Archive for the ‘Flashlights and Lighting’ Category
Get The Most From It!
We can all take lessons on how to get the “Most” from your Outdoor Recreation Equipment. There is not a lot of science involved, just a whole lot of common sense. As your parents used to say “never put yourself in a corner” or “close that door”, but stay on your feet and remain in control of your mental well-being.
- Bye Quality Gear – Don’t confuse(quality) with purchase price. Ask friends/experts and research the product through appropriate consumer advocates. Look for the best quality considering what’s available and the price you can pay.
- Get What You Need – There’s a fine line between need and want. However, it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it! Put some thought into it; in most places, you’ll always want your rain gear with you but might not need it.
- Take Care of It – One of the most important considerations. If you don’t religiously take care of it , it might fail when most needed. Depending on the circumstances, this could be the difference between a good/bad experience or worse yet – life/death. Folks, it’s not a game, so don’t play around with it.
- Storage – Organize and if possible get it up off the floor. Pre-storage should include a serviceability check. Get rid of those things that can’t be fixed and/or don’t work properly.
Being able to go on a camping trip/outdoor activity knowing that you have the recreation gear needed, and that it’s in good working order will set the tone for the entire trip. It will not only give participants peace of mind, but a care-free confidence that everything is going to be fine and fun filled.
Storage of Heating and Cooking Stoves!
Several times each year, I discuss the importance of taking care of your equipment. This not only includes maintenance but proper storage as well. The following tips might be useful to insure your heating equipment and cooking gear continues to provide the dependable service as expected:
- Clean all camping stoves and lighting equipment before storing for a long period. Make sure each item is working properly and if not, get it fixed before storing. If possible, place each device in its own protective case/storage container. This will insure protection, especially those items that have brittle glass parts.
- Check all cooking gear for possible damage and remove those that are completely useless. Take inventory and compile a list of missing items/components. This list will help you determine what is needed before your next camping trip.
- Clean all camping tools and utensils before storing. Care should be taken to insure all iron cook ware has been properly oiled. This must be done in-order-to prevent rust/corrosion. If possible, store items in separate containers. This will prevent cracks and scratches.
Point being, if you take care of it, it will take care of you. I still have the hunting knife used to skin my first “Mule Deer” buck over 50 years ago!
America’s Favorite Past-time!
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!
Emergency Lighting!
It is agreed that a person’s hunting and camping gear should include flashlights for general purpose (GP) and emergency situations. However, selecting a flashlight to purchase is like putting a kid in a candy store and asking them to choose – the choices are overwhelming!
There are small ones, big ones, bright ones, and even super-bright ones. But, as with most other things, the one you select should be based on what it’s going to be used for. Bigger and brighter is not necessarily better.
I would suggest that you have a couple flashlights for camping. One flashlight (not so bright) that you can use inside the tent without waking everyone up, and a larger one (bright/super-bright) that you can use for both the heavy duty and emergency lighting requirements.
NewTechnology for an Old Design!
If you have ever wondered how the flashlight or portable lantern has changed over the years, just look at today’s battery operated Light Emitting Diode (LED) lites.
This lighting technology has made it possible to have a much longer lite life-span, in big or small packages, and with much more efficiency. There are battery operated lights for just about every hunting, camping, or back-packing purpose.
You don’t have to deal with the fuels that can spill and make a mess. Whether it be in a flashlight, lantern, or special tactical gear, LED Lighting will serve you well at home in the back yard, on the trail, or even during an extended hunting/camping trip.
Practical Lighting!
Battery and Solar powered lighting are reputedly the safest, and controvertibly the most practical outdoor lighting in use today. They are easy to function and require little or no maintenance. But, both have some limitations that must be considered.
Solar lighting needs periodic sun-light to operate properly. They will not function at 100% if the weather does not oblige. The down-side to battery operated lanterns is recharging. Batteries are not prone to long life in cold weather, and the bright light seems to dull rather quickly. However, many batteries can be recharged with a vehicle’s electrical system or the 110 volt in-house current.
The up-side, with battery operated lanterns, is that they can be used safely anywhere in the camp site. But, I would suggest taking extra bulbs (if appropriate) and the development of a battery recharging capability.












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