Camping Tips

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

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.

Camping Safety Tips

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

There are millions of people everywhere who enjoy the relaxation of camping. Whether you’re spending the weekend camping with your family at the local state park or backpacking through the backcountry, there are some general rules of camping safety that you should always follow. Many of these camping safety tips are simply common sense, but it is still a good idea to review these guidelines before setting out for any type of outdoor adventure.

General Camping Safety
Camping safety begins before you ever set out on your vacation. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and be prepared for rain or storms. Pack emergency rain gear, as well as a well-stocked first aid kit, and plan to arrive at your campsite as early as possible. You want plenty of time to set up camp before the sun sets.

Upon arrival, inspect your campsite closely for glass and harmful debris, poisonous plants and animals, and areas that may be prone to flooding in the case of a heavy downpour. Set up your tent on flat ground and remove any rocks, branches, or other objects that could damage your tent or be uncomfortable to sleep on.

If you are camping with children, check the campsite closely for fire ants, hornet or wasp nests, dangerous grades, and other potential hazards before settling in. Wear light colors and refrain from using scented lotions, soaps, and perfumes to prevent attracting bees and mosquitoes. Coleman citronella candles can ward off mosquitoes as well.

Use caution whenever you operate your propane stove or grill and anytime you have a campfire. Never leave any of these unattended. Keep your campsite clean, storing food in closed containers and disposing of garbage, to reduce the chances of bears, raccoons, or other wild animals entering your campsite. Never keep food items inside your tent.

Hiking and Outdoor Activity Safety
Anytime you decide to enjoy the great outdoors, it is important to remember that you are in nature’s domain. To stay safe, it is your responsibility to follow the proper safety precautions. It is a good idea to become familiar with poisonous and harmful plants, animals, and insects that are common to your area. Always carry a small first aid kit while hiking or biking and have knowledge of first aid procedures for outdoors. If you should come in contact with poison ivy or sumac, apply calamine lotion to the infected area to relieve the itching.

Stay on the designated trail and avoid high grass and overgrowth. Wear light colors so ticks are easy to spot and check your head and body for any possible ticks each night. If you find a tick that has already bitten, remove it gently with tweezers, taking care not to crush the body or leave the head. Clean the bite area with warm water and soap and see a doctor if you experience a fever or rash within the next few days or if you think the tick was attached for more than 2 days.

Never enjoy the beauty of nature alone. Have at least one companion with you wherever you go and whatever you are doing outdoors and tell your friends and family where you will be and how long you plan to be gone.

Buying Tips When You’re Camping

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

Whether you are an experienced camping enthusiast or you are starting off on your first camping experience, it is important to have the proper gear and equipment. Many of the supplies can be expensive and some items may be hard to find. To get the most for your money, though, there are several tricks you can employ.

Plan
Unless you have an unlimited budget, a camping trip is not something where you can get everything at once without a bit of planning. Research where you will be going, the conditions that will be present and the climate. Make a list of all the supplies you will need and determine what items you have available and what items you will need to purchase. If you start early enough, you’ll be able to spread purchases over a longer period of time so it does not take as big a hit to your budget all at once.

Budget
Research on the Internet or at local sporting goods stores to get an idea of the cost for all the equipment and supplies you will need. Do not forget items such as food and water, cooking utensils and eating implements. If you go over budget, see if there are ways you can economize or determine if there are some items you can do without. Do not skimp on survival equipment or first aid equipment as these are essential. However, you may be able to get away with roughing it a bit more by foregoing some luxury items. Compare prices on the Internet. Not all stores have comparable prices and if you forego the convenience of getting everything at one store, you may get better prices.

Borrow and Rent
If you have friends who have camped in the past, they may be able to supply some equipment for you to borrow. This will greatly reduce initial expenses. Even if you can get pieces from several people, this may help. Make sure to keep a list of who gave you which items so you can return them to the correct people. Be considerate of other people’s property and return items cleaned and in good condition. Some items are also available for rental. Check with local rental locations to see if they have items such as grills and showers. For maximum convenience, you can rent a recreational vehicle which will supply cooking, eating and sleeping facilities.

Buy Used and Discounted
Check on the Internet or at local resale shops for used equipment. Many people will purchase items for camping then decide they don’t want it anymore or they upgrade. You can find great deals at these stores and buy clothing and equipment at a value. Discount stores often have sporting goods sections. You may not be able to buy all your camping needs there but you may be able to find dishes, heaters, grills, tents and sleeping bags at a greatly reduced price.

Buying camping equipment can be expensive, especially for the first time camper. However, with a little planning and time you can get items at a discounted rate. Make sure to be organized and make lists of necessary items. Research prices and compare stores to find the best discounts available. Your camping vacation will be a lot more enjoyable if you didn’t spend a fortune to rough it in the wilderness.

Family Camping Tips

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

One of the fondest childhood memories I have are camping with my dad. My dad and I would grab our tent, sleeping bags and fishing poles and head down to a local lake for a weekend. Camping can be a wonderful activity for the entire family. It can also become a huge calamity if you are not prepared or don’t know what to expect.

If you are not experienced at camping then it might be best to start with a commercial campground. These campgrounds are often listed in the yellow pages. The costs of these campgrounds is often nominal and they usually have showers, bathrooms, electrical hookups, running water nearby, fire pits and a camp store for any necessities that you may have forgotten. Established commercial campgrounds also often have activities for the entire family including swimming pools, hiking trails, paddle boats and fishing lakes. Although most of these campgrounds are set up for campers they almost at always have tent sites as well.

Once you have tried camping at an established campground you may decide to want to rough it out in the woods on your own. To find locations for tent camping you might try doing an internet search on camping.

Regardless of where you go camping it is important that you be prepared. The following is a list of items you should consider for ensuring you are prepared for an enjoyable camping trip.

Camping Inventory

  1. Tent. You can find a wide selection of tents in various sizes from 2 person tents to family sizes. You might consider getting the children their own tent. They will enjoy having their own space.
  2. Sleeping bags and an air mattress if desired.
  3. Flash lights and extra batteries.
  4. Matches
  5. Cookware. Cooking on an open fire will probably not be good for your best cookware so you might want to bring older pots and pans or consider buying a camping cookware set. Think ahead about foods that will be easy to cook on a fire.
  6. Firewood. If you are not camping at an established campground you may not have access to firewood.
  7. First Aid kit. This should include band aids, peroxide, gauze, burn crème, tape, a tool for removing splinters, and anti bug spray.
  8. Water for drinking
  9. Trash bags. Whether you go camping at an established campground or in the woods somewhere it is imperative that you leave the area exactly as you found it. If the location does not have trash bins then pick up your trash and take it with you. Don’t ruin the experience for the next family.

If you carefully plan your camping trip and expect the unexpected by being prepared for anything you will have a great time camping.

Tips For A Budget Family Camping Holiday

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

With the rising costs of everything in today’s society, it is difficult to afford a fun vacation for the whole family. Many people try to save throughout the year for that one special week on a beach or in a resort. Others give up on the idea altogether. With careful planning and forethought, almost any family can have a pleasant, memorable trip. Parents and kids alike will enjoy taking part in a budget family camping holiday. It doesn’t have to break the bank or cause a lot of stress. A few simple tips can make the fantasy a reality.

The first aspect of a budget family camping holiday is getting all of the necessary equipment and accessories together. If you don’t already have camping equipment, this is the time to start watching sale ads and visiting local sporting goods stores. They often have great deals on camping items during the off season. So plan early and maybe surprise your family with camping equipment during the holidays. If camping is new to your family, consider the idea of borrowing tents and things from someone you know who does camp. That way you can save on expenses while deciding if camping is for you.

Another way to reduce the cost of a family camping vacation is to pack as much food from home as possible. Take along anything non-perishable that can be fit into your vehicle. This will save money at the grocery stores or open-air markets during the budget family camping holiday. Another advantage is that you already know everyone in the family likes the food choices. If you are camping with a very young child be sure to take along plenty of diapers, baby food, and other baby essentials to avoid paying high prices at convenience stores.

You could shop around the campgrounds in the area you are planning to visit. However most public campgrounds are usually similar in price for a night. Most range from $8 to $16 a night and include restroom facilities and other amenities unless you are truly roughing it. While staying in the grounds take advantage of any special activities the campground has scheduled. They often have nature hikes, craft time, and even evening events planned for their visitors. Most of the time they are included with the camping fee and help to keep things exciting in the great outdoors. The price of a night in the campgrounds and all of the extras is small compared to other vacation options and very useful in planning a budget family camping holiday.

If planned right and with proper thought a budget family camping holiday will feel like a resort vacation. It doesn’t take a lot of money to have a good time.

Camping Trip Tip – Cook Your Meals Is Easy

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

Traveling to the great outdoors and communing with nature is a enjoyable way to get out of the city and breathe in the fresh air. While you want a taste of living in nature, a camping trip doesn’t have to mean eating cold food and freezing at night.

Some campsites don’t allow fires so contact the facility ahead of time or check out their website for information. In any case, cooking stoves and heaters designed for the outdoors provide a way of making your camping experience more enjoyable and comfortable.

Camping stoves come in a variety of sizes and features. Choose one that best suits your needs. If you’ll be hiking with your equipment then select one that is lightweight and small; there are ones especially made for backpacking

If you’re planning on driving to your campsite and have a large family then consider a stove with multiple burners. They allow you to cook bigger and multiple dishes. There are even stoves that have a grill for making eggs and pancakes.

Special cookware for camping is made so you can make more than one dish at a time. They’re stackable so you can cook multiple dishes by using the heat from the bottom pot to heat the top one. You can prepare food more quickly and conserve your fuel. Remember to use the smallest pot or pan possible and as little water for boiling food; it will conserve your fuel.

Camping stoves take various kinds of fuels and it usually depends on the manufacturer. Propane, butane or white gas (commonly referred to as “Coleman” fuel) is commonly used and preferable. Kerosene and unleaded gas is still used but is not preferred since it emits an unpleasant odor and are not as safe. Coleman fuel should be your first choice since it is the safest and burns clean without odor or charring. Propane is pricey and doesn’t burn as hot but it is the cleanest burning fuel.

Fuel canisters come in various sizes and choosing the right size for your needs depends on how much cooking you’ll be doing and for how long you’ll be camping. If you’re hiking with your equipment then stick to a small canister and cook sparingly.

Some campsites provide cooking facilities but it will be more convenient and less burdensome to bring your own cooking source. Planning ahead and bringing a cooking stove will ensure an enjoyable camping trip.

Tips To Make Your Camp Fire Roar

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

Following is a short guide with the help of which one can build great campfires:

If you can build a good fire for your camping trip then besides impressing your friends you can also truly enjoy the camping. Though many camping equipment these days make the conventional campfire that looks boring and miserable. If one knows how to build an appropriate campfire then it can really make a great difference.

Previously, when there were no gas torches or matches at that time making an appropriate campfire was vital to any outdoor actions. People would enjoy here the warmth against cold weather and would cook foods for all. When the temperatures at night become lower then the campfires provide a space where everyone can assemble and enjoy the warmth.

Besides heat, the campfire also drives back the wild animals and makes the place safe. Lions, other beasts, and wild dogs are not very eager to come near the campfire place. This is the reason that the campfires always remain burning all night.

Although the skill of building campfires is lost partially as the matches seems to be more expedient. And campfire building as an art is still significant as well as vital to any camper’s trick lists.

Firstly, the secret of beginning the campfires is that you have to start it fast. It is possible only if you know exactly what is required to begin the campfire i.e. fuel, oxygen and heat.

The oxygen present around us is not readily obtainable all the time during campfire. The fuel should be arranged in a way that it can supply ample amount of air. This supply can also be increased by blowing in the cinder or by fanning the existing flames.

Usually heat is produced through friction for the campfires. Perhaps, you have to utilize a group of techniques for producing this heat. The techniques include using flint stones, rubbing two sticks together etc. On the other hand, if you do not have the correct fuel then you will not get magnificent flames.

The fire will keep burning because of the fuel. So it is very important part of your effort to find out the correct type of fuel for building the fire and also maintaining it. If you put heat to the firewood then the fire will not be built in that way. Tinder is required, it is an easily flammable stuff that burns quickly and also releases ample gas and heat along with huge pieces of wood that helps to start a fire

The best tinder is like dry leaves, twigs, dry sticks and bark. These sticks are used to begin the fire and then help to continue it. Keep in mind that if the larger and harder pieces of wood are burnt then only you will succeed in building a fire.

A number of ordinary campfire designs are:

Tepee – For rapid fires and long lasting at night tepees are good. Lot of tinder is used so you will need enough amount of tinder. You have to place and balance the large burning wood next to each other around the tinder vertically. It assures that the gas and the heat of the tinder are produced in such a way so that it helps to burn the long pieces of wood. This fire is perfect for not only boiling water but for all other campfire purposes.

Pyramid – Place the logs horizontally on the ground and make a pyramid then make one more layer on its top of the next, in this way slowly form the pyramid. Though it is very difficult to begin this kind of campfire but finally it will help you to produce a good amount of charcoal. You can use that later, it also burns very well and the fire also remains stable.

Parallel – Parallel fire sets the tinder amid the two logs. It is an effectual burning fire as the logs are also burnt from inside. Thus the heat and the fire go within the two logs in a good and snug place.

Star (Indian) – In old Western movies this kind of fire is normally seen. Logs lay out just like the spokes of the wheel. In the middle the tinder is placed. The fire can be easily maintained, however you only have to drive every spoke of the wheel on the middle when the burning of fuel takes place.

Conclusion

Several other types of campfires are also available and they have their own definite reasons. However, with any type of outdoor art, building and sustaining needs a huge amount of practice to make it perfect. We often see that a mother tell their children not to play with fire. You should treat it with esteem because it is so powerful that it can save as well as demolish. Keep in mind to follow the safety measures after completing the use of fire. Cover the fire with water and if there are any leftovers of the campfire then cover it also with dirt and dust. If you do not pay attention to the fire then it can cause grave damage to the property. Thus always take measures so that everything should not get burnt.

Tips On How To Have A Great RV Camping Experience

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

If it’s your family’s first outdoor adventure and you want to have a great time without experiencing the complications of tent camping then it is a good idea to go for an RV camping trip.

To make sure that your family gets to have a great time during your RV camping trip, here are a few tips you can follow.

First tip: create a checklist. Just like in tent camping, you should avoid the “I forgot” scenarios by creating a checklist that will give you an overview of the things you need to bring and pack. No, it doesn’t mean you have to squeeze the entire house in the luggage compartment in your RV. Just be sure you bring the essentials and you won’t have a problem.

Here is an example of a comprehensive checklist which you can use and then just add in other personal items that you need.

For the camping gears, you need to pack in a lantern, fuel, matches, compass and maps, comfortable chairs for lounging outdoors, foldable chairs and tables, extra batteries, flashlight, and rope.

Don’t forget to list your RV needs like a fire extinguisher, a set of tools for small home repair, some wood blocks for the leveling process, indoor heaters and a portable generator.

Under the category of eating and food preparation, list meal ingredients, food, drinking water, cook stove and fuel, table, folding chairs, cookware, cooking and eating utensils, can opener, coolers, and ice.

What you’ll need for comfortable sleep, pack in inflatable mattresses with pump, cots, pillow, blankets and sleeping bags.

For your personal items, you need to have your first aid kit, clothing, rain gear, toiletries, camera and film, and insect repellent.

Second tip: pick a nice RV camping park. There are many RV campsites with facilities and amenities that will make your stay fun and convenient. It is also smart to pick a park that not only gives you a nice site to camp on but also offers a variety of great outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, white water rafting, and biking to make sure none in the family gets bored.

Third tip: create wonderful and exciting camping activities for you and your family. Remember one of the purposes of any family camping trip is family bonding time. Together, you can engage in activities that the park has to offer together, go hiking and see spectacular sights. You can also play family fun games back in your camp spot. This will surely make your RV camping trip even more memorable.

Fourth tip: create sumptuous meals for you and your family to feast on. So that cooking does not take your whole day, it is best to prepare the ingredients at home by measuring them and putting them in resealable plastic bags with labels to make cooking easier and faster. It is also smart if you half cook meat, potatoes and other food to save cooking time. Be sure to prepare meals that are loved by the whole family and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Fifth tip: create a comfortable sleeping ambiance for your family. All’s well that ends well. After a whole day of fun but exhausting activities, your family needs to get a good night’s rest. Be sure to heat up your sleeping area toasty warm with a reliable Coleman heater like the Coleman SportCat Catalytic Heater and have your family sleep in comfortable sleeping bags or air mattresses.

RV camping which is a deviation from regular camping trip is a great way to spend time with your family. You and your family can get close to the nature and yet not be too far away from the comfort and conveniences of a homey ambience. Bringing an RV to a campsite is like having home away from home.

Tips For Choosing The Right Camping Backpack

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

A person who is not experienced with camping or hiking may think that all backpacks are the same, but that is far from the truth. For a camper who is serious about making the most out of a camping trip, a backpack can make or break an excursion to the woods.

Take the plight of a trekker who traveled to the Appalachians in 1994. Rather than a thrilling camping expedition, he needed to return home injured from the weight of an ill-fitted backpack that damaged his hips. A decade later, the same hiker, utilizing a backpack more suited to his needs, walked over 950 miles of terrain, turning what could have been another ugly experience into a more pleasant memory.

There are a few key tips you should bear in mind when selecting a backpack for the outdoors.

First, you need to assemble a fairly comprehensive list of gear you need to bring on the trip. Whereas some campers prefer to haul a bare minimum, others like to be well equipped and ready for almost any eventuality. Consequently, the size of your backpack is important. If you intend to camp or hike for several days – or even simply overnight -you need a sufficient amount of supplies to cover your time and prospective needs.

Second, make sure your backpack is comfortable to wear for a lengthy period of time. The best styles of backpacks distribute the weight in the bag evenly so that you can wear it comfortably for a few hours while hiking. Try it on at the store to ensure it meets your need. Some camping stores even provide weights inside so you get the full effect of the backpack. By placing these in the pack, you can walk around the store to get a sense of how well the weight distributes and how much you can actually hold while remaining comfortable and not overly straining your back or shoulders.

Third, select a frame for the backpack. You can choose between an internal and external frame, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Internal frames are more slender and allow the pack to remain close to your body which makes it great for densely wooded and more narrow trails. They do not restrain your ability to move in the least, but are admittedly more cumbersome to load and sometimes do not hold as much gear.

External frames, on the other hand, are great for clear walking paths and wider trails and are generally easier to pack. However, they tend to restrict mobility because they are larger and less flexible, making them seem more uncomfortable at first. External frames are the best option, though, when buying a backpack for beginners or children.

Finally, when purchasing a backpack, take into consideration whether it is designed to work efficiently with weather sheets that help protect your pack against dew and rain. Also assess how attachments can be accommodated for your pack. Most backpacks have either rings or snap-ons (or both), allowing the convenient integration of accessories with your pack.

Finding a backpack doesn’t need to be a challenge if you familiarize yourself with options ahead of time. By following these few tips, you should be able to purchase one that fits your budget and your camping experience needs, helping to make sure you have a wonderful adventure in the woods.

Tips For Choosing A Camping Spot

August 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Camping Tips

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!

Next Page »