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Camping Tips, Camping Supplies, Camping Gear and More
Camping is essentially for those of us who love the outdoors and can do without all of the comforts of home for a short while. However, just loving the outdoors is not enough to guarantee that the experience will be a fun one. The essentials of having fun in the great outdoors are preparation and an open mind. Preparation is easy, if you follow some simple rules. When you are getting ready to plan a trip, you must select a convenient time that will give you flexibility of one to two days. This will make the trip more about you, and less about your timetable. You may run into weather problems or you may just want to camp for an extra day. Next, choose a location and make it specific. Don't just choose a county where you saw a campground. Call the campground or the park office and get reservations or information about the time you have allotted. Many parks are happy to give you information and tips about what to expect. The most complicated step in preparation is making a list of what to bring. Making a list is essential and your list will change dramatically the more trips you take. The first thing you need to put on your list of things to take is the things that will get you there. If you are hiking to a campsite, list the number of backpacks. If you are simply driving to a site, list the number of cars. Then you must plan your shelter and sleeping situation. Remember, tents are a luxury and heavy to carry. Hikers sometime bring a plastic tarp that can shelter up for four people. With a tarp, you can tie it between trees for cover from the elements. Many times you won't even need that but you can always lay the tarp on the ground to designate a clean sleeping area. After this has been set, you will go over what food you will need. We stress need here. Stray from fresh produce and meats because they spoil easy and their scent attracts animals and insects. Stick to dried food and canned items. Canned items will add weight, but they are more calorie rich and very easy to cook in multiple situations. Most of your food should be snacks, so that you don't have to cook very much. Trail mix and yogurt covered raisins will fill you up more than you think, and they are a cheap alternative to buying food from camping stores that hike up the price on dried meals. The last things you will put on your list are what will make you comfortable. Minimal clothing is best. One of each type of outfit is best. One pair of shorts, pants, sweatshirt, tee, and a couple pairs of undergarments including socks is enough. One poncho will take up minimal space. Small LED flashlights will get you around at night if you stray from the fire. Then make sure you have some things to keep you busy. Books, playing cards and a Nerf football are all light and can be very entertaining for hours on end. As long as you don't start dragging along things that aren't meant for the outdoors, you should be fine. Remember that everything will be at home when you get back. Most importantly make a note of the things you didn't use and the things you wished you brought. That will make each trip you take more enjoyable and different than the last. 
Tips About a Great Hike!Let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some dirt trails! I'll give some tips so you can have an enjoyable hike. 1. Find information about the area you will be going to. Whether it's from a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trail head, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect. 2. You must know weather conditions, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy in the morning won't feel good. 3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. Look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet. The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker are good socks and good shoes. Uncomfortable shoes and socks can cause you real pain. Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head. 4. You will also need to be prepared with a first aid kit that matches the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit from local department or sporting goods store will do. If you want to build your own first aid kit you must include these basics: - Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauze's. - Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools. - Suntan lotion. - A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance). - Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications. - Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread. - A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies. It is recommended that you pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container. These tips should ensure a comfortable hiking adventure. North Dakota Canoeing and Kayaking North Dakota Fishing North Dakota Hiking Trails North Dakota Hunting North Dakota Mountain Biking North Dakota Snowmobiling North Dakota Winter Recreation Home Page
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