Who says camping is an expensive hobby? It is no far from other hobbies such as fishing, motocross or scrap booking. You don’t have to spend too much neither on gear nor on equipment. But of course, investing on durable and high-quality materials can contribute a lot in sustaining a pleasurable hobby or a lucrative sport.
One does not need to worry where to find camping gears and equipment that will suit his budget. Here are some of the camping necessities that can be bought at lower prices:
TENTS
Coleman Exponent Solo Inyo Tent
- Regular price: $ 119.95
- Discounted price: $ 85.95
Kelty Aztec Tent (2 persons)
- Regular price: $ 199.95
- Discounted price: $ 149.95
JACKETS
The North Face Apex Thermal Jacket (Mens)
- Regular price: $ 228.95
- Discounted price: $183.16
Jansport Orb Jacket (Women)
- Regular price: $ 120.00
- Discounted price: $49.75
BACK PACKS
Jansport Air Technics Backpack 3225 cu in
- Regular price: $ 99.90
- Discounted price: $ 69.93
Gregory Deva 60 Women’s Backpack 3500 cu in
- Regular price: $ 228.95
- Discounted price: $ 160.27
SHOES
Montrail Excelerance XCR Hiking Shoes (Women)
- Regular price: $ 119.95
- Discounted price: $ 41.98
Columbia Boorad Hiking Shoes (Men)
- Regular price: $ 69.95
- Discounted price: $ 59.95
Any hobby or sport need not be expensive. However, there are some drawbacks in buying cheaper camping materials and accessories. And it is good to keep in mind the following reminders:
- Compare the specifications of the latest model and the one sold at a discounted price.
Most of the time, bargains are the companies’ way of disposing old stocks. Items are either out of style, superseded or of lesser quality when compared to the latest line of products. The chance to save money should never compromise quality.
- Choose a trustworthy brand
In order to increase the sales and popularity of a new camping equipment brand, companies engage into bargains. However, the saying “what you pay for is what you get” still applies. Cheaper products very seldom give the same benefits a costly one does.
- Match your needs
For those who go camping for a hobby can choose either the expensive camping equipment or the cheaper ones. Since these items are not used very often, it is practical to buy within the budget. However, if one is planning to pursue it as a sport, then, investing on the latest, best-quality, though expensive camping materials is important.
Right equipment and proper gear help make the camping activity a success. If planning to buy items on discount, be careful not to compromise comfort, satisfaction and especially, safety.
Sabtu, 03 Desember 2011
Practical Tips on Choosing Camping Cookware
Why is it advisable to purchase a separate set of cookware when camping out? It simply is not practical. For one, kitchen cookware is not easy to pack. It can also be heavy when one does not know which supplies are needed and instead brings a lot of not so useful items. The best thing to do when planning a camping adventure is to follow these steps in choosing the practical set of cookware to bring.
Try to find the correct balance of storage capacity (if it is just going to be a backpack, a car or a trailer) and the weight or volume of the cookware needed. The next thing to consider is the availability of water in the outdoors. This is why it is best to purchase nonstick cookware. It is also important to assume that not all camping stoves can be used for simmering. This is the reason why one should purchase those that can be used on high heat. It just would not do to have melted and useless cookware when accidentally stowed near the campfire. Having a skillet and a saucepan, preferably two of each, can be used for all-around cooking and in addition, they are easy to clean.
Among the cookware available, stainless cookware is the most durable and the cheapest. However it is also the heaviest and it is usually nonstick. When weight is not an issue for the camp packer, then this is usually recommended. For those who are not budget constrained and would like to pack their loads lighter, the choice can either go between aluminum or titanium cookware. The deciding factor between these two will depend on the priority of the camp packer, if he or she would go for the cheaper or the lighter of the two. Aluminum is considerably lighter than stainless but twice as heavy as titanium and fairly affordable. The titanium cookware is the lightest of the three and the most expensive. Backpackers usually carry this set because four piece sets can weigh around 12 ounces.
There is no need to learn how to make fire out of rocks and sticks. Camping stoves are also available in the market. For convenience, there are those that have the push-button ignition and flame control. Dual burners can be considered if there are many people going camping but they are heavy. In most conditions, the cartridge camping stove is ideal because it is lighter however it does not work too well when it is too cold or windy. In this case, liquid camping stoves will work best but they are also heavy and bulky.
Try to find the correct balance of storage capacity (if it is just going to be a backpack, a car or a trailer) and the weight or volume of the cookware needed. The next thing to consider is the availability of water in the outdoors. This is why it is best to purchase nonstick cookware. It is also important to assume that not all camping stoves can be used for simmering. This is the reason why one should purchase those that can be used on high heat. It just would not do to have melted and useless cookware when accidentally stowed near the campfire. Having a skillet and a saucepan, preferably two of each, can be used for all-around cooking and in addition, they are easy to clean.
Among the cookware available, stainless cookware is the most durable and the cheapest. However it is also the heaviest and it is usually nonstick. When weight is not an issue for the camp packer, then this is usually recommended. For those who are not budget constrained and would like to pack their loads lighter, the choice can either go between aluminum or titanium cookware. The deciding factor between these two will depend on the priority of the camp packer, if he or she would go for the cheaper or the lighter of the two. Aluminum is considerably lighter than stainless but twice as heavy as titanium and fairly affordable. The titanium cookware is the lightest of the three and the most expensive. Backpackers usually carry this set because four piece sets can weigh around 12 ounces.
There is no need to learn how to make fire out of rocks and sticks. Camping stoves are also available in the market. For convenience, there are those that have the push-button ignition and flame control. Dual burners can be considered if there are many people going camping but they are heavy. In most conditions, the cartridge camping stove is ideal because it is lighter however it does not work too well when it is too cold or windy. In this case, liquid camping stoves will work best but they are also heavy and bulky.
Riverside Camping Tips To Ensure Safety, Fun And Comfort
Whitewater paddling, fishing, canoeing, hiking and swimming are just a few activities you can accomplish in a riverside camping; so definitely, you will not run out of things to do.
Usually, the campsites are located at primitive areas near the river like on gravel bank, sand bar or riverside forest. Several rivers have assigned campsites having different choices of facilities.
A lot of the most popular rivers for “canoe camping” are being management and protected a government bureau that has specific rules regarding where you may camp.
Therefore, you have to be in the know of public and private lands location and respect the landowners’ privacy and rights.
If the riverside land privately owned, then you should be familiar with trespassing laws as well as local practices concerning canoe campers.
Bed sites
Never excavate, instead locate a naturally flat spot. Wipe out all bed signs after.
Tent
1. Only use a flame-resilient tent.
2. Pitch the tent 15 feet minimum upwind from campfire and grills.
3. Only use battery-operated flashlights or near your tent, never candles or gas lamps.
4. Always keep handy a bucket of water or fire extinguisher especially when a campfire is lit.
5. Keep the area around your tent, grills and campfire free of dry grass, leaves, pine needles, twigs, etc.
Campfire
Only build your campfire in fire large pans and make sure it is far from vegetation.
Before you leave the campfire site, or before sleeping, extinguish thoroughly the fire and examine that the stove and all fuel lamps are turned off.
Wood
Only use down wood; never cut branches from standing trees. You should not molest the forest. You may want to bring along your own firewood in case there is rain and leave no dry wood so to use for your camp fire.
Fish
Anybody fishing should have a legitimate fishing license. Visit your state's “Fish and Game department” so they can grant you the current season’s license and information before you go river camping.
Catch only the number of fish that you can eat. After you have cleaned it, throw the innards in your trash bag and not back to the water.
Preparing your food
Do wash your hands before you prepare your food. Also, prepare and your meals on a table or any high surface, not on the soil or ground.
“First aid kit”
Wherever you go, canoeing, swimming, hiking or fishing, always carry with you your “first aid kit”, just in case of emergency.
Riverside camping offers a lot of activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Just stay close, stay safe and have a great time!
Usually, the campsites are located at primitive areas near the river like on gravel bank, sand bar or riverside forest. Several rivers have assigned campsites having different choices of facilities.
A lot of the most popular rivers for “canoe camping” are being management and protected a government bureau that has specific rules regarding where you may camp.
Therefore, you have to be in the know of public and private lands location and respect the landowners’ privacy and rights.
If the riverside land privately owned, then you should be familiar with trespassing laws as well as local practices concerning canoe campers.
Bed sites
Never excavate, instead locate a naturally flat spot. Wipe out all bed signs after.
Tent
1. Only use a flame-resilient tent.
2. Pitch the tent 15 feet minimum upwind from campfire and grills.
3. Only use battery-operated flashlights or near your tent, never candles or gas lamps.
4. Always keep handy a bucket of water or fire extinguisher especially when a campfire is lit.
5. Keep the area around your tent, grills and campfire free of dry grass, leaves, pine needles, twigs, etc.
Campfire
Only build your campfire in fire large pans and make sure it is far from vegetation.
Before you leave the campfire site, or before sleeping, extinguish thoroughly the fire and examine that the stove and all fuel lamps are turned off.
Wood
Only use down wood; never cut branches from standing trees. You should not molest the forest. You may want to bring along your own firewood in case there is rain and leave no dry wood so to use for your camp fire.
Fish
Anybody fishing should have a legitimate fishing license. Visit your state's “Fish and Game department” so they can grant you the current season’s license and information before you go river camping.
Catch only the number of fish that you can eat. After you have cleaned it, throw the innards in your trash bag and not back to the water.
Preparing your food
Do wash your hands before you prepare your food. Also, prepare and your meals on a table or any high surface, not on the soil or ground.
“First aid kit”
Wherever you go, canoeing, swimming, hiking or fishing, always carry with you your “first aid kit”, just in case of emergency.
Riverside camping offers a lot of activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Just stay close, stay safe and have a great time!
Purchasing the Right Camping Toilet for You
The reason why some people are reluctant to leave the comforts of their homes and opt for a camping adventure is that the availability as well as the overall cleanliness of toilets weighs heavily on their minds. Not all camps provide these luxuries in the outdoors. Others rent a farm field to install such facilities. It is certainly good news to everyone planning to spend the holidays camping because there are now a number of manufactured portable toilets like Portaloos and composting toilets available in the market.
Composting toilets are often referred to as unsanitary outhouse toilets. On the contrary, they are far from being just pits in the ground. The designs for these vary from simple twin chambers to more progressive models that further boost the natural composting process which recycles human waste into soil fertilizer. Another cause of concern is that since it is perceived to be unsanitary, it also carries with it the offensive smell of public toilets. Quite the opposite, unlike conventional toilets these have suction air flow which drives out the odor away from the room functioning like an exhaust fan.
For people who want to bring the comforts of home when embarking on a camping adventure during the holidays, portable toilets can now be purchased. One such toilet is the Luggable Loo. It is made of lightweight plastic with a detachable 5-gallon bucket which is easy to clean especially when using a garbage bag liner. The snap on toilet seat makes the user feel like they are at home. It also comes with an enzyme deodorant packet which chemically treats human waste. It is indeed convenient to carry because its handle has a hand-contoured grip.
There are also other portable toilets in the market. The OutBack Pack can easily fit under a car seat and is very easy to pack. It can also be crammed in a small backpack or carry bag. It includes a built in seat function which can easily become a comfortable seat. Even on water, it is safe to use because it comes with a re-sealable storage bag. The Reliance Hassock is made of two buckets. The inner bucket can be lifted out for cleaning. It comes with a molded seat and the top can be used for tissue storage. On the more expensive end, the Phillips Environmental PETT can be stored as small as a briefcase and is only as heavy as 7 pounds. However, this requires WAG Bag kits which include a waste bag, a zip bag for storage, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. It chemically treats human waste with a powder which changes it into a stable gel for safe discarding.
Composting toilets are often referred to as unsanitary outhouse toilets. On the contrary, they are far from being just pits in the ground. The designs for these vary from simple twin chambers to more progressive models that further boost the natural composting process which recycles human waste into soil fertilizer. Another cause of concern is that since it is perceived to be unsanitary, it also carries with it the offensive smell of public toilets. Quite the opposite, unlike conventional toilets these have suction air flow which drives out the odor away from the room functioning like an exhaust fan.
For people who want to bring the comforts of home when embarking on a camping adventure during the holidays, portable toilets can now be purchased. One such toilet is the Luggable Loo. It is made of lightweight plastic with a detachable 5-gallon bucket which is easy to clean especially when using a garbage bag liner. The snap on toilet seat makes the user feel like they are at home. It also comes with an enzyme deodorant packet which chemically treats human waste. It is indeed convenient to carry because its handle has a hand-contoured grip.
There are also other portable toilets in the market. The OutBack Pack can easily fit under a car seat and is very easy to pack. It can also be crammed in a small backpack or carry bag. It includes a built in seat function which can easily become a comfortable seat. Even on water, it is safe to use because it comes with a re-sealable storage bag. The Reliance Hassock is made of two buckets. The inner bucket can be lifted out for cleaning. It comes with a molded seat and the top can be used for tissue storage. On the more expensive end, the Phillips Environmental PETT can be stored as small as a briefcase and is only as heavy as 7 pounds. However, this requires WAG Bag kits which include a waste bag, a zip bag for storage, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. It chemically treats human waste with a powder which changes it into a stable gel for safe discarding.
Jumat, 02 Desember 2011
How to make your own campfire starters
One of our traditions here in the Scribner household is making our own campfire starters by collecting lint from the clothes dryer in old egg cartons. We have found that this not only makes for a quick and easy way to start campfires at the campsite, but it’s also a good use for both egg cartons and lint!
Family camping is all about opportunity – being ready to go when the opportunity presents itself. Making our own fire starters and having them on-hand is just one of the little ways that we can cut down on those last minute dashes to the store, in order to get things that we don’t have.
We have found these homemade campfire starters work every bit as well as store-bought ones. As long as we have plenty of good kindling, it only takes four “eggs” to get the fire going and there is no messy ashes blowing around, like you get using newspaper.
I like finding new uses for old stuff, particularly stuff that I would otherwise throw away. The fact that an old egg carton, some dryer lint, and a little candle wax can do the job every bit as well as something I would buy, is just icing on the cake!
Family camping is all about opportunity – being ready to go when the opportunity presents itself. Making our own fire starters and having them on-hand is just one of the little ways that we can cut down on those last minute dashes to the store, in order to get things that we don’t have.
We have found these homemade campfire starters work every bit as well as store-bought ones. As long as we have plenty of good kindling, it only takes four “eggs” to get the fire going and there is no messy ashes blowing around, like you get using newspaper.
I like finding new uses for old stuff, particularly stuff that I would otherwise throw away. The fact that an old egg carton, some dryer lint, and a little candle wax can do the job every bit as well as something I would buy, is just icing on the cake!
Assemble a First Aid Kit for Family Camping
Taking a few, basic, first aid items with you when you venture into the backcountry is an important consideration that is often overlooked until the first time an item is actually needed. You don’t have to run out and buy a first aid kit, though, because if you have kids then you surely have most of this stuff in your house, already.
The most prevalent issues that you might have to deal with in the backcountry are cuts and scrapes, burns from the campfire, bee stings, and poison ivy/poison oak. Yes, you could assemble a full-fledged medical kit with splints and scalpels but, let’s face it, for serious issues you will (and should) head to the nearest hospital.
Google™ Maps is an easy way to locate the nearest hospital, before you head out on your trip. Once you have the campground mapped, just do a search on “emergency care” and Google will show you all of the nearby facilities.
Our first aid kit is pretty simple, compared to most. We have a “sleeve” of adhesive bandages out of a Nexcare™ assortment-pack. These bandages come in different shapes and sizes, seem to stick to anything, and they’re about half the price of the leading brand. Every cut and scrape also gets a dab of Neosporin® to help keep it from becoming infected. The kit is rounded-out with aspirin for the adults, Children’s Tylenol® for the kids, a tube of Cortizone-10® cream for itchy skin, some tweezers, and a couple of Instant Cold Ice Packs. We have used everything in our first aid kit except for the Cortizone-10 cream. Knock on wood, but so far, the Scribner kids seem to have inherited mom and dad’s natural resistance to poison oak.
Whenever venturing into the backcountry, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies and problems that could cut your trip short, if not taken care of. Put together a few first aid items and keep them with your toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) so that everyone knows where it’s at, and it’s in a place that is frequently viewed – so you know when it’s time to replenish used items.
The most prevalent issues that you might have to deal with in the backcountry are cuts and scrapes, burns from the campfire, bee stings, and poison ivy/poison oak. Yes, you could assemble a full-fledged medical kit with splints and scalpels but, let’s face it, for serious issues you will (and should) head to the nearest hospital.
Google™ Maps is an easy way to locate the nearest hospital, before you head out on your trip. Once you have the campground mapped, just do a search on “emergency care” and Google will show you all of the nearby facilities.
Our first aid kit is pretty simple, compared to most. We have a “sleeve” of adhesive bandages out of a Nexcare™ assortment-pack. These bandages come in different shapes and sizes, seem to stick to anything, and they’re about half the price of the leading brand. Every cut and scrape also gets a dab of Neosporin® to help keep it from becoming infected. The kit is rounded-out with aspirin for the adults, Children’s Tylenol® for the kids, a tube of Cortizone-10® cream for itchy skin, some tweezers, and a couple of Instant Cold Ice Packs. We have used everything in our first aid kit except for the Cortizone-10 cream. Knock on wood, but so far, the Scribner kids seem to have inherited mom and dad’s natural resistance to poison oak.
Whenever venturing into the backcountry, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies and problems that could cut your trip short, if not taken care of. Put together a few first aid items and keep them with your toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) so that everyone knows where it’s at, and it’s in a place that is frequently viewed – so you know when it’s time to replenish used items.
The Camping Gear List
If you are planning to take the family camping this summer, the first decision you will have to make is what to bring with you. Just Google™ camping list and you will get in excess of 50 million different opinions on exactly what it is that you should be taking and, while most of this advice is probably okay, a lot of it (even at some big-name outdoor companies) is written by freelance writers who may, or may not, have any actual camping or backpacking experience.
Any camping list is going to vary depending on whether you are car camping (carrying all of your gear in a car) or backpack camping (carrying all of your gear on your back). If you are carrying everything on your back then weight is a primary factor in your gear selection and you can justify the premium price that you will pay for lighter gear. For example, an REI® Halo down-fill bag weighs just under two pounds and is $250. An equivalent synthetic bag, like the REI Zen, is less than $150 but weighs over three pounds.
A sleeping bag is part of the core set of camping gear that you will spend the most money on:
A sleeping bag is part of the core set of camping gear that you will spend the most money on:
Of course, if you are backpacking then size and weight is a primary concern. Instead of packing pots, pans and a stove, there are integrated cooking systems like the Helios™, from JetBoil®, that packs inside its own cooking pot.
Likewise, there are a number of small, integrated plates, mugs and utensil sets from companies like MSR® that will save weight and space in your pack. The final list of gear that you will need for camping is for safety and comfort items:
When you are trying to save weight and space, multiple-use tools are essential. A Gerber® Back Paxe™ weighs just 19 oz. and can be used to chop firewood, stoke the campfire and pound tent stakes. Note that this camping gear list is not meant to supplant the backcountry essentials, like water and food, that everyone should carry with them. A printable copy (PDF format) of the camping gear list is available for download How to use an ice chest
In addition to the core set of gear you will also need a set of cooking gear for preparing meals and cleaning up:
Any camping list is going to vary depending on whether you are car camping (carrying all of your gear in a car) or backpack camping (carrying all of your gear on your back). If you are carrying everything on your back then weight is a primary factor in your gear selection and you can justify the premium price that you will pay for lighter gear. For example, an REI® Halo down-fill bag weighs just under two pounds and is $250. An equivalent synthetic bag, like the REI Zen, is less than $150 but weighs over three pounds.
A sleeping bag is part of the core set of camping gear that you will spend the most money on:
A sleeping bag is part of the core set of camping gear that you will spend the most money on:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Camping Stove
- Ice chest
Of course, if you are backpacking then size and weight is a primary concern. Instead of packing pots, pans and a stove, there are integrated cooking systems like the Helios™, from JetBoil®, that packs inside its own cooking pot.
Likewise, there are a number of small, integrated plates, mugs and utensil sets from companies like MSR® that will save weight and space in your pack. The final list of gear that you will need for camping is for safety and comfort items:
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Pillows
- Small ax or hatchet
- Small broom or whisk broom
- Camp chairs
- Extra Batteries
- Notepad and Pencil
- Soap, Shampoo and Shower Shoes
When you are trying to save weight and space, multiple-use tools are essential. A Gerber® Back Paxe™ weighs just 19 oz. and can be used to chop firewood, stoke the campfire and pound tent stakes. Note that this camping gear list is not meant to supplant the backcountry essentials, like water and food, that everyone should carry with them. A printable copy (PDF format) of the camping gear list is available for download How to use an ice chest
In addition to the core set of gear you will also need a set of cooking gear for preparing meals and cleaning up:
- Matches and lighter
- Fire Starter / Tender
- Garbage bags
- Paper Towels
- Wet Wipes
- Dish Soap
- Coffee pot or tea kettle
- Sauce pan or dutch oven
- Cooking Oil for Treating Cast Iron
- Aluminum Foil
- Frying pan or griddle
- Hot Pads or Mitt
- Plates, bowls and cups
- Knives, forks and spoons
- Spatula, ladle, paring knife
- Large Sealable Bags for Food Storage
- Large Table Cloth (many picnic tables are 8-feet long)
- Wash tub
- 5-Gallon Drinking Water Container
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