How to Tie Knots and Make Rope Gear While Hiking

Knot-tying is one of the most valuable skills for any outdoors enthusiast. However, it requires having rope on hand, which is a resource always in limited supply. To be truly prepared for the challenges of the wild, it's crucial to learn how to create your own cordage—thread, cords, and ropes—from natural materials. Fortunately, this is easier than it seems, and this skill will prove useful far more often than you might think.

Anatomy of a Hiking Backpack: Types, Designs, and Purpose

A backpack is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hiking. It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading to the mountains, the forest, a long journey, or just a city sightseeing tour. Nothing better has been invented for carrying your gear, so backpacks are used literally everywhere: school, work, daily commutes, walks. As a result, the market is flooded with options, and it’s worth knowing which backpack to take where.

Hike to the Big Gusgarf Waterfall, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

The Big Gusgarf Waterfall, also known as the Pioneer Waterfall, is located in the Varzob Gorge past the village of Gusgarf. The hike to this waterfall was quite an adventure. The first time, back in June, I went alone to Gusgarf without any idea of where it was located, relying only on oral descriptions. As it happens, I got lost but eventually stumbled upon some waterfall, apparently nameless.

Little Ships: A Story of One Morning — A Short Story

When I was a child, I lived not far from a big park. It was the city's main park, traditionally named after the leader of the world proletariat. Back then, in my early childhood, it seemed enormous — a whole world, full of amusements, wonders, and mysterious nooks.

Building a Shelter for a Camping Trip

From the most primitive wigwam to the tallest skyscraper, all human-made structures serve the same fundamental role: to provide protection from rain and snow and to retain warmth. You don't need to be an architect to build a simple shelter. By mastering a few basic principles, you'll be amazed at the variety of man-made refuges you can create.

How to Choose a Tent for Mountain Hiking: Criteria and Parameters

Choosing a tent for a hiking trip is a serious matter. But if you don’t go to the mountains very often, it usually ends up with you taking whatever tent you can get. Especially if you don’t have your own and have to borrow from friends. Hardcore hikers are a different story—they usually have several tents for all kinds of conditions. Honestly, I’m not one of them, even though having a blog makes many people think otherwise.

Hike to the Eagle's Nest Waterfall in Gusgarf, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

The Eagle's Nest Waterfall is located behind the village of Gusgarf in the Varzob Gorge. Many people call this waterfall "Echo," but Echo is actually a pass that can be reached by following the trail through this gorge. Somehow, the name Echo has also become associated with the waterfall. However, the Eagle's Nest Waterfall was named for good reason - no matter what time of day you come here, eagles or other large birds are always circling above the waterfall. Of course, they are actually circling above the gorge, but it creates the impression that they are circling above the waterfall.

Just a Shame — A Miniature Story

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, not turning around, busy making coffee.

"Just what I said. I'm leaving today, with some friends." She held a cigarette in one hand, while with the other she arranged sliced cheese and sausage on bread.

"Leaving... with friends?" he frowned, setting two cups of coffee on the table — black for himself, the one with cream near her.

Natural Shelters for an Overnight Hike

Modern tents are a fantastic invention. But what should you do if you don't have a tent with you? Perhaps you've gotten lost in the woods, or maybe you've just decided to test your skills and build a shelter from whatever you can find in the forest. This is not only an exciting challenge but also an invaluable experience that will give you unforgettable memories.

Heart of the Fann Mountains: Iskanderkul Through the Ages

Lake Iskanderkul, nestled in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan, holds not only icy waters but also a rich history stretching back centuries. It is believed that the lake was named after Alexander the Great, who in local tradition was called Iskander Zulqarnain — “the Two-Horned” — after his helmet adorned with two horns.