Outdoor Camping Tents

Posted on October 13, 2011 by

It is important that you go shopping for outdoor camping tents before you make your way into the woods. You will want something that will provide you with a good night’s sleep. Just like your sleeping bag, your choice of tent is important if you do not want to be tired or miserable your entire trip. There are a few considerations to make when looking at camping tents. Keep these in mind if you want to choose the right tent for your camping trip.

The first thing you need to think about is exactly what kind of tent you will need. Camping tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some work well in certain situations than others will. If you will be sleeping more than two people in the tent, consider a family sized tent. Be sure to get a size that can offer a little extra space. You don’t want everyone cramped together while trying to sleep. Plus, having a tent too small can leave you pressed up against the walls which could be damp with condensation.

You should also think about how you will be transporting the tent. Some outdoor camping tents weigh a great deal more than others, making them almost impossible to lug around if you are hiking to your camping spot. Also, you need to think about the size of the tent because you will want it to small enough to fit in your backpack. If you will be pulling right up to your fire with your vehicle, however, you can use one of any weight. The size may still matter, if you have a small vehicle and already have many other items to pack.

Think about the weather that you will be using your tent in. Outdoor camping tents are designed for different seasons. For summer, it doesn’t much matter on how think or durable the tent is toward cold weather. However, you will want one that offers a high quality shell to keep the rain out. When camping in the fall or winter, be sure to get a tent that was made with these seasons in mind. Having a thin camping tent that is made for summer will not cut it. You can find the weather and seasonal information printed right on the box of most camping tents.

Finally, you should always keep your budget in mind when shopping for camping tents. These items can range in price from just under 0 to almost 00. It is important that you do not skimp when it comes to purchasing your tent. If you have to, purchase other lower priced supplies so that you can get a tent that will keep you safe and warm throughout the night.

As you can see, there are a few aspects of outdoor camping tents that you should think about when buying one. Make sure you get the right kind you need that will comfortably sleep everyone. If you are hiking to your camping location, be sure to purchase one that is lightweight and can fit in your pack. Also consider the season you are camping in, and only get one that is designed for the specific weather you will be experiencing. There is no need to go broke purchasing your tent, so also consider your budget when investing in a tent.

 

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Tips For Planning a Camping Trip With Your Family

Posted on October 13, 2011 by

One of the first things that you are able to do, when planning a camping journey with young kids, is preserve your children in mind. Whereas this will look like widespread sense, you will need to do. For starters, you will want to study the place you may be camping.  This includes the campground park that you choose to visit, in addition to which tenting spot you choose.  Since younger youngsters can simply get bored, it would be best to choose a campground park that gives you entry to a limiteless variety of actions, similar to one that has a lake, swimming pool, playground, tennis courts, or mountain climbing trails.

As previously said, it is also essential that you carefully select which web site you and your loved ones want to camp at, within the campground park. That is important for numerous totally different reasons.  It might be a good idea to choose a tenting website that’s located near any playgrounds or bathrooms.  It might also be a good idea to steer clear of tenting websites which can be close to swimming swimming pools, lakes, ponds, or mountain climbing trails, particularly in case you have small children.  Keeping them away for potential risks could help to allow you to sleep better at evening, as well as aid you get pleasure from your self more.

Another one of the some ways that you could make your subsequent tenting trip with younger children gratifying is by letting your kids make it easier to plan some of your tenting activities.  For instance, your toddler or elementary college aged child may have a number of activities that they love to do, like playing soccer.  Allow them to choose a couple of of your camping activities.  This can assist to keep them enthusiastic about your subsequent tenting journey, as they still get to do many of the issues that they love. Additionally it is essential to mention that your little one will probably be pleased with the truth that they got to help you plan your next household vacation.

In keeping with letting your little one enable you to plan your subsequent camping trip, you might also wish to let your child choose some of the meals, snacks, and drinks that you simply bring along with you on your next tenting adventure.  Actually, chances are you’ll even wish to allow them to go shopping with you.  Once once more, this may create a proud feeling for your child.  It should additionally forestall that “I don’t wish to eat that,” speech that many children often give their parents when they are unable to assist plan their meals or pick their own foods.

The above talked about suggestions are tips that you could be discover useful, when trying to plan a tenting journey with younger children. Although it may sound a bit of bit onerous to plan a camping journey with young children, as soon as you might be on the campground, it’s doubtless that everybody, together with your baby or kids, may have a blast.

Written by Iron Man

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Tips on Choosing a Comfortable Sleeping Bag

Posted on October 13, 2011 by

When you are purchasing a sleeping bag for your camping you have to defining the purpose of the sleeping bag:
- If the sleeping bag will be used for family camping – take into account the comfort;
- If it will be used for mountaineering – take account of weight and size.

There are two types of standard sleeping bags and it depends what are you willing to do to properly determinate the best one for your needs:
- Rectangular:
a) Do you have more room to move
b) Can be joined two sacks to go a double sleeping bag
c) Can be fully reconstituted and used as a blanket
- Type “Mummy”:
a) It is much lighter
b) The smaller size implies less energy to keep warm at night
c) There is a hood, which can strain your head around and keep you warmer
There are different types of sizing in the sleeping bags for camping. You can choose from standard, children, extra long and extra wide.

When you are making plans for camping you have to think about what are the temperatures in that area and based on that information you will determinate the temperature limits of you sleeping bag:

- Depends on the conditions in which you plan to camping

- In the manual of the sleeping bag is shown the lowest and the highest temperature at which a person would feel comfortable.

a) “Comfortable” is very subjective concept – every person feeling of comfort is different.
b) The use of insulating cloth (Mat) is necessary and very important condition – that provides extra insulation and comfort. Look for double or triple layer mat if the space if not a problem for you.
c) Must be taken into account other factors – the quality of Mat and tents, personal feeling of warmth, energy level, etc..
- Basic levels of temperature range of sleeping bags:
a) Standard bags – between 10 and 15 degrees in Celsius
b) Three-seasons bags – between 0 and 10 degrees in Celsius
c) Bags for cold weather – between -10 and 0 degrees in Celsius
d) Winter sleeping bags – between -35 and -20 degrees in Celsius

Choosing the filling of the bag (insulation):
- Pooh
a) The best natural insulator
b) Light and soft
c) Must be kept dry, otherwise it loses its insulating abilities
- Synthetic fillings:
a) Cheaper by Pooh
b) Isolate even when wet
c) quick drying
How to evaluation the quality of the rest of the sleeping bags – pay attention to the seams, the bag for carrying and storage and the zippers. If the sleeping bag is with poor quality those are the parts that are going to indicate that fact.

 

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Winter Camping

Posted on October 13, 2011 by

Traveling along with camping in the winter is usually a hard practical experience. For this reason organizing this vacation in more detail along with looking into the tracks, spots and weather conditions is really significant. Looking at the distant, white slopes or taking advantage of the peace and quiet of a remote area in winter months may be attractive, yet the environment could also be a lot more hazardous than in summer or spring.

Ahead of everthing else, choose the pursuits of the vacation (the spots you want to reach, places you want to find and also the sort of amusement you happen to be interested in), and then you should center on elaborating the paths that may sooner or later direct you to your destinations (which often can indicate pursuing a trail or going off a trail), possessing very good knowledge of the snow thickness and quality (whether it is crammed, icy or has a breakable crust), the manner of travel (that can mean you’re hiking, snowshoeing or skiing), elevation changes (whether you will be going up a hill or mountain, which can elevate several troubles in the wintertime), the group size (that implies distributing diverse responsibilities between it’s members or adapting the manner of traveling) and knowledge of the group (it is for the best to take on a group who has a few camping experiences, even if not necessarily in a winter environment.

Always keeping your eye on the clock is as well a good plan when camping in winter, as every little thing you do appears to take two times as much time (this includes setting the camp, personal cleaning, cooking food, etc).

Keeping in mind that there is always the chance of some extreme climate conditions (heavy snowfalls, avalanche) and also as basic safety always comes first, it is best to also consider some doable crisis solutions. Since it is easy to get lost in a winter setting where markings could be covered with snow, constantly having on you a map, a functional compass along with a cell phone goes without saying.

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Travel RVing–NFL Tailgating– Let’s Get Ready to Rrrrumble!

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

Travel RVing is chomping at the bit for NFL action to return. NFL owners and players have finally decided how to divvy up their billion a year. Training camps are back in force, getting players in condition for season ahead. Now it’s time for the fans to start getting themselves into mental condition for the football frenzy that is about to explode once again. And for RVers? It is time for some serious TAILGATING action, friends. And we ain’t talkin’ about following too closely behind another vehicle.

Lots of ingredients go into a successful tailgating affair. And I’m not just talking about food. Tailgating is about family, friends, and tradition. And football. Some RVing tailgaters even watch the game, or so I’ve been led to believe. NFL tailgating parties can be an experience you will never forget if they are thrown properly. Now, you might think that tailgaters throw just about everything at the wall and see what sticks, but, trust me, that is not the case. There is a whole bunch of preparation and planning involved for an NFL tailgating extravaganza to be successful. Here are a few tips to remember if you are new to the wonderful world of tailgating.

It doesn’t matter if you are in a motorhome, travel trailer, truck, car or on a motorcycle — it all counts the same. Heck, if you can’t get tickets to the game, arrange your own tailgate party. Meet your friends at a central location and bring along portable tvs or listen to the game on the radio. Cheer on your favorite team. Don’t forget the beer.

First, you MUST dress the part. Wear your team’s official clothing. Team spirit is an essential part of the equation. Paint your face, wave team flags. Behave like an idiot. Be absolutely flamboyant! It’s okay. Have a great time. You can get back to the real world tomorrow. Today is just for you. Don’t forget the beer.

Be sure to arrive early. It gives you time to get a sense of what’s to come. Plus, the early bird gets the bigger parking space. Try to get a parking space that is right in the middle of everything that’s going on. Interact with other tailgaters. Be a live wire. There will be lots of tailgaters there who want to join you. Strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. This could be the day you make a lifelong new friend, especially if you don’t forget the beer.

Bring more food and drink than you can imagine consuming. You never know how many tailgaters are going to join you. Better to have too much than not enough. Plan your menu several days before the game.Make a list of the items you will need for setting up, cooking, serving, and clean-up. Get a good grill, and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget the beer.

Hope for the best, but be ready for the worst. Mother Nature sometimes does not cooperate with the NFL schedule. Bring extra blankets (team logos, please), extra dry clothes (team logos, please), canopies, tents or other shelter. If you want to go shirtless, guys, in 13 degree weather–that’s your business. I love my team, too, but I do know where to draw the line. Enough said!

In short, for a tailgate party to be unforgettable, you need good folks, good food, good football, and good beer!

 

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Camping Equipment

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

Camping is something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a chance to get back to nature and enjoy some quality time with family and friends, but whether you’re simply after a night on a campsite or are feeling like something slightly more adventurous, you’ll need the camping equipment to suit.

What camping equipment will I need?

The type of camping equipment that you’re after will often depend on how seriously you’re taking your trip, but there are a few things that will be essential for everyone. The tent will obviously be a good place to start. You’ll need to decide on whether you’re after a simple one or two-man tent or whether you want something that can fit the whole family, and with plenty of different options on offer (you can even find ones with different “rooms” where you can stand full-height) there’s bound to be something to suit your precise needs.

Then you’ll need to think about the sleeping, eating and heating arrangements.

Sleeping bags are essential, but you might like to consider camp beds for a little more comfort. Then you’ve got the option of different types of camping heaters and gas cookers, again coming in all different sizes to suit your precise needs. It’s often a nice idea to have proper camping pots, pans and cutlery too, really letting you make the most of your time.

Then you’ll need to start thinking about the little added extras that could be required such as torches, compasses, wind breakers, walking sticks… the list is endless, and the amount of camping equipment you’ll need will often depend on whether you’re simply going away for the weekend or are going on a proper trek into the wilderness. But, whatever camping equipment you’re looking for you’re going to want it at exceptional prices, and that’s why you need to come to us here at Kellykettle.com.

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Beginning Backpacking, tips and things to think about

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

Backpacking Advice

This is just a short article on backpacking. Books upon books have been written on the topic, and magazines are published monthly discussing trends both new and old. There are lots of reasons to backpack. Some go on long hunting trips, fishing trips, camping, bird watching, or just exploring. Some will pack for mountain climbing adventures, while others simply want to experience the ‘zen’ like quietness of the great outdoors. Backpacking is great because once you get it down loading up and taking off into the wild blue yonder is no more than just quickly grabbing your pre-packed bag and hauling off!

So where do you get started? I’d say first pick a season. Most likely summer as there are fewer weather-related risks. This will also allow you to pack less clothing and warmth-related gear resulting in a lighter pack. Good for the beginner. Now what about food? Do you want to cook, or take precooked? Truthfully, I feel this discussion is null and void, but it comes up a lot. It’s all about your preference. Some argue that taking food that doesn’t need to be cooked saves weight because you don’t have to haul any utensils, fuel, or stove. I disagree. This type of food typically weighs more, therefore it offsets the weight savings. It also doesn’t taste as good as grits at 5am while watching the sunrise over Mt. Rainier on a beautiful August morning. What about water weight? Take a filtering device and filter fresh water when you get to your destinations or along the way. This will also limit your pack weight.

Don’t forget the 10 essentials. Map and compass (make sure you know how to use it), extra water/filtering device, emergency food, first aid kit, flashlight and/or headlamp, the proper clothing, some sort of a multi-tool or pocket knife, pencil paper, large trash bag or emergency “space blanket” (for surprise weather… we get a lot of that in Washington…, and a signaling device. Be it whistle, flare, or other.

Start out with day hikes. Find yourself a local trail in the 2-4 mile range if you are not in shape, maybe 5-10 if are feeling pretty good, and 15 or so if you are adventurous. I find a good 15 mile hike should take well over 5 hours. So expect to hike 2-2.5 miles per hour as that seems to be the average. Pack your back pack with everything you would need, and food. After a few successful day hikes… no broken gear, all the food and water you could need, and perhaps even coping with surprise, you may be ready for your first overnighter away from civilization.

For me, a tent is huge. Make sure if you take one, you are ready for the extra weight. You may consider a ‘tarp tent’ or other light weight backpacking tent. Many go without them at all during the summer. I prefer something to keep the bugs away.

Really, once you have the 10 essentials down, plus your basic gear (food prep, sleeping bag, tent, tools/fishing) you are ready to go. Experiment with different tools and devices. Some stoves are better in high elevations, while others provide all the heat needed at lower elevations and save substantial weight.

I always like to add a ‘theme’ to my backpacking trips. Either exploration of a new area to find a hidden lake, or hunting/scouting out the land for new signs of game. Often I’ll take friends or family to new lakes to explore the fishing scene. Nothing quite matches the feeling you get of finally stumbling over a beautiful lake miles away from the nearest road to find fish and game galore.

 

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Camping Furniture You Should Have For Your Next Camping Trip

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

If you hear about camping, the first thing that comes into your mind is campfire, sleeping bags and tents, but what about camping furniture? With different camping furniture that is available today, you can convert your camping tent almost into any room in your home! You can add lounge chairs, ottomans, lamps and tables to create a living room in your camping tents. There are also portable kitchens which make sure that you have a dining experience similar to the one you enjoy at home.

 

With contemporary portable camping furniture, you do not need to pass your camping nights on the ground with just a sleeping bag; you can take a bed, table or lamps to your camping site.

 

If you do not have a permanent camp site, you can not carry heavy camping furniture. if you do have a campsite where you will be able to come back everyday, you can take as much camping furniture as you want and make your camping experience one you will not easily forget. You will need to have a car with enough room to transport all the furniture you want. If your car is small, it will not be advisable to take much camping furniture because you may fail to transport necessary equipment.

 

Normally, for any camping trip, you must make sure that you took hammocks, cots and inflatable beds with sleeping mats to make sure that you are off the ground. It also makes sure that you do not get wet during rainy seasons or you do not get cold during the cold season.

 

If you took a collapsible table, you will have a place to keep a lamp when you want to read, a glass of water or other small equipment. You can get gas powered or battery powered lamps in small sizes that are easily transportable.

 

All camping furniture is available in inflatable or collapsible types to make it easier for storage and transport. There are different sizes you can choose from according to your comfort level.

 

With foldable kitchenette, you will not have any issues with the dining or cooking areas. The kitchenette has a heating or grilling equipment which you can use to prepare camping recipes. It is easier to get foldable picnic table and chairs to take as camping furniture additions to your kitchenette.

 

So the next time you go on a camping trip, make sure that you have dependable camping furniture which will give you the comfort you need during your time away from home.

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Camping Tips for Camping in the Rain

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

Camping, surely the defining characteristic of the Englishman’s holiday. Indeed, it is the quintessential English pastime. There is something else quintessentially English, and it goes hand-in-hand with camping…rain! We are used to the rain, and so it barely gets in the way of our life and it certainly should not interfere with a carefully planned camping trip. As the boy scouts say, ‘always be prepared!’

From waterproof bags, to preparing food, we have a list of hints and tips to make sure that you enjoy your rainy camping trip.

Firstly, and most importantly, is shelter. When you buy a tent, you should test it for rain resistance before you embark on your trip. To do this, erect the tent, and then use a sprinkler hose to soak it. Enter the tent, and make sure that there are no leaks. It there are, no need to worry, you can purchase specialist repair kits to seal the leak.

When you have arrived at your camping site, and before erecting the tent, check the terrain. Make sure that you do not pitch-up at the bottom of a hill; if it rains heavily, water may come in through the door, area. Or worse still, the tent may come out of its moorings and collapse or float away – with you inside it potentially (although that will only happen in extremely adverse weather conditions in which you should not be camping anyway).

Never pitch your tent too close to a tree. Many people believe that the tree canopy will protect from rain, and to a degree, this is true. However, if the rainstorm turns into a thunderstorm and the lightening hits the tree, then it could fall on the tent and crush whatever is inside. Old wives tales advise that a potato be put on the top of the metal poles of a tent during an electric storm, apparently, they protect from a lightning strike.

Next, you should consider which clothing to bring. Waterproof bags are essential for storing the clothes that you bring, and anything else you wish to protect from water damage, such as mobile phones and laptops. Pack more pairs of socks than you would ordinarily use, as these tend to get the most waterlogged of all clothing. Stow clothes away from the tent walls, as the walls tend to be the dampest area of the tent.

When you are camping in the rain, it can be tempting to use the camp stove in the tent – especially if the rain sets in hard. Never use the stove inside! The dangers of doing so are extreme, and not just from the potential risk of fire: gas stoves produce carbon monoxide, a highly poisonous gas that is likely to be at critical levels when used inside. Make sure then, that you bring along a variety of foods that you can eat without cooking, such as sandwiches.

 

 

 

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Safety Tips For Before Leaving For Your Camping Trip.

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

Camping is a multi-Billion dollar industry in North America alone, and almost every campground, from Federal Parks to commercial campgrounds are full, or close to it, on almost every weekend from late May through to early September.  But, before leaving for your camping trip, there are many things that must be checked, for safety’s sake as well as for ensuring that everything you need is working properly and packed.

A safety checklist before leaving on a camping trip should include, but not be limited to;

*    Learn your new gear.  Especially when your gear uses chemicals (chemical toilets), gasoline or camp fuels (generators, tent heaters and camp stoves), you should make sure that you know how to use them safely before leaving your home for the great, wild outdoors.  Read the manufacturer’s safety and operating manuals, and follow them point by point.  There is a reason these instructions are included with your gear, and that is that they are the safest way to operate your gear without having accidents or explosions.  Try using your new gear outside, in a well ventilated area, until you are proficient in using them safely.

*    Vehicle maintenance and repairs.  The one thing that can really ruin a camping trip, or any vacation, is to have your vehicle break down on the way.  A lot of extra money and time are wasted due to not properly maintaining your vehicle.  Make sure that your tires are all in very good condition, of the same model and size, and inflated to the same pressure.

You should have your brakes, transmission, steering and ignition systems checked by a garage that is certified for working on your vehicle‘s make.  Make sure that your spark plugs, rotor and spark plug wires have under 5,000 miles on them, and if not, have them replaced.  Have an oil and filter change, and get the vehicle safety inspection.  If there are any significant problems on the safety report, have them repaired.

*    First aid kits.  Bring at least two different first aid kits;  one for the vehicle, and one for the campground.  For the vehicle, there should be road safety flares, pop-up reflective pylons, first aid safety guide and a packaged automobile first aid kit.  For camping, aside from the pre-packaged outdoors first aid kit, you should have bug repellent and after-bite lotion, aspirin, tweezers and a first aid guide.  Knowledge of CPR is suggested.

*    Make sure you know how to set everything up.  Before leaving the home, you should make sure that you know how to set up and use everything that you are bringing.  Knowing how to properly set up your tent can save you some embarrassment, as well as your tent.  Some of the newer tents have extra components, from electrical outlets to lights, from flies to footprint tarps, and installing them wrong can cause problems.  Not installing your tent properly could see it flying away during a high wind gust, even with small children inside it.

*    Bug tent and tarpaulins.  Tarpaulins can be used as wind and rain repellents.A bug tent is very useful for a comfortable dining experience, for preparing meals and for playing cards or board games outside of the sleeping tents.

*    Bring lots of duct tape.  Duct tape is of the camper’s best friends, and can be used for many safety issues, as well as for temporarily fixing things until they can be properly fixed or replaced, like tent walls, linings, zippers and floors.

And, as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young famously sang to us since the 1960’s, “Teach your children well”.   Before leaving on a camping trip, teach your children what they can and can not do, the importance of listening to their elders when outdoors in a strange place, and that they can not leave the campsite unattended.

Using common sense, as well as following all user’s guides and manuals, you should have a safe and fun camping experience.

Camp safe.  Camp informed.

 

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