Posts Tagged ‘Camping’

Extreme Heat Camping

So when you decide to venture out to death valley in August and it is 135, these basic tips might help make your experience a little more enjoyable. I have been in tons of heat camping situations, I even lived in a tent for an uninterrupted 5 months over a summer in the New Mexico Desert. I have discovered a few things about keeping cool. Here is my list of ways to beat the heat:

Become friends with the shade. When I went to New Mexico I used to carry a Tyvek tarp that I put grommets in to make a porta-shade. Tyvek worked out because it is super tough, super light, and white, which helps it diffuse heat. This extra weight was worth the full 13 oz. Along with some 3mm cord, it can be your best friend. Remember that in dry climates the shade can make a 20 degree or more difference. Read more…

Types of Tents

Pyramid tents – These were actually the very first tent design. They use one straight pole in the middle of the tent to create a pyramid shaped tent. In actual practice they are often designed to use trekking poles, having no tent poles of their own. This design permits your trekking poles to function as dual purpose items, cutting down your total weight. If you don’t hike with trekking poles, you can always construct your own poles from any material you like. These tents often offer a lightweight benefit, butare relatively inefficient in terms of usable space.

Avian tents – These are essentially a tarp tent, having two or more vertical poles. They make a slightly more rectangular shape than a pyramid tent. They also often work with trekking poles, however both the avian and the pyramid tent set ups are generally only intended for light weather conditions, they have no floor and not much structure. Read more…

A Little About Sleeping Pads

There are many options for different conditions to accommodate back country sleeping. Sleeping pads are more than just comfortable, they offer a barrier between you and the ground that won’t compress like your sleeping bag does. Because of this, it will still insulate, even with you laying on top of it. This makes a sleeping pad your best friend in the winter, or even just a chilly night. That being said, you may want one in summer also, they help protect your body from rocks and sticks, and they make sleeping in the woods a bit more enjoyable. There are three main categories of sleeping pads, each having different characteristics and best applications.

Inflatable pads. These were really the world’s first packable pad designs. They are kind of old school now. They were inflated with a pump or by your mouth. They offer pretty good insulation, but they are also sensitive to punctures, and become basically useless if punctured. Since the days of inflatable pads, some more technologically advanced types of pads have been developed. Read more…

Have a Safe Hiking and Camping Trip

Fall is the perfect time to have a safe hiking and camping trip. Over 1.5 million people participate in these types of outdoor sports.

Before you start on your outdoor excursion though, be sure you’re prepared. Below is a list of outdoor health and safety risks you should watch out for. You can have a safe hiking and camping experience as long as you follow through with all of your preparations. Read more…

What to take on a camping trip to be prepared

Planning on getting back to nature for an enjoyable camping trip? This guide tells you what you need to bring to make sure you’re prepared.

The type of camping gear you will need will depend somewhat on what type of terrain and climate you will be camping in. However, this list will cover the basics for any type of camping trip. Read more…

There is no Better Way to Escape Than Camping

Nowadays people are under a lot of stress. The poor economy, the price of gas, the daily grind of getting the kids off to school, planning meals and making it through a work week are enough to stress out the most calm people. More than ever, people are looking for ways to escape the rat race.

Some people fly off to far away destinations and spend a week or more relaxing on a sunny beach. If you would like to get away yourself but do not have the time nor the money available to jet off to some exotic land, then why not consider camping? It is inexpensive, very fun and allows you to reconnect with nature. There is no better way to relax and leave your worries behind that a well-planned camping trip. Read more…

Backpacking – 4 Things To Consider To Get a Fantastic Nights Sleep

The greatest challenge of all when backpacking is getting a good quality night’s sleep. By getting enough sleep you will feel refreshed and alive the next morning so that you can take on the day ahead. So what steps can we take to get that perfect night’s sleep? When sleeping outdoors, this is a different experience for many people and there are several considerations to planning your expedition.

1. Where do you plan on going for your backpacking expedition? You will need to consider the climate and anticipated weather conditions. Research for the locations where you will be camping so you will know up front what the expected weather will be like. Be aware of what the temperature will be at nightfall and take the most appropriate sleeping bag for the conditions. Read more…

What camping gear should you bring when you take your kids camping?

Taking your kids camping can create the kind of fond memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. In order to make sure your trip is a success, be prepared on your next camping trip. Being outdoors with their endless energy and imagination is all they need to have a great time, as long as the basics are covered.

Adventurous kids tend to get some cuts and scrapes on camping adventures. Be sure to bring a first aid kit. Check it before you leave to make sure it has everything you might need. Read more…

Emergency Checklist for Young Children Camping

Survival for camping emergencies outdoors is more than an adult only challenge. Young children face special needs such as safe food, water, and hygiene.

A children’s survival backpack can be created for each trip and should include:

• Water – in the form of water boxes for convenience and longevity, water purification tablets, or a bottle water treatment system. Read more…

Backpacking Adventure – Must Have Fantastic Tips

When you are planning your backpack adventure you need to consider what supplies are needed for the trip. On a longer trip this is particularly important and you will need to plan carefully. Be sure to choose a backpack that is large enough for the things you need to take. It must also be comfortable so be sure to try out different backpacks and see which is right for you. It’s a good idea to load supplies into the backpack and not to try them when they are only empty.

So what supplies will you need to put into your backpack to take with you on a trip? One of the most important things you will need for a backpacking adventure is a map and compass. There no point in going on the adventure if you wont be able to find your way! The next item is food and drink supplies. This will vary depending on how long your trip will be. For a longer trip you will obviously need more food including high energy bars and drinks. You should carry a first aid pack in case of any unfortunate accidents. Read more…