campinggear-3

Camping
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Great Tips for Car Camping Enjoyment
Author: Chuck Fitzgerald
Camping is one of my favorite activities and my favorite type of camping is car camping. However, there are many other types of camping such as base camping, canoe camping, RV camping, tent trailer camping and back yard camping. Regardless of how you spend your time out of doors or how much time you spend out of doors, there is always more to learn. I have compiled an extensive list of camping tips and this installment is for car campers. Here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of your car camping experience.

Organize your gear before you go. The basic principle is to organize or categorize your gear by "when" and "how quickly" you will need it. When I get to the campsite, the first thing I do is prepare shelter. So my tent and shade awning are the easiest pieces of gear to get to.

Plan your campsite. Understand how vehicles, wind, sun and rain will enter the campsite. For example, if the wind is coming out of the west, you'll probably want your tent and kitchen west of any campfire to reduce smoke nuisance.

Always have a first aid kit in camp. Everyone in camp should know where it is, have access to it and know how to use it. I keep mine in plain sight in my kitchen. If it's locked in my truck, no one can get to it except me.

Every camp needs a shovel. I believe a shovel is the most important tool in camp. You'll use it to manage your campfire, leveling sleeping spots and countless other uses. Don't leave home without it.

What tent should you use? I recommend a tent that is bigger than you think you'll need. If inclement weather sets in, you'll have a spot out of the elements for reading and playing games. My tent is big enough for two people, two cots, two chairs and two dogs.

There is nothing wrong with having a checklist. Things frequently forgotten are: extra batteries, trash bags, kitchen towels, hats, reading material, sleeping pillows, hiking boots and pet food.

Your most important camping gear should always be on your body. Not in your pack, not in your tent or in your vehicle. Whenever you leave camp always have a watch, a whistle, a cell phone, a flashlight and a knife on your person.

Some neat tidbits I've picked up over the years are: a golf towel is perfect for hanging in your kitchen because it comes with a grommet, you can never have enough zip lock bags, you won't find me camping without a flare – it's perfect for lighting wet firewood, my camp chairs have side tables attached to them, I pre-cook baked potatoes at home and warm them up in the camp fire, in good weather my hammock gets lots of use.

Car camping allows you to take virtually anything with you when you camp. But the most important of all is good company. Take along good friends and family. When you do, it doesn't really matter if you have the best gear or the best techniques, the one thing you will have is the best of times. Use this information and you'll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

About the Author

Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the "Best Gear Out There" and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to "Get It Right The First Time" with timely educational information. Please visit www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact & Tips e-newsletter, "FreshAir." (800) 316-9055.

...

campinggear-29

Camping
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

One for Ten Cabin Fever in Haines Alaska
Author: www.adamlongnecker.com
One for Ten: Cabin Fever in Haines Alaska
by Adam Longnecker

05/05/2001

Mountains, massive piles of rock and earth shaped by glaciers, erosion, and weather; can conjure feelings of awe, enlightenment and fear in people. For millions of years weather systems have shed soft crystals of snow on these massive peaks, and now we stand as mere specs in the history of these giants, aloft on their high ridgelines. As we descend a sensation secretes from our brains pulsing throughout our bodies as adrenaline, sculpting our passion to return to the top of these towering peaks over and over again.

Jason Shutz waited a long time for this turn. Photo: Longnecker

Pursuing their love for the mountains, Jason Shutz, Bill Buchbauer, Annie Fast, Chris Ankeny and Tom Routh headed for southeast Alaska in late April– Haines, Alaska to be exact. Haines has been moderately popular among the ski and snowboard film crews for years, but still contains plenty of pristine wilderness only attainable by glacier plane and split board. The posse, made up of Montanans, headed to Haines for an affordable backcountry trip aboard Cessna ski planes. They were armed with split boards, mountaineering gear, and winter camping equipment. During the first two weeks of April the group bagged a lot of great sunny days up on the glaciers, split boarding new lines and eying up lines for next year.

After a full day of Air Travel from Montana I arrived in Haines, Alaska aboard a single engine Cessna. Haines is positioned at the North end of Alaska's Inside Passage and at the Northern end of America's longest Fjord. The town shares its border with 20 million acres of protected wilderness: Glacier Bay National Park is 25 miles by air, and Canada's Kluane National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park are just up the road. A Bald Eagle Preserve is also just outside of Haines giving the area an amazing collection of dramatic scenery and plethora of wildlife.
Day Two of my trip was like 99% of Alaska days: it rained. The Montana posse that I came to hook up with spent the day recuperating from a 4-day backcountry camping /split-boarding trip. I sat and listened to spook stories about new uncharted areas with sketchy snow pack, hairball plane flights onto glaciers, and all the great runs in between. Make no mistake; no matter where you ride at home, Alaska is bigger. Everything in AK is big: the mountains, the fish, the wildlife, the trees, everything is just so damn gigantic. The air was getting cold and it was snowing on the peaks; our conversations turned to the next mission once the sun broke again and the stoke began to build among us.

This would have been an action photos, but it's raining. Photo: Longnecker

The rain continued for the next eight days with little sign of the sun. Chris, Annie, and Tom went home leaving Jason, Bill, and I to wait for the sun. Pool, darts, scrabble, ping-pong, eating, reading, beer, coffee, beer, coffee, fishing, hiking, and hacky sack became the motion of the days. Cabin fever can invoke some strangeness in people and after eight days of rain and no riding; the walls were closing in – I can't take it, I can't take it. Freaking out and pounding your head on the wall is no way to deal with it, sowe ran around in the rain for a few hours. But that was a bad idea. We ate again even through we'd eaten an hour ago, and two hours before that. We were beginning to lose our minds and we only had two days left; The northern lights are out that evening and it was clear – would it be clear in the morning? That was the question.

We talked about just taking some heli runs if the sun did shine because your chances of getting to fly in the heli in moderate light is better than it is in the ski planes. The ski plane pilots need very clear days in order to see the ever-changing landscape that they are landing on, where with a helicopter you don't need a runway to take off and land. Besides after you land in a plane you usually still have to hike up to the top of your line. The drawback was that there was only one helicopter operating in town and there were six groups wanting to go out. We hoped that the Men's Journal Adventure Team which was there with a group of ski racers and ski legends would go for their main objective – a peak on the coast; which would mean a lot less of a cluster getting onto the heli.

With the original plan for some glacier plane trips into Glacier Bay National Park for split boarding and a winter camp squashed by the weather, and the chance to heli jaded by the adventure boy team, the drinking waged on and on. The locals say that you can drink it blue.

When it's good, it's great. Photo: Longnecker

Well, after nine days of drinking, the sun finally shone, and we headed to the heli at 33 mile for day ten, the last day in Haines. Being on the not so special list, we finally got out at around 4:00pm for two runs with our ultra-cool guide Jim: the first was on "Deflowered" and the second on "Hangover Helper" – short runs in Alaska standards, but pretty damn big anywhere else. The snow was blower, lots of new snow from the eight days of precipitation and just enough cold air to keep it light and fluffy late in the day. All of a sudden it was 7pm and we had to haul ass to catch the ferry. Cramming all of our stuff, the three of us, and Jason's dog Chewe into the helicopter pilot's 1970's Subaru was a bold task, but we got it done; and off to Juneau we went to catch the plane home.

After nine down days I was leaving Alaska 1 for 10. Two long powder runs in the bag made for a relaxing ride to Juneau on the ferry, and many daydreams longing for more on the plane ride home.

Alaska is a land of adventure. You don't have to be loaded to ride high powdery peaks in Alaska; you just have to have solid backcountry knowledge, glacial travel experience, and knowledge of the local mountains. Three people can catch a ride on a glacier plane (Drake Olson / Earth Center Adventures ( 907- 723-9475) at one time and depending how far you go into the mountains, you can expect to pay about $300 each for the roundtrip in and out. Once you're there you can explore via split board for the day or camp out for as long as you like; just remember tent fever comes on a lot quicker than cabin fever!

About the Author

Adam Longnecker, www.adamlongnecker.com , is a professional snowboard and skateboard coach. He travels the globe in search of the ultimate rush on his boards while enjoying incredible sites and people along the way. Expression through stories and photos is his way of sharing his ride with you.

...

campinggear-28

Camping
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Staying Mosquito Free While Traveling
Author: Sarah Yee
The last thing that any traveler needs is to be plagued by mosquitoes throughout their journey. Just as there are sure-fire ways to reduce the incidence of these pests in the home environment, definite steps can be taken to stave them off when you're away from the home front. This is especially important in a society that's been afflicted by the variety of diseases that are commonly carried among the mosquito population.

Just as that which is red is known to enrage and attract a bull, dark clothing will invite mosquitoes. Avoid the tendency to wear garments that are darker in color or shade, if you're interested in keeping mosquitoes at bay. In addition, scents such as colognes, perfumes and after-shave also provide an invitation to these pesky insects.

Air-Conditioned environments are not conducive to providing the type of scenario that mosquitoes prefer. Whenever possible, stay indoors in a climate-controlled area so that you'll remove the possibility of mosquitoes becoming a nuisance. You may still find the occasional errant mosquito, but will typically be safe in the air-conditioning. This is true for both the daytime and nighttime hours.

If at all possible, try to avoid participating in outdoor activities at night. After the sun goes down, the atmosphere is ripe with mosquitoes, and the possibility of being bitten is increased significantly – especially if there happens to be a body of exposed water nearby, since this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

When the need to go outdoors in the evening can't be avoided, be sure to wear appropriate clothing that will discourage mosquitoes. Covering the arms and legs is always a good idea, since they tend to gravitate toward human extremities – particularly the legs, ankles and feet. Long-sleeved shirts, full-length pants and closed shoes are your best choices.

For those who prefer to spend time in an enclosed screened area – such as a screened porch – mosquitoes may be able to gain access to the room through holes in the screens or other areas which aren't sealed. In the event that this happens, and the room is screened, you can apply pesticide to the interior of the room. Don't make the mistake of doing this if the room isn't properly ventilated by screens, though, or you may be overcome by the effects of the spray, as well.

If you're sleeping outdoors (such as in a camping scenario), or need to open a window that doesn't contain a screen when you're sleeping each night, be sure to use mosquito nets that are designed to cover the bed area. Not only are you more vulnerable to bites when asleep – due to the inability to protect yourself and the fact that mosquitoes are out in force at night – but it only takes one bite to become infected by one of the many diseases that these pests can carry.

Insect repellants are always a good idea, and can even help to reduce the incidents of mosquito bites when indoors. There are a number of effective repellants on the market today which are easy to apply and non-greasy. This should be applied to all exposed areas, with the exception of those that are in the immediate vicinity of the facial features, and is effective when used on both adults and children.

Fighting mosquitoes doesn't have to be difficult, expensive or troublesome. With just a bit of effort, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are basically mosquito-free.

About the Author

Sarah Yee is a writer for http://www.mosquitocontrolguide.com , which mosquito information and mosquito control tips both at home and on the road.

...

campinggear-27

Camping
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Taking Kids for a Hike
Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

With a little planning and forethought, hiking with children can be a fun and rewarding experience. Hiking is a wonderful way to help them develop a love and respect for nature, stimulate their imagination and encourage them to stay active.

Even Snoopy Hikes: A great way to introduce children to the idea of hiking is through stories featuring their favorite animated characters. Several great children's books about hiking are available: "Curious George Goes Hiking," "Take a Hike Snoopy," "Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail," and "Sheep Take a Hike," just to name a few. The stories give you an opportunity to talk about expectations before leaving home and give you something to refer to on the trail.

Where to Go: Start small children on short trails over easy terrain. In terms of ability, children can cover about 1 mile for every year they are in age. They may not want to hike that far, but they probably have the ability to do so. Short attention spans are kept busy on trails occupied with activities along the way (rocks to climb on, water to splash in, etc.). Older children are often motivated by the promise of something at the end a trail like a scenic vista or waterfall. Don't forget to plan for bathroom breaks and rest stops along the way.

Clothing and Footwear: Ideally, children (like adults) should be prepared for any weather and dressed in layers. They should also have access to suitable rain gear. Properly fitting hiking boots or tennis shoes are a must to avoid sore and tired feet. Leave open-toed shoes at home.

Water & Snacks: Bring plenty of both. Fruit and salty snacks are best (although sometimes candy works as a good motivator). Try to avoid bringing snacks laden with sugar and caffeine. They cause spikes (then crashes) in energy levels and tend to promote dehydration.

Matters of Safety. Know the basics of administering first-aid. Allergic reactions to insects or plants can turn urgent quickly. Keep children on the trail and within your site at all times. Steer them clear of poisonous plants, steep ledges, overhangs, and potentially dangerous falls. A small, travel sized first aid kit is great for short hikes in the event of accidental scrapes or insect bites.

Essential Gear: Wet wipes are great for cleaning and double as toilet paper if necessary (bring plastic bags to carry them home). Always carry a compass and map, a flashlight, waterproof matches, bug dope, sunscreen and a whistle.

Opportunities for Fun & Learning

Hiking provides the perfect opportunity to instill in children a love and respect for nature that will last a lifetime. Singing camp songs (quietly) or designing a simple nature scavenger hunt is a great way to engage their minds and teach them about the environment. Give them disposable cameras and let them take pictures for a scrapbook or have them carry a nature journal to write in or draw things they see. Don't forget to educate them about trail etiquette and the importance of leaving plants and animals undisturbed.

About the Author

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com - http://www.dohiking.com http://www.dohiking.com - a large and growing hiking website featuring articles, tips, advice and shopping for hiking & camping enthusiasts. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

...

campinggear-27

Camping
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Taking Kids for a Hike
Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

With a little planning and forethought, hiking with children can be a fun and rewarding experience. Hiking is a wonderful way to help them develop a love and respect for nature, stimulate their imagination and encourage them to stay active.

Even Snoopy Hikes: A great way to introduce children to the idea of hiking is through stories featuring their favorite animated characters. Several great children's books about hiking are available: "Curious George Goes Hiking," "Take a Hike Snoopy," "Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail," and "Sheep Take a Hike," just to name a few. The stories give you an opportunity to talk about expectations before leaving home and give you something to refer to on the trail.

Where to Go: Start small children on short trails over easy terrain. In terms of ability, children can cover about 1 mile for every year they are in age. They may not want to hike that far, but they probably have the ability to do so. Short attention spans are kept busy on trails occupied with activities along the way (rocks to climb on, water to splash in, etc.). Older children are often motivated by the promise of something at the end a trail like a scenic vista or waterfall. Don't forget to plan for bathroom breaks and rest stops along the way.

Clothing and Footwear: Ideally, children (like adults) should be prepared for any weather and dressed in layers. They should also have access to suitable rain gear. Properly fitting hiking boots or tennis shoes are a must to avoid sore and tired feet. Leave open-toed shoes at home.

Water & Snacks: Bring plenty of both. Fruit and salty snacks are best (although sometimes candy works as a good motivator). Try to avoid bringing snacks laden with sugar and caffeine. They cause spikes (then crashes) in energy levels and tend to promote dehydration.

Matters of Safety. Know the basics of administering first-aid. Allergic reactions to insects or plants can turn urgent quickly. Keep children on the trail and within your site at all times. Steer them clear of poisonous plants, steep ledges, overhangs, and potentially dangerous falls. A small, travel sized first aid kit is great for short hikes in the event of accidental scrapes or insect bites.

Essential Gear: Wet wipes are great for cleaning and double as toilet paper if necessary (bring plastic bags to carry them home). Always carry a compass and map, a flashlight, waterproof matches, bug dope, sunscreen and a whistle.

Opportunities for Fun & Learning

Hiking provides the perfect opportunity to instill in children a love and respect for nature that will last a lifetime. Singing camp songs (quietly) or designing a simple nature scavenger hunt is a great way to engage their minds and teach them about the environment. Give them disposable cameras and let them take pictures for a scrapbook or have them carry a nature journal to write in or draw things they see. Don't forget to educate them about trail etiquette and the importance of leaving plants and animals undisturbed.

About the Author

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com - http://www.dohiking.com http://www.dohiking.com - a large and growing hiking website featuring articles, tips, advice and shopping for hiking & camping enthusiasts. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

...

campinggear-26

Camping
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Selecting a Good Hiking Trail
Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

The type and location of the trail you select can play a significant role in determining the enjoyment you get from a hiking experience. Before heading out on your next hike, evaluate the trail based on the following criteria.

Define Your Objectives: Select a trail according to your planned activities. Hikers hoping to photograph wildlife are going to want a quiet, secluded trail that sees little foot-traffic. Short trails over easy terrain are better suited to hiking with children. A trail with miles of ups and downs will be great for physical conditioning.

Consider Your Level of Experience: If you're going to hike alone, take an honest assessment of your experience and physical abilities. Are you in good shape or has your physical activity been limited? Can you navigate with a compass and map? If you have a cell phone, take it along. Realize though, that it may not work on the trail and if something goes wrong, you need to know what to do. Unless you have a lot of experience, don't hike alone.

If you're hiking with a group, select trails based on those with the least amount of ability and experience. If you want to reach the summit of mount Buena Vista, make sure you hike with companions that can reach the top. Novices should start on shorter trails over easy terrain until they are comfortable with navigation and carrying a backpack.

Account for Distance & Time: It's easy to underestimate the time you need to complete a hike. This can turn a planned 3-hour hike into a 6-hour ordeal. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 5-10 miles per day over moderate terrain if carrying a full load. On flat terrain, you'll probably cover a mile in about 30 minutes. For every 1,000 feet you gain in elevation add another hour. For every 1,000 feet you lose in elevation add 30 minutes. Factor in 5 minutes of rest for every hour hiked and remember that multi-day trips should include a full rest day for every 4-6 days on the trail.

Location Matters: The trail you select should have ample links to other trails or alternative routes should you find a section closed or in case of a medical emergency. If you're going on a multi-day trip, make sure the trail comes within close proximity to water, campsites and places to re-provision if necessary. Don't hike trails (however well-marked) that don't have a map.

Factor in Weather: Seasons affect the hours of available daylight and use patterns on a trail. Check local weather forecasts. Certain patterns (sudden storms, for example) are more typical of certain seasons. Don't forget to take into account variables that might affect the weather like changes in altitude along the trail.

Rules & Regulations: Regulations or restrictions on group size limits, campfires, hunting or breeding seasons may be in affect in areas around certain trails. Check with park or trail officials regarding any restrictions or necessary permits that may apply to the trail you're considering.

About the Author

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com - http://www.dohiking.com http://www.dohiking.com - a large and growing hiking website featuring articles, tips, advice and shopping for hiking & camping enthusiasts. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

...

campinggear-26

Camping
Back To Snippet
Back To SITEMAP

Selecting a Good Hiking Trail
Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

The type and location of the trail you select can play a significant role in determining the enjoyment you get from a hiking experience. Before heading out on your next hike, evaluate the trail based on the following criteria.

Define Your Objectives: Select a trail according to your planned activities. Hikers hoping to photograph wildlife are going to want a quiet, secluded trail that sees little foot-traffic. Short trails over easy terrain are better suited to hiking with children. A trail with miles of ups and downs will be great for physical conditioning.

Consider Your Level of Experience: If you're going to hike alone, take an honest assessment of your experience and physical abilities. Are you in good shape or has your physical activity been limited? Can you navigate with a compass and map? If you have a cell phone, take it along. Realize though, that it may not work on the trail and if something goes wrong, you need to know what to do. Unless you have a lot of experience, don't hike alone.

If you're hiking with a group, select trails based on those with the least amount of ability and experience. If you want to reach the summit of mount Buena Vista, make sure you hike with companions that can reach the top. Novices should start on shorter trails over easy terrain until they are comfortable with navigation and carrying a backpack.

Account for Distance & Time: It's easy to underestimate the time you need to complete a hike. This can turn a planned 3-hour hike into a 6-hour ordeal. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 5-10 miles per day over moderate terrain if carrying a full load. On flat terrain, you'll probably cover a mile in about 30 minutes. For every 1,000 feet you gain in elevation add another hour. For every 1,000 feet you lose in elevation add 30 minutes. Factor in 5 minutes of rest for every hour hiked and remember that multi-day trips should include a full rest day for every 4-6 days on the trail.

Location Matters: The trail you select should have ample links to other trails or alternative routes should you find a section closed or in case of a medical emergency. If you're going on a multi-day trip, make sure the trail comes within close proximity to water, campsites and places to re-provision if necessary. Don't hike trails (however well-marked) that don't have a map.

Factor in Weather: Seasons affect the hours of available daylight and use patterns on a trail. Check local weather forecasts. Certain patterns (sudden storms, for example) are more typical of certain seasons. Don't forget to take into account variables that might affect the weather like changes in altitude along the trail.

Rules & Regulations: Regulations or restrictions on group size limits, campfires, hunting or breeding seasons may be in affect in areas around certain trails. Check with park or trail officials regarding any restrictions or necessary permits that may apply to the trail you're considering.

About the Author

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com - http://www.dohiking.com http://www.dohiking.com - a large and growing hiking website featuring articles, tips, advice and shopping for hiking & camping enthusiasts. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

...