Tag Archives: Camping

Some Tips For Deciding on the Right Items For You Camping Trip

June 16, 2011

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Some camping gear can be sacrificed on the way or left behind if you so desire. But there are certain pieces of equipment that you are going to want to have with you regardless of what happens along the way. Two of these items are the sleeping bag and the tent.

Someone new to camping might say that they are all the same and not to spend too much time worrying about which one you get. But a more experienced camper knows how important it is to make the right decisions.

So when you start making decisions, be careful to choose the right one. One of the factors you will want to consider is the comfort versus weight ratio.

You are going to want to be warm at night but you are not going to want to carry excess weight around with you. So it is important to try to find out what types of conditions you will be facing on your trip.

After you figure out what type of weather to expect you can better gauge what type of bag to go with. Down is always a good option as it is light but warm.

And once you decide on a sleeping bag then you will turn your attention to a tent. The same general rules apply insofar as you will often be trading off weight for protection.

In both cases you will want to work out how many people intend to make use of the gear. The more people, the larger the size that you will want to have.

When it’s warmer you can go for a lighter option and sacrifice some warmth. In winter months you may have to go with heavier options if you want to remain comfortable.

So once you figure out what you are going to have to be prepared for then you can start choosing the appropriate equipment. The first step is the most important so spend some time figuring it out before you buy.

If you have enjoyed reading what Sheker writes about camping tents you can see what Sheker writes about sleeping bags.

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All About Ice Coolers

May 10, 2011

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The best way to keep food and drink and chilled when temperatures are soaring outside is through the use of an ice cooler. Soft coolers are really convenient because they are easy to tote around. You can bring them on a picnic, on a kayaking trip or when you go for a run. They can be used to store drinks, food and snacks. Great snacks that will easily fit in a cooler include; sliced fruit, popsicles, frozen bits of fruits, and even salads.

The very first cooler box was invented by Richard C. Laramy. It was also known as an ice box. Most coolers are usually made out of plastic and can also be used to keep groceries cold on the way home; quite useful if the drive is a long one. Ice cubes and ice packs fill up the interior in order to keep everything chilled. The Icemule waterproof ice coolers keeps contents cool and is waterproof.

There are a variety of coolers available in various shapes and designs. Some can even be worn back pack style and come with a handle for easy carrying. Different colors are available; some are solid in color while others are adorned with graphics and designs The Icemule soft side cooler bag keeps drinks cool for up to twenty four.

If you plan on being active then look for a cooler that is waterproof and leakproof. Portability is also an important issue. If you are going to be active you will want one that doesn’t weigh a ton.

The amount of ice used affects how long everything will remain nicely chilled. If you want to keep it cold it’s best to open it as little as possible. If it is opened frequently it will get warm sooner and if it is rarely opened it will retain the cold temperature for a longer duration of time.

If there is a shade available place the cooler there. That will make it stay cool longer than exposing it to the sun. If you are bringing food along too then it’s best to bring along two coolers; one for drinks and one for food. That will prevent the cooler with food from being constantly opened and closed which may lead to dangerous temperature fluctuations.

Read more about soft coolers here.

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How Do I Start a Fire When it’s Raining?

April 26, 2011

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A camping trip can be spoiled by rainy or damp weather. However, with a few helpful tips, you don’t have to let unexpected weather ruin your fun. As long as you have the knowledge and proper materials, you can create a campfire without too much effort.

You can still enjoy a campfire during a rain storm as long as you come up with a backup plan. This may seem impossible when all of your kindling and campfire supplies are wet, but with a little extra thought beforehand, you will be able to build a quality fire.

Bring along a tarp just in case. During a rainstorm, you can tie the tarp over an area where you would like to build your fire. It must be high enough so that the flame and sparks from the fire are unable to reach it. This will allow you to keep a fire going throughout the night even in heavy rains. Next, you will need to find enough dry kindling to get your fire started, and dry logs to keep it going for an extended period of time.

Pack a tarp with you in case of inclement weather. You can use it to hang over a spot where you will start your fire. Make sure that the tarp is high enough that it doesn’t run any risk of catching on fire from flames or sparks. To begin your campfire, place tinder below kindling in the fire pit. You should also surround the kindling with tinder. Next, light the tinder or, if you have a charcloth, place it on the kindling.

Continue to add kindling as the fire builds up. Then, gradually add dry sticks and logs. Every once in a while, gently blow into the tinder to strengthen the flames. If you have charcloth, light it and place it into the center of the fire. All you need is a small piece of charcloth to intensify the fire. By following all of these steps, you will be able to build a large campfire even in the rainiest conditions and your trip will still be very enjoyable.

Wendy is a consultant for a specialty lighter store and has expert knowledge of smoking accessories, including zippo lighters.

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Clean Water With A Camping Water Filter

February 24, 2011

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Camping is a very popular and healthy activity amongst city dwellers. It is an excellent way of relieving the stress of living in the city by enjoying nature. When camping, everybody is required to go back to the basics. And when they say basic, they mean primitive. No televisions, no toilets, campfire for heat and cooking food, and river water for drinking. Most campers do not go primitive all the way because of sanitation issues. Fortunately, compact, lightweight, and efficient camping gears are out in the market. Amongst them is the camping water filter.

Water is crucial to man’s survival. Every hiker of camper is expected to at least have a water bottle full before heading out into the wilderness. Although Mother Nature never fails to provide, untouched natural waters can still be dangerous to one’s health, both short and long term. Dirt and parasites living in water like Giardia and Crystosporidium are commonly seen in many different natural water resources.

With a camping water filter, a person will be safe in knowing that he does not run out of clean water to drink as long as there is a water resource. Boiling water and carrying several liters of it will not be a problem anymore. In addition to that, it is also compact and light so a person will not have to worry about extra baggage weight. Just make sure that the water filter is easy to clean and its filters are easy to replace. Also, it is best to find water filters that do not require replacement parts. There are a lot of brands from which to select from and prices range from $70 to several hundred dollars. It may be costly but, definitely, a good investment.

Before buying, a few internet researches will also help to inform first time buyers. Look for user reviews of the chosen camping water filter and make sure you understand and realize its advantage and disadvantages.

Nature can be ruthless at times, so when you are considering to go out there make sure that you are well equipped. Make certain that you have all the necessities to survive just in case.

To learn more about getting a Camping Water Filter visit our website.

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The Reason Why Auto Blades Are So Well-liked

February 20, 2011

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Automatic knives, normally referred to as switch blades, are a kind of knife which has a folding or sliding blade that is contained in the handle. This is opened with a spring if a button or lever on the grip is pushed. Most of these knives are high performance knives. You may use it as an everyday tool, survival tool or even as a self defense tool.

These knives are separated from the others since they are pretty sharp. The biggest advantage of these knives is that one could get to it, open it, and use it immediately with one hand.

You can find totally different types of Automatic knives. You must differentiate one from the other, so if you want to get one, you should consider all the options before making a choice. The plain edge knife is the best knife if you are looking for accuracy, clean cuts and intense control. Another type of knife is a serrated edge which is fantastic for slicing cuts.

There’s a substantial crossover with regards to the different types of knives and their uses. A typical fixed blade hunting knife, for example, can be quite a fine knife for regular use. Many tactical knives serve various purposes. In picking out your own knife, consider the quality and what you need the knife to do.

Automatic knives are also referred to as switchblades because they open with a push of a button. This is a very helpful function if you’re not able to access and open a regular knife. Should you anticipate to be in a state where you can’t put down something to open up your knife, switch blade knives may be the best choice.

Blade geometry is very crucial for a good knife maker. A blade features a ordinarily concave or hollow ground. The handle typically has built in comfortable finger grips, and may even have a pocket/belt clip for quick access.

We do know that knives are essential kitchen items that should always be kept sharp and rust-free. This will make it last longer and always keep it operating in perfect condition. It is also important to keep in mind that having a sharp knife is safer. The simplest way to keep knives consistently sharp is to buy a quality knife sharpener.

Automatic knives are no different. As you already know, automatic and assisted opening folding knives are gaining popularity with military and law enforcement officials who depend on their speed and quickness. Cold Steel has been acknowledged as a leader in the knife business for many years. Their razor sharp blades lock strength has earned a significant following amongst the knife enthusiasts.

It is easy to find auto knives from a number of brands with very different quality standards. knives made by Boker, for example, are made of a sturdy steal and have high consumer ratings. Regardless of the type you choose, auto knives are very useful.

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Be Prepared For Anything With A Camping Checklist

December 13, 2010

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There are some folks who believe that anybody who makes a camping checklist is just too organized. Yet it’s the individual who dismisses the idea of preparing a checklist who is most likely to overlook an item that is essential to their journey. For example, when you take lots of canned food with you on your trip, however neglect to pack a can opener, you could quickly be especially hungry. And if you’re camping in a out-of-the-way area, then you clearly have a big problem. A camping checklist helps you to evade this kind of dilemma so that your trip won’t be ruined.

If you’re deciding what things to put on your camping checklist you must think about what type of vacation you are going on. An RV camping checklist might not be the same as one you might get ready if you were staying in a tent, since you may ought to pack different gear.

A great deal depends on where you’re going also. Your checklist should include more items and be highly comprehensive if your destination is isolated from civilization out there in the wilds. However if your destination is a rural area merely a few miles from a community you will likely be able to acquire any forgotten items during your journey.

When you delay until a day or two ahead of your journey to put together your camping checklist you boost the likelihood of forgetting something important. Make your list several weeks before your journey so you’ll have sufficient time to make sure you have all the things you could need. This might make preparing for your trip a lot less nerve-racking because you won’t wind up running around at the last moment attempting to locate a new camp stove or air mattress before you get going.

The best reason to prepare a camping checklist is to make certain that your trip is fun and free of stress. Most people work hard through the year and consequently warrant a break that doesn’t include the pressure of unexpected difficulties. A checklist might assist you to make certain your trip goes as smoothly as possible so that you’ll have a lot of good memories of your time away.

When you have everything you need with you, camping trips are a great deal of fun. Yet if you forget something essential, it may all too quickly turn out to be a disaster.

If you enjoyed this article, why not check out David’s latest tips about the joys of a wood burning fire pit and outdoor fire pit grills.

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How To Keep Dry While Camping?

June 27, 2010

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Camping in the outside is fun and as well as a great way for relatives and friends to bond. Most people prefer to camp outside in clear, sunny weather. The thought of rain makes them put off their camping ideas. Rain is part of life and brings with it lots of experiences. However, rain can wreck your camping in case you are not well prepared. Here are few tips on how to keep you and your gear dry while camping.

Your tent is an important part of your camping equipment. Selecting the correct tent will help you to keep dry when camping. When looking to purchase a tent, always choose one that is waterproof, not just water resistant. Water-resistant tents are just that, resistant to water, but not water proof. Even if you do have a waterproof tent, it is a good idea to put it on a tarp or ground cloth. This creates a moisture proof barrier between the tent and the ground. When you have set up your tent, make sure you use some waterproof spray on the seams. This can be obtained from any outdoor or hardware store. Always use all of the parts that come with your tent, including the stakes. The stakes are very crucial to your tent, the help to maintain the structural stability of the tent in adverse weather conditions. Most tents come with a rain fly which covers the door area of the tent. If your tent doesn’t have one, you can substitute a tarp. Just hang the tarp from some trees and make sure that it does not touch your tent. Make sure to either slope the tarp or place a stick under it to make sure the water runs off of it.

Where you pitch your tent is very important to keeping things dry. High and level ground is always preferred, so that the tent can be set up properly and with enough space to walk around it. Always make sure that there is no evidence of previous run off coming through the site you have chosen. Never set up your tent at the bottom of a slope or in a low point. Water always collects downhill and in low points.

Packing lots of rain gear and several changes of clothes is a good idea. You will need a good rain jacket, that is 100% water proof. Cotton and demin is often chosen by campers for its warmth, but unfortunately it is not very water resistant and takes a long time to dry out. If you plan on camping in the rain, choose polyester or micro-fleece materials. Create a separate area for your clothes to be dried out when they get wet. When the rain stops, you can hang your clothes on a branch to let the wind dry them out. Rain proof shoes are always an excellent idea when camping in the rain. Make sure to always pack lots of extra socks, nothing is worse than walking in wet socks.

Even though you have used a tarp between the ground and the tent, sometimes moisture will find its way into the tent. This can cause your sleeping bags to get wet or damp. Try to choose sleeping bags made of synthetic materials. The addition of air mattresses can keep them away from the moisture as well.

Following some of these basic suggestions can a long way in making your camping trip a memorable one for the right reasons.

This article was prepared on behalf of Noah’s Ark Resort. Noah’s Ark Resort is located in Revelstoke, BC and is a wonderful place to Camp in Revelstoke.

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Essential Camping Gear You Can Not Do Without

June 24, 2010

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A fun camping trip will be as good as you make. If you forget some of the necessities that you must have, the trip will be harder right from the start. Make a well thought out check list before you start packing and you will be less likely to forget anything essential. The tent is by far from the only important things you will need for a great camping experience.

Every camping trip needs a first aid kit. This could end up being the most helpful equipment you take. Camping can be filled with all kinds of opportunities for accidents and even illness that you won’t expect, but can easily happen. You always need a bright lantern in case anything happened in the night and you must be able to see well.

Bringing along chairs to sit in just makes good sense. If the ground is wet, you won’t like sitting there and then there are always creepy crawly bugs down there too. A camping stove is a good to have as a back up plan. A rotisserie and grill for the campfire is fun for cooking, but sometimes a stove will be easier if you are in a hurry or can;t get you fire started for some reason.

Having an air bed that you can inflate easily will make it a lot more pleasant when you are trying to sleep. Having to sleep on the cold and hard ground is not many people’s idea of a good time and will often contribute to making you cranky and ill. No one wants to have to deal with a cranky camper so a sleeping bag alone might not be the best answer for some.

Also put a tent fan and a tent light on your check list. You will not enjoy waking up with a bug on you somewhere and not be able to see it or find it! The tent fan will just make if easier to sleep if it is really hot. Every camper’s check list needs to be personalized because what one person could do without another person might absolutely must have. Having everything you really need with you will just make your camping more fun and enjoyable.

Learn more about camping equipment review. Stop by Tiffany Ellis’s site where you can find out all about coleman lantern reviews and what it can do for you.

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Understanding The Difference Between A Bowie Knife And A Hunting Knife

June 7, 2010

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Bowie knives are very popular with outdoors people. While they’re not as specialized as hunting knives, they’re more widely-usable for a variety of tasks. Bowies were originally designed as fighting knives, but they were carried by people who often used the same knife for fighting, hunting and cooking. Their blade design is very distinctive and useful in many different scenarios. They come in all grades of steel and manufacturing quality, from combat-ready to cheap trinkets.

Bowie knives are used by numerous military organizations around the world as utility knives and weapons. This rather betrays their best purposes. While these knives are great for skinning deer and cutting meat, they’re not always as practical for those tasks as are hunting knives. Hunting knives, significantly, are usually smaller than Bowies, which makes them much more agile. Because they’re not intended as weapons, there’s no need for the blade to be designed for lethality, which allows for smaller, more precise designs.

Consider the fact that a Bowie knife can be used to chop, cut, gut, skin and cut. You can use this single knife to replace a gut hook knife, a skinning knife, boning knife and even many different types of kitchen knives. It can chop vegetables with the same equanimity that it guts fish or skins deer. That is, you will need only a single knife, rather than having to carry a selection of knives with you on your hunting trip. Therefore, while you can consider Bowies as hunting knives, they are also much more than this.

Bowie knives also have utility features that are usually absent on the more specialist hunting knives. Many of them have serrated edges down the back of the blade that offer another cutting surface to the user. Some Bowies also have Spanish notches on the base of the blade. These devices were described as having many different uses, though their exact original intention is something that’s often disputed.

These are just a few of the reasons that a Bowie knife might be considered a hunting knife but is actually much, much more. These beautiful, versatile, durable blades can serve you well for years to come with the proper maintenance, and can ensure that you have the tools you need at all times.

Blake is a business consultant for an online bowie knives store featuring SOG bowie knives.

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