Camping And Hiking Gear

Catamaran Leisure Boating

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:45:50 +0000

Even though catamarans have been used for hundreds of years by Polynesians to settle some of the world's most distant and desolate islands, they are a comparatively new design of vessel for both leisure time and sport sailing. Catamarans are generally considered to be very popular for light sailing and surfing by many boating enthusiast around the world. Catamarans, often called 'cats' in boating circles, are twin-hulled watercraft well-known for their speed and stability in open water and are also faster than mono-hulls since they are lighter. Catamarans are often used as surfboats in life saving rescue situations. They are especially favourable in coastal waters where the open spaces permit the boat to reach and maintain its maximum speed. Catamarans considered by many as the most popular light sailing or surfing vessels on sale across the world. Standard sailboats, with their deep lateral resistance going on near the turning axis of the vessel, have a good deal less turning resistance. The catamaran's design places the lateral resistance to the bow and stern which are far from the turning axis of the boat. Catamarans and multi-hulls in general, are normally faster than single-hull boats; each hull of a catamaran is typically thinner in cross section than those of monohulls. They are lighter due to the fact there is no keel counterweight and have a wider beam (the distance from one side of the boat to the other), which makes them more stable and therefore able to carry more sail area per unit of length than an equivalent monohull. This greater stability means that the sail is more likely to stay upright in a gust, drawing more power than a monohull's sail which is more likely to heel (lean) over. Catamarans are excellent for cruising and long distance boating. Catamaran cruising the islands and seeking out that idyllic palm fringed bay, where the sea, the sky and the sand invoke that feeling of total tranquillity, and being at one with nature, is what we love and enjoy. Catamarans are just the ticket for sailing holidays - acres of deck space, no heeling, next to no draught, a load of fun to sail and pretty quick too. Catamarans are an excellent choice for those who are apprehensive about seasickness, as they do not roll at anchor. Catamarans are usually available for rent just about anywhere in the world.

Camping Tips: Tips & Safety Measures

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 04:57:04 +0000

The more experience you have camping, the more you will figure out what works or does not work in your camp setting. Everyone has started out camping as a beginner, so just because you don’t know everything, don’t feel disheartened or alarmed. The only time to panic is when you go camping unprepared. Here are some tips to get you started on the right footpath. Be sure to use Camp Safely, Tent Camp Properly and Eat Properly when hiking or camping in the boondocks.

Safety Camping Tips

Safety Camping Tips 1-6:

1. Take a whistle to alert people to where you are. 2. Never leave a fire unattended. 3. Never get too close to the fire. 4. Take long wooden matches for starting fires. 5. Never go camping without plenty of flashlights. Bring extra batteries. 6. Never go camping without a good first aid kit and survival kit.

Safety Camping Tips 7-12

7. Never leave a knife or other dangerous item out where children can find it. 8. Take a weather radio so you will know if storms are on the way. 9. Make sure your tent is firmly secured to the ground with stakes. 10. Don’t start a wood fire with charcoal fire starter. 11. Don’t let children or pets close to the campfire. 12. Make sure to have a bucket of water near the campfire for emergencies.

Tent Camping Tips

Tent Camping Tips 1-9

1. Always put up your tent up at home first before taking it camping. 2. The best kind of tarp to put on the ground under the tent is a footprint. A footprint is the exact shape of the tent. You can even roll the tent footprint under the tent to ensure that rain does not give you a waterbed under your tent. 3. If you do use a normal tarp as a ground cloth under the tent, make sure none of the edges stick out. If the edges stick out and it rains you will have a puddle of water collecting between the tarp and the floor of the tent. This is the waterbed effect just mentioned in step three. 4. Pound your tent stakes all the way in the ground so the wind can’t get under the tent and blow it away. It is not uncommon for rope to break or fray and off your shelter goes. 5. Don’t let the kids run around the tent or they might trip on the tent lines. Tie ribbons of any color so people can see the rope at night and dusk. 6. Waterproof your tent seams before going camping. 7. Always put the fly on over the top of the tent for rain and wind protection 8. A tent vestibule is great for storing extra supplies with you under the tent. 9. Keep tent door and windows zippered to keep out bugs, scorpions or snakes.

Healthy Food Camping Tips 1-6

1. Roast vegetables on the campfire grill. Good choices are onions, potatoes, red and green peppers, carrots, and spinach. Add soy for extra protein. These sort of veggies won’t bruise easily during the hike. 2. Grill turkey burgers and turkey hot dogs. 3. Use whole-wheat hamburger and hot dog rolls instead of the white flour type. 4. Healthy snacks include fruits and nuts. Fruit/nut mixtures are also great for hiking. 5. Pack a picnic basket with sandwiches that use whole wheat bread, low-fat mayo, lean meat and reduced fat cheese. A few sips of the wine from the wine cooler won’t hurt either. 6. Reduced fat yogurt makes a great dessert.

Camping Cots

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:56:11 +0000

Camping cots are specially designed to provide you with all kinds of comfort even though you happen to be in the woods. They are ideal for individual sleepers and lighter weight people. Air mattresses are recommended for multiple people and larger individuals who need additional sleeping space. Tent space also needs to be looked at when deciding on sleeping gear, as most air beds occupy more floor space than most camping cots. The greatest advantage to camping cots is they lift you up from the ground which certainly improves your camping level of comfort. By getting off the ground, you won't get wet if it rains and you certainly won't be shaking from the cold as it seeps into the ground underneath your body. An additional benefit of adding a barrier in between the ground and you is that you are protecting your sleeping bag from moisture, dirt and any problems that could cause damage. One of the best things about camping cots is that, despite their name, they may be used anywhere at any time. If the kids want to invite friends or family over for the night, setting up camping cots in the backyard or even in the basement, ensures none of them need to sleep on the floor or on other furniture. They could set up in the backyard and make believe that they're on a camp out. Some camping cots are really easy to put together and some are not. I suggest you try setting up the cot at home as soon as you get it. If you discover that it's too difficult to put together on your own or perhaps it's not as simple as you would like it to be then you've got the chance to take it back. These days, camping cots are a great deal lighter and much easier to use, making carting them in and out of campgrounds and along hikes a piece of cake. The standard cot sold today is made up of a lightweight, yet strong metal framework over which a durable piece of canvas is stretched and may be folded up and stored in a bag. Older campers and people with limited mobility generally find camping cots ideal.

How To Break In New Hiking Boots

Sonny — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:19:41 +0000

David asks…

Men's Hiking Boots - As Wide As Possible - Recommendations?

Hi, I have a US 9-10 foot, with a narrow heel and extremely wide forefoot. I will be going on a hiking trip in mid-September in New England, where it may or may not be wet and/or cold. If possible, I would like these boots to be also usable (non-slip and warm) in snow. Money is important but fit is more important. I also have podiatric orthoses, so I will need a boot with a removable insole. I have looked at Ecco Track boots, and their size 43 is the right length, and feels just a tiny bit narrow in the forefoot. Will these boots stretch after I break them in? If my orthoses are like .5-1 cm shorter than the shoe, is that OK as long as the orthoses don't slip around? Please also recommend specific brands and models. Thanks a lot!

Sonny answers:

Danner Mt. Lite II is a classical style boot that comes in many widths. They are tough as nails and extremely comfortable.

To answer the other part of the ? Almost all boots will stretch and shrink somewhat.

Sandy asks…

Can you wear military boots hiking?

I'm going on a day walk/hiking trip sort of thing next week and was looking for a pair of hiking boots and found a pair of military ones. The kind they issue in the army, remind of doc martens. My question, would they do for hiking or do you need a proper pair? Oh, and would I go about breaking a pair in in a week? (A little random, just wondering =])

Sonny answers:

I used a pair for awhile they were fine just seem a lil heavy after awhile like 10 miles or so but they will work if your breaking them in in a week i would ware them every where

Paul asks…

Hiking Boot Hot Spots?

I had my boots professionally fitted. Of course, you have to fit to the larger foot, the left. So my right boot is just large enough to have some slop in the heel (buying a second pair of 1/2 size boots won't work, then the right is too small). Doesn't matter what I do for padding or socks--that heel slips and I get a hot spot. The boots are broken in (by a few hundred miles of trek hiking the Rockies) and I wear 2 pairs of socks: heavy, wool trekkers and a wicking layer. I've tried sheepskin padding, different types of socks, and different tying techniques to keep the heel down but it doesn't help. Any suggestions? Can I pad up in a different way? Or do I live with rolls of moleskin and "Second Skin" forever? I am an experienced, long-distant hiker so please write your answers with that in mind. The number of miles in the boots didn't matter. The right boot as given me trouble from the start. I've tried duct tape. It sluffs off after the first quarter mile--probably the character of my skin. I'm doing a 6 miler tomorrow, no pack-- I'll try duct tape again and be armed with the other accoutrements of my attempts to get a handle on that blistering. Thanks BeachBum. Any other ideas out there, guys?

Sonny answers:

Duct tape. Used it on the AT, it stays on, its super thin so you don't feel it like the thick moleskin, and its like having an armored layer of skin. You seem to have tried everything else. You can get new boots, maybe they are too broken in a couple hundred miles on rugged terrain can do that to a boot.

Mary asks…

What does it mean in scientific terms, when an object disappears then reappears?

I am looking for a scientific explanation from scientists please. I do not have a ghost or a roommate with a sense of humor. The last thing to happen to me, which happened today, is I have been having to tie my boots lower because the top clip was broken off of my hiking boots. Today I went to put my boots on as always and the top clip is firmly back in place as if it were never missing. I am not on any medications, nor do I suffer from any disorder.

Sonny answers:

I think that would be Wittgenstein's Indeterminism.

Charles asks…

My hiking boots laces are always loose. Is there a solution?

If I run, my boots are wet or just in general, I have to frequently tie my laces. I buy cheap hiking boots usually for around $30. When I try to have strong nodes then I break the laces.

Sonny answers:

When tying them, go round twice with the first twist, then tie double loops. My kids shoes are always tight this way

Nancy asks…

How do I find the right hiking boots?

I am really struggling to find the right hiking boots, and I need to get some soon and break them in because I've signed up for the Oxfam Trailwalker- 100km hike in 36 hours! I get really nervous about going and asking advice in the shops, partly because I have size 9 (UK) feet, and I am a woman (all women's styles usually only go up to size 8), so I find it quite humiliating having to say that to the shop assistants. Also I'm wondering if having a man's style hiking boot will be bad if I'm a woman. Please help!

Sonny answers:

Here are some things you should know: - You don't have huge feet. The reason they don't stock your size is probably because they sell more in the middle sizes, but that doesn't mean they don't sell any in your size. Active, athletic women tend to have larger feet than their high heel office or shop counterparts. - You can wear a men's boot, but be really careful and picky when you try them on. The most likely problem would be that it might be too wide. If it is too wide, you are more likely to get blisters or have discomfort. - For your hike, you probably want some lightweight boots, not all leather boots. Also get some sock liners if you can find them. They usually come in only white and black, but they can be life savers to wear under your socks and prevent rubbing and sweaty feet. - Don't think twice about the color or style. It is all about comfort, and you will see people wearing every color and style of boot you can imagine. If they feel good on your feet, you will fall in love with them regardless of color. If you buy a pair based on looks instead of utility, they will sit in your closet and not be worn. - No matter what type boots you get, take some moleskin or other padding with you to prevent blisters. At the first sign of rubbing, take time out to pad it so it doesn't turn into a blister that could ruin your trip. - You're hiking with a team of 3 others, right? If so, ask them where they go their boots. There must be a source near you. The main thing is, don't go into the shop feeling like your feet are odd. If they can't help you find something that works well, it's the shop assistants that are odd.

Freeze Dried Camping Food

admin — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 09:16:29 +0000

Good camping food is very important since it determines the comfort standards of the whole trip. Without decent food, your camping trip is not likely to be very enjoyable! The best thing is that great food ideas for camping can be very simple. Most of this type of freeze dried food is packaged to last for 30 years or more so you won't have to worry about it spoiling. Dried meals for cycling, boating or backpacking will not have an issue as you will find a nice selection at most of your sports shops. During the flash freezing process freeze dried food is zapped of nearly 97 percent of its water content. This makes it incredibly lightweight and compact. Some people erroneously think freeze dried food is very expensive. But when you look at the facts the cost of a freeze dried food reserve is no more expensive than the average food budget.

All That You Need to Know Before You Buy

Most sportsmen are mindful that some types freeze dried food is available to reduce the weight of traditional foods. But there are currently a wide variety of freeze dried camping food available to satisfy just about any palette. It used to be that your options were limited as to what you could buy for cycling, canoeing or backpacking in the freeze dried department. You would find freeze and dried spaghetti and stews as well as a desert or two and many sportsmen would look to MRE's or meals ready to eat to give themselves a variety. Now campers and sportsmen can find just about any of this type of food they desire. You can find dried and freeze beef patties alike to those you would buy in the supermarket. Then you will merely reconstitute or rehydrate and cook for a minute on each side. You can also find chunk chicken that you will add hot water too and will be ready in about 10 minutes. You can then use the chicken as you would traditional chunk chicken to make a pasta dish or eat plain.

You can likewise find freeze and dried campers deserts such as apple pie, strawberries and other. As far as dairy products you will find those as well, such as eggs, cheese and milk that can all be ready with a bit water. Camper freeze dried food is packaged differently from the emergency food storage and is less expensive. You will discover it in pouches which are easy to open and have been vacuum packed. Emergency supply of this type of food is stored in enamel coated cans so that the can does not disintegrate with time. These types of packages can last well beyond 30 years and come in a better variety than campers freeze and dried foods. There are plenty of items your campers and sports enthusiasts will enjoy as gifts such as different types of campers chocolate bars, nutrition bars and a variety of easy to make freeze dried campers food. There are stroganoffs, stews, lasagna, freeze dried chicken breast and potatoes and many other camper foods that are great for any sports enthusiast gift ideas. Most people have found that these camper foods are better than something traditional foods they would have to bring and offer better nutritional value as well. You can discover camping food at many sports shop such as REI and likewise direct from the internet. In fact many of the online stores will offer great prices and free shipping if you order enough freeze dried foods and campers gear. You might find the prices are cheaper online due to the low overhead of these camper supply shops. Enjoy your outdoor canoeing, camping, biking and hiking with freeze dried camping food in lightweight and simple to open packaging. Find out more tips about freeze dried food at http://freezedriedfood.referenceguidetips.com