Houston Outdoor Live
#10 ESSENTIALS

Ever searched for “Houston Outdoor Live”?

What comes up is eating, drinking and sitting down to listen to music. Nothing wrong with eating, drinking or music, we LOVE all of these. And, we want to see our Houstonian friends outside digging all this city has to offer. With 52,912 acres of parkland, 163 miles of biking trails and 2500 miles of waterway there is no shortage of playgrounds. BCO & HTXO are on a mission to teach our friends everything they need to know to be an outdoor ninja.

Live

We are bringing Houston Outdoor LIVE to a local locale near you (while broadcasting LIVE on Facebook for those who can’t make the show). From parks to bayous, bike trails to hiking trails we’re highlighting the Great Outdoors in Houston by uncovering everything there is to do, plus showing how to do it!

Be a Master of Outdoor Funs

Each week we’ll take a topic, drill down as quick & deep as we can to get you up to speed and out playing. We’ll take Q&A after the presentation to help guide everyone into outdoor summer fun mastery.

Join us

Ready to put your newfound know-how to the test?  Join BCO and we'll loan you the gear, set up the event, and send a knowledgeable Event Leader along to help.  Couldn't be easier!

Past Events:

WEEK 29 - Camping 101 (3/18/20)

Ever heard of car camping, primitive camping or backpacking, and wondered WTH?

Topics covered include:

- Food and water needs and options

- Backcountry toilets and beyond

- Building up to carrying your pack

- How to pack your pack – lighter is better

- What you need in your first aid kit

- Filtering water with several different types of filters

- Staying safe around potential predators

- How, where and why to hang your personal effects and food

WEEK 29 - Camping 101 (2/12/20)

Ever heard of car camping, primitive camping or backpacking, and wondered WTH?

Topics covered include:

- Tent Setup 101 – plus using stakes, guy wires and why you need to

- What to take & what to leave at home

- The best campsite and how to find them

- Taking non-campers camping

- Cooking at camp

- Dealing with predators

- Our favorite camping spots

WEEK 28 - Hiking 101 (1/15/20)

Whether you enjoy urban hikes or backcountry treks, it’s important to know where you’re going, what to wear, and what supplies you’ll need to take with you. Believe it or not, there’s more to hiking than just owning a good pair of boots, and we’d love to share our knowledge with you!

Topics covered include:

- Hiking Safety Tips 

- How to find trailheads 

- Gear Essentials for every trip 

- Gear – how to save $$’s and corners you NEVER want to cut 

- Trekking poles; how to use, size and set-up for varying terrains 

- Basic exercises to get in hiking shape 

- Basic maintenance – make your gear last a lifetime 

- Trail etiquette & Leave No Trace 

- Best trails in Houston & close by

WEEK 27 - Backpacking 101 (10/16/19)

Don’t let inexperience stop you from taking the trail of a lifetime! Backpacking is camping to the extreme. It enables you to take the path less traveled and find those once in a lifetime, National Geographic worthy vistas! It’s about finding your inner John Muir and taking only what you need. Backpacking is truly the ultimate adventure.

Topics covered include:

- Food and water needs and options

- Backcountry toilets and beyond

- Building up to carrying your pack

- How to pack your pack – lighter is better

- What you need in your first aid kit

- Filtering water with several different types of filters

- Staying safe around potential predators

- How, where and why to hang your personal effects and food

WEEK 26 - Hiking 101 (9/18/19)

Whether you enjoy urban hikes or backcountry treks, it’s important to know where you’re going, what to wear, and what supplies you’ll need to take with you. Believe it or not, there’s more to hiking than just owning a good pair of boots, and we’d love to share our knowledge with you!

Topics covered include:

- Hiking Safety Tips

- How to find trailheads

- Gear essentials for every trip

- Gear – how to save $$’s and corners you NEVER want to cut

- Trekking poles; how to use, size and set-up for varying terrains

- Basic exercises to get in hiking shape

- Basic maintenance – make your gear last a lifetime

- Trail etiquette & Leave No Trace

- Best trails in Houston & close by

WEEK 25 - Camping 101 (8/21/19)

We’ve got you covered, and you’ll be picking your site with confidence in no time at all. We’ll also reviewed equipment you will need and don’t need, and shared our favorite camping gear.

Topics covered include:

- Tent Setup 101 – plus using stakes, guy wires and why you need to

- What to take & what to leave at home

- The best campsite and how to find them

- Taking non-campers camping

- Cooking at camp

- Dutch oven cooking

- Dealing with predators

- Our favorite camping spots

WEEK 24 - Kayaking 101 (5/15/19)

A great head to toe body workout, ab toner, stress reliever and outdoor adventure as adrenaline packed as you want to make it- kayaking is perfect for everyone. And, with miles of bayous, unlimited lakes and even sea shores, we actually live in the perfect place for it!

Topics we covered:

- What gear you must have and how to choose a kayak

- The best boat for a beginner

- Strokes, Cross Training, Stretching

- Avoiding arm fatigue

- Where to paddle

- Terminology

- Water safety & rules

- Finding paddling buddies

Kayaking 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here:  https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-kayaking-workbook/

WEEK 23 - Hiking 101 (4/17/19)

Whether you enjoy urban hikes or backcountry treks, it’s important to know where you’re going, what to wear, and what supplies you’ll need to take with you. Believe it or not, there’s more to hiking than just owning a good pair of boots, and we’d love to share our knowledge with you!

Topics we covered:

- Hiking Safety Tips

- How to find trailheads

- Gear essentials for every trip

- Gear – how to save $$’s and corners you NEVER want to cut

- Trekking poles; how to use, size and set-up for varying terrains

- Basic exercises to get in hiking shape

- Basic maintenance – make your gear last a lifetime

- Trail etiquette & Leave No Trace

- Best trails in Houston & close by

Hiking 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here:  https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/bco-l7-101-hiking

WEEK 22 - Backpacking 101 (3/13/19)

Backpacking is camping to the extreme. It enables you to take the path less traveled and find those once in a lifetime, National Geographic worthy vistas! It’s about finding your inner John Muir and taking only what you need. Backpacking is truly the ultimate adventure.

However, it’s an adventure where preparation could make or break your trip and your back. One of the biggest mistakes rookies make is over packing. Normally, we take pride in fitting an outstanding amount of objects into our bags, but for backpacking you have to find a balance. The longer your going to carry your pack, the more important this is. Your pack needs to be light enough to lug for miles and miles, while still having everything you need. As backpacking veterans, we’ve learned through experience how to do just that.

Camping 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here:  https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-camping-workbook/

WEEK 21 - Camping 101 (2/13/19)

Ever heard of car camping, primitive camping or backpacking and wondered WTH? We’ve got you covered, and you’ll be picking your site with confidence in no time at all. We’ll also review equipment you need and don’t need, demonstrate different tents, show you how to set it all up, and share our favorite camping gear.

 

Topics include:

- Tent Setup 101 – plus using stakes, guy wires and why you need to

- What to take & what to leave at home

- The best campsite and how to find them

- Taking non-campers camping

Camping 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here:  https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-camping-workbook/

WEEK 20 - Wheels, Wine & Women InfoSocial: All About Biking (2/6/19)

  1. What’s more badass than a woman on a bike, who can change a flat, fix a chain,

and do it all without any help from a man:)

  1. A woman who can do all of that and sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while it gets done for her if she wants!

This week we talked all things cycling. We went over what you need to know to transport your bike, change a tire (and air your tires up), fix a chain, do a safety check and time permitting shifting and clipping in. There was a Q&A at the of the presentation to help guide everyone into outdoor fun mastery.

10 Esssentials for Biking - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here:  https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/bco-10-bike/

WEEK 19 - HOU LIVE -  Hiking 101 (10/24/18)

Whether you enjoy urban hikes or backcountry treks, it’s important to know where you are going, to wear the correct clothing and shoes and have the right supplies for your adventure. There’s a lot more to hiking than just owning a pair of hiking boots, finding the trailhead or even knowing what a trailhead is…

Topics we covered:

- Hike Safety Tips

- How to find trailheads

- Gear essentials for every trip

- Gear – how to save $$’s and the corners you NEVER want to cut

- Trekking poles; how to use, size, and set up for varying terrains

- Basic exercises to get in summer hiking shape

- Make your gear last a lifetime

- Trail etiquette & Leave No Trace

- Best trails in Houston & close by

Stick around after and we'll take a quick hike in the woods, the moon will still be bright!

Hiking 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here:  https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/bco-l7-101-hiking

WEEK 18 - HOU LIVE -  Backpacking 101 (9/26/18)

Everything you need to know to keep your pack light and hit the trail with confidence!

Topics we’ll cover include:

- Food and water needs and options

- Backcountry toilets and beyond

- Building up to carrying your pack

- How to pack your pack – lighter is better

- What you need in your first aid kit

- Filtering water with several different types of filters

- Staying safe around potential predators

- How, where and why to hang your personal effects and food

Camping 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here: https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-camping-workbook/

WEEK 17 - HOU LIVE - BCO & HTXO Present: Camping 101 (8/22/18)

Getting Ready for the Fall Season!

Topics we’ll cover include:

- Tent Setup 101 – plus using stakes, guy wires and why you need to

- What to take & what to leave at home

- The best campsite and how to find them

- Taking non-campers camping

- Cooking at camp

- Dutch oven cooking

- Dealing with predators

- Our favorite camping spots

Camping 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here: https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-camping-workbook/

Hiking101 - 3-day online workshop

WEEK 16 - Hiking 101- 3-day long Online Workshop (5/21-23/18)

Topics we covered:

- Where to Hike near Houston - North, South, East & West! (Click here to watch the video)

 - What gear do you need and what can you leave at home! (Click here to watch the video)

- Different types of hikes and how to read a trail map with our special guest, Amy Hope from HTXoutdoors. (Click here to watch the video)

Hiking 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here:  https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/bco-l7-101-hiking/

WEEK 15 - HOU LIVE -  Camping 101 (5/16/18)

Houston may not be known as a camping mecca, but travel an hour any direction, and you can find yourself sleeping under the stars.  Join us for Camping LIVE this month, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about camping to make you feel like a pro (or at least an Eagle Scout)! Ever heard of car camping, primitive camping or backpacking, and wondered WTH? We’ve got you covered, and you’ll be picking your site with confidence in no time at all. We’ll also review equipment you will need and don’t need, demonstrate different tents, show you how to set it all up, and share our favorite camping gear.

Topics we’ll cover include:

- Tent Setup 101 – plus using stakes, guy wires and why you need to

- What to take & what to leave at home

- The best campsite and how to find them

- Taking non-campers camping

- Cooking at camp

- Dutch oven cooking

- Dealing with predators

- Our favorite camping spots

Camping 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here: https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-camping-workbook/

WEEK 14 - Kayaking 101 (5/9/18)

Kayaking, it's friends, it's meditation, it's an adventure, it is whatever you want it to be. With miles of bayous, unlimited lakes and seashores, we live in a kayaking haven.

Topics covered:

- What gear you must have and how to choose a kayak

- The best boat for a beginner

- Strokes, Cross Training, Stretching

- Avoiding arm fatigue

- Where to paddle

- Terminology

- Water safety & rules

- Finding paddling buddies

Kayaking 101 - just in case you haven't downloaded your workbook you can grab it here: https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-kayaking-workbook/

Kayaking 101 - Safety (5/8/18)

Grab the Kayaking 101 Workbook https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-kayaking-workbook/ and follow along with 5 Kayaking Safety Tips on Day 2 of the series

Kayaking 101 - Overview & types of Kayaking (5/7/18)

Download our Kayaking Houston 101 Workbook https://kellyhoward.lpages.co/101-kayaking-workbook/ and enjoy Day 1 where we all types of kayaking

WEEK 13 - Backpacking 101: Packing Light (3/7/18)

Everything you need to know to keep your pack light and hit the trail.
One of the big mistakes is over packing. Some of us might have a special set of skills for fitting an outstanding amount of objects into our purses, and a backpack is no different. However, like life, backpacking is all about balance and the trick is to keep your pack light enough to carry while still having everything you need.

Topics Covered:

- Food and water needs and options

- Backcountry toilets and beyond

- Building up to carrying your pack

- How to pack your pack

- What you need in your first aid kit

- Filtering water with several different types of filters

- Staying safe from potential predators

- How, where and why to hang your personal effects and food

WEEK 12 - Wheels, Wine & Women – InfoSocial: All About Biking (2/8/18)

This week we’re talking all things cycling.  We will go over what you need to know to transport your bike, change a tire (and air your tires up), fix a chain, do a safety check and time permitting shifting and clipping in. We’ll take Q&A at the end of the presentation to help guide everyone into outdoor fun mastery.

WEEK 11 - Hiking 101 Tips for all-temperature Hikes & Easy Essentials (1/17/18)

One thing we all know about Houston and the great outdoors, you can count on the weather always changing.  Tonight, we’ll talk about being prepared for all temps.  Plus, we’ll go over the top 10 Essentials for your pack and how to pull them together inexpensively, and still keep your pack light. We’ll also go over some of the better trails around Houston and Texas.  We’ll focus on keeping it a little more local and throw in some tips for staying in hiking (and backpacking) shape in the winter months.

Whether you are enjoying urban hikes or a backcountry treks, you need to know where you are going, wear the correct clothing and shoes and have the right supplies for your journey.

WEEK 10 - Dutch Oven Cooking 101 (11/8/17)

Camping will never be the same once you add Dutch Oven Cooking to your mix.

Forget about hot dogs on a stick and beans in a can and start thinking Pot Roast, Pi, za and Enchiladas!  Instead of oatmeal or cold PB&J, you can fry up some bacon, potatoes & eggs… or even bake some biscuits and gravy.  And for dessert… Dutch Oven Brownies are the best and our signature tasty on a camping trip.

Topics Covered:

- How to pick your Dutch Oven

- How to build your coals for your recipe

- Cooking and keeping food ash free

- How to boil, simmer, bake

- caring for your cast iron

- Our favorite recipes

Download the free #10Essentials for Dutch Oven Cooking

WEEK 9 - Backpacking 101 (10/18/17)

Everything you need to know to keep your pack light and hit the trail with confidence with Bayou City Outdoors, HTXOutdoors & Whole Earth Provision Co.

Topics Covered:

  • Food and water needs and options
  • Backcountry toilets and beyond
  • Building up to carrying your pack
  • How to pack your pack – lighter is better
  • What you need in your first aid kit
  • Filtering water with several different types of filters
  • Staying safe around potential predators
  • How, where and why to hang your personal effects and food

Download the free #10Essentials trip packing list

WEEK 8 -Travel 101 - Packing Matters (10/4/17)

Let's face it - if you pack incorrectly you are either going to be bummed, miserable or buying a bunch of stuff when you should be playing! Whatever your journey, one thing we know is that you’re going to carry everything with ease! Forget something at home and you might find yourself missing out on all your trip has to offer or worse- you could find yourself up a creek without a paddle, literally!

Topics we covered:

  • Packing light while still bringing EVERYTHING you need
  • Clothing and layering
  • Accessories- scarves, hats, sunglasses and more
  • The right boots, trail runners, and Chacos and how to pack them
  • Gear, gear and more gear (backpack, hydration bags, purifying filters, hammocks, tents, etc.)
  • Do you need Solar technology
  • All the other new and amazing products out there you didn’t even know existed

WEEK 7 - Camping 101: To Camp or to Glamp (9/13/17)

Just travel an hour in any direction away from the skyline and you can find yourself sleeping under the stars! There are so many ways to camp these days: hammocks, tents, in or on top of your car, there’s even glamping.  Plus, there’s primitive camping, car camping and backpacking; are you lost yet? We’ve got you covered, and you’ll be picking your site with confidence in no time. We’ll review equipment you need and don’t need, demonstrate different tents, set up and chat about our favorite camping gear.

Topics:

  • Different types of camping
  • Tent Setup 101
  • What to take & what leave at home
  • The best campsites and how to find them
  • Taking non-campers camping
  • Cooking at camp
  • Our favorite camping spots

Download your #10Essentials of Camping

WEEK 6 - Kayaking 101 (6/14/17)

Kayaking, it's friends, it's meditation, it's an adventure, it is whatever you want it to be. ?With miles of bayous, unlimited lakes, and seashores, we live in a kayaking haven.

Topics covered:

  • What gear you must have and how to choose a kayak
  • The best boat for a beginner
  • Strokes, Cross Training, Stretching
  • Avoiding arm fatigue
  • Where to paddle
  • Terminology
  • Water safety & rules
  • Finding paddling buddies

 Download your #10Essentials of Kayaking HERE

WEEK 5 - Backpacking (6/7/17)

Imagine, after a day of hiking through forests, mountains & deserts, you get to relax in a remote campsite using only what you have brought in your backpack. Backpacking is the ultimate way to get outside!

One of the big mistakes of backpacking is over packing.  Learn to keep your pack light enough to carry while still packing everything you need.  We will have a packing demo and weighing-in session to demonstrate live the value of choosing your gear carefully.

Topics Covered:

  • Getting permits and learning the system
  • Food and water needs and options
  • Backcountry toilets and beyond
  • Building up to carrying your pack
  • How to pack your pack – lighter is better
  • What you need in your first aid kit
  • Filtering water with several different types of filters
  • Staying safe around potential predators
  • How, where and why to hang your personal effects and food

Download your #10Essentials of Backpacking HERE

WEEK 4 - Stand Up Paddleboarding (5/31/17)

With miles of bayous, lakes and the almost flat summer surf of Galveston, we have an unlimited playground to try SUPing. Anyone can do this sport. It is low impact, uses practically every muscle in your body, is great for cross-training and is a ton of fun! While you work on your balance, you’ll work on your core. Plus, you can saunter along the bayous or paddle fast and turn it into a BIG aerobic workout.

Topics Covered:

  • How to choose a board
  • Where to paddle
  • Terminology
  • Strokes, Cross Training, Stretching, and Posture
  • Water safety & rules
  • (we might have SUP Yoga demo)

Download your #10Essentials of SUP-ing HERE

WEEK 3 - Camping (5/24/17)

Houston may not be known as a camping mecca, but just travel an hour any direction, and you can find yourself sleeping under the stars.  Join us for Camping LIVE where you’ll learn what you need to about camping to make you feel like a pro (or at least an Eagle Scout)!

Ever heard “car camping, primitive camping, backpacking” and wondered WTH?  We’ve got you covered, and you’ll be picking your site with confidence in no time at all.  We’ll also review equipment you will need and don’t need, demonstrate different tents, set up and our favorite camping gear.  We'll be setting up a tent demo thanks to our friends at www.NapierOutdoors.com

Topics we covered:

  • Tent Setup 101 – plus using stakes, guy wires and why you need to
  • What to take & what leave at home
  • The best campsite and how to find them
  • Taking non-campers camping
  • Cooking at camp
  • Dutch oven cooking
  • Dealing with predators
  • Our favorite camping spots

Download your #10Essentials of Camping HERE

WEEK 2 - Hiking 101 (5/17/17)

Whether you enjoy urban hikes or backcountry treks, it’s important to know where you are going, to wear the correct clothing and shoes and have the right supplies for your adventure.? There’s a lot more to hiking than just owning a pair of hiking boots, finding the trailhead or even knowing what a trailhead is…

Topics we covered:

  • Hike Safety Tips
  • How to find trailheads
  • Gear essentials for every trip
  • Gear – how to save $$’s and corners you NEVER want to cut
  • Trekking poles; how to use, size, and set up for varying terrains
  • Basic exercises to get in summer hiking shape
  • Basic maintenance – make your gear last a lifetime
  • Trail etiquette & Leave No Trace

Download your #10Essentials of Hiking HERE

WEEK 1 - Biking 101 (5/10/17)

Houston is where it’s at when you're ready to spin the pedals.   Cruise, commute, mountain bike or road bike, we'll show you where to go and how to get started. Who needs to drive when they can ride? From the ABC’s of bike maintenance to choosing a bike or where to ride, we’ll have you riding the streets (or the trails) on your bicycle with ease and confidence.

Topics we covered:

  • Bike bag essentials
  • What to wear (it doesn’t have to be spandex)
  • Transporting your bike & not losing it on I-10
  • Airing tires and preventing flats
  • Bike safety and why it’s important
  • Bike handling tips
  • Basic maintenance
  • Where to bike & the best trails
  • B-Cycle & other rentals
  • Buying a used bike
  • Finding your dream bike

Download your #10Essentials of Biking HERE

Ready for 
a new Adventure?