Hiking and Backpacks
Planning a hiking trip? If you’re there are many things you can bring along with you on your hike that you may convenient in your time of need. The goal is to minimize your weight while still bringing all the essentials. So what are the essentials for a hike? This article will list 3 items that you may have not thought about bringing with you on your hike.
Food and Water
Food and water should be the first thing that runs through your mind when you think of the essentials you need to pack. Even if you’re thinking about roughing it in the outdoors by catching your own food, bringing up backup food and water is very important just in case of an emergency. It’s very easy to become dehydrated if you’re hiking in very hot weather. When considering how much to bring you should pay attention to how far you will be hiking in addition to how many days you will be there.
Related Articles
Related Websites
Clothes
Related Articles
Related Websites
If you’re taking a multiple day hike it’s important that you remember to pack a few pairs of clothes. This will allow you to maintain a fresh feeling throughout the hike. It’s also important when you pack clothing to consider the weather. If there is the possibility of snow during your hike you should pack accordingly by packing some extra layers in case you can’t make it back to civilization in time. Smaller accessories such as
sunglasses and hats should also be thought of when planning your trip.
Medicine and Emergency Care
When you’re going for a hike you should also be ready for the worst that any medical condition could cause you or a friend. It’s crucial that you bring their medicine because if they were to have a reaction while out hiking it would be very difficult to them back to a hospital in time. Packing a first aid kit is never bad idea either as there can be many dangerous plants and animals that you could come across in the woods. Personal care items such as sunscreen and tissues may also be important to you, but aren’t necessary.
If you pack these three essentials in your backpack you’re sure to make your hiking trip a much safer one to remember. Remember that you need to consider all of the essentials and pack in a way that reduces the weight of the backpack so you don’t strain yourself.
Photo Credits: richardmasoner
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on March 17, 2010 in
hiking, hiking backpacks, hiking equipment
If you’ve recently moved and haven’t ever tackled hiking in a brutally cold winter before, this article is for you. Many people who are inexperienced with hiking, or with cold hiking, can make some common, easy-to-understand mistakes that decreases their ability to have a good time, even if they’re not consciously sure what those mistakes were. This article will help break down the best ways to dress for the cold hike to make sure you enjoy yourself.
First, your very bottom layer: the underwear. You’re going to want to avoid cotton, because cotton absorbs moisture, and when cold hiking, you’re inevitably going to run into some moisture, whether it’s from the snow outside or from your own sweat. The last thing you want is your underwear to soak this up like a sponge. Buy some “performance” underwear, made from a material like polyester. Hey; no one can see your underwear, so you might as well get the underwear that will work best for the cold weather.
Related Articles
Related Websites
Second, construct your first layer. This usually consists of generally warm, non-cotton pants and a shirt, much like the underwear just described. Find performance wear that insulates heat without taking in moisture, and you’re golden. This can include pants and a shirt, but you can also extend it to include your socks,
gloves, and a hat.
“Layering” is a crucial concept for the cold hiker, since you won’t be able to simply slap on a pair of shorts and hit the trail. In doing the best preparing for your hike, you’re going to have to make sure ahead of time that you err on the side of overdressing – you can always remove superfluous layers if you get to warm, but you don’t want to get stuck wishing you’d dressed more if you get cold.
Third, build an outer layer that is wind and water-resistant. This is the layer that will actually be touching the snow, so you don’t want to use a material like cotton that will pick up water and soak it up; instead, you want something that snow will slide right off of. Make your outer layer as water-tight (covering your whole body) as much as you can, and you’ll find yourself enjoying your cold hike that much more.
These simple steps for dressing for the cold hike won’t seem like a lifesaver the first time you use them, until at some point you realize that you’ve been outside for a while and continue to be warm and dry. Believe me, a little work in preparation beforehand will be worth it once you get out into the great outdoors.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on March 16, 2010 in
hiking equipment
Broken Tent.
[The following is a guest post from How to Fix. There you can learn How to Fix a Dishwasher, how to fix a flat tire as well as how to fix a toilet]
Having a tent is an absolute necessity when you’re out in the woods – that is, unless you can find some other form of shelter. Tents keep moisture out, protect you from the elements, and separate you from the wild, even if the separation is a thin one. So if your tent breaks or tears while you’re out camping, you’ll probably recognize when it happens fairly quickly. The only question that remains is simple: how can you fix it without buying a new one?
There is no one answer to this question, because there is more than one way that a tent can be broken. But in this article, we’ll handle two of those ways:
Related Articles
Related Websites
Your tent tearing: If your tent tears, then duct tape is your best friend. It’s generally a good idea to keep some basic tools in your car – duct tape is one of them – around for just this kind of situation. Duct tape won’t only help re-attach the two sides of the tear in your tent, but it will continue to seal out moisture and its adhesive will generally keep the duct tape where you put it. It’s generally a good idea to use more duct tape than you think you need rather than less; don’t be afraid to go a little overboard. After all, you’re not going for beauty here – you simply want to keep your tent working. So make sure you have duct tape with you. The next time you head to the hardware store, buy a couple of rolls of duct tape and put one in the back of your car. It just may come in handy.
Tent poles breaking or bending: The structure of the tent is generally held up by loosely-assembled tent poles. These aren’t always the most sturdy foundations to have with you, but they make for light packing and generally an easy tent setup. If one of them breaks, you’ll want to consider your situation. Can you possibly bend the pole back into place, or is it lost forever? If it’s totally broken, you may simply want to toss that pole out and keep your tent up with the rest of the poles. Your tent may be a little uneven because of this, but at least it will stay up, continue to shelter you from the weather, and will continue to work. Worry about a replacement pole or tent once you’re safely back to civilization.
Photo Credits: bgautrea
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 19, 2010 in
camping equipment, camping tips
Freeze Tag
Camping trips are meant to be exciting whether you’re going with your family or with a group of friends. Whether your group is adventurous or just looking to brave the outdoors there is something for everyone. If you’re off to a bad start though, what can you do to make your camping trip more exciting? This article will list a few ideas that can get your camping trip back on the right track.
Go Exploring
If you’re already at the campsite what’s stopping you from going to explore the wilderness? You never know what you may find out there and it’s a good way to take your mind off any hardships you may be facing. It’s amazing how even the smallest discovery can be exciting when you’re out camping with a group of friends. It’s important that when you go out exploring that you at least bring other person with you in case you get lost. Two heads are better than one when trying to find your way back!
Related Articles
Related Websites
Play Games
Making up different games is half the fun when you’re out camping with your friends and family. There are all sorts of games that you can come up with using the environment that you may have found, whether that is trees or a lake. From freeze tag to racing the woods is a great environment to play all sorts of games. Try to keep them safe because it could be very easy to hurt yourself in the woods, especially if you’re playing in the water.
Try To Rough It
Many people like to rough the great outdoors when they go camping. To them this can either mean being completely helpless to just have to catch your own dinner, whether that is a fish or whatever. This creates a sense of isolation; some people love this feeling because camping is a way to get away from the hustle and bustle everyday life.
Look For Wildlife
Looking for animals is great fun in the woods because often times they’re smart enough to stay away from you making it hard for to observe them. This can even be turned into a competition of who can find whatever animal first. It’s important that if you do seek out wildlife that you don’t anger it. Even the smallest animals can be dangerous if they attack you, especially if you don’t have the proper first aid.
Remember, camping trips are meant to be exciting, don’t just go outside put up the tent and go to sleep. Try to have some fun, catch some dinner, explore, there are endless possibilities waiting for you in the great outdoors.
Photo Credits: TheNickster
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 12, 2010 in
camping, camping tips
What a catch!
For many people, taking up a hobby like fishing can be a relaxing way to spend a summer’s day on a weekend. For others, however, fishing isn’t just a hobby – it’s a serious sport. The select few who really take their fishing seriously usually have a common question: how do I catch the big fish? If you want to stop catching minnows and start catching muskies, this article will be a great guide.
1. Go where the big fish are.
Seem obvious? Okay, let’s try an experiment. Write down five local lakes you know that have fish that grow longer than a foot, nose to tail. Can you do it? If not, you’re going to have to do some research, ask around, and find out what you can do to start fishing where the big fish are waiting to be caught.
Related Articles
Related Websites
Many times, an ordinary Google search isn’t enough. Try asking some other fishermen at a local bait shop or fishers you come across on a lake. Many times, the die-hard fishers will be able to not only tell you where the big fish are, but when to fish for them and how to catch them.
2. Know your target.
Common “big” fish caught around the United States include Muskellunge (muskie), Northern Pike, types of bass, and even catfish. If you’re going to catch the big fish, you’re going to have to know their habits – what they eat, where they eat, and what they’re often attracted to. You can’t expect to go out to a big lake, throw a worm on a hook, and catch a picture-worthy fish.
Instead, read up on your target and learn about their behaviors. Consult some fishing magazines or even an online source like Wikipedia. After about a week’s worth of easy reading, you’ll feel that you know your fish inside and out. The more experience you get, the more you’ll be able to search for a wider variety of big fish.
3. Match the bait with the fish.
You have to customize your strategy around the type of fish you’re going for, otherwise you can’t predict the kind of results you might get. In doing your research on your big fish of choice, make special note of the kind of bait and tackle that typically attracts your fish. If you know when the fish are most active and can drop some enticing bait into the water, you stand a good chance of finally catching that big fish.
Fishing is great, especially when you chase after challenges that a beginner wouldn’t necessarily try. The more you expand your awareness of local fish, the better you’ll get.
Photo Credits: Eldar
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 12, 2010 in
fishing
1 Fish, 2 Fish...
Fishing with your children is a very relaxing and fun experience, but it could become a horrifying one if you’re not properly prepared for the worst. Being safe should be one of your prime concerns while out on a fishing boat, especially if you’re taking the trip with small children. This article will outline a few tips and precautions that you should take before going on your boating trip.
Basic Rules
It’s important that before you go out onto the water that you let any children know the basic rules that they need to abide by on a boat. These rules include no running, looking around you before you cast, and making sure that you keep your floatation device on. You should especially explain why each of these is important, as kids might not instantly realize that they could hurt someone else if they hit them with their cast. If they refuse to abide by the rules, find some way to lightly punish them that will make them realize the importance of the rules.
Related Articles
Related Websites
Buddy System
During a fishing trip it’s important that you stress the dangers of the water to everyone. It’s not a bad idea to establish a buddy system in which two people are with each other at all times. If you don’t feel comfortable with two children being the buddies in the buddy system simple pair one child with one adult. This will ensure that each child is properly watched by a respective adult.
Supplies
It’s important that you bring any sort of supplies that you feel you may need while on a boat. It will be hard to get back to shore and to the car if there was a medical emergency so make sure that you bring a first aid kit and any medication that you may need. It’s also a good idea to bring more personal items such as sunscreen or insect repellent. The last thing you want to remember about your fishing trip is how you were sunburned and got bitten by mosquitoes the entire time. If the weather is hot it’s important that you bring a sufficient supply of water or other cold drinks so that your family and friends don’t get dehydrated.
Take some time and read over the supplies listed in this article and consider any additional supplies you may need. Bringing children on a fishing trip can be a hassle, but if you develop a few basic rules and remember to bring any supplies you need then you will be sure to have a safe and fun fishing trip.
Photo Credits: XcBiker
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 12, 2010 in
family, fishing, fishing tips
Nature Time
It’s an ideal scenario: you’ve finally gotten the family away from the distractions of daily life back in the city, you’ve cleared enough time to have a great vacation, and you’ve brought all of the amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable camping trip. Then, your first morning, you wake up, fire up breakfast, lounge around on a chair, and the thought hits you:
What now?
It’s a perfectly normal situation to encounter, and it simply means that even while you’ve put aside some time for fun, you haven’t decided what to do with that time yet. Here are some ways for you to enjoy a camping trip and “kill time” the most fun and relaxing way possible.
First, make sure before your camping trip that you know what kind of activities are available in your camping area. If you’ve decided to “rough it” and head out into some deep, desolate woods, that’s fine, but you’ll need to define some activities ahead of time for that trip as well. Is there a body of water nearby? Are there boats to rent, jet skis available, good hiking trails, bikes to rent? Just asking yourself a few of these questions ahead of time will help you get started on the right foot.
Related Articles
Related Websites
Second, don’t waste time making decisions. It’s all too common for people to turn into “decisions, decisions” mode instead of simply taking action early and often. If you face a choice of fishing, hiking, or biking your day away, and family members are undecided on which to do, try this: make a decision for yourself and invite others to come along. Get your feet moving and get the activities under your belt. You’ll find that this kind of active momentum will probably carry you through the rest of your day.
Third, know when it’s time to relax. If you’ve been active all day, you can still live a “full day” without staying active – it might be time to kick up your feet, light a campfire, and listen to some ghost stories. It’s one thing to relax when you’re stressed, but it’s another thing completely to relax after an exhausting day of fun, exercise, and activity. You’ll feel like you’re relaxing deeper then ever before and you’ll get a better night’s sleep.
If these sound like good ways to spend your next vacation, look into having your own camping trip, and then customize the trip to suit your tastes. Adventurers can find plenty of adventure in the outdoors, while relaxers will enjoy campfires and quiet nights under the stars. It’s up to you to decide how you’ll “kill your own time.”
Photo Credits: .:[CT]:.|.:[CB]:. |…
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 12, 2010 in
camping, camping tips
When is enough, enough? And too much, too much?
When someone is going for a hike, they inevitably run into a decision to make: should they pack heavy and be sure they have plenty of supplies, or should they strip down to the minimum and carry a lighter load? It doesn’t take much thought to imagine that the heavier your bag is, the more supplies you’ll want to keep (such as food and water to remain hydrated and fueled). Is either strategy better than the other one? Let’s take a closer look.
Bringing a heavier bag will sometimes be necessary. If you’re going on a long hike, there are certain supplies you’ll need that you wouldn’t carry on a short hike. If you’re going on a weekend backpacking trip through the hills, you’ll want to carry supplies for camping at night, as well. If you’re just going for a quick jaunt up the hiking trail, you’ll only need a first aid kit, and some food and water.
Related Articles
Related Websites
But what if you want to strip down your backpack for a light experience even when you’re on a long hike? Can you still enjoy a light backpack?
General wisdom amongst minimalists who like light backpacks suggests that the lighter your load is, the less you’ll need to carry. To consider the alternative of wearing a heavy backpack, we’ll have to consider the benefits that adding extra supplies might carry with it.
Ultimately, the things you bring in your backpack should either be necessary for your survival - first-aid, food, water, etc. - or should make your life easier in some way. This brings us to the idea of technology.
Some gadgets, such as GPS navigation devices, can really make your life easier. However, they aren’t always totally necessary. The decision ultimately comes down to enjoying the convenience of a heavier load against depending on yourself with a smaller amount of supplies.
It’s recommended that you bring everything you need to keep safe, and work to keep it as simple and light as possible. For example, a GPS watch is easy to carry. Make a list of all of the things you’ll want to bring hiking, and then narrow it down to the bare necessities, or the excellent conveniences that don’t add too much weight to your load.
Ultimately, experience and skill will help determine how little you’ll be able to carry. Even if you want a very light load to carry, try going on a brief hike to see what kind of supplies are and aren’t necessary. Good hiking starts with you.
Photo Credits: rebonnett
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 12, 2010 in
hiking, hiking backpacks, hiking tips
If you’ve been out hiking enough, you might know the sensation: you come on some unfamiliar territory, and as you try to return to your base, you realize that the base isn’t exactly where you thought it was. Instead, you see more trees, more terrain, and way too much wilderness to possibly be in the right spot. It’s the feeling of being lost, and if you’re a novice, you’ll want to prepare to avoid this as much as possible, while also preparing to do the right thing if it ever happens.
This article will help explain what to do when you’re lost, giving you tips and advice for handling the situation when you see it – even if, hopefully, you never do.
- Prevention is key – Knowing what to do when you’re lost doesn’t guarantee that you’ll immediately find what you’re looking for, so avoid getting lost in the first place. If you can, buy up a GPS watch, or at least carry a compass with you, as well as a map, in order to make sure that you don’t go on the wrong track to begin with. Also, as you head out into the wilderness, while you soak in the views, keep a mental track of landmarks to help you navigate.
- Upon getting lost, keep a cool head – A mistake too many people make in survival situations is getting too panicked to think straight. A relaxed mind is the best kind of thinking mind, and being relaxed will keep you open to new solutions, will keep you flexible, and will prevent you from getting too frustrated right away. For all you know, you took one wrong turn from the trail and you might be all right. So relax, before you do anything else, to make sure that you keep a cool, level head. Also, when you’re relaxed, you’re using up less energy – and energy will become critical.
- Plan and prepare for finding your way home – If you’re lost and decide to relax, what’s your next step? There’s no “one” trick that will help you get home – since everyone gets different “degrees” of being lost – but you can follow a certain strategy. And what is that strategy? To take a proactive plan. Instead of being relaxed, but going in circles, give yourself real goals to pursue. For example, try to find recent landmarks that you found on your way up first – these will help remind you of the trip you took and might help you recall the way home.
Staying goal-oriented in these situations is critical. Not only does it make sure you get things done, but it will help your spirits and attitude to have small goals to work toward, giving you hope that a way home will be found.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 12, 2010 in
hiking tips
Camp in comfort.
We all know that any given woman is capable of accomplishing the same things outdoors as any given man, and that what makes a good camper is not only attitude, but skill. Either gender is capable of developing both. But when it comes to camping comfortably, it would be just plain wrong to act like there are no differences between men and women, and it’s fair to say that women have higher needs for comfort than many men. With that in mind, here are a few tips for the adventurous women out there.
First, getting a good’s night sleep during a camping weekend should be considered the most vital aspect of your comfortable camping experience. If you wake up with a sore back, it’s going to ruin the rest of your day. But if you wake up like you wake up out of your bed at home, you should feel absolutely fine and have more energy to accomplish the things you want to accomplish while camping that day.
Related Articles
Related Websites
With that in mind, be sure to focus on a few essential things: padding, insulation, and dryness. Padding simply refers to the type of bed you might be using – if you can bring along an air mattress with a gadget for easily pumping it up, you should have no problem sleeping on it. For insulation, make sure you have a comfortable sleeping bag that adequately traps your body heat. And when it comes to dryness, take extra precautions to keep both your tent and your equipment of of moisture’s way.
Next, think about the kind of equipment you’ll be using during the daytime that will change your camping experience. For example, what luxury at home can’t you live without? If it’s a shower, you can find portable camping showers that function similar to showers at home, or simply find a campsite shower on a campground. It’s usually a good idea to try out a night of camping out in your backyard, without the conveniences at home except the ones in your bag, to get an idea of how you’ll fare when you’re camping. Make sure to bring a notepad to keep track of all of the things you believe you’ll need and that which you won’t need to bring on your trip.
Having a comfortable camping experience is all about preparation. As long as you have your bases covered, you should have a great experience that feels like you’re at one with nature, not constantly fighting it by tossing and turning all night.
Photo Credits: russelljsmith
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Hike Camp Fish on January 12, 2010 in
camping, camping tips
Stumble
Reddit
Digg
Del.icio.us
Propeller
