Hi! My name is Donnie. Thanks for visiting! Skilled Outdoorsman is a down-to-earth outdoor lifestyle site focused on the Southeastern U.S. and beyond. From the Appalachian Mountains to the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, I love the South and am here to help you plan your adventures. After years of navigating the unique challenges of the American Southeast—where 90% humidity and red clay can ruin standard gear—I’ve dedicated myself to finding what actually works in our backyard.
I started this site because I wanted to bust the myths preventing many people from getting outside and having amazing adventures. It’s easy to get intimidated by websites and magazines featuring people hanging off cliffs and kayaking rough rapids. You might think, “If that’s what being an outdoorsman is, then that’s not me!”
But I am here to show you that a less risky path exists for you to enjoy the outdoors. You also don’t need the most expensive gear, to plan for weeks on end, or do things outside your comfort level.
About Skilled Outdoorsman
My mission with Skilled Outdoorsman To empower outdoor enthusiasts and preparedness-minded individuals with the essential knowledge, skills, and gear guidance needed to safely and confidently navigate and thrive in the wilderness and during emergency situations. I’ll show you:
- Tips, tactics, and techniques to help you build more confidence in your outdoor abilities
- What gear you will and won’t need
- Help you find the best gear at competitive prices
- My favorite outdoor destinations in the South (and elsewhere)
More About Me
While growing up in Missouri and Illinois, I got introduced to the outdoors while camping, hiking, and fishing with my family. My entire family has always been outdoor enthusiasts and as such have spent a lot of time outside.
One of my favorite memories is spending a summer traveling from Illinois to Arizona. My grandparents spent several weeks taking 3 cousins, my sister, and myself camping and adventuring. Along the way, we saw so many exciting things, like:
- The Ozarks
- Red Rock Canyon
- Petrified Forrest
- Painted Desert
- Grand Canyon
- Oatman
- So many more
This experience hooked me and I have loved traveling and being outdoors since. Now I have the pleasure of introducing my wife and children to the outdoor experiences I grew up with.
I have huge goals for Skilled Outdoorsman, and I appreciate you stopping by. If you have comments about the site or questions about the outdoors, contact me, I’d love to hear from you!
The Process: Why Trust My Reviews?
I don’t just read spec sheets. My reviews are born from field-testing gear in the environments where you’ll actually use them.
Every article on this site is written or edited by me to ensure the highest quality standards. My reviews rely on hands-on, real-life experience. I don’t believe in owning every gadget on the market; instead, I focus on field-testing a curated selection of gear that balances reliability and practical use in the Southern backcountry.
Our reviews focus on the specific conditions—like high humidity or heavy silt—where each item is best suited. Because every outdoorsman’s needs are different, I highlight who each piece of gear is for (and who should skip it), so you can make the best choice for your own adventures.