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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.
Ice Fishing!
WOW!
Up-until last year, my fishing experience had been limited to the warm, fair weather periods of the year. However, here in the North country, anglers know and anticipate a whole-other world of fishing once the temperature drops below freezing. Ice fishing is a fantastic Winter sport and an excellent family activity.
Like all other sports, the initial investment can be expensive, so I would suggest trying it first to determine level of interest before buying the auger, hooch and etc. There are outfitters you can hire who will provide everything needed to drill the holes, bait and hook the line, and even a structure to get in out of the weather.
That way, the only thing you would need initially would be cold weather clothing, boots, gloves, and head-gear. Before venturing, make sure you understand all safety precautions. Determining that the ice is not thick enough to hold a vehicle or even your body weight, once you’re in the middle of a lake, will be extremely unforgiving. Be safe and have fun!
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.
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.
Proudest Possession!
Bacon-maker!
I have written many times about how important the knife is to an out-door’s person. Whether you are a hunter, camper, scout, law enforcement officer, in the military or an average, everyday/run-of-the-mill “Joe” – there is a place in your tool box for one (or more) good, high quality and functional knife.
One of my proudest possessions is an 8-inch Robeson, bone handle, folding blade knife that was used to skin my first mule deer buck over 50 years ago. The blade has been sharpened so many times that it’s paper thin; but, it still holds an edge that is sharp enough to shave with. What is it they say? ” A quality knife only gets better with time”.
Your hunting/camping kit must include knives that can be used for survival, including skinning game, personal safety and/or just general camp/utility purposes – DON’T GET CAUGHT SHORT!
Making Fire Without Matches or Lighter!
Carbon Steel Blade
Here many years ago, I attended survival training while in the military. Even though several weeks in length, the course was not long enough to cover each and every situation requiring survival skills. However, it did make a believer out of me on how important fire was to self preservation. Of course clothing, gear/equipment and environmental conditions have a big bearing on it as well.
As I recall, during this training, emphasis was placed on many things, but the over-riding factor was that you should never put all your eggs in one basket. You are the master of your universe, and must always insure that you have alternatives. To do this , a person must develop a “what-if” attitude and plan for the not-for-seen. What if you haven’t got matches, lighter or any other device that creates fire? This is not as difficult as it seems but does require some special tools:
- Survival Knife: Preferably with a carbon steel blade, a stainless steel blade may not give you the spark that will be needed. This spark/flash will come when tapping the top the blade against a strike rod (using the blade portion will dull the knife).
- Strike Rod: This must have item should be in every survival kit. It is normally made of magnesium or a combination of steel and magnesium. With a short piece of parachute cord, it can be attached to the knife’s sheath.
The third must have item to start a fire is properly prepared tender. Use your survival knife to strip bark off of trees(fine strips) with dried grass. Fluff it up, make it loose and place tender in an old bird’s nest. This will provide protection from the wind. Place the tip of the strike rod in the tender and tap the top portion of the blade against the strike rod creating a spark. You would continue until getting smoke. Blow ever so lightly until you get flame and then continue to feed with tender and small branches – Have Patience!
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An American Icon!
"HOORAH"!
Here about a year ago, I was asked to assist with the identification of a birthday present for my son-in-law. My daughter indicated that she wanted something that would memorialize the time he spent in the United States Marine Corps. Knowing, understanding, and appreciating the importance that the Corps places on tradition, I thought it only appropriate to suggest the giving of a commeorative USMC Ka-Bar Fighting/Utility Knife.
Since its 1942 adaption by the US Marine Corps, this knife has grown in popularity and remains the first choice by many marines who have selected to carry it as their personal option knife. Through the years, its usefulness has been substantiated by the other US Armed Forces, and it has further become the knife of preference by many adventurers, survivalists, outdoor sportsmen, and collectors. This iconic knife definitely deserves a place in our US History and the American Military Folklore.
Right of Passage!
Old Faithful!
When I was 12 years old, Dad gave me my first – real pocket knife. I had one previously, but it was a cheap “O”; one that I won in a drawing at the local Five & Dime, so guess it doesn‘t count.
The day of the gift, I remember as-if-it was yesterday; Dad used the occasion as a lead into one of those father/son talks on becoming a young man. He said that my taking the knife was symbolic of accepting the responsibilities as a member of the community; and that by giving it, he acknowledged that I possessed the strength, courage, and fortitude to live/learn and become a productive member of society.
Regrettably, I no-longer have that folding blade (pocket) knife in my collection. But, his words of advice are etched in my memory: “Whether you hunt, fish, or brave the elements, you should always have a knife available. You never know when you might need a sharp, dependable blade”. So true!
Multi-Purpose Tools!
All in One!
I am frequently asked, “What is the most important piece of camping gear or equipment”? I normally respond by saying, “it depends on whether you’re ride’n or walk’n” If your riding, it would probably be what-ever provides for the most convenience or enjoyment.
If you’re walking, it would be that single, usuallysmall indispensable multi-purpose tool that is needed to establish, maintain, and break-down your camp site. This multi-purpose tool can be obtained with features that will assist with tasks requiring a: Knife; Pliers; Wire Cutters; Wire Stripper; Wire Crimper; Fixed Screwdrivers; Bit Driver; Scissors; Files; Saw; Bottle Opener; Can Opener; Ruler; Awl; Corkscrew – WOW, all in one tool!
Quick and Effortless!
Diamond Knife Sharpener
There are three main types of sharpeners for hunting knives – 1. Arkansas Stone; 2. Ceramic; 3. Diamond. Being from the old-school, until recently, my choice had always been the Arkansas Stone sharpener. But, earlier this year, I was introduced to a knife sharpener made of diamonds. Actually, they’re only chips of diamonds inlaid in the sharpener that gives it the sharpening power, but it worked great.
I think what surprised me most was the speed in-which I was able to sharpen the blade to a razor’s edge. The diamond knife sharpener seemed to work effortless with each stroke against the blade. This knife sharpening system is relatively new to the market but has gained vast popularity due to its remarkable qualities.
Choosing a good knife sharpener is critical to keeping your blades smooth and sharp. Proper blade maintenance will not only add years to the knife’s functioning but make your life a whole lot easier during those “all important” hunting and camping trips
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