Caravanning is great fun but it is essential to make sure you have all the necessary gadgets before you leave. So, what should you pack for the perfect trip?
Kitchen essentials
There is nothing more frustrating when cooking in a caravan than realising that you’ve left a tin opener at home. It’s possible to borrow one of these from a neighbour if you’re using one of the sites recommended by Caravan Club but if you’re out in the middle of nowhere with a tin in one hand and no means to open it you’ll be exasperated that you have to drive off to the nearest town to buy one of these indispensable gadgets.
Lifting devices
It’s important to remember that you’re on holiday and don’t want to spend all your energy manoeuvring the caravan by hand. A lifting jack will prove to be invaluable and is a cheaper investment than the new electric caravan movers that are currently on the market. It’s also a good idea to always ensure that all your power cables are kept in a good condition so that you’ll be able to rely on them during your holiday.
TV & satellite dish
Sometimes it’s pleasant to unwind in front of a portable TV during the course of an evening; especially if the climate has provided plenty of showers and strong winds. It’s no use bemoaning the fact that you can remember that you’ve left it on the kitchen table prior to packing as a replacement TV might prove very costly. A satellite dish is also essential following the recent digital switchover in the UK.
Halogen oven
A halogen oven is essential. These gadgets are easy to clean and safe to use, much safer than a naked flame. They aren’t too costly either. For those who use their holiday as a time of culinary self-indulgence, this wonderful device can even cook roast dishes as well as more conventional camping fare.
Solar charger
Thanks to the miracles of modern technology a solar charger is an invaluable piece of kit for recharging any battery-operated equipment that you might have brought with you. The solar charger is easy to use, you just let it lap up the sun’s rays and once enough energy has been stored you’ll be able to recharge your mobile phone, laptop or any other of the myriad of electronic tools that are such an important feature of the 21st century.
There are many other gadgets that could be included on this list and one of the best ways to ensure that you will have a comfortable and enjoyable holiday is to make a list in advance.
Look around your home, including the kitchen drawers and your toolbox, and try to assess which items will be essential for your peace of mind when living in your caravan. Use your list when packing for your holiday and make sure you take it with you to make sure you don’t leave anything behind when heading home.
Looking for camping or hiking gear for sale, visit Pike Trail.
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When it comes to selecting the right sleeping bag for your camping needs, where does one start? Since there are so many different sleeping bags to choose from, finding the right one for your needs seems daunting.
Besides your budget, comfort is the main factor in selecting sleeping bags for tent camping (also known as car camping), while weight is the most important aspect for hiking (backpacking). This is what to consider when looking for sleeping bags.
Find the right temperature rating:
A sleeping bag’s temperature rating identifies the lowest temperature that will keep the average person warm. A bag described as a “20 degree bag,” means that most people should remain comfortable if the air temperature drops no lower than 20°F. These ratings factor in that the sleeper is wearing a layer of long underwear and using a sleeping pad with the bag. Temperature ratings vary from one manufacturer to the next. Use these ratings as a guide only.
What other factors affect how warm you are inside the sleeping bag?
The sleeping pad or air mattress adds warmth, since you’re not lying directly on the ground. Your tent also warms you up by approximately 10 degrees.
What you wear inside the sleeping bag also makes a difference. Sleeping in long underwear and clean socks will help insulate your body. A stocking cap will help you retain body heat as well.
The general rule on temperature ratings:
Summer Season bag has a temperature rating of +35 degrees and higher
3-Season Bag has a temperature rating of +10 to +35 degrees
Cold Weather Bag has a temperature rating of -10 to +10 degrees
Winter/Extreme Bag has a temperature rating of -10 degrees and lower
Most family tent sleeping bags are rectangular for maximum comfort. You can usually zip two together if they have compatible zippers and create a double bed. This configuration fits well on a queen size air mattress for maximum sleeping comfort.
The mummy-shaped bags are normally used for backpack camping. They are lightweight and more efficient at keeping the body warm. Some people find the mummy sleeping bag too constrictive.
Semi-rectangular bag is a good compromise between the rectangular and mummy shapes. This type of bag offers more room than a mummy bag and less bulk and weight than a rectangular bag.
Sleeping bags are available in three standard sizes: the junior (or child size), standard, and extra long. Although small children fit well in the junior bags, a standard sized bag will accommodate them as they grow without the need to buy a larger bag later on. It’s good to have some extra room at the bottom of the bag to allow you to put items you want to keep warm like clothes or water bottles if it’s freezing outside, as well as an extra blanket to keep your feet warm.
Insulation choices for sleeping bags include goose down and synthetic fibers. Goose down is mainly used to insulate top of the line mountaineering bags for extremely cold conditions, while the synthetic materials are just right for most camping conditions.
Click here if you’re looking for more hiking and camping tips.
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Do you want a camp which is very interesting, fun filled, adventurous and exciting then your best choice would be winter camping. In order to make winter camping very enjoyable you need to pre plan for it. For inter camping you require some equipments to assist you during the winter camping. These equipment are made based on the temperature of the season it is to be used when looking-fonts pw enjoyable you equipment amping adventurous and exciting . Following are few equipments used for winter camping.
Sleeping Bag
To survive in cold weather during night time you require a new sleeping bag so include it in the snow camping gear list. Before using the sleeping bag, set the condition to warm and wear dry clothes and socks so include them in winter camping gear list and use the sleeping bag for the nighttime.
Different Knives for Camping
There are varieties of knives available for camping purposes. Some of the knives listed in winter camping gear list are puma knife, powerhouse knife, survival knife, pocket knife and so on. The puma knife is a blade form of knife which can be folded back and closed. The powerhouse knife is used for cutting purposes. The pocket knife is used to cut small objects. Survival knife can also be called a camping knife because it suits best for all types of camping. The survival knife has more blades within, scissors and screw drivers, so this knife will suit in all situations.
Light for camping
During winter camping check you have sufficient lighting. The day time will be shorter than the night time so the enjoyable period will be at the night time so sufficient lighting is a must one. Include Led lantern in snow camping gear list which would be suitable for winter camping because it does dual job. One is, it provides more light than required and the secondary use is, it produces more heat which burns up the chillness and keeps you warm for a long period. The LED lantern does not consume more battery power so you need not worry about it. But still having additional batteries will help you in some needy situations.
If you sketch to go for caving, climbing or hiking it is best to buy a LED head lamp which is stated in snow camping gear list because it does not need any additional help it can light the lamp by its own. Buy LED gears so that it helps you a lot as it requires less energy and gives more output.First and foremost thing you should do is to include a flashlight in snow camping gear list because it will be helpful in all situations.
Click here to find the best equipment you will need for winter camping.
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From their campsite beside the lake, campers can do many activities like fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming or photographing nature.
While just at the campsite, campers are able to delight in simple activities like pitching their tent, making a campfire, sleeping under a tree and cooking.
For that enjoyable weekend starting the minute you arrive, it is good to have these tips in mind:
1. Plan ahead . Be sure to make reservations at least 10 days before. Talk to the Park Rangers to obtain maps of the lake.
2. Know the water before going. Determine the lake’s makeup and the kinds of fish that thrive in that area before you head off in order to carry along the right fishing tackle.
3. Bait. It is very impractical to carry minnows on your lake camping trip and at times are not permitted by law.
Leeches, if ever allowed, are good baits to take with you; just store them securely in a container in a shady area and change the water often.
4. Food. As bedtime approaches, keep the lake campsite zone free of food clutter. Packed your food in sealed plastic bags and put everything inside a covered food pack and hung it high over a tree limb.
5. Never drink mountain stream water! No matter how clear and clean the mountain stream water may look, it is still flooded with harmful microorganisms that could cause diarrhea. Bring along purified water for drinking always!
6. Create a “fire ring” for your campfire.
• Clear the forest floor of moss and dead leaves by scraping everything until there is soil.
• Create a ring of rocks in an open place, away from your tent.
• Make the ring larger compared to the fire that you will be building. Have some space around your fire.
7. Know how to administer First Aid as well as keep a kit handy always. In cases of emergency, you should know “what to do”. When you are properly trained for first aid, you can save lives.
In a first aid class, it teaches you different ways of properly handling and reacting in different emergency situations.
8. Clean up after your mess! Always make certain that all your trash is put in the right containers. Clean the campsite before leaving and check that fires are extinguished completely, leaving everything as it was.
Lakeside camping is a great family outdoor activity that should be properly planned so that everyone will really enjoy what you all came for! Have fun!
If you’re looking for camping or hiking equipment, check out Pike Trail.
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Camping is a favorite pastime for a variety of different reasons. Some people do it because they love seeing the great outdoors.
Others are partial to the less expensive way of visiting a lot of unique places that they wouldn’t be able to afford seeing any other way. For still others, camping is a family tradition they have always enjoyed or a new tradition they want to start with their own families. Regardless of the reasons for taking a camping trip, the fact remains that camping is one of the most economical options for taking a fun, educational vacation.
Beginners often want to know how much it will cost to prepare for a camping trip. Tents and higher dollar items can be found at reduced and discounted prices by watching for sale ads and visiting sporting goods stores during the camping off season. Most of the smaller items, like flashlights and cookware, are among the cheapest camping supplies.
Many discount retail chains carry camping supplies in their sporting goods section and often offer these at a lower rate than even the manufacturers themselves. These aren’t typically off brand products either. They are usually the same products with the same warranties offered by the specialty stores.
For a quick rundown of the cheapest camping supplies you will need for your trip, ask others who camp or visit a camping website.
To get you started, here are a few of the cheapest camping supplies you will need. Flashlights and lanterns are very important for night vision and finding the bathroom in the middle of the night. A good quality camping flashlight will cost about $10.
Especially if this is a first attempt at camping, purchase your cooking pots and pans carefully. It isn’t always necessary to buy new. Consider borrowing some or taking along some of your own old and little used cookware.
Another one of the cheapest camping supplies you will need is a can opener. Save yourself some money and buy a camping utility tool that combines the can opener, small set of scissors, and knife all in one.
Remember to shop around for the best prices on the cheapest camping supplies. The Internet is invaluable in finding the best deals.
Never underestimate the benefit of family and friends’ referrals as well. If there is a military surplus store in your area, these places often carry military issue items that work perfectly on a camping trip. Using some of these ideas will make it easier to plan an inexpensive camping trip for you and your family that just might start a new tradition.
Looking for a store to buy camping and hiking supplies, you can check Pike Trail.
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Have you ever relished the primeval nature of hiking, returning to the elements in the woods, the plains, and along rivers, and wondered how many people like you have done the same throughout history? As it turns out, hiking is one of the most fundamental forms of exercise mankind has developed, which has afforded it a long and extensive history – from the stone age to the information age. Here’s a brief history of hiking.
If you want to be technical about it, the history of hiking began around 1.5 million years ago when early man learned how to walk upright. Since early man was also nomadic, this meant that walking and hiking was a part of daily life in the stone age, before the development of agriculture meant that man could settle and begin walking for recreation’s sake.
However, it hasn’t been until modern history that hiking – and especially the most extreme form of hiking, mountaineering – became as popular as it is and saw other milestones really be conquered. More modern technology and the further exploration and charting of mountains helped hikers conquer new heights, one at a time.
In 1874, hikers/mountaineers named Grove, Gardiner, Walker, Sottajev, and Knubel scale the summit of the highest mountain in Europe, Elbrus. Some years later, in 1913, mountaineers reached the top of Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. Mount McKinley stands at over 20,000 feet in Alaska, making its conditions treacherous even for 20th Century mountaineers.
As technology progressed and these accomplishments encouraged further trekking up mountains, hiking up to even greater heights became possible. In 1953, Mount Everest was conquered. In 1985, it was conquered once again – this time by Dick Bass, the first person to reach the highest peaks in all seven continents.
Nowadays, hiking doesn’t just include mountaineering and adventurous sojourns into the heart of the world’s most extreme environments. Hiking can simply be a brief walk through the woods or an all-day adventure that takes you through peaks and valleys and back again.
Like other sports, what you accomplish from hiking will depend on what you put into it: if you want to be the next person to climb Mount McKinley, it will take tremendous energy and dedication. But the intrinsic rewards of hiking are obvious once you return from that first hike, feeling satisfied from the fresh air.
Do you have what it takes to take the next steps in hiking history? Even though people might have already conquered a peak before you had the chance, you can still conquer it for yourself.
And who knows what’s possible? Perhaps you’ll be the first to take on Olympus Mons, the highest known mountain in the solar system.
If you have a plan for hiking and are looking for hiking equipment, visit Pike Trail.
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Few experiences are more thrilling than watching wild animals while camping. The ability to be able to see wild animals in their natural habitat gives a kind of awe inspiring force to all those who witness it. Unfortunately, the increasing disconnect between humans and nature has led to a near abandonment of the skills necessary to do proper animal tracking. The good news is the basic skills of a tracker can still be learned. Here is a list of some suggestions to help increase your chances of finding the wild animals.
1. Research the area to determine what wildlife live in the area. This can be accomplished by doing some basic searches on the web, asking the locals or even talking to that region's game warden.
2. Once you determine what wildlife lives in the area. You want to learn a number of distinct facts about them. Purchase a good animal book that has a lot of visual diagrams and pictures. You will want to bring this with you on your trip. Our recommendation can be found in our camping books section. The facts you are trying to learn should include:
a. What type of tracks do they make and how much do they average in weight?
b. What type of food or plants do they hunt or eat?
c. What type of home do they make?
d. What type of straddle, stride, and gait do they make?
e. What does their scat (waste deposits) look like?
3. Determine what methods you want to use to see the animals. There are essentially three ways to see animals and their by-products in the wild:
a. Using tracking tools- using different scents or calls to entice animals to come into the area.
b. Stalking wildlife- is essentially sneaking up on animals by wearing camouflage and adjusting your walking style so as not to startle the animals.
c. Observing wildlife- setting up a blind in the areas where the animals are likely to go.
4. Bring a good set of binoculars to help aid you in viewing the animals.
5. Avoid quick sudden movements because these can startle the animals and if you have to use the restroom, try to go down wind to lessen the chance of the animals catching the scent.
6. Sometimes it is very difficult to actually see certain animals. In these instances, it can be very satisfying to locate their tracks, bedding area or other animal by-products. This can be best accomplished by looking near watering holes or along game trails.
a. Watering Holes: animal tracks can be found around the rim of the watering hole as animals come down to get a drink.
b. Game Trails: animal tracks are easiest to find in mud, sand, or snow.
Looking for camping equipment? Check out and buy now at Pike Trail!
