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The deserts of southern California can be welcome camping destinations when the snows of winter have descended over other portions of the western United States. While campers even in arid basins of the Mojave or Sonoran deserts must be prepared f...
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While the hardy and experienced can camp in the winter nearly anywhere in the United States, many people prefer to seek out balmy climes when tenting it during this season. Arizona is a prime destination for such activities. Its desert lowlands, ...
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Howling winds drive the sleet and snow across the landscape suddenly changing the leisurely winter hike into winter survival. Nothing in the forecast warned of the storm coming this afternoon. The temperatures plummet and you can feel the wind-dr...
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Though methane gas has become outmoded in recent years as a camp stove fuel in favor of more efficient and refined fuels (such as methanol, propane and butane), the gas used to be a common cooking fuel for backpacking chefs for a number of reasons.
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Bates and Magnum boots are used by the men and women of the military, fire and rescue, and law enforcement in the United States. Magnum boots are distributed in more than 80 countries while Bates has distribution in more than 50 countries.
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Take your Nuvi 205 to the trails and get point-by-point guidance to your backpacking destination. The GPS device is useful for navigation by walking or driving and easily fits in your pocket for mobility. Make sure to charge the lithium-ion batte...
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Regress back to the days of summer camp and add a bunk bed to your RV. Bunk beds save space in small RVs. If you are RV camping with children, you can use a bunk bed to stack the wee ones up for a good night's sleep. Fashioning a bunk in an RV is...
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Trekking poles are invaluable hiking companions: They take much strain off your legs and hips, lend greater stability over loose footing or during a river-ford and can, in a pinch, serve to push aside thick vegetation or prop up a tarp. But there...
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Hiking along nature trails may require an ability to read the language of the trail. Trail markers such as rocks, logs and sticks can guide hikers to the right direction when faced with a fork in the way, allowing them to continue on the main pat...
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The Carolina Hiking and Singles Club, located in Greenville, is a loosely organized group of singles who like to hike. While this group concentrates on hiking, its members schedule some social activities throughout each month. New members do not ...
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Hikers and backpackers use trekking poles to reduce the strain on their knees and give themselves extra stability. Many of these poles have adjustable lengths and can be expanded or compressed to change their size. These trekking poles are made...
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For a trekking pole to be functional, it needs to stand at the right height in comparison to your body. If a pole is too long or too short it puts unnecessary strain on your body without providing stability or control. When purchasing a fixed l...
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Reminiscent of ski poles, trekking poles are used by hikers and climbers in all sorts of terrain. They work as an extension of your body, providing stability and relieving pressure on your joints. A good trekking pole should be comfortable and fu...
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A recreation map can be an invaluable tool for an angler. It gives him a more detailed understanding of the layout, say, of a woodland lake than can visual reconnaissance alone: the topography of its floor and the location of sunken logs, for exa...
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The market is crammed with a diverse and often confusing selection of boots for adventures in the great outdoors. It makes matching your particular needs to a particular kind of boot especially important. Backpackers, for example, routinely bear ...
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Rome, Georgia, is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, giving hiking and outdoor enthusiasts plenty of territory to explore nearly all year long. The hiking clubs in Rome accept hikers of all abilities.
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Navigating wilderness country using a compass means understanding the difference between two "norths:" magnetic north and true north. Their distinction is crucial to accurate orientation, and converting between allows you to set a bearing of travel.
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When the Autumnal Equinox has past and the colors on the trees go from green to orange you know fall is in the air. With autumn comes apple cider, warm sweaters and crisp cool mornings. Camping during autumn brings you into the depths of the chan...
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Shower facilities in camp grounds are subject to the same kinds of bacteria and fungus as any public shower. While camp grounds perform daily cleanings, it's important to understand the hazards that can develop at a camp ground. Generally, you an...
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Following the same principles of the boats built by Eskimos, folding kayaks are composed of a lightweight metal or wood frame covered with a polymer skin. They take approximately 20 minutes to assemble, then can be used in calm waters or rapids.
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For more than a century, Eureka has developed and produced quality camping tents from its headquarters in Binghamton, New York. The Mountain Breeze two-person tent features dual entries and just over 12 square feet of room. You can readily repai...
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Indiana has numerous hiking opportunities ranging from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan in the northwest corner of the state to the 23-mile Adventure Hiking Trail beginning at the Harrison Crawford State Park. Residents of...
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Kelty manufactures tents that suit midrange campers from backcountry hikers needing a light one-man shelter, to families camping out at their local state park. The tents are all variations of the modern dome tent, with aluminum poles and polyeste...
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Monodome tents do not require staking, although you can add stakes to provide another level of protection from wind. These tents come in both single and multiperson sizes, and for three- and four-season use. Monodome tents generally have between ...
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When selecting a camping tent, many prefer the natural cotton material of a canvas tent. Though these tend to be more breathable and durable than their synthetic counterparts, users also need to be aware of their potential safety hazards.
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China has several mountain ranges scattered throughout its immense boundaries. The largest mountains and the ones of most interest to scientists because of the immense bio-diversity are the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China.
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Whether you are a novice hiker or have years of experience, your hiking boots are your most important piece of gear. They protect your feet from the terrain as well as keep you dry. Eventually, those nice, new boots are going to end up covered in...
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"Best" has different meanings when camping in Yosemite National Park. There are places that are best for being close to the sights and sounds of the park. There are campgrounds best for a little privacy and breathtaking views. Then there's Camp 4...
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Creating a journal is a wonderful way to remember a past fishing trip. Though the memory can fade, what is written in the journal always will exist to help relive that day. Creating and keeping a journal does not require a degree in writing. All ...
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If you plan to cook food over a campfire, making the cook fire inside a fire pit is the safest method. A fire pit lessens the chances of starting a brush or forest fire. If your campsite does not have a fire pit, as most developed sites do, you w...
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There is something about food prepared outdoors that makes it taste better. Even the common hotdog can taste as good as an expensive cut of meat when grilled at a campsite. Creating a camping menu that includes what and how much food you need, is...
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The Streamlight Stinger DS LED flashlight operates with an LED bulb, exponentially brighter than incandescent bulb style flashlights. LED bulbs are dense, hard pieces of glass that use a magnification process to burn brighter while using less bat...
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One of the most versatile pieces of cookware a camper can take along on a camping trip is a Dutch oven. It is durable and long lasting, usually lasting more than a lifetime and keeping it in shape takes very little effort.
Though too heavy...
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Backpacking is an adventure but also a physical challenge that puts a strain on your body. When choosing backpacking food items, make a checklist that puts into consideration factors such as weight, nutrition and personal taste preference. Select...
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Homestead campgrounds are located across the United States. With campgrounds nestled between wooded areas, lakes and rivers, as well as near the ocean, you can find a homestead campground right for you and your family. These campgrounds feature a...
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Campers of all experience levels can cook a variety of meals while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether the menu calls for frying, grilling or boiling, there is an outdoor cooking method to get the job done. And with all the advancements in camp ...
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One of the advantages of camping is that you can eat as expensively or as cheaply as you desire. Planning your camping meals is much like planning your weekly meals at home. The only difference is you will be eating them in the woods and not at t...
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Backcountry camping doesn't necessarily mean freeze-dried foods and sandwiches for meal time. Using an aluminum camping cook set, water and a few staple ingredients, you can make delicious meals for large groups. The minimum prep work and quick c...
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Knoxville, Tennessee is within an hour of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pigeon Forge and various state parks and forests. With its mild winter, the area is popular for four-season hiking. If there is snow in the hills, snowshoes often repla...
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When you install a compass into a boat, various metal parts---sometimes even the screws used to mount the compass---might cause it to deviate from the real magnetic readings. In an extreme example, your compass could read 90 or more degrees off--...
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Campers have a variety of options when it comes to lighting. This is especially true if electricity is included at the campsite. No longer are lanterns the main light source, with their bright, spotlight-like glare. Using a string of lights gives...
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Lewisville Lake is a popular reservoir for campers, anglers and boaters. Surrounded by a number of small towns and neighborhoods, the lake has several recreation parks and campgrounds along its shoreline and is an easy drive from the metro Dalla...
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George Mallory gave the famous quote on why mountain climbers climb mountains. "Because they're there," he said when asked why he chose to climb Mount Everest. Today, you may have the same desire to get up and over your own personal Everest. If y...
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The simplest campground foods combine a pair of virtues. Given that most campers must rely on coolers for refrigeration, if even that much, simple camping foods should require little more than storage in a cool, dark place to remain edible.
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Unforeseeable, severe weather and crippling accidents might be uncommon, but such incidents are still an intrinsic part of the outdoor experience. Owners of remote wilderness cabins need to keep their outposts stocked with long-lasting emergency ...
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If you find your Kelty backpack has been taken apart and left in a mound of straps, bars, pieces and fabric, don't despair. Reassembling a Kelty backpack is accomplished through a chronological system of placing the parts back into the main fabri...
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Arctic oven tents are utilized for extreme cold weather camping. Though sometimes used as a four-season tent, the arctic oven series provides adequate shelter during conditions commonly encountered in the pole regions. Using an inner tent and out...
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To find water leaks on your Class C RV, sometimes referred to as a mini-home, you are going to have to get on your hands and knees and inspect. Class C RVs are known for leaks around the cab-over sleeping area, according to Prevost RV. Water dama...
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The terrain of Washington State varies dramatically, from the forests of the Cascade Mountains to the dry sagebrush desert of Douglas Creek. Campers can stay in one of the established campgrounds or find solitude at a dispersed campsite. Accord...
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The Sacramento region offers many opportunities for hiking year round. You can do an easy hike within the city along the American River Parkway or travel to a nearby park such as Auburn State Recreation Area (30 minutes north), offering more stre...
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The Coleman 8-by-11 Vagabond is a springbar tent, not to be confused with the Vagabond I and II dome tents. According the Springbar factory's website, the procedure for pitching a springbar tent hasn't changed much in 30 years. While the Coleman ...
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Campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts that frequent the forests of Colorado can learn about wilderness survival training. Prepare yourself by knowing what to do and what not to do in an outdoor emergency.
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Whether you choose to tent camp, backpack or stay overnight in an RV, there are a few guidelines that all campers should follow to stay safe. Prevent common camping accidents, such as dehydration and freezing, by following these guidelines.
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When caring for a new or used room tent, clean the interior and exterior regularly. Since room tents are constructed from nylon, canvas and/or polyester, clean the room tent using a cleaning mixture that is both effective and safe to use regularl...
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When camping in the backcountry, you don't need an expensive camping tent. A homemade camping hammock tent is sturdy enough to provide protection from the elements and is easy to craft. Using only a few tools--most of which will already be part o...
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As more women venture into the outdoors to enjoy nature and camping, they need to be just as prepared as their male counterparts. The basic supplies and gear items are the same for both sexes, but women might require additional personal items. Wi...
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Florida may be famous for its beaches, but its lakes and fishing areas are pretty nice as well. Lake Wales is one of about 550 lakes in Polk County in central Florida. Campgrounds range from small primitive camping areas to large resort RV-style ...
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Homemade camping cookware can be crafted directed from your camping site. The benefit of using a hand-crafted heat source and DIY stove is that it is cheap and also can be used during emergency survival situations. The heat source fits directly u...
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Officially titled Heber-Overgaard, this small city is set in the middle of the Sitgreaves National Forest, which is a part of a large network of national forests in central Arizona. Sitgreaves National Forest is home to many hiking trails and lak...
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Springerville is located in the northern corner of eastern Arizona. It is the largest town in the region and many campers and tourists flock here in the summer to take advantage of the scenery, campgrounds, and hundreds of hiking and cycling oppo...
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The German method of stacking firewood, known as the holzhaufen (woodpile) or holz hausen (wood house), is designed to allow air to flow from the outside of the stack and into the center. This dries all the wood, usually within three months, so y...
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If space is an issue, or you just like to travel light, folding stools can be an alternative to cumbersome camp chairs. Stools are lightweight and easy to pack and store. Building your own can also provide significant cost savings over purchasing...
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Camping trailers are normally a bit more cramped than bigger RV-type vehicles and as a result come with fewer amenities. If your camping trailer lacks a shower, you don't have to rough it the entire trip. Most campsites provide showers, and even ...
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An igloo or dome tent comes with connected poles that go through pockets in the tent fabric. The rain fly, or flysheet, covers the main tent, providing additional protection from wind and rain. With practice, this tent style sets up quickly even ...
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Giardia, Cryptosporidia, Entamoeba, viruses and pollution are just a few hazards found in the untreated waters of lakes, rivers and streams. If are camping and find yourself without potable water or a water purification device, you can make a fil...
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Lake Somerville, halfway between Houston and Austin, provides a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities. While visiting the area you can hike, mountain bike or go horseback riding on miles of trails surrounding the water. You can also spe...
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Much of our enjoyment of camping is tied to cooking and eating. Whether it's the extra activity that boosts appetite or that everything seems to taste better under an open sky, food can play an important part in our outdoor memories. Follow some ...
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People visit the outdoors for many reasons, and each has its own set of requirements for a cooking stove. Although many stoves come equipped with features to mimic a home range, plenty others focus on lightweight and packable design.
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Motorcycle camping requires a weight centric mindset. Keeping your gear list short and light will keep your rides pleasant and struggle free. Carrying capacity on a bike is limited, so you must decide what you need on your trip versus what you wa...
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For many backpacking and camping enthusiasts, weight is a primary concern. Reliable operation and service from gear is also a must for many backcountry travelers. All of these criteria apply to camp stoves that are used to boil water and cook foo...
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Northwest Territory's dome tent has two main poles that hold it upright and in place. Even novice campers may find erecting this tent relatively simple and less time-consuming than many cabin tents on the market.
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Ogio International is based out of Utah. The company manufactures sports gear and specializes in backpacks and golf bags. Ideal for daylong and week-long backpacking expeditions, Ogio backpacks are sleek, compact and made with "excess" features i...
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Established in 1926, Grundens originally designed its rain gear to keep seamen dry. Today, it continues to make foul-weather gear for professionals and enthusiasts who spend time in extreme wet weather conditions. Unlike other rain gear made from...
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When camping, hiking or backpacking in the back country, it's important that you know how to start a fire. Fire-starting is important for cooking and also emergency survival. Using a fire piston, you can ignite a flame, which you can fan to induc...
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Going on camping trips will improve self-reliance skills and help you decompress from the stresses of the real world, but you need to be prepared for basic situations that are more likely to occur in the wilderness than your own backyard, no matt...
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When you are backpacking or hiking in the back country or along a trail, staying light on your feet is essential. With so many ups and downs along the way, being light on your feet will help you climb high peaks and scale low valleys. Whether you...
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Winter camping requires that you reassess what is necessary for a camping trip if your camping has been limited to the warmer months. Many of the aspects associated with summer camping come into play when you head out during the winter, but you m...
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Cushing, located in central Minnesota, is surrounded by lakes, forests and parks, making it a great place for wilderness adventure. Nearby is the historical Charles A. Lindbergh state park--the home of the father of the famous aviator. Campground...
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Camping requires a lot of preparation to ensure you remain safe and comfortable. Hatchets are one of the most important tools to bring camping. Hatchets are dual use tools in that the one side is equipped for cutting, while the other is used for ...
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Everyone enjoys a nice hike in the mountains of Canada or even a camping trip close to their favorite lake or river. However, without the proper tools and knowledge, you can find yourself in a life-or-death situation. All it takes is for your rad...
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What kid doesn't love to sing camp songs. They add fun and entertainment to the trip; popular styles of camp songs include repeat songs that count off various things and songs with hand motions. Counting off 1 through 10 helps kids keep track of ...
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Marietta is positioned along the border between Ohio and West Virginia, on the shores of the Ohio River. Vacationers traveling to Marietta will find camping areas spread around the borders of the city, providing access to outdoor activities such ...
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Even the most experienced of outdoor enthusiasts can get lost and find the need to survive in the wilderness. The most intelligent decision you can make if you are going into the wild for any reason at all is to carry with you an emergency surviv...
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When purchasing a used camping tent, it is best to search for a tent that is in good condition, meaning it has little to no tears, surface damage, rust or mildew, and absolutely no missing parts--manufacturers of camping gear frequently discontin...
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If you intend to go solo tent camping on your own, make sure you let someone know where you are setting up camp, as well as when you are leaving, and when you should be back. If your plans change after you leave, let someone know. Going camping o...
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Native Americans, early settlers and mountain men all used flint and steel to start their fires. The flint can be any hard, quartz-based stone, including flint, quartzite or chert. The steel can be the back of a knife blade, a broken metal file o...
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Leather garments can save a biker's life when riding a motorcycle by protecting the body from extreme lacerations or road burn, should their bike tip over for any reason. Also, wearing leather is a fashion choice of men and women of all ages and ...
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When camping at a backwoods location or other site, it is essential that you know how to use a homemade flint fire starter. Using only flint, steel and tinder, you can start a fire at your camp site. Once flames appear, it's easy to fan the flame...
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Northwest Territory is a brand of affordable camping gear made by North Pole Limited, for sale at Kmart and Sears stores. The Northwest Territory screen house is a 10-by-10-foot pavilion with mesh fabric walls and perfect for use as a shady, bug...
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The Sportz Truck Tent III allows you to convert the bed of your pickup truck into a tent. It's a versatile and useful way to use your truck for camping if you don't have or don't want a camper top. The truck tent is lightweight and easy to put up...
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You've set up your camp at your favorite backwoods destination or state park. As the temperature drops when night falls or you're trying to warm up in the morning, you bring out your camping equipment to make a tasty treat. Using just a few piece...
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Whether you will be camping overnight during summer or winter, you must protect yourself from the cold at night, especially when sleeping on the ground. A sleeping bag may seem appealing, but could leave you freezing and uncomfortable. Make a hom...
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Listed by Midwest Living Magazine as "one of the Top 100 towns to visit," Coshocton, Ohio has a charm all its own. Only an hour and a half from Columbus, campers can unwind in the mellow atmosphere that permeates throughout.
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Hanging food supplies in a tree is a method to keep bears, raccoons and other animals from rummaging through, eating and otherwise destroying items while on a camping trip. Hanging your food in a tree is not foolproof though. Animals often can ge...
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Dehydration can wreak havoc on your body, turning an otherwise great day of hiking into an unpleasant scenario as you struggle with sensations of dry mouth, dizziness, a splitting headache, low energy and general weakness. Ignore these initial sy...
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Accidents in the wilderness happen all the time. People wind up stranded by the failure of a bus, train, boat or plane, while others might see their camping equipment or supplies damaged or destroyed. If you find yourself far from civilization in...
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Hikers, hunters, anglers and others who spend time in the outdoors should be prepared and familiar with basic methods and techniques for survival. To train for a survival situation involves making the most of what you have, how to signal for help...
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A camp shower bag, which harnesses solar power, can heat 20 liters, or 4.4 gallons, of water or more. The bag features a hose valve, or showerhead, designed to slowly release water when in use. It also features a side solar panel that uses heat t...
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A survival situation can be anything from a natural disaster such as an earthquake to a city-wide blackout, which is common in large cities such as New York. To prepare for a worst-case scenario, start stocking canned and vacuum-sealed foods. Man...
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Within the category of sport tents--tents designed for outdoor use by backpackers and others--dome tents are one of the largest categories. Dome tents share similarities, whatever the brand or model. The tent body proper suspends from two flexibl...
