Camping Survival Tips
Camping survival gear to make your outdoors experience a memorable ...
Updated: 1 week 2 days ago
Where to Find Discounted camping gear
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.
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Hiking Clubs
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.
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Essential Camping Gear and Equipment for a Successful Outdoor Vacation:
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.
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Hiking Boots UK: What Difference Does a Boot Make?
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.
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Truck bed tent camping – the all-in-one vacation package
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!
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If You Are Taking Your Truck Where You Are Going To Camp, Make Your Life Easier With A Camping Stove
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.
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Tent camping in Arizona is affordable and fun
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.
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Hiking Boots
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.
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Some tips on Camping Reservation
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.
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Hiking and Gear
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.
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Used Camping Gear
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.
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