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Camping Hammocks!
Camping Hammock!
I’ve never been a big advocate of using a hammock while camping; but, then I haven’t really used one since my tour in Vietnam 30+ years ago. My next door neighbor has a camping hammock for each member of his family and swears by them. His Pro’s/Con’s for using a hammock while camping are interesting and deserve consideration.
Pro’s:
- They ‘re easy to set-up. All you need is a couple of fixed objects (trees) to anchor it too. Most hammocks come with the required straps/ropes.
- They are comfortable. You don’t have to worry about the creepy-crawlers or a wet/irregular ground surface.
- They’re light weight and easily managed by one person.
- Hammocks are easily supportive of a no-trace camp site.
- Some hammocks come with the needed mosquito netting and/or a rain-fly for inclement weather.
- A hammock can also be used as a camping chair.
- Some hammocks have small utility pockets for storage of personal items.
Con’s:
- The supportive guide straps/ropes require safety marking during hours of darkness.
- Hammock might not be suitable if you’re claustrophobic. The space between you and the top of the mosquito net/rain fly is quite close.
- A hammock is only good for one person.
- Sleeping in a hammock may encourage a feeling of possible vulnerability/apprehension for some.
As you can see, the Pro’s far out number the Con’s. Using camping hammocks should be considered based on situation/circumstances; doing so, definitely has merit if traveling alone!
Storage of Camping Tents and Sleeping Bags!
Take Care-of/Maintain!
Once you have devoted the time, effort, and money to acquire the camping gear wanted, a prudent person would do those follow-on things needed to take care of them. Here are some tips that might help you properly store your tents and sleeping bags once the camping season is over:
- Check the interior /exterior surface of the tents and sleeping bags before packing them to make sure they are completely dry inside and out. Moisture can lead to the growth of mold that produces a bad odor that’s quite unbearable and extremely difficult to get rid of;
- Make sure that the place where you will be storing your tents/sleeping bags is dry and free from pests and insects. Do not put your tents underneath heavy objects. It might crack or damage them;
- Store the tent pegs and sharp hooks in a separate bag so they don’t create wear and tear on the fabric;
- It is better to wash or wipe off your sleeping bags/tents and let them dry-out in the sun before storing.
Take care of your camping gear and it will take care of you!
A Frame of Mind!
Sleep like a baby!
I used to pride myself in being able to go camping and “roughing-it” so to speak. Of course, as you can imagine, that feeling was not popular with anyone other than me. The wife and girls seemed to boycott all of my earlier camping trips. Regardless of how I tried to explained it, their idea of an enjoyable outdoor experience did not include eating MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) and sleeping on the ground covered by a poncho liner.
It probably took 10 years for me to understand the art/necessity of negotiation and compromise. To be honest with you, the “old back” is not what it used to be either; but, regardless, I kind of like those new camping air beds. They also have a hand pump that can be used for inflating, and the family is even looking forward to the next camping trip.
So, Pa, don’t be a stickler and get with the program. Before you know it, you’ll have a campsite fit for a Queen!
America’s Favorite Past-time!
Pure Enjoyment!
As previously stated, camping is more popular today than ever before. I think the reason for popularity is that it’s easily adaptable to all life styles and economic structures/pocket book constraints. Whether you’re looking for a quick week-end trip to the woods with little fan-fare or planning a multi-family reunion, the perfect outdoor experience is not only possible but easily obtained.
The United States has an abundance of State and Federal camp grounds that are priced very reasonable. Additionally, there are County and private camp grounds that are available too; but, the private camp grounds could be a little pricey depending on the amenities offered. Either-way, the good thing is that once you get to the camp-site, the additional costs should be no more than if you were at home. You can cook on site using a portable stove or camping grill; it might even be cheaper. Other subsidiary activities at camp-site are normally free.
However, depending on the type of camping you want to do, you will need to obtain some camping gear. The basic items include tents, sleeping bags, camping stove/camping grill, camping chairs, and lanterns. If buying, be sure to purchase quality items, as this will provide for many years of reliable service – HAVE FUN!
Choosing a Sleeping Bag!
A Bag for Cold Weather Comfort!
A big portion of my life has been spent sleeping on the ground. This has been under all sorts of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold. It is possible to find the sleeping gear that will provide you the comfort and desired protection from the elements; but, when buying, you must shop based on those weather conditions – one size/design does not fit all!
Technology has truly caught-up with the simple sleeping bag. There are different shapes designed to keep you warm in the coldest of conditions, specialized fiber that can squeeze down to almost nothing for carrying in packs; and of course for the kids, there are a multitude of cool character designs!
In addition to weather conditions, when buying a sleeping bag, it is important to know whether you are going to be driving or walking. This will help to narrow down your choices, as size and weight are extremely important if you are going to be carrying it in a pack on your back for long distances. Do not hesitate to solicit the expert advice from fellow campers, staff at the local sporting goods/outdoor stores, or opening one of the many online research opportunities.
Patriotic Trip!
Bigger than Life!
It’s hard to believe that the winter’s almost over-with. It’s time to put the snow blower away and get ready/look forward to the joys that spring and summer will bring. This year, we might go down and visit Mount Rushmore. I haven’t seen it since I was a kid, don’t think the wife has ever been there.
Well, while we’re at it, we might go and visit the memorial to Crazy Horse. Couple years ago, I was there for a seminar and went on a tour of the memorial. It is bigger than life and will be magnificent when finished. I recall asking one of the Guides, “when is it going to be finished?”. He quickly responded with a chuckle – “Oh, on Monday”. A minute went buy with deafening silence and he said, “that would be Monday, 50 years from now”!
This will be a very quick 3-day trip; don’t think we’ll take much camping gear, maybe the light package – tent, couple bags but no cooking stuff. What is it the wife says - “You need spontaneity; you got to be flexible”? Well this is my best shot!
“Memorable Times”!
A Healthy Atmosphere!
Some of my most memorable times as a kid were when the family would get together for an extended camping weekend. I did not fully understand or appreciate the logistics of such a venture – what I do remember is that it all seemed quite simple. Granddad said we were going and it happened!
He called it “Family Relax‘en” but realized that it was much more than that:
- A time when you could leave the city and all those unhealthy environmental pollutants; clean-out the pipes by getting into the woods and breathing some of the “God Given” fresh air.
- It was also a time for exercise. There were always planned activities and games. I remember softball and my first home-run, flag-football, horseshoes, bike rides, canoe trips, and just plain hiking.
Of course, Granddad fully understood the need and benefits of “just relax’en”. This was when he truly shined. He always supplemented it by an immaculate but enjoyable campsite, good food/drink, needed camping tents, camping cots, and sleeping bags. Yes, those were character building and Memorable times!
Winter Sleeping Bag Considerations!
Cold Weather Comfort!
Cold, wintry weather will provide an extremely uncomfortable night outdoors if you don’t have the proper sleeping equipment. Numerous considerations must be made before purchasing a personal sleeping bag. – What’s its purpose; How’s it going to be used; Size and weight?
To properly keep you warm. The bag must be big enough for free movement (Five additional inches to body length and width). The bag temperature rating and insulation are important:
- Temperature rating indicates the bag’s limit in which a person would feel comfortable sleeping . These ratings are not “exact science” and can/should be supplemented by wearing additional clothing/socks or booties.
- Two basic types of insulation: Down filled bags are light and compressible but must be kept dry. Synthetic filled bags are normally cheaper but will provide insulation even when wet.
Do not skimp on the quality of your sleeping bag. You normally get what you pay for. Buying cheep is little consolation for a cold/frozen body!
Staying Young in the Great Outdoors!
Quick and Easy!
I’ve been happily retired for 10 years now. Many of my retired friends fritter away their free time with frivolous abandon – they sit at home watching TV and rarely get out to enjoy what the world has to offer. I’m proud to be bucking that trend by traveling around to parts of the country I’ve never seen before. Retirement has afforded me the opportunity to do more camping than I did when I was young.
Although the ravages of age haven’t caught up to my youthful spirit, I do have to make a few physical concessions. When my back began to act up last spring I started browsing for Intex air beds to cushion my spine. These days, it only takes moments to pack up the air bed and head on down the road to my next outdoor adventure.
Comfortable Tent Sleeping
A Comfortable Sleep!
There’s nothing worse than having to fall asleep on a rock, bump, or tree root, but all too often, this is what happens on camping trips. Having to sleep in a tent can be uncomfortable and also restless, but with cots and airbeds, tent camping can be much better. Cots have been used for several hundred years, and are quite comfortable for outdoor sleeping.
The tent cot functions much like a hammock, but is fabric connected between four bars rather than two. Airbeds are also great for camping because they are lightweight and can be used to sleep two to four people. Airbeds tend to work better for couples and families because they are available in a wide range of sizes. You will need an air pump to fill most airbeds however, as manual filling can take hours and isn’t all that effective.
When sleeping at night, it’s also important to ensure that you aren’t falling asleep on a slope. You don’t want the blood rushing to your head as this can cause discomfort and even damage, if you have to sleep on a slope, make sure your head is at the top rather than the bottom.
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