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Take Care of It!
Small Family Camping!
As we have previously discussed, it is critical to maintain your camping tent. If you want it there for you, you got to take care of it. But, aside from those general care/cleaning tips, there are other tent “No/No’s” that you should be aware of:
- Don’t roll up the tent when wet – It will develop fungi/mold that will damage the material and form a lasting nauseous smell.
- Eating inside of the tent – Food crumbs will attract ants, bugs, and other creepy crawlers. Open food products might encourage a visit from the bigger four legged kind including bears.
- Do not store near a heat source – Keep it in a cool place; heat can also deteriorate its quality.
- Roll-up your tent, rather than folding it – Folding it along the same crease lines will eventually wear out the material along those lines.
- Don’t ignore defects – It won’t get better with time, only worse.
Family camping would not be complete without camping tents. Once you have obtained quality equipment, it is important that you do those things that will maximize its potential by taking care of it and using within designed requirements.
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!
Tent Maintenance!
Water Repellent!
Yesterday the neighbor and I were talking about summer camping trips. He said that he wouldn’t be doing much this year, the economy being as it is, and that he couldn’t really afford to go out and purchase replacement tents as needed. He further said that what he had was old and non-functional – the flooring in one of the tents was torn, zippers in neither tent worked properly and both tents leaked like a sieve. I asked if he thought about repairing them , and he said that it would probably cost more than it was worth.
I explained that the camping tents I have are twenty years old and have been repaired numerous times. I’ve fixed/replaced zippers, patched holes/tears and each year I spray them with a water-guard that repels the leaking. I suggested that he take inventory and determine exactly what the problems are. There are retail outlets that have outstanding tent repair kits/replacement parts and accessories that will take care of most damages quite cheaply and effectively.
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!
Choose the Correct Camping Tent!
7+ Person Tent!
Arguably, your tent will be your most valuable camp-site possession. Choosing the right one is super critical and must be considered a qualified priority. Tents come in various styles, shapes, and sizes. They vary from a 1-person design that can be carried in/on a backpack, to an eight-person family tent that can almost be configured as a second home (small exaggeration). Therefore, it is important that your selection be based carefully and on intended use.
How much standing room do you need? It may be that you can stand in the living area but not the sleeping area, or may be you want to be able to stand anywhere inside the tent. Smaller camping tents do not provide for standing room but will be tall enough when sitting. So, it is important to check the tent’s height specifications.
Camping is fun but choosing the right tent-age is crucial. It can be and normally is a deal-breaker, so do your research.. Most tents come with construction details and specifications, this should assist with selection. Make sure you have the required number of stakes (+5) and a mallet – Have Fun!
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!
Impatient Camper!
True Beauty!
The time between fall and spring is so frustrating for me. The weather can’t decide what it wants to do and the forecasters are seldom accurate. As Foxworthy describes it, you know you live in a part of the country where unusual/freaky things happen – “when you put more miles on your snow blower than you do your car”; well, this winter, I think I surpassed that!
Can’t see the ground yet, but it’s starting to thaw. It won’t be long before you’ll see flocks of Canada’s flying ambassadors overhead, as they meander their way north. That sight has always been my sign to get off the backside; complete the hunting/camping gear inventories, repair the camping tents, and start the family’s psychological preparation for my favorite fair weather past-time of outdoor - CAMPING, CAMPING, CAMPING!
“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!
A Life Saver!
Spacious!
Anticipating our yearly family pilgrimage to the mountains of Colorado, I went out and purchased two new family tents. Our family consists of my wife, I, and two daughters. The girls are grown enough to sleep separately, so I purchased a 3-person tent for them – a-little extra room for storage.
For the wife and I, we got the Eureka, Titan – Family Tent. My concern was getting one that was big enough to sleep us all, in a pinch; had a divider with several windows and large enough to provide space for inclement weather activities (if needed).
The seven day trip provided uneventful traveling, 3-days of beautiful Rocky Mountain weather, and 2-days with pour-en down rain. However, the family tent worked-out perfectly. Most notable was Dad getting beat at checkers by all three ladies!
Have Fun In the Shade!
OUCH!
Ah Lake Havasu… The deep blue waves shimmering in the sun, the sharp peaks of the burnt-brown mountains looming over the sandy beaches, and the warm kiss of the fading sunlight on your back as your boat cruises back towards the dock. All these memories can be ruined, however, if you forget to apply sun screen at the beginning of the day. The 110-degree heat of an Arizona summer can burn even the hardiest of sun lovers to a crisp in just a few hours without the proper sunscreen.
Though sun block is readily available and easy to apply, many people forget to use it. If you are one of those unlucky souls who spent a day innocently soaking up the UV rays, only to wake up the next day as red as a freshly-boiled crab, than you should consider spending the next couple days sitting under a shade shelter. No one wants to stay in their hotel room or cabin all day when they could be outside enjoying sunny-day festivities. Shade shelters are easy to transport, and can save sunburn victims from spending their vacation indoors.
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