Tampilkan postingan dengan label camping. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label camping. Tampilkan semua postingan
Camping is essentially for those of us who love the outdoors and can do without all of the comforts of home for a short while. However, just loving the outdoors is not enough to guarantee that the experience will be a fun one. The essentials of having fun in the great outdoors are preparation and an open mind. Preparation is easy, if you follow some simple rules.
When you are getting ready to plan a trip, you must select a convenient time that will give you flexibility of one to two days. This will make the trip more about you, and less about your timetable. You may run into weather problems or you may just want to camp for an extra day. Next, choose a location and make it specific. Don’t just choose a county where you saw a campground. Call the campground or the park office and get reservations or information about the time you have allotted. Many parks are happy give you information and tips about what to expect. The most complicated step in preparation is making a list of what to bring. Making a list is essential and your list will change dramatically the more you trips you take.
The first thing you need to put on your list of things to take is the things that will get you there. If you are hiking to a campsite, list the number of backpacks. If you are simply driving to a site, list the number of cars. Then you must plan your shelter and sleeping situation.
Remember, tents are a luxury and heavy to carry. Hikers usually bring a plastic tarp that can shelter up to four people. With a tarp, you can tie it between trees for cover from the elements. Many time you won’t even need that but you can always lay the tarp on the ground to designate a clean sleeping area. After this has been set, you will go over what food you will need. We stress need here. Stray from fresh produce and meets because they spoil easy and their scent attracts animals and insects. Stick to dried food and canned items. Canned items will add weight, but they are more calorie rich and very easy to cook in multiple situations. Most of your food should be snacks, so that you don’t have to cook very much. Trail mix and yogurt covered raisins will fill you up more than you think, and they are a cheap alternative to buying food from camping stores that hike up the price on dried meals.
The last things you will put on your list are what will make you comfortable. Minimal clothing is best. One of each type of outfit is best. One pair of shorts, pants, sweatshirt, tee, and a couple pairs of undergarments including socks is enough. One poncho will take up minimal space. Small LED flash lights will get you around at night if you stray from the fire. Then make sure you have some things to keep you busy. Books, playing cards and a nerf football are all light and can be very entertaining for hours on end. As long as you don’t start dragging along things that aren’t meant for the outdoors, you should be fine. Remember that everything will be at home when you get back. Most importantly make a not of the things you didn’t use and the things you wished you brought. That will make each trip you take more enjoyable and different than the last.
An outdoor recreational activity, camping involves people spending the night in tents at a campsite. They do it in an attempt to temporarily avoid the din and bustle of city life, and to get close to nature. If you are looking to spend a comfortable time in camping, you can opt for the recreational vehicles.
The recreational vehicles are luxurious and have all types of modern facilities like air conditioning, bathrooms, kitchens, showers, satellite TV and internet connection. Some feel that the real experience of outdoor camping comes from tent camping. Various touring bicycles, boats, and bush planes are used. For camping, you need to carry with you some basic camping equipment. Tent, sleeping bag, portable stove, flashlight, axe for cutting wood, and a rope.
A tent consists of sheets of fabric that are attached to different poles to produce a shelter. Tents can be of different types like the flysheet, gazebo, fishermen’s tent, or a beach tent. Sleeping bags are warm and well insulated. They provide protection from wind, perspiration and exposure to view. A portable stove is a lightweight stove used for camping. They are usually single burner stoves using solid or liquid fuel for ignition. A flashlight is useful in the dark to illuminate the surrounding.
It is important to plan your camping well in advance. Always expect the unexpected. Consider the worst possible cases that you may have to face and think of ways how you can deal with the problem. Send copies of your route to your family members. Register yourself before going out for a hike and similarly sign in after coming back. Use a two-way radio to communicate with your partner.
Always be prepared to face weather change while you are camping. Make sure that you are carrying the necessary camping gears like waterproof backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and other such things. Carry a waterproof jacket and pants with you. Carry layer clothes so that you can remove or add a layer according to the weather condition. Carry along with you a topographical map of the area so that you don’t easily get lost while camping. A whistle may come handy.
Beware of insect bites and stings. Always use a DEET-based insect repellent and check for bites behind your ears, under the arm, and in the groin area. Camping provides the best way of engaging in adventures and getting close to Nature.
When you imagine hiking trips, you think of the Smokey Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. There are many unknown destinations that give you a different and sometimes better experience than you ever imagined. Florida has many different kinds of terrain to offer to hikers of all accomplishments. It does not take a mountain trail to create a great a great trip. Florida has a tropical edge that is not recreated anywhere else in the US.
Florida has an excellent trail system that runs the whole length of the state. South Florida boasts and area called Big Cyprus that has been made famous by local photographer Clyde Butcher. The South Florida Everglades offer a complex system of lakes and marshes that offer all kinds of different experiences. Hike alongside lakes with beautiful palmetto and pine trees. You can even take an excursion on an airboat that skims along the water powered by an engine with an airplane propeller.
You can head north via trails that head on the east and west coasts of the state. The west coast features warm, lush forests and sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Along the east coast you will find huge beaches and cooler climates that are fed by the Atlantic Ocean. You will be able to see the environment change drastically as you hit the middle of the state. Pine trees start to mingle with oaks and maples. There is also the start of some elevation changes as you move inland.
Reaching Northern Florida brings you to a fork where you will need to decide if you would like to go east or west. This is a larger decision than near the beginning in South Florida because as you work North from that point the east and west trail meet a couple times. Up here, the eastern route will lead you to Jacksonville and north where there are beautiful islands to explore along the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking east will bring you along the panhandle of Florida towards Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico.
Florida also has a very diverse ecosystem where you may see alligators in South Florida and then see deer in central and North Florida. There is also nothing like camping on a desolate beach and waking up to the surf in the morning. Florida is truly a fantastically unique hiking experience.
Florida has an excellent trail system that runs the whole length of the state. South Florida boasts and area called Big Cyprus that has been made famous by local photographer Clyde Butcher. The South Florida Everglades offer a complex system of lakes and marshes that offer all kinds of different experiences. Hike alongside lakes with beautiful palmetto and pine trees. You can even take an excursion on an airboat that skims along the water powered by an engine with an airplane propeller.
You can head north via trails that head on the east and west coasts of the state. The west coast features warm, lush forests and sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Along the east coast you will find huge beaches and cooler climates that are fed by the Atlantic Ocean. You will be able to see the environment change drastically as you hit the middle of the state. Pine trees start to mingle with oaks and maples. There is also the start of some elevation changes as you move inland.
Reaching Northern Florida brings you to a fork where you will need to decide if you would like to go east or west. This is a larger decision than near the beginning in South Florida because as you work North from that point the east and west trail meet a couple times. Up here, the eastern route will lead you to Jacksonville and north where there are beautiful islands to explore along the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking east will bring you along the panhandle of Florida towards Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico.
Florida also has a very diverse ecosystem where you may see alligators in South Florida and then see deer in central and North Florida. There is also nothing like camping on a desolate beach and waking up to the surf in the morning. Florida is truly a fantastically unique hiking experience.
Camping is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your camping experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a camping journal for your adventures.
Camping Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent camping experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went camping. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular camping routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a camping journal, this won’t be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your camping experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good camping journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went camping with,
2. Where you camped and if you enjoyed it,
3. Who you met and contact information for them,
4. The geographic and weather conditions, and
5. Any unique things that occurred while camping.
At the end of the camping trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:
1. Contact information for other campers and people you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you camp in the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your camping journal, you should write in it during while you’re camping. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.
Camping is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.
Camping Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent camping experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went camping. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular camping routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a camping journal, this won’t be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your camping experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good camping journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went camping with,
2. Where you camped and if you enjoyed it,
3. Who you met and contact information for them,
4. The geographic and weather conditions, and
5. Any unique things that occurred while camping.
At the end of the camping trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:
1. Contact information for other campers and people you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you camp in the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your camping journal, you should write in it during while you’re camping. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.
Camping is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.
Camping is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your camping experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a camping journal for your adventures.
Camping Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent camping experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went camping. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular camping routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a camping journal, this won’t be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your camping experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good camping journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went camping with,
2. Where you camped and if you enjoyed it,
3. Who you met and contact information for them,
4. The geographic and weather conditions, and
5. Any unique things that occurred while camping.
At the end of the camping trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:
1. Contact information for other campers and people you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you camp in the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your camping journal, you should write in it during while you’re camping. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.
Camping is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.
Camping Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent camping experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went camping. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular camping routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a camping journal, this won’t be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your camping experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good camping journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went camping with,
2. Where you camped and if you enjoyed it,
3. Who you met and contact information for them,
4. The geographic and weather conditions, and
5. Any unique things that occurred while camping.
At the end of the camping trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:
1. Contact information for other campers and people you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you camp in the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your camping journal, you should write in it during while you’re camping. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.
Camping is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.
Going camping? Need to buy a sleeping bag? Here are a few tips to help you select the best one to fit your needs.
Shape / Design
One of the first factors to consider is the shape and design of the sleeping bag. A standard sleeping bag is a simple rectangle, usually with a zipper running up one side. The second primary design is the mummy bag, which is designed to fit the shape of the body. This allows it to more efficiently retain body heat. There are also variations of the two major design shapes, designed for various purposes.
Fill / Insulation
Sleeping bags are usually filled with down, or some synthetic material. Down filled sleeping bags are generally warmer, and more expensive. Synthetic sleeping bags are generally less expensive than down filled bags, and perform much better in wet conditions. The do not readily absorb water, and still ofer some insulation even when they do.
Wool and cotton are also sometimes used for insulation. Wool performs well, but is heavy. Cotton is heavy and performs very poorly in wet conditions. Both wool and cotton are best suited for stationary, protected camping, such as in a rustic cabin, where their drawbacks to not matter.
Temperature ratings
Most sleeping bags are given a uniform rating to help you determine what temperature weather they are suitable for. For European sleeping bags, they are rated using the EN 13537 standard. This standard uses four separate ratings:
Upper limit – the highest temperature an average man can sleep at without excessive sweating
Comfort – the most comfortable temperature for the average woman.
Lower limit – the lowest temperature at which the average man can sleep 8 hours (curled up) without waking.
Extreme – the minimum temperature that the average woman can remain in the bag for six hours without risk of death (frostbite may still occur).
If a sleeping bag only gives a minimum temperature, it is probably the Lower limit rating.
Shape / Design
One of the first factors to consider is the shape and design of the sleeping bag. A standard sleeping bag is a simple rectangle, usually with a zipper running up one side. The second primary design is the mummy bag, which is designed to fit the shape of the body. This allows it to more efficiently retain body heat. There are also variations of the two major design shapes, designed for various purposes.
Fill / Insulation
Sleeping bags are usually filled with down, or some synthetic material. Down filled sleeping bags are generally warmer, and more expensive. Synthetic sleeping bags are generally less expensive than down filled bags, and perform much better in wet conditions. The do not readily absorb water, and still ofer some insulation even when they do.
Wool and cotton are also sometimes used for insulation. Wool performs well, but is heavy. Cotton is heavy and performs very poorly in wet conditions. Both wool and cotton are best suited for stationary, protected camping, such as in a rustic cabin, where their drawbacks to not matter.
Temperature ratings
Most sleeping bags are given a uniform rating to help you determine what temperature weather they are suitable for. For European sleeping bags, they are rated using the EN 13537 standard. This standard uses four separate ratings:
Upper limit – the highest temperature an average man can sleep at without excessive sweating
Comfort – the most comfortable temperature for the average woman.
Lower limit – the lowest temperature at which the average man can sleep 8 hours (curled up) without waking.
Extreme – the minimum temperature that the average woman can remain in the bag for six hours without risk of death (frostbite may still occur).
If a sleeping bag only gives a minimum temperature, it is probably the Lower limit rating.
Summer is here, schools are letting out. Time for some family fun and for many Americans, that means camping. Mothers everywhere cringe at all the dirt and grime and germs associated with outdoor living, even if just for one night. I'm one of those mothers and I'll share with you how I've combated the icks and yucks my three sons seem to gravitate to.
Go clean. My sons are required to shower or bathe within 12 hours of departure. This may seem like common sense, but I was surprised at how many kiddos hit the campground filthy. If your kids are clean when you go, they'll be less dirty when they come back.
Cook clean. Bar-be-que sauce is a one of the top violators of cleanliness. Leave sauces off food, use dry rubs on meat and season veggies with some salt mixed with cumin, black pepper and dry oregano. Make skewered food, prepared ahead of time. The fewer plates and utensils you need, the fewer ways to get dirty.
Wash and wash again. If you bring gallons upon gallons of water with you, wash hands often. If you don't bring much more than drinking water, pack along some Wet Ones. They are similar to baby wipes but also contain an anti-bacterial solution, to kill those pesky germs.
Zip it up. Tents should always be kept closed to keep out bugs and dirt. Most tents are equipped with screens that can be left closed while you air out the tent by unzipping the door or window. Keeping dirt out will remind your family what clean feels like when you and your kids climb into sleeping bags at night.
Air it out. Remove all foods and clothing from campers and tents. Then, for at least 1 hour before packing up camp, let your camper and/or tent air out by opening all windows and doors (keep those screens closed, though).
Bag it. Make sure you bring plenty of trash bags with you. In addition to waste, you can pack all of those stinky clothes and dishes in them before you head home. Deliver the bags to their destination (trash can, laundry room, kitchen) as soon as you get home. Otherwise, you'll make your vehicle into a huge Petri dish.
Shower straight away. Everyone should take turns showering and changing into clean clothes as soon as you get home. In addition to cleaning off the surface dirt, the camping germs will go down the drain and take funky smells with them.
Go clean. My sons are required to shower or bathe within 12 hours of departure. This may seem like common sense, but I was surprised at how many kiddos hit the campground filthy. If your kids are clean when you go, they'll be less dirty when they come back.
Cook clean. Bar-be-que sauce is a one of the top violators of cleanliness. Leave sauces off food, use dry rubs on meat and season veggies with some salt mixed with cumin, black pepper and dry oregano. Make skewered food, prepared ahead of time. The fewer plates and utensils you need, the fewer ways to get dirty.
Wash and wash again. If you bring gallons upon gallons of water with you, wash hands often. If you don't bring much more than drinking water, pack along some Wet Ones. They are similar to baby wipes but also contain an anti-bacterial solution, to kill those pesky germs.
Zip it up. Tents should always be kept closed to keep out bugs and dirt. Most tents are equipped with screens that can be left closed while you air out the tent by unzipping the door or window. Keeping dirt out will remind your family what clean feels like when you and your kids climb into sleeping bags at night.
Air it out. Remove all foods and clothing from campers and tents. Then, for at least 1 hour before packing up camp, let your camper and/or tent air out by opening all windows and doors (keep those screens closed, though).
Bag it. Make sure you bring plenty of trash bags with you. In addition to waste, you can pack all of those stinky clothes and dishes in them before you head home. Deliver the bags to their destination (trash can, laundry room, kitchen) as soon as you get home. Otherwise, you'll make your vehicle into a huge Petri dish.
Shower straight away. Everyone should take turns showering and changing into clean clothes as soon as you get home. In addition to cleaning off the surface dirt, the camping germs will go down the drain and take funky smells with them.
There are many different types of knives available, and as with many other tools, if you don't have the right one, it's likely to cause problems. Here are a few tips for choosing the right knife for your outdoor sport.
Hunting
Most hunting knives are designed for skinning. If you want your knife to be good for skinning, the main thing you should pay attention to is the blade shape. You want a rounded or drop point so that when you are “ripping” the skin, the point of your knife will not dig into the meat.
Also, you'll probably want a fixed blade knife, as folding blades have to many crevices to trap blood and mess in.
Camping
Choosing a knife for camping can be tough, because you need a versatile knife. For this reason, you'll often find that a swiss army knife or multi tool may fill your needs best. Also, you may want to add a saw, hatchet, or machete to your pack before you leave, for tougher cutting jobs.
Fishing
You should probably get a fillet knife for fishing. A fillet knife is well designed for cleaning fish, and it can also cut fishing line well, which is the other main task for a fishing knife. If you plan on fishing in salt water, be sure your knife is designed to withstand the corrosion of saltwater.
Trapping
Trappers will generally want a a skinning knife, much like a hunting knife. Tougher tasks are normally done with an axe, so a second knife isn't normally necessary.
Boating
A boaters main need for a knife is cutting line. You'll need a sharp knife, that is easily accesible and quickly deployed, in case you need to cut a line in a hurry. Be sure that the knife will stand up to wet conditions, too.
Hunting
Most hunting knives are designed for skinning. If you want your knife to be good for skinning, the main thing you should pay attention to is the blade shape. You want a rounded or drop point so that when you are “ripping” the skin, the point of your knife will not dig into the meat.
Also, you'll probably want a fixed blade knife, as folding blades have to many crevices to trap blood and mess in.
Camping
Choosing a knife for camping can be tough, because you need a versatile knife. For this reason, you'll often find that a swiss army knife or multi tool may fill your needs best. Also, you may want to add a saw, hatchet, or machete to your pack before you leave, for tougher cutting jobs.
Fishing
You should probably get a fillet knife for fishing. A fillet knife is well designed for cleaning fish, and it can also cut fishing line well, which is the other main task for a fishing knife. If you plan on fishing in salt water, be sure your knife is designed to withstand the corrosion of saltwater.
Trapping
Trappers will generally want a a skinning knife, much like a hunting knife. Tougher tasks are normally done with an axe, so a second knife isn't normally necessary.
Boating
A boaters main need for a knife is cutting line. You'll need a sharp knife, that is easily accesible and quickly deployed, in case you need to cut a line in a hurry. Be sure that the knife will stand up to wet conditions, too.
Whether you're a first time camper, or an experienced wilderness explorer, it is helpful to have a basic checklist of essential gear. Of course, don't forget that you may need other equipment, based on the specifics of your trip.
Tent or shelter – Most people will want to take a tent, but you can also use a tarp or other open shelter to keep the rain and dew off of you. If it will be cold, though, you'll probably be thankful for the extra protection a tent offers. Don't forget to bring a fly or tarp to keep rain out of your tent.
Groundcloth – Bring a tarp or plastic keep moisture from seeping up through the tent floor, unless your tent has a built in groundcloth.
Sleeping Bag – Check that your sleeping bag is rated appropriately for the weather you are going camping in. You don't want to take a -30 rated sleeping bag on a summer camping trip, or vice versa.
Stove – Unless you plan to cook over a campfire, you'll need a camping stove and fuel. Of course, whether you use a stove or a fire, you'll need matches or a lighter.
Food – You don't want to be without that!
Water – Bring plenty of water. In some cases you'll need to bring enough to extinguish your campfire.
Apparel – You'll want a coat or raincoat to protect yourself from the elements, depending on the weather. A hat is another essential. Other than that, the main rule of thumb is that it's better to wear layers of clothing, so you can easily adjust for the temperature.
Pack – If you're hiking in to your camping spot, you'll need a pack large enough to hold all of your gear. Otherwise, you'll just need a day pack or fanny pack for day excursions.
Basic gear – You should at least bring:
Knife or Multi-tool
Saw or axe
Rope
Compass and map
First aid kit
Snake bite kit
Keep in mind that this list is just a basic list – you'll find other items that you need as you start camping.
Tent or shelter – Most people will want to take a tent, but you can also use a tarp or other open shelter to keep the rain and dew off of you. If it will be cold, though, you'll probably be thankful for the extra protection a tent offers. Don't forget to bring a fly or tarp to keep rain out of your tent.
Groundcloth – Bring a tarp or plastic keep moisture from seeping up through the tent floor, unless your tent has a built in groundcloth.
Sleeping Bag – Check that your sleeping bag is rated appropriately for the weather you are going camping in. You don't want to take a -30 rated sleeping bag on a summer camping trip, or vice versa.
Stove – Unless you plan to cook over a campfire, you'll need a camping stove and fuel. Of course, whether you use a stove or a fire, you'll need matches or a lighter.
Food – You don't want to be without that!
Water – Bring plenty of water. In some cases you'll need to bring enough to extinguish your campfire.
Apparel – You'll want a coat or raincoat to protect yourself from the elements, depending on the weather. A hat is another essential. Other than that, the main rule of thumb is that it's better to wear layers of clothing, so you can easily adjust for the temperature.
Pack – If you're hiking in to your camping spot, you'll need a pack large enough to hold all of your gear. Otherwise, you'll just need a day pack or fanny pack for day excursions.
Basic gear – You should at least bring:
Knife or Multi-tool
Saw or axe
Rope
Compass and map
First aid kit
Snake bite kit
Keep in mind that this list is just a basic list – you'll find other items that you need as you start camping.
Camping Tent Footprints – What Are They and How Do You Select the Right One?
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Selasa, 15 Maret 2011 |
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Most people who camp frequently know they need a weather resistant floor in their tents. Usually, this knowledge is learned the hard way through experience. What are tent footprints and how to select the right one?
One might assume that a tent they just purchased comes with a built-in floor. In fact, many tents do not come with a tent floor. For those that do, they may not have a weather resistant floor. That's where tent footprints come into the picture.
Not only does a tent footprint provide you with protection from the elements such as water penetration into your sleeping surface, they also prolong the life of tents that come with their own tent floor. Footprints are designed to take punishment and much wear and tear.
This all leads to the next question: How does one select the right tent footprint? Actually, it is very simple in many cases. This is because most tent manufacturers make tent footprints as accessories to each of the tents in their lineup. Because of this, you can usually find a footprint custom made for your tent. Just search for the footprint made for the tent you own or are purchasing and it will match perfectly.
In other cases where you need a specifically sized tent footprint for your tent there are many selections available for general tent use. Models such the Eureka Floor Saver line are an example of general purpose tent footprints that you can purchase.
When fitting a footprint to your tent you want to make sure it meets the following criteria. 1) The footprint must have the correct dimensions to cover the entire floor size or your tent. You want it to be large enough so that when you fasten it to the ground, it protrudes slightly from the tent floor outline. 2) The footprint must have a rugged and easy-to-use fastening system. Usually, you'll find a stake and ring system. 3) This is a personal preference item, but make sure the footprint has a color that compliments the tent interior.
One might assume that a tent they just purchased comes with a built-in floor. In fact, many tents do not come with a tent floor. For those that do, they may not have a weather resistant floor. That's where tent footprints come into the picture.
Not only does a tent footprint provide you with protection from the elements such as water penetration into your sleeping surface, they also prolong the life of tents that come with their own tent floor. Footprints are designed to take punishment and much wear and tear.
This all leads to the next question: How does one select the right tent footprint? Actually, it is very simple in many cases. This is because most tent manufacturers make tent footprints as accessories to each of the tents in their lineup. Because of this, you can usually find a footprint custom made for your tent. Just search for the footprint made for the tent you own or are purchasing and it will match perfectly.
In other cases where you need a specifically sized tent footprint for your tent there are many selections available for general tent use. Models such the Eureka Floor Saver line are an example of general purpose tent footprints that you can purchase.
When fitting a footprint to your tent you want to make sure it meets the following criteria. 1) The footprint must have the correct dimensions to cover the entire floor size or your tent. You want it to be large enough so that when you fasten it to the ground, it protrudes slightly from the tent floor outline. 2) The footprint must have a rugged and easy-to-use fastening system. Usually, you'll find a stake and ring system. 3) This is a personal preference item, but make sure the footprint has a color that compliments the tent interior.
Planning on going camping? Great! One of the first things you need to do is choose a spot. Here are several factors you should consider when choosing a camping spot, as well as a few tips for finding a good one.
Accessibility
How are you going to get to your camping spot? Is it a “drive up camping spot” or is access via a foot trail. If access is via a foot trail, I would suggest finding a spot with a half mile or less hike for your first trip.
Views / Attractions
What's at the camping spot? Does it have good views? No sense going and camping in a boring place when there are many beautiful camping spots available.
Water
Does your camping spot have access to clean water? If not, you'll have to pack in all of the water you need, including plenty to put out the fire with.
Firewood
Is there access to firewood at the camping spot. If you want a campfire, you don't want to have to carry in the wood you'll need! Be sure that you are allowed to harvest firewood for the area you are going. In most areas, you are allowed to pick up dead wood, but not cut down live trees. Live trees do not burn well, anyway.
Campability
If you're going into “uncharted areas” or plan on camping where there is no established camping spot, be sure that the terrain is such that you can pitch your tent without rolling down a hillside or sleeping on the rocks all night.
Tips for finding a spot
Here are a few places you can start looking for camping spots:
Local state parks
Local national forests
Your local city/county water supply lake
Ask friends who camp
Search online for “camping your state here” etc.
Be safe...and have fun!
Accessibility
How are you going to get to your camping spot? Is it a “drive up camping spot” or is access via a foot trail. If access is via a foot trail, I would suggest finding a spot with a half mile or less hike for your first trip.
Views / Attractions
What's at the camping spot? Does it have good views? No sense going and camping in a boring place when there are many beautiful camping spots available.
Water
Does your camping spot have access to clean water? If not, you'll have to pack in all of the water you need, including plenty to put out the fire with.
Firewood
Is there access to firewood at the camping spot. If you want a campfire, you don't want to have to carry in the wood you'll need! Be sure that you are allowed to harvest firewood for the area you are going. In most areas, you are allowed to pick up dead wood, but not cut down live trees. Live trees do not burn well, anyway.
Campability
If you're going into “uncharted areas” or plan on camping where there is no established camping spot, be sure that the terrain is such that you can pitch your tent without rolling down a hillside or sleeping on the rocks all night.
Tips for finding a spot
Here are a few places you can start looking for camping spots:
Local state parks
Local national forests
Your local city/county water supply lake
Ask friends who camp
Search online for “camping your state here” etc.
Be safe...and have fun!
Camping - do you have the skills to survive the outdoors?
Posted on
Kamis, 03 Februari 2011 |
0
komentar
As our society becomes more and more technological, cold and urban, ever more people are starting to feel the urge to get away from it all, take a break from modern life and go back to the way things were for our ancestors. Perhaps this explains the rising popularity of camping holidays, the ultimate experience of going back to nature and living in the wild, with only a basic structure for shelter and a fire for cooking.
Of course, lots of people don’t exactly do it that way. Camper vans are popular, as is ‘car camping’, and all sorts of electrical appliances have been adapted for camping – there are even camp microwaves. Most people consider at least modern toilets and showers to be a campsite necessity, regardless of whether it’s really true to the spirit of the activity. Camping doesn’t really have to be an outdoors thing if you don’t want it to be, as many camper vans aren’t that much different to houses on wheels, and many families stay in them for a large part of their holiday. It’s all about doing what you feel comfortable with.
For hardcore campers, though, the truest form of camping is camping which teaches survival skills, such as eating-wild caught food, finding your way around by the position of the sun and making fire. You would have to be very hungry to eat the animals that can be found in the woods of most countries, however, and for this reason camping with facilities and packed food is far more popular.
Most campsites are in woods or open fields, and are often publically-owned – if you want to find one, they should be clearly marked on maps for walkers and on road signs for cars. It’s up to you what you take with you, but most people will prefer to have at least a tent, sleeping bags, torches, and either a tool for making firewood or portable oven where campfires aren’t allowed.
Of course, lots of people don’t exactly do it that way. Camper vans are popular, as is ‘car camping’, and all sorts of electrical appliances have been adapted for camping – there are even camp microwaves. Most people consider at least modern toilets and showers to be a campsite necessity, regardless of whether it’s really true to the spirit of the activity. Camping doesn’t really have to be an outdoors thing if you don’t want it to be, as many camper vans aren’t that much different to houses on wheels, and many families stay in them for a large part of their holiday. It’s all about doing what you feel comfortable with.
For hardcore campers, though, the truest form of camping is camping which teaches survival skills, such as eating-wild caught food, finding your way around by the position of the sun and making fire. You would have to be very hungry to eat the animals that can be found in the woods of most countries, however, and for this reason camping with facilities and packed food is far more popular.
Most campsites are in woods or open fields, and are often publically-owned – if you want to find one, they should be clearly marked on maps for walkers and on road signs for cars. It’s up to you what you take with you, but most people will prefer to have at least a tent, sleeping bags, torches, and either a tool for making firewood or portable oven where campfires aren’t allowed.
3 Tips To Choose The Camping Backpack That's Right For You
Posted on
Sabtu, 04 September 2010 |
0
komentar
When asked about the right camping backpack, most people who do not have any experience in camping will say that it is just a bag. The kind of back one chooses is not a small issue to people who have experience in camping. You will never be grateful for a good backpack until and unless you have bad experience with a bad one.
For instance, a trekker who went on a trip to Appalachians in the year 1994 went back home broken and bleeding from the heaviness of a bad backpack which caused his hips to be injured. Ten years later, he was a lot wiser and experienced than he was before; he took a better backpack and had a better and much more fun-filled experience.
Since we have decided the necessity of a good pack, given below are few tips that will help you choose a good backpack for your camping trip:
1. Recognize your requirements- The preferences of trekkers and campers are different. Some people take as minimum instruments as possible on their trips where as some take more.
Whatever that is that you may take with you, it will be a basis for what kind of backpack you will require. Assess your space requirements. In fact, most of the capable sales persons can assist you choose the right pack with the amount of space you need. While you are on this, try measuring the instrument that you may want to take for the longest trip that you intend to go.
2. Is the pack comfortable- When selecting a backpack, this is possibly the most essential point that you should keep in mind. Every person who intends to go camping would like to get a pack that can take most amount of weight with only a slight effort or difficulty.
When you have a good pack, it allocates the weight evenly and effectively. As a result, you do not face any problem while carrying it. In order to know how a pack can help in this, you will have to check out the pack yourself. Usually most camp stores have sand weights to put in the pack. You can examine how this pack can hold the weight and before deciding to buy it, make sure that the pack is comfortable.
The most important point that you should remember is that shoulder strap should carry about three-tenth of the weight where as the rest of the weight should be carried by the hips. While you are examining the pack, ensure that the shoulder straps are comfortable. It would be advisable to move about with the pack in order to determine how much mobility the pack can provide.
Usually most pack have sternum strap with them and these strap helps in stabilizing the pack. These straps are usually situated below to collar bone to guarantee comfort and steadiness.
Hip belts should not restrict your respiration nor should it be too broad that it hinders in the way of your steadiness.
The designs of the backpack will always be different and the backpack companies will always claim to have a new and improved pack for the purpose of camping. In order to know how good they are, just try them out.
3. Select your frame- You can choose between internal and external frames. The frames that are thinner and that hug your body closer are internal frames. These frames are perfect for hard paths as they are easily maneuvered and do not restrict the movements. However, these frames are a little difficult to load.
External frames are usually perfect for the beginners as they are not difficult to pack but they are a little stiff and may restrain the movements. This is the best kind of pack for children and the starters.
4. Miscellaneous- While you are buying your backpack, ask if the pack is well-suited to the different kinds of weather in order to protect your pack. You should also think about how the other attachments can be adjusted with it. Usually pack rings and snap-on(s) permit accessories to join together with the backpack.
Conclusion
Ultimately what matters the most is a good backpack. Selecting a good pack will certainly improve your camping experience. Remember to choose cautiously as your backpack will be your most trusted companion. Have a great trip!
For instance, a trekker who went on a trip to Appalachians in the year 1994 went back home broken and bleeding from the heaviness of a bad backpack which caused his hips to be injured. Ten years later, he was a lot wiser and experienced than he was before; he took a better backpack and had a better and much more fun-filled experience.
Since we have decided the necessity of a good pack, given below are few tips that will help you choose a good backpack for your camping trip:
1. Recognize your requirements- The preferences of trekkers and campers are different. Some people take as minimum instruments as possible on their trips where as some take more.
Whatever that is that you may take with you, it will be a basis for what kind of backpack you will require. Assess your space requirements. In fact, most of the capable sales persons can assist you choose the right pack with the amount of space you need. While you are on this, try measuring the instrument that you may want to take for the longest trip that you intend to go.
2. Is the pack comfortable- When selecting a backpack, this is possibly the most essential point that you should keep in mind. Every person who intends to go camping would like to get a pack that can take most amount of weight with only a slight effort or difficulty.
When you have a good pack, it allocates the weight evenly and effectively. As a result, you do not face any problem while carrying it. In order to know how a pack can help in this, you will have to check out the pack yourself. Usually most camp stores have sand weights to put in the pack. You can examine how this pack can hold the weight and before deciding to buy it, make sure that the pack is comfortable.
The most important point that you should remember is that shoulder strap should carry about three-tenth of the weight where as the rest of the weight should be carried by the hips. While you are examining the pack, ensure that the shoulder straps are comfortable. It would be advisable to move about with the pack in order to determine how much mobility the pack can provide.
Usually most pack have sternum strap with them and these strap helps in stabilizing the pack. These straps are usually situated below to collar bone to guarantee comfort and steadiness.
Hip belts should not restrict your respiration nor should it be too broad that it hinders in the way of your steadiness.
The designs of the backpack will always be different and the backpack companies will always claim to have a new and improved pack for the purpose of camping. In order to know how good they are, just try them out.
3. Select your frame- You can choose between internal and external frames. The frames that are thinner and that hug your body closer are internal frames. These frames are perfect for hard paths as they are easily maneuvered and do not restrict the movements. However, these frames are a little difficult to load.
External frames are usually perfect for the beginners as they are not difficult to pack but they are a little stiff and may restrain the movements. This is the best kind of pack for children and the starters.
4. Miscellaneous- While you are buying your backpack, ask if the pack is well-suited to the different kinds of weather in order to protect your pack. You should also think about how the other attachments can be adjusted with it. Usually pack rings and snap-on(s) permit accessories to join together with the backpack.
Conclusion
Ultimately what matters the most is a good backpack. Selecting a good pack will certainly improve your camping experience. Remember to choose cautiously as your backpack will be your most trusted companion. Have a great trip!
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