In Today’s Newsletter: Learn about one state’s revolutionary safety program, get the secret to brewing cowboy coffee like a pro, take a peek inside editor Maddy Marquardt’s day-trip guiding kit, get expert tips on how to choose the right PFD and read our review of the Dagger Indra.

New Fit to Float program to help indoctrinate paddlers into proper life jacket fit and use.

What the longtime kayak guide refuses to leave behind.

Mustang Survival makes a range of inflatable PFDs. Learn about the technology behind them, and how to decide which is right for you.

A: The secret isn’t fancy gear—it’s all about the grind, the boil and getting the grounds to settle before you pour.

Here’s the trick: use medium or coarse grounds, start with cold water and avoid a violent boil. If the brew boils violently the grounds will stick to the sides of the pot, and end up in your coffee. Once the coffee has simmered for a few minutes, add a splash of cold water to sink the grounds to the bottom of the pot. That one step makes a huge difference.

For step-by-step instructions and a short video demonstration, check out the article How To Make Cowboy Coffee That Actually Tastes Good (Video). This old-school backcountry brewing method has been trusted by wilderness travellers for generations—and when done right, cowboy coffee can taste surprisingly smooth.

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