camping gear Archives - Page 2 of 2

Camping Equipment Check

You will have a more relaxed and enjoyable camping vacation if you are well organized. A sound camping equipment check will help you do just that. Whether you are going for a week end or a fortnight you also want to check where the campsites are at the location you want to go. It is a good idea to call ahead and make sure that there will be a space for you. This is especially important if the period includes a national holiday. Make sure that you have some knowledge of the area in which you’ll be staying before you decide to stay there. If you plan on taking the family dog check whether that’s allowed at the camping site. If it isn’t then you may need to find a kennel.

When camping, the following list includes basic equipment needed for all camping trips.

* Tent
* Ground sheet
* Tent poles
* Tent pegs
* Sleeping bags
* Camping stove and kettle
* Blankets – it gets cold at night
* A large torch
* Portable lamp
* Portable toilet
* Pots, pans and cutlery
* Insect spray
* Water carrier – you don’t want to be trekking for this every five minutes

If you’re a seasoned camper you can probably think of other camping equipment that you would consider essential. It is a good idea to make your lists well in advance as people often forget the silliest things. As you are packing check your camping equipment and make sure that everything is in good order. There’s nothing worse than putting your tent up and finding a split in the top.

Many campsites will have a camp shop for daily necessities and some may even carry pieces of camping equipment – but it is best not to rely on it. Make sure that you have tea/coffee, soda, dried milk, and water. The first thing you will want once you’ve arrived and put up the tent is something to drink. Take some cookies and potato chips or your favorite treats for late night munching.

If this is a family holiday then don’t go without some books and games to keep the kids entertained. You might also want to add aspirin, bandages, and antiseptic cream to your camping equipment list. Whatever you do don’t go without matches and paraffin (if that’s what you use) to light the stove. Always take some insect repellent and sunscreen even if it isn’t summer. You’ll need it because you’ll be spending time in the outdoors. Make sure that you have towels, soap and toothbrushes and toothpaste before you finalize your camping equipment check list. Have a great, stress free vacation.

Buy Camping Equipment That Goes Beyond The Basics

If you love camping, then you can purchase your camping equipment that will take you from a regular camper to a true camping fanatic. And if you are not yet a camping enthusiast because you don’t think you can find the comforts of home out at the campsite, then you may just not be aware of all of the things you can buy – camping equipment products available that can bring the creature comforts with you out on the road.

Like any other hobbie, camping has benefited by the technological advances of the last few decades. You will find advanced types of products to buy – camping equipment in every type of gear that you might want. First, there’s apparel that is specifically designed for camping or other forms of outdoor activities that gives you a number of options in limited numbers of garments. Pants with zip off legs, shirts with zip off sleeves, jackets with a number of layers and materials as well as undergarments that keep you dry and warm have all been developed that will give you lots of choices without taking up much space in your backpack. Plus, good, sturdy camping shoes with flexible soles make hiking more pleasant – especially if you’ve got heated socks to keep your toes warm.

When it comes to backpacks, a staple of camping equipment, there are now a number of ergonomically designed models that are scientifically designed to distribute the weight of a pack across the body in the most efficient and least burdensome way, meaning you can carry more with less strain on your back. There are those made for women, for men and even for children, and many have convertible or removable compartments so that you can carry only what you need when you need it. Plus, there are weatherproof models so that your belongings and other items you buy (camping equipment is expensive) don’t have to be stashed in your tent to stay safe.

When you’re tired of hiking and want to set that backpack down for dinner, you won’t necessarily need a fire to cook those meals. There are personal or miniature stoves that boil water or can cook entire meals with an easily carried fuel canister. Water filter systems mean that you can be absolutely certain of water being potable, no matter where you are camping.

For safety and navigation, technology has made a number of differences. Depending on where you are camping, you might have internet or cell phone access available. But if not, buy camping equipment available that will still keep you connected to the world – and particularly the weather. There are radios that can pick up stations for miles around, safety lights that never run out of batteries and can be seen from miles away, and portable GPS systems mean that you’ll never lose your way again.

Basic Camping Gear Essential Emergency Supplies

When you are going camping, there are a few things that need to be included in your camping gear when it comes to emergency supplies. Emergency supplies are things like flares, flare gun, flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kits, radio. Having emergency supplies will probably never be needed, if you are lucky but making sure that you have them insures that even if you are not lucky you are well prepared. Being well prepared is essential to make sure that emergencies are not as bad as they could be. You can either prepare an emergency supplies kit yourself or you can purchase ready-made kits that contain everything you need.

Things to consider placing in an Emergency supply kit are ready to eat meals; these can be purchased online or from your local camping, or army navy store. Other things to consider are purified drinking water, equipment to purify additional water supplies. You might want to consider in addition to batteries, flare gun, flares and radio, a blanket, breathing protection, a tarp for shelter in case your tent is lost or you end up lost away from your base camp.

Another important thing to carry in an emergency pack is something to communicate with a whistle, or radio with a decent range and the ability to switch to monitored channels. They even make emergency beacons, which attach to clothing that gives off something similar to a homing signal, which allows rescuers to locate you easily. These are all things that should be considered in an emergency supplies kit.

There should be enough food and water set aside to last at least three days. These items can certainly mean the difference between surviving with little issues and ending up with major ones if you happen to be lost during camping or run into bad weather. It is also a good idea in addition to having an emergency kit to check in with rangers in charge of the area and let them know you will be out, where you are planning on going and check in when you are back.

Cheap Camping Gear

Camping for the first time can turn into a wonderful experience, or it can become a nightmare. It mainly depends on the equipment you use. Purchasing and using cheap camping gear has its benefits as well as some downfalls.

If it is your first time camping, you may not want to purchase equipment, as it may add up in the end. So by asking either your friends or relatives if you can use their camping equipment, it may be the cheaper option. However, if they have nice camping equipment they may be hesitant to allow you to use it, or they may not let you borrow it at all. You also may not want to borrow it if you know they have expensive equipment, because you don’t want to run the risk of damaging their tent or burning their stove. So purchasing cheap camping gear to begin with may become the better option.

Most first time campers purchase cheap camping gear at big department stores like K-Mart or Wal-Mart where you can purchase all the basic equipment and stay within your budget. Once you have experienced the outdoors and have decided that you enjoy camping, you can them start to invest in more expensive items that are more durable. Cheap camping gear has the benefit of being cheap, but not much else. Typically cheap camping gear usually falls apart quicker and is less dependable. It is not worth going out and buying cheap camping equipment time and again, because all though it may seem like the cheaper option at the time, it will add up after replacing it more than once. It is often best that you invest in the more expensive, durable equipment that you know will last longer and will cost you less in the long run.

If you are using cheap camping gear on your first camping trip, don’t let any faulty equipment keep you from enjoying your camping experience. Keep in mind that there is better equipment available that makes camping more enjoyable. Purchasing the right camping gear, such as a tent, sleeping bag, stove, or cookware, will make such a difference.

Finding a tent that is waterproof, lightweight and easy to assemble is very important. No one wants to assemble a tent that will take all day to put up, and definitely no one wants to sleep in a leaky tent. So be sure any tent you purchase is waterproof and easy to assemble. Your sleeping bag is also extremely important. You will want a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and be comfortable as well as easy to pack away. A good stove is important, especially in campsites where open fires are not allowed. So be sure to purchase a stove you know will last through many camping trips. You cookware is also important. Buying the cheapest cookware may seem like a good idea, but not when you find that it melts or find little flakes of metal in your food. So it is always worth investing in the basic camping gear.

Considering A Hammock Tent For Your Camping Needs

The recreational pastime of camping has always been a popular way for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors and be in touch with nature. Camping also provides an incredible opportunity for families to leave behind the diversions of life. Often these diversions prevent families from interacting and, subsequently, prevent families from knowing each other.

One of the critical camping items, when families and individuals decide to go camping, is some type of shelter. These shelters can be recreational vehicles, trailers, tents or hammock tents.

A hammock tent is simply a traditional hammock that is utilized by the camper rather than sleeping in a sleeping bag on the ground protected from the elements by a tent. What a hammock tent is, how it is set up and its benefits are important considerations when pondering the utilization of a hammock tent.

What Is A Hammock Tent?

A traditional way for campers to be sheltered while camping outdoors was to pitch a tent and roll out a sleeping bag. Rest was then obtained by sleeping on the ground under the protection of the shelter.

A hammock tent is a piece of camping equipment that also provides rest and protection for a camper. A hammock tent is a typical hammock that is suspended between two supporting items of strength. Generally, these items are trees. To complete the design of a hammock tent an attached covering hovers over the hammock tent to protect the camper from the elements.

Because of the simplicity of constructing a hammock tent many campers choose to build their own hammock tent. However, there are more elaborate hammock tents on the market. These hammock tents are manufactured so that the protective side and ceiling are attached to the hammock tent. In addition, these hammock tents come complete with an entry system that is modeled after the construction of a traditional tent. This entry way can be sealed off using a zipper, snaps or other sealing system.

Benefits

There are many benefits that are attributed to using a hammock tent. Some of those benefits are to the environment while some of the benefits are to the camper.

Benefits to the environment include the fact that normally the hammock tent is secured between two trees. Utilizing trees has little or no affect on the exterior of the tree. However, when a tent is pitched the negative effects of that process are seen on the area where the tent is pitched.

Also, there are many benefits to the camper. For example, because the camper is suspended in the air, there are no issues with crawling insects that the camper may come in contact with if sleeping on the ground. In addition, if a tent has been pitched on the ground and the campers are unaware of a stone or other hard item, this may be cause for a poor night’s sleep. Sleeping in a hammock tent alleviates the chances of sleeping on a stone or other hard surface.

Extra Camping Gear Needed for a Safe Extended Trip

If you are planning to spend some time trekking and camping out in the wilderness, there will be some additional camping gear that you will need to take along with you. If your time away is going to be an extended hike through the great outdoors for several days and you plan on sleeping outdoors, there may be other additional items that you may want to consider adding to your backpack. Instead of rushing out and buying your camping gear at the last minute, plan your camping trip ahead and only purchase the camping gear that you will need. This will give you time to shop around for the best quality at the best price.

The amount of camping gear that you will need to take will depend on several factors

The length of time you will be away. If it is a short time such as a few days or over night then you will only need a small amount of food and clothing. Cooking can be kept to a minimum. For longer periods away you will have to take more food and better cooking equipment.
The time of year is an important consideration. If it is in the summer months then light clothing is all that is required. If it is in the cooler months then you will require heavier, warmer clothing and better rain wear. Remember to always take good quality rainwear regardless of the weather forecast.
Are you camping out in the wilderness or are you staying in hikers cabins. This will determine whether you need to carry a suitable tent.
Always remember to share your camping gear between your hiking partners to balance the load.

The most important piece of camping gear that you will need is your backpack. This needs to be large enough to carry everything that you will need for your time away. Do not buy the cheapest backpack but look for the best one that will sit on your back comfortably. Make sure that it is light enough. Most camping store owners will show you how to adjust the backpack to balance the weight correctly. Another tip is to always use a waterproof pack liner. I have yet to find a pack that will not leak from consistent rain.

Take plenty of Food and Water

Never make the mistake of loading all of your food for your trek straight out of your pantry into your backpack, such as tinned items or food in a jar. The best food to take is dehydrated meals. Although these meals may not look too appetizing, they will sustain you and they can be a fraction of the weight. Also make sure you take plenty of water. This is important because you need to stay hydrated during your walk and when you camp there may not be any good quality drinking water.

Never take away large quantities of basic items such as sugar or salt. If you work out what quantity you need for each meal and then double it you will be surprised how little you need. Make sure that all of your camping gear is in water proof containers or plastic bags.

The most important thing is not to pack any unnecessary or heavy items of camping gear that you probably will not use, especially on a short trek away. For those weekend stays away in the wilderness, if you do find something that you left at home, then it doesn’t matter. It is only for a day or two and you can not take everything.

Should You Buy or Rent Your Camping Gear

Are you planning on taking a camping trip in the near future? If this is your first time going camping, you will need to get camping gear to take with you, as you may not already own it. While your first impulse may be to head on down to your local sports store, did you know that you have another option as well? You do. In addition to buying your own camping gear, you may also be able to rent it.

When it comes to determining whether you should buy your own camping gear or just rent the camping gear that you need, you may have a difficult time deciding what to do. If you are wondering what you should do, you will want to continue reading on. Below, the pros and cons of both buying your own camping gear and renting your camping gear are outlined.

As for buying your own camping gear, you will find that the biggest con or downside to doing so is the cost. Depending on what you need to buy, it can get pretty expensive to purchase your own camping gear. With that in mind though, there are a number of camping gear equipment pieces, like camping tents or sleeping bags, that can be purchased for affordable prices. If you are looking to camp on a budget, you can still buy your own camping gear, but you just need to know where to look.

Although there are a number of downsides, like the price, to buying your own camping gear, you will also find that there are a number of pros or plus sides to doing so as well. One of those plus sides is the fact that you will own the camping gear in question. This means that you can use it as little or as often as you would like. If you are planning to take a number of camping trips in the future, you will find that it is easier, as well as cheaper in the long run, to buy your own camping gear.

It is also important to mention the freedom that you have, when buying your own camping gear. When buying your own camping gear, you can buy basically whatever you want. For instance, if you would like a camping tent that is the color black, you are free to do so. When you buy your own camping gear, you have the ability to be picky if you want to be. With a large selection of camping gear pieces to choose from, from a number of different retailers, the decision as to what you want to buy is yours to make.

If you are unable to buy your own camping gear or if you would prefer not you, your other option is to rent your camping gear. When it comes to renting camping gear, you will also find a number of pros and cons. As for the cons of renting your camping gear, you may find that you are faced with a limited selection of camping gear pieces to choose from. Many camping gear rental stations only carry the basic items, like tents, hot plates, and coolers. While you may have some choices, you will mostly find that your selection is limited.

As for the pros or plus sides to renting your camping gear, instead of buying it, you will find that the cost is much more affordable. Despite being relatively affordable, different camping gear rental stations charge different rental fees. You will also find that camping gear can typically be rented for as little as one day or as long as a couple of weeks. Renting your camping gear is nice if this is your first time going camping and if you are unsure as to whether or not you would be interested in doing so again.

As you can see, there are a number of pros and cons to both buying your own camping gear and renting it. In addition to the two above mentioned options, you may also want to think about borrowing camping gear from someone that you know. You may even be able to do so free of charge.

Get The Best From Your Outdoor Camping Equipment

Some pieces of outdoor camping equipment can be quite expensive, but they will last you a long time if you look after them properly. Whether you go camping once in blue moon or whether you want to be out in the open every chance you get, you do much better if you have the right camping gear. Nobody wants to sleep in a tent that lets water, or where there is not room to move once you have got everything in it. If you are taking the family camping then think about buying a six berth rather than a four berth tent if you don’t like feeling cramped. Buy the best tent that you can afford and then look after it.

On your return from a camping trip, make sure that you check all your equipment thoroughly before putting it away. You want your outdoor camping equipment to last so get into the habit of maintaining it. There is nothing worse for a tent than an accumulation of damp and mold. Never put away your tent if it is still damp. Let it dry out thoroughly – if you don’t then the fabric will start to smell and rot. Clean the ground sheet and check that the guy ropes are ok and the pegs aren’t broken – replace any that are before you want to use them again.

If you look after your outdoor camping equipment then it will serve you well. Make sure that you air your sleeping bags after washing them. Check that the zips are working properly and then pack them away carefully in a dry place.

When you get home at the end of a camping trip you should check over all of your outdoor camping equipment. Whether you have a portable stove or a grill make sure that they are cleaned and oiled before putting them away. Clean and pack up all of your cutlery and crockery. If you have air beds than then make sure that they are clean and that all the air is out of them if you want them to be of service next time.

Wash and put away whatever survival clothing you have as part of your outdoor camping equipment. If wilderness hiking is part of your camping trips then make sure that you have the right kind of hiking boots. Always clean them thoroughly after a trip and stuff them with newspaper before you put them away.

The only way to get the best from your outdoor camping equipment is to keep it clean and serviced. Then the next time that you want to take off in the wilds it will be fit for service again.