Outdoor Gear

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Best Hiking Trails in North America – Top 5
By Jenny Dixie Jenny Dixie
Anyone who is fond of the outdoors know what a thrill hiking can be. Most of us don’t get a chance to venture out and hike as much as we would like to. Here is a compresses list of the best hiking trails in North America so when you do go you will experience the best the hiking has to offer.

The Top Spots Goes To

1. The Breakneck Ridge Trail

Don’t let the name scare you off. This is one of the most beautiful trails out there. This trail is located in Hudson Highlands State Park. This trail is rugged in certain place especially when it ascends from river level to the rolling knobby ridge. From this ridge there are amazingly beautiful vistas and lookouts. One of the special attractions of this trail is the Hudson River which is also a beautiful sight. Also because this trail is mixed forest if you go out during spring and summer you will see all of the beautiful wild flowers. Length: 9.6 miles, Elevation Gain: 1500 feet, Season: Spring through Fall, Trail Type: Loop, Skill Level: Strenuous

2. The Glacier Gorge

To many this is the most beautiful spot in the Rocky Mountain National Park. If you like alpine lakes or have always wanted to see one this is the place. Along with alpine lakes this trail offers beautiful mixed wildflowers and cascading waterfalls. Length: 9.6 Mile, Elevation Gain: 1600 feet, Season: June to October, Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Moderate to Strenuous

3. The Pinnacle an Appalachian Trail

This trail offers such a wide variety of views and special little attractions. On this trail you get views of Hawk Mountain. (which is one of the best places to watch the annual hawk migration) You will also see Lehigh Valley and Blue Rocks. This is a vigorous trail and they advise to wear hiking boots because of the rocky conditions. The trail follows forest foot paths and mountain streams. Length: 8.7 miles, Elevation Gain: 868 feet, Season: Year Round

4. Mount Whitney

This trail leads you to the highest peak in the United States. Length: 22 miles, Elevation Gain: 6,000 feet, Season: July-September

5. Conundrum Hot Springs

Nestled in Colorado the hidden jewel is probably the most exquisite trail you will find. There is a secluded collection of pristine pools. The pools are all different in size varying anywhere to 3 feet deep. The pools also vary in temperature. The largest of the pools stays a comfortable 102 degrees F. Some of the smaller pools are cooler.

Jenny Dixie has been writing articles for several years now and is an avid reader, writer. She loves decorating and neat ideas like her new and improved balloon shade that is shabby chic without being over the top.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Dixie

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Monday, June 28th, 2010

Best Backpacking Tent – 5 Things You Must Consider to Find the Right Backpacking Tent For Your Trip
By B. Berlin

When you prepare for a backpacking tour, one of the most important pieces of equipment is your backpacking tent. Your well-being and the success of your trip greatly depend on your tent. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a tent that meets your needs.

Here are 5 things you should consider when buying your backpacking tent:

Tent type
Size
Weight
Features
Weather conditions

#1: Tent type

This is mainly a question of liking, but also of the type of backpacking tour that you plan. If you use your backpacking tent only during the night, you might like a tunnel tent, which will just allow you to lie and sleep. However, if you like to also spend some daytime in your tent, a dome style backpacking tent that allows you to sit up will suit you better.

#2: Size

The amount of living space you need due to your body size and personal preferences will determine the size of your tent. Make sure you can lie comfortable, and sit up if that is important to you. Also make sure that your backpacking tent offers enough space for your luggage. If you are a short person, you can opt for a smaller tent. This will save you from having to carry the weight of extra living space you don’t need.

#3: Weight

Remember that you need to carry your tent during the day, so make sure you can comfortably cope with its weight. Watch out for backpacking tents with aluminum poles, which are lighter than steel poles.

#4: Features

One of the most important features of a backpacking tent is quick and easy setup and taking down. You don’t want to spend much time on doing that. If you like things to be in order, you might want a vestibule or gear loft to store your bags, or sewn-in pockets to keep your small items. This is especially helpful if you share your tent with other backpackers.

#5: Weather conditions

It’s mandatory that your backpacking tent is suitable for the weather conditions in which you travel. If you expect rain and moist ground, opt for bathtub floor and full coverage rain fly with thick coating. Also make sure your tent offers good ventilation to keep you comfortable. If you travel in high altitudes or hot areas, choose UV-resistant materials. These will protect your tent from sun damage. For cold weather, aluminium poles are better than fiberglass poles, since they are more resistant to cold. Extra stakes and guy lines to secure your tent are crucial if you travel in very windy conditions.

The 2 most important things to keep in mind when buying a backpacking tent are: Make sure that your tent is suitable for the kind of trip you plan. And make sure it meets your personal needs. If you consider this, you will be as comfortable and safe as you can be. Remember: The best tent is the one that suits you best.

B. Berlin is the marketing director of Family Tents World.com. B. Berlin is the marketing director of Family Tents World.com. To find quality, light weight backpacking tents, visit http://www.familytentsworld.com today. We offer easy to set up dome and tunnel tents for 1-3 sleepers, catering for both short and tall adventurers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.

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Monday, June 28th, 2010

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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

How to Buy the Right Shooting Jacket
By M James

If you’re looking to buy a new shooting jacket, then you might have something in mind, or know what sort of thing you’re looking for. If you’re not sure, here’s what sort of things you need to consider.

1. You’ll need to establish how often you’re going to wear your new shooting jacket. If it’s going to be your main jacket, and you’ll wear it all the time, then you’ll want something that will be up to the job. If you won’t wear it that often, then your requirements might well be different.

2. Your outdoor jacket needs to be durable and able to cope with the rigours of outdoor life. You don’t want it ripping on thorn bushes, or falling apart after only wearing it a few times. Check the stitching and the material, and ensure that it looks like it’s suitable.

3. It’s essential that you can move your arms freely when trying on shooting jackets. You don’t want to be restricted, and not be able to hold your gun properly, or have difficulties aiming.

4. You might want to have decent sized pockets so that you can hold what you need with you. Whether you just need to carry your gloves, or everything you need for a days shooting, you’ll want to make sure that your pockets are big enough.

5. Dull colours are essential for shooting jackets, so that you blend in well with your surrounding, and don’t stand out to your prey. You’ll need to ensure that your shooting jacket isn’t brightly coloured, otherwise it’ll be next to useless when you’re out shooting.

6. A warm hunting jacket will be much appreciated when you’re spending all day enjoying the great outdoors, so you’ll want plenty of padding and insulation. You might also want to ensure that there’s room for you to wear an extra sweater underneath too.

7. Depending on where you shoot, you might want your jacket to be waterproof too. Although a bit more expensive, it’ll definitely be worth it so you can stay warm and dry.

8. One of the most important things to look for in shooting jackets, is that they are quiet in operation. You don’t want your prey to hear you as you stalk them.

9. You might already have a brand in mind, or know which brands of shooting jackets you’re considering. However, it’s essential that you buy the jacket that fits well, and is right for you. You might be surprised at what some of the other brands offer, and might end up choosing a jacket from a brand you wouldn’t have previously considered.

10. You might want to choose your shooting jacket based on cost. It’s important to remember that you need plenty of features from your jacket, and that getting it right first time should be more important than the cost. It might be worth waiting a while, rather than settling for something that you know isn’t right, doesn’t fit, or won’t keep your warm and dry.

Now you know what to look for, you’ll be able to choose from all the shooting jackets, and get the right one, to enjoy your shooting even more.

If you’re looking for Shooting Jackets, then you’ll find a wide range at John Norris. With shooting clothing from all the leading brands, you’re bound to find the shooting clothing you need. With everything from fly fishing rods and reels, to Gun Dog Whistles you’ll be able to get what you need to help you enjoy your time in the great outdoors. View the whole range, and buy online today, at JohnNorris.co.uk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_James

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Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Hiking Gear You Need to Take on a Ramble Or Hike
By Jim Nariel

So you want to go hiking and therefore you need to understand what hiking gear you will need to take with you. The stores are full of lots of hiking gear that they want to sell you.
However here are the main things you need to consider when deciding what hiking gear you need.
1. Rucksack. Sounds obvious but you want a quality rucksack when hiking. There are different sizes of rucksack depending on the type of hiking you are planning. You also need to investigate how to pack a rucksack as this is also very important. This is really a subject of its own. However you need to concentrate on packing the heavy items at the top with easy access to the things you may need first (such as waterproof clothing etc).
2. Clothing and waterproof gear. Take at least one pair of complete clothing depending on the number of days you are hiking for. Your clothes should be resistant to absorbing water (i.e not jeans) and it is better to take a number of thin jumpers than a thick jumper. Also please remember 80% of heat is lost through your head – so a hat is a must. In addition most importantly buy some good quality waterproof gear. A good raincoat (not thin) and waterproof leggings is essential to keeping dry and safe on a hike. This hiking gear is very important for a hike.
3. Hiking boots. Another essential item to your hiking gear are hiking boots. You need strong boots for the tough trail ahead. Your boots should support your ankles as well as your feet. Make sure they are comfortable and fit well. Also make sure that you wear your hiking boots a number of times before you use them on the hike. This will help prevent blisters – not nice.
4. Map, Compass. It is obvious but you need to know where you are going and plan your route and have a map and compass. It is an essential aspect of your hiking gear. Also ensure you know how to use them. How to read a map. How to set a map using your surroundings and a compass.
This is not a complete list of all the hiking gear you need to take on a hike however it is a start for the main essentials.
The above hiking gear will help you to prepare for a fantastic and memorable hike. Have a great time!
I enjoy Hiking and rambling. I also keep a hiking and rambling blog which I fully populate with videos and articles on a daily basis.
Please see my rambling and hiking blog here

http://ramblingwalking.blogspot.com

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Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Camping Air Beds – Tips on Buying the Right Air Bed For Your Perfect Camping Trip
By Jim Renfro

Camping trips are so much fun and reassuring if you have the right set of equipment. One to include in your list of important camping equipments is camping air beds.

When buying a these beds, it is ideal not to buy one out of concern for the price. If you buy cheap mattress, it will just leave you problematic later on. There are things you need to be on the look out for when looking for the most suitable camping air bed for your needs.

The first thing you need to consider is the material of the camping air bed. Strong types include those made of synthetic rubber, nylon and PVC. Thong these are strong types, many find them very uncomfortable to use. This makes camping air beds made of vulcanized natural rubber more flexible.

Vulcanized natural rubber may not be as strong as synthetic rubber materials but if you will opt for fabric packet vulcanized natural rubber, there have been proven to be stronger. Matter of fact, they can last for a long time.

When it comes to air mattresses, these also come in a variety of models. They may range from simple single chamber models to multi-chamber models having digital controllers. For the best deals, go for the ones that feature a foam layer utilized in the mattress. It is better if the foam is around 3 to 6 inches. Look for one with great quality. If the mattress appear very stiff and not flexible enough, it is a low quality mattress.

The inflatable bed mattress & sofa is one among various reliable camping air beds to consider. It is made from flocked PVS. When unfolded, the bed measures 75 by 76 inches. When deflated, the bed measures 78 ¾ inches by 76 ¾ inches by 9 3/8 inches plus 15 ¾ inches. When inflated, the measurements are 76 ¾ inches by 39 inches by 19 inches plus 15 ¾ inches. For easy inflation, an electric air pump is included.

The AeroBed Travel & Camp Bed is another type of camping air bed to consider. This model is very easy to inflate and very convenient for camping trips. It instantly pumps up from any DC car lighter. It also comes with a newly designed rechargeable pump. Its rechargeable pump has an “instant on” feature which allows the pump to instantly work. It weighs 23.5 lbs.

Jim Renfro is a camping maniac who writes about Camping Air Beds at his camping site, http://www.camping-air-beds.com.

Come by to read the latest reviews of the newest camping air beds available today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Renfro

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Intro to Kayaking For Beginners
By Laura Bramble

Kayaking is a fun and exciting sport that is suitable for nearly everyone. You can kayak in smooth waters, white water or the ocean. All offer their own unique pleasures and challenges. Kayaking is not a difficult sport that requires a great deal of time and effort to learn, although experience or an experienced companion is necessary for white water and ocean kayaking. There are also two person kayaks, which allows for even beginners to experience all the thrills of a more challenging waterway in a safer way.

Kayaking, even on calm water, burns a lot of calories and is great for your core muscles as well as your shoulders and back. Staying upright requires you to engage your core muscles for balance, while paddling on both sides gives you an even amount of movement with the shoulders and upper back. Combine your kayaking with some hiking and you get a full body workout while you enjoy nature and the fresh air.

The great thing about a kayak is that you can easily bring gear with you if you plan to take a trip. Any gear can be stored in the kayak with you as long as it’s placed in waterproof bags, and your kayak is light enough to be toted for short distances. With a one man tent, a sleeping bag and some food, toiletries and water, you can be set for a wonderful weekend outdoors.

Depending on the type of water you will be kayaking in, your equipment needs are pretty minimal. You can rent a kayak and paddle from a number of places near most water recreational areas and only need a long sleeve shirt, hat, pants that allow for movement, sunscreen with a bug repellent, sunglasses and water socks. The clothes and shoes should be made of a material that breathes well and dries quickly. Rougher water and the open ocean require heavier duty gear, since you may roll or be out for an extended amount of time.

Laura Bramble is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics. To read more of her work, please visit kids water shoes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Bramble

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Monday, June 7th, 2010

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Monday, June 7th, 2010

Hiking and Gear For Sleeping – Tent and Sleeping Bag
By Jim Nariel

So you have parked the car and put your rucksack on. You have checked the map and put your first step out to start your planned hike. There is no better feeling knowing that this is just the start and the joys are to come. However before you get there we need to consider a plan and ensure that we have all the right hiking and gear that is necessary. There are 2 pieces of equipment for sleeping that sometimes do not get the right kind of attention which is your tent and sleeping bag. These are all important when buying the right hiking and gear for sleeping.

1. Tent

In my experience there are 3 major factors to consider when you purchase a tent for hiking.

Firstly there is the weight to consider. You need to consider how big the tent needs to be depending on the size of your group and how much you want to carry. So really the weight is a “trade off” and needs to be considered carefully. A 2 or 3 man tent is great for the right hiking and gear for one person to carry.

Secondly you need to consider how your tent packs into your rucksack. Is the tent packing volume the right size for your rucksack? Will it fit OK?

Thirdly, how easy is it to set up? After a long day of great, but maybe tiring, hiking you will want to ensure that the tent was easy to put up without too many complications.

2. Sleeping bag

Sleeping bags are also important as part of your hiking and gear for sleeping. For hiking I would buy a tapered or mummy type bag that tends to be thinner at the foot end. This will ensure extra warmth because your body does not have to work so hard to keep warm. Also ensure that the sleeping bag has a hood (due to the amount of heat that is generated from your head).

The other important thing about sleeping bags as part of your hiking and gear is the stitching. Cheaper bags are stitched through the actual bag creating big pockets. Manufacturers then fill these pockets with insulation. As the stitching is through the actual sleeping bag there are pockets of cold spots all over the sleeping bag. So avoid these sleeping bags. Instead go for the sleeping bag that has offset stitching. This where the stitching is in the middle of the insulation so that there are no cold spots.

So have a great time hiking. However make sure you have the right tent and bag as it is an important part of your hiking and gear.

I enjoy hiking and rambling also writing hiking and rambling blogs which I fully populate with videos and articles on a daily basis.

Please see my hiking and rambling blog here:

http://ramblingwalking.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles

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Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

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