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Tips for Women: How to Camp Comfortably
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.
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
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The Tent-less Outdoor Sleeping Guide
For some people, the definition of “rustic” means simply heading out into the woods – even if you bring a camper with a bathroom, a sink, and a microwave. For others, “rustic” means an experience that at least has some amenities like tents to keep your dry and covered from rain. But for the die-hard campers, there’s only one definition of rustic: tent-less camping, including true under-the-stars sleeping. If you’ve always wanted to do this, here’s your guide.
What to bring: Even if you’re not bringing a tent, you’ll need to bring something in order to keep you warm and separate your back from the hard, rocky ground. Many people bring a simple sleeping bag and sleeping pad, and possibly a camping cot, in order to sleep outdoors.
The good thing about sleeping without a tent is that you can stay warm near – but not too near – a fire. Even so, you’ll want to stay warm for the entire night, including after the fire dies down on its own. Make sure you bring enough to keep you warm and relatively comfortable when you sleep on the ground.
As for your pillow, what you do will be up to you. You can’t exactly lay your pillow down on the ground, so try to bring some sort of tarp or bag that can separate your pillow from the dirt.Watch the weather: When you’re thinking about camping in a tent, knowing it’s going to rain is less important knowledge than when you’re sleeping outdoors. You’ll want to be sure that a high-pressure system is moving through the area you intend on sleeping in; these systems keep things clear – and usually provide for better views of the stars anyway. If there’s going to be rain, you probably won’t be able to have a good night’s sleep, so you might want to consider throwing in the towel and simply sleeping under a tarp or simply a tent.
All in all, sleeping outdoors can be a pleasant experience, but it’s not without its risks. You’ll want to be aware of local insects and wildlife before you sleeping without shelter. When in doubt, simply sleep in your tent so that you can stay dry and not worry about everything that comes from sleeping outdoors. You might just be glad you did.
Photo Credits: anoldent
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Camping Heaters
Camping is likely one of nature’s most loved activities because it is so exciting. Many claim that camping allows them to become one with nature as the camper completely removes himself from all of the luxuries that are offered today. Stepping away from your own element is all part of the adventure but that is what makes it so fun. People that love to camp approach each new camping trip as an adventure and each trip brings about mounting excitement. Sure, there is a lot to do before heading camping but there are so many items that are offered today that can make living outdoors so much easier but at the same time, it can make packing rather challenging. If you’re not careful you will feel like you are packing to move rather than packing to camp.
If you are not an experienced camper you might have to find out the hard way that regardless of the day time temperatures, the night time offers a whole new perspective on the word chilly. Being cold at night indicates that you are not going to sleep well and that can ruin the best camping trip. To avoid problems such as these always bring along a good camping heater. You will be able to enjoy warmth once the campfire is out for the night. Thousands of campers use these camping heaters and get great relief from them, especially if you have children with you. Getting that chill in your bones can make you feel just achy. These camping heaters are very safe and convenient. Don’t look at them as a luxury but instead something that is high on the priority list.
Before you decide that a camping heater might be something that you can go without justifying it by saying that it is all part of the fun, avoid being a hero and use the heater for which it was intended. Camping heaters are made with top of the line materials and made to the best standards. Camping heaters are affordable, durable and last a very long time. There is a huge selection of camping heaters to fit your needs and budget. Camping heaters are portable and are very easy to carry along.Likely the biggest camping complaint is being cold and difficulties sleep in those conditions. This then makes camping heaters a necessity because they offer warmth to campers when it is cold. Decide if you want to fuel your heater by gas or propane, but there are some electric heaters which can be convenient in some cases but not so much in others. If you opt for electric make sure that is a feasible option at your campground.
Camping heaters offer comfortable conditions while camping especially at night. Warmth is very important to campers and the heaters provide that warmth just like a toasty campfire will. The heaters can be used for many years as long as they are cared for properly. A camping heater should always be high on the list of priorities for every camping trip.
Photo Credit: v8media
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Three Things the Rookie Camper Needs to Know
For some people, camping is a way of life. Having warm clothes for cool summer nights, knowing how to build a fire, and cooking out in the open air comes easily to them because they’ve been around it for so long. But for the rookie camper, what seems like what could be an ideal vacation is often marred by their lack of experience and the little details that make things different in real life. So how can the rookie camper get off to a good start? By keeping in mind these three things:
1. There’s a good chance you’ll over-pack. When you’re out camping for the first time, the temptation is to bring so many gadgets and so many supplies that you’ll have plenty of options for eating, sleeping, and dressing. But while this may feel fun as you pack, it often just makes things more difficult, getting in the way of utility and taking up precious packing space. You can eat simple foods, you can dress in simple clothes, and you don’t need to bring a laptop with you if you aren’t going to be working on it. Resist the temptation to over-pack on what you don’t need, because you’ll have more space for things you’ll actually use.
2. Going on a “trial-run” is a great idea. Not sure how you’ll fare when camping? Take the weekend before your big trip and decide to camp all day. Camp overnight starting on Friday and go through Saturday night. What does your tent need? How comfortable is your bedding? What gizmos did you find little use for? Even if you’re just camping in your backyard, this trial-run can be a great idea. Be sure to bring a notepad and pen with you so that you can keep track of the little things you notice. There’s nothing quite like a little reality to tell you where you really stand.3. Don’t underestimate the power of the weather. Even in summer, it’s easy for the temperature to drop during the night, and nothing ruins a night of sleep quite like cold air. Don’t be afraid to over-do it with the warm gear. Pack an extra outer layer and make sure that you’ll be well-insulated against the cold at night. Also, be ready for rain and use tents and tarps to protect what needs to remain dry.
Photo Credits: papalars
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Four Steps for Effective Tent Setup
Imagine it: you’re out under the stars, sitting at a lovely campsite with a roaring fire brushing away the chilly night. When it’s time for bed, you get under a spacious tent, which then blocks some of the overnight rain. You wake up dry and warm, ready for another day on the campsite.
Sounds like the ultimate camper’s dream, right? You can make it a reality with an effective tent set-up. Here are the steps you’ll want to follow.
- Step #1: Unload everything.Many tents come in tent packages that include all of the gear you’ll need, not to mention instructions and a protective bag. If it’s windy outside, make sure that all of these materials are well-protected from the wind or at least securely weighed down. There’s nothing more frustrating than poorly putting together a tent only to see the materials blow away.
- Step #2: Identify your materials.Following the instructions, you’ll want to make sure that you have all of the materials handy. Many instructions and manuals will make sure to list and illustrate all of these materials so that you can perform this step. Once you know you have the right materials, you’ll not only know where you can find them, but what they actually are. It’s better than going to search through a pile of tent materials every time you begin a new step.
- Step #3: Plot out a great spot.Most tent manuals will have you begin your tent by setting the foundation – this means driving stakes into the ground so that you can have a secure tent. Before you start following those directions, make sure you’ve chosen a flat, clear spot for your tent, far enough from the fire to prevent any potential hazards. Picking a good spot for your tent will be key – make sure that your tent door will face the campsite.
- Step #4: Follow the directions as closely as possible.At this point, you can begin driving in those stakes, establishing the tent skeleton, and attaching the tarp. Many tents are different, but a lot will follow these general directions. Make sure you read each step thoroughly so that you aren’t caught off-guard later. Some steps might include second actions that you’ll need to perform for later; don’t miss any of these.
Establishing a great campsite starts with the tent: if you have a good one, you can live in the outdoors as comfortably as you live at home. A large enough tent can fit a great inflatable bed, keeping you dry and warm every single night.
Photo Credits: stevecadmanRepublished by Old Post Promoter
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Making Your Camping Bed (And Sleeping In It, Too)
It’s no secret that one of the purported miseries of camping – as espoused by the willfully-sheltered folk who happily name themselves “indoor types” – is that sleeping on the ground is no fun. In fact, it can be downright painful. The experienced camper, however, knows that sleeping on the ground would be like eating a camping diet solely comprised of almonds and hot dogs: with a little preparation it’s not necessary. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can make your camping bed and actually want to sleep in it, too.
But once you’ve decided to bring a device like a cot or an airmattress, that isn’t the whole story. A bed should keep you warm, insulated, and dry. If your airmattress has a leak in it, don’t be surprised to wake up in the morning with your back on the ground. If your cot isn’t adequately insulated, you may find yourself wishing to be in your bed back home.
First, understand your options. An airmattress will keep you off the ground, but so will a cot, a futon, a foam pad, and even something home-made. So many people think about sleeping on the ground outdoors that they forget it takes very little action in order to rectify the problem: simply buy something for your bed that you can bring with you.That’s why you’ll still want to bring that camping staple so many enjoy: the sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags come with zippers that allow them to fold out like blankets. You can use this feature to spread out the sleeping bag like a blanket on your airmattress or cot.
Why not just use a regular blanket? Regular blankets work well, but they’re not designed for the outdoors. Sleeping blankets usually have lining on the outside that keeps them dry, sealed off from insects, and insulating well against the cold. You’d be surprised how much heat you can still trap with a sleeping blanket that’s been folded out.
Once you have your gear ready, simply bring a comfortable pillow or two from home. If you really want to stay luxurious, you can even bring sheets; it will feel like you’re still in your bedroom. Make sure to keep your pillow and sheets in a safe, dry place (such as the back of your car, if it’s nearby); exposing them to the elements can mean bugs, sticks, and moisture. Make sure to put together your bed after you’ve set up your tent: when bedtime arrives, you’ll be ready to slip in the covers right away, just like at home.
Photo Credits: Felipe Skroski
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Top Camping Strategies for Maximum Fun
Okay, so maybe your camping trip doesn’t exactly require the same amount of planning as the invasion of Normandy, but if you want to be prepared to have some fun on your next trip into the great outdoors, you might want to include a little foresight and strategy.
So what are the top strategies for camping? Read on.
- Mentally walk yourself through the trip. Our daily routines are forgettable because they’re our routines – we don’t know exactly what goes into them. You don’t want to be caught in the wilderness realizing you’d really like to brush your teeth or to wash up, only to find you didn’t plan these things out in advance.
Take out a piece of paper and consider an average day. Then ask yourself how much of this routine you’d like to bring with you on the camping trip. Even if you’re going rustic, you’ll want to make sure all of your needs and wants are accounted for before you head out.
- Simplify – Keep things as simple as possible. Even if it costs a little more money to buy simpler things, if you’re an avid enough camper, it will be worth it in the long run.
For example, buying a throw-pitch tent (which requires as little setup as possible) might cost a little more upfront, but it will be worth it when you’ve finally found your site. Quechua 2-Second Tents can cost as little as around $60 and take all of the guesswork and sweat out of setting up your site.
These smaller tents might not be Hiltons in the wilderness, but they also take the worry and work out of maintaining a tent that doubles as a mansion.If you’re really keeping things rustic, ask yourself what kind of amenities you might need in the wild, and the simplest ways to use them. Since you’re going to need water, bringing a portable water purifier, though expensive, can make the experience different for you. Many water purifying bottles fit in your backpack.
- Prepare yourself for emergencies – Communications are essential to being ready for medical emergencies or other situations that you might not be aware of. The more rustic your camping experience, the more you’ll have to be prepared.
If you’re a true explorer, a GPS watch and a satellite phone could mean the difference between getting lost in the woods and having a fun hiking experience. You don’t want to rely on traditional cell phones for your communications, as these cell phones aren’t consistent when you go into wild areas.
Keep in mind that camping is all about fun. This means that you’d do best to do most of the work when you’re back at home, still preparing for the trip. The better you prepare for a fun camping experience, the more relaxed and secure you’ll feel when it’s time to have some fun.
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- Mentally walk yourself through the trip. Our daily routines are forgettable because they’re our routines – we don’t know exactly what goes into them. You don’t want to be caught in the wilderness realizing you’d really like to brush your teeth or to wash up, only to find you didn’t plan these things out in advance.
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What is a Camping Vacation?
We might be familiar with the old-fashioned idea of packing up a camper and heading into the wilderness, especially because the premise offers so many opportunity for laughs in movies like “RV.” But when was the last time you actually thought this might be a good idea for you and your family and really considered trying a camping vacation?
Simply put, a camping vacation is what you make it – there are no set rules that make your camping trek any more or less legitimate than anyone else’s. All you have to do is have a plan of action, a plot of land to set up shop, and come prepared to enjoy the wilderness to the highest extent.
Here are some quick tips to preparing your next camping vacation, as well as how to get started today:
1. First, be a scout.
A good camping vacation starts with the idea of scouting – finding the right destination for your family to enjoy. You’ll want to consider a number of variables during this phase, and come up with as many different potential spots as possible. For example, if you have small children, a place with easy accommodations not too far from the campsite might be ideal. If your kids are older, they might embrace the challenge of a more “rustic” experience (of course, they’ll have to bring their cell phones with them). Know what you’re getting into ahead of time.
2. Decide what to bring with you.
If you’ve never been camping before, it can be a bit difficult to know what to bring with you, and it’s tempting to go a little overboard. Dropping a big chunk of change on an RV that you might not necessarily need isn’t the way to go.
Mentally run yourself through a typical day as you see it, and imagine the type of supplies you’ll need. Soaps that double as shampoos are great because they carry less weight. Tents that set themselves up will also take a lot of the edge of nature off. And don’t be afraid to splurge on a gizmo or two if you think it will really help you enjoy your experience.
3. Have fun.
This is an obvious one, but you don’t want to force anyone into a camping trip if they’re determined to have a bad time. Instead, make sure everyone in your family is okay with a camping trip, and ask them for their input. If they love water sports, make sure to go near a lake. You might even consider renting a cabin in the woods – it’s not quite “camping,” but it can be a lot more comfortable for city slickers.
Photo Credits: oskarlin
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