Camping Suggestions

Archive for January, 2010

Buying all the camping gear that you need to have for everyone in the family can get very expensive, very quickly. If this is your first family camping trip then you probably don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on new high end camping equipment until you for sure that family camping trips are something that you’ll be doing more in the future.

 

How can you get the gear that you and your family need without spending a small fortune? Here are five ways to find everything you need for less:

 

1. Borrow it

 

Do you have friends that go camping with their kids? Or do you family that have gone camping in the past or maybe you have some friends that are outdoor enthusiasts? Borrow anything you can from them. Borrow lanterns, sleeping bags, a stove, whatever they have. Anything that you don’t have to buy is money saved.

 

2. Rent it

 

Not all of the camping gear that you need to have will be available for rental but some camping and outdoor sports stores like REI do rent things like tents and stoves and other large pieces of camping equipment. Since those are the things that you would end up spending the biggest amount of money on it makes sense to see if you can rent those things instead of buying. Check with your local sporting goods and outdoor sports stores to see what equipment they rent.

 

3. Buy second hand

 

Scour local resale shops or used sporting goods stores for second hand camping gear that is still in good condition. Chances are pretty good that you will find some great gear that has only been used once that was purchased by other family campers who decided camping wasn’t for them. You should probably not buy used sleeping bags, but other second hand equipment could save you lots money. You can also take your chances at garage sales and yard sales.

 

4. Equipment swaps

 

Do your kids play sports and have a lot of old sports gear? Look for local sports equipment swaps to see if you can trade your kids’ old, outgrown gear for some family camping gear. Many times local community sports leagues, sporting teams, Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups and other community groups will hold equipment swaps. Check with your local parks department to find equipment swaps in your area.

 

5. Look online

 

Scour sites like Craigslist or Freecycle to find free or low cost camping equipment that is still in good condition. Sometimes you can get amazing deals on equipment that is practically new when you look on the Internet.

 

With a little bit of effort, you can potentially save a great deal of money on camping gear so that you and your family can have a great time, without worrying about the expenses.

 

 

A trek to Everest remains a dream for many, and achieving the summit of the highest mountain in the world will always be the ultimate prize for experienced mountaineers. Standing at 8,848 metres above sea level, Everest defeated attempts from climbers for over thirty years until Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made it to the top in 1953. Since then, several thousand people have made it to the summit; but the skills required, the danger of the climb and the considerable expense of an Everest expedition put a trip to the top of the mountain out of the reach of most people. Treks to Everest Base Camp, however, continue to grow in popularity, giving travellers to this region an unforgettable glimpse of the world’s highest mountain.

Everest Base Camp

Contrary to popular perception, there are in fact two Everest Base Camps that Everest expeditions can set off from: the South camp in Nepal (5,360 metres) and the North camp in Tibet (5,208 metres). At both of them, mountaineers preparing to attempt the summit stay to acclimatise to the altitude and wait for favourable weather conditions before leaving to make an attempt on the summit. The South camp tends to be the more commonly used by Everest expeditions for practical reasons – the southern ridge is the easier and safer route to the summit, and climbing from the Tibetan side requires a special visa from China.

To see and visit one of these Everest Base Camps is to step onto the stage of mountaineering history – the world’s greatest climbers have passed through the camps at one point or another in search of their moment of glory.

Regional Highlights

As well as the awe inspiring views of Everest itself and the historical significance of seeing Everest Base Camp, treks to this region typically take in several other summits and sights. Most treks to Everest Base Camp will follow the classic route from Lukla, through pretty Sherpa villages and dramatic high mountain scenery, whilst other Everest Base Camp treks will follow a longer route to Everest, giving the opportunity to retrace the steps of the great explorers all the way from Jiri to the Base Camp itself. Other trekking routes in this region can also include a visit to the spectacular Gokyo Lakes, a series of high altitude lakes that offer breathtaking views out over the region.

Almost all Everest Base Camp treks in Nepal will include an ascent of nearby Kala Pattar (5,545 metres), which offers great views down over the base camp and up to Everest itself.

Experience and Equipment Required

Trekking to Everest Base Camp does not require mountaineering experience. The walking though is challenging due to the terrain and the altitude. Organised trips should give visitors time to acclimatise to the altitude. Although altitude sickness is unpredictable and affects different people in different ways, simple precautions can minimise the chance of experiencing this. Previous experience of high level trekking is not a requirement for an Everest Base Camp trek, just a good general level of fitness and a spirit of adventure.

Tour operators will be able to provide a more complete list of the equipment required for individual treks, but a good waterproof jacket, clothes that will provide sufficient warmth at high altitudes, sunglasses and good quality walking boots will be a bare minimum. The cost of a trek varies from company to company but, due to the distances covered in a typical trek, and the need to gradually acclimatise to the altitude, a complete trip will take around three weeks and usually costs between £1,900 and £2,500, including flights.

Everest Base Camp has been drawing in walkers and climbers for years, and it remains an essential destination for the trekking enthusiast – spectacular scenery, challenging walking and a once in a lifetime chance to stand beside the highest mountain in the world.

Winter camping is one of the many varieties of recreational group activity that you can do outdoors. However, although it might be a very awesome experience, aspiring winter campers should note that such activity can be very dangerous and challenging. Camping in winter pose certain dangers that are far more difficult to handle that those offered by a forest camp. Keep in mind that when you camp out in winter, negligence may yield to a variety of accidents and disasters. That is why winter campers should conduct extra preparations for their trip. Obviously, the most challenging thing about winter camping is staying warm and comfortable. Below are some tips that you ought to consider:

a. Before you set out for camp, check the latest weather forecast. Winter weather can bring sun or storm. Make sure that you are prepared for challenges prompted by the weather. Match your camping gear with the weather predictions.

b. Make sure that you have an alternative plan in case the weather spoils your plans. Be ready to face adverse reality. You must have an alternative camp site and an alternative itinerary.

c. You must have enough food, beverages, and clothing in case you get stuck in a storm. Make sure that your camping gear and supply is enough to last for a week or more out in the cold.

d. Never forget to bring tools for navigation. Navigation in the snow can be very hard. That is why you ought to bring GPS tools that can help you find your way even if the roads and foot trails are all covered in snow.

e. When traveling for a winter camp, it is necessary to use camping boots that are capable of traveling even in the slippery snow. When traveling during the early winter, many campers recommend the use of sturdy leather boots.

f. If you are bound to pass by trails with less snow, you should still use your snow boots. However, if the snow is quite dense, you should opt for an actual snow traveler.

g. Never camp in places that are not frequented by many campers, especially if you are not an expert. Make sure that somebody knows where you are setting your camp. When choosing a camp site, choose places that are highly recognized by the local authorities as an official camping site.

h. Before you set your camp, check the signboards and warning signs. On your way to your camp site, take note of all the signboards and landmarks that you find along the way. This can help you get back on the right track in case you lose your way.

i. Bring things that can entertain you along the way. Although you can bring your electronic play stations, it will be best if you bring books, cards, or board games that you can share with your fellow campers.

j. During winter, keep in mind that sunsets are quite fast so you will have to bring flashlights with you, along with other lighting tools. It will be best if you have an electric emergency light aside from the usual matchsticks and lamps. Bring extra batteries as well.

k. To fight the cold winds, you should be dressed properly. In fact, you should wear layers of clothing. First, wear clothes that transfer moisture away from the skin. Then, wear clothes that provide adequate insulation such as wool or fleece. Lastly, put on something that’s water proof or those clothes that can drift snow.

Some people like to go camping while completely roughing it. The bulk of their outdoor camping equipment is a tent and maybe a sleeping bag. Beyond that, they don’t want to bother with the luxuries of modern living. They want to enjoy nature as primitively as possible. Then there are those who like to enjoy nature while also enjoying a few of the modern luxuries that make lying out underneath the stars completely enjoyable. These types of people are usually never without their camping cooking equipment. Camping cooking equipment will allow you to cook what you need, when you need it. That way, you’ll never get bored with the same foods and you’ll be able to enjoy a wider variety of food while also enjoying nature.

The Types Of Equipment

When it comes to camping cooking equipment, there are many varieties. There are propane grills, portable stoves, portable ovens, stakes to put over fires, there are pots and pans, eating utensils, thermoses, canteens, plates and bowls and much, much more. If you can afford it, having all that camping cooking equipment will make camping very easy. If you’re hungry, simply slap some meat on the grill and soon you’ll be feasting in luxury. If you’re thirst, put some coffee on the stove and soon you’ll be able to enjoy a hot cup of Joe under the stars. However, you also have to realize that all that equipment is very heavy. So you’ll want to think about how you’re getting to your camping spot before you load up on all of this camping cooking equipment.

Carrying The Equipment

There are many ways to get to your camping spot. Some like to drive there. They just park their car and unload right there on that spot. They’ll usually use the power source in their car to power some of their camping cooking equipment. Then there are those who like to hike to their camping spot. For these people, it’s not a good idea to have too much camping cooking equipment because then you’ll have to carry it for such a long distance.

Having camping cooking equipment is a great idea and it can make camping so much more enjoyable, provided that you don’t want to completely rough it, but you have to consider how you’ll be getting to your camping spot and how much money you want to spend before you stock up on too much equipment for your camping trip.

You’re all set to go camping except you don’t have the camping cooking equipment that you’d like to have. Discount camping equipment is a good way to get everything you need for less money. If you don’t buy discount camping equipment, you’ll soon find yourself broke buying everything you need at new prices. Therefore, try all the avenues you can think of to get your discount camping equipment, whether that equipment is cooking equipment, or anything else you need for your outing.

Used Equipment

Discount camping equipment can often be found at shops that sell used equipment. Used discount camping equipment can often be just as good as new equipment. Especially if you’re looking for equipment for cooking, buying used is a great way to get discount camping equipment. Just make sure, when buying used, that the discount camping equipment is still strong enough to last you a long time or else you’ll spend more money replacing that equipment in just a few short months.

Buying Online

Another great way to get discount camping equipment is to shop online. Places like Ebay or Craig’s List, or even Overstock.com can often land you all the discount camping equipment you need. You can have delivered right to your door and you’ll save lots of money. The only drawback to this is you’ll have to wait for the equipment to arrive. If you’re looking to just buy your equipment and go, you may not want to go this route.

Ask Around

If you didn’t have any luck with either of the above choices, ask your friends and family if they know where to get your hands on discount camping equipment. You can even ask those you know if they have any old equipment they don’t want anymore that they may give, sell or at least lend to you so that you can have a great time camping with all the equipment you need.

Discount camping equipment will save you money so that you can have more money to get to your camping spot, buy all the food and water you need, and it will also save you from having to save up for this trip, as camping should be one of the cheapest vacations you’ll ever take. It should also be one of the most fun vacations you’ll ever take. So go out and enjoy the great outdoors with your friends, your family or all by yourself with your equipment you got at discount prices.