Camping Gadgets - The Effects Of Technology On Camping

By Justin Mountford

"I can't get reception"
Is this really something you want to hear when you go camping? With mobile phone reception pushing further and further inland it's almost possible to make a phone call anywhere. Add satellite reception and you've almost got 100% coverage. Is this really a good thing? On one hand I'd say no.
I believe that camping should be about getting "back to basics". However, is my definition of "basic" antiquated?
There are a number of times where you really want mobile coverage. Getting reception means you can access help a lot quicker than before, this could even lead to saving lives. You can easily contact people if they get lost and you can check weather updates and more. Clearly, being able to use a mobile phone improves your chances of survival and reduces some of the risk involved with long range hiking or adventuring. Or is that part of the excitement?

Self-reliance
Some camping gadgets have come a full circle. Batteries used to power all our devices, like phones, torches, cameras etc. However now the trend is now towards self-reliance. Wind up and solar technology is leading the "charge" (pun intended). We expect out gadgets to now work without having to continuously run back to home to charge them up. I believe this is a good thing. Solar power is now getting the level of efficiency that whole villages can run basic devices from only a small array. Wind up technology means we will always have light and access to a radio.

What is basic camping?
There was a time when basic camping meant, shelter, a sleeping bag and some food. Now we have iPads, light weight synthetic sleeping bags, high powered headlamps, night vision and high tech lightweight tents.
Basic it seems is over. Or is it? Some say this is simply progress.
Why would you want to sleep on the ground, why would you want your basic shelter to blow away and why would you want to not eat just because you can't start a fire? Camping gadgets are designed to help in these situations and thus help us enjoy camping more. I don't think these gadgets detract us from the experience, I think they enhance it!

Limits
Of course there are limits. When does camping simply become moving your house from one spot to another? The very essence of camping is to enjoy, get in touch with and embrace the great outdoors not colonise the area and move on. The perfect camp is a minimal impact camp where it's difficult to tell if you were even there. There's no point in going camping if all you're going to do is setup a TV and a Playstation and not move.
No doubt chainsaws, multi tools, special tents and solar power make camping easy, but let's not get too carried away. It's still fun to chop down a tree, it's still fun to stay around the fire for hours and it's still fun to sit around and talk.

Justin is the founder of Campingeek.com a place where gadgets and the great outdoors coexist. Discover camping gadgets like the ultimate wearable sleeping Bag at Campingeek.com

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Camping During the Four Seasons

By Brian P Hughes

 
Summer
Summer is the most popular camping season, simply because the weather is nice and warm. Also, families can take advantage of their children being out school. As you can imagine, most campgrounds and campsites are more crowded during the summer, so if it is possible to make reservations, you will definitely want to plan in advance.
It is also important to be aware of potential health problems that can come along with camping during the summer. Being exposed to the heat and sun can offer a wide array of problems, ranging from sunburn to dehydration to heatstroke.
Here are a few tips for a healthy summer camping trip:

• Make sure you have enough water and stay hydrated.
• Wear loose fitting and light colored clothing.
• Avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day. Do your hiking during the mornings and evenings and save the afternoons for something less strenuous or even a swim to cool off.
• Make sure you know the warning signs and proper first aid for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• If you find yourself feeling tired, do not hesitate to rest for as long as you need.
• If possible, set up your campsite in the shade.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests.
• Eat small, light meals.

Winter
Camping during the winter can be very challenging, but even so, many people enjoy it. There is something rewarding about knowing you braved the winter elements to take part in an exciting adventure. Of course, there are some advantages to camping in the winter; gorgeous scenery, less wildlife to protect yourself against, less crowded campgrounds, and the potential to take part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboard to name a few.
As with summer, winter campers want to be safe and make their health a top priority. Here are a few tips for a safe winter camping trip:

• Make sure you have enough water and stay hydrated, even if you aren't thirsty. You can become dehydrated from cold winter air just as easily as you can in the heat.
• Prevent your water from freezing. Bring a bottle cover or keep your water bottles in a sock.
• Bring rain gear to avoid getting wet. Also, bring a change of clothes in case you do get wet.
• Stay moving to generate body heat.
• Add more complex carbohydrates to your diet. They will give you more energy and help keep you warm.
• Wear layers so that you may adjust them as needed.
• If you feel yourself getting too cold, immediately take whatever necessary precautions to warm up.

Spring and Fall
Many people choose to go camping in the transitional seasons - spring and fall - for many reasons. Generally, the weather is not too hot or too cold, and campsites aren't too crowded. Also, you can't beat the scenery, whether you want to take in the colors of the changing leaves in fall or the blooming flowers in spring.
Of course, there are always exceptions. The key to camping in any season is to be prepared and don't make assumptions. Keep an eye on weather reports for the area where you will be camping. If you can, pack extra supplies just in case. Always stay alert and make health and survival your top priority.

From the time I was little, I've always loved the outdoors. I grew up in a family where appreciation for nature's beauty was a value drilled into us nearly as often as "Say please. My name is Brian Hughes and my wife Bec and I are the founders of Tuckerman Outfitters LLC. When we started this business, we saw it as a chance to share our love of nature with other outdoor enthusiasts like you. We're passionate about adventurous living, and we hope you are too. In short, Tuckerman Outfitters isn't just our business; it's personal. We care about the outdoors, and we care about you. That's reflected in the products we offer and the level of service we provide. We love helping others to enjoy nature's gifts just as we do.

So get outside. Get moving. And get your gear at http://www.TuckermanOutfitters.com
Brian Hughes

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Tips For Enjoying Your Next Camping Trip

  

By Ashlee Werts

 

Nothing can compare to the perfect camping trip. However, when you do not have the appropriate equipment while camping, your time spent in the wilderness can be miserable and highly uncomfortable. Follow these tips about choosing camping equipment online for making sure you experience getting back to nature in an enjoyable manner.
Your sleeping arrangement while camping is an important factor in your trip being the most enjoyable. If you do not have a comfortable place to sleep, your trip can certainly end up being less than desirable. Choose the tent that is easy to put up while also being protective and sturdy. Always choose a tent that offers enough room for the number of people sleeping in it.

While quality sleeping bags can be warm and comfortable, you might also consider the addition of an air mattress in your tent. Choosing an air mattress means choosing one made from durable and long lasting materials. Check the warranty you get with some brands for making sure you get a quality product. You might also think about taking along lanterns and flashlights with fresh batteries.

In addition to making sure you sleep comfortably while camping, you might also think about meal preparation. Cooking over an open fire may have a certain appeal, but being able to light a portable propane stove quickly does as well. This is especially important on the camping trip you take with your kids.

Taking along the cooking equipment you need for making fast and easy meals is important. This equipment includes the cookware as well. Choosing the right pots for brewing coffee and pans for frying fresh fish can help you to have the meal you imagined while out in the woods. Check online at camping supply retailers for complete sets of appropriate outdoor cookware.

Hiking is great fun and an invigorating way to enjoy the natural settings you are surrounded by during your trip. Being prepared for a day of hiking is especially important. Selecting a lightweight back pack is important. However, be sure to select on that has separate spaces for all the snacks you may need while on the trail.
Shopping for your next camping trip can be great fun. The anticipation of a weekend in the woods can be an awesome feeling. The stress you can let go of is the greatest benefit of camping, so make sure you get all the equipment you need for making it the perfect, stress free excursion.

You can find a brief summary of the things to keep in mind when buying camping equipments online and visit our virtual store to view our selection of cooking accessories, now.

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