Backpacker Travel Insurance

Archive for the ‘Camping Equipment’ Category

Looking for a large tent, family tent or a cabin tent?  We will touch on some of the basics that will assist you in finding the perfect tent for you.  Camping can be one of the most rewarding experience for an individual, family or friends.  Being in the great outdoors helps you forget about the rat race of life and gives you some peace of mind.  These few suggestions will make the process easier and quicker to find the perfect 6 man tent for you.

Once you begin your search you will be blow away by the amenities that a 6 man tent has these days.  Yes they are amenities.  You will see tents with screened-in front porches, car ports for you vehicle, multiple rooms and a shower….yes a shower.  Shop around and check your options.  Start to weigh what you are looking for and exactly what you want.  Will you be camping with friends, family, children.  A 6 man tent can be great with kids, because you can put them in another room.  For the parents…sorry, now sound proof rooms in tents yet.

I have been camping for my entire life, using all different tents in all different types of weather.  I want to share with you a couple of the most important recommendations when shopping for a 6 man tent.  The most important is quality!  A cheap-o tent will do the job in perfect weather and with little to no abuse, but once it gets knocked around a little it will be worthless.  The tent I use now is approaching 30 years old and is as good today as it was new.  It recently just survived the Arizona Monsoon season.  Quality is number one.  This includes double stitched seams and floor.

My second recommendation is making sure it is easy to put up.  Nine times out of ten if you purchase a quality tent it will be easy to put up.  However, some can be a big pain to erect.  I would recommend that it is easy enough to put up so the kids can do it.  Having a good quality tent that can last years and put up with abuse will make such a big difference in your camping experience.

Shop around and take your time.  I want you to be completely comfortable and happy with your decision.  Speak with other campers and professionals.  Especially people that have purchased or know a lot about a 6 man tent.  This generally is a huge learning lesson in itself.  Follow the links from this article, it will lead you to some great online stores.

Good Luck and Live Well.

Let’s face it, depending on the type of waterproof trousers you purchase, you may be looking at hundreds of dollars for a new pair.
You could save a lot of money by looking for a used pair, but are the savings worth it?  Here are some things to consider.

If you are looking for truly waterproof pants, like the rubber ones used for wading when fishing, the tests are pretty easy!  Put them
on and wade into some water.  If they don’t leak, you should be good to go.  Also look for patches or thin areas that may work lose
or wear through in the near future. Any area where two pieces of material are joined or where there is an obvious crease in the
material are potential problem spots.

If you are looking for waterproof/breathable trousers (like Gore-Tex) it gets a little more complicated.  The first thing to look for
is are they clean?  Believe it or not, you may be better off if they look a little dirty!  Improper washing can clog the pores in
this type of material and you would never know it until you realize that they just don’t breath. If you are paying extra for breathability,
you might as well get it!  Proper washing requires a special type of soap (like Tech Wash – around $15) that won’t clog the pores.  Next
take a little water and spritz the fabric.  Does it bead up and roll off?  If so you are in great shape.  If not, you will need to treat
the fabric with a durable waterproof coating ($10 to $20).

If you have passed the first two tests, turn the pants inside out and inspect all of the seams.  There should be a strip of fabric
called seam tape securely fastened to on every seam.  If any is missing or loose, they will leak.  Also look for thin or frayed areas,
especially around the cuffs, seat and thigh areas. If you can see the membrane itself from the inside, make sure it is sound without any holes
or tears.

Finally, make sure all of the hardware is intact and that there are no patches sewn onto the fabric.  Repairs and patches make prime
spots for leaks.

If all goes well, you should expect to pay a fraction of the price of a new pair.  In general, start at about 10% of the retail price
if they are moderately worn, maybe as high as 50% if they look brand new. You can find hundreds of prices on the web so pricing them
new shouldn’t be too difficult.

The bottom line is that you can get a perfectly serviceable pair of waterproof trousers for a fraction of the retail cost with
a little prior planning and some simply good info!

Camping sleeping bags great for those of you who like to do camping the old fashioned way.  With all the other choices out there, sleeping bags for camping are still plentiful and come in a variety of brands and designs for people of all ages and sizes.  Many have comfort and safety features so that you get a good night’s rest even while you are out in the great rugged outdoors.

You may find various types of bags from many brands and outlets such as Aero, Alps Mountaineering, Big Agnes, Cabela’s, Coleman, Eureka, GoLite, Lafuma, L.L. Bean, Marmot, Mountain Hardware, North Face, REI, Scottish Christmas, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack, Texsport, Therm-A-Rest, Western Mountaineering and Wildkin.  In fact, Therm-A-Sleep has all kinds of camping gear sleeping bags to not only help you sleep but also protect your sleeping gear.  The Toughskin sleeping pad stuff stack gives waterproof protection for your sleeping pad and the compressible pillow offers the convenience of an easily transportable device as well as comfort.

Eureka offers kid’s sleeping bags for camping such as the one-size Grasshopper bag.  It is ideal for children who weigh less than 80 pounds but is warm and comfortable.  It is also moderately priced at less than $30.  Eureka has other kid’s designs including the Minnow rectangular bag and the Lady Bug or Lady Bug Mummy bags, which may cost between $20 and $30.

Coleman’s Crystal Lake bag is designed for warm weather camping with its cotton cover and cotton flannel lining surrounding three pounds of ThermoTech Insulation meant to keep the body comfortable in 40 to 60 degree weather.  It is stored by rolling the bag into an attached carrier.  It also has various features such as Comfort Cuff, FiberLock, ThermoLock and ZipPlow.  This brown and orange bag costs $35.

Another style of bag you can use during the cooler months is a mummy style bag. This style covers up your head with fabric that is attached to the main bag. This keeps your entire body warm even when it is cold. They can come in many different types of materials like cotton, polyester, nylon and even down for the filling.

With so much from which to choose, you can find the perfect camping sleeping bags for yourself and other members of your family.  You won’t have to sacrifice comfort and warmth while you are enjoying the great outdoors.  You are virtually assured to feel safe and protected with any design or style you choose.

Twin air mattresses are also known as the single size. This is the smallest kind available. These mattresses are commonly found in local retail outlets or even online. The manufacturers meant for this mattress to fit one person. This is great for people who enjoy camping by themselves. You might think that a twin air mattress is a very simple choice but you will be surprised to find that it is so flexible and versatile.

There are those who do not want to buy a twin air mattress since it is too small and is only good for one person. Some people think that this is not a good purchase because of its limited space. And if the person is used to a big mattress, it might be hard to be comfortable in a twin sized one. However, many people enjoy sleeping on an air bed. If you experience back pain or other symptoms after sleeping, you might try an air mattress or an orthopedic foam mattress out.

While it is true that twin air mattresses have some disadvantages, there are also plenty of benefits to having one of these around. The funny thing is that the advantage and disadvantage of twin air mattresses are the same. Some enjoy having this because it only takes up a small space inside your room or in a tent. Because it is small, there is more room for you to move around the tent if you bring it camping with you.

If you wish to put the twin air mattress in your room, having a smaller bed means that there is more room for other furniture and you are able to strategically fix it up. It is also easier for you to improve the aesthetics of your room since a small bed will help you to make it bigger. If there are children sharing one room, having a twin air mattress for each one will make it easier for them to keep their independence. These mattresses are functional, flexible, and aesthetic as well.

If you run on a tight budget, buying twin air mattresses will really benefit you. A queen-sized or king-sized air mattress will cost so much more so what you can do instead is to purchase two twin-sized ones. This makes much more sense and it is also a lot more practical to buy two cheaper beds rather than two pricey ones. Twin air beds are available wherever cheap mattress sets are sold.

It is also easy to bring the twin air mattress around which makes this a great choice for camping trips. You can easily fold it up and fit it inside the car with you. Twin air mattresses are versatile, comfortable, and portable. Check one out!

If you are planning a camping outing you might be interested in getting some new cool camping gear. Whether it is a trip designed for the whole family or one of your yearly girlfriend getaways, you will have a more enjoyable time with the right kind of gear.

An important item to take along is a sleeping bag. The type of bag you choose will depend on what the outside temperature is going to be. There are fully quilted and down bags made to keep you cozy warm on even the coldest of nights.

Another handy item to take for a cool camping adventure is a coffee machine. There are a few models that are designed to be compact and transportable. These can be operated by using a battery system or an adapter with your car’s lighter. There are also grinders made for getting that fresh roasted flavor from grinding your own beans. These are manual machines that come with a crank you turn by hand. Of course you can brew your tasty cup of coffee by placing a pot over the open flame of your campfire. The smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning air is always a great pick me up for any camper.

For all those women who want to look their best even outdoors, there are several new formulas available in makeup that are designed to be waterproof. You will also find convenient wipes that will clean the makeup off your face, as well as any dirt and debris from your hands. The various wipes are available in handy single unit pouches so you can slip a couple into your pocket before heading out on that day long hike.

Enjoying the adventure of camping in the great outdoors can be made a lot more comfortable by choosing a few items to make life outside more comfortable.

A big trend for people to save money exists in today’s society. Buying items that have been pre-owned is a great way to save money. However, buying used usually means that you have to do your homework. It is important to know what your options are and how much those options will cost you. The best way to get the most from your used camper van purchase is by being informed about them.

Certainly there are auto manufacturers that make the vehicles but there are also many that have been transformed by owners. It is important that you know what you are getting. Just as there is a choice of models and makes there is a choice of features to select.

When thinking about features it is important to think about where and what time of the year you want to use your vehicle. Will it be more important for you to have cooking capabilities or more sleeping? Do you need auxiliary heat so that it can be used year round? Will you be using just as a place to sleep or will it be important for your unit to be fully self-contained for serious camping trips? These questions should to be answered before you begin your search to help speed it up and make it more effective.

When you finally figured out what make and model, you want with which features it is now time to decide whom you will buy from. There are dealers with lots that sell camper vans both new and pre-owned. Other avenues include the Internet, magazines, and newspapers. Some lots might offer a bit more of a warranty than would be offered in a private sale. Any avenue used should be approached with caution. Always have the engine inspected by a qualified mechanic before you purchase it. Equally important is to fully inspect and try all the features to ensure that they are in full working order. If there is a feature that is in poor condition or that does not function, it could be leverage to negotiate a better price. This is especially true if it is a feature that is not needed. As with any investment, do the research and make sure you need and actually receive what you are paying for.

Choosing the right tent is very important when it comes to preparing for a camping trip.  You need to decide on the size and material of the tent.  Along with the tent, you should also have the other necessities that you will need such as water, knives, fire, and food.  You cannot forget any of these important items when you go camping, because all will be needed in order to enjoy yourself and survive the wilderness.

There are many different sizes of tents out there, but the majority of them are either large tents made for multiple people or smaller 1 man tents.  If you have many people going on the camping trip, then you should get something like a 3 or 4 man camping tent; however, smaller tents are more convenient if there are not many people.  Not only that, but they are great for backpackers because these tents are very lightweight and easy to carry while backpacking.  They can be assembled and broken down very quickly and easily, which is good for people who are constantly on the move.  It is harder to backpack with a larger tent because they are heavier and more cumbersome and are better for camping when you have a car to transport them to your destination.

You must also remember to choose the right material of the tent because you want to be comfortable while inside it.  Some are made for very cold climates, while others are made for hot camping conditions.  You should choose the proper material based on your camping conditions to keep you comfortable and safe.

You must decide on all of this before you go camping because you want to make sure that you get the correct type of tent to best meet your needs.  If you choose incorrectly, then your trip could be uncomfortable or inconvenient.

I keep asking myself this all the time. On one hand, I really love my camping and survival knives. They’ve been with me through a lot. But I have a few camp axes and hatchets that I wouldn’t think of leaving on a camping trip without them. Honestly, I carry a knife or two and a hatchet when I’m wilderness camping. Especially in the West. You just don’t know what you’ll run into when your out there and having a hatchet along is far more important than worrying about the added weight it adds to your load. This is why I chuckle anytime I hear a newbie ask “Which is better, a survival knife or hatchet“. Here’s why you’ll find me with a knife and hatchet if you run into me out in the woods.

For starters, if you need firewood or some wood split, nothing beats a hatchet. A hatchet will split firewood quicker and safer than any survival knife. Also, if you’re building a shelter, then you’re gonna want a hatchet to chop through those trees. Sure, you can chop a tree down using a rock or piece of wood to beat the knife through, but it’s going to take you longer and you’ll use far more energy doing it.

A hatchet also does very well when used to pound stakes into the ground. Yeah, you could use the blade or a rock to do the same thing, but again, it comes down to energy used and safety. A hatchet wins this bout every time.

Which size of hatchet do I prefer? For me, I like hatchets with a 1.5 to 2 pound head. My favorite is the 1.75 lb head with a 14 to 18 inch handle. I have used smaller hatchets and there are heavier hatchets out there with longer handles, but the 10 to 18 inch range is just about right for me to carry. The longer hatchets or camp axes may cut better but they can be a pain to carry. Smaller hatchets just don’t have the weight to be as useful as their larger brothers.

So which survival knives do I carry? My primary knife that I carry around my neck when hiking or camping will usually be from 3 to 4 inches long. Sometimes I may carry this knife on my belt. This size knife has a 101 uses around the camp, such as cleaning game and fish, cutting small saplings, cordage, food prep, etc.

There are times I may carry a larger belt knife, such as my SOG Seal Pup, but for the most part, I carry a hatchet if I’m going deep in the woods.

There are few pleasures greater than sitting in the door of your tent, high up on a mountain and looking out at the world below you. Over the years I’ve watched thunder storms crossing the horizon in Africa and clouds below me from high passes in the Nepalese Himalayas. These sights are among life’s great treasures. But I’ve always enjoyed them just a little bit more than I might otherwise have because of the knowledge I’ve had that I am in a solid and safe mountaineering tent that will happily keep me safe, dry and warm should the weather turn bad.

So here are some thoughts that you may wish to consider when next buying a tent for use in the mountains. This advice is not set in stone, but has served me well.
The first point to consider is sizing. Many people end up buying tents that are too big or too small. When climbing you often end up with huge amounts of gear and big backpacks. Often it is a squeeze getting two grown men and all of their equipment into a two-man tent. So many people often choose to get a 3-man tent, even if it is just intended for two. There are, however, two disadvantages to this approach. The first is that you end up carrying a much heavier pack because bigger tents usually weigh quite a bit more. The second issue is that it reduces your flexibility when it comes to pitching on narrow ledges. My approach is to go for a slightly smaller one but to choose a brand that has proper vestibules. The Mountain Hardwear EV2 is just one example of a very compact (some say too compact) tent that still leaves space for cooking and gear.

The other issue to consider is cost. My thinking is that it does not pay to scrimp too much on a lesser brand. There are a number of really high quality brands out there that will give years of good service whereas a cheaper make may not be as reliable.

If you are a camping beginner you might have no idea where you should purchase a camping tent since you probably have never gotten one before.  You don’t need to worry about this because there are numerous places that sell them and it’s pretty easy to find tents cheap.

The first place you might want to start your search is at outdoor stores like Cabella’s or any store that sales hunting, fishing and hiking gear.   You can even include sporting goods stores in this search since they sell camping gear too.  A lot of outdoor outfitters manufacture their own tents.  These usually are pretty high quality and you won’t go wrong getting one.

Superstores like Walmart, Target and Kmart also sell camping supplies. They don’t have the largest selections but you can find some pretty good deals on tents here, as well as, other gear.   As opposed to the outdoor stores they are geared to people who camp maybe once or twice a year.   If you are looking for a good deal check your local paper.  These stores will often have sales in the summer months especially during big holidays.

Another place you can search for tents is online.  You can even find used tents on sites like Amazon Marketplace and Ebay.  The best part about shopping online is your ability to compare what other campers have said about the particular product you interested in.  They can tell you what the advantages and disadvantages of it are and they’ve usually tested it out already.  While you can buy used tents you should be more cautious.  You don’t want to get a tent that wasn’t taken care of by the other owner.  You never know if they have holes or leaks.  Also, check to see if it comes with all of the parts it was originally sold with.  It’s important to have everything that came out of the box or you might not be able to use it at all or worse, spend more money replacing missing parts.  Instructions are hard to replace so you should double check to see if the tent is coming with them.  Tents can be impossible to put together without the manufacturer’s instructions.

As you can see you have a lot of great options on places to buy camping tents.  Compare prices at lots of different stores and you will be sure to find a great tent.