Chimborazo Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator

Monday 7 September 2009

Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador isn't highly technical. It is mountaineering
but how hard can it be
considering I went to 20
600
feet the first time I used crampons and an ice axe? Okay
I used them once for practice
on a sledding hill near my house. I climbed forty feet while people walked by with their sleds
telling their kids to stay away from me.

It's also easier to climb when the guide drives you to 15
0
feet. Don't get me wrong. Climbing the last 5
600
feet was incredibly difficult
but not for the skill required. The air missing half of its oxygen is what had me quitting twenty times on the way up. It just gets difficult to move up there.

The Chimborazo Graveyard

The monuments near the first refuge weren't for climbers without skill. The graveyard is a warning of the unpredictability of all high places. Chimborazo is very high
it randomly shruggs off large rocks
and has weather that changes by the minute. While hiking to the second refuge
we could hear the rocks and pieces of ice falling somewhere above.

El Refugio Edward Whymper is an unheated hut at 16
0
feet
named after the English climber who first summitted the mountain. Okay
it isn't entirely unheated. There's a fireplace
and if somebody feels like carrying wood up to 5000 meters
the fire may raise the temperature in the hut by 3 degrees.

We had hot mugs of "mate de coca" a tea of coca leaves
which are also used to make another product - one that's taken up the nose. We went hiking for twenty minutes - my acclimatization. We ate
and I slept for an hour before starting the ascent at eleven that night.

About Mount Chimborazo

Chimborazo is in Ecuador
near the Equator (100 miles south). The elevation in the center of the country
and the moderating effect of the Humboldt Current along the coast
gives the country near perfect weather. A bit hot in the lowlands
but spring-like in Quito (the capital)
with highs in the sixties to low seventies every day of the year. Great weather almost everywhere--until you get high enough.

The summit of Chimborazo is the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Our planet bulges at the equator
making Mount Chimborazo even futher out there than Everest. It has the distinction of being the closest point to the sun on the planet. Unfortunately
it's also the coldest place in Ecuador.

Climbing Chimborazo

Paco
my guide
didn't care for the lightweight part of my mountain climbing adventure. He frowned at my sleeping bag
which packed up smaller than a football
and weighed a pound. My 13-ounce frameless backpack didn't impress him either. It did get below freezing in the hut
just as he said it would
but I stayed warm - as I said I would. No problems so far.

Unfortunately
Paco didn't speak any English
and I was just learning Spanish. Since our whole group consisted of him and me
we had some communication problems. I thought
for example
that the $11 fee for the "night" (a few hours) in the hut was included in the $130 guide fee. He thought I was a mountain climber.

I think he said he didn't like the papery rainsuit I was using
and he frowned at my homemade ski mask. When he saw my insulating vest
a feathery piece of poly batting with a hole cut in it for my head
I just pretended not to understand what he was saying.

I hadn't intended to go climb Chimborazo with such lightweight gear
but I'd come to Ecuador on a courier flight
and could bring only carry-on luggage. I had12 pounds in my pack to begin with
so by the time I put on all my clothes that night
the weight on my back was irrelevant. The weight of my body
however
wasn't. Paco had to coax me up that mountain.

Hiking On Glaciers

The glaciers start near the hut
and hiking became mountaineering. I put on crampons for the second time in my life (there was that sledding hill). During one of my many breaks ("Demasiado" - too many
which I pretended not to understand)
I noticed my tiny
cheap thermometer had bottomed out at 5 degrees fahrenheit. I wasn't cold
but I was exhausted at times - the times when I moved. When I sat still I felt like I could run right up that hill.

We struggled (okay
I struggled) up Mount Chimborazo
hiking
climbing
jumping crevasses
until I quit at 20
0
feet. Of course I had quit at 19
0
feet
and at 18
0
feet. Quitting had become my routine. Lying had become Paco's
so he told me straight-faced that the summit was only fifty feet higher. I wanted to believe him
or the lack of oxygen had scrambled my brain. I started up the ice again.

The Summit of Mount Chimborazo

We stumbled onto the summit at dawn. Well
okay
I stumbled. Paco
who seemed slow and tired down at the refuge
was energetic at 20
600
feet. Dirtbag Joe
a nineteen-year-old kid from California with ten bucks in his pocket
borrowed equipment
and my Ramen noodles in his stomach
was waiting for us
smiling.

The sky was a stunning shade of blue you can never see at lower elevations. Cotapaxi
a classic snow-covered volcano
was clearly visible 70 miles away. We enjoyed the view for a few minutes.

Handshakes all around
and it was time to head down. I was told you don't want to be on Chimborazo when she wakes up. She wakes up at nine a.m.

Paco kept looking at his watch and frowning. He got further and further ahead
like he planned to abandon me on the mountain. When I finally caught up
at the hut at nine a.m.
I heard the rocks falling out of the ice above as the sun warmed it. Now I understood - we really did need to get down by nine. A thousand feet lower my mountain climbing adventure ended with a photograph that mercifully can't show my shaking knees.

Note:

To climb Mount Chimborazo
it's cheapest to wait until you get to Ecuador to make arrangements. Talk to almost any hotel manager in Riobamba
and he or she will find a guide for you. It's also cheaper if you're part of a group.
Read More “Chimborazo Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator”

Children s Summer Camps - Are They Really Good For Our Children

During the school session
schoolteachers are responsible for enriching your kid’s life through various activities and other mental stimulations. But in the summers this responsibility shifts to parents. Summer camps are good for children as well as for parents
as they allow parents to work freely without being worried about their children.

Children summer camps are really good for your children if they provide the following activities for your children.

1) Teens summer camps should provide skill activities
which entertain
teach and prepare students for the rest of their lives.

2) Youth summer camps should cover topics like note taking
reading
writing
relationships and communication
problem solving and creativity
test taking
memory
and more.

3) Unique learning environment with extensive trained counselor will provide supportive environment to enjoy summer camp.

4) If your child is interested in music
drama
sports
or computer camps then it is better to send them in day camps.

But it will be better to make an intensive research and questioning before your child attend any camp. You should know what will be the daily schedule of your child
how he or she will enjoy free time
what will be the menu
how often they will be allowed to take food and the ratio of counselor to camper. How you will be informed in case of any emergency and what kind of medical facility and training the camp offers.

The best way to know about any individual camp is just by visiting someone who has had child at the particular camp. The main thing
which should be considered
is the age of your child and his interest. Give your child lifetime memories from children summer camp. Choose the proper summer camp for your child and then send him to have the time of his life without any hesitations. Childrens summer camp is a gift any parent would love giving his child.
Read More “Children s Summer Camps - Are They Really Good For Our Children”

Checklist For Campers

Whether you are a beginning camper or an experienced one
it’s always good to have a list of camping equipment you need to take with you. In fact what I do is have a trunk-like plastic container filled with the non-perishable supplies that I always take camping. This way everything is ready to go. Once a year in the beginning of camping season
I update the items and do a supply check.

Food - It’s a good idea to have easy to prepare food. Make a list before you go of meals you want to prepare and go shopping. You can always check the internet for good camping recipes. Have on hand dry condiments such as salt
pepper
spices
sugar
and powdered cream. Be sure to bring staples such as coffee
bread
potatoes
catsup
mustard
onions
bacon
eggs
and marshmallows. Camping convenience foods you may want to include are granola bars
instant oatmeal packs and peanut butter and jelly for quick eating. Don’t forget something to drink.

Sleeping Equipment - As you are aware
the tent is a very important part of camping. Make sure it is waterproof and has a canopy for rain run off. Include a tarp or ground cloth for under the tent. Make sure the tent is always stored in a dry place to keep it free of mildew. Include sleeping bags to keep you nice and warm and an air mattress to keep you off the ground. Don’t forget the pillows.

Lighting - There is nothing worse than walking around a campsite without light. Bring a lantern either powered by propane or batteries. Include a good heavy duty flashlight and it’s always good to have a spare one. Don’t forget the extra batteries.

Cooking Utensils - Include a frying pan
camp stove with fuel
pot with lid
grill
spatula
coffee pot and tongs.

First Aid Kit - A great ideas is to put together a waterproof container filled with the following supplies that you keep stored with your camping equipment and is always ready to go. Be sure to include Tylenol or other pain reliever
antibiotic cream
antiseptic
band-aids/bandages
tweezers
allergy medicine if needed
sunscreen lotion
bug repellent
antacid tablets and a box of pre-moistened towels such as baby wipes.

Personal Items - Once again it’s a great idea to keep these items stored in a waterproof container for easy accessibility. Include bar of soap
hand sanitizer
shampoo
toothpaste and toothbrush
razor and shaving cream
deodorant
comb/brush
makeup bag
washcloth and towels.

Miscellaneous Supplies - Here are some things that will help make your camping experience a good one.

• Water bottles
• Tools such as hammer
screwdriver and pliers
• Aluminum Foil
• Paper plates
napkins and plastic knives
forks
and spoons.
• Paper towels
• Trash Bags
• Tablecloth
• Charcoal
• Fire starter log
• Matches
• Small shovel
• Duct tape for emergency repairs
• Compass
• Small shovel
• Pocket knife
• Weather radio
• Dishpan
scrub pad and dish soap

Bring along your camping reservation and directions to the campground and your good to go camping. Have fun camping!
Read More “Checklist For Campers”

Cheap Backpacks

Cheap backpacks can be made
but I don't recommend it. Unless you are extremely skilled at sewing
it isn't likely to come out like you want. Also
even if you are an expert
it will probably take less of your time to pick up an extra day at work and buy a pack with the earnings.

On the other hand
if you have an old backpack frame
you can make a cheap backpack with it. Remove the old pack
and tie a plain nylon duffel bag to it firmly
with the zipper facing out. Small bungee cords will work for attaching it too. I did this using an old aluminum frame that still had straps and a waist belt
and for the cost of a $15 duffel bag
I had an external-frame backpack that not only held a lot
but weighed just two pounds.

Buying Cheap Backpacks

There are several ways to buy cheap backpacks. The most obvious is to just wait for a good sale. A quicker way is to shop for a used pack online. Try Ebay.com
or go to a backpacking or other outdoor forum that allows people to sell their gear
like whiteblaze.net. The forums are nice
because you can easily ask questions about the pack.

You can also buy used backpacks cheap at rummage sales. Watch the ads for any mention of outdoor gear
and call to see if they have a backpack you might want. You may be able to buy it before the sale starts. Otherwise
start shopping early
and negotiate a bit. I recently sold a beautiful Kelty frame-pack for $15 at a garage sale.

Thrift stores sometimes have cheap backpacks. More often they have day packs
but you never know. I have seen big old frame packs that were rough at thrift shops
and it occurred to me that for a few dollars I could just toss the pack
and use the frame with a duffel bag
as described above.

Another way to keep the cost down is to go light. The lightweight backpacks
unlike other lightweight gear
are always cheaper than the big packs. If you have been thinking about lightening the load
you can save money too. Ultralight backpacks are usually under two pounds and frame-less. You'll probably use a sleeping pad as a "frame" of sorts. The good news is that they are often on sale for under $100.

Go-Lite has several packs that are near $100
and sometimes on sale for less than that. The list price on the Granite Gear Virga Ultra Light Packer may still be under $100
and I have seen it on sale for under $80. It also weighs only 21 ounces
a bonus for me
as I like the idea of light AND cheap backpacks.
Read More “Cheap Backpacks”

Cheap And Lightweight Backpack Alternatives

Ultralight backpackers are always looking for the lightest backpacks. Unfortunately
lighter usually means more expensive when it comes to backpacking gear. There are some ways around this
though
for those on a tighter budget. There are ways to buy a lightweight backpacker cheaper
and also ways to make them. The latter is easier than you might think.

Making A Cheap Lightweight Backpack

There are some
like ultralight backpacking guru Ray Jardine
who sew their own backpacks. I have sewn some backpacking gear and clothing before
and I can tell you from experience that unless you are extremely skilled at sewing
it isn't likely to come how you expect it to. Also unless you want to become an expert at sewing
making a backpack this way takes too much time for the money saved. It would be better to just work an extra shift at your job and buy a good pack.

Don't give up on making a lightweight backpack yet
though. There is another way. I made a backpack that weighs just two pounds even
and it is a full frame-and-hipbelt pack. It started with an old frame pack I have had since I was fourteen-years-old. I removed the old pack
which had been chewed by mice and was beyond repair. Now I was ready to build my new backpack

The straps and hip belt were still good
fortunately. The frame was aluminum
and surprisingly light by itself. I took a large nylon duffel bag
which by itself only weighs eight ounces
and filled it full of my gear. Then I simply used bungee cords to attach it too the frame (zipper out) and it was ready. For the cost of a $15 duffel bag
I had an external-frame backpack that not only held a lot
but weighed just two pounds.

Buying A Cheap Lightweight Backpack

There are several ways to buy cheap lightweight backpacks. Waiting for a good sale comes to mind
but there are quicker ways. Here are five of them.

1. Try backpacking or other outdoor forums that allow people to sell their gear
like whiteblaze.net. Forums are nice
because you can easily ask the owner questions about the pack.

2. Try Ebay or other online auction sites. I have seen some nice backpacks go pretty cheap on Ebay.

3. Thrift stores sometimes have cheap lightweight backpacks. More often
they have day packs and big old packs
but think creatively. I've seen old frame packs at thrift shops
and realized that I could toss the pack
and use the frame with a duffel bag
as described above.

4. Buy used backpacks at rummage sales. Look for ads that mention outdoor gear. If you call first
to see if they have a backpack you want
you may be able to buy it before the sale starts. Shop early
and negotiate. I sold my almost-new Kelty frame-pack for fifteen dollars at my garage sale.

5. Fortunately
unlike with other gear
lighter backpacks are often cheaper than the heavy ones to begin with. Lighten the load
and you can save money too. Frame-less ultralight backpacks usually weigh less than two pounds and are often on sale for under one hundred dollars. My own Go-Lite lightweight backpack weighs just thirteen ounces
and it was also a cheap backpack
on sale for just eighty dollars when I bought it.
Read More “Cheap And Lightweight Backpack Alternatives”

Camping Tips To Help Make Your Camping Adventure Tons Of Fun

Sunday 6 September 2009

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.
Read More “Camping Tips To Help Make Your Camping Adventure Tons Of Fun”

Camping Tents

So you've decided to go camping. You've check out the camp sites that are accredited by the ACA or American Camping Association and KOA or Kampgrounds of America. Now you need to decide how much you want to "rough it". Are you staying in an RV
or a pop up camper? Perhaps you're pulling a travel trailer. Much too "luxe" for you
you say. You're a real man and all you need is a sleeping bag and a tent.

Choosing a tent for camping is the first task for any camping trip. What type of weather conditions are you expecting? Always be prepared for the worst
rain
wind
and cold. There are three season and four season tents available. Four season tents are heavier than three season tents. They tend to have more poles than three season tents to help them withstand wind and snow fall. Of course
most of us are fair weather campers. A three season tent will be fine for us. So
now
what style of tent do you want?

What style of tent you want may depend on how much backpacking you're going to do. If you're a pack backer you'll want to keep your load as light as possible. A tarp tent may be the one for you
or if you're camping in summer a lightweight warm weather tent may work.

If you're the type of camper who likes to "rough it" at a drive up base camp area then the weight of a tent will not be an issue for you. You will probably be more concerned with how many people will be sharing your tent. A two man tent will most likely be uncomfortable for two large adults and all their gear. Those with camping experience say that you'll want to look for at least 30 square feet of floor space per person. They say that you should divide the number of people a tent says is it's capacity by 2. If you're traveling with young children you definitely want to look into a larger model of tent. You'll want a large area inside your tent
especially as you may experience some inclement weather and have the children inside the tent for long periods of time. It would be nice if they had an area to play their board games.

Before you spend your hard earned money on a tent go to your neighborhood camping store where you can actually see the tents set up. Walk around in it. Lie in it. Stand up straight in it. Make sure that the tent you choose will meet all your camping requirements before you get to your campsite.
Read More “Camping Tents”

Camping Makes the Weekend Perfect.

Do you have a weekend without anything to do or a weekend when you don’t want to do anything? I know what I’d do. I would pack up the truck and head for the woods. Sitting by a camp fire with your favorite people solves many problems
so you shouldn’t wait too long between fires. My favorite thing to do on a weekend is to camp. Are you looking for an easy way to camp? How about car camping? I love it!

First of all
let’s define car camping? When you can drive your vehicle right up to the camp site
that’s called car camping. Even if you’re driving a truck it’s still called car camping. The advantage of car camping versus primitive or base camping is that you can take anything you want with you. If you want to take a hammock or huge grill or a stack of magazines
you can. Load your car or truck with food
clothing
shelter
bedding
games and anything else you want to take along and get going. It’s really that simple.

So where can you car camp? Just about anywhere. National and state parks don’t allow car camping except in designated campgrounds
other than that
you can car camp virtually anywhere on public lands. The internet is loaded with websites that can help. Start looking at www.backcountrytoys.com/education.htm. Our Education Center is loaded with up to date camping information.

Here are some things I take along when I car camp: hiking gear
bird watching binoculars and field guide
a radio for music and weather updates
tent
cot
sleeping bag
grill
shovel
fire starting gear
lots of food and drink
first aid kit
a stack of reading material – this can also be used for building a fire – such as newspapers and magazines
rain gear
hammock
dogs and dog food
folding chairs and table
stove
table service and utensils….you get the idea. I take all that I need to be comfortable. If you don’t have these things
don’t fret
all you really need are food
shelter and common sense.

Camping is a great way to renew and strengthen relationships. Take your spouse
your children
your siblings
your friends. Without the distractions of television
telephone
internet and alarm clocks
you will have a wonderful time. I’ll always remember something a dear friend of mine told me years ago
“Time spent in our great outdoors is time added to your life.” That sounds like a good reason to go.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!
Read More “Camping Makes the Weekend Perfect.”

Camping In BC - Beautiful British Columbia

BC camping is like camping Yellowstone or camping California. The diversity of all the areas is very similar with mountains
stream
and lakes. You can get in to trouble very easy in the mountains if you are BC camping.

When BC camping most people just go for a short walk and find themselves lost fore every thing looks the same if you do not now or have any experience in the woods. If you find your self lost stay put do not wander around because every tree will look familiar and every stream is the one you pasted on the little walk you took.


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Most kids that get lost will wander away from the campsite playing with the family pet or playing hide in seek with other kids and got scared and tried to find the campsite. But wandered farther and farther away.

I put a whistle on a sting and place it around the kids neck and the rule is they can not take it off till we are ready to leave for home. The kids are not allowed to blow the whistle unless they are in trouble. They will try just to see if it works but if you explain it is only for an emergency they will understand. Tell them it is like calling 911 on the phone all kids understand what 911 is for.


If you find yourself lost or confused as to the direction back to camp a whistle around your neck would help. I even have one for myself and my wife. This way if you should lose your way for what ever the reason a whistle of three short blasts will get the attention of most campers of people looking for you.

If you are in the woods and lost stay put providing you are not in danger if the weather changes look for a safe place to protect yourself from the elements. But not to far don’t wander around for hours looking for a safe place if needed stand on the down wind side of a large tree. It will offer you some protection and blow you whistle every 10 or 15 minutes with three short blasts and listen for the people looking for you.

Do not wander off looking for the people that are looking for you just use your whistle above all help will arrive .Do not panic if you find your self lost stay calm and reason out where you are sit tight folks are looking for you.

I have found many people only because I have the training. Do not interfere with the professional searches they have the gear and the training to find people. They are a very dedicated group of people and will not give up
no matter how harsh the weather gets. You do not want them to have to find you because you got lost looking for some one be it a family member or a friend.


If some one from your group gets lost and you cant find them in the near area call or find the ranger or park attendant they have the knowledge on who should be called to help
and to call the need for a search.

So be safe and enjoy the camping think before you act. BC camping is great!


Here at Camping-For-Fun I'm going to make sure your camping trip is plenty of fun!
Read More “Camping In BC - Beautiful British Columbia”

Camping in a Tent or a Motor Home What is Best

Are you interested in going on a camping adventure? If you are
you are definitely not alone. In the United States
camping is often referred to as a popular pastime. One of the many reasons why camping is so popular is because of all of the choices that you have. One of the many choices that you have is deciding how you would like to camp
in a motor home or in a tent.

If this is your first or even your second time going camping
you may be unsure as to whether you should camp in a motor home or in a tent. This is a decision that many people have to make. If you would like advice on what you should do
you will want to continue reading on
as the advantages and disadvantages of both tents and motor homes are outlined below.

As for camping in a traditional tent
there are a number of benefits to doing so. One of those benefits is the cost. Tents come in all different sizes
shapes
and styles
as well as prices. Tents can also be purchased from a number of different retail stores
including those that are located both on and offline. Depending on where you look
you may be able to find a camping tent for as low as twenty or thirty dollars!

Another one of the many benefits to going camping in a traditional camping tent is the experience. Camping tents
as you likely already know
are sort of like tarps. They give you protection from the outdoors
but they still leave you feeling as if you are camping in the open night. If you are an outdoor lover or if you are truly looking to get the "camping feel
you may want to think about camping in a traditional camping tent.

Although going camping in a traditional camping tent is nice, there are a number of downsides to doing so. One of those downsides is bad weather. For your information, a large number of camping tents are strong and waterproof, but not all are. If you are unsure as to what the weather will be like for your next camping adventure, you may want to think about purchasing a camping tent that comes highly rated and recommended. Doing so may help ensure that you don't awake to any wet surprises.

As for camping in a motor home, you will also find that there a number of advantages and disadvantages to doing so as well. Perhaps, the biggest disadvantage of camping in a motor home is the cost of doing so. Motor home are expensive to buy and if you are looking to camp on a budget, you may not be able to afford to buy your own motor home. Of course, with that in mind though, you should know that you don't actually have to buy a motor home. There are a number of individuals and companies that have motor homes available for rent. Renting a motor home, instead of buying one, is a nice, affordable way to camp in style.

If you are able to camp in a motor home, you may enjoy doing so, as many motor homes appear as if they are small apartments or small homes. Motor homes often come equipped with working bathrooms, kitchens, and televisions! This is nice if you are looking to enjoy camping, while still being able to bask in the modern luxuries of life.

As it was previously mentioned, one of the reasons why camping is so popular is because of all the choices that you have, like the choice to camp in a traditional camping tent or a motor home. The decision as to whether you want to camp in a motor home or a traditional camping tent is your decision to make, but you may want to keep the above mentioned advantages and disadvantages in mind when making your decision.
Read More “Camping in a Tent or a Motor Home What is Best”

Camping Gear You May Want to Bring With You on Your Next Camping Adventure

Are you planning to take a camping adventure? If you are
have you ever been camping before? If this is yours first time taking an extended camping vacation
you may be unsure as to what you should bring along with you. If that is the case
you are definitely not alone. Although a camping vacation can be fun and exciting
it can sometimes be stressful to plan. If you would like assistance with planning your next camping vacation
you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to camping
you will find that you need to bring multiple items with you. These items often include items that are referred to as camping supplies and then items that are referred to as camping gear. In most cases
you will find that camping gear is used to describe pieces of equipment
whereas camping supplies are often used to describe food
health and beauty products
and so forth.

When it comes to camping supplies
like clothing and food
there are many individuals who automatically know what they need to bring. On the other hand
when it comes to camping gear or camping equipment
there are many individuals who are unsure as to what they really need to bring with them. Just a few of the many pieces of camping gear or camping equipment that you may want to bring with you on your next camping adventure are outlined below.

One of the most common pieces of camping gear that you will need to bring with you on your next camping vacation is a tent. Depending on who you are going camping with
you may even need to bring multiple camping tents with you. If you have yet to purchase a camping tent
you will want try and make sure that you purchase a tent or tents that are strong
sturdy
dependable
and waterproof. Even if you are planning on camping in a motor home
you may want to think about brining a tent
just incase. Many motor home campers prefer spending at least one night in the open wilderness and you may too.

A sleeping bag is another piece of camping gear that you will want to make sure that you bring along with you. If you are camping with your family or your romantic partner
you will want to make sure that you have enough sleeping bags to go around. Although you may assume that a light sleeping bag is good in the summertime
you may still want to think about brining along a heavy style sleeping bag. These types of sleeping bags are good in case the weather suddenly turns cold.

In addition to brining a traditional sleeping bag with you
you may also want to think about bringing along a sleeping pad or an air mattress. If you will be camping in a traditional tent
you may find it somewhat uncomfortable. While many campsites have level ground
not all do. If you are concerned with how you will be able to sleep on your next camping adventure
you may want to buy a sleeping pad or an air mattress along with you
just to be on the safe side. With these items being relatively affordable
you really have nothing to lose by doing so.

The above mentioned camping gear pieces are just a few of the many camping gear pieces that you may want to think about brining along with you on your next camping adventure.
Read More “Camping Gear You May Want to Bring With You on Your Next Camping Adventure”

Camping Gear Checklist

Tuesday 1 September 2009

With camping season right around the corner
you are sure to be
planning the best camping trip ever with your family. In order to make
it a great camping trip
you need to be sure that you have the gear you
need for camping. We have created this great checklist for you to use

to be sure that you do not forget any camping essentials.

Cooking Essentials For Camping

Camp Grill
• Water
• Can Opener
• Food
• Pots and Pans
• Ice Chest
• Charcoal
• Matches
• Paper Plates
• Plastic Eating Utensils
• Spices
• Salt and Pepper
• Garbage Bags
• Drinks

Don’t Forget About Clean Up After Cooking

• Dish Soap
• Dish Towel
• Large Tub For Washing Up Cookware

Be sure that you plan meals that are easy. Hot dogs
hamburgers
and
sandwiches are some of the easiest low maintenance camping meals that you
will find.

Sleeping Essentials For Camping

• Tent
• Sleeping Bags
• Pillows
• Extra Blankets If Needed

Personal Hygiene and Shower Essentials

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Towels
• Wash Cloths
• Soap
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Hair Brush and Hair Accessories
• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Toilet Paper
• Small Mirror
• Deodorant



Clothing Essentials

• T- Shirts
• Shorts
• Jeans
• Jacket
• Raincoat
• Socks
• Underwear
• Boots
• Tennis Shoes
• Swimsuit

Miscellaneous Essentials

• Bug Spray
• Binoculars
• First Aid Kit
• Fishing Gear
• Hunting Gear
• Oil Lamps
• Flash Lights
• Deck of Cards
• Screen Room
• Knife
• Extra Batteries
• Cell Phone
• Battery Powered Fan

Camping is a lot of fun
and the more prepared you are
the better your
trip will be. Be sure and print this list out so that you will not
forget anything important for your camping trip.
Read More “Camping Gear Checklist”