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Get The Most From It!
Fun Time!
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.
Shopping On-line!
Convenient!
We have a tendency to shy-away from things that are unknown or we don’t understand. I for one went into the electronic age dragging my feet and screaming/hollering all the way. But, the more I got into it, the more I realized its true merits. This includes researching and shopping for things on the Internet. If your intent is to purchase a quality item at the lowest price, you should do your research on the Internet.
There are many Internet search engines (Google, Bing, etc.) that will help to simplify the buying process. They will assist in developing the data needed to determine product quality, as-well-as the information required for cost analysis. It has been my experience that prices on-line are normally a little cheaper than like items bought at the corner retail store. If it is a high dollar item you‘re purchasing, the tax savings alone could save you a bundle.
One of the nice things about shopping on-line is that the items are normally sent to your front door. Shopping for things like camping gear can be both fun and educational. If you are a show-me person, many times there will be video tapes/subject experts showing and further explaining the product.
Storage of Heating and Cooking Stoves!
Before Storage "PM"!
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!
Camping Gear Replacement Items!
Perfect!
I’m in the process of doing my end-of-season camping gear inventory. Inventory reflects that there are several items that need to be replaced. This includes a tent (4-5 person), a couple battery operated lanterns, and possibly a new 4-burner stove (propane). Total cost of these items will be several hundred dollars. However, being a prudent shopper, I want both quality and savings.
As Granddad used to say, there has got to be “method too this madness. You don’t go food shopping when you’re hungry”. The same principle applies when buying camping gear. You need to first determine exactly what you want as compared with the maximum price you can afford. This preliminary research can be done by going to a local sporting-goods store or referring to the respective Manufacturer’s website.
Experience has shown that bargains in camping gear can be obtained but you need to do some leg work. Once you have determined the item wanted (can afford) by Nomenclature (name), Manufacturer, and Model Number – you can go-out with confidence and buy the item needed. Whether it be a seasonal sale at the local sporting goods store or a reputable on-line shopping site, you are prepared to make item price comparisons. Make sure the prices compared include taxes/shipping and handling.
Be Prepared!
Never Again!
Here a few days ago, the wife and I went shopping to an Air Force Base in rural North Dakota. It was about 20 miles in the middle of no-where and not much surrounding it other than wheat and corn fields. We finished shopping, got a bite to eat and started heading home about 9:30-10:30 at night. As you would guess, we had a flat tire and On-Star told me that it would take at least 2-hours to get a repairman out.
I thought no-problem, I do have an emergency kit in the trunk with all the essentials: tools, jumper cables, and a flashlight. However, to my surprise, the batteries were dead in the flashlight. I was a-little reluctant to start in the dark, when I couldn’t even see the lug nuts. Of course, the wife wasn’t much help; she was definitely concerned about the frozen food items she had placed in the cooler, they were starting to thaw!
I know some of you have been there, done that, and can visualize exactly what I’m talking about. It wasn’t very pretty! The very next day, I purchased an emergency light/ flashlight that not only works on batteries but can be recharged by a built in solar panel, a little crank generator and/or through a vehicle adapter – NEVER AGAIN will this happen to me!
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!
“Must Have” Lighting Devices!
LED Head Lighting!
I do resist change as much as the next person. However, I’m quick to embrace it if it makes my life simpler and/or more enjoyable. The positive improvements made in the outdoor and emergency lighting industry have been unbelievable. I can remember going out on a 7-day camping trip and being really concerned about whether I had brought enough batteries/bulbs for our flashlights and lanterns.
However, today, with the development and steady improvement of Light-emitting Diode (LED) technology, that concern has been strongly minimized. Lighting devices can now be obtained that have increased battery life, a brighter light-output, and they’ll even provide more resistance against heat, shatter, and water. Considering this, today’s flashlights and lighting devices maintain a lighter-weight and are an easier-to-use design than most previous standard models.
Emergency Lighting!
A Small but Quick Fix!
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!
Technology at Its Best!
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!
Safe and Functional 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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