Camping – How To Choose The Best Tent

December 31, 2009 · Filed Under Camping · Comments Off 

When backpacking, one of the most important items you can take with you is a tent. You will want a tent that you can set up camp quickly and easily and offers good protection allowing a good nights sleep, so you can start fresh again the next day. You will also want it to be light in weight if you intend backpacking. Choosing the correct tent is very important when backpacking. To help to choose which tent is best for you then the following describes the many types that are currently available on the market today and the ones most suitable for backpacking.

Tunnel tent These tents are superb for carrying as they are so lightweight therefore great for long backpacking expeditions. However, they don’t have much height and have two poles in their construction. They need stakes to keep the tent secure.

Dome tent The dome tent is excellent for headroom and internal space. It is a breeze to set up as it only uses two poles. However, with only two poles there isn’t a lot of support so it’s not so good if you are expecting bad or unpredictable weather conditions.

Supported dome tent This is very similar to a dome tent but offers more support. It is ideally suited to worse weather conditions and offers the same benefits as a regular dome tent.

Freestanding tent The freestanding tent is quite easy to set up as well as being pretty sturdy. They are very lightweight in design making them a great backpacking favorite. This tent should always be staked down so it doesn’t blow away.

Teepee tent As this tent has one tall pole in the middle it is great for headroom. The tent is draped over the pole and staked down to secure it. They usually don’t have a floor but still offers great protection from the weather.

Single wall constructed tent The single wall tent does not have a fly but is very easy to erect as they do not need extra ropes or stakes. Again, a lightweight tent so ideal for backpacking. Be sure to provide ventilation as they get condensation easily.

Double wall constructed tent Very similar to the single wall tent except they have an outer layer or fly so are well ventilated and don’t suffer as bad from condensation. They are also very easy to set up too.

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How To Best Enjoy a Backpacking Trip

November 20, 2009 · Filed Under Camping · Comments Off 

Backpacking is a fantastic hobby and is loved by many, many people. It gets you out into the great outdoors so you can enjoy breathtaking scenery or venture to new lands. There are so many options for the backpacker so whether you want to trek close to home, further afield – or even in another country – there will be a backpacking trip suitable for anyone who fancies giving it a go.

Being prepared for a backpacking adventure will make the trip go far more smoothly so research where you are going to be trekking. Know your area before you start off. It could be potentially dangerous to set off on a backpacking expedition unprepared. Make sure your camping gear is in good order and this primarily includes your tent, sleeping bag, food and water supplies and of course, your backpack to carry everything in.

Be sure to travel light. You do not want to over laden yourself with excess baggage that you may or may not use. By taking more weight than you need, fatigue could get the better of you and put paid to your backpacking plans. The secret is to look at what you are taking and decide if an item can double up and provide several uses. You will be surprised how many items that you plan to take with you can be already accommodated by some other item in your backpack.

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Outdoor Cookware For Your Backpacking Adventure – All You Need To Know

November 20, 2009 · Filed Under Camping · Comments Off 

It is essential that a backpacker should have a really good set of cookware for their backpacking trips. As outdoor cooking presents its own problems, by not having a good set of cookware will compound the problem and make things worse. The cookware that is used for backpacking is very different to what you use at home in the kitchen. To know exactly what cookware to choose it is essential you understand about the different types of outdoor cookware that are available.

When it comes to backpacking cookware, there are primarily three different materials that they are made from and these are: stainless steel, aluminum and titanium, Originally, for many years aluminum was the favorite material of choice as is it lightweight. This is key to the backpacker as the lighter the load the better. However, aluminium can cause food to stick, making it difficult to clean and can not be very durable. Also it breaks down over time and can affect your health. These days there are other, better materials available for your backpack cookware such as aluminum coated cookware which is non-stick and does not pose any potential health problems. However, it is a little heavier.

Another alternative material to backpacking cookware is stainless steel. What was once heavy, with the advancement of new technology has introduced lightweight versions. This material is very durable but is not the best at distributing heat. You need to be sure that food is evenly cooked.

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