Camping Survival Tips

What To See When Camping In France

Editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:30:34 +0000

Why do campers flock to France? Well, probably the same reason why campers go out in the first place. They like to enjoy nature and have a great time outdoors. Now, France offers a whole bunch of choices for campers. From the most basic campsites which actually have nothing but the ground and trees, to the so called star rated campsites which have additional amenities that offer a certain level of comfort to campers, France has them. In fact there are even four-starred campsites which have luxurious restaurants, swimming pools and even perfect and picturesque landscaping. It all depends on what you when to see when you go camping in France.

Be warned, however, that because of the number of campers who flock to France, campsites actually accept advance reservations. If you found a good place, then it would be best to contact the campsite management and arrange something so you won’t have problems with a site later.

Also be aware that July and August are the peak holiday months where guests, tourists and locals alike will take time pitching their tents and enjoying the great outdoors. These two months are indeed the peak season and you should learn to book early pretty much like hotels in the cities.

What you see in your campsite will usually depend of the location. There are sites near the beaches that give campers a pretty much good view of the sea. Activities that involve the sea and water can be organized by the campers themselves. Meanwhile, campsites located inland have hills, valleys, vineyards, trees, shrubs and mountain rivers as their sceneries. Mountain scenes are more prominent in the western parts of France.

Adding to the coastal or mountain scenes are the old towns surrounding or near the campsites. The fascinating towns and villages are a great plus for campers. These towns are added attractions.

Other sites feature full entertainment facilities. A night of dancing and singing are normal in these kinds of camps. Some others will have comfortable beds and a communal dining area where hosts or the camp management will serve meals which can be part of the camp fees collected from campers. Those with a great mountain or forest trail offer hiking activities that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. There are campsites with swimming pools that rival those from top resorts.

Amateur, hobbyists and even professional photographers alike will have a field day when they go camping in France. The flora and fauna in the campsites, the culture and picturesque landscape and townscapes are more than enough subjects for the cameras of campers. France is a good place as any to practice photography and other art forms like sketching, painting, and the like.

Regardless of the kinds of activities and amenities available in various campsites, one thing is certain when you go camping in France. You’ll find that generally, the camping experience is a well organized and in fact a well-established practice. You will find campsites that are well maintained and offer quality services for all campers.

What you see when camping in France is an experience like no other. Whether you love the outdoors or not, if given an opportunity to camp in France make sure to not let that chance to pass you by.

Grab the opportunity and enjoy the experience.

Where to Find Discounted camping gear

Editor — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:15:10 +0000

Camping has historically been a hobby that is meant to return a person to nature, but with the developments in technology that have made great advances in the types of camping gear that is available, it’s only natural that the hobby could become rather expensive. However, it’s not necessary to pay full price for camping gear, particularly until you are certain that camping is something that you are willing to dedicate time and money to. Discounted camping gear is available in a number of venues, and if you are careful in what you purchase, there is no reason that you can’t save a great deal of money and still enjoy all the advantages you would if you had paid full price.

A number of sporting good stores will offer discounted camping gear from time to time, particularly in the fall and winter months. However, if you do some research, you can find some good discounts at any time of the year. Probably the easiest option is to use the internet to do some price and product offering comparisons of what these stores are offering, or to find discounted camping gear suppliers directly on the internet. You can often get good discounts on these sites, but you shouldn’t buy from just any producer without doing some research on the brand to consider the quality. The discount you may receive won’t actually be a good deal if you find that you have to replace the item faster than you would for the higher quality, higher priced good. And if a poor quality good caused you to not have what you need in the middle of a camping trip, then you’ll be paying the price of an unhappy camping experience as well.

There are also chains of sporting goods stores that strictly sell discounted camping gear – because the items are actually used. In this case, you’ll not have the same security of a warranty as you would if you bought new, but the stores will often offer a short-term warranty period. And, you can save even more money if you bring in your own used sporting equipment as a trade in. You can even find trailer companies that will sell re-built camping trailers rather than brand new models if the cost is what is keeping you from buying one.

If these companies don’t offer the discounted camping gear that you need, consider looking for what you want on internet sites such as ebay or craig’s list. Another resource would be the bulletin boards of camping association or club sites. Of course, you take the risk of not knowing for certain what you are going to get, but you can get significant savings this way.

Hiking Clubs

Editor — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:15 +0000

The best way to get introduced to hiking is a club. Being a member of a hiking club comes with several benefits, not least of which is to learn from the experience of the group.

There are many things that fellow members of hiking clubs can teach you. For instance, they can tell you where the best local areas can be found and provide you with many tips. In addition, some of them may become your new hiking buddies (important when your significant other is more of a stay-at-home type or when you have just relocated).

Hiking clubs can have many distinct personalities. Some of them may be more laidback than the rest, while others are more aggressive. Some hiking clubs have younger members. Others are older. So check around for one that seems right for you.

Below is a few hiking clubs found throughout the 50 US states.

Alabama Hiking Trail Society

If you’re from around Huntsville to Mobile, then share your common love for hiking and backpacking with members of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society. This is one of the many hiking clubs in Alabama State committed to developing, maintaining, protecting, and promoting a statewide hiking trail system.

One of the perks of being a member of one of these hiking clubs is that all activities you participate in are covered under the Group Liability Insurance policy.

Fairbanks Area Hiking Club

The Fairbanks Area Hiking Club is a group of Interior Alaska residents who enjoy visiting all the nooks and crannies of Alaska. They explore on foot, by boot, ski, and snowshoe with trips taking you from Denali National Park to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), the White Mountains, along the Chena and Tanan Rivers, and many other places that visitors can only dream about.

Off the Beaten Trail

It was in the summer of 2002 that co-founders Loree and Ward started hiking together. Pretty soon, word got around and the number of participants has grown to over 300. Off the Beaten Trail Hiking Club is a group of single people living in the metropolitan Phoenix, AZ area.

This hiking club separates hiking and social so that you get to decide what even or events you wish to do.

TrailBlazers Hiking Club

If you like the outdoors in the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains of Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, then you might want to check out the activities offered by the TrailBlazers Hiking Club. This hiking club schedules several hikes a month, some long and some short, some difficult and some more laidback. In addition, hikes are also scheduled almost every weekend from fall to spring. To find out what events you’d like to join, just look at the Events section of their website and pick out the one that fits your preferences.

Desert Trails Hiking Club

Offering easy, moderate, and strenuous level hikes, the Desert Trails Hiking Club schedules hikes 3 to 5 times per week. Hike in the Coachella Valley and beyond and enjoy the spirit of friendship and camaraderie that this hiking club offers.

Essential Camping Gear and Equipment for a Successful Outdoor Vacation:

Editor — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:00:17 +0000

Ah, the great outdoors. What can be better than taking the family back to Mother Nature? Where the air is clear and, best of all, the phone finally stops ringing. Yes, the decision was made and we were going camping this year. Now the only thing to check was the state of my camping gear and equipment.

Time to Go Shopping

On close inspection I realized that as we had not been camping for a few years, it was time to upgrade our camping gear and equipment. First thing first – the tent. Our current tent was a huge monster with three bedrooms, a living area and a store room. On top of that there were about five bags of poles and pins than I couldn’t possibly carry.

At the store we looked at a few of the newer tents and I started to realize that camping gear and equipment has really advanced in the last few years. We picked up a couple of two man tents that were so much lighter, didn’t need any poles and there was still plenty of room. What’s more, they practically built themselves! This was fun.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

With the tent replaced it was time to think about the other camping gear and equipment required for a good outdoor holiday. I know I always enjoy eating outside in the fresh air and some of the new gas cookers are excellent: very safe, no odors and extremely fuel efficient.

By coupling the cooker with a portable water heater, you have the same basic equipment that come with any indoor kitchen. After the food was taken care of, I focused on my sleeping arrangements as the last sleeping bag I had was an ugly green thing that never really kept the cold out.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Again, it’s amazing how much camping gear and equipment has improved over the past few years. The latest sleeping bags are lightweight and made of super modern fabrics that really keep you warm. One for each member of the family was clearly required as were optional camping mattresses and pillows.

This was going to be one holiday where I would definitely get a good night’s sleep. Yes, there’s no doubt about it, camping gear and equipment has come a long way since we last went camping. So if you are thinking about a holiday without hotels or airports, or cars or telephones, then maybe you should consider looking into modern camping gear and equipment, it makes a great holiday even better.

Hiking Boots UK: What Difference Does a Boot Make?

Editor — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:00:23 +0000

HI-TEC SPORTS was founded in 1974 in the (appropriately named) village of Shoeburyness, in Essex, England. Their first shoe was “the high-tec squash,” which boasts sales of over 18 million pairs worldwide to date. The Hi-Tec Squash remains Britain’s all time best selling sports shoe model to this day.

The order of the day for hiking boots UK style is ultra light hikers that conform to the foot of the hiker. They are available in a wide variety of styles with prices ranging from approximately $75 to upwards of $200. Hiking boots UK, have such features as:

* Waterproof (seam sealed) suede leather upper with breathable mesh underlay
* Removable sock liner
* Board lasted with steel shank for added rigidity
* Durable carbon rubber outsole
* Suede leather upper with breathable mesh underlays
* Rustproof brass hardware
* Durable carbon rubber cup sole

Winter Hiking Boots in the UK are specifically designed to keep feet warm and dry no matter what the conditions. Some of their features are:
* Waterproof suede leather uppers
* Thermo-dri waterproof and insulated system
* Two hundred gram Thinsulate, for superior insulation
* Molded polymer heel and forefoot, for durability and protection
* Removable sock liner
* Zipper closure for easy access
* Lightweight compression with aggressive lug design

Backpacking Boots are specifically designed to provide maximum support and versatility for backpacking trails that offer a broad range of challenges and special needs for hiking boots UK.
* Durable waterproof full grain leather uppers
* Event waterproof and highly breathable membrane for breathability
* Molded thermoplastic ankle support
* Softly padded, ergonomically formed leather collar
* Lace to toe construction for comfort and cushion
* Durable PU midsole, for comfort and cushioning
* Board lasted with steel shank for added rigidity
* Dri-Lex moisture wicking lining
* Comfort-Ted custom memory foam, removable sock liner
* Exclusive Hi-Tec designed Vibram outsole for multidirectional traction

With such a broad array of hiking boots available in the UK, the most difficult part could be just making a choice as to which boot is best for you. For very casual hikers, or someone who takes wilderness walks for the simple joy of seeing and being a part of nature, the right choice would probably be a light weight, comfortable boot, or hiking shoe, with breathable mesh uppers, strong ankle support, and a sole with a good grip. More serious hikers usually have a broader range of needs, and usually choose more than one pair of hiking boots and/or shoes. If you are an ice hiker, try to get the best insulated, most waterproof pair you can, and be certain that it is crampon compatible. Plan on getting hiking boots UK that are easily adjustable to your foot, with double laces, if possible, so that you can custom mold the boot to your foot and avoid blisters or sore spots on your feet, because nothing cuts short a hike faster than wounded feet.

Truck bed tent camping – the all-in-one vacation package

Editor — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:15:14 +0000

If you’re looking for a simple, convenient and inexpensive way to enjoy the great outdoors, why not consider a truck tent? Truck bed tent camping is a relatively new innovation in outdoor vacationing, and it has all the benefits of camping without some of the traditional hindrances. Prices range from about $100 – $300, making this a very affordable way to get out there and enjoy the outdoors.

A great alternative to relying on groundsheets and securing a traditional tent with pegs and weights, truck bed tent camping means that you simply set up a tent in the back of your truck. When you need to stop and bed down for the night, just park and set up camp in the back of your truck.

Sleeping outdoors always has an element of excitement, but when you camp out in a truck bed tent you’ll avoid some of the less welcome forms of excitement, such as unwelcome furry visitors in the middle of the night. This camping method also has the advantage of being more secure than a separate tent. If you’re sleeping in your truck, no one’s likely to try and take your belongings or your truck!

It might sounds obvious, but setting up camp in the back of your truck means that you don’t have to deal with problems such as rain-sodden or cold ground. You’re shielded from the elements while still enjoying the environment around you. Storage also couldn’t be simpler – fold up your truck bed tent and store it behind your seat as you drive away to another adventure.

Another appealing aspect of truck bed tent camping is the ease with which you can erect your living space for the night. Truck bed tents only take 10-20 minutes to set up, leaving you more time to enjoy your vacation. Depending on the type of truck bed tent you buy, you may need to be inside the tent to set it up on the truck. Remember that it’s always worth a quick practice session before you set off on your first truck bed tent vacation!

Truck bed tents are offered with or without floors. There are benefits to both styles. Those without floors mean that you don’t have to empty your truck bed before setting up home for the night. However, those with floors give you an additional sense of snugness and an extra layer of insulation. Throw in a couple of air mattresses and you’re all set for a good night’s sleep outdoors and off-ground. The sides of the truck mean that you have extra protection from the wind – it’s also a good idea to park facing into the wind for this reason.

Manufacturers now provide tents for almost any make of truck but don’t forget to check that the truck bed tent you want to buy fits your truck!

If You Are Taking Your Truck Where You Are Going To Camp, Make Your Life Easier With A Camping Stove

Editor — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:15:05 +0000

When you decided to go camping, you knew where you were headed into, but you didn’t know your cooking would have been more of a breeze with a camping stove. You aren’t alone, because most people who go camping end up carrying their belongings at least part of the way. If you are lucky enough to drive close to your spot, bringing along a camping stove will be a great benefit and has an additional bonus.

The bonus comes in the fact that your camping stove is creating more free time for you to enjoy yourself. Your food cooks more evenly and the camping stove runs on white gas, so it really doesn’t matter if you have electricity or not.

How Camping Stoves Work

A camping stove is really easy to set up and is created so it won’t be blown over in a strong wind. A camping stove runs on white gas, and is in a little container on the inside of the stove. You hook a little tube up, without any additional tools, and presto, you now have a viable cooking stove. Once everything is hooked up, you adjust the flames on the stove so you don’t waste gas, and begin cooking.

There are many different brands of a good camping stove. The Coleman company is the best one that comes to mind. Depending on your cooking needs, you can get the right size camping stove for your family. You can get camping stoves that you can cook with more than one pan on at a time. This is a great feature because not only is it a very slow process in a fire or with a one-burner stove, but the convenience it provides is exceptional.

Types Of Camping Stoves And Their Benefits

There are many different brands that make a good camping stove, but the important part is which company can hook you up best to suit your camping style. Some stoves have only one burner, while others have more and which one you want depends on how much you have to cook. Bigger families will want the larger camping stove, while a single or two-person family may only need one burner.

Your Food Is Cooked Both More Efficiently, and Quickly.

With your camping stove, you are now able to get your cooking job done more quickly. This enables more time for you to spend running around on the beach or swimming in the lake. Being able to enjoy some simple freedom, rather than slaving over a frying pan seems to be much more adventurous.

Tent camping in Arizona is affordable and fun

Editor — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:15:05 +0000

Tent camping in Arizona is a great choice for a family vacation. You will not only save money by forgoing the cost of accommodations by staying in your own family tents, but you will also enjoy the unique and beautiful scenery that the state of Arizona can offer. Tent camping in Arizona will also allow you to take advantage of a wide range of outdoor recreation activities, such as boating, hiking, picnicking, and biking.

Choosing tent camping in Arizona as your family vacation will allow you to enjoy canyons, deserts, forests, mountains, and other beautiful scenery. Arizona has many state parks that provide public campgrounds for setting up your tent as well as providing other amenities such as restrooms, exhibits, programs, electricity, grills, and water. Arizona also has national parks that are great for tent camping, as well as a few private campgrounds. Directories of campgrounds located online can provide you with many camping ideas.

If you will be tent camping in Arizona, be sure to equip yourself and your family with the right types of tents. Arizona has high elevations where the weather will get cool during certain times of the year, as well as canyons and deserts that often see cold nights. Tents that offer wind protection are a good choice for cool nights, and other tents offer great ventilation, allowing breezes to pass through, which is helpful if you will be camping during the summer months. If you are camping with your family of three or four, a six person size tent is a good option, allowing some extra room. Try shopping online to find the exact tent you want and also enjoying savings. Remember, purchasing a tent for your upcoming camping trip is a one time cost, and each subsequent camping vacation will be that much more cheap.

When tent camping in Arizona, what else will you need to bring with you to the campground? A tarp is a great purchase to make before heading for the outdoors. For a low cost, the tarp will keep your tent dry and protect it from damage from the ground. Other items to keep your eye out for when online shopping for camping supplies are lanterns or other camp lighting, camping cook ware sets, sleeping bags, and an emergency first aid kit. Camping cook ware sets come in compact forms for easy traveling, and will allow you to prepare great food for the family while at the campground. A first aid kit that includes items such as bug spray, aloe treatment, anti-bacterial cream, bandages, and gauze, will keep your prepared for any unplanned mishaps that may arise during your time at the campground.

Hiking Boots

Editor — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:30:12 +0000

What’s the big deal about hiking boots? Aside from the fact that they’re expensive, that is. But do you really need to buy such an expensive item when you’re only starting out?

The answer is “Yes.”

Your hiking boots, in fact, is the most important item in your whole hiking gear. In hiking, you’ll be using your feet more often than any other part of your body, so all the more reason for you provide them with ample protection. Hiking boots that are built sturdy can protect your feet from rough trails.

Follow the guide below for a list of things to look for when buying hiking boots:

That “Solid” Feeling

This is what hiking boots are all about. The good ones have that “solid” feeling on the bottom, which means that you should not be able to feel rocks or stones through the soles. What if you can? Well, then sooner or later after many miles on the trail, there is a very good likelihood that your feet are going to start hurting, and that’s no good, especially if you still have a couple of miles to go before breaking camp.

When buying a pair of hiking boots, test its solidity. Try pressing the sole of your thumb in the bottom. If it feels soft, then those boots cannot give your feet the protection they need. You can also try twisting the soles of the boot. If you can, then it’s also probably too soft for hiking.

Always remember that trails are not like the pavement in front of your home. They are most certainly rocky and if you are not wearing a good pair of hiking boots, they can also be a huge pain.

Side Protection

The bottom part of your hiking boots is not the only thing important. Good boots are also expected to provide you with protection on the sides. In fact, the reason they are called “heavy” hiking boots is that they have extra padding to protect your foot from stones, rocks, and branches you may step on which could gouge into the side of the boot.

If you’ve chosen to pick fabric boots, be sure to get those with protective “welts.” They’re found about 1/2-inch or more up from the soles to give added protection.

Ankle Support

Achilles obviously didn’t know the first thing about boots, so he had nothing to protect himself when Paris hit him with an arrow on the ankle. Don’t follow in Achilles’ footsteps. Pick good hiking boots with good ankle support.

Here’s how to pick them:

* Grab the top of the boot.
* Try to bend it sideways.
* If it bends easily, it’s probably not going to provide the level of protection needed on the trail.

The top of the boot should be stiff enough to hold the ankle in place. That’s how you determine a pair of hiking boots with good support.

Don’t Let the Water In

Wet feet cause blisters. Blisters are painful. Blisters are evil. Avoid blisters at all costs. Get hiking boots that are waterproof. If you found hiking boots that aren’t waterproof, at least make sure that they are capable of being waterproofed. Fabric boots may be waterproofed with special waterproofing solutions, such as liquid silicone. However, these solutions generally do not waterproof enough to make the boots useful.

Some tips on Camping Reservation

Editor — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:30:09 +0000

Going on a camping trip can be a fun-filled experience, but in certain cases, due to mismanagement of time and improper planning, it could be a recipe for disaster. Even before you get to the camping spot itself, you could face various problems, simply because you failed to reserve a good spot in advance.

Camping reservations are something so essential that it should always be on top of the list when planning such a trip. This is because without a good camping spot, there would be no point of going at all. You might just stay home rather than trying to fit or squeeze into a camping zone that is already full where you were the last to arrive.

Essential steps

One basic step in making a camping reservation is contacting the authorities at least six months ahead of the trip itself. Such authorities would include campground offices, backwoods offices, natural resources departments and many more. These authorities would advise you about camping requirements and give you several campsite options.

You can choose a camping reservation system which allows you to reserve at least three months in advance of the trip or in many places even at the last minute, depending on availability. There are many campsites which also run on first-come first-served basis.

Reservation Systems and Payments

Camping reservation systems usually run 24 hours a day. You can reserve online or on the phone if you choose to pay by credit card. At some places, they allow cash payments at walk-in registration during your check-in date at the camping zone. If you opt to camp outside the protected camping zone, you might want to pay through your credit card to avoid wasting valuable camping time.

Usually, most camping zones have a single lump-sum charge in which there is only one fee to pay, regardless of how many nights you are going to stay. Some places charge a separate camping reservation fee, so check out the options available.

Guidance and Tutorials

Most of the camping authorities nowadays have websites where they offer an interactive map of the campgrounds that are available for reservation. This website would contain all the required information on the camping site, including the weather, the landscape, the scenery, the offered activities, the setting, the size and geographical statistics, as well as some pictures to help you make a more informed choice and be able to plan your trip accordingly.

Hiking and Gear

Editor — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:00:14 +0000

Hiking and gear always go hand in hand. You really can’t go with one but without the other. On one hand, your gear includes all the essentials you need during the hike. While on the other, what’s the purpose of owning hiking gear when you don’t use them?

Below is a hiking and gear list to help you along the trail:

Boots

It’s not really hiking in the real sense if the trail is not all-natural. And by natural, we mean rocks and roots, definitely not pavement. So if you’re walking on that kind of rough terrain, the right hiking and gear item you need is a pair of sturdy boots.

You know when a boot is sturdy by the feel of its soles. Remember that your boots protect your feet from sharp rocks and their construction helps keep you from spraining your ankle when tripping over roots and other obstacles – something that’s bound to happen if you’re on a rough trail and you don’t watch your step.

Another thing, your boots should be more forgiving when it comes to getting dusty, dirty, and muddy. Imagine yourself wearing a pair of nice white athletic shoes and you’re walking over mud, crossing rivers, trekking along gorges…. Your feet won’t be a pretty sight afterwards. So what you need then is a pair of sturdy-soled boots with good ankle support.

Pack

Another hiking and gear item that makes it to the list is your pack. When you go out into the woods, you need to take along the 10 essentials and you need something to carry them in. Of course! You can’t very well carry them all with your bare hands. A hiking and gear backpack therefore is in order. And we don’t just mean any backpacks. Your pack should be one of those with wide padded straps and a waist belt as these two features greatly help in weight distribution.

Hiking Clothing

Now these depend entirely on the kind of trail you’re talking and the climate of the place. Most hikers in the North American woods tend to wear layers when going hiking. Their hiking and gear almost always include extra clothing as well.

The inner layer of your clothing should be made of wicking fabric or some other fabric that could keep the sweat off your body. The middle layer is for insulation, so it could be made from polar fleece or a high-tech knit. The outer layer is a waterproof and windproof but breathable jacket. For pants, you need a pair of sturdy ones to protect your legs from branches.

Insect Repellant

Yes, they are a necessity and should be included in your list of hiking and gear equipment. Mosquitoes love hikers. They just do, for very obvious reasons. So what does a hiker have to do to keep them away?

Bringing along a bottle insect repellant couldn’t be cumbersome, especially if they are specially made for travel. And you should always wear bug repellant no matter what time of the day.

Used Camping Gear

Editor — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:45:08 +0000

Purchasing used camping gear can be a great alternative to purchasing new gear, as new equipment can become extremely costly. There is nothing wrong with buying, and using, used camping gear. However, you must be cautious when purchasing used equipment especially if the item if bought online. There are many good quality, used camping gear that can be purchased at various places.

Buying used camping gear is a great option, especially if you don’t have the money to buy new gear. Even if you do have the money to spend, you may want to consider buying used equipment to save yourself some money. Since majority of used camping equipment is just used once or twice before someone decides to get rid of it, most of the used equipment you may find is in good condition. However do be leery about purchasing products over the internet.

When it comes to purchasing camping gear, you will want to see the product you are purchasing and be able to inspect it yourself before agreeing to buy it. Some items listed on the internet may seem appealing and you may feel like you are getting a good deal, however if you are not careful you may end up paying out more in the end if the product is not as good as the previous owner claimed it to be. The downfall of purchasing used equipment, is that there is no guarantee from the seller. By purchasing new equipment, you may be able to return the faulty items. But when you purchase used equipment, you’re stuck with it. So be smart when buying used camping equipment.

There are several places where used camping gear can be found. By looking online you will be able to find sites that sell these items; eBay being one of more popular sites. Searching in your local newspapers, or posting a want ad in the newspaper, may prove successful. Asking at your local sporting goods store about places in your area that may sell used equipment is another way of finding them. You could also find some equipment at garage sales if you’re lucky. If you choose to purchase used camping gear online, go with well-known sites and be cautious when buying from unknown sellers.

If you decide to purchase used camping gear, you want to ensure that the product is in good condition, it’s a well-known product, and that you’re getting the best price for your equipment. If you are not careful, and don’t do your research, you may end up loosing out in the end. Buying any used product is a bit risky, as you have to go by the word of the previous owner when it comes to the history of the product. So be wise when buying used camping gear, and do some research.

The Best Part of Being a Kid: Sleeping Bag Sleepovers

Editor — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:15:31 +0000

For a younger kid, sleeping bag sleepovers are all about fun. It’s about getting to go to a friend’s house, stay up late and then snuggle into a sleeping bag with a favorite cartoon character or colorful design brightly displayed all over. As kids get older, sleeping bag sleepovers are still fun- as along as there isn’t some goofy cartoon character plastered all over the sleeping bag. These days, it’s good to be a kid. Sleeping bag designs and features have evolved over the years to specifically meet the needs of children as they grow.

Parents have discovered finding a sleeping bag specifically designed for children that provides adequate protection has gotten better over the years. This is a blessing for active families. For many a kid, sleeping bag sleepovers -indoor or outdoor- meant using a bag that was just too big. This was okay for the sleepover but not very good for campouts, as there is too much area in a large sleeping bag for a small body to warm up. As sleeping bag companies recognized this, they began to design and market bags with features that could better protect children during outdoor excursions. Now if you’re a kid, sleeping bag features include extra insulation in areas such as the foot of the sleeping bag and the chest. Not to mention snag-free zippers, fun little pockets and bags that easily re-pack into the stuff sack to keep frustrating struggles at bay- something that can easily lend a hand in ruining a child’s impression of camping.

Another great aspect for parents and their pocketbooks is the fact that some bags offer adjustable features. Is there anything that grows faster than a kid? Sleeping bag purchases are often for leisure purposes and many parents find their children have grown rapidly between uses. Adjustable features, such as an extendable footbox, mean that the bag can be lengthened to fit the growing camper while providing the same necessary level of protection. This is quite economical for the parent who now does not have to worry about investing in a sleeping bag that may or may not be usable from one season to the next!

Sleeping bags can come in a variety of fun and bright colors and can help kids to feel more independent, enticing them to be more involved in an outdoor camping trip. Things that are their size are much more manageable and therefore give a bigger feeling of confidence. This leads to a willingness to take part in the sleeping bag sleepover experience, whether indoor or out!

Think ‘Wow’ When You Select a New Camping Tent

Editor — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 06:45:20 +0000

Your excitement about wilderness trips will help you select your next camping tent. When you say, “Wow, I’m going camping,” you’re using a handy acronym that sums up a new tent’s most important features. WOW = Weather + Occupants + Weight. Consider the season and the location. What’s the weather forecast, how many people are going, and how much can they carry?”

Camping tent selection involves tradeoffs between creature comforts and the practicalities of cost, size, and weight. If you’re car camping, you can afford the luxury of a bulky, heavy tent that requires space in both the car and the camp. If you’re a backpacker and/or minimalist, smaller and lighter tents are more optimal.

Weather

Manufacturers’ camping tent ratings reflect the time of year for which the tents are intended: 1-season, 3-season, or 4-season. 1-season tents, for summer use, feature light-colored fabrics, mesh for ventilation, and single-wall construction for protection against light rain.

3-season tents, the most popular, feature breathable fabrics and mesh windows and doors for ventilation and insect protection. Double-wall construction–usually in the form of a waterproof full or partial rainfly–keeps out rain and light snow. A durable, properly pitched 3-season camping tent will usually tolerate more wind than a 1-season tent.

4-season tents emphasize protection against heavy wind and snow. They feature stronger fabrics and sturdier tent poles along with zip-up panels to keep out the elements. Look for tents labeled “expedition” or “mountaineering” for extreme winter weather and/or high altitude conditions.

Occupants

Camping tent capacity ratings (1-person, 2-person, 4-person, etc.) indicate the number of people who can reasonably sleep in the tent. Some experts suggest buying tents rated for more people than you have if you don’t like snug sleeping quarters and want room to store gear, eat and play games. However, creature-comfort space also adds weight and bulk, a concern especially for backpackers.

Car campers can extend the space of a basic tent by purchasing models with multiple rooms and by using gazebos, awnings, and larger rainflies. The 2- and 3-person dome, modified dome, and tunnel-style tents are very popular because they provide enough room for sitting, standing and moving around.

Weight

While you may not mind carrying a heavy tent a few feet from your car to the campsite, you’ll discover that packing the tent into the back country is quite another matter. Most people don’t easily carry more than one quarter to one third of their body weight. While some backpackers favor sunshades and tarps in the summer and bivy sacks/shelters in the winter, you can find good 2- and 3-person tents that weigh only six to eight pounds. When backpacking with multi-person tents, hand out the poles and rainflies to other members of the group to better distribute the weight.

A good camping tent is light, durable, easy to pitch, easy to maintain and repair, and reflects your outdoors style. Remember “WOW,” and you’ll cover all your basic shelter needs.

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Camping Gear UK

Editor — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:30:10 +0000

Camping has become a popular activity in the country and throughout the world. In the UK (United Kingdom), for instance, camping is very common amongst people who go on cycling trips through the country. Camping with a caravan is also a popular activity amongst those who live, or visit the United Kingdom. The weather conditions are extremely unpredictable; therefore you will want to equip yourself with the proper camping gear. UK is known to have very wet conditions, so bringing waterproof equipment is important.

Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy days of hiking and camping through the mountainous region of the UK. Therefore it is extremely important to have the right hiking gear and camping gear. UK is an ideal location for various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or camping. Many people vacation in this country to enjoy the wonderful outdoors that the area has to offer. During the summer the mild weather conditions in the north make it a great place to enjoy a week long camping trip. However only the real die-hard outdoor enthusiasts go hiking or camping in the winter months because of the harsh conditions during these months.

Because of the unpredictable weather in the United Kingdom, many people use their caravans when they go on camping trips. There are many people who come from Eastern Europe with their caravans and camping gear. UK has many caravan parks and is very accommodating in certain areas. By browsing on the Internet you will be able to find a directory of caravan parks located throughout the United Kingdom. Once you have mapped out the location of the parks you wish to camp in, then you will want to ensure that you have the proper camping gear for your trip.

Many visitors to the United Kingdom, who arrive in their caravans, purchase their camping gear before their trip. However, if it is a last minute vacation some people may buy the needed equipment along the way. If you are camping in a caravan you will have a list that is different from your normal list of camping gear. UK visitors are often better off purchasing their camping gear before the trip, as they may end up saving more. Stocking up on your food before the trip may be a good idea as well, as it can be expensive in the long run.

By planning our trip properly and buying the right camping gear, UK camping trip can become a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Whether you are hiking and camping, cycling and camping, or camping in your caravan, you are bound to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the United Kingdom.

Discount Hiking Boots

Editor — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:45:14 +0000

Choosing discount hiking boots and footwear is one of the most important decisions you as a hiker will ever make. Discount hiking boots will either make your trip memorable or miserable. But with so many discount hiking boots out there, how do you know which one is the right one for you? Start with this question:

“What type of hiking do I do?”

Then, use the guide to choosing discount hiking boots provided below:

Day Hiking (or Light Weight)

A day hike or light weight hiking is a short hike that can last for several hours in a day. This kind of hike requires discount hiking boots that are lighter and flexible since the trail is often not that tough. If you find yourself going for short hikes during the week or weekend without a backpack, then you’re probably better off with discount hiking boots that are light in weight, perfect for day hikes.

Day hike discount hiking boots breathe better because they are usually made of fabric and split-grain leather. This means that your feet remain comfortable all through the day. However, if you decide to hike with a pack or go for an extended trip, this kind of discount hiking boots are not recommended. You’ll only become fatigued and your feet will begin to bother you because this kind of discount hiking boots are not designed to support you like other heavier hiking boots do.

Backpacking or Discount Hiking Boots (or Mid-weight)

Discount hiking boots that are made of stiffer material are called mid-weights. This kind of discount hiking boots provides you with more support and protection for shorter 2-3 day trips. You can also wear these discount hiking boots even for day hikes with or without a light to moderate load. While not comparable in terms of support to the heavy discount hiking boots, mid-weights can give you the support that you need if you decide to hike for a few hours to up to three days on or off the trail.

Extended Backpacking (or Mountaineering)

These discount hiking boots are best suited for serious hikers and mountaineers. Not only providing you with the best level of support, these discount hiking boots also offer you protection and durability for heavier loads and longer trips. This type of discount hiking boots can support heavy loads of approximately 40+ pounds (could vary with the specific discount hiking boots you bought).

Heavy discount hiking boots are great for extended backpacking trips. They are also the ideal footwear for hikers like you who are planning to hike for more than three days on or off-trail with a moderate to heavy pack. These discount hiking boots are designed to withstand demanding terrain and heavy packs on your back. And if you need to attach crampons to these discount hiking boots for glaciers, most are compatible.

Most heavy discount hiking boots are designed for extreme weather conditions – whether extreme heat or extreme cold. The discount hiking boots are also waterproofed and insulated to keep your feet dry and warm, yet remain breathable.

Websites for camping supplies can save you money

Editor — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:01:03 +0000

Shopping online is a great way to save money on camping supplies for your upcoming camping adventure, and there are many websites for camping supplies that can be found right at your fingertips. Websites for camping supplies are not only a convenient way to shop from the comfort of your own home, but the websites also provide a wide range or camping products for you to browse and consider. Shopping for camping supplies by websites rather than other methods is a good choice because you can often find discount camping supplies online. By comparing product types, brands, and prices through online shopping, you are sure to get the best deal possible and the exact camping supplies that you are looking to buy.

The type of camping products you can find on websites for camping supplies is unlimited. You can find shelter and bedding camping supplies, as well as cooking and dining supplies, emergency gear, outdoor recreation equipment, RV supplies, camping clothes, storage supplies, and other accessories. If you are an avid outdoors man, you may be interested in websites for camping supplies that offer GPS units, binoculars, utility belts, two way radios, and other camping supplies that allow you to participate better in your favorite outdoor activity.

If you are a hunter, you can find websites for camping supplies that specialize in offering ammunition, rifle sights, archery gear, bird calls, tripods, game carriers, hearing protection, headlamps, camouflage clothing, and anything else that will help you enjoy hunting on your upcoming camping trip. Alternatively, there are websites for camping supplies that concentrate on camping gear for the hiker, backpacker, boater, or fisherman. For example, if you are a backpacker and you are looking for compact camping supplies that are easy to fit in your bag and take with you, then you can find websites for camping supplies that offer camping gear that is easy to store such as nesting cook ware sets. Also, if you are a RV owner and like to camp with your RV, you will easily find websites for camping supplies that can outfit your RV for the campgrounds, such as awnings and window shades that are great for if you are camping during hot summer months.

If you are trying to find websites for camping supplies, an easy and quick method is to type the particular type of camping supply you are looking for into a general search engine. This should bring up a number of company websites where you can find specific camping supplies, as well as other online retailers that may offer discount camping supplies. If you would like to browse a wide range of camping supplies, try searching with more general keywords.

What you need to know about a Camping Toilet

Editor — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:45:15 +0000

A camping toilet, although not a necessity, is a dignified, convenient and environmentally safe option for individuals to respond to the calls of nature. There are many products available on the market and when choosing a camping toilet the following three factors may aid you in your deliberations to acquire the right product for you and your family.

Camping toilets can be found at various RV dealerships, sporting-goods stores and discount department stores too.

Assessing Your Need

If you are an avid camper and have children that go camping with you a camping toilet is probably a wise purchase. This convenient device provides for the needs of the camping family when nature calls during any part of the day or night. By having one of your own, you provide for the safety of your family when a night visit is needed. Using the facility that is in close proximity to the family is certainly a prudent safety measure.

Four things to consider

There are four considerations to take into account when shopping for a camping toilet that suits your needs. The first consideration is the size of the toilet. The second factor should be the number of uses of the facility before emptying is required. The third deals with choosing which additional features your camping toilet is to be equipped with such as a latch, level indicator, and different color scheme and whether you want the device to be electric or water powered. Fourth, you should consider the frequency with which your party goes for camping trips and to what destinations.

One additional consideration would be to provide privacy for those using the camping toilet. Such an accessory can be purchased in any camping department located in a retail store. Or such a privacy screen can be an old shower curtain pressed into service for this purpose.

Other Benefits

Additional benefits to owning a camping toilet is the convenience of having such an apparatus in the event of any water flow disruption to your home. The inconvenience of not having toilet facilities, especially for children, can be a difficult situation. Having a camping toilet available, within the home for such possibilities, provides for a good backup plan.

Also, in the light of the recent natural disasters across America, an available camping toilet is a critical component to include as part of an emergency disaster contingency plan such as a hurricane or tornado.

Luxury Hiking Tours: Worth Your While?

Editor — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:45:11 +0000

Luxury hiking tours are some of the best trips that you can invest in. If you are an avid hiker, you may not think you need someone to tour you through the remote areas that these tours go on. Yet, whether for safety or for additional learning experiences, you can definitely benefit from taking luxury hiking tours. Depending on where you are going and what you hope to accomplish there, there are sure to be amazing adventures on any of these tours.

What To Expect

Luxury hiking tours take you into some of the most remote locations. They will also take you into the most luxurious hiking trails as well. Most of these tours are guided by experts that know the terrain, history, wildlife and even lure about the areas in which they guide you through. You’ll find every skill level of hiker can do well on these trips, especially when they take the type of trip dedicated to that skill. There are many options out there for easy hikes to the most extreme hikes. You pick what suits you the best.

Consider luxury hiking tours through the Alps, for example. You can go on the most amazing journeys through the Alps including through Austria, South Tyrol, and other areas. Not only do you get to see some of the most beautiful of locations, but you also get to taste new foods and experience new cultures. Many find these trips to be breathtaking.

Some of the most famous luxury hiking tours are those found in Italy. Take for example the Cinque Terre luxury hiking tour. Situated on a remote area that can only be gotten to by sea, a path through this location is one for the most avid of hikers. The paths aren’t difficult but they are moderately demanding because of how narrow they can be as well as how steep they can be. If you can handle this, though, you will be able to experience some of the world’s most beautiful, coastal mountain ranges and gorgeous seas. You can even stop at nearby Portofino for a taste of all things Italian. Experience the beautiful scenery, take in the festive Italian culture and fill your stomach with some of Europe’s best foods. Yes, you are still hiking.

Luxury hiking tours may cost you a bit more than an average hike through the local paths, but you’ll experience new worlds that will seem like they are worlds away from your own. Its an experience like no other. You can find these tours offered in many locations around the globe. Do you have time to venture into them all?

Florida Tent Camping: Making The Best Of It

Editor — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:15:10 +0000

Florida tent camping can be an amazing journey. There are a number of different, unique locations for you to consider camping in. There are some things that you should know about camping in this location, though. A trip that is well planned can be one of the most fun adventures that you and your family go on. Florida tent camping is fun, easy to do and it’s a lot of fun to make happen.

Florida Tent Camping Tips

* Hunting in Florida’s natural parks is only allowed during specific times of the year. If you would like to set up a tent and hunt, make sure you travel during the right time of the year and have the necessary permit. Because Florida’s wildlife and its parks are protected property, it is increasingly important that you know what to expect.

* There may be a fee. Florida tent camping often has a fee that allows you to camp on the state’s park land. This fee is rather inexpensive at under $20 for most families. You should ensure you get the necessary license to protect yourself from trouble with the rangers.

* Do you plan to fish while camping? In Florida tent camping can be much more fun if you take a rod and reel with you. Teach the kids how to catch a few fish. There are many locations throughout the state where you can fish. More importantly, there is an abundance of fish in those lakes and streams for you! If you are over the age of 16, you will need a fishing license to fish, though.

* If you are worried about Florida tent camping, or perhaps not everyone in your party wants to actually sleep in a tent, there are overnight lodgings available for many of the best parks. You’ll find a number of these available throughout parks around the state.

* Picnic shelters and facilities are located around the state, too. If you would like to have a family get together while you are tent camping, then you’ll find a number of different locations available. Call the state parks to make reservations for the use of the pavilion so that there’s no worry about having space available.

For those that want to enjoy a weekend on the trail or would like to just take their child on their first camp trip, Florida offers many wonderful locations that can be considered a real treat to experience. The vast number of parks, all 157 of them, that you can camp in are well worth the journey. Florida tent camping is an ideal experience and one that should not be missed.