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Comfortable Camping For Reluctant Campers

May 8, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Camping is one of the favorite past times in the USA with over 40 million Americans going camping during 2016. Despite almost one million new households going camping every year since 2014, there are still those reluctant to leave the comfort of their own homes and brave the wild (and even the not-so-wild) outdoors. Luckily innovations in the camping-gear industry have made it possible to enjoy many of the comforts of home while camping. Apart from making sure your tent is easy to set-up (and take down), where you sleep and where you prepare and store your food is of vital importance in ensuring that a camping trip will be enjoyable for even the most unenthusiastic camper.

Don’t skimp on your bed

Dubious sleeping arrangements are often the biggest fear of reluctant campers. Your bed is the one thing you do not want to skimp on when camping. If you want your camp set-up to resemble home, try to make your camping bed feel as much like your home bed as possible. A comfortable sleeping pad, whether of the inflatable or foam variety is an absolute must as is good-quality lightweight bedding. While most campers opt for sleeping bags, nothing prevents you from bringing your favorite sheets and quilts along on your camping trip. A comfortable pillow from home can add greatly to the cosiness of your bed while an eye mask and earplugs can drown out unwanted light and noise. If you sleep with a white noise machine at home and it is battery-powered, bring it along on your outdoor expedition as it is bound to remind you of home and make you sleep sound at night.

Get your kitchen area sorted

One of the luxuries we tend to enjoy most at home is to always have cold drinks and ice at our disposal. Critter-proof, insulated cooler boxes of a good quality will keep your ice icy, your wine and beer cold and all your perishables as cool and fresh as the day you bought them. There are a number of ultra-reliable cooler boxes and bags on the market, each with its own unique appeal. After conducting a bit of research you may even be able to solve the age-old Yeti vs Pelican debate as to what the most reliable camping-accessory available is.

Apart from keeping your food fresh, you would also like to eat, drink and cook in comfort. A couple of insulated wine glasses will beat any plastic or paper cup and is also a more eco-friendly approach. A camp kitchen will help you keep your food and utensils organized and will provide you with a sturdy surface to put your portable propane coffee machine on. There is also no longer a need to settle for grungy-looking pots and pans when you camp – snazzy cookware and utensils designed for the outdoors are readily available online and at department stores and will enable you to prepare feasts fit for a king if you wish to do so.

No need to stay dirty

One of the biggest concerns of many campers revolves around personal hygiene. While bathing in a dam or stream is often an option, not everyone is cut out for that level of roughing-it. Portable pump-action camping showers have been around for many years and although they get the job done, they are hardly a luxury. Cue the portable tankless water heater with its attached shower head that allows you to suck water from any source and heats it via a standard propane cylinder. Couple the water heater with a portable privacy tent, and you will able to have a warm shower in the private. Just remember to bring along your favorite body wash and shampoo to truly make you feel right at home in the middle of the wilderness.

Camping offers the ideal opportunity to get reacquainted with Mother Nature while taking a break from many of the stressors of daily life. The notion that you have to rough-it completely while spending time outdoors is grossly exaggerated and often deters many city slickers from leaving their comfortable technology-driven nests. By taking the discussed guidelines to heart you will be well on your way creating a camping experience that will closely contest the comforts of your own home.

Here’s What You Need for Your Next Hike

April 28, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

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Hiking is a popular activity, with an estimated 34 million Americans hit the United States’ vast network of trails every year. While the country’s massive size affords outdoor enthusiasts plenty of excellent pathways to explore, you’re in for a rude awakening if you just think you can put on a pair of hiking shoes and go for a walk. Properly preparing for a hike is the only way to truly enjoy the experience.

Wear the Right Stuff

We have all heard the saying “clothes make the man.” Clothes also make the hiking experience. While hiking is a beautiful excursion, it is also exercise, and it can be a rigorous exercise at that. Prepare for this by donning a T-shirt that wicks away sweat and avoids cotton at all costs.

Since hiking is an outdoor activity that cuts through nature, you should also be prepared to wear clothing that protects you from various natural outdoor elements. Make sure you have sturdy hiking boots or shoes to give you a firm grip underfoot. Be sure to wear pants or shorts that can dry quickly in case you have to wade through water. Additionally, be sure to wear headgear like a sun hat to further protect you from the elements.

Things to Put in Your Backpack

Your backpack is your lifeline on a hike, but only if you have it packed with the stuff you need. Essential gear that you should have on hand include a map or map device, food, a first aid kit, safety items such as a light and a whistle, a multi-purpose tool, and sunscreen. These essentials should be compact enough for a day hike.

If you’re just planning on going on a one-day excursion, you should make sure the backpack itself is lightweight, and you should pack just what you need. However, if a multi-day hike is in your future, you need to be prepared to tote a more heavy-duty pack. You should also be ready to deal with a greater range of contingencies, such as drastic weather changes or extra emergency materials if (heaven forbid) things go really south.

Proper preparation for a hike involves gathering a lot of small-scale items.

Skipping any of them may hamper your ability to thoroughly enjoy your hike. Take the time to judiciously make sure all the proverbial “must bring” boxes are checked before you head out for your adventure. It’s a process you’ll never regret doing.

Top 3 Family Camping Destinations in the US

December 5, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Countless Americans have called camping their pastime of choice for decades. This should come as no surprise – the countless activities and experiences that camping provides is like no other. The pleasure that comes with having access to fresh air and a beautiful view is something everyone can enjoy.

Buying equipment and choosing which friends and family can come is easy, but finding the right place to set down your tent can be daunting. After all, the United States isn’t a small place. Listed below are three of the best camping destinations that you and your family can enjoy.

Jellystone Park Larkspur

Situated between Denver and Colorado Springs, this family focused resort offers a multitude of premium services and amenities, along with a scenic campsite. The park follows a Yogi bear theme, with daily flag raising and lowering ceremonies, as well as opportunities for kids to take pictures with the famous characters.

If you don’t have a tent of your own, there are a variety of options available when it comes to accommodation, from rustic teepees and safari tents to more luxurious cottages. As the fittingly playful name would suggest, Jellystone has something for everyone. Adults can enjoy swimming pools and barbecue pavilions while the kids play in the numerous playgrounds and sports courts available on site.

Herkimer Diamond KOA

If you’re in the New York area, be sure to head upstate and enjoy the science-themed Herkimer Diamond KOA. Here you also have the option between bringing your own tent into the allocated sites or booking one of the numerous high-tech cabins available.

For example, there’s Professor Gadget’s robotics lodge, which features a bunch of robotic toys and motion sensing lights. There’s also the Sky Catcher, which features a real observatory with a high-powered telescope. But camping is namely an outdoors affair, which is why this resort also features a “Diamond Mine”, where families can dig for quartz crystals.

Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Situated in Oregon is the Bend-Sunriver RV Campground, which features numerous outdoors activities for family members of all ages to enjoy. Its close proximity to Mount Bachelor makes it the perfect place for fishing, hiking, canoeing and biking.

The Thousand Trails Club Blazer program gives kids the opportunity to earn badges by participating in competitions and scavenger hunts. This campground facilitates tents and RV’s, but if you’ve had enough of your family members, you can always rent the cabins or yurts located on-site.

Conclusion

North America’s sheer size means that there are a variety of unique locations, from dense forests to mountainous valleys. Luckily for prospective campers, it’s likely that there’s a resort or campground available in that area with helpful staff and all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay. Now that you have the location down, all you need to decide is who to take with and what equipment you need to make your stay comfortable. You can check out My Family Tent to get started.

We hope you have a fantastic camping trip!

5 Best Camping Destinations in the United States

September 29, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Do you class yourself as a camping enthusiast? Want to discover the best place to pitch a tent? Well, to help you experience the ultimate outdoor adventure, we have chosen the five best camping destinations in the United States.

Apgar Campground

Nestled away in a stunning pine forest is Apgar Campground, which is the biggest campground in Glacier National Park. Whether you want to pitch a tent or pull up in an RV camper, you can stay at the campground without a reservation. It’s also as entertaining as it is beautiful, as you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, public bus tours or a boat rental. It’s therefore the perfect site for a family camping experience.

Palo Duro Canyon

Are you looking for something a little different than a campground? If so, you should grab your Everest Active Gear equipment and make your way to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas. Drive along the switch-back road to reach the base of the canyon.

Adventurers will love to build a fire at the primitive campsite, while families and couples might prefer the RV site that offers stunning stone cabins, which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. There’s also plenty of things to see and do at Palo Duro Canyon, as you can go mountain biking or hiking, and you can even attend a musical performance of Texas between June to August.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

There is nowhere quite like Gulf Islands National Seashore, which offers beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Venture to the seashore on the Gulf of Mexico for a camping experience you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry. Primitive campers will be happy to learn they can pitch a tent on one of the many islands. Yet, there are wildlife protection rules in place that all campers must adhere to. Those wanting to drive up in an RV can visit the Fort Pickens Campground, which is on the Santa Rosa Island. It’s the ideal destination to experience breath-taking views, swimming, snorkeling and boating, and you can also explore the islands’ many historical sights.

Baxter State Park

Take a break from everyday life and explore the great outdoors at Baxter State Park, which is a stone’s throw away from Moosehead Lake in Kokodjo, Maine. The tranquil mountain backdrop will provide an unforgettable outdoor retreat, and you can choose to pitch a tent, sleep in an RV or enjoy creature comforts in a beautiful cabin. In addition to absorbing the beautiful Mount Katahdin, campers can also enjoy wildlife sightings, boating or swimming.

Nahalem Bay State Park

There is something for everyone at Nahalem Bay State Park in Oregon. Those looking for a Pacific Coast camping experience will fall in love with the mesmerizing camping site, which offers rolling sand dunes, a wide variety of water activities, and hiking trails for different abilities and ages. The campsite also offers both electricity and water, and those looking for a roof over their heads can choose to stay in a yurt.

The Essential Things You Should Take on Your Next Camping Trip

September 1, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Spending a few days out in the wilderness with just the wildlife, trees and the stars is what most people are looking for when they go camping. However, for those that haven’t been very often, it can become a nightmare; especially if they aren’t well-prepared.

Part of a successful camping trip is making sure you have all the things you need before you travel. If you leave something behind, then there won’t be a store nearby to get one.

Sleeping Bags

A sleeping bag is certainly an essential item on your camping checklist. Even if you are traveling in a hot climate, the temperature at night can plummet, so you need something to keep you warm.

You can get various thicknesses of sleeping bag depending on the place you are camping. You can also get specialized double sleeping bags and ‘onesie’ types that allow you to move your legs independently.

Cooking Equipment

The world of camping has changed a great deal since the campfire and a pot on the top. However, it is still important to have the essentials with you in the first instance. While you can make fire with just wood and kindling, that doesn’t mean that you would want to do it. Make sure you have something with you that can help you start a fire.

You also need something to cook with; you can get some sophisticated cooking stoves and burners that make quick work of cooking in the wild. Most run from butane, which must be handled properly to prevent an accident. It can also be a nice idea to have a way to wash your cookware afterwards; there are some neat portable sink units that can also serve as a washing station for you.

Lighting

Lighting is an essential item for many reasons; it isn’t just to help you see at night in the tent, it can also be good if there are problems outside at night that you need to sort out. It is also a good way to attract attention if you are in trouble. However, you need to be careful of your power supply if it isn’t solar powered.

You also want a light that is tough enough to survive in the outdoor conditions. You can find the best tactical flashlights for the job on sites such as Best Tactical Flashlights, who review many types.

Water

Depending on where you are camping and how long you plan to stay, you should always take enough water to see you through. Bear in mind that you will also need to wash unless there is a clear stream nearby.

It is a good idea also to take some sort of water purification device with you. If something goes wrong and you run out of water, this could be a life saver.

Camping is an exciting and inspiring thing that will make you feel closer to nature. Just make sure that you have all the basic equipment with you before you travel.

Adventurous Sports Insurance. What To Look For.

August 30, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

For the adventure travellers among you, setting off on your trips without the appropriate insurance cover mightn’t be a wise move. You should consider the types of activities you are likely to get up to on your travels, especially if you have those activities pre-booked. Thrill seekers can find themselves, jetskiing, sky diving, scuba diving and perhaps wing-suit flying or skiing to name but a few. Not all insurance companies will sinner these activities and due to the nature of them, accidents are more likely than other “normal” activities. To help you choose the best option for your requirements and budget, you will need to factor in the activities and countries you are travelling to.

Some types of adventure sports

Bungee jumping
Snowboarding
Sky diving
Scuba diving
Surfing
Off-road buggy driving
Shark cage diving
White water rafting

The above list is not exhaustive and you should check with the insurance company that they are covering the exact type of adventure sport you will part take in.

The finer print…

If you have gone through your insurance policy with a fine tooth comb, checked out the boundaries of your cover and understand any exclusions but yet still may have some questions about your travel insurance, a professional travel insurance advisor specialising in adventure travel would be a good second opinion to help steer you in the right direction.

Remember, in the unfortunate event of you being injured or your valuable adventure sports equipment being damaged on your travels, the cost of your insurance is minimal. Be safe and be covered!

Researching & comparing adventurous sports insurance is a wise move.

Adventure sports insurance

Specific experienced insurers offer adventure sports travel insurance, specialising in the kind of risks associated and thus tailor their insurance covers to suit adventure travellers.

It is worth noting, that because you are seeking extra cover and part-taking in activities deemed more risky than simply bathing by the pool, your premium will reflect this. So naturally, adventure sports insurance will be more expensive – don’t be surprised.

However, bear in mind the potential thousands in medical expenses and repatriation costs back to your home country in the unfortunate event of a serious accident. When you look at your insurance cover in this light, the premium is only pennies!

How to use adventure sports insurance

If possible, have a clear picture of which activities you will be doing before you jet off. If you don’t know prior to departure, some insurers will allow you to call up and add an activity onto your insurance cover ad-hoc, by phone. However, generally this won’t be possible so make sure you are specific in taking out your cover.

As a side note, don’t be so sure you’ll be able to rely on the activity provider’s own insurance to cover you, or at least to the extent that you wish.

Remember, a lot of the time you’ll sign a disclaimer before undertaking an activity. Disclaimers relinquish the company from responsibility as opposed to insurance to protect you! Be smart and be safe.

5 Outdoor Activities in the UK That Are Not For The Faint-hearted

June 6, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Are you looking for an amazing activity in the UK? There are many things to do here that will keep you entertained. Not just the norm of skiing in Europe. If you are the kind of person who chases adrenaline more than relaxation in your free time, then check out these activities which will certainly give you that adrenalin high.

Skydiving

Jumping out of an aeroplane mid-flight might sound scary. But if it’s adrenalin fuelled excitement you are looking for then try a Skydive. Feel that rush of air against your face and the notion of free-falling through the clouds as the ground gets ever closer. Most beginners usually start with a tandem dive where you are strapped to an instructor who does all the complicated bits. You are left to enjoy the pull of the parachute opening and the gentle glide back to earth.

Cliff jumping

For thrill seekers cliff jumping is an excellent choice for an outdoor activity in the UK. Definitely a amazing and memorable thing to do. Jumping straight into the sea from a height is not for the faint -hearted. But it is safe as long as you book with a reputable guide. They know the safest places to jump and will review your abilities. All that’s left to do is take the plunge.

Wakeboarding

An extreme sport which is a cross between snowboarding and water skiing. An adrenalin junkies dream especially if you like water sports. There are some perfect locations in the UK, with rugged coastlines and beaches with instructors available so you can give wakeboarding a go. This sport is popular with surfers and other water sport enthusiasts but anyone can give it a try. Check out the TOAD website if you are looking for great UK activities like this to try.

Bungee Jumping

Quite a brave thing to do, jump off a platform, only to be thrust back up and down until the bungee cord becomes slack. But what a rush you will feel once you take that plunge. Don’t worry though, the cord is extremely strong and designed to stretch during the jumper’s fall and to repeatedly snap back up. Each jumper is weighed, to make sure that the correct bungee rope is used. So as long as you book with a safe well-known company, all you have to concentrate on is stepping off that platform.

Power boating

Driving or riding in a speed boat is probably going to make you feel like James Bond. Does that sound like a thrilling outdoor activity to enjoy in the UK? You’re definitely going to think you are in a movie as you speed along the water. Learn about racing lines and how to control the boat as you travel along in style, whilst feeling the air on your face as you zoom along.

Have you noticed that a lot of these activities involve jumping or diving? You might have to be brave or insane depending on how you look at it. Whether it’s a scary tourist attraction or an adrenalin fuelled break, there are plenty of choices here in the UK. For a unique holiday destination with amazing outdoor activities you don’t have to look very far. The UK has plenty of places to enjoy extreme activities and make it a great sporting break.