Aug 6

Camping tents are the most important piece of camping gear and perhaps the most important factor in whether an outing is fun or a failure. For outdoor campers, high-quality camping tents are key to a safe and comfortable camping experience. Along with sleeping bags, camping tents are standard equipment for campers. The best camping tents are the ones that will fit everyone with a lot of comfort and shelter against, insects, flies and other annoying bugs.

With the advancement of technology, camping tents are made better than ever and are constructed to be durable, weather-proof and chemically and mechanically resistant. Most camping tents are available in either rip stop nylon or a polyester cotton blend to help you keep dry and warm. There are also canvas camping tents available – they are put together extremely well and are very durable however they are heavier then the nylon ones. The best camping tents are well ventilated with quality screens and a waterproof rain fly. Camping tents are designed with the camper in mind and are subjected to rigorous testing for wind, rain and climate to ensure the camping holiday is totally enjoyable.

Camping tents are available in different styles and designs, but you need to choose the one that exactly fits your needs and budget since they are an important investment. Camping tents are said to be cost effective and very useful method for temporary accommodation.

Most camping tents are rated 3 season tents and they are the most popular ones. 3 season tents are lightweight and not built to provide adequate shelter during harsh weather conditions. 4 season camping tents are designed to withstand driving rain or heavy snow. 4 season tents are usually domed, so snow will slip off them easily, and many come with a vestibule that is an additional buffer to wind and rain. Convertible camping tents are designed like 4 season tents but can be converted to 3 season tents if the added protection isn’t needed. To play it safe, you should look for a tent suitable for all climates.

The designs of camping tents are becoming more and more innovative. Camping tents are offered in cabins, domes and other geometric shapes that provide many storage and comfort options. They are available in many sizes, varying from solo hiking tents to multi-room tents with room for dressing, even pet specific so there is the perfect shelter to safely house everyone in your group.

Outdoor camping tents are rated on the amount of people they can fit. Family camping tents are perfect for that outdoor adventure that includes the entire family and they are a must-have item for preserving family harmony. Family camping tents are spacious, well ventilated and easy to set up. Family camping tents are one of those things that also encourage family bonding. They are available in various sizes. Three room family camping tents are becoming more and more popular because they give you more options then just about any other tent on the market today.

Dome camping tents are dome shaped and are one of the most popular styles. They are free-standing and feature great designs for shedding water and snow and do well in the wind. Dome camping tents are lightweight, easy to set-up, with great storage and very little maintenance.

Bivy camping tents are designed for a single camper and could be thought of as a sleeping tubes rather than tents. They are perfect for a backpacking trip.

Pop up camping tents are lightweight and are ideal for inexperienced campers.

Although camping tents are designed to be tough, rugged, and durable to stand against nature’s elements, have in mind they are not maintenance-free.

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Sep 27

Wikipedia says the daughter of Fredrick the Red, invented the first sleeping bag on her journey to North America in 1000 A, made from one of the sails of her ship. Of course, sleeping bags have come a long way since she sailed around the world, and sleeping bag manufacturers have paid close attention to the needs of consumers, producing sleeping bags for every camping, hiking, mountain climbing, canoing, fishing and hunting adventure.

If you are going camping and need a sleeping bag, don’t just pick the first one you see. Selecting the best one depends on the intended use and how often you plan to use it.
Since sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes and some were made for lower temperatures and retain heat better than others it is important to know which sleeping bag works best for you. Choosing the proper sleeping bag for your camping style will prevent a lot of aggravation.

The two most common types of sleeping bags are rectangular and mummy or cocoon style. While rectangular shaped sleeping bags are probably the most popular style, experienced campers and adventure seekers favor the cocoon designs. The cocoon is a form fitting style that is smaller and lightweight, but still offers the same temperature rating as comparable rectangular sleeping bags.
Mummy sleeping bags are roomy, compactable, include many technical elements, and are available in a variety of insulations and fabrics. Rectangular sleeping bags give more room to move around and can usually be zipped together with other rectangular sleeping bags if needed. The mummy bag conforms more closely to the body than a rectangular sleeping bag where heat escapes from the top more quickly. Some semi-rectangular sleeping bags come with a contoured hood making up for the heat loss. Common dimensions for rectangle sleeping bags are: 28″ x 60″ (children), 33″ x 75″ (adult), 33″ x 80″ (tall adult), and 39″ x 80″ (big and tall adult).

Sleeping bags are either synthetic-filled or down-filled. Goose down sleeping bags are light weight and perfect for backpacking and while biking. Renowned for its superior insulation, goose down is one of the premier sleeping bag materials made to keep the warmth in and keep the cold out. Synthetic sleeping bags are cheaper than down and usually non-allergenic. Synthetic sleeping bags are easier to take care of especially if spill is sponged off immediately. Sleeping bag fill will come in both short and long fibers. Many new synthetics use a “hollow fiber” method that keeps sleeping bags light and allows for good compression when packing, while still offering excellent warmth. Long fibers found in sleeping bags with synthetic fill are more stable and will be less likely to shift during use. Short fibers on the other hand, both down fill and synthetic, can shift during use, affecting your sleeping bag’s loft and inviting cold air in.

Temperature ratings are a good prediction of the ability of your sleeping bag to protect you from cold. Summer weight sleeping bags keep you warm in temperatures 35 degrees or higher. 3-season sleeping bags keep you warm in temperatures of 10 degrees to 35 degrees. Cold weather sleeping bags keep you warm in minus 10 degrees to plus 10 degrees. Winter/Extreme sleeping bags keep you warm in minus 10 degrees and below.
In the middle of cold nights your sleeping bag will be your lifesaver. It is also a good idea to have a pad or a mattress underneath your sleeping bag to keep it off the ground.

How you care for your sleeping bag is very important and will make it last longer. Wash a synthetic sleeping bag in a front-loading washing machine with detergent.
Dry a synthetic sleeping bag in a dryer on low heat, not to melt the fibers.
Down sleeping bags on the other hand require special care. Wash a down sleeping bag by hand with mild detergent. The best way to dry a down sleeping bag is to lay it out flat.
Make sure your down sleeping bag is completely dry before putting it away to prevent mildew, and clumping. If you use a dryer to dry a down sleeping bag use very low heat. It takes a long time to dry a down sleeping bag, but never turn up the heat or you will ruin your bag.

Wherever you travel the most important camping accessory in your outdoor gear is your sleeping bag. Hope this helps you choose a warm, snug sleeping bag for a good nights sleep the next time you go camping.

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Sep 15

The two different types of styles of sleeping bags are rectangular-shaped sleeping bag and a mummy-style sleeping bag.

Filmmaker: Reel Media LLC

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Sep 4

Useful camping gear includes a tent, ground pad, an ax or hatchet, etc. Pack proper camping gear and equipment with tips from a scoutmaster in this free camping video.

Duration : 0:1:29

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Aug 27

A solar shower is basically a bag filled with water that is heated by the sun so that a person can take an easy, convenient outdoor shower. It comes with a hanging cord so it can be hung in a tree in the hot sun, safely with the minimal risk to any puncture.
The solar shower is a favorite among campers, as it allows for showering while backpacking and in rural areas. The solar shower is just what you need after a long day of walking or trekking.

The configuration of solar shower is simple and based on thermo siphoning, which embodies thermo circulation and is an eco-friendly way of generating warm water.
The solar shower is designed with efficient construction containing an insulator panel, which helps generate warmer water faster and is made from durable pvc construction filled with water that absorbs heat from the sun. The solar shower features a hot and cold temperature adjustment, fully articulating shower head and flow control making your shower experience as comfortable as possible.
It packs down to a minimal size and warms the water to temperatures in excess of 49 degrees.

It is friendly to the environment as it is to your wallet.
An ideal camping and hiking accessory to take on those trips in the wilderness, 5 gallon solar shower is ample for 1 person with water left over.

The solar shower is so clever, simple to operate and relatively easy to set up – you’ll wonder why you didn’t purchase one, years ago!

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Aug 19

Camping is one of the easiest, quickest, and most inexpensive ways to have a green summer vacation. Green camping is not complicated. It is all about getting as close as you can to nature without treading on it too heavily. Green camping does not have to be complicated and can be easily done with a little forethought and consideration for the environment and others.
The key to green camping is leaving the smallest ecological footprint possible. It is an extension of your everyday commitment to living in an ecologically friendly way with the environment.
Curb your carbon footprint with these green travel tips: driving to and from the campground can be the largest greenhouse gas contributor of an entire trip so take a local vacation, find a campground or state park near you, and cut down your travel time. Also, a train travel will offer a much lower carbon footprint than travelling in a car loaded down with equipment.
Bike or walk a regional trail to cut carbon emissions.
Use biodegradable soap for dish washing, bathing and laundry while camping.
Think about what type of fuel you use for cooking,
Make your green camping holiday completely litter free and have a good supply of carrier bags. Dispose of trash properly or take it with you when you leave.
Look for a campsite that is already established, more than 200 feet from a water source, and stay off plants as much as possible
Learn to leave no trace.
You’re a “green” camper just by having common courtesy – it’s how camping should be.
How can we make sure our camping trip is as environmentally friendly as possible?
Help to decrease the size of your footprint in the great outdoors and every aspect of life.

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