Essentials for Your Survival Kit

(NEWSER) - Backpacker combed through info on outdoor programs and proximity to national forests and parks to find the best cities in the US to raise active, crunchy kids. The results:

• Boulder, Colo.: "Yes, we live here, but Boulder wins on its merits." Close to woods, glaciers, and mountains, the population of 94,673 has been named "Smartest" and "Most Livable" by Forbes.

(NEWSER) - The purer pleasures of the outdoors don’t seem to be enough for some campers anymore, the New York Times reports. Increasingly, campgrounds are offering amenities like pizza delivery, air-conditioning, kiddie rides, and valet service to the delight of families and owners’ balance sheets. “The objective is to maximize dollars,” one campsite manager said. “If I add an amenity, I can charge $15 more a night.” More»

Innovative solutions for wilderness living

(NEWSER) - Wired sees a distinct lack of cool high-tech outdoor gear, and gives its favorite examples of steps in the right direction:

1. The Cocoon, a hanging teardrop-shaped tent/sleeping bag.
2. The Adamant, an earthquake-proof bed.
3. The Bedu Emergency Rapid Response Kit, a keg full of enough essentials to keep a family alive for up to 5 years.
4. The Urban Skiff, a portable sailboat.
5. The Firun Inflatable Sled, a snowsled that folds down into a backpack.

Forget trips for two— grab a group of gal pals for these fun getaways

(NEWSER) - More and more women are traveling alone or with their gal pals, industry figures show. MSNBC suggests these getaways that cater specifically to women:

1. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
2. Northwest Women's Surf Camp, Seaside, Ore.
3. River's Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips, Healdsburg, Calif.

To have a real celestial experience, get away from urban hotspots

(NEWSER) - There's no better season than summer for sleeping outdoors under the stars. Get your fill of the Big Dipper at USA Today's ideal star-gazing spots:

1. Assateague Island National Seashore, Md./Va.
2. Canyonlands National Park, Moab, Utah
3. Big Bend National Park, Texas