Category Archives: Camping

Camping Chairs That Move

Most everyone knows that foldable camping chairs have the ability to be moved from one place to another, but what many people may not be aware of is that the chairs, themselves, can actually move. Similar to traditional-looking folding chairs is the outdoor folding rocking chair. These chairs feature a director’s style chair with metal rockers on the bottom. Whereas traditional wooden rocking chairs have pointed rockers at their bottom, a folding rocking chair has a rocker on each side that connects from the chair frames front to its back eliminating the need for sharp points. This makes the rocking chair ideal for children, the elderly, handicapped and those with low vision. Even better, by having no sharp edges, the chairs cannot cut or poke their users when packing or carrying them.

While they may be somewhat plain in color, as the popularity of these camping chairs increase, more and more designers will implement more colorful fabrics or patterns. Currently, some of the most widely available shades for camping rocking chairs include black, brown and navy blue. They may be the most basic colors however, these hues do a great job of camouflaging stains, should any ever occur.

Price wise, rocking chairs tend to cost slightly more that traditional folding outdoor chairs. Expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $60 or more depending on the chair’s size, quality and thickness of metal, manufacturer, and type of fabric used. Sometimes online bargains can be found that include free shipping and no sales tax. A great way for those who enjoy rocking chairs to relax on-the-go, folding rocking chairs also store in backpack sacks for easily portability. Consider purchasing a foldable rocking chair, and as an outdoor enthusiast you will get a highly-functional, easy-to-use item that is a great investment for present and future use.

Camping and Food Safety

One of the most enjoyable things about camping is getting to enjoy the great food that can be prepared over a campfire. Many people also use their portable grills to supplement their cooking methods and there’s nothing like the taste of a juicy BBQ in the middle of the woods. But cooking while camping is definitely not like cooking in your home kitchen and as such, there are extra precautions you have to keep in mind to keep your food safe.

Your most essential piece of camping gear when it comes to food safety will be your cooler. You want to have a nice big one that you can use to store all your uncooked meats. Also think about bringing a smaller cooler just for drinks so that you don’t have to constantly open and close the lid of the larger cooler. Any meat you have should be firmly wrapped and packed tightly with lots of ice. Remember that block ice is generally better for camping than ice shavings, so use that if you can. You can also freeze certain things like prepared soups or stews ahead of time and these will also help to keep your cooler properly refrigerated. And if something has thawed you should cook it right away since there is no way to refreeze it properly without risk of germs developing.

Always make sure to cook your food properly as its better to over-cook something than to undercook. The wilderness is not the place you want to get food poisoning so keep a constant eye on your food to make sure it hasn’t gone bad. Camping tents are the perfect place to keep your cooler if you have set up in shade, so use your shelter for storage when appropriate. When in doubt, you should never eat anything that looks or smells suspect, so always bring an array of canned foods in case your meats go bad. Never sacrifice safety for hunger, and if you prepare properly by bringing adequate supplies, you won’t have to.

Benefits to Owning Tent Trailers

Everybody can use a much needed vacation whether it is to get away from the routines of life or the stress of work.  Unfortunately, vacations can put more stress on us because of the amount it costs to take them!  For many it just isn’t reasonable to go on a vacation every month or weekend.  The costs of hotels and airfare aren’t budget friendly.  Owning a trailer tent can make a weekend trip much more reasonable.

Most of us live pretty close to a wilderness area of some sort whether it’s the beach or the mountains or even the desert.  The possibilities are endless.  On the other hand, not all of us are meant to be serious campers.  We like the comforts our homes and lives offer.  Tent trailers offer a nice compromise.  Although they aren’t made as luxurious or as spacious as a RV they offer a nice in between.

First, they are much more affordable than a motorhome or RV.  Some RV’s can be more than a home mortgage.  You can get a tent trailer for a few thousand dollars or less making it much easier to fit into the budget.  Ok, you might be cringing when you think about a few thousand dollars.  The fact is even going on a big vacation once or twice a year can cost close to that but you will be able to enjoy this for many years to come.

Second, they are much smaller.  They are designed to be compact and easy to transport.  Many even are made to be stacked on their sides so you can store them easier when they are at home.
Third, they are a better option than a traditional camping tent especially if you aren’t such an outdoor enthusiast.  Camping with tents is great if you love sleeping on the hard ground and waking up with condensation built up all around you.  While a tent trailer is still just a tent it has a few extra perks along with it.  It is raised up off the ground so you aren’t going to wake up with a rock lodged in your back.  Also, because it’s up higher off the ground you don’t have to worry about accidentally pitching it where all the water runs off when it rains.  You also won’t have to worry about getting a ground covering either.

Lastly, it gives you a great excuse to get away even if it is just for the weekend.  Pack up a bunch of those non perishables you have in the house, grab some clothes and a few basic camping supplies and hook up the tent trailer.  It is that easy. We all could use more excuses to relax and have a little fun.  Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to do so.

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The Insulating Benefits of a Sleeping Bag Liner

As a necessary requirement for any camping activity or outdoor overnight activity, the sleeping bag is very important. When sleeping in the cold outdoors, it is vital that the proper type of bag is purchased. All products provide a rating on the label, so you know how much protection you will have against the cold. For bags that do not provide enough warmth in the cold, there are other options in improving performance, without purchasing another bag. A sleeping bag liner or travel sheet slips inside your bag, to improve its ability to protect you from the cold. Liners can be added or removed to meet the changing requirements from one day to the next or in different locations.  These products typically come with a zipper, which aids in keeping warmth in your bed roll.

One product available is the silk liner, which is desirable because it is soft, yet sturdy. Other products combine Egyptian cotton with silk, for an even more comfortable feel. Silk fabric is a soft and shiny when dry, yet becomes very strong when it gets wet. Woven silk provides insulation properties that are far better than other heavier fabrics. This makes it perfect for use with bedding, particularly in the outdoors. It can greatly improve the comfort level of the sleeping bag and allow the user to get a better night’s rest. Silk used to make consumer products interestingly comes from caterpillars. If you think about how well this creature’s cocoon keeps out chilling temperatures, you can understand the benefits that using silk will provide in keeping you warm.

If the high cost of a silk liner is not in your budget, you can buy a fleece liner as an alternative. Fleece is made of natural animal fibers, typically from the yak or sheep. It keeps animals warm, so it will help keep you warm inside your bedroll as well. Liners made of this fabric can be washed in a machine at home and are available in many bright colors as well. Coleman offers a desirable product which folds into a highly compact roll, which is kept in place with a stretch cord. This can keep you warm in temperatures as low as fifty degrees (F), by itself. This is an indication of just how warm you will be when using this product inside your bag. It is a very thin fabric, but provides quite a bit of warmth.

As weather conditions can change very quickly outdoors and wind chill can make the environment much colder, using a bag liner is the best way to ensure you will stay warm, when such conditions arise. Many have additional handy features, like a carrying pouch or a closable storage pocket. These items are easy to pack and take with your other camping gear.

How To Choose a Quality Camping Bed

Now days camping can be equaled to enjoying a night in the comforts of home with new technology and luxuries that are available that have not always been in years past. Though campers and hikers in previous times pursued the outdoors for the experience of nature and all that it has to offer, campers now can choose to still smell the fresh air and rest comfortably in spacious tents with their heads off the ground in a camping bed.

Types of Beds
In the past, camping mattresses have either been the type you have to either blow up with your own lungs or have an external pump, or just a foam pad, but now there are more options. Camping beds range in size from twin to full. If more than one person is camping and does not mind sharing a bed, then a bigger camp bed and mattress can be obtained. A double camp bed or camping bunk beds can be easily found at an outdoors store or even a large chain store. For more convenience and easy travel, some campers prefer air bed camping, which is done with an air mattress and a portable pump. A folding camp bed is also more fit for travel and hiking. No matter the type of mattress or pad that is used, the bed is supported by a lightweight metal or plastic spring frame and is usually easy to assemble. This allows for a cleaner sleeping environment and more comfort and stability for the camper.

Things to Consider
Buying a camping bed requires an adequate amount of consideration before a final decision. Weather is an important factor because the mattress and frame need to be weather resistant. It also needs to meet the standards of the camper for comfort levels and possible health issues like back problems and arthritis. Price is a factor. Though the cheapest equipment should not be the first option, the most expensive should not be the only consideration for best quality. A look at the features of the bed and maybe a consultation with someone with more experience could be helpful in finding a quality bed for a reasonable price.

An uncomfortable bed can lead to sleepless nights and an overall unpleasant camping experience. However, a quality camping bed could brilliantly intertwine the joys of home and the great outdoors. A decrease in stiffness and discomfort is an increase in a pleasurable camping adventure.