Adventure Outdoor Gear

So you, like me, are an avid camper. My family and I try and go on at least camping 4 trips during the year. Here in New Jersey, at least for me anyway, the best times to go are March through the end of May, and September through middle of October.

For me the summer months in New Jersey can get too humid, bringing out a plethora of bugs and mosquitoes, which quite frankly I do not find too pleasant of an atmosphere. I try to limit my time during the cooler months for that reason and for comfort. There is nothing more enjoyable about camping then sitting around the camp fire on a crisp cool evening. Something that I don`t feel you can enjoy during the dog days of summer.

Now that is not to say that camping isn`t enjoyable here in New Jersey during the summer months. It is, as you will find many, if not all of the campgrounds, private and public are booked solid. The main reasons being, kids are out of school and the days are longer.

New Jersey provides a wonderful selection of campgrounds throughout the state. You can hit the mountains in Northern New Jersey, the Jersey shore campgrounds down in Cape May. Whichever you choose, be prepared for the terrain.

If you go camping in Northern New Jersey, expect very rocky ground. If you are tent camping, which is something that I absolutely love to do, bring a good hammer with you to bang those tent stakes in. In fact, you probably should bring some heavy duty tent stakes with you. If you just use the ones that come with your tent, chances are they will bend on you.

A hammer is not needed central to south Jersey for camping as the soil is more soft without much rock to break through.

If you are a novice to camping I would recommend not so much “roughing” it on your first try. What I mean by that is, look for a campground that has water hookups near your site. It will make it easier on you when you need water for cooking, cleaning etc. Also choose a campground that has bathroom facilities. Not all of them have them, most do, but keep that on your checklist. I recommend the more new you are to camping, the closer your site should be to the facilities. It doesn`t make the trip enjoyable when you have to go in the middle of the night and have to walk a half mile to get to the bathroom. Once you get accustomed to the camping lifestyle, trust me, it really is not that big of a deal.

Regardless of where you camp, what time of year, or who you go with, the key to a fun, safe and rewarding camping trip is in the planning. Sit down and write a list of everything you will need to make the trip comfortable. Separate your list into categories, such as food supplies, cooking and eating utensils, sleeping gear and so on. After you write your list, double check it against the list others you are going with might have made up. Maybe you forgot some things that they have, and vice-versa. The more time you spend in the planning process, the more easy your trip will be and the more fun you will have. There is nothing worse, then when you are about to cook those steaks over an open fire and you forgot the utensils to cook, or the seasoning or even worse, the steaks themselves.

Camping is a fun and enjoyable activity for the entire family. Proper planning, and not trying to extend beyond your comfort level, will make it even that more special.

By: Bruce A. Tucker

Sure Victory - Fitness Bootcamp Workouts

An important aspect of enjoying your camping experience is choosing the right tent.

Camping is one of the most fun outdoor activities, but buying the wrong tent can dampen the whole experience.

There are some questions that you should ask yourself in order to ensure that you choose the perfect tent for both you and your family.

First of all, a basic but important question to answer is how many people will be using the tent? This will help you to determine the right style and size you need.

You don’t want to buy a tent that can hold just five people when you need one big enough for six or seven.

What kind of conditions should the tent be built to handle? Will you be camping in primarily warm weather? Or will you camp year round?

You should purchase a tent that can handle the conditions you’re likely to encounter. There are tents made for warm weather and there are 3 or 4 season tents.

How often will your tent be used? If you’re planning to camp frequently, you want to buy a durable tent. If you’re camping with children, you definitely want a durable tent!

How much interior space do you want or need? If you want to be comfortable, you need to take sleeping space and storage into account. For example, if you want standing room, consider buying a dome tent.

Are you a hiker or backpacker? You should look for a lightweight tent that you can easily transport.

**Shapes And Styles**

Family Camping Tents

Family tents are roomy and generally hold four to nine or ten people. They usually have large windows and entry doors.

Dome Style Tents

The rounded shape of a dome tent adds strength, good wind resistance and good interior space.

A-Frame Style Tents

A-frame tents have a simple, lightweight design. They’re usually freestanding and easy to set up. There’s good room at the floor but less up top.

Umbrella Style Tents

Umbrella style tents have spacious head and floor space, can hold many people, and have good ventilation.

Different Season Tents

There are two, three and four season tents. Two season tents are fair weather tents that are usually very inexpensive.

Three season tents are the most popular and are able to handle rain.

Four season tents have heavier construction to fight off wind stress and snow loads. They’re made of higher grade fabrics and contain more poles for added strength. Four season tents can however be hot and heavy if used in moderate weather.

Adventures Into The Unknown

No list of tent camping tips would be complete without a good discussion on fire building. Ever since Prometheus brought fire to man, its properties have been cherished throughout our history. Its importance during a camping trip almost takes on a spiritual healing significance as it can boost morale and provide strength even on a rainy or cold day.

With that said, the task of building a fire can be done many different ways. However, here are a few camping tips to keep in mind.

1. Location: Find an open location of at least a 6 yard radius of open space. (Almost all camping sites should be able to accommodate this size). It is also a good idea to avoid areas where there are a lot of dead, over-hanging branches. If it has recently been raining or there is snow on the trees, put a tarp above the fire. This is to protect the fire from being put out by any falling snow or rain when the wind blows.

2. Size: Clear out the underbrush surrounding the fire for a good 3 yard radius. This is done to prevent a brush fire from occurring. If the campsite has been undergoing a drought or has been particularly dry, extend this radius out to 5 yards.

3. Containment: Fires are usually contained by making a pit lined with rocks or using a backlog. A back log is a large log that the fire is placed against. These containments are used to keep the fire enclosed. For most camping sites, either containment can be used. However, a pit lined with rocks is a better option in the mountains where a strong wind can blow out the fire.

4. Firewood: Before starting the fire, it is wise to have your firewood ready to go. This keeps you from having to go hunting for firewood while getting the fire initially going. There are three types of firewood that you want ready.

a. Shavings or tender: These are the strips cut off of dead wood by your knife. Also, dried grass and cotton can be used as tender.

b. Kindling: This includes twigs and pine needles. These can be pulled off of dead trees and burn a little longer than shavings.

c. Various sizes of dead wood: These should be put on the fire in increasing size until you find the appropriate size fire you are looking for.

5. Starting Fire: I recommend creating a small teepee with the shavings and light the shavings. As the fire starts going, you should add the kindling and then add the various sizes of dead wood.

a. One caveat: if the dead wood is wet, split the wood with an axe. The inside wood tends to be drier and will allow it to burn more easily.

6. Choice of Woods: This is usually dictated by your camping site; however, it is a good idea to know your woods.

a. Softwoods, such as pine, firs, and cedar, are good for shavings and burn quickly. However, they tend not to give off much heat or last very long. Also, cedar and pine can get very smoky and should be avoided when cooking.

b. Medium Hardwoods, such as maple, aspen, and cottonwood, are better at burning a little longer and are good kindling.

c. Hardwoods, such as oak, burn the longest and provide the most heat. This makes them the best for cooking.

7. Firewood Supply: You can never have enough firewood. Once you get the fire going, make periodic trips to get more wood. Always make a point to get more than you think you will need.

8. Dry Wood: For morning fires, it is a good idea to bring firewood into the tent during the previous night. This will help prevent morning dew or rain during the night to delay the starting of the morning fire.

9. Other Fire Building Tent Camping Tips:

a. Live wood can be used to setup your cooking area. Live wood is less likely to burn and thus can be used to make pot hooks to hold pots, stakes to hold frying pans over the fire, and can even be used to make an overhang for the fire by chopping out two Y pieces that have another straight crosspiece placed across the notches of the two Y pieces.

b. Morning coals: If the weather conditions are appropriate, it is a good idea to have a big evening fire with hardwoods. Often times, you will still have coals in the morning that can be used to start the fire.

Adventures Into The Unknown

Lightweight Tents & Camping Equipment Advice

CheapTents.com specialises in selling top quality tents and camping equipment at discount prices. We have operated in this industry for almost 20 years, and 7 years of that online, so when it comes to giving outdoor gear advice, we know our stuff!

Being specialists in selling lightweight and ultralight outdoor clothing and camping equipment, here is some very helpful advice for outdoor sports people interested in backpacking, adventure racing, lightweight expeditions and a variety of other lightweight outdoor and camping activities.

Why is lightweight camping and outdoor gear so important?

Lightweight gear is amongst the most technologically advanced outdoor clothing and camping equipment available. This is because it uses the specially advanced technologies which serve the same core purposes as ‘regular weight’ outdoor gear, but at a reduced weight.

Outdoor Sports: Outdoor sports enthusiasts and athletes have come to value lightweight camping and sports equipment because of the way it enhances their performance, hence the increasingly popular manufacture of ultralight tents, clothing and equipment. Adventure runners, backpackers and mountain bikers are amongst those looking to shave every gram off their pack weight.

Lightweight Backpacking and Travel: It’s important to realise that whilst you’re traveling around the world, taking a gap year, or backpacking for a weekend in the fells, you will greatly appreciate good quality, lightweight clothing and equipment, as no one else is going to offer to carry your backpack for you!

Reduced pack weight: By reducing the weight of the gear you are carrying with you, it means that you are putting less strain on your legs, making yourself less top heavy and more than likely reducing your pack size which means you can squeeze through more crevasses!

Reduced clothing weight: Agility is helped by reduced friction against key areas of your body’s movement. By having less weight, you are reducing the gravitational pull of your gear towards the ground, when most people want to be moving forward. Importantly, lightweight and ultralight equipment often means less bulk, which too helps to reduce the friction of clothing against your body and make it easier to conquer another mountain!

Packing Your Backpack

Prioritise. When packing your backpack, like many people I bet you think of an occasion (however remote) where you might actually need the melon baller. Well, the chances are you won’t, so don’t pack it. The rule is, when your lightweight packing, is to focus on absolute need and emergency need, which includes at the very least: water, food, shelter, warmth and safety.

Ask yourself these questions when packing your rucksack:

1. Do I need it? Throw out luxury items. ‘Luxury’ means different things to different people but try and stretch yourself with removing these items, as it makes a huge difference to the way you enjoy the outdoors.

2. How many times will I use it? Just the once - is it worth it?

3. Can something else replace it? Can it double-up as something else?

4. Can I share the weight with someone else (e.g. backpackers often share the weight of a tent)

5. If I was caught-out without it, would I be in a safe and secure situation?

Note: Don’t make any cut-back where it might compromise your safety or others.

"Make sure you have the best lightweight outdoor gear"

Providing lightweight equipment to campers and outdoor sports enthusiasts is a speciality in the outdoor industry who are keen to buy top brands at discount prices. If you’re new to specialist lightweight gear, then here are a few items of very lightweight outdoor gear that you might consider investing in…

Ultralight and Lightweight Camping Equipment:

Ultralight tents and lightweight tents - a very popular piece of outdoor kit, these spectacularly clever and technologically advanced lightweight tents and ultralight tents are one of CheapTents.com’s top sellers. Adventure racers and backpackers find that these tents are more than adequate and can weigh less than 1-2kg. The Terra Nova Laser Comp tent is a great example of an ultralight tent, weighing in at a mere 900g - officially regarded as the world’s lightest two-skin tent.

Bivi Bags - if you’re looking for a truly ultralight camping experience, consider a bivi bag. Simply climb into your sleeping bag and bivi bag, and sleep under the stars in a very minimalist and lightweight form of camping.

Ultralight down sleeping bags - although you can get lightweight synthetic sleeping bags, the real gains are to be found in the high-loft, warm, ultralight down sleeping bags - a superb investment as getting a good night sleep is vital to enjoying the outdoors.

Lightweight camping mat - some ******** minimalist campers may see any sort of camping mat as a luxury, whereas others see lightweight camp mats as more about getting a good night sleep to aid their recovery and performance the next day.

Lightweight rucksack / backpack - many outdoor people, regardless of whether they are fell runners or backpackers value the weight savings in having a strong yet lightweight rucksack or backpack. Your comfort, speed and agility often correlate with the style of pack that you use. Always choose a specialist, lightweight rucksack or backpack if at all possible.

Lightweight camping stoves - camping stoves have come along way with ultralight versions being available with little, if any, loss to burning and boiling time. Many ultralight camping stoves weigh less than 150-200g making eating a warm, nutritious meal on the hill easy and lightweight.

Titanium pan set - you can eat out of the bowl and the lid also doubles up as a plate. The titanium pan set is ultra lightweight, strong and versatile.

Titanium cutlery - Tired of carrying around cheap cutlery only to break it half way through your Wayfayrer meal? Try titanium cutlery - ultralight weight and incredibly strong.

Ultralight and Lightweight Clothing & Footwear:

Lightweight waterproof jackets - lightweight jackets that are waterproof have been developed by manufacturers for outdoor sports enthusiasts and for stuffing away in your backpack for those ‘just in case’ occasions. CheapTents.com has a great selection of lightweight waterproof jackets and trousers available from some of the very best outdoor brands.

Softshell jackets - for a warm layer, consider a softshell / windproof fleece. Softshell jackets provide the warmth of a fleece, water repellency, breathability and endurance with toughened wear-areas, and promote agility for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Lightweight trekking trousers - important piece of kit for those trekkers, looking to stay warm, and take advantage of lightweight hard-wearing trousers that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.

Running shorts - handy to wear whilst your washing your trousers, or simply for running or walking in warmer weather. Running shorts are a great way to save space, weight and stay comfortable in warmer conditions. Even in the rain, runners and walkers often wear them as it means they are not carrying around excess mud and water in their clothing.

Baselayers - baselayers, or base layer tops and bottoms, are quick drying, fast wicking and reduce odour. Avoid cotton t-shirts as they loose insulative properties and gain weight when wet. baselayers are a very important of anyones layering system and is highly recommended! Baselayer underwear - outdoor clothing manufacturers have even gone to effort of keeping people comfortable by designing baselayer boxers and pants.

Weight saving tips:

1. A decent cooking pan can work as a eating bowl, and, you guessed it, a cooking pan! Do you really need a plate and a bowl?

2. How many tent pegs do you need for the weather? You can now get ultralight tent pegs?

3. Many baselayers are quick drying, wicking, low odour and so can be worn again and again, and dry quickly after a quick wash.

4. Share the weight of your tent - is a two man lightweight tent lighter than two ultralight one man tents?

5. Down sleeping bags are far lighter (weight to warmth ratio is better).

6. Toiletries - shaving gel is heavy and bulky, consider shaving oil or go without. Don’t go over board and throw-away your deodorant - going lightweight isn’t worth losing your friends over! Empty your toothpaste and other liquids into smaller containers - taking just what you need. Consider taking a mini toothbrush too, and leaving the hairdryer.

7. Take a single lightweight camping stove rather than a double-hob camping stove, just cook one thing at a time and eat it as it comes off the hob

8. Stainless steel or titanium cutlery and a multi-tool pen-knife will be the only utensils and tools you’ll need

9. Food - sauce sachets help to make any meal interesting! Tins are heavy - try Wayfayrer meals as these are very popular with lightweight enthusiasts.

10. Drinks - decant drinks from glass and plastic bottles into a Platypus or Camelbak bladder.

11. Money - always spend your lose change before you break into a note.

12. First aid kit - take everything you need, or might need - don’t make any cutbacks.

Items to avoid:

1. Camping chairs and tables - just find a couple of rocks, or sit on the floor.

2. Synthetic sleeping bags (down sleeping bags are much lighter for the same comfort temperature).

3. Too many clothes - buy quick drying clothing and wash it before you go to bed.

4. Heavy-duty inflatable mattresses - ridiculously heavy!

5. Camping stoves that are bulky and require bulky gas canisters - mini lightweight stoves are available.

Importantly, use your common sense when packing your lightweight gear. It’s too easy to get carrried away with taking everything, including the kitchen sink, oven and juicer. Don’t go heavy, be a lightweight.

Rock Climbing Essentials

Along with sleeping bags, camping tents are standard equipment for campers. In fact, almost no camper would go out without a tent.

Camping tents are portable shelters small enough to be folded or rolled and carried by one person. Tents consist of a sheet of fabric of similar material draped over or attached to a frame of poles. Modern tents have durable waterproof fabrics and foldable aluminum poles.

Camping tents vary in size. There are those that are large enough to sleep one person. Others are quite large and can sleep a whole family. Modern camping tents can be pitched in five to ten minutes.

Although camping tents are designed to be tough, rugged, and durable to stand against nature’s elements, they are not maintenance-free. Camping tents will last as long as their owners take care of them. Maintaining the quality of camping tents is essential; a tent is usually the only thing that stands between a camper and survival.

Here are some tips on how to take care of camping tents.

1) Camping tents should be waterproofed. Most tent manufacturers indicate that their tents are waterproof, and all the seals and stitches are sealed. However, it would be better if you double-seal them for additional safety. Expert outdoorsmen recommend contacting the manufacturer and use the seam sealer the company is using to reseal the seals.

2) Bring extra parts when camping. Bringing along extra zippers, duct tape, fabric, and other materials will help you make field repairs. Remember that the longer it takes to repair the damage, the greater the damage will become.

3) Practice setting up the tent. By practicing how to set up your camping tent, you will have a lesser chance of ripping, bending, or breaking parts of the tent. It will also allow you to set up the tent quickly.

4) Bring the correct states and use them. Stakes help secure the tent to the ground. If you are camping in good weather and on firm ground, then regular stakes are adequate. If you are setting up in loose soil, or if the weather is windy, then sturdier stakes are required. Make sure that the correct tension is applied to the stakes.

5) Avoid setting up camping tents in direct sunlight. Even if camping tents are advertised as all-weather, they take damage from direct exposure from the sun. UV light from direct sunlight weakens and deteriorates the fabric of the tents. Therefore it is best to set up tents in the shade.

6) Use ground cover. Before setting up a camping tent, it is recommended that a tent footprint or tarp be placed on the ground where the tent is pitched. This protects the floor of the tent from dirt, rocks, twigs, and other objects that can rip the tent’s base. It also helps keep the water on the ground out of the tent.

7) Ventilate the tent properly. Moisture can accumulate inside a tent. Opening a window or a flap will keep the inside of the tent from condensing.

After each use, thoroughly clean and dry the tent. This prolongs tent life.

Remember that camping tents are like fine wine; with proper care, they improve with age.

Rock Climbing Essentials