For today’s campers the idea of sleeping on the ground just is not in their vocabulary. With the use of inflatable mattresses and camping cots, there is little interest in throwing a blanket on the ground every night. Whether sleeping in a tent or in an unfurnished cabin, there are many different camping cots that can serve the needs of anyone. There are even bunk cots that stack for two people to share the same amount of floor space.
The simple cot consisting of a metal frame and a bed of canvas have come of age to include ones with a shelf underneath for storage as well as a nightstand that can sit beside camping cots for user convenience. While earlier models were usually made of heavy wood at each end, today’s camping cots are usually made of aluminum or lightweight titanium to withstand the stresses of camping and frequent use in different climates.
The sling of most camping cots are made of nylon or some other artificial cloth as canvas is too heavy for people to want to carry long distances on hikes. Additionally, the use of synthetic fibers also help them dry faster and offer ease in set-up and tear down.
Cots Remove Need For Tent Floors
In addition to being more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, the use of camping cots eliminates the need to have a floor in the tent. Typically, a cot will keep a person ate least a foot off the ground and the tent, without a floor, will be lighter to carry and easier to set up. This is truly beneficial if it rains and water runs under the tent walls. No one will be sleeping on wet ground.
One of the good things about camping cots is, despite their name, they can be used anywhere at anytime. When they kids want to have friends or relatives over for the night, setting up camping cots in the backyard or even in the basement, makes sure none of them have to sleep on the floor or on other furniture. They can set up in the backyard and pretend they are on a campout.
Many of the larger outdoor supply stores also carry camping cots for larger and taller campers. A person that stands over six-and-a-half feet tall may be uncomfortable on traditional camping cots but they also offer cots that will hold people over 84-inches tall and may be heavier than the average camper.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Easy Camping Recipes Can Add Spice To Camp
To many folks, their favorite easy camping recipes being with instructions on how to use a can open and boil water. While heating canned soup or other type of prepared foods is the easy way to cook while camping, eating canned foods for several days in a row can get old. Additionally, many times people will prefer a healthy meal, not always available from a can. There are many easy camping recipes available and many can be made by using only one stockpot or frying pan.
Not all food eaten while camping has to be bland and unimaginative. Many of the easy camping recipes may taste like a lot of time went into them, when in reality it does not take long to throw many of the meals together. For example, beef stew may not be something many people consider making in a camp, but there are easy camping recipes that make it possible. Season the chunks of beef with garlic and onion and brown them in the bottom of the pot until brown. Then add vegetable soup, from a can, to the pot and allow to simmer until done. Baking potatoes in the fire can make this a complete meal.
No Need For Pizza Delivery
Using a metal bread holder made to make toast over an open fire, toast one side of a slice of bread, buttering it lightly before holding it over the fire. Once lightly browned, cover with spaghetti sauce and cheese, along with desired toppings for one of the easy camping recipes for making pizza without an oven.
Whatever chosen for meals, planning at home can make meal preparation easy and will not require storing leftovers. Consider all foods to be cooked and divide everything into portions before leaving home. By having everything in the right quantity, cooking with easy camping recipes is easier and there will be no need to measure anything in the woods. Be conscious that not all foods can be cooked outdoors and that there are certain precautions that will need to be taken to insure the food is safe to eat.
When cooking in a stockpot, always use the lid as it will help the food cook faster as well as prevent bugs and other flying critters from becoming part of the stew or soup. Additionally, when camping with a group divide up the work making each person responsible for a part of the easy camping recipes to build closer ties as well as not to stick one person with all the cooking duties.
Not all food eaten while camping has to be bland and unimaginative. Many of the easy camping recipes may taste like a lot of time went into them, when in reality it does not take long to throw many of the meals together. For example, beef stew may not be something many people consider making in a camp, but there are easy camping recipes that make it possible. Season the chunks of beef with garlic and onion and brown them in the bottom of the pot until brown. Then add vegetable soup, from a can, to the pot and allow to simmer until done. Baking potatoes in the fire can make this a complete meal.
No Need For Pizza Delivery
Using a metal bread holder made to make toast over an open fire, toast one side of a slice of bread, buttering it lightly before holding it over the fire. Once lightly browned, cover with spaghetti sauce and cheese, along with desired toppings for one of the easy camping recipes for making pizza without an oven.
Whatever chosen for meals, planning at home can make meal preparation easy and will not require storing leftovers. Consider all foods to be cooked and divide everything into portions before leaving home. By having everything in the right quantity, cooking with easy camping recipes is easier and there will be no need to measure anything in the woods. Be conscious that not all foods can be cooked outdoors and that there are certain precautions that will need to be taken to insure the food is safe to eat.
When cooking in a stockpot, always use the lid as it will help the food cook faster as well as prevent bugs and other flying critters from becoming part of the stew or soup. Additionally, when camping with a group divide up the work making each person responsible for a part of the easy camping recipes to build closer ties as well as not to stick one person with all the cooking duties.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Camping Air Mattress Can Stop Ground Hazard Pain
When sleeping out on a camping trip, there is nothing that feels better than lying down on a camping air mattress, knowing that in the morning you will not wake up with the imprint of a rock or stick in your back. Whether you choose an individual mattress or a camping air mattress the size of a queen or king sized bed will only matter to the size of the tent and the number of people who will be on the same mattress.
Many of the single mattresses are simply a one-chamber bladder designed to simply elevate the camper from the ground. The disadvantage of this type of camping air mattress is that one small hole will find the camper sleeping on a piece of plastic on the ground. The best type of camping air mattress is one that has multiple chambers that allow the mattress to remain essentially inflated even if a hole develops in one of the chambers.
When going camping, always plan on how the camping air mattress will be inflated. While some campgrounds have air compressors for just that reasons, many do not. Besides, lugging a large air mattress to the dedicated compressor and back can be a trial of its own. Having a foot pump makes inflating a camping air mattress easier and will not require someone to manually inflate one by blowing into it for hours.
Check Vehicle Pumps For Camping Trips
Many companies sell tire inflators that plug into the 12-volt power plug in most vehicles. Many of these pumps can be connected to a camping air mattress and inflate them in minutes. For larger mattresses, 120-volt pumps are available and if the campsite being used is equipped with electricity, they can make short work of inflating the camping air mattress.
Before placing the mattress on the ground, be sure to check out the area for sharp objects that can puncture the outside allowing air to escape throughout the night. Additionally, even when sleeping on a camping air mattress, if it is set on a large rock it can still make for an uncomfortable night. Avoid placing an air mattress on plastic as it can slide as though it were sitting on ice.
A camping air mattress that is coated on one side with flannel or other cloth can be more comfortable than lying down on the plastic or rubber mattress. Be sure to have a sleeping bag or some blankets to lay on top of the mattress to prevent muscle pain from sleeping directly on the cold mattress.
Many of the single mattresses are simply a one-chamber bladder designed to simply elevate the camper from the ground. The disadvantage of this type of camping air mattress is that one small hole will find the camper sleeping on a piece of plastic on the ground. The best type of camping air mattress is one that has multiple chambers that allow the mattress to remain essentially inflated even if a hole develops in one of the chambers.
When going camping, always plan on how the camping air mattress will be inflated. While some campgrounds have air compressors for just that reasons, many do not. Besides, lugging a large air mattress to the dedicated compressor and back can be a trial of its own. Having a foot pump makes inflating a camping air mattress easier and will not require someone to manually inflate one by blowing into it for hours.
Check Vehicle Pumps For Camping Trips
Many companies sell tire inflators that plug into the 12-volt power plug in most vehicles. Many of these pumps can be connected to a camping air mattress and inflate them in minutes. For larger mattresses, 120-volt pumps are available and if the campsite being used is equipped with electricity, they can make short work of inflating the camping air mattress.
Before placing the mattress on the ground, be sure to check out the area for sharp objects that can puncture the outside allowing air to escape throughout the night. Additionally, even when sleeping on a camping air mattress, if it is set on a large rock it can still make for an uncomfortable night. Avoid placing an air mattress on plastic as it can slide as though it were sitting on ice.
A camping air mattress that is coated on one side with flannel or other cloth can be more comfortable than lying down on the plastic or rubber mattress. Be sure to have a sleeping bag or some blankets to lay on top of the mattress to prevent muscle pain from sleeping directly on the cold mattress.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Camping Games Can Provide Fun And Entertainment
Even the most avid campers may suffer from boredom occasionally, especially young children who are constantly hoping to stay active during the trip. Once they bore of fishing and hiking the parents may want to involve them in some camping games to provide fun as well of some learning activities to help make the time pass more quickly. Unless the family has brought their own games from home, they will have to improvise with whatever the camping area provides to devise their own camping games.
In camping areas where several families are close together, playing camping games is considerably easier as they can involve different people. A simple game of kick the can provides hours of hid and seek fun for everyone involved in the game. The object is for one person to be the one designated to seek first. They hide their eyes while the rest of the campers hide. The object is for the person who is “it” to find the others before they can run to a home “base” and kick an empty can. The person who is found first will be “it” for the next round.
For smaller groups, a parent can devise a list of items typically found in the campground or on the trail and host a scavenger hunt. In these types of camping games, it is important to not allow small children to venture too far away from the parent’s campsite.
All Games Should Stress Safety Among Participants
Water baseball is one of the most commonly played of the camping games, using a tennis ball that still floats and a small bat. However, only children who are excellent swimmers should participate in these camping games, and only under adult supervision. Ideally, it is played with home plate and the bases in water not more than about a foot deep and the fun begins when someone hits the ball and tried to run the bases.
In larger campgrounds, camping games can include having the kids venture through the camp to see how many different license plates they can find within a limited area. They can use a pencil and paper to track their progress. Many travel games designed for use in the car can also be adapted to serve as camping games.
One word of caution is that when playing camping games, respect for others in the campground should always be practiced. Loud laughter and running can be fun for those participating in the games, but those other campers trying to take a nap may not be appreciative.
In camping areas where several families are close together, playing camping games is considerably easier as they can involve different people. A simple game of kick the can provides hours of hid and seek fun for everyone involved in the game. The object is for one person to be the one designated to seek first. They hide their eyes while the rest of the campers hide. The object is for the person who is “it” to find the others before they can run to a home “base” and kick an empty can. The person who is found first will be “it” for the next round.
For smaller groups, a parent can devise a list of items typically found in the campground or on the trail and host a scavenger hunt. In these types of camping games, it is important to not allow small children to venture too far away from the parent’s campsite.
All Games Should Stress Safety Among Participants
Water baseball is one of the most commonly played of the camping games, using a tennis ball that still floats and a small bat. However, only children who are excellent swimmers should participate in these camping games, and only under adult supervision. Ideally, it is played with home plate and the bases in water not more than about a foot deep and the fun begins when someone hits the ball and tried to run the bases.
In larger campgrounds, camping games can include having the kids venture through the camp to see how many different license plates they can find within a limited area. They can use a pencil and paper to track their progress. Many travel games designed for use in the car can also be adapted to serve as camping games.
One word of caution is that when playing camping games, respect for others in the campground should always be practiced. Loud laughter and running can be fun for those participating in the games, but those other campers trying to take a nap may not be appreciative.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Good Camping Tips Make Journey More Enjoyable
Whether heading out for the first time or are considered an experienced camper, everyone can use a few camping tips that may make their experience more enjoyable. One of the best ways to insure having a good time while camping is to make sure you are prepared for just about anything that can happen…tears in the tent, torn shoes or even just holding up mosquito nets can all be done with duct tape. The old saying of being able to six just about anything with duct tape and baling wire is not a joke then looking for camping tips on how to make repairs on the fly.
The exercise pad that sits rolled up the closet, while the treadmill serves as a clothes hanger, can make an ideal sleeping pad when you are camping. Additionally, instead of lugging your pillows from the bedroom into the woods, a large zip-lock bag filled with are can serve as a pillow.
However, of all the camping tips offered, the best one may be not to put your head on the bag without a cloth covering.
When packing tools you think may be needed in camp, have a pair of channel lock pliers. They make good potholders for lifting hot pots off the fire. They can also be used to twist the baling wire for repairs, as offered in previous camping tips.
Be Prepared With Bad Weather Activities
Many camping trips have been ruined by bad weather, and while it may not last the entire trip, even a few hours being cooped up in a tent can cause tempers to grow short. Be sure to have a few games and maybe some cards to help pass time while waiting for the sun to shine and the sky to clear. Among the most valuable camping tips may include the use od baggies or various sizes to help keep things dry. Even without the raining morning dew can make many things damp and be useless when needed.
Building a campfire is easier when it is dry and you use matches, and camping tips on making weather proof matches can be invaluable. The large wooden kitchen matches can be dipped in was to protect them from the humidity. They can also be coated with clear nail polish to make them waterproof, may will be harder to light. Using the cardboard rolls from toilet paper, stuffed with dryer lint or scrap paper make excellent fire starters while on a camping trip.
The exercise pad that sits rolled up the closet, while the treadmill serves as a clothes hanger, can make an ideal sleeping pad when you are camping. Additionally, instead of lugging your pillows from the bedroom into the woods, a large zip-lock bag filled with are can serve as a pillow.
However, of all the camping tips offered, the best one may be not to put your head on the bag without a cloth covering.
When packing tools you think may be needed in camp, have a pair of channel lock pliers. They make good potholders for lifting hot pots off the fire. They can also be used to twist the baling wire for repairs, as offered in previous camping tips.
Be Prepared With Bad Weather Activities
Many camping trips have been ruined by bad weather, and while it may not last the entire trip, even a few hours being cooped up in a tent can cause tempers to grow short. Be sure to have a few games and maybe some cards to help pass time while waiting for the sun to shine and the sky to clear. Among the most valuable camping tips may include the use od baggies or various sizes to help keep things dry. Even without the raining morning dew can make many things damp and be useless when needed.
Building a campfire is easier when it is dry and you use matches, and camping tips on making weather proof matches can be invaluable. The large wooden kitchen matches can be dipped in was to protect them from the humidity. They can also be coated with clear nail polish to make them waterproof, may will be harder to light. Using the cardboard rolls from toilet paper, stuffed with dryer lint or scrap paper make excellent fire starters while on a camping trip.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Carry Camping First Aid Kits For Own Protection
It does not matter how careful you and the rest of the family are, if you are planning on going camping, first aid kits need to be packed in with the rest of your gear. Even the smallest cut or insect bite can turn into a major problem if it is not properly treated and many camping trips have been cut short due to infections. There are many different types of camping first aid kits available that you can find the one that will fit your budget as well as your camping needs.
For short stays in a public campground the camping first aid kits should include band aids as well as a topical antiseptic to clean wounds. They should also contain items for insect bites or bee stings as well as gauze to provide a sterile dressing in the event of a larger cut. Most public campgrounds will have emergency supplies available to major accidents so carrying a litter, splints and dressing for major emergencies probably will not be necessary.
Even if you go the entire season without opening it, camping first aid kits should be checked before leaving on the first trip of the year. You never know when a family member may have grabbed a few band aids from the kit while at home and when they are needed in camp, is not the time to find out they have all been used.
Check First Aid Supplies Frequently
Ointments and astringents that are often part of camping first aid kits do have expiration dates
and before every season, the kits should be checked to make sure everything is still valid.
Antiseptics used beyond their expiration date will not have the same benefits as fresh materials and you could still end up with an infection. Additionally, using out dated products on an open wound may actually invite an infection.
This is also a good time to check on the supply of band-aids and gauze to make sure there are enough in the kit. While most camping first aid kits are available in waterproof containers, it is always possible that some moisture has leaked inside and ruined all or part of the products inside.
At the end of every trip it is advised to replenish every item from the camping first aid kits that may have been used. It is easy to forget between trips that you might be out of something and the time to realize it is before that item is needed in an emergency.
For short stays in a public campground the camping first aid kits should include band aids as well as a topical antiseptic to clean wounds. They should also contain items for insect bites or bee stings as well as gauze to provide a sterile dressing in the event of a larger cut. Most public campgrounds will have emergency supplies available to major accidents so carrying a litter, splints and dressing for major emergencies probably will not be necessary.
Even if you go the entire season without opening it, camping first aid kits should be checked before leaving on the first trip of the year. You never know when a family member may have grabbed a few band aids from the kit while at home and when they are needed in camp, is not the time to find out they have all been used.
Check First Aid Supplies Frequently
Ointments and astringents that are often part of camping first aid kits do have expiration dates
and before every season, the kits should be checked to make sure everything is still valid.
Antiseptics used beyond their expiration date will not have the same benefits as fresh materials and you could still end up with an infection. Additionally, using out dated products on an open wound may actually invite an infection.
This is also a good time to check on the supply of band-aids and gauze to make sure there are enough in the kit. While most camping first aid kits are available in waterproof containers, it is always possible that some moisture has leaked inside and ruined all or part of the products inside.
At the end of every trip it is advised to replenish every item from the camping first aid kits that may have been used. It is easy to forget between trips that you might be out of something and the time to realize it is before that item is needed in an emergency.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Family Camping Tents May Not Hold Entire Family
The size of family camping tents purchased will depend on the size of the family that will be using it. The thing to remember about tents is that the size is stated by the number of people who can fit comfortably inside, with no additional items inside. A two-person tent for instance, can hold two people in sleeping bags, with everything else they brought with them left outside. For a tent to be big enough for two people along with their spare clothing and food supply will need to one listed as a four-person tent.
There are many family camping tents that have more than one room and some also offer a patio-type roof attached to one end. This can provide a little privacy if using the tent for changing clothing as well as sleeping. Remember, that regardless of the number of rooms in family camping tents, they are in no way soundproof. The tents with more than one room can provide an area for one group who needs light in the evening to turn on their lanterns without disrupting the sleep of the other campers.
Most people will opt for family camping tents that have a built in floor as opposed to those that sit on the bar ground or that require a tarp or plastic to be used as flooring. This type of tent can protect against an invasion of nocturnal critters looking for a warm, dry place and a hot human meal.
Large Tents Not For Daily Moves
When planning a camping trip the use of family camping tents may not be ideal if the plan involves setting up a different campsite every day. They are great for temporary shelter for a few days, but can be heavy and inconvenient to set up and tear down on a daily basis. They are usually used in campsites for families spending a few days at the lake or nearby attractions.
The material of which family camping tents are made should also be considered, as may of the new tents are designed to be tear resistant as well as waterproof. Despite what the weather report claims, it is always best to plan for the worst and enjoy the great weather when it comes. It may also be a good idea to set the tent up in the backyard before going on the road to first, make sure all the parts are there and second, to make sure you know how it goes together before trying it in public.
There are many family camping tents that have more than one room and some also offer a patio-type roof attached to one end. This can provide a little privacy if using the tent for changing clothing as well as sleeping. Remember, that regardless of the number of rooms in family camping tents, they are in no way soundproof. The tents with more than one room can provide an area for one group who needs light in the evening to turn on their lanterns without disrupting the sleep of the other campers.
Most people will opt for family camping tents that have a built in floor as opposed to those that sit on the bar ground or that require a tarp or plastic to be used as flooring. This type of tent can protect against an invasion of nocturnal critters looking for a warm, dry place and a hot human meal.
Large Tents Not For Daily Moves
When planning a camping trip the use of family camping tents may not be ideal if the plan involves setting up a different campsite every day. They are great for temporary shelter for a few days, but can be heavy and inconvenient to set up and tear down on a daily basis. They are usually used in campsites for families spending a few days at the lake or nearby attractions.
The material of which family camping tents are made should also be considered, as may of the new tents are designed to be tear resistant as well as waterproof. Despite what the weather report claims, it is always best to plan for the worst and enjoy the great weather when it comes. It may also be a good idea to set the tent up in the backyard before going on the road to first, make sure all the parts are there and second, to make sure you know how it goes together before trying it in public.
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