Family Camping Adventures

As you probably know, kids are always ready for adventure. These days much of the adventure happens on a TV or computer screen, so they may not be as enthusiastic as you would want them to be when you invite them on a family camping trip. Once they go, however, they will totally change their minds.

Showing excitement yourself about the trip will go a long way in getting the kids excited. Show them pictures of the campground so that they can start forming an idea in their mind of the place they will be visiting. Let them help with the planning and be sure to allow younger kids to bring a favorite toy so they will not feel alone.

Remember that your need for a shelter will be very different from when you were still single and hiking solo. That was when you could get away with just taking a portable hammock or one man tent. Younger kids will feel more comfortable when they can sleep with their parents in the same tent, so make sure that the tent is big enough for everyone to be comfortable. A family of four may find the space that a four man tent offers, a little tight and may prefer to use a six person tent or an even bigger tent to be able to store clothes and other essentials inside the tent.

Having a camping checklist is essential. A great list can be found at Love the Outdoors, http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/checklists.htm. You can use it as an example and customize it to fit your family's needs.

Arriving at your campsite while it is still light, will help your kids to become familiar with their surroundings and will be less scary for them than a nighttime arrival. Every kid should have their own bag so that they will know where to find their stuff and they will learn to be responsible to return their belongings to their bag.

Every campsite has rules and it is important that you familiarize your kids with these rules as soon as possible after arrival. You do not want your kid to start breaking branches off trees thinking they are helping to gather firewood, just to find out that they are doing something that is forbidden. Kids need to learn never to feed wild animals and why that is important. Also check ahead of time if the park you will be camping at allows campfires. It can be very disappointing, even for adults, to find out that they will not be able to make their beloved s'mores.

You do not have to pack a lot of toys since there will be plenty of distractions to keep the kids busy. Younger kids can be entertained watching squirrels or chipmunks, gathering leaves or forming words by arranging small sticks. Mom and Dad can also point out bugs or other wildlife and your kids will be learning without even knowing it. At night you can teach them about the stars and if you don't know much about the stars, bring a book and you can learn together.

Older kids may want to have their own tent and you can use a one man tent for them or they may even want to try sleeping in a bivy sack or portable hammock. Older kids may like camping more if they can bring a friend and you can get them a 2 person backpacking tent to see if they would like that.

Older kids can also help with pitching tents. Even bigger tents these days are made in a way that makes setting up camp easy.

Now all you need to do is make sure you relax and have a wonderful time with you family in the outdoors!

Tips on How to Buy Tents and Camper Trailers

There are many people around the world who enjoy camping and if you are one of them, have you thought of investing in some good camping equipment to make the whole experience comfortable and enjoyable. Camping equipment comprises of plenty of tools and components and among all, having a good tent is of utmost importance. You can buy some good quality tent from reputed online stores that are currently offering exclusive campers for sale. Apart from tents you can buy a whole lot of other paraphernalia that will be quite useful when you go camping next time.

What Roof Top Tent Features You Should Select?

Camping involves living in extreme conditions that are most of the time unpredictable. However, you can to a great extent create a safe environment by choosing to buy some good quality tents. While buying a tent, make sure that the tent material is waterproof, breathable and mould resistant. There are some good brand products that are made of rip stop cotton canvas and double stitched for added strength. The material is wax coated with mildew treatment. Choose parts that are made of either aluminium or stainless steel. It should have windows with internal and external zip opening and closing covers, so that you can open and close without having to step out of your tent. Make sure it has ample storage in the form of internal pockets, ventilation panels, accessory flap, guy ropes and pegs, window awning, ladders, etc.

Types of Camping Trailers

Camping trailers are available in variety of configurations. You can either invest in a brand new one or buy a used trailer. The different category of camper trailers include popup trailer, travel trailer, trailer coaches, telescoping trailers, fold-down trailers, pickup camper, travel van, motor home and mini motor home. These vans can be customized according to your camping needs. There are some very important factors you should consider while buying a trailer. Consider the size and design as there are plenty of options. Consider your usage because full time traveller needs are different from weekend traveller needs. Online stores offer basic trailers as well as fully equipped ready to move campers. The ready to move trailers are perfect if you do not have enough time to customize a van.

How to Buy a Trailer?

Trailers range from the small tent trailers to larger ones with full kitchens and bathrooms and the prices can go up based on the design, size, accessories, etc. However, if you choose to buy trailers from a campers sale you can save quite a bit of money. Before investing in a trailer, determine if your existing vehicle can tow it. Check if your vehicle has the right hitch if not, would you want to install a suitable one. Determine the living space you need and for how many people. Consider what accessories you want to include. If you want a stand up shower, oven and air conditioning, then you have to select a trailer that can accommodate all these accessories. For wilderness camping, make sure to choose one with large storage space, a large water tank and other important equipments.

How Purchasing A Used Caravan Could Still Be In Your Budget

Have you always dreamed of travelling the country in your very own caravan, taking your family to see the sights that Australia is known for, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and the Great Australian Bight? Have you been putting this dream on hold and pushing it into the back of your mind because you think that you simply cannot afford to achieve it? Even if you're currently on a tight budget, you might find that you are able to afford a used caravan, putting your dream will within reach.

Often, when you are forced to work within a tight budget, it can be tempting to purchase a used caravan and other larger investments (like a new car) through financing. This is not, however, your only option when it comes to securing a caravan for use by your family; you may be able to afford one of these vehicles outright by shopping right. When organizing inspections with sellers, make sure that you take along someone who is experienced with used caravans (if you aren't) to give it a thorough look over and ensure that there are no problems. If you decide to purchase used through a dealer, you might even find that the van is under some sort of warranty, which can be highly reassuring.

If you have been scouring the classifieds and eBay listings and still haven't been able to find a used caravan that meets your needs or your strict budget, then financing might be the most appropriate solution. Whilst it may be difficult to secure financing for caravans that you purchase through private sellers (such as those found in the classifieds section of the newspaper and even eBay), you should be able to do so when purchasing through a dealer. This will involve you making monthly or even weekly installments; over a few months or years, you will have paid the van off completely.

Whilst you may have long ago written off travelling around the country in a caravan as being an unattainable dream, we hope that this article has awoken the drive to make this dream a reality. It is possible to purchase a used caravan on almost any budget, providing that you know where and when to look. Once you take your first trip in the van and begin living the dream, you can rest assured that you will not regret this decision in the slightest.

Camping Essentials List - Lighters

Are you eagerly planning a camping trip? Is this your first camping excursion or are you a veteran camper? Regardless of your level of experience, whether you would rate yourself as a camping novice or expert, there are helpful tips and essential items that will assist in ensuring your camping experience is a fun-filled experience. Of course, many of the items that would qualify as necessary is contingent upon the manner in which you will embrace nature. Fueling up the family RV or pitching a tint are two of the most common manners of camping, and will greatly impact the list of provisions and supplies that will be required. However, there are many things that will undoubtedly be necessary for both methods of camping, and in this article we will discuss several of these, for each method.

If you are in fact planning to pitch a tent, then of course a sturdy, spacious and weather resistant tent is absolutely paramount. With this, you will undoubtedly want to also bring along warm and waterproof sleeping bags, in addition to an inflatable air mat for added comfort. A good rule of thumb when selecting your tent is to double the number of people who will be using the tent for sleeping and select a tent that accommodates this number, which will ensure ample space. If instead you are planning to use an RV, or camper, then most likely you have already furnished it with the necessary blankets, pillows and other items commonly used in a camper of any sort.

Whether you are roughing it with a tent or embracing nature from a safer distance, there are still numerous essentials to add to your checklist prior to your departure date. Lanterns, lighters, and first aid kits are among the most frequently forgotten items that every camper should have on hand. First Aid kits should include a ready supply of band-aids, antiseptic, aspirin and burn ointment. Other helpful items include mosquito repellent, moist wipes, and emergency candles & waterproof matches. If you have opted to bring a refillable lighter, having lighter fluid reserves is a good idea too, along with replacement wicks & flints.

Enjoying your camping trip to the fullest will be much easier to accomplish with a well-developed checklist on hand. While preparing for your out-of-doors adventure and prior to departure, check (and double-check) your inventory; as you pack and again as you load up. This will ensure you are less likely to forget items.

Stay Safe While Camping - 7 Essential Safety Tips

There is so much to enjoy when you take the family camping. The number one concern should always be family safety. There are many things to consider when it comes to safety issues. Let's discuss a few here.

Careful Planning For Your Trip: You should always research the area to be certain this campground is a safe one. Get online and look up things like weather forecasts, fire hazards, local infestations of bugs, viruses or water contamination. You may also want to check to see if there have been animal attacks in the local area

Try to arrive early on the first day so you can inspect the site where you'll be putting up your tent. It should be daylight so you can see well enough to spot danger. Always check for sharp objects (glass & rocks), low hanging branches or large tree roots sticking up (trust me they are NOT comfortable), ant hills, bees, dangerous terrain & poison ivy. Any of these things can & will make your stay unpleasant.

Build your tent on a safe spot. Your tent should be flame resistant & a safe distance away from any campfire. If you checked on the weather & there was a possibility of rain, try to pitch the tent on high ground so it won't flood if it does rain. When going into or out of the tent, make sure the entryway is always closed. That will assist with keeping the bugs out of the tent.

Do not forget the emergency kit. Be prepared for bee stings, allergic reactions & cuts. Have bandages & gauze & tape to secure the gauze in place. Take insect repellent & bug spray, some kind of pain relief/fever reducer. Don't forget the sunscreen & a snake-bite kit if you have one. You should also carry a flashlight with extra batteries, a pocket knife, magnifying glass, sterilized water & peroxide for cleaning wounds, tweezers (for pulling out stingers or slivers). Take a mirror as well as this can be used to signal for help in an emergency

Stay alert of wild animals. If this is not a place your are very familiar with, be very cautious of wild animals. Inform everyone in the family about safety concerning wild animals. Wild animals have an amazing sense of smell so be sure not to leave any food out anywhere. It should be secured tightly in sealed containers &/or coolers inside of your vehicle so as not to attract animals. Bears can also be attracted to soaps, lotions, shampoos & toothpaste so keep them in sealed containers in the vehicle too. Set up your eating area approximately 100 yards away from your tent & don't sleep in the clothing you wore when you cooked a meal. The can smell the cooking odors as well & so do other wild animals.

Discuss Safety Issues With The Entire Family. Each family member should be made aware of any plants that are poisonous in the area. Although the water/lake at the campground may appear clean & clear, be sure to tell the children not to drink it as bacteria is usually too small to see with the naked eye. Every person in the family should have a whistle to use in case of emergency.

Fire Safety Issues. Ask upon arrival if there are any fire restrictions in the area or strong wind advisories. When building a fire be sure to keep it within a circle with a ring of sand or dirt around the outside of it. Don't have any flammable items close to the fire pit either Never leave the fire unattended & keep leaves & twigs away from the fire pit. When you go to bed for the night, ALWAYS put the fire out properly with water until there are no embers left lit. Also, never use candles or heating devices inside your tent. When you fall asleep suddenly (which camping seems to help you do) you may kick them over & catch the tent on fire.

Follow these main safety rules & your camping trip should be a blast.

Coleman Sleeping Bags

Coleman manufactures high quality Camping products such as tents, coolers, heaters and sleeping bags. Of all these products Sleeping Bags are the most popular among campers of all ages.

There has been a vast improvement in their design and manufacture of products. The modern models are much easier to pack and lighter to carry yet they keep you warm.

It is advisable that you spend some time in choosing a sleeping bag that is most suitable for you.

The main features of Coleman bags are durability, comfort, convenience, versatility and affordability. This makes the Coleman bags stand out from the rest of the competition.

Coleman bags are durable as they are made from materials such as polyester, ripstop polyester, nylon, ripstop nylon, cotton and heavy duty cotton canvas for the outer shell. These can withstand continuous movement.

The bags have Hollofill fibre filling which makes for cosy and comfortable sleep. The Thermlock fitting prevents heat loss and ensures warmth throughout the night.

Coleman bags are designed for easy use. It has a Roll Control that locks the bag into place, a Zipper Glide for smooth zipping and a Wrap N Roll carrier for easy packing.

The bags come in a variety of colours and sizes and are designed for a wide range of temperatures. Mild Temperature varieties are specifically designed for 30 degree and above. Moderate Temperature ones will keep you warm in temperatures between 20-30 degrees. The Extreme Temperature ones are designed for 15 degrees and below.

Coleman makes sleeping bags of different shapes. The "mummy" bag fits tightly around the body. You can zip this bag up and not feel a thing when inside. The bags meant for cold weather are marked with temperature ranges. The numbers will indicate up to what temperatures you will stay warm.

A semi-rectangular bag suits people who are immune to cold. Some people prefer wearing a t-shirt outdoors even though it may be freezing. Some are claustrophobic and are more comfortable with the semi-rectangular shape since this type has more room and the possibility to easily unzip it if one feels too hot or too enclosed.

The rectangular bag is a good choice when you travel with your partner. During cold nights the two bags can be attached together but you still have the option to separate them when you want to sleep separately.

These high quality and feature sleeping bags are available at surprisingly reasonable prices. The typical price for Coleman Bags is between $17.95 to $126.95 depending on its features and they come with a 5 year warranty.

Camping Lights - Choosing the Right Type of Light for You

There are many options available to the buyer on the market today when it comes to choosing the right camping light. Modern electronic technology is certainly there along with the old traditional types that have been around for generations. People choose different lights based on different reasons. We hope in this article to inform you of some of the things to think about when choosing a camping light right for you.

Things to think about includes questions such as; will there be children around that may touch the light? Does the light need to be left on throughout the night? What exactly are you using the light for and how much light do you really need? Will you be frequently moving the light or leaving it in one position?

Answering some of these types of questions can help you to make a decision of the right light for your situation. There are two basic types of lights available. That is those that run on liquid type fuels (such as kerosene, paraffin, LPG etc) and electronic lights that run on batteries. You might even come across lights that can operate on more than one fuel source. Bu a rule of thumb, the lights that run on liquid type fuels tend to burn brighter, but running costs are often higher. Another consideration with liquid fuel type lights in the danger involved should a lamp be bumped over or played with by children. Liquid fuel lamps can also let off an unpleasant odor which some people have even suggested could be toxic (especially to children).

Modern advances in technology has seen a range of very long life, safe, inexpensive and reasonably bright options. Of the electronic lights, there are those which have a traditional incandescent (filament) bulb and of course modern LED lights. Lights that run an incandescent bulb are usually much more draining on the battery power than LED lighting options. There are even LED options available which can be charged by simply winding or cranking a lever and some which you can just shake the entire light to generate some power.

When choosing a light type, think about how readily you can get more fuel to power it if you run out. This applies for electronic lights too, as if you run out of batteries where you can not easily get to a shop, you will be literally left in the dark. It always pays to pack some emergency extras.

The actual size and weight of the light should be thought about. Are you planning on taking the light walking with you? If so, then a liquid fuel type will probably be too heavy and potentially dangerous. If you are walking in the dark, perhaps something like a headlamp would be best suited for that situation, allowing your hands to be free.

Most people agree that when camping where children are involved, it is always safest to opt for electronic type lights which minimize the risks down to almost zero. None of us want to see children being burned by lights.

Camping Lights - 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Purchasing

It is fantastic to see that there are so many options when it comes to camping lights on today's market. With this many options it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming trying to choose which option is the best for yourself. In this article, we hope to give you some questions to think about to help you come to a clearer decision of which type of light might be the best choice.

Will there be children with you?

If you are camping with children, consider the dangers involved when it comes to using lighting that requires a flame of any type. Children might be well behaved at home, but a new type of light is interesting enough to attract just about any child to want to explore more closely, increasing the risk of personal injury or fire. If children are camping with you, the safest option is to go with an LED lantern which has practically no risk of injury or fire.

Will you be walking at night or fishing at night?

If you are planning on taking the light out on night walks or fishing a flame type light may not be the best option. Some fuel lights are fine to walk around with (such as most kerosene lanterns), however all flame options come with some risk of fire. If walking around or fishing is something you are planning on doing, consider an LED head lamp which will be perfect as it will provide a bright light whilst freeing up your hands.

Is anyone sensitive to fuel odors?

If you are camping with anyone that is asthmatic or has any type of respiratory condition, consider whether they could be potentially effected by the odor that is given off by a flame type light. If this is the case, an LED lantern will be the best type for you.

How bright do you need your light to be?

If you are doing anything that requires bright light for extended periods, you might be best with an LPG lantern as they are very bright. If you have access to mains power, a fluorescent light may also be a good option. LED lights today can be extremely bright, but have not come to the point of being as bright as an LPG lantern on full.

Can you find more fuel if needed?

If you run out of fuel where you are camping, where is the nearest place to get fuel? This applies to electronic type lighting too. What type of batteries does it take? Do you have spares?

We hope this article has provided you with some questions to help steer you in the right direction towards making the best decision for your needs. Of course, whatever the choice it is always recommended to have a hand held torch as a backup light.

Leisure Batteries: Safety Checks You Should Carry Out to Ensure Your Battery Is in Top Condition

There are some safety checks that you should try to do so that you can keep your batteries in their best condition possible.

Quick Understanding of Leisure Batteries

Leisure batteries are also known as marine batteries or deep cycle batteries. They are created to provide any equipment or device with a stable supply of electricity for long periods of time. This means that you won't need to worry about having to face sudden battery supply outages because this type of battery is designed to maintain adequate electric currents that are able to withstand long periods of time. These products are often used in equipment and devices like television sets, boats and even motors. Here are some of the most important things that you need to remember about taking care of your leisure power source.

Taking Care of Your Leisure Batteries

First of all, you have to make sure that you don't leave your battery completely discharged for a long period of time. Storing items that are completely discharged can definitely cause certain damages. You can store the fully charged battery for a few months, but you cannot do the same for discharged or drained batteries.

Drained products can undergo a process known as sulphation which is a damaging chemical process. Suplhation will cause the formation of damaging lead plates within the battery. If this happens for a long time, you won't be able to charge the entire battery and you won't be able to use it again.

You also should make sure that you do not overcharge them. Overcharging the leisure batteries can definitely heat them up, thus causing their electrolytes to evaluate. This can greatly damage the battery plates and make them less capable of storing and conducting power. With this, you will not be able to use your battery as efficiently and effectively as before.

You also have to make sure that you are able to store them in the right environment, primarily with the right temperature. This will make sure that your batteries will last for a very long time and will not be damaged easily. You should prevent your leisure batteries from being exposed to extreme temperatures or to wet or moist environments.

These are some of the most important reminders that you should definitely know about taking care of your leisure batteries. If you are able to do this, you can ensure that your purchase for your leisure batteries will definitely be worth it. Leisure batteries, if well maintained, can be very efficient when it comes to providing power to various types of equipment and devices.

Tents of the Central Asian Nomads

The tents of the Central Asian nomads are a very important part of nomadic life and provide the only form of formalized housing for the peoples. They are extremely durable and perfectly suited for use in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. Each tent itself is a work of art and takes almost 12 months to build using yak wool that is hand spun into yarn.

Building a Central Asian Nomadic Tent

The tents built by Central Asian nomadic tribes are generally mid-sized and are held up by handmade yak wool rope and eight to twelve (depending on the size of the tent) treated wooden poles. The hand spun fabric used to cover the tent is relatively thin and does let in a certain amount of light during daylight hours. The tent is built to include a large opening at the top of the tent that is used as a chimney or smoke hole to release the smoke form a central dung fire stove situated in the tent. During warmer months of the year these holes are also used to allow fresh air and warm sunshine into the living area within the tent. A multitude of Buddhist prayer flags are also attached to the outside of the tent.

The inside of most Central Asian nomadic tents are relatively basic with Spartan features and few belongings. However, there are a few basics that are generally found in all nomadic tents of Central Asia and these include sleeping mats, warm woolen blankets, a dung fired stove, a wooden table of some sort, clothing and food storage areas and religious symbols including a picture of the Dalai Lama and a Buddhist art thangka painting.

Directly outside of the tent traditional Central Asian nomads keep yaks and dogs tied up. The dogs are used as a form of security as well as companionship and the yaks are used for their wool and their dung as a fuel source that is burnt in the ovens found inside the tents.

Central Asian Nomadic Tents in the Modern World

The use of traditional nomadic tents in Central Asia is declining rapidly due in part to the urbanization of parts of the traditionally nomadic peoples of the area, but also because more and more of the Central Asian tribesman are starting to live in mud-brick homes. Currently the only areas of Central Asia that still have an abundance of traditional nomadic tents that people use as a residence can be found in the prefectures of Nagchu and Ngari in Tibet (known in China as the Tibet Autonomous Region) and in the Yushu and Ganzi prefectures of China proper.

Travel and Leisure: Camping

Travel and Leisure: Camping