Posts Tagged ‘Camping’

Essential Camping Gear for a Happy Holiday under Canvas

August 21st, 2010

There’s something quite magical about sleeping under canvas. Closeness to nature, seeing the moon shining through the tent, hearing owls hooting in the trees and breathing nature’s earthy scent… these small things which we take for granted in our everyday lives are somehow more appreciated on a camping holiday.

But there are also practical reasons for choosing a camping holiday. The cost, for one; despite an initial outlay for a tent, sleeping bags and other gear, equipment will usually last for many years without needing replacement, so camping holidays will typically be reasonably priced. A night at a campsite can cost as little as £5, while a room in even a modest hotel can cost ten times as much.

Then there’s the flexibility and freedom of packing up and moving to another location, and deciding whether it’s a survival-style trip with only the bare minimum of equipment, or an altogether more luxurious holiday with a huge tent, inflatable beds and anything else that can be squeezed into the boot of the car.  Who can deny that there’s something extremely appealing about following your own schedule and experiencing more of the great outdoors? You can start your holiday in Snowdonia, finish it at Loch Ness, stop at the Lake District and the Pennines along the way – all the while, never having to sleep in someone else’s sheets…

Whatever form your camping trip is likely to take – hiking with everything squeezed into one rucksack, cycling with your gear squished into panniers, or driving with a packed trailer attached to the car – there are certain bits of kit that will make your camping holiday that bit easier.  Here’s a selection of our favourites.

Survival tools

One of the most useful things you can take with you on a camping trip is a multi-tool, which combines a variety of tools in one small package – much like a Swiss army knife.

The True DogTag Tool TU30 comes with a neck chain and a key chain to make sure it doesn’t get lost. Measuring just 5cm, the True DogTag Tool TU30 includes useful tools including tweezers, a bottle opener, a knife, a screwdriver and a bright white LED light – so finding your way back to your tent at night won’t be a problem.

If you’re planning a full-on survival experience then a useful tool to take on your trip is the hand powered chainsaw, which despite being light and compact and operated purely by hand, can cut through a three-inch diameter tree limb in 20 seconds.

Heat and light

Even during the summer, evenings can be cold and dark, so make sure you take reliable sources of heat and light on your camping trip.

The Cyba-lite LED Lantern is perfect for camping trips. Battery powered, the lantern weighs just 158g and is only 13cm high – yet with its convex lens and 0.5w bright white LED, the Cyba-lite LED lantern will provide ample light, either standing in its base or with the base inverted to create a hanging torch.

Lighting a fire to keep warm at camp is not always easy, especially if you can’t find any decent kindling. So why not take your own kindling with you? Maya Fire Lighting Dust is made from shavings of a fatwood pine which has an 80% resin content – just strike sparks into the dust to get flame. Maya Fire Lighting Dust is neatly contained in 7cm diameter waterproof packaging, produces an extremely hot flame, and is completely natural.

Cooking and eating

Even if you’re staying at a campsite with lots of amenities, you probably won’t want to eat at restaurants every day – it can be very expensive, for a start. But if you’re trying to travel light, cooking and eating utensils – and food – can very quickly weigh you down.

Thankfully, there are some excellent lightweight cooking and eating utensils and specialist foods which are ideal for travelling light, and which use very little space in your rucksack.

The Camping Meal Kit is a set of polycarbonate and polypropylene utensils, which all pack away neatly into the largest dish which measures just 19cm x 19cm x 5.5cm. Included in the kit is a spill-free cup with lid, two plates, a combined colander and cutting board, a small waterproof box, and a spork (a spoon-knife-fork combined into one handy tool).

If you’re likely to find yourself miles from civilisation, stock up on lightweight food before you set off, which will provide the nutrition and energy you need for your trip without weighing a ton in your backpack.  Backpacker’s Pantry has created an excellent range of freeze-dried meals in lightweight packets, which contain enough food for two people. Simply add boiling water and then enjoy a meal of spaghetti in sauce, Pad Thai, spicy chilli or a variety of other delicious recipes.

Anna Clare is Website Manager at ShinyShack.com, a leading UK supplier of cool gifts and stockists of an excellent selection of camping gear.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

A Guide to Your Camping First Aid Kit

August 20th, 2010

Things to consider when buying a first aid kit for an outdoor activity such as camping – and there are so many. Our experience tells us the first thing to consider is the activity you intend on doing and the climate you intend on doing it in. For example, a first aid kit consisting of animal plasters and a lollipop for the children for use in your back garden won’t cut it on an ice climbing trip to Scandinavia.

Another important consideration is your ability – if you were to open your first aid kit, would you know how to use each item contained inside? Is it time to maybe enrol on a basic first aid course? Even the most complete first aid kit is rendered useless if the knowledge required to give basic first aid is lacking.

For this guide, we’ll assume we will be participating on a low risk camping activity.

Our definition of a low risk camping activity:

Falls from height will be unlikely. Risk from submersion in dangerous waters (cold, deep, fast flowing etc) will be minimal. Medical attention is available within the hour. Shelter, food and water are no further than 4 miles or one hour walk away.

Always make sure you are competent to carry out any activity you plan to engage in. Use your judgement to determine the risk factor of your activity. Always take into account any factors beyond your control – a sudden fall in temperature or visibility can render any activity dangerous.

Moving on to the first aid kit, the first thing to be included in any kit is personal medication – that is any medication that has been prescribed to you that you would require on a day to day basis.

The rest of your kit should consist of at least:

Waterproof First Aid Kit Bag Flashlight Whistle Scissors First Aid Tape Antiseptic Cream Anaesthetic Spray Variety of Gauzes Eye Wash Burn Relief Ointment Variety of Bandages Plasters / Band-Aids Some form a pain relief – Aspirin / Paracetamol / Ibuprofen Latex Gloves An EpiPen or similar

You should consider including the following items if not already included in your survival kit:

Tweezers A Fire steel or similar Water Purifying Tablets Space Blanket

Finally, the following we consider optional but make great additions when pack weight isn’t an issue:

Hydrocortisone Cream Insect Repellent Antihistamines Antacids

Read on below for a description of each item and its suggested use.

Waterproof First Aid Kit Bag

There is absolutely no reason not to have a waterproof first aid kit bag to hold your first aid kit contents. The items in your first aid kit should be kept clean and dry at all times – a damp first aid kit is almost like no first aid kit.

Flashlight / Torch

Chances are you’ll be carrying a flashlight anyway, but should always carry one in your first aid kit. This should be pretty self explanatory; first aid is a lot harder in the dark. Besides this, a torch is a great morale booster when an injured member of your party is immobile in the dark.

Whistle

Don’t carry just one whistle – carry one for each member of your group in case you need to separate or are separated for any reason. It is not only required to signal for help but is just as important to signal to each other.

Scissors

These have a variety of uses in many first aid scenarios from trimming bandages and gauze to removing clothing in an emergency. Try not to use these for general tasks and try to keep sterile where ever possible.

First Aid Tape

First aid tape has an unlimited number of uses, from a makeshift splint to taping on gauze. A roll should be found in every emergency first aid kit.

Antiseptic Cream

A minor cut or graze wouldn’t normally cause a problem – until it gets infected and can ultimately lead to very serious complications. Application of an antiseptic cream to keep this from happening could be very important.

Anaesthetic Spray

This may bring some welcome relief to common mishaps such as burns, stings, bites, cuts and grazes. Be sure to read the accompanying leaflet for details on the use of the spray – different sprays can be used on different ailments.

Variety of Gauze

Knowing when to use a gauze is easy when you know its purpose – to help stop bleeding. A gauze is made from porous fibres designed to absorb and trap the blood and thus help it clot. Do some research on when to and when not to use a gauze.

Eye Wash

Deemed unnecessary by some , but we like to take an eye wash in our first aid kits so we know we have a convenient and sterile wash available should any of our party be involved in an eye related incident.

Burn Relief Ointment

It’s surprising just how common burns are encountered on camping trips, even to the most experienced of us. It can happen very easily but luckily can also be treated just as easily with the right gear.

Variety of Bandages

This includes a variety of sizes as well as shapes and types. Do your research on bandages – learn how and when to use them. Learn how to use one in a splint, how to make a sling, how to make a tourniquet etc. Knowing how to use each type will help you decide which type to stock your first aid kit up with.

Plasters / Band Aids

Use these to treat minor cuts and abrasions and help keep out infection. Remember to change the plasters regularly and to clean the wound before reapplying a new one.

Aspirin / Paracetamol / Ibuprofen

It could be very dangerous to give anyone painkillers such as Aspirin, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Always make sure the leaflet accompanying these drugs is kept in the first aid kit for reference. Always thoroughly read the leaflet and satisfy yourself it is safe to treat the patient with painkillers. If you are ever unsure, it is always safer not to do so.

Latex Gloves

These offer protection not just for the patient from infection but also for the giver of first aid. Always practise good hygiene procedures when treating a patient for both the health of the patient and yourself.

An EpiPen or Similar

An EpiPen must never be used without proper training or medical knowledge. Given the right circumstances and a competent first aider, an EpiPen can significantly increase the chances of survival of a patient in anaphylactic shock. Again thorough research is advised.

Tweezers

These are ideal for removing foreign bodies from cuts and abrasions. Bear in mind that multi tools such as a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman usually have tweezers built in – along with a host of other useful items; if your pack weight permits it may be worthwhile investing in something similar.

A Fire Steel or Similar

Some people carry a lighter or matches, we prefer a fire steel as we know we can depend on it working when we need it.  You need one of these in your pack whatever your activity – in fact, put one on your key chain. It can be used with any kind of tinder to make a fire, can be used wet and are virtually indestructible.

Water Purifying Tablets

Always keep water purifying tablets in your kit, whether you keep it in your survival kit or first aid kit. Even the most simple of incidents can become drastic and life threatening without water and for their size and weight there is no excuse to go anywhere without carrying some.

Space Blanket

This item is very useful for keeping a casualty warm by reflecting their own body heat. Space blankets are useful in a variety of scenarios.

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream can be used on insect stings, nettle stings and the like. Using a cream such as this can help stop simple things like insect stings and bites from ruining a camping weekend.

Insect Repellent

Never underestimate the importance of an insect repellent. Why suffer with all those midge bites when you can apply some insect repellent and forget all about them.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are considered by many as optional unless of course you suffer badly from allergies. Again, these can help turn a miserable camping trip to a pleasant one with a tiny tablet.

Antacids

If you know you typically suffer from excess stomach acid, don’t forget to pack a packet of these.

As a final note, all of the above items are useless without a competent first aider. If you take part in any outdoor activity, give some serious consideration to taking part in a first aid course for not only your own benefit but others in your group.

Sean Blaney is a founder of Telescopics Army Surplus and Outdoor supplies and is a writer of a number of guides and how-to’s designed to help outdoor enthusiasts make the best use of their equipment.

All of our guides are available at http://www.telescopics.net

Tags: , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Things To Consider When Purchasing Camping Equipment

August 15th, 2010

Having the right camping equipment will make your outdoor experience safer and more fun. The more often you camp, the more you may want to invest in nicer equipment and supplies. Some of these items will make your camping trip more convenient and more comfortable. Shop on the Internet and at local sporting goods stores to research prices and available pieces.

Shelter
Tents are the traditional means of sheltering from the environment when camping. There are many styles available with various features. Your budget and needs will determine which one is right for you. Tents can range from $100 to more than $500. Use of tarps and padding can help with waterproofing and comfort.

Sleeping
Sleeping bags are a minimum requirement for keeping warm and comfortable while sleeping. However there are other sleeping options and accessories that can make sleeping more comfortable. Quality sleeping bags start at approximately $50.00 and can go up depending on features. Adding a sleeping mat and sleeping pillow that are waterproof can also enhance comfort.

Cooking
Campfire cooking can be a fun way to eat meals but if you want a bit more flexibility there are many tools available. Hibachi style portable grills can give you a means of grilling meats, heating sauces, and vegetables without having to build a fire on the ground. Gas powered portable stoves are also available and can range from $50 to $200. These are affordable ways to make cooking more convenient and give you more options. Coolers are useful to keep perishable items from spoiling. There are also mini refrigerators available.

Safety
Survival and first aid kits are essential supplies for every camper. They can help save lives and tend to minor ailments. Ensure you always have a fully stocked survival and first aid kit available. These should include items for bandaging, pain relief, insect bites and topical antibiotics. Survival kits should include items for warmth, light, food and water. You can purchase pre-made kits or make a checklist and purchase individual items.

Fun
Camping guides and books are useful to bring to help identify wildlife and to give tips while outdoors. They can also include recipes and ideas for fun. Kayaks can be a fun way to enjoy the water and many are available in inflatable models, making them lightweight. Binoculars can help look for wildlife and nature. Toys like Frisbees and footballs can provide entertainment while outdoors.

After deciding where you will camp, make a list of activities you want to engage in. Then, compile a checklist of all supplies and gear needed to ensure you will have a safe and fun trip. Make sure to go through the list so nothing is missed. This will ensure you have everything needed for an enjoyable camping vacation.

Information on hibiscus moscheutos can be found at the Hibiscus Tree site.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Five Great Camping Activities for Kids

August 7th, 2010

Camping trips are great breaks from usually hectic daily routines of city living. It takes your mind off from unnecessary pressures and gives you a fresher perspective on things. But camping should not be for the busy adult in the family only. Camping is ideally a family affair and should be enjoyed by everyone, including kids. Lining up fun and enjoyable activities for your kids to do will not only keep them from being bored and from complaining all throughout the trip thereby giving you some time on your hands to relax, but choosing the right camping activity for your kids can also develop some of their outdoor survival skills. Here are some of those activities:

Swimming – most campsites are favored with a refreshing lake or a brook. Some man-made commercial campsites also come with pools for adults and for kids. Simply make sure that the place is safe for your kids and that should any untoward event happen, you are within hearing distance.

Biking – Campsites usually have great biking trails which come with excellent view of nature. Biking is also one of the activities that both parents and kids can enjoy together. As long as you have your map of the vicinity in hand as well as your first aid kit, you should be guaranteed of a great workout as well as bonding time with your children.

Bird and Animal-Watching – Nothing brings you closer to nature and the great outdoor as camping does. The rare wildlife and the natural environment will surely be a break from your kids rural recreation of malling and video games. Other than offering a chance for an entirely different experience, bird and animal watching is a very colorful activity and can also be very educational and could develop in your child the love for the great outdoors.

Scavenger Hunts – Kids love imitating the adventures they seen on television. Why not organize a scavenger hunt where they can use their skills at reading and deciphering clues and develop critical thinking skills? Just make sure that you limit your hunt within a safe vicinity and that they know which prickly plants to avoid such as poison ivy, sumac and oak.

Build a Campfire – Most parents want to hoard all the fun of building campfires to themselves. They think building campfires are simply not for kids and that they can come into the picture only when it is ready for roasting mallows and hotdogs. But parents should keep in mind that kids can help in building the campfire, too. It gives them the secured feeling of being needed and included in the whole camping affair and that they are well-trusted enough to contribute something like gathering twigs and small logs for fire, gathering stones for the campfire and arranging the whole area for the campfire.

These are just five of the many great camping activities for kids to do. The best part about having fun at camping is that parents can always put a twist or a variation in these activities so kids don’t find it monotonous and boring.

Matt Peters is a camping enthusiast.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Best Outdoor Adventure Hints: Getting the Most Out Of Your Hiking and Camping Gear

August 6th, 2010

Enjoying quality time with nature is a priceless gift for the outdoor enthusiast. One way to make sure you enjoy a memorable outdoor vacation is to get the best possible value from the hiking and camping gear you acquire and use. Here are some ways to get the most out of your hiking and camping gear – and your outdoor wilderness experience.

- Purchase the best survival and adventure gear you can possibly afford. If you are willing to spend months carefully planning your next vacation adventure, spending hours getting into great hiking shape, take three weeks off from work for you camping experience, purchase an airline ticket, and so forth – then why are you using the least expensive backpack and hiking boots you can find? A good pair of hiking boots and socks will make all the difference in the world. This applies to all of your camping gear. Whether it’s your GPS unit, rafting gear, sleeping bag, rain gear or dual-fuel portable stove, set your budget to carry the best outdoor equipment you can afford – in order to get the most value for your money.

- Get comfortable using all of your safety and survival equipment and practice using it the correct way. It is not the time to start learning how to navigate with a compass and map after you are already lost. It’s not the time to learn how to start a fire with a 6 year old flare you’ve been carrying forever in your pack. It’s not time to learn about safe rafting and best survival practices after you’re in danger. Put aside some time to learn about all the features of your camping gear before you head out to your favorite campground. You might be surprised to learn how incredible your GPS really is, once you understand how to use the backtrack feature. You will also be mighty thankful when you learn the proper weight distribution for your backpack. Take time to learn about your camping gear – practice around your home before you venture into the great outdoors.

- Your camping gear isn’t just for outdoor adventure – keep your gear with you and use it as much as possible. It has unlimited uses in your daily life. Never go on a road trip without your outdoor pack. In all likelihood, you’ll find an opportunity to use your camping – hiking – survival equipment close to home. It never fails – if you don’t have your camping gear with you, you will need it.

- Take pride and take care of your outdoor gear. Hopefully you’ve learned this from your parents and not necessarily from experience. Take good care of your camping gear, and the camping gear will take good care of you! If you’re careless with your gear, it will let you down when you need it the most. That’s one adventure you can do without. Carefully inspect each piece of your outdoor equipment – hiking, rafting, camping, safety and survival gear before you embark on your wilderness adventure. Upon your return, clean and properly store all of your camping gear. Make a habit of periodically checking your gear’s safety straps, fuel, waterproofing, batteries and overall condition. Taking good care of your outdoor equipment is an important part of enjoying your hiking, rafting and/or camping trip.

- When you’re done with your camping gear, donate it – and some of your time – to a local scout troop. Your local youth scouting groups are always on the lookout for a helping hand from outdoor enthusiasts. You will feel great satisfaction knowing that your trusty old gear will help benefit others!

Optimize your time in the back country wilderness. The easiest way to ensure maximum outdoor enjoyment is to get the best possible value from your gear. Let these hints guide you in getting the most out of your outdoor recreational equipment – and your outdoor wilderness experience.

In conclusion, selecting an online recreational equipment store can be fun, but it’s important to do your research prior to selecting where you will ultimately make your purchase.

Outdoor enthusiasts Paul and Stacey own http://www.dogcreektradingpost.com based in Portland, Oregon. With a preoccupation for wilderness safety education and outdoor survival training, this husband and wife team is personable, engaging and enjoyably informal. They are quick, in the camp-born tradition, to welcome visitors with a hot cup of coffee, while their enthusiasm for everything “outdoors” radiates from them at the mere mention of the word. Dog Creek Trading Post carries quality outdoor recreational products – hiking and camping gear, outdoor safety and survival gear! Top quality, field-tested equipment to make sure your adventure into the wilderness – forest, mountains, desert and everywhere in between – are safe and enjoyable!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Important Camping Gear For Your Trip

July 29th, 2010

Copyright (c) 2009 Jonathan Perez

Even though leaving the everyday constraints of a nine to five is always on the back of the nature lovers mind, regardless of how experienced they are it is always imperative that you’re properly equipped when you go. Probably one of the types of gear you must take with you that could prove to be a lifesaver when something unexpected occurs is emergency supplies and kits.

You have to take with you the proper climbing boots if you are planning on doing any kind of hiking when you’re out camping. If you do happen to get stuck in the woods, a pair of sneakers just won’t do. Now, durable footware will cost more, however it will give your tootsies stronger protection from blistering up, will keep them nice and dry, and will let air ventilate your feet. Have in mind the type of footware you take along and use since if you get to the point that your feet begin to experience pain even the littlest things and movements can really hurt.

Following, the true nature lover will have to have a reliable tent to sleep in at night. Whatever tent you choose to take with you has to be one that you can walk with for a good distance and that’s not difficult to have breakdown and set up. Practice carrying the tent around on your back before the trip to test if you can withstand the weight for a long period of time while on the go. One thing you definitely want to avoid is carrying that tent with you and then having to waste hours mantling.

I would have to say that two of the most important pieces of camping supplies to bring along on your hiking trip are a sharp buck knife and a rechargeable flashlight. Knives can help cutting up food, getting branches for fire, and for repairing or making other tools. Be sure to get a proper sheath for your knife and to make sure that the blade is sharp for every trip you make.

So the outdoorsman will be carrying a tent, extra clothing, food, white gas for fire, a knife and other equipment, therefore he will need a good backpack that will help him haul along whatever he needs. A backpack that you can rely on has to come with chest and waist straps, because if not you’ll be forced to manhandle the entire thing on your delts, and it will definitely feel a lot more difficult to take with ever move you make. To protect your back, the backpack should have support bars.

Pack your bare necessities because that’s all you’ll stand to carry for a long hike. Don’t forget, in addition to the previous items, you’ll need to bring emergency supplies as well. You’ll need a first aid kit, spare batteries, ropes and flashlights. For comfort you’ll want to have a sleeping bag and cooking supplies.

Without these items or a superior knowledge of outdoor survival, it would be difficult to spend extended periods of time out in the wilderness. Though you may not plan to be away for long, sometimes the worst can happen and therefore it is best to be prepared. Even the most rugged outdoorsman would agree.

Want to learn more about buck knives and other camping gear? Then read this article: Choosing The Right Hunting Knife

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Planning your Oregon Camping Trip

July 27th, 2010

One of the great things about planning an Oregon camping trip is the number of options visitors have, both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and even more privately owned facilities, the challenge won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be deciding which ones to choose.

When to Go

For most people, work and school schedules often help determine when they can take an Oregon vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the summer months if they want to visit for more than a few days. For most this works out great because Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds and attractions are open. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as many of the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast.

Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a resident group of whales along the coast for those that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale watching.

Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be kayaked or rafted.

Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service offices provide information on fishing conditions in their areas, as do websites for the local communities.

Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine country, and there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically less crowded than in summer months. Contact the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find peak color times for the areas you plan to visit.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the winter months, average inland daytime temperatures are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in December through January makes a winter trip to the Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the coastal areas.

Many of the state park campgrounds remain open year round although running water may not be available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the best time to visit Oregon.

Choosing Oregon Camping Sites

City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to town for those that want to be close to the action but still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural setting is not difficult.

Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds of private campgrounds throughout all areas of Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. Others are more basic or focus on nature and peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of interest and your camping style, you can likely find a private campground to fit your needs. Begin by contacting visitor information offices or city chambers of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit.

Oregon state park camping: The number of state parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is simply amazing. While some of these are day use only facilities, many provide overnight camping with both tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park camping sites are located in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically comparable or less than those at privately owned campgrounds.

For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s state parks website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml to find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and get your permit or park pass.

Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon beach camping can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission can be asked to leave.

What to Bring When Camping in Oregon

In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also include:

• a hat

• sweatshirts and jackets for layering

• a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho just in case

• a map of the area

• a flashlight

• bug repellent

• a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost)

• a whistle

Check all your equipment before you leave to make sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness survival information.

Other Considerations

Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and standard regulations can impact campground activities and services. For example, some Oregon campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit their website to learn about rules, regulations, and current conditions.

David Nool, a proficient Oregon outdoors writer, is a frequent contributor to loonlakerv. This site has information and advice on camping and traveling the Oregon Coast.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Your Outdoor Camping Equipment – Tips To Take Care Of It

July 18th, 2010

While buying camping equipment, don’t squeeze on costs. You might land up with a nasty surprise during your camp. Some of the things that can happen, is that there might not be enough space, or if it is raining, rain is coming in, or at night the moisture on the floors seeps in and makes every one uncomfortable. The pleasure of camping out erased by such small things. Therefore focus on getting a relatively more expensive one, and instead of planning for just 4, plan for a 5 seater. Always buy one with more room than is necessary at the moment.

One of the worst parts of returning from a trip is to clean the equipment that was used. Clothes, shoes, cutlery, kitchen aids, camping tarpaulins, pegs, zips, the air sleeping bags, the boots, the stores you took with you and so on.

It is tough on everyone, but there is no other way, except to take care: remember always that the equipment you have bought is expensive, and even more expensive to buy a substitute.

So get to it, and start putting things back in order.

After you return from your camping trip, make sure that you layout the camping out in the sun for some time; if there are some dirty areas, clean them with a good soft detergent, and put them out to dry. Otherwise, the equipment will stink, and rot will set in. And that would put paid to your expensive equipment.

Check the sleeping bags, and after them inside out, leave them out in the sun for them to dry quickly. Check the holding ropes of the tent. Replace those require replacement. Don’t scringe on small expenses in replacing them.

If the floor sheet is not in good shape, clean it properly and lay it out to dry completely.

Check out all the equiment: portable stove, grill, cutlery and crockery. Even your sleeping bags. Clean each one of them thoroughly and then pack them in proper cartons.

Wash clean and after drying them, put away those extra equipment such as hiking boots and other survival equipment.

By following the above steps you would be able to maintain your expensive camping equipment in good condition for a long time. Otherwise, your investment will go down the drain.

The next time you go out again you will thank yourself that you did the maintenance that was required by cleaning, drying, and keeping your camping equipment in good order. No seepages, no wet grounds, stoves in good working order, clean and good looking hiking boots that don’t require attention will be the bonuses for you.

The better look after the equipment, the more it will last.

Abhishek is an avid Camping enthusiast and he has got some great Camping Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 84 Pages Ebook, “How To Have An Unforgettable Camping Vacation!” from his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com/768/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Camping to the Max

June 30th, 2010


Our outdoorsy college student gets an advanced course in outdoor survival when we put her into the heart of the Washington wilderness with an expert USAF survival trainer.

Tags:
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

Survival Tips When Camping in Winter

June 28th, 2010

Winter camping is one of the many varieties of recreational group activity that you can do outdoors. However, although it might be a very awesome experience, aspiring winter campers should note that such activity can be very dangerous and challenging. Camping in winter pose certain dangers that are far more difficult to handle that those offered by a forest camp. Keep in mind that when you camp out in winter, negligence may yield to a variety of accidents and disasters. That is why winter campers should conduct extra preparations for their trip. Obviously, the most challenging thing about winter camping is staying warm and comfortable. Below are some tips that you ought to consider:

a. Before you set out for camp, check the latest weather forecast. Winter weather can bring sun or storm. Make sure that you are prepared for challenges prompted by the weather. Match your camping gear with the weather predictions.

b. Make sure that you have an alternative plan in case the weather spoils your plans. Be ready to face adverse reality. You must have an alternative camp site and an alternative itinerary.

c. You must have enough food, beverages, and clothing in case you get stuck in a storm. Make sure that your camping gear and supply is enough to last for a week or more out in the cold.

d. Never forget to bring tools for navigation. Navigation in the snow can be very hard. That is why you ought to bring GPS tools that can help you find your way even if the roads and foot trails are all covered in snow.

e. When traveling for a winter camp, it is necessary to use camping boots that are capable of traveling even in the slippery snow. When traveling during the early winter, many campers recommend the use of sturdy leather boots.

f. If you are bound to pass by trails with less snow, you should still use your snow boots. However, if the snow is quite dense, you should opt for an actual snow traveler.

g. Never camp in places that are not frequented by many campers, especially if you are not an expert. Make sure that somebody knows where you are setting your camp. When choosing a camp site, choose places that are highly recognized by the local authorities as an official camping site.

h. Before you set your camp, check the signboards and warning signs. On your way to your camp site, take note of all the signboards and landmarks that you find along the way. This can help you get back on the right track in case you lose your way.

i. Bring things that can entertain you along the way. Although you can bring your electronic play stations, it will be best if you bring books, cards, or board games that you can share with your fellow campers.

j. During winter, keep in mind that sunsets are quite fast so you will have to bring flashlights with you, along with other lighting tools. It will be best if you have an electric emergency light aside from the usual matchsticks and lamps. Bring extra batteries as well.

k. To fight the cold winds, you should be dressed properly. In fact, you should wear layers of clothing. First, wear clothes that transfer moisture away from the skin. Then, wear clothes that provide adequate insulation such as wool or fleece. Lastly, put on something that’s water proof or those clothes that can drift snow.

Springfields Army Surplus store is a leading online store for camping equipment. Partingtons Caravan Parks provide an excellent alternative to camping sites.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Survivial Tips and Techniques | Comments (0)

« Older Entries

Powered by Yahoo! Answers