Travel Blog

Have you ever tried coming close to nature and experience the beauty of it with the help of modern technology? I guess not. That’s what I’m talking about, that’s why Essential 12 Volt Camping Supplies make it easier for you to come close to the nature with the help of modern technology and make the most of it.

First tackle the freezing of various body parts at night. Yes I am talking about the 12 volt electric blanket which is one of the most popular of all the 12 volt supplies. They are very handy as well. It gets plugged into your vehicles cigarette lighter and large enough to accommodate two people. Now I see no reason for not cuddling up with your significant other on a camp out.

Now this one is for coffee and tea lovers who understand the importance of that first cup of caffeine in the morning. You can say one of the most headache reducing 12 volt supplies out there is the liquid heater. Once again very handy to use. Plug the lighter onto the cigarette lighter. This heater is capable of heating any kind of liquid, be it water, coffee, tea or soup. Make hot chocolate. It’s very important much faster than rebuilding the fire and waiting for the water to reach the hot temperature.

Essential 12 Volt Camping Supplies

Now have you ever heard of packing the kitchen sink and carrying it along? Do you think it’s really possible? Yes it is with the help of 12 volt supplies. Most of these supplies are equipped with power cord and stove is no exception. Very easy to use and can help with quickening the heating of food, baby’s bottle and host of other meals. Also  sandwiches, soup and last night’s leftovers can be easily heated up after a busy day of hiking or swimming.

Many people don’t care about all these little things when they are camping. But sometimes a little more convenience is necessary after a busy day of adventure. That’s were 12 volt supplies come in and makes life less hectic. Travel is one of the modern family’s ways to escape. A weekend excursion, an extended fishing trip, or week in the mountains can offer a chance to reconnect. A rare commodity in today’s busy world.

But taking advantage of the bevy of technological advancements available to us means that a family getaway doesn’t have to mean “roughing it” in uncomfortable temperatures. Herein the12-volt travel products which include air mattress, heated massaging seat cushion, curling iron, electric blankets, cordless shavers, and hair dryers come into play thus maximizing our enjoyment and opening up a world of possibilities.

Maybe you don’t need to learn about survival clothing. Maybe you always hike with a spare jacket. Perhaps you never go out into the wilderness overnight, but just for day hikes. Or you bring lots of warm clothing when you do go backpacking. This post is about Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies, something we should all know about.

Nonetheless, hundreds of people die or come close to dying every year from exposure. They thought they were prepared. They didn’t expect their clothes to get wet from falling in a stream, they didn’t think they’d be out there for the night, or they get lost for days.

Coming down from Mount Whitney I met several young men in t-shirts on their way up, determined to get to the top. They had no gear and not enough time, but they probably made it there by sunset anyhow. They also certainly didn’t make it the eleven miles back to their car before dark. It was below freezing that night, so I imagine they were uncomfortable at best. They were not prepared, with Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies

Quick Survival Clothing

What survival clothing could they have made in that situation? One of them did have a light jacket. He could have used his t-shirt as a hat (a lot of heat is lost through the head) and filled his jacket with the fluff from the cattail seed heads for insulation. (Cattail down was once used to fill those old orange life preservers.)

Insulation is an important principle here. You can stuff a jacket, shirt, sweater or pants with dry leaves, milkweed down, bracken ferns, or almost anything that creates a lot of “dead airspace.” It’s better if you have two layers to sandwich it between, but being itchy is better than being frozen in any case. this is really what we mean when discussing Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies.

Survival Clothing For Outdoor Emergencies

In a jam, you can also use the flat leaves of cattail plants to weave a vest that will block the wind and some rain. Two bread bags full of milkweed down or other silky plant fibers make warm mittens (tie them at the wrists). A plastic bag full of the same could be tied onto your head as a hat.

Usually, you’ll do better to look first at what you have, before looking to kill animals for their skins or weave grass skirts. If you have a sleeping bag, it can double as a coat – just wrap it around you. Socks can be mittens, and garbage bags can be made into snow pants.

A garbage bag can also be a raincoat. Otherwise, tie bunches of grass tightly together along a string or strip of cloth, and then wrap it around your shoulders. This will repel light rain. You can fashion a rain hood of birch bark as well.

In the desert, you can make a sun-hat of large leaves, like those from a fan palm. String some together to wrap around your shoulders to prevent sunburn.

You’ll probably never have to use animal skins for survival clothing. You might never lose your shoes and need to glue tree bark to your feet with pine sap, for hiking. Still, knowing how to improvise a few basic pieces of survival clothing can make you more comfortable, and possibly save your life. For more camping information and posts, click here.

Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next backpacking trip, or any trip into the wilderness, a lot more enjoyable. Eat Plants While You Are Hiking should be taken seriously to avoid eating the wrong plants that can be poisonous or make you sick.

You can pack lighter if you eat wild berries every morning for breakfast, for example, and leave your oatmeal behind. So push the bears out of the way and gorge yourself on blueberries. Less weight on your back always feels better.

You’ll also enjoy your backpacking more when you know you won’t be completely helpless when you lose your pack. Or if a raccoon empties it for you. You don’t have to be a survivalist to see the value of knowing which of the wild plants around you can be eaten.

Eat Plants While You Hike

I regularly eat dandelions, wild currants, pine nuts, and other edible wild plants. I ate hundreds of calories in wild raspberries during a break while hiking in the Colorado Rockies. During a kayak trip on Lake Superior, a friend and I spent half a day stopping at every little island to fill our stomachs with wild blueberries. We were almost out of food, so our foraging helped us get through the rest of the trip. Edible Berries

Here are just some of the wild berries my wife and I ate while hiking to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park: Blueberries, Service Berries, Rose Hips, Blackberries, High Bush Cranberries, Strawberries,

Raspberries, Thimble berries, and Currants. Berries are the most convenient, calorie-rich, and nutritious of the edible wild plants out there. They are also the easiest to learn to identify.

Edible Wild Plants And Survival

If you travel in isolated wilderness areas, learning to identify a few edible wild plants can keep you safe, also. Someday you may be lost or injured, or a bear will push you out of the way to gorge himself on your freeze-dried meals. In a survival situation, food isn’t usually a priority (warmth and water are), but a pile of roasted cattail hearts will surely cheer you up and warm you, and they taste good.

Stay away from protected plants, of course, unless you are in an actual life-or-death situation. Also, don’t eat all the beautiful flowers or kill off the lilies by eating all the bulbs. Use common sense. If you aren’t sure if you’re doing harm, stick to eating wild berries.

Check out a few books on harvesting wild food. You don’t need to become a wilderness survival fanatic. You only need to learn to recognize a dozen high-calorie, abundant wild edible plants to be safer in the wilderness and enjoy it more. For more camping posts and about Eat Plants While You Hike, click here.

Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. Trekking Poles And Hiking Staffs help your balance on narrow paths.  This they do very well, at least when you’re going downhill.

What else are they good for? They help you keep your balance. You can use them as a defense against wild animals as well. I use a walking stick to rest my head on from time to time, and I also use it as a monopod for steadying the camera. Do You Need Trekking Poles?

What if you don’t have knee problems, and you are hiking on level ground? Then maybe there is no point in using trekking poles. They can be just more things to carry.

Do they save energy? They take the weight off your joints, but logic says you’ll expend more energy by carrying them. I use a walking stick at times when my knees insist, and it’s fun to poke at things, but it’s not a necessity. For what it’s worth, Ray Jardine, the “father” of ultralight backpacking, doesn’t recommend trekking poles.

Trekking Poles And Hiking Staffs

Walking Sticks and Other Options

I often cut dead sticks and use them until I lose them. I always lose my walking stick – a good reason not to buy the expensive ones. If I do still have it at the end of the trail, I leave it for the next hiker. Hand-cut walking sticks are heavier than high-tech trekking poles, but you can just leave them behind when you get tired of them.

You can use bamboo to make good light hiking staff. It’s stronger than it looks, so use a piece that’s only about 3/4″thick. I bought cheap decorative bamboo at Pier One Imports, and cut it to size. You can glue some soft scrap leather on for a comfortable handgrip.

Finally, ski poles work as trekking poles. It’s best if you remove the baskets, especially if you’re hiking in wooded areas where they may catch on something. for more Trekking Poles And Hiking Staffs and camping related information, click here.

Why use lightweight tents and ultralight tents? Because a heavy tent is one of the biggest obstacles to lightweight backpacking. You have to cut the weight of the “big three” (shelter, backpack and sleeping bag) to really go light. How do you choose one, though? Start by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Are you claustrophobic? Some ultralight tent designs are really just fancy bivy sacks. For those who hate tight squeezes,it will be like sleeping in a coffin.

2. How tall are you? If the length of the tent is only a few inches more than your height, you’ll be touching the walls. This probably means getting wet from the condensation on them.

3. What do you do in a tent? If you just sleep, total floor and head space are not important. If you normally play cards with friends for hours, you’ll need a design that allows for that.

4. Do you backpack in bad weather often? If all you plan to do is camp on nice summer nights, you can just look at the cheapest lightweight tents, and worry less about quality

5. How much have you budgeted for a tent? More money equals a lighter tent, but if you can’t get it light enough on your budget, you may want to consider going even lighter – and cheaper – with a tarp shelter.

6. Which is more important to you, fast set-up or lightest weight? Hopefully you’ll find a tent with the right balance, but keep your preference in mind when shopping.

More About Lightweight Tents

Single-layer tents (without a rain-fly) will usually have more condensation inside.

Light Tents – How Light?

This is true of even those that claim to be waterproof and breathable. It is less of a problem with the newer designs that have a lot of screen/ventilation area, because air circulation is as important as “breathable” material. These materials just don’t breathe that well anyhow.

Test your tent. It’s no fun spending 20 minutes setting up a complicated tent in the rain. Also, it can be worse than inconvenient to tear seams because of a design that stretches everything so tight you have to fight with it. Try the tent in your yard or living room, before you head into the wilderness.That way you can return it if it won’t work for you.

There is only one totally enclosed 2-person ultralight tent that I know of under 3 pounds. It’s a single layer, but the forward sloping door allows for a large screen area, to keep air-flow at a maximum. This keeps condensation to a minimum.

There are “floor less” tents, which are specially cut tarps which typically use your trekking poles for support. One of the lightest of these is a three-person design that weighs less than2 pounds. I haven’t tried it, but it gets good reviews, and it is in the weight range I like for ultralight tents. You have to bring a groundsheet with this type, so figure that weight into the decision.

Unfortunately, I’ve discovered the hard way – four tents and counting – that you tend to get what you pay for with lightweight tents. That’s one of the reasons I backpack with a tarp. For more camping related information, click here.

Dehydrated/freeze-dried camping food is great for hiking,backpacking, or camping meals. The main reason is that you don’t have to keep it cold to avoid spoiling. While coolers/refrigerators can work well in some situations,ice or electricity isn’t always available making dehydrated/freeze dried food very attractive. While removing the water helps preserve camping food it also has another benefit…

Camping, backpacking, or hiking food that’s freeze-dried or dehydrated can reduce weight by sixty to ninety percent. If you’re carrying a backpack or other hiking gear with a few days worth of camping food and supplies this can make a BIG difference.

Camping Food

As with any prepackaged food you’ll probably find most camping food portion/serving sizes extremely optimistic. Or after a long day of hiking…laughable. I’m not sure who dreamed up the system but keep it in mind when you’re buying it. Because otherwise you’ll probably be going hungry, or if you’re carrying a pack all day you might even be undernourished.

Something else to keep in mind is the design of the container itself. The containers with corners can make it difficult for the boiling water to mix with the camping food leaving dry spots. Also tall narrow containers make it almost impossible to reach inside with a spoon without getting as messy as a two year-old, as you work your way down to the bottom. (A quick fix is to trim off the top as you eat.) And if you’re a light eater or use them afterwards for trash some of the Camping Food containers have a”zip lock” type of closure which can come in handy, if they’re not trimmed to ribbons. 😉

Some camping foods can now be heated with a heating pouch by adding water to a chemical heating source. The advantage is there’s no flame. The drawback is they weigh more than the pouch by itself and there’s more trash to dispose of properly. So it may be better to just bring a small stove if you’re backpacking.

Camping food offers trade offs. While it isn’t usually gourmet that doesn’t mean it has to be bad. After all a gourmet meal would make for a lot of extra weight and inconvenience. Not my idea of a fun trip. The reason people buy it is because it’s light, convenient, and it can provide a quick hot meal.

Should sleeping bags be made of down or synthetic? What sleeping bag is best for camping, hiking or backpacking? How To Pick Warm Comfortable Sleeping Bags For Camping. A guide to make your decision easier. First off it should at least be rated for the lowest possible temperature you’ll encounter. You may want to even go a little lower just to be on the safe side. Obviously the main purpose is to hold your body heat in to insulate you from the cooler air. So the better the insulation holds your body heat in the warmer and more comfortable you’re going to be.

Insulation

Down-the filamentous and fluffy layer underneath the feathers.Positives: All being equal down is warmer, lighter, more comfortable, compresses smaller, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Goose down is the standard others are compared to. The more it lofts the better it insulates. This is known as fill-power, the higher the number the better it retains heat.

Negatives: Down looses most all of it’s insulating proper ties when wet, takes a long time to dry outdoors, is more expensive short-term, and may require professional cleaning.

Synthetic- These are usually hollow plastic threads that serveto trap warm air. Positives: Synthetic sleeping bags retain heat better when wet, costs less short-term when compared to the same temperature rating as down, dries quicker than down, and is hypo-allergenic. It’s usually well-suited for recreational use,but consider your own individual needs.

Negatives: They’re bulkier, heavier, less conforming, and can lose their insulating properties after a few seasons of hard use because of breakdown. More expensive long-term.

Shapes/Styles

Child’s/Kid sleeping bags- A kid has a harder time staying warmth an an adult, so keep this in mind when you’re getting them a sleeping bag. A cool summer night can chill a child quickly so consider a mummy bag.

How To Pick Warm Comfortable Sleeping Bags For Camping

Mummy- Provides more warmth for cold conditions and is more compact/lighter when packed. The narrow cut and insulated hood means less air for your body to heat. This bag is wide at the shoulders and narrows down to the feet. The drawback is it restricts movement. That said the Marmot Saw tooth sleeping bag is a good light 3-season 15 Degree down sleeping bag ideal for backpacking.

Rectangular- These sleeping bags are ideal for campground camping. They give you more room to move around in. They’re not suited for the winter due to the larger area you have to heat and the open top design. This is the best design for double sleeping bags, usually you can just zip two of the same kind together. Not for weight-conscious backpacking and hiking gear enthusiasts.

Semi-Rectangular- A combination of the mummy and rectangular sleeping bags this hybrid splits the middle between room to move and warmth.

Comfort Ratings- The “comfort rating” is the minimum temperature that a sleeping bag is designed for. Of course this is just an approximation as people tolerate temperature differently.

There is no need to get 4 season tents for gentle summer camping. Even if there is a heavy downpour, the use of sleeping pads combined with adequate planning should keep everything fairly dry. Sometimes campers are using 4 season tents because they just want to deal with one tent.

The important thing is to not camp at the bottom of a hill, to make sure the rain fly is secure, and to take advantage of natural cover. But, a four season tent can be a nice thing to have for extreme conditions, and if you have the money to spend on one, it is a luxury that can really improve your camping experience.

Using 4 Season Tents

Basically, the difference is that a 4 season tent is tighter, with heavier outer walls. When it is all zipped up, there is no space anywhere for the elements to get in. In addition, they are often stabler so that they can resist extremely heavy storms if need be. This does not mean, however, that you cannot use 4 season tents in nicer weather. Many styles  come with the ability to unzip the outer fly so that you can keep cool on summer days, while still braving near-arctic temperatures in the winter.

You will find, however, that the more extreme the conditions for which it was designed, the more specialized a 4 season tent will be. For example, they are not things that you would like to take camping on a warm summer night. The ventilation panels are small, with the result that it will be stuffy and hot at night if you are camping during the summer with them. Additionally, they are made of heavier, stronger material, and as a result are an added burden for your normal camping trip.

And of course, good 4 season tents can be prohibitively expensive, running upwards of $500 dollars sometimes. Compare this to a 1-2 person summer tent that you might buy at your camping store. I got mine for $30 dollars and, although it provides little warmth, it works alright during the summer when combined with a decent sleeping bag. The truth of the matter is, it is important to think about what you will be doing before you go out and buy expensive mountaineering equipment. You must make sure that your equipment fits its purpose.

Hammocks are starting to become staples in camping gear and have become more popular over the years. Several campers have opted to using a hammock when camping instead of the usual tent and tarp, attesting to its packing convenience and ease of use. Using A Hammock When Camping is another way to enjoy your outdoors experience.

However, there are some who remain conventional over the methods of camping that relegate the use of a hammock as nothing more than a novelty or a fad. But for its legions of fans, a hammock surely beats having to sleep on the ground.

The advantages linked to using hammocks are vast. Here are some of the reasons more and more happy campers are becoming happier campers with the use of hammocks.

Using A Hammock When Camping

Comfort

A hammock promises that you will not sleep on the ground. Sure, you can carry around an air mattress but it will only add weight to your already full load. If you have a bad shoulder, back or hip, sleeping on the ground might not be the best option for you. Your body will thank you more if you opt for a hammock, instead.

Less movement

If you sleep in a hammock, you are not likely to toss and turn while you sleep because it protects you snugly while at slumber. Once you find your most comfortable position in a hammock, chances are you will assume this post until you wake up and feel more refreshed, as opposed to sleeping on the ground. A hammock that is properly set up has positive orthopedic benefits.

More site alternatives

It’s difficult to set up a tent on a very rocky surface, so most campers have to look for plane ground first before they set up camp. However, hammock users may settle anywhere, as long there is something they can attach the hammock to. You can even camp anywhere even if the ground is damp and won’t have to waste time and energy looking for a perfect and dry spot to rest.

Goodbye critters and ground nuisances

You will no longer have to worry about bugs, poison ivy, thorns and other animals that crawl into your sleeping bag at night if you use a hammock. Also, you won’t leave traces of your presence in a particular site like the ones that are left by tarps and tents.

Using A Hammock When Camping – Easy set up and multiple use

It only takes about two minutes to set up a hammock. Also, aside from being a good resting place, it can be a good recreational tool, like a swing or nice chair. It sure beats having to sit on rocks, right?

Hammocks, therefore, a great device to bring when you’re going camping. It’s less bulky and affords you greater comfort. So don’t listen to those camping purists when they tell you hammocks are just gimmicks. Instead, listen to what your body needs — and that is a comfortable resting place when you need respite from hours of hiking.

The last thing you want to happen when you’re 20 miles into the woods is to find your sleeping bag is not warm enough. You will be facing a very long and restless night which can ruin your spirits and sap your strength for the next day. This post is about, How To Have A Comfortable Sleep When Camping!

How To Have A Comfortable Sleep When Camping

So how do you make sure you’ve selected the right sleeping bag for your needs? There are several aspects to consider:

GOOSE DOWN or SYNTHETIC?

There are pros and cons to most of the options available in sleeping bags.

Goose down is very warm. It is lightweight to carry and can be easily compressed for travel and quickly regain form when shaken out. It is by far a better choice for backpackers who intend to carry the bag with them for extended trips because of the lighter weight and smaller packing. However, goose down is also more expensive and loses its insulating properties when wet – a consideration if sleeping outdoors or traveling in inclement weather.

Synthetic filled bags are cheaper than goose down and retain their warmth even in wet conditions. They dry faster than down and are good choices if traveling by boat or sleeping outdoors on the ground. However, synthetic bags are heavier and larger which can be a downside if you are hiking long distances with the bag.

For the average family camper synthetic bags are the least expensive and least affected by wet conditions. If traveling by car to a campground the size and weight of a synthetic bag should not be a problem.

RECTANGLE, TAPERED or MUMMY BAG?

As with the insulating materials, the shape of bag you choose will depend on your specific needs with pros and cons for each type.

Rectangle bags are most similar to bed sleeping and most familiar to the average user. They permit room for movement and you can easily zip two bags together for shared sleeping. However, rectangle bags are the biggest and not the best option for carrying on extended hikes.

Tapered bags are somewhat narrower towards the feet area of the sleeping bag. This shape provides less freedom of movement but more warmth because of the restricted space.

Mummy bags are the smallest and lightest to carry. They are very snug to the body (as the name suggests) with a hood that can be fitted around the head to conserve the greatest amount of body heat. While the average user may find the mummy bag uncomfortable to sleep in because of the restriction, they are the best choice for cold weather camping and long hikes because of their warmth and small size.

WHICH TEMPERATURE RATING?

Sleeping bags will list the coldest temperature they are suitable for sleeping in. Depending on if you are camping in the summer or colder months you will need to choose a bag accordingly. Also take into consideration if you are normally cold or hot when sleeping and make the adjustments.

In most cases it is recommended to choose a warmer bag since you can always open it for venting if it is too warm. The temperature rating is based on using a sleeping pad under the sleeping bag which conserves body heat from the ground.

How To Have A Comfortable Sleep When Camping ADDITIONS:

If you frequently camp out you may want to consider a liner for your bag. Which will increase its warmth and can be washed separately, saving your sleeping bag from extra wear and tear.

You can also purchase sleeping bag covers. Some of these can substitute for a warm weather sleeping bag and can extend an all season bag into a cold weather bag by increasing the warmth. They can also provide extra protection from wet conditions and are a good choice for protecting goose down sleeping bags.

How comfortable you are when you sleep will drastically affect your enjoyment of a camping or hiking trip. Saving five or ten dollars at the expense of a good nights sleep will not seem like a good idea when you are tired and cold out in the woods, so choose wisely.

As the warmer weather approaches, we look forward to another season of camping and enjoying the fun, relaxation, and beauty that the outdoor environment has to offer. I am anxious to get out on weekends to some of my favorite campsites around Kentucky and Indiana. Planning your trip is important to ensure a successful trip. Calculate Food Quantities For Camping as well as fishing gear and other items you may need. Of course I’ll have plenty of fishing gear to bring along in case some of my family or friends join in on the adventures that are sure to come with each outing. This is the most enjoyable thing for me when I see others having a great time hiking, fishing, throwing Frisbees, or sitting around the campfire telling stories or singing campfire songs.

There are several things I try to consider before I begin packing fora camping trip. First of course, is how long will I be gone? How much time do I have to get away from the “9 to 5”, unwind and get refreshed by the fresh air, sunshine, and peaceful scenery that nature provides so abundantly? This summer, I’m going to try to get out more frequently on the weekends.

Short Outings

I’ll talk a little about short outings that are not too distant from home. This will allow me more time for what I actually want to do, and that of course, is to camp. I don’t want to spend 5 hours going and 5 hours coming, using basically a whole day just for traveling. If I pick a place that’s within a 100 mile radius, I should be able to find several dozen places to visit and spend less than 4 hours of total travel time.

Ok, that sound great, I can think of a dozen places within 100 miles right of the top of my head. Lake Monroe, where my youngest son and I visited last year, is only 1 hour and 45 minutes from my home. That was a great weekend camping trip and my daughter and her friends came from Bloomington to join in the fun.

Fishing

Several of the girls had not fished much at all, and I had more fun than they did watching them scream and holler as we caught over 70 bluegill. It was a great thrill for them to actually catch, clean, and eat fresh fish. Most of the pan fish were a little on the small side, but I had them keep them for several reasons. One of course, is the fish sometimes swallow the hook and it’s nearly impossible to throw them back when this happens.

Another reason I sometimes keep small bluegill, is that it helps other aquatic life to have more abundant food sources. Anyway, after we cleaned them all, they were absolutely delicious dipped in a bowl of egg and milk, rolled in cracker crumbs and cornmeal, and fried to a golden brown. And of course we had several bags to take home, which seemed like it made the camping trip last longer than just the weekend.

Calculate Food Quantities For Camping – Essentials

But let’s get back to some of the essentials of planning your weekend camping trip. After you’ve decided on how much time you have, you will need to consider how many nature lovers are going camping. That’s usually the easy part. So if you’ve got 5 people going, and you’re going to be gone for two nights and two days, you’ll want to figure how many meals that will be. I’d say it will be in the neighborhood of 2 dinners, 2 breakfast, and 2 lunches, not including snack times.

So we’ll need enough food for 10 people (5 x 2) for essentially one day. That should calculate to an average of 8-10 ounces of meat per person. Also 8-10 ounces of vegetables and fruit per person, and 8-10 servings of bread or grains per two persons. You can also use the 8-10 rule for your drinks for a total of 8-10, (8-10 oz. drinks) including water, per person per day.

This may seem like a lot of liquid. But when you consider 3 meals a day and an additional drink in between, you are already at 6 drinks a day. Remember, dehydration is a major cause of heat stroke. If you’re going hiking, swimming, or playing any type of running sport, this will easily bring the drink count up an additional 3 or more for a total of 9 drinks a day. Let’s make an easy formula to go by.

Calculate Food Quantities For Camping

FOOD QUANTITY FORMULA

5 people for 2 days = (5 x 2 = 10)
10 x 8-10 ounces = (80-100 ounces meat) or 5-6¼ lbs.
10 x 8-10 ounces = (80-100 ounces fruits and veggies) or 5-6¼ lbs.
8-10 servings bread or grain per (2) persons
8-10 (8-10 oz. drinks) per person (per day)

NOTE: Hard cheeses such as American and Swiss include in meat weight.
Soft cheeses such as cultures add to fruits and vegetables weight.
Eggs may be separate.

So that’s a pretty good rule of thumb to go by for your “3 squares”. If you like to snack, which goes great with camping, bring along your chips, marshmallows, or bake cookies. You’ll never go hungry. Don’t forget the milk if your bring chocolate.

Koa Campgrounds Are Great For All Types Of Campers regardless of whether you have a trailer, RV or a tent. The owners and staff of Koa Campgrounds are dedicated to making sure they are all clean, safe and fun to be at. If you’re not ready to rough it in the wilderness just yet, then a KOA campground may be right for you. Whether you prefer tent camping, cottages, lodges or their exclusive cabins you can enjoy the ambiance of the campground experience.

KOA camps have pride in being camping experts. They try to focus on making your stay a great one, with locations in Canada, USA and Japan. Search on koa campgrounds.com and read up on camping information from the experts who know all about camps. Also read about a sale or hot deal on a KOA family camping adventure.

Koa Campgrounds Are Great For All Types Of Campers – Website

When you visit the KOA website you will find pet travel tips, camping recipes, free postcards and much more. There is also a KOA camp-ground newsletter, value Kard, Gift certificates. For example they even have the option to book wireless internet right on the KOA’s campgrounds.

Search a location near you with the Koa camp-listing directory. If you’re in Florida, Michigan, Colorado, California, Myrtle beach, Ontario, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Oregon, Wisconsin, Utah, South Dakota, Okayama, Minnesota, Indiana, Georgia, Fort Mill, Kentucky, Tennessee, San Diego, Montana, Niagara Falls, BC, New York, Washington, Arizona and many other places you may just find a KOA campsite location and reservation near you.

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but you just can’t find the time to take them on a camping trip? Or would you like to introduce your kids to the fun of camping for the first time, but aren’t sure if they will enjoy it, or might get scared? What about a backyard camping trip? Either way, camping out in your backyard will be a fun way to spend the evening and night with your kids.

Get the kids involved in setting up camp in your backyard. Have them help you set up the tent. Put them in charge of getting their sleeping bags, flashlights and anything else they may need into the tent. If it’s an option for you, you may even want to make a campfire in your backyard. Check with your fire department before hand if this is an option in your area. If not, just dig out the charcoal or gas grill. Grill some hotdogs and make some foil backed potatoes for dinner, and of course you’ll need some s’mores for desert. If you are roasting the marshmallows over your grill, put some aluminum foil over the grate to keep the melting marshmallow from dripping onto your grill.

Backyard Camping Trip – Living Room

Don’t have a tent, or even a backyard for that matter? That’s no reason not to camp out. Just spread out your sleeping bags, or even just some blanket in the living room. Turn off the TV, radio and video games. If you have a fireplace, build a fire. Otherwise, order some pizza and pop some popcorn and you can even make s’mores in the microwave.

No matter where you decide to have your close to home camping trip, take some time to sit together and talk. Telling stories, whether a campfire is involved or not, is always fun. Your kids’ imagination in creating new stories may surprise you. Don’t forget to tell some handed down family tales.

Above all, think back about your favorite camping memories and recreate them with your kids. Do you remember any good scary stories? Are there any games you enjoyed playing? What’s your favorite card game?

Have some fun with this, enjoy your kids and create some memories.

Camping is always associated with fire. Besides cooking, this fire will keep us warm in the night and to shoo the wild animals away. Find out the tips on How To Build a Camp Fire below

From books and moving pictures we all know that Indians had the ability to maintain smokeless fires, and that trappers could blot out the sites of their fires without leaving the slightest trace behind. But we’re not always able to imitate these models. We gaily follow the recipe take some wood and light it. But there’s far more to it than that.

How To Build a Camp Fire – Wood

Before you build a fire, you must first have a good supply of firewood on hand. It’s embarrassing to realize that there’s no more wood when your hot dog is only half done. For a smokeless fire you need completely dry, brittle wood. The driest branches are those that have lost their bark and never feel cold; cold wood is damp and heavy, and it is useless to you unless you want to dry it out at a fire first. You can find dry brittle wood even after a rain. Look for branches under dense shrubbery (that’s a bit of old gypsy lore) or find the lowest dead branches of young pine trees, which are especially suitable for starting fires.

Only a greenhorn would start a fire with wood that still has green leaves hanging on it. Such wood is usable only if you already have a strong fire. Thick, dead limbs of old oaks, dried roots and trunks make good heating material. In rainy weather, cut away the top layer of wet sticks; the center will be dry.

Kindling

This is almost like a game of skill. First, clean the site where you are going to lay your fire, and scrape the ground all around it so that you leave nothing that may be ignited by a flying spark. Then, start with paper, dried grass or reeds, dried leaves and twigs, birch bark or paper thin shavings. Set up a little pyramid of the thinnest, driest twigs over this. Then, to get a strong flame, lay brittle softwood branches on top of the pile. Finally, to produce effective heat and a good glow, add pieces of root and thick hardwood sticks.

The hardwoods include oak, beech, poplar, birch and hickory. Hazel, spruce, pine and fir are all softwoods. The paper thin outer layer of birch bark is ideal for kindling.

Set fire to the core of the pyramid only when it is finished. If kindling piles are skillfully built, it is possible to light them with a magnifying glass if the sun is out brightly. As long ago as 278 B.C. the inventive Archimedes saved the Sicilian city of Syracuse with this principle. He erected a huge reflector on the city wall and set fire to the enemy fleet with it. Soon the fleet was swimming in bright flames on the sea. I wasn’t there myself, but I have often lighted a well prepared, dry kindling pyramid with my pocket burning glass.

Before making the fire, search for the right type of wood which is dry, so easy it will be easy to burn. Arrange the woods in a pyramid form to produce such level of heat to warm the night.

When we go for camping, surely we have to adjust ourselves with the nature. Unlike our home, when we go for camping the gas stove probably is not always available. You have to build a fire-place for any cooking purpose. Managing Cooking Sites In Camp can improve your experience significantly. Find the tips below on how to manage to cook or bake when you go for camping.

In the fall, when there is a tang in the air and the trees begin to shed their leaves, there is nothing so satisfying as a pot of hot soup or tea cooked over an open fire, with the unavoidable taste of wood smoke and the usually unwanted addition of pine needles.

Cooking Sites while Camping

You can invent and construct your stove on the spot. The type you build depends upon the circumstances and the available materials. Four possibilities are shown on the next page.

But whatever kind of fire you use, there are some important precautions to take. Forest rangers and nature lovers do not like to see careless people building fires in the woods. And not without reason. Fires incompletely extinguished or sprays of sparks left unwatched have caused numerous, often devastating forest fires. You should build your fire only in the middle of a clearing, in a pit, or on a stony spot. There should be nothing that can burn within 8 to 10 feet all around the fire site. Trees or bushes within this distance from the fire would be damaged by the heat.

You must completely extinguish the fire afterwards. It certainly is not too much for you to get some water for this from a nearby brook. If you merely want to stamp the fire out, at least leave yourself enough time for the job it is really not so easy or fast. In addition, you are likely to burn your shoe soles doing this, although you may not notice it until later. Never scatter the fire in all directions so that the coals fly under leaves and are hidden from you somewhere. They keep on glowing.

Managing Cooking Sites In Camp – Baking Bread

At home, before you set off for your camping grounds, you can make dough with a teaspoonful of baking powder, about six ounces of flour, a pinch of salt, and some water or milk. Knead the mixture into tough dough and pack it in a clean handkerchief or a can when you are ready to go.

While your fire is building up the strong heat necessary for baking, cut two forked branches and a straight green hazel or birch stick. Set the branches at each end of the fire. Then make a long roll out of the dough, somewhat thicker than your thumb, and wrap it around the green stick in a spiral, keeping the individual turns at a little distance from each other. The dough will rise while it is baking, and the twists should not bake together. Lay the stick across the forked branches, and turn the spit frequently. The bread is done when you can insert a smooth bit of wood and pull it out dry. If you want to be even more like a woodsman, and if your camp site has fresh running water, you can mix the ingredients at home without any liquid, and put the mixture into a paper or plastic bag. Then, when you are out at the site, you can add the water and cook your bread on a flat stone.

Fire can be use in many kind of purpose. Take any precautions when you set up the fire. Fire can be use for any type for cooking. When you go out for camping, does not mean that you will not get fresh bread. Remember you should be always managing cooking sites in camp

Mosquitoes can carry diseases like malaria, yellow fever, many types of encephalitis and dengue. As a result almost 600 million people die each year with mosquito-born diseases. What can you do to prevent getting bitten? Buying Mosquito Netting is more complicated than you might at first think.

Mosquito netting is important because it prevents an insect bite that carries infectious diseases. It comes in a variety of shapes, color and purposes. Here are some guidelines for you to choose the perfect mosquito netting. Therefore if you are going camping it can be a great investment.

Guidelines to Consider

1) Size and shape: The size of the net should be spacious. It should have enough space to cover your whole body while sleeping. The mosquito netting should provide you with your needed air circulation. As a result mosquito net with holes of 1.2mm x 1.2mm is the most used and the most recommended.

Rectangular mosquito nettings are more advisable to use because it provides much needed space for you and your friends. But pyramid shaped mosquito nets could be used for individual purposes.

2) Material: There are two most common material used in mosquito netting – polyester and cotton. Mosquito netting made of polyester is lightweight that could be used for camping and other traveling needs. It lasts longer than cotton nets because cotton is not water-resistant and weighs more when wet. But cotton mosquito netting could offer a more comfortable rest when used outdoors. As a result both of these kinds of netting are available in different sizes and thickness of the thread used.

For a more efficient mosquito net, it is recommended to purchase a net that has been sprayed with high quality insecticides. If the nets are pre-treated with insecticides, the mosquito net repellent could be useful at least for a year depending on heat and rain exposure. If insecticide is no longer there, you could always buy from your nearest store.

3) Purpose: The mosquito netting is perfect for a number of situations. It could be used outside of your backyard as gazebos and umbrellas. It could be used in your house as doors, windows and balconies. Subsequently it also it could be used in traveling and in camping. Whatever the case may be, it could be used anywhere you may go.

Buying Mosquito Netting

4) Variety: The mosquito netting could be purchased in a number of styles and shapes for your preference. Here are some of the basic kinds of mosquito nets available in stores.

* Head and body nets: These kinds of nets are usually used outdoors in camping and in dealing with swarms of mosquitoes. There are nets available to cover any part of the body, or the whole body itself.

* Indoor nets: Indoor nets are used in the repelling of insects inside the house. It is to protect your children and yourself from future insect bites. It is used in screening the doors, windows, as draperies, and many more.

* Hanging nets: These kinds of mosquito nets are hanged from the top of your house and tucked into the floor. They are the types of nets that are best used as umbrella, for balconies, and for larger areas to cover.

* Equipment nets: These are specialty equipment’s produced with mosquito netting. Samples of this include a baby stroller net, bed canopies, and many more.

Now that you know how to buy the perfect mosquito netting for you, invest now and experience the protection your family would maintain.

“Do you know about Wall-Mart camping?” We didn’t know, but one of the seasoned travelers beside us at the campground where we stayed last week insisted Wall-Mart not only allowed RVs and vans to park overnight, but encouraged it. “Free camping,” he told us, and we didn’t wait long to take advantage of this new knowledge. There is something about Wal Mart Camping And Other Free Places that appeals to the wanderer in us.

Wal Mart Camping And Other Free Places

Somewhere in northern Georgia we pulled into a Wall-Mart, and sure enough, we saw some RVs off to one side of the parking lot, looking like they were there for the night. We were heading back to Michigan in our conversion van, and free camping sounded good to us. We parked, plugged in our 5-inch T.V., and settled in for the night. Nobody bothered us. In the morning we used the bathrooms inside, and bought some orange juice.

The next night we camped for free again, this time at a “Flying J” truck stop. There were RVs camping there as well. You’ll find Flying J Truck stops all over, and they actively court the RV crowd, counting on gas and other sales. We filled our tank there in the morning, and bought some food as well. As long as campers stay out of the way of the truckers, free camping is likely to continue.

Other Free Camping Places

Generally, you can camp free on any BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, unless it’s specifically forbidden in an area. This is also true of National Forest lands. In both cases you’re limited to a stay of two weeks in one place, though this rule is not always enforced, and the next two-week place might have to be only a hundred yards away. State forest lands are usually open to free camping without permits, but policies vary by state (The two-week rule seems to be common).

Wall-Mart Camping And Other Free Places

We camped in our van for ten days at Williams Landing, east of Tallahassee, Florida, on Lake Talquin. It’s a beautiful place, with hot showers. Our cost? Zero, and you can stay up to two weeks. There are free campgrounds scattered around the country. Ask an RVer about this, or buy a Woodall’s directory from any large RV dealer.

Note: Wall-mart seems to encourage the campers, except in coastal areas where too many RVer’s want to live in a parking lot. Don’t roll out the carpet and put out lawn furniture like one traveler we heard about, or you may ruin it for all. Some stay for a week at a time, going out all day to see the sights (and so they don’t wear out their welcome). Wall-mart gets business from the campers, but they’ll only continue their policy if they don’t have problems, so keep it low-key.

To find a Wall-Mart in the area you’re traveling to, visit Walmart.com. Scroll down to the “store finder” link to search. Thank you for camping at Wall-Mart!

Next time when you go camping, try to play these fun games with people in your group or other campers. Certainly these great fun filled camping games can give you and your kids lots of laughs. As a result this is a great way to build relationship with other campers.

Circle Jumping

Stand everyone in a circle with all hands clasped. One of the crowds lies down in the center with a rope as long as one-half the diameter of the circle. To the end of the rope is tied a small weight like a sand bag. He whirls the weight around with the full length of rope revolving with increasing rapidity. As it approaches the players, they hop up and let it pass under their feet. The one whose foot is touched is out of the game. Consequently the person who keeps out of the way of the rope the longest is the winner.

Wolf

Here is a Japanese game full of fun and action.

Place a dozen or more campers in line, and have each fellow place his hands firmly on the shoulders of the person in front of him. Choose one of the fellows for the “Wolf.” The first person at the head of the line is called the “Head” of the Serpent, and the last fellow is the “Tail.”
The “Wolf” stands near the head of the Serpent until a signal is given. Then he tries to catch the “Tail” without touching any other part of the snake.

The others who form the body of the Serpent protect the “Tail” by wreathing about in all sorts of twists to prevent the “Wolf” from catching the “Tail.” This must be done without breaking the line. When the “Tail” is caught, the “Wolf” becomes the “Head,” and the “Tail” becomes the “Wolf.” The last person in line is the “Tail”. Therefore the game can be continued until every camper has been the “Wolf.”

Great Fun Filled Camping Games

Rover, All Come Over
A line is marked dividing the campus. All the campers gather on one side. One person in the center endeavors to have them step over the line by calling out, “Rover, Rover, all come over!”. At the word “over” everybody is expected to run and cross the line, while the center man endeavors to catch one. The one caught must help him catch the others. If any one runs over before the center man calls “over,” he has to go to the aid of the catcher. As a result when all are caught the game begins again.

German Bowling

Plant in the ground two posts, leaving at least 15 feet above ground. Spike a 10-foot piece across the top. An ordinary ball used in bowling is used by plugging shut the holes and inserting a screw eye in one of the plugged holes. Tie tightly to this screw eye a strong piece of rope. A good-sized screw eye is fastened in the cross piece of the frame, and to this tie the ball. Nine bowling pins are used. The score is the same as bowling. The pins are knocked off by the return of the ball.

Water Baseball

The outfit required is a tennis ball, a broom stick and four rafts- one large and three small. The batsman and catcher stand on the big raft. On a small raft, ten yards away, stands the pitcher and the other two rafts are placed at easy swimming distance for bases. In striking, everything counts – bunt, swat or foul tip. The moment bat and ball come in contact the batsman starts for first base. There are five men on a side. This game is lots of fun. But avoid remaining in fresh water too long as it has a tendency to weaken vitality.

Enjoy your outdoor camping!

The best way to arrange for a carefree and fun-filled camping for you and your family is to have the checklist of camping equipment handy so that we do not miss to pack the most important and essential things. Apart from the checklist  do a quick research  about the place your going camping. Know a bit about the locality and its inhabitants so that you don’t have the feeling of coming from an outer planet.

Preparing A Checklist Of Camping Equipment

Hence the most essential part of camping deals with the list of Camping equipment:

1. A tent, lean-to or other shelter device
2. A sleeping bag for warmth
3. A sleeping pad or air mattress is often placed underneath the sleeping bag for cushioning from stones and twigs as well as for insulation from the ground
4. A portable stove to prepare hot meals and/or drinks where campfires are forbidden or impractical
5. A lantern or flashlight
6. A hatchet, axe or saw for cutting firewood where allowed or constructing camp gadgets

7. Various types and sizes of ropes and tarps for stringing clothes lines, sheltering dining areas, and other purposes.
8. A chuck box to hold the many varied camp kitchen items for food preparation, consumption and cleanup.
9. Some campers may prepare food by cooking on a campfire, sometimes using such equipment as a Dutch oven.
10. Much of the remaining needed camping equipment is commonly available in the home, like dishes, pots and pans.

Lists of what to take are available in many camping books and websites. Many people opt not to use their home items but equipment better tailored to camping, such as heavy plastic tableware and salt and pepper shakers with tops that close to keep out rain. Last but not the least the item to be included in the list of camping equipment is a first aid box which is of utmost importance.

Preparing A Checklist Of Camping Equipment

Great care and attention should be given before making this first aid box so that we don’t miss on the basic yet vital medicines which could provide relief when nothing else is available nearby. First aid is the immediate care given to a person who is injured or who suddenly becomes ill. It can range from cleaning a cut and applying a bandage to helping someone who is choking.

One list of items for a first aid kit is as follows:

1. Dressings (sterile, applied directly to wound): Pads
Sterile eye pads, Sterile gauze pads.
2. Bandages (sterility is not necessary, used to secure a dressing): Gauze Roller bandages – absorbent, breathable, and often elastic
Elastic bandages – used for sprains, and pressure bandages, Adhesive, elastic roller bandages,Triangular bandages
3. Gloves, disposable non-latex
4. Torch (also known as a flashlight)
5. Instant-acting chemical cold packs

6. Sterile eye wash (commonly saline) Sterile saline may also be used for cleaning wounds where clean tap water is not available.
7. Thermometer
8. Antiseptic/anesthetic ointment or spray
9. Anti-itch ointment (especially for outdoor kits)
10. Painkillers / fever reducers
11. Aloe veragel – used for a wide variety of skin problems, including burns, sunburns, itching, and dry skin

As and when your checklist is ready you are all set to go and respond to your senses of adventure and accept challenges with a brave heart as and when they come. After you come back from your camping venture don’t forget to update your checklist before setting for the next camping venture because with every trip you would come to know about the things you should have included in your list. So keep on editing and adding new items to your camping checklist so that your experience of camping becomes better and better each time.

For more posts about camping, click here.

On almost every camping trip you arrive at the campgrounds and then suddenly you remember that you forgot something. By the time you realize you don’t have the camping accessory with you, it’s much too late to ever turn back. This means either spending more money at some very expensive gas station or be angry for days on end. We have put together a list of Often Overlooked Camping Accessories.

Here are some of the most forgotten accessories for camping. These items may be small in comparison to what you are thinking right now. But they can also make all the difference in how efficiently your camping trip pans out.

Extra Batteries

Most often than not, we grab a flashlight and even check that it works but we don’t test how much energy is left in the batteries. I can’t tell you the number of times we took an old, beat up radio into the woods, only to remember we forgot to pack the batteries. Needless to say, we ended up without any music or access to weather conditions, and that could have been a disaster.

Can Opener

Unless you are packing only food that is instant-made, you will want to bring along one of these with the rest of your cutlery. Let me tell you, this could mean the difference between continuing your camping vacation, your can opener serves as a lid cutter necessary to make lunch and dinner. Often you can borrow one from other campers.

Often Overlooked Camping Accessories You Better Bring On Your Next Trip

Full Size Lantern

Once again, unless you are camping under the stars in the moonlight, you will need to have a lantern. Yet, this is a commonly forgotten camping accessory. I believe this is most likely due to the fact we are usually leave our homes in the daylight, and don’t think about night conditions.

First-Aid Kit

Remember to choose a first-aid kit based on how many people you’ll be camping with. Make sure that it contains an easy-to-follow instruction book. It should contain items like bandages, insect sting and/or bite kits, moleskin, and first-aid ointment.

Sleeping pad

Camping sleeping pads provide a layer between you and the rocky ground, they also help to insulate you and keep you warmer. Choose a camping sleeping pad based on the climate. Choose it based on whether you’ll be backpacking or car camping. You can take an inflatable air mattresses (they are comfortable and definitely provide insulation). They are also bulky and are difficult to hike with. Foam pads provide better insulation than air mattresses and are still relatively inexpensive and light. In particular closed-cell foam is a great insulator and is very durable.

For more posts about camping, click here.

Cooking Tips When Out Camping come in handy and make your trip much more enjoyable. While we were kids, my brother and I, had the opportunity of traveling around the countryside with our father. We were able to explore everything our home country had to offer. Unfortunately, in most of these trips our mother was left behind as she had to work. We were given the chance to spend time with our father. He was a nature lover and took us almost anywhere our car and feet could lead us.

These trips were our time together with our beloved father. While we were young did everything in his power to spend as much time with us as possible. If time was not the issue back then, we tried to keep the budget under logical limits. All these trips were made with our car that was carrying on its roof our specially designed and hand-made tender.

Cooking Tips When Out Camping

During those camping times and since our mother was not near by to feed us, our father was apart from the designated driver and the leader of our group, also the cook. He served us some of the best meals we have ever tasted. Probably because we were really hungry by the time it was time to eat. The truth is that I still remember the taste of his pasta. If I could go back in time, I would love to experience again the thrill of singing with my brother while our dad was cooking his amazing pasta on our carry on kitchen supplies.

Other campers tend to agree with my remark as they support that camping cooking can be some of the best cooking there is. Close to the environment and while being able to smell all that wonderful tasty food cooked on the fire, many agree that there is nothing better.

Cooking Tips When Out Camping

If you are a beginner in camping, you should know that there are several different methods that can be used when cooking while camping, like wood fires, camp charcoal, stoves, foil cooking and more. The type of cooking method is directly related to the food you will decide to make. How you like it cooked sometimes decides what method you should be using. But then again there are several camping cooking tips to consider before cooking and camping out.

Consider freezing the meat for instance. Freezing it ahead of time can keep the meat fresh and other foods cool as well. My father used to be proactive like that and plan ahead of time. He also used plastic bags or containers to keep measured portions of the food that was about to consumed, safely contained. I think it is also best if you want to avoid food from sticking to the pans to apply oil on the grill.

Finally, put matches somewhere safe to keep them dry. Many camping cookbook recipes require the use of natural fire. There is no better way to start a fire than with matches. You can also keep your drinks in a separate cooler from food. It can help keep foods colder longer avoiding any kind of spoilage. Finally, a great tip is to keep water bottles when they are empty. They can become great camping cooking containers to put the salad dressing, oils, or any other liquid substance.

Tired of packing too much gear or not bringing critical camping gear for your camping trips? Camping trips can be a great way to relax and get away from it all. With a little planning you could have better better camping trips. Since different camping areas offer different challenges start off by making a camping list and/or hiking gear list you might need. This will help get you started…

Are there any wildlife problems that may be an issue on your trip? Bears, raccoons, snakes, spiders, and mosquitoes are just a handful of the typical wildlife to consider on your camp trips.

What weather is possible? Pack the right gear for the trip. Does the weather vary much? Do you need rain gear? Does the temperature fluctuate between extremes like it does in the desert or are biting insects a problem? If it’s a trip you haven’t taken before ask someone who has or call your guide or host.

What do you want to do? Are you taking a camping trip to relax or are you looking for full physical involvement? Do you want to camp only, or would you like to throw in some hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, or mountain biking into the mix?

Rustic?

Do you like rustic camping or do you think flush toilets and warm running water are a good thing? If you like traveling in RV comfort, are looking for tips, or if you need help selecting a campground, take a look at Your RV Lifestyle before your next camping trip.

Consider your level of fitness. Your level of fitness will determine how much you enjoy your trip. If you’re going to be doing demanding activities be honest with yourself and make sure you’re up to the challenge. Pushing yourself too far will only make you miserable.

Camping trips in remote locations may require different transportation than you’re used to… how are you going to get there. Is help easily available if you need it?

How To Have Better Camping Trips?

Do you need topographic maps because you’re wanting to get away into the back country?

If you’re hiring an outfitter ask what’s included and expected of you regarding the camping tours you’re considering. If you’re camping at various sites do you have to carry your own hiking gear or other equipment used for camping or will your host take care of it? Do they provide food or shelter?

Is the camping trip “kid appropriate”? Do they have guest references you can check with to make sure your trip is a good one? Do they carry insurance or do you need to get your own?

If you’re going on any remote camping trips make sure you plan for water. Will there be water available the entire time or will you need to treat or purify your own with a water filter or water purifier? Or will you have to carry it all…

If you’d like more information about camping trips click here for the rest of the article. You may also want to take a look at a related article about how to pick the best camping tents.

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear were after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water forcing him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: research is a good thing). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money.

Mountain hiking demands great gear and more education than your typical trail hike. Why? Because as you ascend breathing becomes less efficient, the trails can grow difficult, and rescue becomes more challenging. So consider your mountain equipment to be your life support system. We have included a few Mountain Hiking Tips in this post.

In day hiking you can get away with wearing light-weight boots or shoes. Remote mountain hiking requires heavier supportive boots to protect your ankles and feet. Walking with a sprained ankle on a day hike is inconvenient compared to trying to limp out of the back-country mountains. Don’t forget that heavy pack you have to carry. Thinking ahead and being prepared with the right mountain gear, guides, and information can make a huge difference. It can literally mean the difference between a minor mishap and at times death. Take your safety seriously.

As elevation increases the atmospheric pressure decreases (amount of oxygen doesn’t actually drop until over 50,000 feet). Which means there’s less pressure to ‘push’ the air into and fill your lungs. Because there is less air going into your lungs you’ll fatigue more quickly. How much does the pressure really change? According to an academic library.com article (that can be applied to mountain hiking) the barometric pressure can drop by 40% between sea level (average 760 millimeters of mercury) and 12,000 feet (483 millimeters of mercury). Obviously having 40% less oxygen available to your body (because of the pressure drop) will impact you.

Now if you had a 40% decrease in your ability to deliver oxygen to your body during an average day wouldn’t you be concerned? Add the fact you’re asking more of your body in terms of keeping you warm in a cooler/cold environment.

Mountain Hiking Tips, Mountain Trekking Gear & Equipment Hints

You are also losing water from your system, your reactions are slowed, and your not around the corner from the nearest hospital. Your mountain hiking equipment becomes a more important consideration.  the higher the altitude and the more remote your location the more important it becomes.

Depending on how cold the temperatures you might encounter, you’ll probably want some good insulated hiking boots. Depending on the altitude and temperature you may need mountaineering boots.  Hiking clothes, sleeping bags, camping tents, and other equipment used for hiking rated for lower temperature than what you think you’ll actually experience. This will give you an extra margin of safety. Also keep in mind that mildly uncomfortable mountain hiking gear will become a bigger problem…

Enjoying a vacation on a limited budget. It is difficult to beat the appeal of the good old camping trip. It is the Ultimate Budget Vacation. After all, it costs next to nothing to pitch your tent in the back country wilderness of your favorite state or national park. A week long camping trip can often cost less than a day or two in a big city or tourist hot spot, while giving the entire family time to bond and enjoy being together.

As a matter of fact, camping is one of the most popular family activities, and many families enjoy camping together, sharing stories around a roaring fire, roasting marshmallows, swimming, fishing and all the other great things that come with a camping trip.

For many, camping brings back memories from childhood, and many parents want to give their children a taste of what their own childhood was like, back when things were so much simpler.

Another great thing about camping is that once the initial expenses are paid, there is little in the way of ongoing expenses. Unlike a traditional vacation, in which the money you spend on that great hotel is gone for good, with camping you buy your hotel room (also known as your tent) outright, and you own it forever.

Buy All of the Essentials

After you have bought all the essential items, like the tent, a couple of good camping lanterns, a good camp stove, sleeping bags and the like, your only expenses may be the food for the trip and the gas it takes to get there.

And camping provides plenty for all members of the family to do. Dad may enjoy fishing in his favorite spot, or boating around the lake, while mom and the kids may enjoy a beautiful hike and bird watching trip. There are even campgrounds that feature movies, swimming pools and other amenities for those who prefer a level of comfort to their journey.

As a matter of fact, there are many ways to camp. From rough camping in the back country to cabins at campgrounds to even RV camping. The level is entirely up to you, and that is one thing that makes camping so attractive to budget travelers and families alike.

Camping – The Ultimate Budget Vacation

There is nothing quite like vacationing in the great outdoors to get back in touch with nature. From watching the wildlife to watching the stars, there is plenty to do on the average camping trip. Stargazing is particularly popular with city dwellers, who may never have seen the Milky Way in all its glory before. Getting away from the glare of city lights and see nature as it truly is.

We know that camping is one of the least expensive of all vacations. But lets take a quick look at the expenses associated with this type of budget travel. The centerpiece of the camping trip, of course, is the tent. Unless you plan to camp in an RV or rent a cabin, which is more expensive, you will need a sturdy, high quality tent. It is important that the tent be waterproof and that it close easily. Be sure the tent features a high quality zipper or other closure. It should be easy for every member of the family to operate. Test the zipper several times, and be sure you know how to set up the tent before you get to the woods.

High Quality Sleeping Bags

Most campers will also want to invest in a few high quality sleeping bags. It is a good idea to choose a sleeping bag that is insulated. Pick one that will be good for several seasons. Many sleeping bags are designed with removable liners and insulation. These are a good choice, since they can be used in cold weather and warm.

It is also a good idea to buy a couple of camp lanterns. These portable lights are great for lighting your way around in the dark. A cooler for drinks and food is a good idea as well. As is a portable charcoal grill or camp stove. Are camping at a campground. You may be able to leave the camp stove and grill at home. Since many campgrounds provide grills for their guests to use free of charge. It is important to find out what amenities each campground offers before you head out.

Camping offers an easy and affordable escape from the rat race of everyday city life. An escape from people, cars, electronics, work, responsibilities, etc. However, camping today is nothing like the camping your grandfather did when he was young. The collection of outdoor camping equipment you can buy today gives a whole new meaning to the term “roughing it”. You need to Gear Up For Your Next Outdoor Experience to ensure everyone has a great time.

There are new camping items pouring into shops every season. They allow individuals and families the convenience and efficiency of almost feeling as if they are still at home. Of course, minus the lengthy list above. Almost any type of equipment you can think of some manufacturer has already created. All of the camping items you will ever need can be found in catalogs, camping outlets and online.

You will find more stuff than you thought ever existed. In fact, you may find that you never thought you would need some items until you come across them while shopping. A word of caution though. Use your common sense when shopping. It is easy to go overboard and buy items you don’t need and will never use. When you gear up for your next outdoor experience, it can be an expensive proposition unless your careful.

The type of equipment needed for camping varies from one individual or family to the next, but in general, you will find that the first thing you need is a tent; though some choose to forgo this method and seek the extreme extravagance of a pop-up camper or recreational vehicle. The majority though, prefer to keep it simple and a little more wild and earthy.

Gear Up For Your Next Outdoor Experience – Camping

Nothing lets you commune with nature better than taking technology out of the equation. You will also need items such as a cooking stove, sleeping bags, ice chest, and you may even consider a nice air mattress. Camping should be about simplicity, but not at the expense of your back and a good nights sleep.

In addition to the normal camping necessities you will need, you’ll also want to consider what activities you plan on doing while on your outdoor adventure. If you intend to hike, bike, backpack, kayak, climb or fish, then make sure you get everything you need in order to have a good time doing them. Any sports recreation store should easily be able to outfit you and prepare you for your outdoor expedition.

By being well prepared you will be better able to relax and enjoy yourself, rather than struggling with old antiquated camping gear. Make sure you update any old camping equipment in addition to buying any extra items. Some stores are great places to do this, and even allow you to shop online. So what are you waiting for? Gather up the pets and the rest of the family, get stocked up on the gear you need (and don’t forget the S’mores) and get out of the city. Go be one with nature—go camping!

At the mention of the word ‘camping’, why do children and even adults get excited and chomp at the bit to be off? For an urbanite, it affords a change from the restriction imposed by city life. The out of doors fills you with a sense of freedom under the open skies. The giving up of creature comforts doesn’t seem to matter when adventure beckons. The common worry is how to keep the children occupied. Camping Can Be Fun For Kids . Children are adaptable and you will find that they bring a great deal of enjoyment to the outing. With a little ingenuity, you can make it an experience they’ll never forget.

Children can never resist water. It doesn’t matter if the body of water is a small stream or a large lake, as long as you can find a convenient spot to paddle or swim in. They can spend hours splashing about, reveling in every minute of it. The pleasant change from the artificial pools of the city and the novelty of the natural surroundings add to their joy. First, check if the water is safe. books usually supply adequate information suggesting safe pools and warning against the dangerous ones. Don’t let the children swim without supervision, and it’s safer not to dive.

You can’t ask for a better way to take in the scenery than from a bike. Walking could be tough going and hot work as well. Hit the bike trail with a map. Take stock of your bearings and ride together. You don’t want anyone getting lost! Explore the surroundings in a leisurely manner.

Camping Can Be Fun For Kids

Prepare yourself by reading up on the fauna and flora of the region. Campsites usually have pamphlets on the birds and animals you are likely to spot. Have fun looking for them. Make a game of it. Vie with each other and total up the number of animals each one has seen. Compare the nocturnal fauna to the ones you’ve observed during the day. See that the children don’t get carried away and get too close to the animals. Take care not to agitate the latter.

When you play games, don’t get so noisy as to disturb the quiet that the animals are used to. Treat yourself to outdoor games. Find a clearing, without obstructions, (you don’t want accidents to spoil your holiday). Play good old tag or run races. Tug-of-war is another great idea.

The children’s love of going in search of things can be exploited with the game of scavenger hunt. This physical activity is a great way to help the kids get exercise. Instruct them to avoid plants like the sumac, oak and poison ivy, whose prickles are harmful.

It Can Be Fun For Kids

An activity that can be clubbed with the scavenger hunt is navigation. Show them how a compass works and give them a few tips on map reading as you go through the forest. It will stimulate their spirit of adventure.

Round off an exciting day with a campfire. This is entertainment and togetherness time! In the campfire’s warmth, sing and narrate stories. Some may have some eerie ones to narrate as well. Word games and riddles are fun too while toasting marshmallows and chomping on goodies like hotdogs.

Teach the children basic astronomy. There’s nothing more awe inspiring than to lie on the grass and gaze at the stars dotting that vast expanse of sky. Point out the planets and constellations you are familiar with. Wish on a shooting star and admire the grandness of the firmament.

Don’t let a sudden downpour dispirit you. Weather is unpredictable in some places more than in others. Take it in your stride and use the rain to your advantage. Take the opportunity of doing what you’ve always wanted to do—play in the rain. However, if there’s thunder and lightning, it’s better to stay indoors.

Above all, unwind. Give yourself up to nature. Enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings. How often do you get the opportunity? Feel the tension of the city leave you. Don’t carry any appliances with you. Enjoy quality time with your family and the friends you’ve come with.

These are just a few suggestions of how to keep you and the children occupied when out camping. The possibilities are endless. With a little imagination, you can come up with many more ideas making Camping Can Be Fun . Go out and have stupendous fun!

We read the following set of guidelines in a newspaper the other day and thought these hiking guidelines would be worth re-posting on our blog for interested readers. Hiking in the wilderness can be a lot of fun. However there are dangers as well. Every year many people must be rescued after having become lost. They run out of water and food and possibly suffering from the being cold and hungry over night. Make sure you are well equipped if you plan to go hiking. There are a few basic things you can prepare for. These will ensure that you will survive and can also get help quickly if needed .

Hiking safety guidelines – What to Bring

Hiking enthusiasts should carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursion. Proper preparedness includes a well thought-out travel plan. Sharing plans with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as GPS, maps and compasses, proper clothing and plenty of water. Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit offers several helpful, lifesaving tips at their website.

While this is not a complete list, if you follow these simple guidelines, hikers stand a better chance of not getting lost and surviving a hike that takes you well beyond the normal areas that many hikers go. One area near Palm Springs in California has over 54 miles of trails that meander around the back country. You are well beyond any areas that can be used as guides and even if you stay on the trails, you can be lost for several days if you wander the 54 miles of trails.

Many hikers start out on what they would call a short hike with the intention or returning in an hour. After a wrong turn, they suddenly realize they have no idea where they are and no idea regarding how to get home. It gets worse. Because they planned to only go out for an hour, they probably also brought limited quantities of water, food and clothing to deal with the longer period in the wilderness. This is when a short hike gets difficult and potentially dangerous. Always prepare as if you are going on a hike that is at least triple the time you actually plan to give yourself a safety margin!

Hiking safety guidelines – Summary

The biggest mistakes that hikers make in terms of not following hiking safety guidelines is not bringing enough water. These also need a map, a compass, and clothing to deal with all kinds of weather situations including being lost overnight. Carrying a cell phone is a good thing. However there may not always be coverage where you are going. You may need to rely on having told friends that you should be back by a specific time. Don’t make the mistake of getting lost. No one knows that you are lost. Always leave information with someone about where you are going. Don’t deviate from this plan so they can find you if needed.

It really does not matter whether it is your first time camping or if you been camping for many years, organizing and planning a camping trip will ensure that you make the most of your camping trip. As you gain experience it will become second nature. Still each trip has different requirements and it is important to plan ahead. It will also be the difference between enjoying a few nights out in the wilderness vs. a miserable time and just waiting for it to be over with. Develop a check list of things that you need to bring with you and as your experience with camping increases you will probably add to this checklist often.

Plan and organize your camping trip – Select a site

While this may seem obvious, there are some things that will be needed based on the selection of a camping site. Decide if you want a private campground, need a power outlet, the front country camping site or the back country camping site, flushing toilets, showers, potable water and electricity are all part of planning a camping trip and ensuring you pick the right site. The less crowded sites Will have less amenities and maybe more isolated requiring a hike or canoe trip to get to the site.

Always make a reservation

Almost all of the national and provincial campgrounds have the ability to reserve your camping spot ahead of time. In fact On busy weekends it may be A necessity to book your camping site ahead of time. Many sites have online web sites that will take reservations and ensure that there is a vacant site waiting for you when you arrive.  By the time you arrive all the camping sites will be taken by other campers.

Organize Your Camping trip – Pack your own bags

A tent that is waterproof and easy to set up is a must. Always test setting up your tent in your backyard first particularly if this is a new tent or the first time you’ve been camping. Make sure that you bring warm well insulated sleeping bags and pack lightweight hiking gear with lots of pockets for extra food water bottles and first aid supplies.

Select your camping spot

Always look for a flat surface for your tent. Avoid areas that could be prime for insects or places were water can pool. Build a fire away from Your tent and away from trees to avoid sparks damaging your tent or starting a fire in the trees. Keep sand and water close by to douse the fire if needed. Always keep your food in coolers in your car or off the ground to avoid attracting animals to the campsite.

White water rafting camping trips require much different preparation than camping trips where you are backpacking for example or where you are driving around in car stopping at various campsites. White water rafting camping trips allow you to bring more things with you than a backpacker would be able to carry and yet you are more limited than you would be if you were travelling by car. In addition if your white water rafting camping trip is being supplied by a company who offers these kinds of services, they may provide some form of transportation in addition to the raft you are in.

You will have all of the usual requirements such as food, water, sleeping bags, clothing and tents. However rafters will also need to have waterproof gear. Gear that will keep all of their items dry while they are navigating rapids. As well as any rain that might fall during the day or evening. You will also need to have flashlights, or lanterns that will last for the length of your trip for even reading or just navigating to the outdoor loo. You may decide to rely on camp fires or you may also decide to bring along a camp stove for cooking. There are some really good small units that work very well.

Clothing

In terms of clothing, chances are you are going to get wet several times during the day and depending on the temperature and the general weather you may need to change often into dry clothes. At night you can dry your wet clothes near the camp fire. Take care not to burn them and place them up wind to avoid sparks burning holes in them and taking on that smoky smell that camp fires provide.

If you are rafting there is always lots of water around, however it may not be drinkable. You will either have to bring sufficient drinking and cooking water with you or you will have to boil all of your water to sterilize it before you use it for drinking water or even for cooking. This is just the nature of camping and in particular white water rafting camping trips.

White Water Rafting Camping Trips – Essentials

We have included a list of essentials that may be of interest :

• Aluminum foil
• Cooking oil
• Corkscrew
• Cutting board
• Flatware
• Herbs and spices
• Knives
• Measuring cups
• Napkins
• Paper plates
• Paper towels
• Plastic cups plastic trash bags
• Pot holders
• Salt and pepper
• Tongs and a spatula
• Waterproof matches
• Ziplock bags

For a more complete list refer to one of our other posts about camping essentials.

If you are planning a whitewater rafting trip, there are several options for camping near or on the Middle Fork American river and American Middle Fork campgrounds.  There are a few public campgrounds in nearby Forest hill. Primitive campsites are available in Auburn State Recreation Area by reservation. Wilderness camping (camping outside designated camping areas) can be enjoyed in the river canyon by obtaining a Wilderness Camping Permit.

American Middle Fork Campgrounds – Primitive

There are five primitive campgrounds that  are available in the Auburn Recreation Area. There is  a 30 day total camping limit along the American Middle Fork in this area. Camping fees are $7-9.00 per night, last time we checked, with additional vehicles charged at $5.00 each. There is also a $1.00 fee charged per dog per night. Dogs must be on a leash or secured inside a vehicle or tent at all times. Animals kept in vehicles must be monitored at all times to avoid any possibility of over heating.  Fires are allowed in fire pits, where provided. You should pay attention to fire warnings in the area to avoid starting forest fires.

Wilderness Camping Permits

Most locations also will require a permit before you can camp on these sites. While there is a nominal camping fee, this money is not even close to what they need to manage the camp sites and the wilderness parks. Purchasing a permit is in your best interest for your own protection.

The reason many parks use permits is so that they can keep track of how many people are using their sites and are camping in the wilderness. If there are too many people it puts a lot of pressure on the ecosystem. If someone does not check out when they leave it may trigger a search party to look for them in the area they indicated that they were going to be camping. It is so important to be accurate about were you are going in the wilderness. If you get into difficulty, the first place the search parties will look will be based on the information you provided when you registered at the park rangers station.

Changing Locations within the American Middle Fork Campgrounds –  Wilderness Area

If you decide to change locations in the area while camping, it is always a good idea to advise the camp wardens as to your location just in case there is some kind of emergency. If they need to find you for whatever reason, the first place anyone will look is the last known location. This can make a huge difference between life and death in many situations. Always tell people were you are going, always take lots of water with you and hike with a partner.