Buying your Sleeping Bag for your Next Camping Trip

Buying sleeping bags can be a difficult task, with prices ranging from a few pounds to a few hundred. Ultimately you have to ask what you want to use it for. The sleepig bag is an important part of the kit. If you are hiking then you ideally want something that will pack tightly and is quite lightweight, such as a compact sleeping bag, although you have to be careful as these sometimes don't provide the best insulation. Temperatures drop at night more than ost people expect, even in the middle of sumer so you should make sure you're prepared. A sleeping bag traps the warm air around your body which provides the best insulation possible. The best sleeping bag is one which allows moisture to escape while keeping warm air trapped.If you are in a couple, you might prefer a double sleeping bag (there is no better central heating than the body heat of someone else.

Slepping bags are given temperature rating based upon their intended use. One season sleeping bags are designed for use in the sumer months only and aren't suitable for camping in the winer (they just won't keep you warm). Two season sleeping bags are suitable for the extended summer months (from early spring to late autumn, but aren't suitable for sub zerotemperatures. Three season sleeping bags will provide warmth intemperatures which are slightly sub zero and four season bags are designed to be used all year round and will be the most expensive type ofsleeping bag.

Temperature ratiings should be taken as a general rule, remember, temperatures can drop below zero in spring, particularly at higher altitudes so you should follow specfic directions of the manufacturer. The amount of heating that different people will need can vary widly, with some people requiring more warmth than others.

What you sleep on is also very important, a good ground mat provides great insulation and is very important when camping.

If you are just planning on camping in the summer, you probably don't need to spend too much, if you are looking at trecking, climbing, mountaineering etc then you really want to look at the top end, as the cheaper models simply won't keep you warm enough. You might also want to consider a "bivvy bag", as this can be useful in emergencies, or if temperatures drop lower than expected.

The fill in sleeping bags can be made of a wide range of things, most commonly goose, duck or down. Down is the warmest and often most expensive but not very good if it gets wet.

You may aso want to look out for a bag with a 2 way zip so you can stick your feet out the bottom. Double sleeping bags are also available and singles that join together to form a double. Insulated zips are also important if it gets very cold. A good ground mat is also an essential. They are only cheap and provide excellent insulation.

Camping Now - About the Author:

Camping Now have great deals on Sleeping Bags from suppliers across the UK

Selecting a Camping Air Mattress

When you go tent camping, you don't have to rough it to prove anything to anyone.  You should have the right camping equipment to make the camping trip enjoyable.  The right equipment includes what you plan on sleeping on.

Going camping doesn't mean you have to sleep on the ground. Even the Army issues you a pad to sleep on. Some of the options for something to sleep on are: foam pads, thin pads used mainly for backpacking, and air mattresses. With the improvements in technology over the past few years inflatable air mattresses offer a great sleeping option for a good night's rest.

You owe it to yourself to get a good night's sleep. You'll be active during the day hiking, swimming, or fishing, and other activities. These activities will be a lot less fun if your back hurts or you're sore from lying on a rock or tree root.

Inflatable air mattresses in the past would go flat before the night was through, and was often plastic, so you could feel the plastic through a sheet on a hot night making it hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. Now air mattresses have a soft covering on one side, which makes them much more comfortable. They're also a lot less prone to losing air. Most come with an air pump that will inflate them in just a few minutes.

The size of inflatable air mattress  to get will depend on the space you have available in your tent. If you have a cabin tent, you can fill the sleeping areas with the air mattress, but if you have a dome tent, you'll want to have room around the air mattress to walk around and store things.

There's something out there for every price range, but you pay for what you get. You can really set the amount you're willing to pay and then see what you like in that price range. You'll have many options to choose from.

All you need to do is set-up your tent on a relatively flat area, bring in yourair mattress, unfold it in the space you'll be using it, turn on the air pump and wait just a few minutes for it to inflate. Make sure you have a battery operated pump for tent camping.

Another nice thing about these newer inflatable air mattresses is that you'll also be able to use them as an extra bed at home when you have company.  If we're visiting family or friends for an overnight stay or a longer visit, we'll bring our inflatable air mattresses to make things easier for our hosts.

Camping is a great activity for those who enjoy the outdoors. An inflatable air mattress makes sleeping in your tent as comfortable as possible considering you're in the outdoors.  There's no need to bring pieces of foam rubber, which take up a lot of room in your car or pick-up.  These inflatable air mattresses fold and store in a compact package, taking up little room.  Check out the dimensions and weight and you'll see what I mean.

My Camping Tents - About the Author:

I've been tent camping for over 30 years and as a retired Airborne Ranger, have experience in wilderness survival. For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us athttp://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.

Coleman Two-Mantle Dual Fuel Lantern with Hard Case

Don't sit in the dark when you can light up your world. The Coleman 285-748T Two-mantle Dual-fuel Lantern with Hard Case is just the thing you need to illuminate your camp site. This lantern has a fuel capacity of 1.3 pints and uses Coleman number 12 mantles. You can depend on seven to 14 hours of burn time and the durable carrying case features a tough, double-wall construction. See more

Coleman Rugged Battery Powered Lantern (Family Size)

Light up your campsite with instant, long-lasting illumination with the Coleman rugged battery-powered lantern. The family-size lantern boasts a 13-watt fluorescent twin U-tube bulb that delivers a bright white light, along with a heavy-duty thermoplastic and rubber housing that holds up to heavy use. More significantly, the lantern will keep your tent well lit for hours, with a runtime of up to 28 hours on the low setting and 18 hours on the high setting (the lantern runs on eight D batteries, sold separately). And should the bulb eventually burn out, you can replace it in seconds thanks to the lantern's quick-release system. Other details include a comfortable handle grip, an easy three-position switch (off, low, and high), a weather- and shatter-resistant exterior, and a nonslip rubberized grip. The lantern--which runs cool thanks to the cool-touch bulb design--measures 9 inches in diameter and 15.25 inches tall and weighs 3.26 pounds without the batteries. See more

Coleman Premium Dual-Fuel Lantern

The Coleman 285-700 Two-mantle Dual-Fuel Lantern is the lantern that made camping cozy. Clean-burning Coleman fuel provides a soft glow for late-night stories or a beacon to guide you back to camp. This Coleman two-mantle lantern lights with matches and has a control knob that works like a dimmer switch to let you adjust the brightness and burn time. The porcelain ventilators will prevent rusting and help this lantern last a long time.

This dual-fuel lantern can be powered by 1.3-pints of Coleman Fuel or by everyday unleaded gasoline, and will burn for up to seven hours on high or 14 hours on low. Shop here 

Camping Lanterns Guide: Backpacking And Camping Lantern Tips.

By: Marc Wiltse

What kind of camping lanterns best fit your outdoor needs? Do you need light weight for backpacking, or is maximum light more important?

Camping lanterns have been around for quite a while, especially fuel lanterns like kerosene and gas lanterns. LED lanterns, rechargeable lanterns or electric lanterns, butane lanterns, propane lanterns, battery lanterns and candle lanterns are newer to the scene though. All of them being different they have advantages and disadvantages...

If you already have a camping stove or other camping equipment that uses fuel consider getting a lantern that uses the same type of fuel so you won't have to remember to bring both fuels and you'll use less space too. Although some dual-fuel Coleman lanterns will burn both white gas or unleaded gasoline (check to be sure).

Camping lanterns that burn fuel can come with either glass globes or metal mesh globes. The advantage to glass is that it lets more light through, but since it's glass it is fragile. Metal mesh globes are much tougher than glass but they do block some of the light.

When you buy a camping lantern make sure to get extra mantles, fuel, bulbs, and/or batteries, it's not much fun needing a lantern part in the middle-of-nowhere and not being able to get it when you need it.

Candle lanterns can be lightweight at 3.7 ounces, but you may not want to use them as a camping lantern as their light output leaves something to be desired at 1 to 1.5 watts. They're pretty much a candle with a protective sheath to help prevent the flame from blowing out in the wind and keep things a little safer by avoiding an open flame. Another drawback... the sheath enclosure also makes it more difficult to roast marshmallows over your lantern. ;-)

I recommend going flameless especially inside your tent. It doesn't take much to start a fire with a high intensity heat source. Falling asleep and tipping your camping lantern over is all it takes to put your life in serious jeopardy. There are a lot of great battery lanterns, LED lanterns and rechargeable lanterns available. Play it smart.

While great LED lanterns put out a good amount of light I haven't found one yet that can match the light output of well-designed flame camping lanterns. If you need a lot of light in a local outdoor area have a look at butane, propane, and gas lanterns. Some of these lanterns crank out up to 235 watts of light! That's more light than most people use to light a room at home. One of the butane lanterns even allows you to focus the light more intensely with reflectors and another is refillable with lighter fluid helping to make it great for...

If you'd like more information on camping lanterns please visit http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/camping-lanterns.htm for the whole article. Also you may want to take a look at a related article on how to pick the best camping tent http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/camping-tents.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marc Wiltse learned how important quality hiking equipment and camping gear were after his tent flooded with 3+ inches of water. His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/hiking-journal.html  & get the most usable info. 

The Importance of Camping Lanterns

By: Morgan Hamilton

Well, how about going on a camping trip? Camping lanterns, tents, knives, food, warm clothes, they are all important points on the list of necessities you should take with you. When camping, there is a great opportunity to spend time in comfortable harmony with nature.
Sleeping in the wild, listening to the sounds of the forest, dreaming of ancient times, all those things can make anyone’s heart beat with delight.


But there are some things, which do not fall exactly in the stereotype of “young nature-lovers gone out for a night of fresh air”. Take the camp itself, for example. Camps cannot be considered as a mere congregation of nature admirers. Of course, they are like that, but there is much more, which is not supposed by the people. Camps need to be carefully settled, so that anything going wrong is avoided. But what would go wrong in that peaceful place of fairies and earth spirits? Well, take the lighting, for example. Inappropriate light can make anyone’svacation turn into a ferocious mess of people, blinded by darkness and don’t knowing where they are. So, camp lantern are something minor, but essential.
What are the strong points of camping lanterns? The first one is that they shed light on the whole affair. Camping in the dark is close to the plot of “Blair Witch”, a few scared people, huddled in the dark, with an extinct fire and no desire to light another one. The second priority is that camping lanterns give you the sense of security, which only keeping a rifle can reach. Lanterns are important because you can SEE what’s going on in the distance: whether a serial killer is coming to get you or just a squirrel is playing in the trees. Having the lantern in you is essential not for just staying alive, but for the sheer pleasure of getting everything recognized.
Going on a camp can be as tedious as a Sunday sermon, when you don’t have the appropriate stuff at your disposal. Blankets, sleeping bags, fire, warm clothes, cell phone, camp lanterns: all these civilization offspring must be with you, because you never know whether you will need something or not. It is better to have something and not need it than to have it not and crave for it desperately. And camping lantern is surely a useful thing to have. I can say for sure that you will never regret taking it with you.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning leisure and recreation. Learn more at Camping Lanterns

Camping Lanterns - The Best Lantern to Have

By: Montans Meka

Camping is a fun activity. You get a chance to enjoy nature's great beauty. However during the night, a campfire isn't enough to keep your campground lit. Light is a very vital factor when camping as it illuminates the area and help you see things. To do this, you need camping lanterns. These come in small sizes or large sizes that are very helpful to light up the place. You should always try to get the best lantern which should not spoil your camping.

Most camping lanterns need fuel to make the light. They come with metal mesh globes or glass globes. Glass camping lanterns has the advantage of providing more light since it is transparent, but its downside is that it is easy to break which may not be the best lantern for you. Metal mesh lanterns are quite tougher than its rival type as it is not that easy to break or damage since it is made of metal. Its downside however is that they block some light making the lantern not give out that much light which might not be the best lantern. There are some lanterns which are not fuel powered and require the use of electricity to use. Obviously you don't want to camp beside an electric outlet near a post so you'll have to use batteries or small-sized power generators. These lanterns have light bulbs that use electricity to light up. There are also the candle camping lanterns. They are lightweight and only 3.7 ounces but their light output leaves something that is desired to be 1 to 1.5 watts. They're more like a simple candle that has a protective cover or sheath so that the flame may now go out from the wind blows and it prevents things from burning as it avoids open flames.

When camping, burning lanterns such as fuel utilizing or candle lanterns are recommended only for outside use. They must be placed properly to avoid your camp to get on fire and burn to the ground. They can also be used for roasting marshmallows which is a common camping treat. However, never place lanterns that use fuel to burn or those candle types when inside your tent. Placing them indoors is not recommended as it could cause things to get caught on fire. Use lanterns that use electricity to light up as they have their own unique advantages. First of all, they provide as much light as the other types of lanterns used in camping. They do not use flames to provide light making it safe. And it is easy to replace its batteries and refill its energy so that you can use it more often. Well it all depends on the usage of the lantern to identify which is the best lantern for everyone.

Whether you are planning to camp outdoors or just want to have one, camping lanterns are great things to have with you especially in your car. Remember to choose the best lantern for you.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Learn more about Camping Lanterns and how you can make your outdoor activity great withBest Lantern.

Back Pack Folding Chair Fabric Color

It's really a great chair. I live just outside North Myrtle Beach/Cherry Grove and I'm at the beach frequently. I like to set up my chair at the water's edge (actually in the water) to keep cooler while I'm reading or chatting with my wife & friends. Well, this chair is made of wood, so after about a year, one of the legs buckled on my first chair because it had been water-soaked...my own dumb fault. This time, it's Thompson's Water Seal to the rescue! Hopefully it will help it to last more than a year; but even if it doesn't, I'll buy another one...I'm at the beach several times a week, so it certainly gets a lot of use. 

I am a big guy - 6'2" a bit over 300 lbs - and this chair is sturdy enough to support me. It might take a few minutes getting used to how you open this and get it ready, but once you get the hang of it, it's simple. The pockets on the back are one of the big selling points for me; as I mentioned, I sit IN the water...with the pockets on the back, I can keep my towel, reading glasses, book, and anything else I need with me - they're all right there in the chair. Plus, I ride a motorcycle, so when I pack for the beach, all I need to do is strap the chair onto the back seat and I'm ready to go. Then, when I get to the beach, I use the shoulder straps to carry the chair and all my belongings, all in one convenient package. 

The only drawback with this chair is that you can't lay flat...but that's barely an issue for me - if I really want to lay flat, I take my towl back to the dry sand and lay down. 

I've been a beach bum all my life - I've been through dozens of chairs - and this is absolutely my favorite chair ever! --K Browne  See more

On The Edge 810170 Red No Logo Folding Kingpin Chair

This chair is great! It is very comfortable (if you don't mind your feed dangling off of the ground) and gets lots of attention. I keep mine set up on my front porch to relax in and to get a laugh out of any visitor that sees it. I am 6'1"/250lbs and I can comfortably sit with my legs crossed in this monster. Well constructed and with proper care I believe this chair will last a very long time.--Jdude  See more

Coleman Portable Deck Chair

The Coleman Portable Deck Chair is great for the boat, the backyard, and anywhere you want a comfortable, convenient seat. The sturdy powder-coated aluminum frame supports up to 225 pounds. The chair is built for comfort, with padded seat, back and armrests and an ergonomic design. The Deck Chair-Inchs built-in carry straps make it easy to bring the chair with you; carry weight is 5.6 pounds. See more

Ming's Mark - Folding Director's Chair

This chair is well constructed and solid. The flip out table is a good size and also sturdy. There are two handles under the seat that help with carrying the chair when it's folded, but it is fairly tall, so you have to bend your elbow to keep from dragging it on the ground. The chair itself is comfortable and the aluminum arms are great to pushing yourself up out of the chair, unlike many folding chairs I've owned.--Christopher Zaccalini See more

Picnic Time Portable Reclining Camp Chair

This Picnic Time Reclining Camp Chair is no ordinary camp chair. It features a folding steel frame that can hold up to 300 pounds, a padded seat and back rest covered in durable 600D polyester canvas. Three seating positions add to this chair's functionality, along with the adjustable armrests, an insulated drink holder in the right armrest, a large zippered pocket on back of chair, and a matching storage tote with carrying strap. The Reclining Camp Chair is great as a spectator chair at sporting events or for outdoor activity such as lounging by the lake or beach, camping and fishing. Throw this chair in the back end of the car, so you are never without it!

This is the most comfortable camping chair I have ever had. I just took it camping, and was around quite a few clumsy people who have a tendency to break things. This chair held up beautifully. It is very well made and I am very happy with my purchase. Well worth the money. See more

Camping Chairs

By:  U Suski

There are many people who enjoy going camping. For these people the various accessories which are needed will only add to the enjoyment to be found in camping. Of these one of the more important accessories that you should think about adding to your list of camping supplies is that of camping chairs. As there is a wide range of camping chairs it is best if you have an idea of what chairs are most suited for your camping needs.

Now before you make any final decisions you might want to see how your existing camping chairs are like. As the place where you will be camping has different terrain types there is a chance that your camping chairs may or may not be able to withstand the various pressures which are placed on them. You will need to make sure that you have a good idea of what type of activities that you will be subjecting them to.The different camping chairs that you can buy are sometimes made for different types of situations. You will find that there are indoor camping chairs and outdoor camping chairs. Most of these camping chairs are very familiar ones. There are many companies that manufacture comfortable and very versatile camping chairs. You will find hammocks, padded recliners, beach type chairs, folding stools and many other which are quite useful. You will need to make sure that you are selecting a chair that is easy to pack and unpack. The camping chairs need to be of sturdy material because they will be under lots of pressure. There is one fact that you should be aware of when you are shopping for camping chairs. While there are inexpensive chairs that you can buy some of these will be on the expensive side.For this reason you should have a good idea of the number of chairs that you need for your camping trip. You will find it helpful if you have an idea of what camping chairs are needed for your trip to be a pleasant one. You should also check to make sure that any chair that you might be choosing is made of a strong material. This is important as you will be moving the chairs around quite a lot. Additionally some of the chairs could get exposed to inclement weather.Due to these reasons it is best that you choose camping chairs which will fit all of the requirements that you have. The price of the chairs while it is important should not be the main criteria for buying these camping chairs of yours.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Camping Supplies Guide for more articles and tips visit us now at www.camping.extrafindouts.com!

Preparing For Your Family Camping Trip

By: Larry West

Photo by greenkayak73

With the many ways one can do camping, from the comforts of home-like camping in RV’s to tent camping, there is forms of camping for everyone that will make that perfect vacation.

Looking for a way to vacation on a low-budget, then camping is one of the best ways to get outdoors and see the country while maintaining a low-budget. With the many ways one can do camping, from the comforts of home-like camping in RV’s to tent camping, there is forms of camping for everyone that will make that perfect vacation. Tent camping is very popular for the younger families. Tent camping can be a wonderful experience for the seasoned camper; however, it can be a disaster for the beginner.

Having an enjoyable and memorable camping trip means being prepared for all the elements that you might encounter. The things that can go wrong on a camping trip is countless, weather, bugs, bad bathrooms, uneven ground, bad food the list just continues. Having a good plan of action can eliminate many of these problems before they occur.

Most important, a camper with a good plan knows how to adjust to the unexpected elements that can be thrown your way. As hard as it may seem, you can always make the most of any situation. A camper that is prepared for the unexpected will surely have a better camping experience.

A camping check list is a must have. Where you will be camping, the weather conditions, and for how long will help determine the supplies you may need to take. Always pack to meet your basic needs first: food, shelter, and comfort. The shelter is one of the most important items to help assure your camping trip will be a success story instead of a horror story. Try to get a camping tent that is larger than needed, this will give you some additional space. A good tarp over the tent is a good idea to help protect you and your supplies in inclement weather. The camping checklist needs to be updated during and after each trip, for no two camping trips are the same? Its’ better to be over stocked with items, than need it and not have it.

When packing for your trip, let the kids pack all of their belongings. Everyone should have their own flashlight and games. Have them pack their small items in a duffel-bag with their sleeping bag. Once at the campsite encourage everyone to replace any item they use back where it came from. This will eliminate the next person from having to spend time looking for something that is needed. In addition, when packing the group supplies pack each room in separate containers, this way everything has its ‘own place. A good first aid kit is a must have.

Food is one of the most important items for an enjoyable camping trip. Once the family has decided on the type meals you will be preparing, you will need to decide on how to cook them. A good outdoor camping stove or outdoor camping grill will be needed. If you plan on cooking over an open camp fire, a good cooking-grate is a must have.

Taking the time needed to plan your camping trip will increase the odds of your family’s trip being a wonderful experience and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since my wife and I started camping some four years ago, we have learned that camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the best parts of camping is preparing your meals outdoors and eating at the picnic table. Also, camping allows for a family to build stronger bonds and create memories.

Great Tips for Car Camping Enjoyment

 

Photo by so-ya!

Camping is one of my favorite activities and my favorite type of camping is car camping. However, there are many other types of camping such as base camping, canoe camping, RV camping, tent trailer camping and back yard camping. Regardless of how you spend your time out of doors or how much time you spend out of doors, there is always more to learn. I have compiled an extensive list of camping tips and this installment is for car campers. Here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of your car camping experience.

Organize your gear before you go. The basic principle is to organize or categorize your gear by "when" and "how quickly" you will need it. When I get to the campsite, the first thing I do is prepare shelter. So my tent and shade awning are the easiest pieces of gear to get to.

Plan your campsite. Understand how vehicles, wind, sun and rain will enter the campsite. For example, if the wind is coming out of the west, you’ll probably want your tent and kitchen west of any campfire to reduce smoke nuisance.

Always have a first aid kit in camp. Everyone in camp should know where it is, have access to it and know how to use it. I keep mine in plain sight in my kitchen. If it’s locked in my truck, no one can get to it except me.

Every camp needs a shovel. I believe a shovel is the most important tool in camp. You’ll use it to manage your campfire, leveling sleeping spots and countless other uses. Don’t leave home without it.

What tent should you use? I recommend a tent that is bigger than you think you’ll need. If inclement weather sets in, you’ll have a spot out of the elements for reading and playing games. My tent is big enough for two people, two cots, two chairs and two dogs.

There is nothing wrong with having a checklist. Things frequently forgotten are: extra batteries, trash bags, kitchen towels, hats, reading material, sleeping pillows, hiking boots and pet food.

Your most important camping gear should always be on your body. Not in your pack, not in your tent or in your vehicle. Whenever you leave camp always have a watch, a whistle, a cell phone, a flashlight and a knife on your person.

Some neat tidbits I’ve picked up over the years are: a golf towel is perfect for hanging in your kitchen because it comes with a grommet, you can never have enough zip lock bags, you won’t find me camping without a flare – it’s perfect for lighting wet firewood, my camp chairs have side tables attached to them, I pre-cook baked potatoes at home and warm them up in the camp fire, in good weather my hammock gets lots of use.

Car camping allows you to take virtually anything with you when you camp. But the most important of all is good company. Take along good friends and family. When you do, it doesn’t really matter if you have the best gear or the best techniques, the one thing you will have is the best of times. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chuck Fitzgerald is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online specialty store with the “Best Gear Out There” and dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts to “Get It Right The First Time” with timely educational information. Please visit www.BackCountryToys.com to find great gear and to receive the Fact & Tips e-newsletter, "FreshAir.” (800) 316-9055.