The Basics of Tent Camping

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The Basics of Tent Camping

Tent camping is an activity my family has been involved in for many years. Our camping trips combine fishing, hiking, and swimming to the regular camp site life of cutting wood, starting a fire, food preparation, cooking, eating, games, and just relaxing. We’ve made a lot of good memories from our camping trips. We’ve always gone up in the mountains and found great camping hiking spots either at designated campgrounds that offer water for washing, and some type of restroom (out house or rest-stop type), and garbage cans, or places where there were no creature comforts at all. We always camped by streams, lakes, or rivers during the summer months.

If you intend to have a successful camping experience, planning is important. As a retired Army Airborne Ranger, who has had to live out of a ruck (back pack) for many days, having the right camping gear when you’re camping will make the experience that much more enjoyable.
The best camping tents for families are tents that have separate rooms. Since we have two children our tent has three rooms — my wife and I sleep in a room, the kids sleep in a room, and the entrance room is for dressing and storage. We use a combination of foam and inflatable mattresses. We use rectangular sleeping bags that you can zip together for the wife and I, and the kids have their own individual bags. Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. We also use poncho liners for the kids to use inside their sleeping bags. We’ve had our tent for over 15 years and average 2-3 camping trips each summer.

We also take a couple of tarps. We use one tarp on the ground under the tent and make it long enough to have about 8 feet in front of the tent door. We take our shoes/boots off outside to keep the inside of the tent as clean as possible. We bring a small folding stool to place outside the tent door to help with putting shoes on. The second tarp is used to cover our kitchen/cooking gear if it rains.

We use two camping stoves – one uses propane (which we mainly use for heating water for hot drinks and washing) and the other is a 2 burner stove and uses fuel, which does not burn as hot. We use this one for cooking bacon, pancakes, eggs, etc. Bring a couple of frying pans, and camping pots/pans – remember to bring a spatula if you’re going to cook pancakes or eggs.

We always start a fire in the morning(for warmth) and in the evening, for cooking. Bring a collapsible grate to put over the fire if you plan on laying anything on it to cook or heat up. We make pointed sticks by cutting small branches from nearby trees for the polish dogs or bratwurst – so bring a couple of knives. We cut our own wood from the dead branches and logs you find near the campground. We bring an axe and small saw with a folding blade to get the wood the right size to fit in the fire pit.

Here are the basics of camping gear to bring:

Tent with rain fly, tarp, tent stakes, and hammer

Sleeping gear to include mattresses – inflatable or foam, blankets (poncho liners), and pillows

Cooking/kitchen equipment – camping stoves, folding camping table, frying pans, pots to heat water and cook in, paper plates, bowls, and utensils, napkins, paper towels, wash rags, towels, cutlery, large spoons, tongs, can opener, lighters, tin foil, plastic wash basin, scouring pads, disposable wipes, detergent, plastic storage bags, and trash bags. We pack this in see-though plastic tubs with folding lids. We pack most of our non-cooler food in these types of containers, too.

Fire pit necessities – if you plan on scrounging your own wood from the forest floor – axe, folding saw, gloves, newspaper for fire starting, lighter, a folding grate (campfire tripod), and a folding shovel.

Personal hygiene – soap, wash cloths, towels (dark in color), shampoo and shower shoes (if your campground has a shower), toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Safety equipment – flashlights, lantern, spare batteries, cell phone with car charger, map of the area, first aid kit, compass or GPS, and plenty of drinking water.

These are some of the items you’ll need to have an enjoyable camping trip. After your first trip, you’ll be able to fine-tune your list. Tent camping takes a lot of prep work, but it is so worth it for the memories you’ll always have.

Comments (0) Jul 27 2011

How the Select the Right Camping Stove

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How the Select the Right Camping Stove

When it’s time to purchase camping gear there are many things to consider, one of which is how often do you plan on upgrading your equipment or replacing it? If you’re like me, I like to buy quality, knowing that what I buy will last a few years. When you buy camping stoves the same applies.  You can either buy the cheaper ones and expect to replace them every couple of years or decide to buy  one of the best camping stoves (which will last for many years) to meet your needs. I use two types of stoves for tent camping when you’re able to drive close to your campsite. I use another type of stove for backpack camping, where you’re more interested in a small and lightweight stove for heating things up.  We often bring prepared food that just needs to be cooked in a pot or on the campfire, rather than meals that require a lot of ingredients and preparation.

Important considerations in choosing the right camping stove for your use are where you’ll be camping and how many people you’ll be cooking for? For tent camping in a campground area, the two-burner propane or white gas stoves work well. I use a two-burner stove that uses white gas and a single burner propane stove. This set-up works well for a family of 4 or 5. The two-burner white gas stove works great for cooking, since it is easier to control the flame and does not burn as hot. The single burner propane stove works great for heating water for hot drinks and for washing water – both for personal hygiene and washing/rinsing dishes.

Many camping stoves come with a push button ignition. However, always bring water-proof matches and a camping lighter as a back-up.

Most lightweight stoves come with a carrying case to protect them when they’re being stored and packed.

Each type of stove has its own fuel needs. Make sure you bring enough of the right kind of fuel for your usage needs. The types of fuels are: propane, butane, isobutene, and white gas.

Most fuel types can be used for lanterns as well as for stoves. Make sure you get stoves and lanterns that use the same type of fuel to make life easier.

Having the right camping stoves for your situation will definitely add to your camping enjoyment, but if you don’t have the right cooking equipment it could ruin what should be a fantastic time.  Make sure you have quality gear that will last many years.  We’ve had our current camping gear for over 15 years.

Remember there are some sporting good stores that will rent camping equipment.  If you’re new to camping, that’s a good way to go.  You can actually use the equipment you’re interested in to make sure it will meet your expectations before you purchase it.

When you’re ready to buy, do your homework by checking several camping gear retail websites.  They often have quality gear at very discounted prices – much better deals than the local sporting goods stores.

 

Comments (0) Jul 26 2011

How to Select a Good Camping Tent

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How to Select a Good Camping Tent

 

Before you head out on your next trip to the great outdoors you will need to check whether you have all the right camping gear to make the occasion a memorable one. Camping is a wonderful experience and one that is enjoyed by people of all ages if you’re properly outfitted and have all camping gear you’ll need.

Whether you are heading into the wilderness or planning to tent camp at an organized camp ground, having the correct equipment will ensure you are ready for any eventuality and situation. A quality tent should be at the top of the list. These are available in a dizzying array of shapes, designs, and sizes. It’s imperative you choose a tent that can accommodate the number of people who will be accompanying you on the trip or have more than one tent depending on the situation and how many people want to sleep under one roof.

Before you start looking for a camping tent, decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Types of Camping Tents:

Camping tents are classified using three ratings: 3 season, 4 season, and all season. The 3 season tent works well except for cold weather conditions, the 4 season tent is designed for extreme cold temperatures, and the all season tent is generally thought of as a family or car tent. Most cabin tents are all season tents.

Besides the seasonal classification, there are also backpacking tents and regular tents.

Backpacking tents are light-weight and are fast and easy to set-up. The largest   backpacking tent I would recommend would be a 3 man tent. This would give 2 people plenty of room and not be too heavy to carry in your backpack. Regular tents are used for
car/truck camping where you drive to a campground and don’t have far to set-up your campsite.

 

What’s the right size of camping tent (not a backpacking tent)?

 

The size and weight of a tent doesn’t matter, just as long as you’re able to carry it from you car or truck to the campsite and it fits in your vehicle along will all your other camping gear.

 

Tent capacity is based on the number of people who can sleep in one. For example, a 2 man tent will accommodate 2 people and have very little storage space. A good rule is to buy a camping tent that has a capacity rating of 2 people more than the number who will be using it. This will provide enough space to spread out a little and store your gear, too. If you’re doing family camping, the multi-room tents work great. Multi-room tents come in 2-room styles, where the rooms are separated by an inside tent wall with a zippered door. The 3-room design has the 2 room, plus an added screen room, which is great for storage and for changing clothes, playing games, etc.

 

Other features to look for are:

A rainfly to keep the rain out

Folded seams and double stitching to help keep rain out

A one piece waterproof tub floor keeps water out

Noseeum meshing to keep insects out

Heavy duty zippers that hold up with frequent use

 

If it rains while you’re camping or your tent is damp when you strike camp, you’ll want to set-up the tent in your yard to air it out when you get home. This helps prevent mildew and mold.

 

Comments (0) Jul 25 2011

How to Select a Good Camping Tent

Posted: under Camping.
Tags:

How to Select a Good Camping Tent

 

Before you head out on your next trip to the great outdoors you will need to check whether you have all the right camping gear to make the occasion a memorable one. Camping is a wonderful experience and one that is enjoyed by people of all ages if you’re properly outfitted and have all camping gear you’ll need.

Whether you are heading into the wilderness or planning to tent camp at an organized camp ground, having the correct equipment will ensure you are ready for any eventuality and situation. A quality tent should be at the top of the list. These are available in a dizzying array of shapes, designs, and sizes. It’s imperative you choose a tent that can accommodate the number of people who will be accompanying you on the trip or have more than one tent depending on the situation and how many people want to sleep under one roof.

Before you start looking for a camping tent, decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Types of Camping Tents:

Camping tents are classified using three ratings: 3 season, 4 season, and all season. The 3 season tent works well except for cold weather conditions, the 4 season tent is designed for extreme cold temperatures, and the all season tent is generally thought of as a family or car tent. Most cabin tents are all season tents.

Besides the seasonal classification, there are also backpacking tents and regular tents.

Backpacking tents are light-weight and are fast and easy to set-up. The largest   backpacking tent I would recommend would be a 3 man tent. This would give 2 people plenty of room and not be too heavy to carry in your backpack. Regular tents are used for
car/truck camping where you drive to a campground and don’t have far to set-up your campsite.

 

What’s the right size of camping tent (not a backpacking tent)?

 

The size and weight of a tent doesn’t matter, just as long as you’re able to carry it from you car or truck to the campsite and it fits in your vehicle along will all your other camping gear.

 

Tent capacity is based on the number of people who can sleep in one. For example, a 2 man tent will accommodate 2 people and have very little storage space. A good rule is to buy a camping tent that has a capacity rating of 2 people more than the number who will be using it. This will provide enough space to spread out a little and store your gear, too. If you’re doing family camping, the multi-room tents work great. Multi-room tents come in 2-room styles, where the rooms are separated by an inside tent wall with a zippered door. The 3-room design has the 2 room, plus an added screen room, which is great for storage and for changing clothes, playing games, etc.

 

Other features to look for are:

A rainfly to keep the rain out

Folded seams and double stitching to help keep rain out

A one piece waterproof tub floor keeps water out

Noseeum meshing to keep insects out

Heavy duty zippers that hold up with frequent use

 

If it rains while you’re camping or your tent is damp when you strike camp, you’ll want to set-up the tent in your yard to air it out when you get home. This helps prevent mildew and mold.

 

 

Comments (0) Jul 25 2011

Get amazing results with fitness boot camp

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Get amazing results with fitness boot camp

Fitness boot camps are becoming popular because of its ability to let you into shape and have a healthy body. The main reason why people are becoming members of these camps is the need to lose weight. Therefore, people happily go for a workout session in these rapid weight loss boot camps where they also learn how to eat healthy and stay fit. This group training programs are hosted by gyms and personal trainers.

Your fitness is your important asset. Therefore, it is vital for everyone to take steps so that he can be fit and healthy. Meanwhile, this becomes very difficult if you don’t know how to go about it. Fitness boot camps generally have a combination of cardio, body weight and weight training exercises that help members lose their weight and increase the stamina.

There are various reasons why these weight loss boot camps are very efficient. First of all in a very short period of time they help you burn out lots of calories with work-out sessions. As every exercise is different from one another, you will never get bored. These fitness boot camps are a great help as they are not restricted only to the equipments in a gym. Outdoor work-outs with least amount of machines assure you a good effect on your health with the burning of excess fats.

As people work-out in a team, you will able to get the much needed support and motivation to make your entire session enjoyable. Appointing a good trainer will always cost you more. Meanwhile, if the same trainer is doing the fitness boot camp then you will get the similar results at affordable prices. Boot camp trainer always guides you and let you do work-outs that suit you the best. Your meals will be kept under control. Sleeping hours are also regulated to get you the best results and achieve your fitness goal.

If you are tired of the work-outs with a regular fitness program and unable to get the appropriate results that you are trying for then you can surely go for these fitness boot camps. These camps are the perfect solution for weight loss. Even if you go for these camps only for a short time, you will be able to get some good results. These training programs are generally customized to address your unique fitness needs.

If you are looking around for the best fitness boot camp then the internet is the best place to search for. It is necessary to ensure that you are visiting a valid camp before you get enrolled self. After a search on the internet you can have a chat with them and study the programs offered. You can also ask for help from the instructors and trainers provided by these camps as per your needs to get the best result. These camps help get you into shape and have an endurance level you had always desired for. So, enroll now and be fit and healthy.

Comments (0) Jul 24 2011

Camping in the UK – Rules That You Should be Aware Of

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Camping in the UK – Rules That You Should be Aware Of

If you love the greenery of the woods, the noises of the forest and the sound of the gushing waters nearby, camping is ideal for you. Picking a campsite during your holiday in the UK is not a very difficult task. However, there isn’t much fun in camping on fields with 20 other families in a much commercialised setup. The true fun of camping is the wilderness although a larger group is required to ensure safety. Spending your holiday in UK watching birds in early morning hours, tracking wild animals or fishing in streams could be far better than a mundane campsite. But there are rules which will stop you from putting up your tent just about anywhere you like. The rules are different for camping in England, Wales or in Scotland. Here are some of the things you should double check before camping wild.

In Wales and England, people don’t have a natural legal right to camp wherever they want. This means that, however difficult or impractical it may seem, you have to find out about the right authorities and seek written permission to pitch up. Places like the Peak District ban people from camping on dry moors. On the other hand, if you head to Snowdonia or Lake District or other such places, you can camp in the wild without many hassles.

There is an explicit rule in Scotland where people have a right to camp wild on hill land, although it must be more than 100 metres away from the road.

In places like Dartmoor, England, there are explicit rules that people should try to find out more about before deciding to camp. For starters, wild camping is prohibited for more than two consecutive nights at the same place or on lands which are allocated for parking of vehicles.

There are many places where wild camping is allowed but the campsite itself is not accessible by cars or other vehicles. In fact, many people choose to pick a wild campsite or farm where they can rent some place in a corner from the landowner himself.

When you are on a holiday in UK and more specifically in England or Wales, then wild camping is a right in the National Parks with certain limitations. You are in for a great time during your holidays in the UK, camping in those parks and enjoying the woods as long as you stay at least 100 metres from the road and use a tent instead of a caravan. There are exceptions to this right though, which is why it is better to double check before you find your holiday in the UK ending for the wrong reasons.

There is some etiquette to be followed during wild camping as well. One of them is to not leave the litter behind and ensuring that your toilet is at least 30 metres from the water source. Burying the toilet waste is mandatory, which is why you will need a trowel.

Comments (0) Jul 24 2011

Tent Camping in New Jersey

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Do you want to know a great place for camping? There are lots of people all over the world who wants to go camping at some point of time in the year. There are certain places which you can enjoy only in the seasons while the other places can also be enjoyed throughout the year.

You also need to find out whether you love beach or mountains or forests. If you like the beach then you can check out New Jersey which is a great place for beach camping.

If you want a great experience in camping then you can surely choose the place. Camping in the tents is one of the best ways to enjoy your time with your family or friends. This is the reason why you need to choose the proper camping tents for yourself.

There are varieties of tents available these days. These tents usually differ in size as well as shape. You need to choose the shape and size according to your requirement. Other than this, you also need some other equipment which is equally necessary for camping in the tents.

You will need the camping gear as well as the lantern. There are various companies which are well known for manufacturing these lanterns. You might have heard about the Coleman lanterns.

The camping gear will include all the essential elements that will need while camping in New Jersey. You can enjoy no other place like New Jersey with your family. The first thing you need to do is decide on the camping ground. You must always keep the safety of your family in mind.

This is the reason why you need to decide everything beforehand. Your children will surely enjoy the camping in New Jersey because there are lots of families camping there and they will meet new friends and can enjoy with them.

There are many beaches present in the country you need to choose the one which seems goof for you and your family. The first one is the camp may. This is said to be one of the best locations of New Jersey. The beach is long and you can enjoy the beach throughout the day.

Make sure you take the camping gear with you so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest extent. The next popular beach is the wildwoods. You can perform a number of activities in the beaches which your kids will surely love.

Comments (0) Nov 17 2010

Camping Equipment Outlets

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Depending on where you live in the country, almost every time of the year can be a good time to go out camping with your friends or family. Some of those times might require special camping equipment needed for different seasons. Using the better quality camping supplies available will usually pay off in the long run due to their ability to withstand continual use over time. These better brands for camping don’t necessarily have to cost a lot of money when you look for these items online. It’s only a few clicks away to an available camping equipment outlet found on the Internet.

Various camping equipment outlets will allow for nice discounts when you buy almost anything related to camping like sleeping gear, tents, emergency and survival equipment, camping furniture, lighting or lanterns for camping, knives, hatchets and many more items.

Some of these camping equipment outlets also sell slightly used camping gear that will usually be more discounted at then newer lesser quality items. Also, you are looking for a better quality camping equipment but want to stay under budget, purchasing slightly used items may allow for getting the better quality. You might realistically expect that slightly used camping gear will likely last longer than the cheaper new items you could get for less money. You really need to compare the better brands with the cheaper ones to really understand the difference in quality.

Taking some time to research various camping resources like articles and consumer news will usually help your chances for a more enjoyable camping experience over time. Looking through various tips and other information regarding camping will help you understand what brands will be better for various categories of camping supplies. Part of your research helpng towards a more enjoyable camping adventure will include comparing stores with each other to find some of those better deals.

You also might look into finding this equipment in the classifieds or auctions. Auctions online will have available for sale and bid for almost any camping or hiking supplies you could ever think of being available and more. Some of these sites will have both auctions and no bidding purchases available to the consumer. Consumers who like to find deals can sometimes find great ones using auctions. Others that may be reluctant to bid on items will often have the chance to simply purchase those items at a given price.

Comments (0) Nov 09 2010

How To Choose The Best Weight Loss Camp For Your Child

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Twenty-five years ago weight-loss camp campers were mostly teenage girls who were at least 100 pounds or more overweight. The menu usually consisted of food such as beef liver, fish and alfalfa sprouts and the only form of exercise was running and doing sit-ups. The ultimate goal at these overnight summer camps is to lose as much weight as possible in as little time as possible. They were often considered special needs camps. There are also many teen and adult weight loss camps.

Today things are a lot less extreme than they were in those days – approximately 39 percent of the campers are boys, the kids usually need to lose between 21 and 41 pounds, the menus offer a much broader range of food, and the exercise is a lot of fun, with activities that include fun sports like tennis and kayaking. The weight loss camps today emphasize very healthy lifestyles and long-lasting skills that the kids can take home with them and actually put into use.

To summarize, these so-called “fat camps” usually resemble regular overnight summer camps and just happen to specialize in teaching excellent decision-making techniques as they relates to food.

Now according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 16 percent or so of children from ages 6-19 are overweight or obese and this number that has tripled since 1981.

The number of overnight or sleepaway weight loss camps has remained about the same. There are about 16 to 20 of these camps out of 10,000 sleep away camps in the United States alone with some of these having offshoots in other locations. There are many other weight loss camps in other countries.

In most of the overnight summer camps the children will be between the ages of 7 and 12. This age group tends to be most successful because parents have more to say about the child’s eating and exercise habits. Usually bad eating habits are less instilled in the younger children.

All sleepaway fat loss camps work at building good habits, not just dealing out quick fixes. You will find these camps have classes on good nutrition, proper portion control, emotional eating, handling situations like pizza parties, birthday parties and ice cream parties.

You’ll find they teach by example. In the old days weight loss camps offered 1,250 to 1,350 calories each day. Today they’re more realistic, usually about 1,800 to 2,000 calories daily. On the menu along with healthier foods you’ll also find there are hamburgers, pita pizzas, baked potato chips and low-fat baked goods.

It’s long been a misconception that overnight weight loss camps don’t offer enough food and they overwork the kids. It’s actually the opposite. The right amount of food is served and they provide workouts for the kids at the right level. Campers never find they are hungry.

Changing the camper’s behavior is the key to sustaining weight loss. Many campers learn to cook, shop for groceries, order out at restaurants, and work with camp psychologists on managing stress, frustration tolerance, and identifying emotional eating.

Generally the campers want to be there. Years ago when their parents made them go they didn’t want to. Kids are happier that they’re making a change and develop confidence and independence as a result of the experience. They learn to make healthier choices also. Kids learn to feel better, breathe better, run faster and become more active as a result.

Some overnight weight loss camps can cost about $1,000 a week. Many of the camps offer scholarships and that’s worth exploring. Your health insurance may cover some of it because of the weight loss therapy. And some churches run free weight loss camps, but may be harder to find.

Choosing the right summer camp for your child may mean doing a lot of research and checking out reviews of weight loss camps. Talking to parents who have sent their kids to those camps would give you some idea as to the successful experience the child has had. Ask the director of the camp you’re considering if they will give you some names of previous campers’ parents so you can contact them. Cost may be a factor too. There is a wide range when it comes to cost and be sure to compare weight loss summer camp ratings online and offline. Check the public library for Consumer Reports magazine’s ratings.

Any overnight summer camp is great because it will force the child to have structured time in the summer and even traditional overnight camps focus on kid’s fitness and health, serve healthier food and encourage a lot of exercise. If you can’t find or afford a weight loss camp, you should choose a camp anyway even if it’s a special camp like arts or science that has some activity. The important thing is to keep overweight kids active in the summer.

Comments (0) Nov 07 2010

American Summer Camps – What They Offer

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The typical scene of the traditional American summer camps involves a beautiful natural locale, enthusiastic children and proficient trainers from all over the globe. This article revolves around some basic aspects of camps in general.

However, the concept of the camping venture was first put forward by Frederic William Gunn in America in 1861; it has now blossomed in full bloom. As a result, there are host of full-fledged summer camps arranged in all over the world covering diverse topics and subjects for kids, teens and elders. The main intention of all the camps, however, remains the same – to develop skills, peer relations, and self-esteem in the campers.

As the times goes by, the number of summer camp attending students are getting increased remarkably. And more surprisingly, only in America, you will find more than 12,000 camps. This shows that such camps are proving to be rewarding for the students in many ways.

American summer camps serve as of huge varieties. You have amazing options like traditional summer day camps, overnight camps, high school and academic camps, adventure and sports camps, summer fun and computer camps for kids and teens. All these are specially designed to meet the needs of the students.

When it comes to making a right choice of the camps, make certain inquiries to make your decision easier. Suppose, you wish to join sports camps, you will learn something like horseback riding, ice skating or hockey, football, volleyball and so on. If you choose academic summer camps, you will have great exposure to various topics like astronomy, arts, creative writing, journalism, math, and science, robotics, and so on. It is up to you what you wish to learn.

Some of the best American summer camps are iD Tech Camps, Supercamp, and University of Illinois Summer Sports Camps. Make sure that the fee-structure varies from one location to another. Therefore, decide properly when it comes to choosing a location for the camp.

Comments (0) Nov 04 2010

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