiences. Prices for available rooms have also risen significantly, leading some to opt for more affordable and creative ways to witness the celestial event. If planning a last-minute trip, it's recommended to check event sites for special hotel deals and secure rental cars as soon as possible.