Monday, 21 May 2007

Campers Shoes - A Carefree Way To Enjoy Adventure

By J. Lloyd Platinum Quality Author


Are you a camping freak? Do you go out for camping with your friends frequently? If yes, then you can't do without campers shoes. Campers shoes allow you to have a great camping experience. This is the reason you should go in for a good pair of campers shoes before even considering going out for camping.

Camping include several activities such as fishing, hunting, canoeing and sightseeing. These are just some of the activities. There are several activities that require you spending good time on your feet such as hiking the trails or hiking from your tent to the car. For all these activities, you require a good pair of camper shoes. Without camper shoes you can injure your feet or even damage them.

Remember that a good pair of campers shoes are a must have when you consider spending some time with nature. All campers shoes are not created equal. Hence, prospective campers require to be careful when shopping for camping footwear. First and foremost, you need to consider the kind of camping activities you will be involved in during your camping adventure. If you are simply going to be walking around the campsite, then a pair of light weight, comfortable campers shoes will solve the purpose. You can also purchase a shoe that is mid-rise or high style. The higher top will let you keep dirt and sand out of your shoes. It provides additional stability that is required badly for uneven ground.

There are people who are interested in going for long hikes along riverbeds or streams. There is nothing wrong in it. However, you require water-resistant shoes. Here, water-resistant does not simply mean 'waterproof'. Here water-resistant implies that the shoe will actually resist water but it is not impervious to water itself. You must be aware of the amount of discomfort one may face due to cold and blisters due to wet feet. Hence, it is necessary to keep in mind that the campers shoes you purchase are water-resistant if you consider going out on a water adventure.

In case, you are going to be walking along rocky trials or climbing along jagged rock surfaces, then campers shoe with a steel shank will best suit your requirements. Rocks are beautiful to look at but abusive for your feet. A steel shank has the tendency to absorb energy and protect your feet. This will also keep you comfortable and pain-free.

In case, you plan to walk along well marked and well traveled paths and a rocky trial, campers shoes with a steel shank will be not be able to save your feet. You should opt for a light weight shoe. This will be inexpensive for you and protect your feet well.

Never, ever settle for cheap quality campers shoes. Cheap quality campers shoes may be lighter on your wallet but tend to damage your feet in due course of time. These campers shoes are not durable and do not withstand problems faced by campers during camping. Try to find out campers shoes that are really worth spending your hard-earned money on and let you enjoy your camping experience.

You can visit some of the best online companies in this regard. These companies will provide you affordable deals.

For more information on campers, try visiting http://www.typesofcampers.com - a website that specializes in providing camper related tips, advice and resources to include information on campers shoes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Lloyd

Wednesday, 16 May 2007

Your First Successful Camping Trip

By Ian Kurz.

So you’ve decided you would like to get out camping with your friends for a weekend away but aren’t sure how to go about it? Never fear, the answers are always there for you if you know where to look.

I personally am a big fan of camping and love to go any chance I get. It’s great to get out with my friends for some serene, tranquil escapes from reality. To get away from work and traffic and other people in general is a break that is truly refreshing and it doesn’t take too long for you to become aware of how refreshing it is for your spirit.

It’s just as great or better for me to take my kids camping, and watch them experience nature and help build a fire and cook. I can remember doing this stuff with my parents when I was just a kid camping and I like to think that my own kids are going to remember the good times in the same way.

Now it’s time for you to go for your first trip. You’re excited right? You should be, it’s going to be great. Let’s talk about some things you may not have thought of to make things more enjoyable.

You’re obviously going to need a tent and sleeping bag, otherwise you’ll have no place to sleep so we won’t mention them any further. Instead we’ll expand on these two items.

A tent is going to do it’s obvious function of keeping you dry if it rains and keeping you away from the bugs, depending on the time of year you’re going camping. They should keep you dry but if it’s really raining on your trip then you can bet you’re going to be challenged to keep things inside dry. This can be a problem in cooler weather camping because things don’t tend to dry out too easily. What I’ve found to be an excellent remedy for this situation is to bring along a tarp and some spare rope. By lashing it to trees in the area and by ensuring the tarp is larger by area than your tent, you create an “exclusion zone” where the rain will not fall. This keeps the area around your tent dry and this helps to keep the inside of the tent dry. The other advantage is that it can provide an area for you to sit outside of your tent during a rainfall. If a tent does not have adequate foul weather venting then they can become quite stuffy and humid inside and that’s just not enjoyable.

I bought two tarps that I bring on my camping trips. Mine are quite small when packed and take up hardly any room at all. They’re about 6 feet by 9 feet when opened. They’re made of a similar material to what most tents are made out of these days. They were somewhat expensive because I bought them from an outfitter, but considering how usable they are as “ultra-light camping” goes, they were worth every penny. I set one up over my tent and than I have a spare that I can set up as either an eating shelter, or use as a windbreak if the wind is cold. Tarps have been an idea that I promote to everybody that asks me about camping. During the hot times they give you a place to escape the direct sun.

Here’s something else to think about. A sleeping bag is only going to keep you warm at night in the warmest weather. If you’re camping in the spring or fall, a sleeping bag by itself will not keep you warm. For this weather you need to get yourself off the ground and in my opinion, the best means of doing that is by purchasing a self inflating air mattress. By self inflating I don’t mean the ones that have a device to blow them up by themselves. I mean an insulated sleeping pad that inflates itself by means of a foam core expanding. These things are only about an inch thick but they offer excellent insulation value and believe it or not good comfort too. Air mattresses that you blow up are too noisy in the night when you toss and turn and I’ve never found them to be that comfortable or warm. The self inflating sleeping pads are designed with camping in mind. They’re warm, comfortable, and they pack well. Not to mention that they’re durable as well. They come in different lengths and sizes so be sure to buy one that fits your body properly. If you’re using the sleeping pad to stay warm then be certain to buy a full length pad, otherwise you’re body will be warm and your feet will freeze. I have experienced that situation myself and I can assure you that it’s not pleasant. If you have several cold nights in a row then you’ll be losing sleep for sure as you try to find a way to keep warm. The ground will suck the heat right out of you if you don’t properly insulate yourself from it so be sure you have you’re sleeping pad with you.

The author, Ian Kurz is an enthusiastic camper and loves to share stories and information related to camping. Be sure to visit http://www.everything-about-camping.com for more information and gear selection tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Kurz

Monday, 14 May 2007

Camping Tips That Will Ensure The Success Of Your Next Camping Adventure

By Gray Rollins Platinum Quality Author

The best camping tip you can get is to abide by the Boy Scout motto and “be prepared.” There are all sorts of things that can happen on a camping trip so expect the unexpected. Make lists of items that you should bring and pack all the essential equipment. Take into consideration the area where you will be, any rules for the camping site, weather conditions, safety and fun.

The Campsite

Make sure you have the proper equipment for camping. Know what sleeping arrangements are and where you will be cooking. If you are using a camper or RV, much of this will be supplied in your facilities but you will need to know any rules for the particular campsite. If you are sleeping outdoors, make sure you have tents and sleeping bags as well as warm clothing. Bring waterproof matches for campfires and cooking. Set up tents according to instruction. Always leave your campsite the way you found it. The best rule of thumb is to make sure it looks like you were never there.

Food

Bring only the cooking utensils you will need to prepare meals and eat. You will not have a dishwasher and may not have trash bins available. So, make sure you can easily clean and dispose of food items and waste. Bring lightweight, non perishable and easy to cook and clean food items. Canned foods, trail mix, soups and stews are great nutritional meals that are easy to store and carry.

My favorite way to cook while camping is over the fire, using a tripod and aluminum foil. There are lots of delicious meals you can cook by putting a few ingredients in a piece of foil, sealing it, and cooking it. Cleanup is a breeze. There are no dishes to wash. You just need to properly dispose of the used aluminum foil. Do an Internet search for “campfire recipes” and you’ll get lots of delicious foil/pouch campfire meal ideas. While getting ready for camping, do not forget the water. Make sure you have plenty available to keep hydrated and to cook with.

Weather

Plan for the expected weather conditions in the area but do not be surprised if there is a sudden climate change. For summer bring hats for protection, sunscreen and insect repellant. For winter, make sure to dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and have waterproof footwear. Always bring extra clothing in case of a climate change. Even in hot weather it can get very chilly at night. Prepare for rain by ensuring you have shelter, tarps and waterproof attire.

Safety

A first aid kit is a required piece of camping equipment. These can be found pre made in pharmacies and outdoor sporting goods stores. Rope, a flashlight and waterproof matches are also important. Having a compass available will help in case you get lost and a whistle can help you call for help even if you are fatigued. If leaving the campsite, make sure you bring food and water supplies.

Fun

Bring games and toys, especially if you are traveling with children. A game of Frisbee or football is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Bring your fishing rods and canoes for fun on the water. Do not forget to bring binoculars and a camera for hikes and nature walks. You may want to bring art supplies and books in case of inclement weather. For nature walks, insect and plant guide books are usually lightweight and can help you identify wildlife and items in nature.

Camping can be great fun but you should always prepare for things that may come up. Sudden changes in weather can occur and accidents can happen. Make a list of the supplies you will need and carefully pack for your trip. Being prepared will help ensure you have a great time and stay as safe as possible in all conditions.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for CampingEarth.com. For more great camping tips and to learn about family and budget friendly popup campers, be sure to stop by the site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gray_Rollins

Sunday, 13 May 2007

The Best Backpacking Food

By Steven Gillman Platinum Quality Author

Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner. There really is no "best" backpacking food. There are reasons to bring certain foods, though. Here are ten foods, and the reasons you might want to consider them.

1. Nuts. This is one of the most calorie-packed foods you can take. That means less weight to carry. With lots of protein and other nutritonal benefits, nuts are one of the best backpacking foods.

2. Olive oil. Add a little to your soups or dip bread in it. The best of the oils health-wise, you can eat it before sleeping, to stay warm, because fats generate heat when digested.

3. Trail mixes. Any mix with raisins and nuts is great for backpacking. Vitamins, minerals, protein, and the best reason - convenience.

4. Corn products. Tortilla chips or corn nuts are convenient, and they don't seem to cause the tiredness that potato chips and other simple carbohydrates can cause.

5. Ramen noodles. When you need a hot meal fast, there isn't much that's better.

6. Instant coffee. A necessity for caffeine addicts, and it's good to have a stimulant available for emergencies.

7. Wild edible berries. Learn to identify a few, and you'll have a nutricious excuse for a break along the trail.

8. Instant sports drinks. Pour a little in your water bottle and shake. Replacing electrolytes doesn't get more convenient.

9. Instant refried beans. When you want sustained energy, eat beans.

10. Your favorites. Having your favorite foods can help salvage a rainy backpacking trip spent in the tent.

Always consider the nature of the trip when you choose your backpacking food. Hot meals are much more important in cold climates, and convenience is king, if you want to make miles. A bottle of rum might even be appropriate, if it's a trip wih friends.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Gillman