Ridgeway By Kelty Manitou

Eureka Solo Solitaire Tent

2008-05-17T16:55:00.001-07:00

Improving on a classic, Eureka! has made its lightest and most compact solo tent even faster to set up! Its simple assembly features pole pockets on one end, ring & pin on the other. An added zipper in the center of the roof cloth allows easy entry and exit. At 2 lbs 9 oz, this 3 season, solo tent with efficient tunnel design and compact fold size remains extremely lightweight. Two storage pockets and flashlight loop inside.2-hoop bivy-style solo tent.Shockcorded 6.3mm fiberglass frame.Three storm guy outs on fly.Nylon pole sleeves aid in set up and stability. Capacity:1 Doors: 1 Windows: Full panel mesh Minimum weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz. Floor (sq.ft.): 21.5 Dimensions: 2 ft. 8 in. x 8 ft. Interior height: 2 ft. 4 in. Number of poles: 2 Packed size: 5.5 in. x 17 in. Floor material: 70D Taffeta nylon. Fly material: 70D Taffeta nylon. Roof & rear vent material: 40D No-see-um netting. Frame: 6.3mm Fiberglass.
Customer Review: I love this tent
This tent is great. Its small enough to fit in my pack and really easy to set up. Its not free standing but as long as you can use stakes setup is easy. The mesh ceiling is awesome, its great to sleep under at night if there is no rain. You can see everything around you and not be eaten by bugs. I'm 6' and fit in great. I wouldn't want to be much taller though and be in the tent. I could fit myself, my back, boots and another book bag in the tent while I slept. The top access is also amazing. I've had other tents where you have to get in from the front and with a tent this size its annoying. Being able to just step into this tent is really nice.
Customer Review: Decent, affordable solo option
I bought this tent for backpacking in and around the southern Appalachian mountains, so I haven't yet encountered this freestanding problem the other reviewers have had b/c I always have soft ground to stake the tent down into. The Solitaire is also very easy to pack and carry. I'm 6'2" and fit in there fine, but it is true that I'm about ALL that fits in there. For short trips (a week at most), I just take my 30L pack, and this tent fits in there fine w/ my compressed down sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and other gear.

This quaint gold mining town at the edge of the Sierras has much more to offer the passerby than a node on the history ruler. Groveland is coming around as a cultural Mecca for quality art, music, theater and food all served in a setting that could be described as off-off-Broadway! We hope that this series of articles will entice some folks to stop for a bit, a bite or an overnight.

In search of Art, we start with our new art gallery in town. Opened less than a year, the White Wolf Gallery is popular with artists and art aficionados for their ever rotating selection of pieces from photographs to sculptures and nature oils with homemade frames that are as much about the piece as the picture itself. They carry works from every price range from under-a-$1 postcards to sculptures in the 4 figures. In season White Wolf Gallery is open later on the weekends providing a great pre-dinner activity for those passing through. You can contact the gallery at 209.962.0342.

Mountain Sage, on the west side of town, is not only the home gallery for owner-artist, Rob Hirsch and his brilliant photographs, but the business itself a work of art. Husband and wife team, Regina and Rob, have dedicated five years to creating a setting that is a destination; from the eclectic Hammock Garden to the natural outdoor amphitheater, the map room, crafts center, book nook, free WiFi access, organic coffee and so much more. One can quickly lose themselves nestled here with vision of Rob's photographs, a few daydreams and a Frisbee.

Another place you could look for art in Groveland is at the Hotel Charlotte. Lynn and Victor don't just care for overnight visitors and dining guests but now attend to providing pleasing visuals to accompany your Charlotte experience. Local artists have come to find the Hotel Charlotte "The Place to Hang" for exposure and sales. Guests who have dined at the Charlotte will recognize the crisp photographs of local scenery by Terri Metz. Terri regularly rotates her images to match the seasons. Last week she retired a series of winter snowscapes and installed an aerial pictorial that follows from Moccasin through Groveland and over Pine Mountain Lake.

The Hotel Charlotte is the permanent gallery of Sierra Professional Artists. The monthly rotation in the front lobbies of works by various member artists of the Sierra Professional Artist association has yielded some lovely original watercolors, oils and collage pieces. The Hotel Charlotte website, www.hotelcharlotte.com/art-bios.html, provides a sampling of the artists' works and background information on those who have shown and those who are coming up in 2007. We encourage our rotating salon artists to host an open house for one Sunday of their monthly show and post information on the online calendar when these are scheduled by the artists.

Expanding on Art in the Charlotte, with the backing of the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce, Lynn orchestrated the first Groveland Art Stroll (GAS). This event was held on the Sunday of 4th of July weekend and matched local artists with retailers and with a good marketing blitz, got folks out and about mingling, browsing and buying. The event was given 5 stars by participating retailers, artists and participants. In 2006 the program was expanded to include all the Sundays of our big holiday weekends: Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day.

For the 2007 season this tradition continues on the Sundays of May 27th, July 1st and September 2nd. With White Wolf Gallery in their unique position of drawing on a broader field of artists, visitors can expect more artists, bigger canopies & tents, refreshments and specials from local restaurants and retailer discounts. Interested artists, crafts persons, jewelers, sculptors and retailers are encouraged to get involved. Please phone 208.962.0342 for an information packet.

The success of the Art Strolls has fostered an additional downtown event using the retail district for the core theme. On June 9th the Quilters guild is hosting their first Groveland Quilt Stroll (GQs). The 80+ member group has enough artistic quilts to hang the town from end to end. What a colorful day this will be. Demonstrations and food will also be available in the lower park.

So, put Groveland on your list of things to do, either as a special event day or on the way to Yosemite and remember, when strolling through downtown Groveland, Lynn and Victor invite you make a stop at the Hotel Charlotte to see what's hanging; on the walls, in the halls, around the dining rooms.

Lynn Upthagrove, along with her husband Victor, own the Hotel Charlotte, in Groveland, on the way to Yosemite. http://www.HotelCharlotte.com

Eureka Timberline 4 Adventure 9- by 7-Foot Four-Person Tent

2008-05-15T15:24:00.001-07:00

The legendary Timberline series continue to build an enduring reputation by running the camping gamut?from meeting the needs of generations of Scouts to taming the toughest weather conditions with ease. With over two million Timberline tents sold, you know they?re definitely backed by popular demand 2 Large windows increase ventilation. Twin-rack, side-opening door allows for easy entry. 2 Mesh storage pockets, 2 clothesline rings. Shock-corded eaves give stability and tear resistance in windy conditions. Hooded fly in front and rear allows windows to remain partially open in rain for ventilation. Shock-corded seamless aluminum frame gives increased durability and stability, and is lighter weight than fiberglass. Junction tubes are custom-blended nylon for lightweight strength. Side pullouts on fly maximize head and shoulder space. Factory sealed main floor seams.
Customer Review: Not for harsh weather.
I was looking for a tent to keep my dry in all conditions - my previous coleman tent leaked at the side seams, even with seam sealing. I taken this 4 trips, and set up and taken it down about 10 times. It is very easy to set up with just one person. It is well constructed. However, I was greatly disappointed when I camped on the Texas coast. The wind bent two poles. The rain blew in under the fly even though all vents were zipped shut. By morning I had significant amount of water in the tent, one pole had a 45 degree bend in it. I have camped in a cheap coleman tent that didn't get damaged in high winds...and other tents collapsed. Perhaps if I had guyed it down the poles would not have bent, but it would not have stopped the rain. Perhaps, I could have turned the tent in another direction and it would not have had so much water come in...but it was already pouring rain. I had sealed the seams prior to the trip. You could literally feel the water misting throughout the tent. Bottom line, not a tent for adverse conditions. I am switching to a REI Halfdome 4.
Customer Review: The last tent you may ever need.
I have owned one of these for 27 years and only now is it showing signs of wear. The zipper is wearing out and the shock cords have lost their elasticity. For a tent that is in use at least nine days a year that is amazing!

The internet has been a boon in many ways for shoppers. No longer are shoppers bound to believe advertisements of any products or service they are in need of. They can do their own research on the internet and see the various reviews written by people who have actually used the product or service before going out and buying them with their hard owned money.

It is the same story with sleeping bags. Use the technology at your disposal and learn something about the product you are in the market to buy. Read about all the kinds and qualities of sleeping bags on offer before you make a decision to buy one.

The internet is agog with information on all the sleeping bags available in the markets. You will be surprised at the simple technicalities that go into making a comfortable and yet durable sleeping bag. So put in some time and do your research, ask questions and find the answers on the internet, visit forums and read the postings by people who have used the product you are considering to buy. Then decide for yourself and make a choice, which will definitely be a more informed one.

Do not be confused by the terminology used on most of the forums. Some terms such as 'mummy bags' temperature rating, draft tubes, fill power and a few other terms can seem quite confusing at first but there are definitions all over the internet.

We will try to describe some here. When you are deciding what type of sleeping bag you are going to need you will need to decide where you are going to use the sleeping bag. You need to choose the proper sleeping bag that suits the climate you are going to use it in, in order to make a good investment. So make yourself familiar with the terms being used then research the many sleeping bags on sale and choose the one best suited to your needs.

Familiarize yourself with this list of terminology that is found on most of the camping forums and camping equipment sites and you will be able to understand the online reviews better.

- Draft tubes; insulation inside the zipper of the bag.

- Fill power; the number of inches of the bag that contains one ounce of down. A good range will be between 550 to 700+ cubic inches.

- Mummy bag; tightly fitting sleeping bag.

- Stuff sack; a bag that stores the sleeping bag.

- Tapered bag; broad at the top and tapering towards the feet.

- Temperature rating; the lowest temperature that the bag will keep a camper warm at.

All sleeping bag reviews will have these descriptions. So don't be fooled, look for the bag that offers the best value for your money. You will never regret a good purchase.

Abhishek is a Camping freak! Visit his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com and download his FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks for FREE. Learn how to have the perfect vacation on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available!

http://www.Camping-Guru.com

Coleman Red Canyon 17- by 10-Foot Eight Person Modified Dome Tent

2008-05-14T20:13:00.001-07:00

BIG Coleman Red Canyon Cabin Tent, SAVE BIG! A big 17 x 10' floor, to sleep up to 8 people... this Red Canyon is the Grand Canyon of Tents! Made Coleman right, for tough wind, wet and weather conditions. With removable walls that make anywhere from 1-3 rooms, ideal for space and privacy. It has a 6' center height for a good amount of clearance comfort. The Coleman Weathertec system is guaranteed to keep you dry! Heavy-duty taffeta walls with polyurethane weatherproof coating. Taped rainfly seams; Waterproof, durable tub-style floor with welded corners and inverted seams to prevent wet; Shock-corded, color-corded pole system, snag-free continuous poles sleeves, exclusive pin & ring design, and Insta-Clip bracket snaps make for quick, easy setup; Variflo adjustable ventilation system. Access gear or change airflow with the Cool-Air port and privacy window. No-see -um mesh windows; Heavy-duty "welcome mat". Overhead gear loft and handy pockets; Zipper guard zipper cuff keeps out wet at the D-style front door; Comes in a new expandable carry bag Includes steel tent stakes and tent hammer; Weighs approx. 25 lbs. A terrific family Tent, at a bargain price! Get into the canyon, or anywhere... order yours now! Coleman Red Canyon Cabin Tent
Customer Review: Good Value
Set the tent up in the backyard for a sleepover for one of my girls. The tent went up with a little difficulty compared to a North Face 3 person tent, but that was understandable. The directions could have had more detail, but it took about 15 minutes to put the tent up. The tent was roomy and someone who is 6' could stand in the middle of the tent. Should be able to fit 8 adults comfortably in the tent. The rain fly attached well and would provide good protection in the event of rain, which we didn't encounter. Didn't use the room dividers. The tent seems durable. Tent gets good ventilation and is easy to get in and out of.
Customer Review: Great family tent
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2TB9WPU0OLK18

If you are looking for a vacation that your entire family would enjoy, without it drilling a deep hole in your pocket, camping is the way to go. The ones who enjoy camping the most, are kids and so you too can have maximum fun while camping with kids. Everyone, these days is so busy, that they hardly have any time to spend with their family. In such a situation, camping is the best way to bring your family together. And the best part is the fact that camping does not even cost a bomb, especially as compared to the hotel vacations, with the price of staying at a campsite being in the range of $8 to $16 per night. However, you do need to buy the necessary equipment required for camping. There is a vast variety to choose from, amongst the discount family camping tents and other important camping gear available.

Considering the high quality of these discount family camping tents, they ultimately turn out to be a very sensible investment. In fact, if you take good care of your tent, it can last many camping trips over a period of several years. Since it is your family you are thinking of, be very particular about checking the safety features of the tent. Also ensuring that your tent is in proper condition will save you the headache at the campsite. When you realize that some part of the tent is not working properly, or worse, that the part is missing.

We are sure that by now you are convinced of the merits of discount family camping tents. So, the next step now would be to determine the size of tent that your family would need. There are a lot of factors involved in selecting the correct tent size. The number of kids you have, their sizes and ages, together determine the correct tent size.

For example, if there are only two young kids in a family, a 4- man tent would easily suffice for the entire family. However, families with older children or ones with more children, especially those of different genders, can even go in for tents with 2-3 individual rooms. After you have settled on the appropriate size of tent to suit your family, you can go ahead and scour out the various places that sell discount family camping tents, and get the best deals on them.

Besides the camping tents, a few other important items are requires for a camping trip. Things like sleeping bags, blankets and pillows are in fact essential. And egg foam is the answer to your prayers, if the hard ground beneath disturbs your sleep at night. Oh, and don't forget to take flashlights and a lantern with you. The campfire food is the most convenient to carry on your camping trip. You can take marshmallows, packaged drinks, and even hot dogs. These come in handy especially if you do not have a kitchen at your disposal.

Apart from being an inexpensive way to really enjoy your vacations, camping can if fact, over a period of time, become a family tradition. Buying the right discount family camping tent takes you forward in the journey towards a lifetime of memories.

Leatherman 934810 Premium Nylon Sheath for Wave

2008-05-13T16:48:00.001-07:00

Wave Nylon Sheath Only
Customer Review: shealth
I get these around every two months or so, I open and close these about 200 times a day and wear out the velcro, But amazon is the cheapest source, free shipping and under the price of the local store
Customer Review: Velcro like Gorilla Glue!
This is a great item! I had to replace the leather sheath that came with the Leatherman I had bought. The Velcro on this sheath is "IRON MAN" strong. The style is attractive and the body has great support. Try it out, you won't be disappointed...It's a Leatherman!

It does not matter whether it is called a yurt or a gur, this round tent built around a wooden frame has been popular for hundreds of years. Today, because of its practicality, esthetic appeal, convenience and inexpensiveness, the yurt has now become popular in the USA and Canada, as well as Europe.

Since before recorded history, the nomads of the Central Asian steppes, including Mongolia, Kazakhstan and other states of the former Soviet Union, have made their homes in the circular tents called yurts, or sometimes gurs. They are made from easily obtained materials, including lightweight wooden timbers and felted wool. For most yurts in North America, the framework is composed of a wood lattice, over which canvas is stretched.

An interesting tradition about yurt etiquette in Mongolia has been noted. According to local customs, it is considered impolite to knock on the wooden door of a yurt. Instead, the way one gets the permission from the owner to enter is to shout the phrase "hold your dogs" and then wait outside patiently until the portal is opened. Of course, the ability to speak Mongolian is an asset at these times.

Surely, though, these are not reasons why the yurt has been booming in popularity in North America from Alaska and Hawaii to California and New England. More likely the answer to this question involves esthetics. Simply to look at a yurt is to partially understand the psychology of this structure. Surely J.R.R. Tolkein, the author of The Lord of the Rings, and his fictional hobbits would approve of its round shape. There are no sharp angles like a tipi or some other tents. It has even been speculated that one benefit of a yurt is spiritual. That is because there are no corners for harmful spirits to hide.

Whether there is a metaphysical reason or not, it cannot be disputed that yurts have become increasingly popular among people with a tendency toward spiritual, metaphysical or alternative ideas, such as meditation, yoga, Reiki and similar interests. You can also find artist studios, play spaces for children, saunas, workshop rooms and exercise areas housed within the circular walls of a yurt. But this is far from the only realm in which these buildings have taken hold. Many state parks, including those from Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and Rhode Island in the East to Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Montana in the west, are making yurts available in campground for rentals.

It is significantly easier and less expensive to set up a yurt in your back yard than it is to construct a cabin or cottage of more conventional design. This may be why even some bed and breakfast operations are now offering yurts as comfortable, albeit unusual accommodations for their guests.

Learn more about the remarkable benefits of yurts at the Unique Yurt information website.

Columbia Frosty Ridge II Backpacking Two-Person Tent

2008-05-11T21:03:00.001-07:00

The 2-person Columbia CB-1000 Frosty Ridge long-profile tent is perfect for when you want to travel light on backpacking trips. The main body is constructed with No See Um mesh and a 1500 millimeter nylon floor that's seam sealed. It has a double-coated fly and easy-grasp, reflective zipper pulls that make it easy to get in and out of the tent, even in the dark.

The gusseted compression bag lets you slip the tent right in and then zip the sack closed. Keep glasses, a flashlight and other necessities within an arm's reach with the handy organizer pocket inside the tent. For even more interior storage options, use the Columbia custom designed gear loft to keep your gear high and dry. Easily stash your stuff out of the way and out of your living space.

The CB-1000 features the GoBe Dry Ultimate Rain Protection System, which combines patent pending fabric, component, and seam technology that culminates in exceptional protection from the elements, in particular rain, in any and all terrain. The DryTek Fabric repels moisture with a protective coating. The DryFloor Tub design elevates the floor seams to keep away water, while the DryGuard Skirt deflects rain from floor the seams and stake loops.

Specifications:

Base Size: 8 x 5 feet
Center Height: 36 inches
Poles: 9.5 millimeter aluminum poles
Weight: 5.32 pounds
Sleeps: 2

About Columbia Sportswear
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributor to one of the world's largest outerwear brands and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia's extensive product line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Columbia specializes in developing innovative products that are functional yet stylish and offer great value. Eighty-year-old matriarch Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board, and her son, Tim Boyle, President and CEO, lead the company. Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. They introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then 60 year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign. In 1998 the company went public, and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

What's in the Box?
Frosty Ridge backpacking tent, aluminum poles, compression carry bag

Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.

Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.

For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.

Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.

Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.

Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.

Customer Review: 2 in the tent? No way!
I did a bicycle tour from Philadelphia to Maine this summer - 8 days on the bike - and used this tent as my night-time shelter. I was looking for a light-weight tent that would pack up into a tight bundle, and this tent fit the bill. The tent is light and easy to pack. It also will setup fairly quickly. I was able to sit up inside the tent, so I never felt very claustrophobic - but there is no way that this tent could hold 2 adults. I did a backyard test run of the tent before my trip - and slept in the tent with my 5 year old son - and there was not much room at all (I am 5'7", 180lbs). While stealth camping one night during the tour, I was hit with a pretty heavy rain-storm, and this tent kept me dry (although it was like sleeping inside of a drum with all the rain pelting the tent) ;) Generally I was happy with the tent, but if I had to re-do my purchase, I would buy a self-supporting tent - which this one is not.
Customer Review: great little tent, but pretty small
overall we are pretty happy with our purchase for the money. we camp at the texas coast and it gets really windy and rain is usually a problem. after being soaked in a dome tent several times we thought these lower, more wind-resistant styles might hold up better. this tent, being such, did the trick. we went with a group with two brand new dome tents and recieved a good pour one night. the dome tent slumberers gave up and ran to sleep in the truck after fighting the tent blowing in their face and all of their blankets and such being soaked. we were nice and cozy dry. we hardly could tell it was raining and we had not a drop anywhere. of course, we joked in the morning that this was due to the fact that there was not any ROOM for anything else to get in. it is quite a small tent for two people. one person would be very nice. we just barely comfortably fit, and it was a little tricky getting in and out. the pictures showed the side entrance doors but it came with the front entrance. we could sleep with about less than an inch of space between us if we pushed against the sides. but it was by no means miserable (if you don't mind sleeping close). the raised roof by the head area makes the small space more bearable. there is of course no room for any gear other than your blankets and pillows. you do need a ground mat- "tent saver" as there is not a thicker fabric on the bottom like most dome tents have. this tent is of good quality and very quick & easy to set up/ take down. the bag it comes with is nice- no struggling to stuff the tent and stakes in. i wish it were just a tinsy bit bigger (too much bigger would take away the awesom wind resistance) but i think for the money with the other options i saw -this was a good choice. campin's not supposed to be lush anyway =)

How long have you been sitting in front of that television, watching boring reruns? Are you overwrought, exhausted, and do you have at least one argument with your family in a day? Well then, its time to pack your bags, your tenting gear, and your family into your car and head to the great outdoors for a vacation. The great outdoors are beckoning and it's about time you responded to nature's call.

Planning an outdoor vacation with your family is one of the greatest favors you can do for them. But where does one go? Well, in this case, the world is definitely your oyster. Outdoor vacations come attached to activities galore and these include hiking, backpacking, bicycling, and of course camping. You can easily choose the kind of adventure vacation you want. Whether it is going up to the mountains, down to the sea, or flying to an international travel destination, outdoor vacations are the best way for you and your family to relax. Instead of a staid, boring holiday in a man-made amusement park, why not head for an adventure holiday? Outdoor vacations are often unpredictable and make sure that your family and you get a chance to rough it out and have loads of fun. It's not every day that your children get to lie under the stars with a campfire blazing, listening to the occasional, distant howl of an animal.

Family outdoor vacations, far from the maddening crowd, not only help you relax but help your children get out of their patterned existence of school life. There are so many things that artificial amusement parks, resorts, and swimming pools can't teach. The idea is to bathe in a real waterfall, soak it up under the sun, build sand castles instead of assembling plastic ones, or learn how to peg tents. In fact, traveling to a different country or to a remote location is a great way of introducing them to a new culture or your country's heritage.

This is the time when you can interact and spend more time with your children and actually bond with them. No more soccer or left over office work can come between you and your family now. This is also a good time to catch up on all the reading you have wanted to do for a long time. So just switch off the TV, apply for leave, and plan your next family outdoor vacation as soon as possible.

Head up north to the beautiful region of Greenstone for great Ontario camping. An eco vacation the whole family is sure to enjoy! http://www.greenstone.ca/

Coleman Taos 25-Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag

2008-05-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Mummy (32" x 82") - Fits most body types up to 6'2". Keeps you warm in temperatures down to 25°. 38 oz. Coletherm fill. Nylon cover with nylon liner. Stuff sack included. Made in the China.
Customer Review: Comfy and Warm
Very warm sleeping bag, I did buy an cotton lining though b/c it is unlined and gets a little sweaty
Customer Review: Toasty warm
My son loves his new sleeping bag, especially the fact that he can unzip the feet when he gets too warm.

If you are considering a camping trip, you should probably consider making camping reservations. During the busier seasons, many camps and campgrounds meet capacity very quickly. Most accept reservations and keep only a few spots open for campers coming by at the last minute.

The busiest campground season is usually runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, though it varies somewhat by weather. In areas where the climate stays favorable longer, campgrounds may even fill up after Labor Day. Though kids are usually back to school by this time so campgrounds at capacity is less likely, it is still a good idea to make camping reservations. Better safe than sorry!

Most campgrounds have an online website allowing you to conveniently make your reservations. You can also research the activities and amenities the campgrounds have available for you and your family while staying at the campsite. The Internet has also helped campers locate campgrounds that would otherwise be very difficult to find. You can find the exact location and contact information if you have any additional questions not answered online. Finally, a little research online can help you find local attractions in the nearby city. You can spend some time at the campground as well as exploring the area for fun activities, landmarks and sightseeing.

Now, if you choose not to make reservations, you are risking a camping trip with nowhere to camp. Showing up without reservations could spoil your trip somewhat as you may very well end up in camps you would never have selected otherwise. By making your reservations early, you get to decide where you will stay based on the location, amenities and cost. Most campgrounds do not charge a cancellation fee with enough advanced notice, though some may access a small fee for last-minute cancellations if the campsite is not filled.

So, should you make reservations for a campsite? Definitely, if you want to increase your chances of getting the campsite you want. Some campers prefer to be away from other campers. Most prefer sites near bathrooms. Regardless of your specific preferences, the best way to ensure you get your top pick is to make reservations. On a more practical note, reservations are also important if you will need water or electrical hookups as all sites may not come with such features. Finally, many campgrounds only have a few handicapped sites so you will definitely want to make an early reservation at the Denia campsite if you will need a handicapped campsite for your trip.

Being really interested in Murcia and Alicante, Peter Wilson has been authoring many reports on this particular matter. Sharing his passion in works such as http://www.alicante-spain.com/denia.html, the reviewer showed his depth of understanding on ideas related to map of denia spain and Murcia.

Coleman Tent Fan

2008-05-08T16:16:00.001-07:00

Magnet secures fan without harming tent material Soft pliable fan blade 16-hour continuous run time Operates on 1 D-cell battery
Customer Review: Works great
Works great in tents for dogs that suffer from gas problems but it eats up batteries like a hog!
Customer Review: Great idea for tent campers.
I bought two of these for Christmas for my son and niece. They really only use their tents for sleepovers in the backyard. They both tried the fans and loved them. A little circulation is better than none. Their tents are 3-4 person size. Both said they could feel the air just fine.

Texas state campground presents the best campground living. The campsites here are topnotch which makes Texas state campgrounds a worthy destination for tourist. If you love to go for camping holidays, then there are more chances that you will like the Texas state campgrounds as these campgrounds have everything to offer a camper could ask for.Texans are quite hospitable people and these people know exactly how to take care of you by proving the right stuff for camping.

In case you traveling anywhere near Abilene, do not miss going to Abilene state park.This place is located in north of central Texas and has more than five hundred acres of land. This park was built in the year Nineteenth thirties by Civilian Conservation Crops. This campground is the star among the Texas state campgrounds. You can do varieties of activities like swimming, hiking, fishing and nature study in Lake Abilene and Buffalo Wallow Park, walking, biking and picnicking.There are trails available for nature tours which can be requested for.

The main advantage for stay in Texas state campground is that lots of attractions can be explored which are very near to these campgrounds. For example, close to Abilene park Fort Griffin State Park can be seen and also few historic sites. Lake Abilene, the paramount Theater, the Abilene zoo,and the Abilene Fine Arts Museum.

Abilene State Park has quite a lot of facilities available like swimming pool, a playground A wading pool, horseshoe and volleyball. Apart from all these there is enough space for baseball, foot ball and soccer. In simple words, Abilene state park is a good campground out of the Texas State Campgrounds which is pleasant to explore.

One more Texas state campgrounds which is worth paying attention to is Stephen F. Austin State Park and also San Felipe State Historic Site. Austin is considered as the father of the state of Texas who brought about three hundred families to this area and colonized the state. In eighteenth century San Felipe de Austin was deemed as the capital of the colonies of Texas.

Apart from being the place of historic interest, these campgrounds also offer a range of activities like hiking, fishing, nature tours, and golf. Vacationers can also take full advantage of the places to visit which are very nearer to these campgrounds. Attractions like San Jacinto battleground, the Hermann Park Zoo, a Jacinto monument, Astro World and the museum for Natural science. The Texas state campground Austin State Park also has high quality facilities which include a museum, a screened shelter, electricity, water, fully functional kitchen and sewer service.

Texas state campgrounds Texas state campgrounds offer both tranquility and also high energy entertainment. These campgrounds present Southwest's premiere camping spots. These camping spots are worth traveling to irrespective of you geographical location.

http://www.Camping-Guru.com

MSR Mutha Hubba 3-Person Backpacking Tent

2008-05-06T16:16:00.001-07:00

MSR Fast & Light Mutha Hubba Tent... 3 people + gear! The mother of all Hubbas. MSR's lightest, most livable 3-person Tent, the Mutha Hubba provides maximum interior space along with 2 stay-dry entrances and 2 large vestibules. Use it as a double-wall Tent for full protection. Check it out: Quick and easy step up with hub system; Flies / doors won't drip inside Tent, so doors can be opened for additional venting options in light weather; Lightweight materials, polyester and silicon-coated nylon, are durable, waterproof and UV-resistant; Floor offers 40 sq. ft., 7' x 5'8", vestibules provide 14 sq. ft.; 3'10" interior peak; Ultralight Needle stakes are virtually unbendable and weigh only .35 ozs.; Tent approx. 5 lbs., 4 ozs. Order your Mutha Hubba today! MSR Fast & Light Mutha Hubba Tent
Customer Review: 2006 Backpacks Editor's Choice
This is the perfect, light-weight backpacking tent for those who care about weight and performance. This tent is not cheap, but it's not overpriced. It has every small detail you could hope for...and the weight and foot print are perfect for 2 or 3 folks. I know this tent won the 2006 Backpacker's Magazine Editor's Choice Award. By the way, this is a my favorite magazine. My favorite things about the tent: 1) The weight. It's as light as i could wish (under 7 lbs). 2) two entrances are great. they include a "no-drip" entry which really keeps folks dry inside. Lastly,...i also have used the tarp on its own. This is my favorite tent out there. May not buy another tent for 5 years.

In our last article, we discussed how to turn your wedding into an event and an unforgettable experience by creating a personalized theme, element, or style. This week, I will describe the specific elements we used to create "A City Theme". In August of 2007 our company had the pleasure of working with a delightful couple who decided upon a "City" Theme. They wanted to feature their favorite cities. These consisted of New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Key West, and Pittsburgh. They held their reception at the Sheraton Station Square Train Station hotel. The reception site itself set the tone as "the train takes you from one city to the next". The guest accommodations and room block was also reserved at this "Train Station" Hotel. Welcome bags placed in the guests' hotel rooms were filled with items relating to Pittsburgh, one of the featured cities, and the couple's home town.

We carried the city theme into the food by placing little table tents (cards) on the butler trays as hors d'oeuvres were passed. For example, we had "mini egg rolls from New York's Chinatown", "Crabmeat Mushroom Caps from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf", and "Papaya Mango Phyllo Cups from Key West". The DJ played "Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis to represent the famous Las Vegas "midnight buffet" as the couple's own late night buffet came out to replenish the guests. He also played various selections of tropical music to highlight Key West, a few polkas to represent the Pittsburgh traditions, and other music relating to the various cities. A live duo performed during the cocktail hour singing tunes such as "New York New York", "I left my Heart in San Francisco", "Viva Las Vegas", etc. etc. A caricaturist was stationed in the "San Francisco area" (as San Francisco is famous for their artists). He drew the guests in "their own favorite city". This was a huge crowd pleaser and a great conversation piece.

We designed the floor plan so that every 5-6 groupings of tables were featured as a different city. Tables were named after their favorite places in each city and escort cards were made into pretty luggage tags. A cardboard box was turned into a beautiful antiquey suitcase to match the theme of traveling from city to city and to complement the escort cards/"luggage tags". The servers in the different city areas wore black caps that were hot stamped with the logo of that city. Each city was represented by a different bar serving different drinks unique to that area. In the Key West corner, we served frozen strawberry and lime margaritas. In the New York City corner we set up a Martini Bar featuring the Big Appletini, the Cosmopolitan, and the Manhattan. In the San Francisco area we treated guests to an Espresso Bar. In the Las Vegas pod, we served Amaretto and Whiskey Sours along with other mixed drinks commonly given out at the casinos. Finally, in Pittsburgh we offered a variety of Beers including the famous I C Light.

The entire length and height of the back wall was accented by a prop master who built a "Pittsburgh Skyline" that was lit with b-lites from the back. He also created special street signs that were embellished by an artistic photograph of the skyline of each city. These were placed by each city's bar. Custom Skylines of each city were turned into gobos (a lighting term) and shone on the walls surrounding the dining tables. The lighting technician also created a gobo out of the couple's custom logo and monogram-their names in front of the Pittsburgh skyline. This was cast onto the dance floor.

Chocolate coins engraved with the logo of each section's designated city were placed upon each plate. Cocktail napkins, cake and cookie boxes, invitation seals, program covers, and water bottles were embellished by the custom Ann & Sean Pittsburgh skyline logo.

Guests sat down for interviews with an outgoing "VJ" and were asked questions pertaining to Ann and Sean's Trips to the various cities. This was a volunteer activity and everyone who participated had a blast giving additional roasts and good wishes to the couple. To further represent San Francisco, the guests were shuttled in a San Francisco style Trolley. To further represent New York, York Peppermint Patties were wrapped in pink organza bags and placed on each seat. An ice sculpture was carved into an intricate Pittsburgh skyline. We placed the sculpture directly in front of a window and the real Pittsburgh skyline was present in the background. A sculpture of blown sugar was featured as the centerpiece of an awe inspiring candy table. The artist created an abstract design of their Pittsburgh skyline logo from this blown sugar. The candy table itself consisted of candies inspired by the city theme. Each was labeled with a tiny table tent. There were Jelly Belly's (discovered in San Francisco), Ghirardelli Chocolates (also from San Francisco), Clark Bars (Pittsburgh), Baby Ruth's and York Peppermint Patties (New York), 5th Avenue bars (to represent large cities in general, Saltwater Taffy (Key West), and many others. The cookie table also offered cookies reflecting the various cities. A few of these included Pizzelles (Pittsburgh), New York mini cheesecakes, and Fortune Cookies (San Francisco's Chinatown).

Katherine Shaw is the owner of Trends To Traditions, http://www.TrendsToTraditions.com She graduated from Theatre and Film school in 1992. Since then she has planned events for the NFL, NHL, the AFL, and the WB network. She is currently a Pittsburgh Wedding Planner, is certified as a Wedding Director through the National Bridal Service, is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, and has coordinated over 600 weddings in her career.

For more information on theme weddings and to see more thematic pictures, go to http://www.trendstotraditions.com

Eureka Tetragon 1210 Family 12- by 10-Foot Eight-Person Tent

2008-05-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

A great choice for car camping or use as a base camp, the Eureka Tetragon 1210 rectangular dome tent comfortably sleeps eight people and includes a divider to create two separate rooms. The double-coated StormShield polyester fly and the polyester bathtub floor combine to provide excellent weather protection. This free-standing, two-pole tent is quick and easy to set up with its durable shockcorded fiberglass frame, ring and pin attachments, combination sleeve and clip assembly, and color coded webbing.

It's well ventilated, thanks to large no-see-um mesh ceiling panels, six windows, and two doors. The hooded fly provides enough coverage over the front and rear door windows to enable you to leave the window partially open for even more ventilation even in rain. Other features include:

Twin track zippers for separate operation of the window in the door
External guy points on the fly help secure your tent in high winds
Natural green color scheme blends into any campground
Attached hinged gear loft and two detachable interior storage pockets
Clothes line loop, flashlight loop
Mesh panels allow for clip-in accessories
Tent, pole, and stake bags included

Specifications:

Area: 120 square feet
Floor size: 12 feet by 10 feet
Center height: 6 feet, 5 inches
Wall fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Floor fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D polyester taffeta with 800mm coating
Fly fabrics: 1.9-ounce 75D StormShield polyester
Pack size: 8 by 28 inches
Weight: 17 pounds, 11 ounces

About Eureka
Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka's long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products--most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen--as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.

The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM "tent cities" just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company's annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.

In 1960, Eureka's new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.

For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.

Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women's Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.

Customer Review: Eureka 10x12 tent
This is out 3rd tent and we are extremely happy with it. We have been in driving rains and high winds. We love the fact you can open all 4 sides for super ventilation. Easy setup but does require 2 people or you will crack the fiberglass poles ( I know that from experience).
Customer Review: To Kenya and back with no problems
I have yet to use this tent, but I loaned it to friends traveling to Kenya. It survived the international flights both ways and proved to be a roomy and sturdy home for them during their stay there. Pretty good endorsement, I'd say.

One of the biggest parks in Southern Africa, the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park was established through a treaty signed in Windhoek between South Africa and Namibia. This treaty meant that the border between the two countries was opened where the Namibian Hot Springs Game Park met with the South African Richtersveld National Park. The cooperation has resulted in the creation of a massive tourist attraction.

With over five thousand square kilometers of land, the Richtersveld National Park is a massive display of the unique beauty of this dry region. The park is perhaps best known for the Fish River Canyon, which people often compare to the American Grand Canyon, yet the biodiversity of this arid region cannot be ignored.

In the early hours of the morning a fog moves in from the Atlantic Ocean, providing moisture for the hardy succulents that make a home for themselves between the rocks that give this area so much character. The expansive mountain dessert region is host to an impressive variety of smaller reptiles, birds and animals. Some of the plant life is unique to the area, and visitors will appreciate the character-rich quiver trees, tall aloes and peculiar half-mens which stand firmly in defiance of the elements.

When visiting the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park make sure not to leave without spotting the Rock Hyrax, the entertaining Ground Squirrels, the Jackal Buzzard or Hartmann's Mountain Zebra. There are many projects being developed by the park's management, including guided vehicle tours, hiking trails, camping areas, river rafting and canoeing, mountain biking, horse and camel trails as well as botanical, ornithological, geographic and cultural tours. Contact the park to ensure that your activity of choice will be catered for.

The formation of this park, and in particular the incorporation of local people into the park's management, has been sighted as a role model system and as a fresh way of operating conservation areas. There is also talk of expanding the park in the future, possibly to the extent that it will incorporate or merge with Iona National Park in Angola and the Augrabies Falls National Park in South Africa. Such expansion would see the formation of the world's third largest conservation area, covering some nineteen million hectares.

It is essential to have a high clearance vehicle to access the park, with a 4x4 being by far the best option. City vehicles or sedans are not allowed into the park.

Visit the spectacular mountain desert of the Richtersveld National Park on the border between Namibia and South Africa.

Wenzel Titan 18- by 16-Foot Eight-Person Three-Room Family Dome Tent with Screen Porch

2008-05-05T18:53:00.001-07:00

Wenzel Titan Family Dome Tent: 3 separate rooms to sleep 6-7 AND a spacious front porch? Just sell the house and move it! Need a little privacy? You got it! Want to have coffee on the porch in bug-free comfort? Sure! The Wenzel Titan does both with three separate rooms and a screened porch to keep the bugs at bay. But don't think all the space makes this tent a clunker to set up. Because the Sycamore uses uses a unique 5-way center hub with Fast Feet and clip system for quick and easy set-up - less time setting up means more time enjoying your stay in the wild! And just like all Wenzel tents this one is quality built, comfortable and expertly designed. Built for serious family camping fun: Generous 18' x 10' base size with 74" center height; Updraft Ventilation System provides excellent airflow in tent; Removable fly, with hoop frame over door; Shockcorded fiberglass frame for ease of assembly; Tub style welded polyethylene floor with rain shingle for excellent weather protection; Light-yet strong polyester taffeta walls... two divider curtains to create three rooms in main cabin; Includes gear loft for storage; 3 polyester mesh windows let the breezes in, keep even the smallest critters out; Easy-access Dutch "D" style zippered door; Lightweight, non-rusting plastic pegs; Carry weight: 22 lbs. Get more fun out of your camping with Wenzel. Order Today! Wenzel Titan 3 Room Family Dome Tent w/ Screen Porch
Customer Review: Love This Tent
I bought this tent last summer and have used it many times. I love this tent! Very roomy! I have to respond to another review about it taking two people to set up, I am a mother of two young girls that I take camping alot during the summer and I have no problem setting this tent up myself. The only negatives I found is the leaky cover which can be fixed and the bag that they think you can put the tent back into.
Customer Review: good buy
I bought them late in the year so I only had a chance to use it once but was pleased with my purchase. The quality was excellent and the it was easy to put it up.

A secluded and joyful Maryland wedding reception would take you to Kent Manor Inn with their beautifully decorated Victorian style Inn. Delight your guests with the 24 guest rooms available, all of which are decorated and furnished with intricate care and classical decor. Each of the guest rooms consist of a fireplace, a four-poster bed with balconies overlooking a scenic garden view. All these warm and cozy facilities will make your wedding reception an event that your guests and you will never forget. Most importantly, a fine-dining restaurant will be certain to thrill your guests with a wedding reception dinner or a luncheon with exquisite cuisine.

Kent Manor Inns wedding reception packages include a rehearsal dinner, a five hour open bar, domestic cheese presentation garnished with fresh fruit and served with crackers and a champagne toast. Their glass-enclosed garden house can accommodate 150 guests while their gardens can be transformed into an outdoor reception area accommodating up to 300 guests with erected tents. With this, your wedding reception in Maryland will be the ultimate dream reception that any bride and groom can imagine.

Another interesting wedding reception venue in Maryland is the Aspen Wye River Conference Center, owned by the Aspen Institute and managed by The Marriott International. Wye River distinctively provides you with an outdoor wedding reception surrounded by a serene view of a lush cherry groove, trees and hidden creek. In addition to that, Aspen Wye River is home to a series of beautiful and grand guest rooms, with delicious cuisine served by their food and beverage team coupled with high quality service to create memorable Maryland wedding receptions.

For your wedding reception, you can choose from the three distinctive centers contained within this grand venue: Wye Woods, River House and Houghton House. Wye Woods is serene and relaxed, situated on the banks of the Wye River with a maximum capacity of 30 to 50 guests at one time. For a more private wedding reception with a modern interior motif, the wedding couple can opt for the River House which caters only to small groups of 20 to 26 guests only. Lastly, the Houghton House offers a unique Georgian mansion setting furnished with great antiques and surrounded by gardens of 18th century style, just perfect to create a wedding with an 18th century theme.

If these two scenic venues do not fit your preferences, there are many more sites you can survey in Maryland. For instance, if you are considering a waterfront location, there is the Altoona Banquet Hall located in Pasadena with lush surroundings and two banquet halls for the wedding guests. You can even organize a Maryland wedding reception on board a yacht in Baltimore, such as on board the Lady Baltimore which can house up to 450 guests at one time.

Randy has more articles on weddings at his wedding website which has information about Wedding Receptions, Honeymoon Hot Spots and more, for example: Wedding Favors.

Wenzel 3- by 3- Foot Utility Tent

2008-05-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

Customer Review: Exceeded expectation
I ordered this tent thinking it is just a privacy shelter. It actually came with a shower bag. For the price, it is very good value. Putting it together was also very easy and straightforward. I did not need to read the manual twice. It is a lot easier with 2 person, because of the size and design. It is not very heavy, but definitely not the "one time use" kind. The tent is pretty roomy inside. It feels bigger than what I thought a 3x3 tend would be. I did have problem with one of the pole. While taking the tent down, one of the clips popped out of the pole. I have never had this happen to me before with any of the collapsible poles. I thought I was stuck with a broken leg. It took me a little to figure out how to jam the clip back into the pole. That's why I could not rate this product with 5 stars. If you are looking for something as a privacy shelter or shower tent, this is not a bad choice.
Customer Review: Awesome Privacy Shelter
I am thrilled with this purchase. It kept the wetness and sand out of my tent while camping. We used it as a changing room after swimming.

Guinea pigs are wonderful pets but there are certain things they need in order to live a happy life. Of course they would love to have a guinea pig toy or two in their cage, but you first have to ask yourself if the cage is big enough. It is very important that they have enough space to move as well as exercise, so if the cage is just big enough for them to do those things, rather wait until you can get them a bigger cage and then buy them a guinea pig toy. If you are 100% sure that your cage is big enough, your guinea pig would love to have a toy to play with!

Here are a few ideas if you are interested in buying a guinea pig toy;

Wood chews are a great guinea pig toy as these animals love to chew on wood, at least when they chew on this they will not be in trouble! They will find these wood chews amusing so they will play with it first and then eat on it, so its a toy and treat in one! Other chews are Super Pet Bark Bites, Branch Bites, Block Bites, Jungle Talk, and many more. These chews are available in many different bright colors and are not harmful to your guinea pig.

A little more on the healthy side of a guinea pig toy is the Vegetable and Mineral chews. These are safe for them to nibble on and they are fun to play with. They are all made from natural vegetable cores and are available in Crispy Crops, Corn and Celery, Critter Cone, Salt Savors and many more. The Lava Bites will not only provide the little one with fun and games but it will also help to sharpen their teeth.

To give your guinea pig a guinea pig toy will be great, but what is even better is getting and giving them a treat holder. This holder will ensure that all their treats and toys are easy to reach and that they remain clean. This is important as it is not possible for the owner to be there at all times, therefore the animal can get their guinea pig toy on their own, without any help. This can be put in the cage as it is easy for the guinea pig to get to.

It is a good thing that a guinea pig likes to chew because their teeth are constantly growing and by chewing they will prevent their teeth from becoming too big. This is also where a guinea pig toy is useful as they will chew on that too. The guinea pig toy is also good for the animal because it will help to keep them fit. It is important for them to be fit as they like to exercise and this is why they need a cage that is big enough for them to do so.

More ideas of a guinea pig toy is crumpled paper, wood blocks, willow rabbit toys, fleece tunnels, balls, cardboard boxes, hard plastic toys and paper bags seem to make good hiding places for them when they are tired. When purchasing a guinea pig toy make sure that is consists of no small parts that can come off as there might be serious problems if your guinea pig swallows something unusual.

Another great guinea pig toy is a wooden tunnel, some would say that this isnt really a toy, but your guinea pig will definitely love it! These animals like to hide when they get tired of playing so tunnels and hideys are great for them. If you have more than one guinea pig, it is important that you have a tunnel for each of them plus an extra one. When they have had enough time to experience the tunnels, you can get more creative by adding towel tents and other fun toys for them to enjoy. With all the toys and other accessories, it is important to have fresh hay in the cage and because of all the items in the cage, the guinea pig needs quite a big cage for all their toys and activities but they also need space to run around.

For more information or to learn more on Guinea Pig, please visit my blog

Tube Tent Emergency Shelter, Weather Protection

2008-05-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

This two person Tube Tent is an inexpensive, lightweight and compact method of protecting you from the elements in an emergency. The tent measures 8 feet in length and is easily set up between two trees, poles or anything else available for tying two ropes.

Camping and gourmet cooking seem like chalk and cheese - nothing common to be found between them. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility to think that you can have a delicious meal while taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Based on the kind of appliances that you cart along, your preferences and the recipes you unearth (which can easily be found in plenty on the internet) you could without a doubt relish these dishes to the fullest extent possible.

Your objective would be to come up with handy hints and simple ways that you could use to prepare gourmet dishes while camping and come out with flying colors. Whereas you could come across helpful recipes on the internet, bear in mind these essential rules when trying to locate them.

Rules to Finding Useful Gourmet Cooking Recipes

Rather than dismissing gourmet cooking as being too difficult to attempt while camping, take into account these vital rules and you will definitely triumph!

1. Begin with food safety. As most food needs to be refrigerated, just carry food that is not perishable and you can safely stock. In this case, you may have to take a camper or any other such unit with you in order to store food in a cold condition or alternatively, you can select recipes that incorporate food that do not require being refrigerated. Besides, being harmful to take along perishable foods, it can in addition have a detrimental effect on your dishes, as they may not turn out well.

2. Select the proper cooking technique. In case you wish to make food above an open fire, you have to remember to regulate the preparation temperatures and times of the gourmet recipes to go with your cooking style. Usually you can easily hang almost any cooking pan or pot above the open fire, which is not a difficult task to achieve. But, you have to give some thought to the proper way to cook certain gourmet dishes. You have the option of carrying a grill along, using the hot plate for cooking deliciously hot meals or cooking over the open fire if you so prefer.

3. Easy to cook, appetizing dishes will be appreciated by everyone. Following long hours spent in hiking, cooking food would be the last thing on your mind. However, if you can arrange for some wonderful gourmet crock-pot dishes with a rich aroma, there is nothing like it! Scan for recipes, which need minimal equipment, less ingredients and reduced cooking hours, if you just do not want to stretch yourself with a heavy workload.

Cooking gourmet dishes while camping is easy to take on if you spend time planning on them beforehand. You can prepare your most favored dishes exactly the way you want them!

Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com and download his FREE Cooking Report "Master Chef Secrets" and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.Cooking-Guru.com

Rio Adventure Military Style Cot

2008-05-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Sleep comfortably off the ground while camping or at your hunting cabin with the classically styled Rio Adventure Military Cot. It measures 26 by 75 by 16 inches and folds down for easy storage and transport. It features aircraft gauge aluminum legs reinforced with steel hinges and supports. It also offers Rio's exclusive industrial strength Velcro closure on one end for quick and easy assembly. Other features include a washable, durable 600D polyester fabric cover and a carry bag.

Customer Review: Great cot
This cot is perfect for anything - camping, extra guests spending the nite over, temporary bed. We bought it for temporary sleeping place, but I look forward to going camping to use it. The service from Amazon was absolutely great and fast. The cot is easy to set up, and what's cool, it has Velcro on one side of the cot, so you can tighten it up in case the material gets weaker from repeated use. It is made of aluminium, so it is light. I would not have kids jumping on it or two people on it, but for a person of normal height and weight, it is very sturdy.
Customer Review: Comfortable & sturdy
This cot is great for camping and also for extra guests at home. It is very stury and very comfortable sleeping. The space for storage underneath the cot keeps our tent tidy and clutter free while camping.

It is only when you care for your shoes will you be able to take care of your feet. Different kinds of shoes need proper care so that they last long. Shoes come in patent leather, suede, canvas, plastic and fibre material. Sometimes a combination is also available. For example some designs include calf skin leather with animal print in cloth. Expensive shoes have to be taken care of. Since men wear shoes for longer periods they should have al least two pairs. One pair can be kept in the sun for airing while the other is in use. Regular polishing and dusting also help the shoes to remain in a good working condition. Leather shoes are sturdy and last longer if they are kept with great care. They should not be used during the rainy season.

Water spoils the leather and shoes get fungus and are not wearable after repeated contact with rain water. In fact leather shoes should be kept away packed in cardboard boxes and removed only after the rains have stopped. Sometimes dirt sticks to the soles of the shoes. They should be scrapped out so that the soles remain well balanced. For very good quality leather shoes protective spray is available that can be applied every few months. Waxing and using past-base polish also are recommended. It gives a longer shelf life to the shoes. The use of shoe trees is also good as it helps in retaining the original shape of the shoes. Leather shoes can be resoled or re-heeled also. Don't hesitate to revamp the shoes. The older the shoes, more comfortable they will be. Don't forget that if you buy one pair, you may not get another pair easily.

Apart from leather shoes the next pair that needs caring is canvas shoes. Those who are fitness freaks know what it is to keep the body in the good running condition. The same also applies for the shoes. Running or jogging shoes also need good care. Working out in the gym is easy as apart from sweating noting else happens. Good airing at the end of a gruelling exercise regime is recommended. Canvas is a common material that is used for shoes, tents, artist boards, sails of boats etc. Apart from simple canvas shoes there are high absorption jogging shoes that protect feet.

Every shoe should have good pair of laces, soles and toe space. Canvas spray is available to keep these shoes clean. These shoes can be washed and kept to dry in the sun also. Just because canvas shoes are cheap and can be thrown away they need not be used roughly. If they are taken care of the feet are snug and do not get hurt. Excessive mud can be removed after a hike, stones can be removed and they can look spick and span. Wearing socks can also be helpful. As one perspires, the soles start smelling. Socks absorb the sweat and keep soles free and shoes less smelly.

Eureka Tetragon 9 Family 9-by 9-Foot Four-Person Tent

2008-05-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Eureka! Tetragon Tents are ready to tackle the rugged outdoors! This popular Tetragon series offers exceptional value for car camping, base camp or 3-season backpacking. With side windows for venting, clear windows (one on each side) in the fly, built-in mud mat and hinged gear loft organizer, these are far superior to ordinary dome tents. It's got it all: Self-supporting, 2-pole dome design for fast and easy set-up; Hooded fly front and rear permits venting in any weather; Zippered roof vent for increased air circulation; Side opening door for easy entry; Clips quickly and easily attach tent to frame sections; Sewn-in floor; Walls and floor: 70-denier nylon taffeta; Fly: 75-denier StormShield polyester; Netting: 40-denier no-see-um mesh; Poles: 11 mm (Tet. 9). Make your camping experience an enjoyable one! Order Today! Eureka! Tetragon 9 Tent, Green
Customer Review: Great tent for the price
I purhased this tent after looking everywhere, online, dept and discount stores. I wanted a good sturdy tent that I could stand up in for car camping (tired crawling into my backpacking tents) I wanted something of decent durablity and quality, but didnt want to pay $400+ for a name like North Face, Sierra Designs etc... I did know that where I was going to use it could be VERY windy, so I decided against the dept stores. So far this tent has performed flawlessly, on a trip to Joshua Tree NP we encountered some some very gusty winds with no problems. You do need to make sure you really guy it out well using all the guy out points on the fly (have to buy rope and stakes for this) Once you have done this the tent is falrly bomber for a tent of its size and price.
Customer Review: gREAT dEAL!
This is a grat little tent. It has plenty of space for two adults and it withstood a Burning Man dust strom, more than once. It is easy to set up. i am a basic non camper so it only took me a few minutes to set this tent up and secure it. We loved this tent. Can't wait to try it again.

Wedgemount Lake is a gem set in spectacular rugged mountains and fed by a huge glacier. Not for the light-hearted, you must be in good physical condition to tackle this hike. The elevation gain is 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and since the distance from the trailhead to the lake is 7km (4.2 miles) the trail is going to be steep. Better to heed our advice and take easier rails.

Trail access

Turn right off Hwy 99, 13 km north of Whistler, British Columbia . You must cross the BC Rail train track to access the road. Use must use extreme caution as this is an uncontrolled railway crossing. The parking lot is located 2 km from Hwy 99 along a deactivated Forest Service road. This road is recommended for 4x4 vehicles only. If you are in an auto you should park near the highway and walk in.

There are no garbage facilities on this trail, so always pack out what you pack in!

There is a small, basic hut which can sleep 6 people. Camping is permitted at designated campsites on the ridge near the hut and at Wedgemount Lake near the inlet from the Armchair Glacier. There are 10 camping platforms at each location with overflow camping available on the delta near the lake sites. A year-round pit toilet is located near the hut and another is set up near the lake sites for the summer season. No other amenities are provided.

Irma and I were camping at Duffy Lake one week in July. The forecast was perfect for the next day so, rising early we enjoyed a hearty breakfast and were under way. In less than an hour we were parked (yes the road in from highway 99 was rough) and on the trail.

The trail is heavily forested and in good shape. Plenty of birds greeted us as we made our way along a not too steep trail. Before long we could hear the sound of running water and soon arrived at a very narrow wood foot bridge to cross Wedgemount Creek. After that harrowing experience we soon were into some serious elevation gain. The creek was far down into the canyon so we were happy we had carried water with us.

We came to a beautiful meadow with colorful wild flowers strutting their full colors to the rest of the world. Irma loved the aroma. Not far ahead we came across boulder fields. Off in the distance we could occasionally catch a glimpse of the falls but we would leave that for serious climbers. Shortly we emerged into another nice meadow and after crossing a creek the trail gods decided to get this climb into serious climbing. So steep we needed to switchback a couple of times before emerging into the open with an amazing vista of mountains, glaciers and down below, the emerald green waters of Wedgemount Lake.

The hut was off in the distance and we met up with two couples who had stayed the night. We could see three other tents down at the lake. We quickly made some tea and had a great lunch. As is the norm in these remote sites, the Canada Jays (Whisky Jacks) soon came up for their part of the lunch, trustingly eating crumbs from our open hands. We enjoyed the company of the other couples but decided against hiking down to the lake and around to the other end to view the glacier up close. We were satisfied to just take it all in from up high.

After about an hour and a half we parted company and headed home. The trail can be wet at times and of course that means slippery so you must be careful on the rocky areas. Reaching the crossing we had our last tea and lunch and arrived back at our van just eight hours after setting out. Wedgemount Lake is a good hike, not as tough as you may think, but a good workout never the less. The views are the greatest rewards for getting off the couch.

Joe and Irma have built a wonderful fact filled site http://www.whistler-outdoors.com with well over 100 pages of information a visitor really must know prior to visiting.

Eureka Sunrise 11 Family 11-by 11-Foot Six-Person Tent

2008-05-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

These family favorites offer four way ventilation plus the durability of an oxford floor.

2 pole square dome tent

Durable fiberglass frame, clips, and ring and pin/rod pocket assembly

High/Low door vents top and bottom to aid air circulation

2 mesh roof vents provide excellent ventilation

Fly is hooded on all four sides to maximize air flow for all weather venting

4 large zippered windows allow the option of excellent visibility and air flow or privacy

Includes hanging gear loft organizer, 2 built in water bottle holders, corner organizer, and wall organizer with mirror

Heavy duty 210D poly oxford floor

Floor Size 11' x 11'

Pack Size 9" x 27 "

Center Height 7'

Minimum Weight 23 lbs 15 oz

Tent Area 121 sq. ft.

Vestibule Area N/A

Seasons 3

Sleeps 5-6

Doors 1 high/low ventilation

Vestibules N/A

Windows 4

Vents 2 in roof

Gear Loft 1

Gear Loft Loops

Flashlight Loop

Storage Pockets 2

Wall Fabric 75D polyester taffeta, 1200 mm

Fly Fabric 75D StormShield® polyester, 1200mm

Floor Fabric 210D polyester oxford

Mesh Fabric 40D no-see-um

Frame 12.7 mm fiberglass, ring & pin

Avaliable Accessories Floor saver, square, large
Customer Review: Finally a sturdy well engineered family tent
We looked around at a number of family tents. We purchased one and found that it was extremely difficult to set up in even the most minimal amount of wind. My wife and I are both experienced campers and hikers so we were surprised when we couldn't get the tent up properly. We even borrowed a friend's family tent and proceeded to rip the base the first time we tried to stretch the tent out to stake it. This tent is different. It is logical to put up. Once up it is spacious. The first time we put it up only took ten or fifteen minutes (include the time to yell at our 1 year old and 3 year old to get off it or we can't put it up). Internally it has some nice storage features (lots of little pockets and places to store items). I never thought any of that kind of stuff was usefull or necessary until trying to find where the diaper cream went amongst all of the sleeping bags. The tent has nice features without appearing loaded with gimmicks. And here is the real clincher - the sack that the tent comes in actually fits the tent. Not like you have to bring a hydraulic press to squeeze it in - it actually fits. What a relief after a long weekend of camping. I have never written a review before but was moved enough by the quality of this product. The only downside I can think of - the stakes included are the cheezy plastic variety that don't always work in all soil types. And there is not a waterproof assembly instruction printed on the bag (always a nice touch but not needed here since assembly is so logical). Also the way the rain fly goes on is a bit odd (attaching the cross poles to the fly and THEN sliding it over the top). But the downsides so pale in comparison to the pluses. We are 100% satisfied so far!
Customer Review: A nice tall tent with pockets and cupholders!
We bought this tent to replace a similar Eureka tent that lasted more than 10 years. We love our new Eureka tent! We didn't even use seam sealer, but it still stayed dry inside during rain on our recent camping trip. The old tent had four main poles that connected to a center piece, and it was very easy to put up, even by one person. This new tent is just a little harder to put up because there are two very long main poles that arch across the top from corner to corner. We decided that the best process for putting it up was to first stake two corners on the same side of the tent. Then, with the tent flat, we put the two poles through the sleeves and attached them at the two staked corners. Next, the two of us each stood an an unstaked corner so we could simultaneously arch the two poles and fasten the other ends in place. Finally we staked down the third and fourth corner and the sides. Putting up the fly was a breeze. The tent has a large window on each side, and the zippers worked smoothly! The cupholders and pockets are great, and there are little loops on the inside of seams so you can hang other stuff.

Deep within the Grand Canyon lies a little piece of heaven on earth, with turquoise waterfalls and flourishing greenery amid desert red cliffs; a place of unrivaled beauty where nature remains in its most pristine state. Havasu Canyon is a small paradise enclosed in the rugged and secluded scenery of the Grand Canyon. Whether by yourself or on a guided tour, the Havasupai adventure is a definite must for any outdoor enthusiast.

Calling the canyon home, the Havasupai tribe, meaning the people of the blue-green waters, inhabits the village of Supai. With only 600 tribal members, the Havasupai comprise the smallest Indian Nation in America. In the 1800s, the tribe survived solely on farming but today tourism has become their main source of income, with Havasu Canyon and the falls attracting more and more visitors each year.

Perhaps the biggest allure of Havasu Canyon is the blue and green waterfalls, located two miles away from the village. An underground river forms Havasu Creek, which has a steady flow of about 28,000 gallons of water per minute. The river forms three different sets of waterfalls: Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, and Mooney Falls. The river has a high concentration of calcium carbonate and is lined with limestone which reflects sunlight, giving the water its stunning and unusual turquoise color. The temperature of the falls remains a constant 70 degrees year round.

Reservations are required to visit and the tribal government limits the number of visitors to the village at any given time. The best times of the year to visit Havasu Canyon are typically April through May and September through November when the climate is temperate on both the canyon rim and floor. Going during these times typically allows you to avoid the tourist season and summer heat.

Since there are no roads to the village, visitors must travel by foot or horse. There are helicopter services that you may use as well, though one-way trips to and from the village are roughly $85.

You can park your car at Hualapai Hilltop, where the trail head is. From there, it is an eight mile hike to the village and an additional two miles to the campground and the waterfalls. Campers going to the falls are encouraged to plan accordingly; you must carry in everything you need. However, there is a general store located in the village but supplies are limited and very expensive. Visitor fees include an entrance fee permit, campground fee, and environmental care fee. If camping is not your idea of fun, there is a lodge where you can stay. It also requires reservations and has a fee per person per night.

http://theadventure100.com

Moon California Camping: The Complete Guide to More than 1,400 Tent and RV Campgrounds (Moon Outdoors)

2008-04-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

The most trusted name in outdoor guide writing, Tom Stienstra gives readers another reason to spend the night under the stars with the newest edition of Moon California Camping. Covering every worthwhile destination in California, this is the camper's guide to finding the best spots in the Golden State. Families, day-trippers, and seasoned campers looking for a change of pace will all find the perfect campground among the options selected by Tom. Fun trip ideas from Tom include: the Best Scenic Campgrounds, the Best Family Destinations, Best for White-Water Rafting, Best for Waterfalls, and the Best for Fall Colors. This guidebook provides updated, easy-to-use regional maps, descriptive keynotes for every geographical region, and facility and fee information. Detailed descriptions let campers know when they're near a waterfall, scenic overlook, or fishing spot. Moon California Camping has the details on the best California camping available.

Customer Review: Great Book!
I have no questions and hesitations when it comes to Tom Strienstra. I regard his ratings highly and the information provided are very helpful.
Customer Review: California Camping Book
I love this camping guide! I have purchased several (4+) editions of this book to have the most up-to-date info available. I refer to it often and highly recommend it to all campers as a great resource guide.

Tent camping really gets you back to the basics. Besides the fact that it is probably one of the cheapest family outings you will ever undertake, the things you will see and do are only measured by where you go and your imagination when you get there. And you don't even need experience or a lot of imagination to get started. Here's an example. Take a trip to Yosemite for example; this is a beautiful national park with a wonderful valley where you can go to have the camping trip of a lifetime. Once you get there you can get a park map that tells you all the cool places to see and things to do. Once you have found your campsite and set up now it's time to have some fun. You could spend two weeks there and not see everything, which is why it is a great place to come back to. Just look around and see hiking trails everywhere, rocks to climb,lakes and streams to see, gigantic trees, and of course, wildlife! This is just one example and the list of places to go is endless and never to far from home.

Now let's talk about some very basic gear that you will need to get started. And remember we said that tent camping is one of the least expensive vacations you will ever take. This is true because once you have purchased your gear, all you will need to go on future trips is food and a place to go! There are a lot of places you can go that it won't even cost you anything for the campsite, such as the mountains or deserts. A lot of people today prefer to camp where there are very few people.

The first thing you will need is your camping tent. Tents come in all shapes and sizes and colors and materials so there are a few things to consider. First you need a tent that is the right size for your family. You might want to consider whether or not your children might want to bring friends with them, they probably will! So choose a tent that has enough room for your family plus a few more. After all if extra people don't go it ever hurts to have the extra space. Choose a tent that is weatherproof and bug proof, ( with no-see-um mesh), this will keep the bugs out while you sleep.

There are a few other basic things you will need. There are a thousand different things you can buy and spend a fortune on, so let's just talk about the few essential things to get you started. After all part of the fun of camping is once you start going you can all decide that it would be nice to have this or that for your next trip. So the things you need to get you going are first you need your tent. Then you need to pick out some good sleeping bags. Pick some that are rated for warmth and preferably waterproof on the outside. If you do this you will probably never have to replace them. Next you need some camping chairs. You could go with the folding kind or the kind that fold up into a bag, they pack the best. I tend to pick the most comfortable one and worry about how much room it takes up later. Next you need a good 5 day cooler. You just put fresh ice in it every couple days and your food will be fine. Next you will need a small propane stove. These are inexpensive and will cook anything. You will also want to get a small barbeque that uses charcoal for your dinners. With a few utensils and paper plates you are set to cook your stakes, burgers, or hot dogs. You can cook corn or beans simply by opening the can and removing the rapper and setting them on the grill. I've been doing that for years! Don't forget to pack a hand can opener!

So let's do a short list. You'll need: Tent, sleeping bags, chairs, cooler, stove, barbeque, and a few basic utensils. Yes that is a short list, but that's really all that is necessary. You can add things later if you want to!

Camping give the family a sense of accomplishment and shows kids what's really important in life like nature and wildlife. It's as close to nature you can get. It gives the whole family a sense of togetherness and teamwork that is sometimes hard to do in the fast paced life we live. I hope this will be helpful in your adventures to come!

Sincerely,
Michael P. Schwartz
www.Campyearround.com

Michael Schwartz, Owner, for camping tents and camping equipment.

Columbia Frosty Ridge II Backpacking Two-Person Tent

2008-04-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Specifications:

Base Size: 8 x 5 feet
Center Height: 36 inches
Poles: 9.5 millimeter aluminum poles
Weight: 5.32 pounds
Sleeps: 2

What's in the Box?
Frosty Ridge backpacking tent, aluminum poles, compression carry bag

Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime warranty

With the summer approaching us, many families will take to the hills to go camping. If you yourself have never truly camped in a tent before, you are missing out on the purest form of camping. Taking a tent with all the trimmings to the forest is an experience like none other.

However, it is not something that you just up and do one day without learning a few basics. Where to place your tent is surprisingly important on your camping expedition. There are so many 'Hollywood' shots of the perfect campsite that are misleading. A crackling fire with the opening of the tent facing the fire which is only a few footsteps away. Sorry, but that is not advisable in the real forest with real animals and real natural elements such as smoke.

To give you a good idea of where to pitch your tent when camping, I'll tell you about a pack trip that we went on into Bechler Meadows. The trailhead is located in the south end of Yellowstone National Park and will actually take you to Old Faithful if you want to follow it that far.

We were in the 'real' forest, not a forested commercial campground. The trail had designated campsites to help with the overall impact of the area. Ours was located in a bend along the small river and came complete with a campfire area with log benches. There was also a 'high hide' for us to string up the food at night. No picnic table, no bar-b-que grill, no faucet with clean water and no outhouse. It was pure camping and we were planning on staying three days and two nights.

This type of campsite allows you to choose where you place your tent. We did have some guidelines from the Park Ranger, that we met with prior to departure, on how to choose our tent site.

We chose our tent site based on the factors outlined by the Ranger. First we didn't want to be too close to the water. Low lying areas near streams and creeks are susceptible to flooding if Mother Nature dishes out a heavy rain storm. Up in the mountains, what looks like a moderate rain storm can compound quickly if the run-off gathers to your particular stream.

Next we checked the area for dead trees. We certainly didn't want a big gust of wind knocking a tree down on us. You know the saying, 'if a tree falls in the woods...and no one's around..." the point is, trees fall. We made sure that our tent was not in range of any dead trees.

Our fire and food prep area needed to be far enough away from our tent to keep us safe from hungry animals. If a bear smells your campsite, you certainly don't want him rummaging through your tent, too. We kept all aromatic food items, even toothpaste, dangling 15 feet above the ground. However, we made sure that our tent was a good 30 yards away from that.

The last factor in the decision of where to place our tent was the latrine. In the backwoods, there aren't any outhouses. You are truly roughing it when you have to find a suitable place to 'take care of business'. But you want privacy at the same time. We didn't want our 'bathroom area' to be too close to our tent and certainly not upwind.

So with all those factors in mind, we came up with a space that was situated out in a meadow, away from the standing dead trees, water, fire, food, and privy. Our next task was finding the smoothest, most level ground to situate our tent on. Once we found a good spot, we positioned our tent door away from the main wind direction. We were already far enough away from the fire that smoke would not be an issue for us. The ground would provide adequate drainage in the event of a rain deluge so we didn't need to dig a trench around our tent.

We had one other factor to consider when looking for our perfect tent site, our horses. We were on a pack trip and as such, the horses have to be taken care of also. The meadow was the perfect place to 'stake' our horses, however it was also the best place for our tent. We made sure that there was ample space for both of us to cohabitate without getting in each others way.

Our camping trip was awesome and we had a great time. My advice to all of you that want to venture out into the woods this summer is plan ahead, follow the advice of the Forest Rangers when given, and use plain common sense.

http://www.learn-camping.com

Columbia Double Whammy Rectangular Fleece Sleeping Bag and Pillow

2008-04-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Use the rectangular Double Whammy fleece sleeping bag from Columbia for a comfortable night of sleep when you don't need protection from ultra chilly temperatures. Measuring 80 inches long, this sleeping bag offers a 240-gram solid fleece construction and a fleece pillow (with polyester on the underside). Other features include a woven reflective zipper pull, self-fabric closure with zipper pocket, seven stitches per inch, and a fitted chin. It comes with an integrated stuff sack with buckle straps.

Specifications:

Size: 33 x 80 inches
Outer: 240 grams solid fleece

What's in the Box?
Double Whammy sleeping bag with integrated stuff sack, pillow

Manufacturer's Warranty
Lifetime warranty

Columbia's history starts with Gert's parents, Paul and Marie Lamfrom, when they fled Germany in 1937. They bought a small hat distributorship in Portland, Oregon, and named it Columbia Hat Company, after the river bordering the city. Soon frustrated by poor deliveries from suppliers, the Lamfroms decided to start manufacturing products themselves. In 1948, Gert married college sweetheart Neal Boyle, who joined the family business and later took the helm of the growing company. When Neal suddenly died of a heart attack in 1970, Gert enlisted help from Tim, then a college senior. After that, it wasn't long before business really started to take off. Columbia was one of the first companies to make jackets from waterproof/breathable fabric. They introduced the breakthrough technology called the Columbia Interchange System, in which a shell and liner combine for multiple wearing options. In the early 1980s, then 60-year-old Gert began her role as "Mother Boyle" in Columbia's successful and popular advertising campaign.

The company went public in 1998 and moved into a new era as a world leader in the active outdoor apparel industry. Today, Columbia Sportswear employs more than 1,800 people around the world and distributes and sells products in more than 50 countries and to more than 12,000 retailers internationally.

Customer Review: It's very light weight.
I did not expect it to be as light weight as it is but it does keep me warm.
Customer Review: Columbia Fleece Sleeping Bag
Great quality and excellent for single use or lining of another bag. We find that it suits our needs in Florida when camping in the winter. Packs in a small carrier bag. Good product!

"Rent Camping Tent" is a phrase that attracts most of the campers whether they are novice or an experienced person. You can easily find such options at the campsite's general store and at the supplier's web site.

It is also helpful if you are planning to purchase one, as it allows you to use one of similar kind before you purchase some tent for you. People who go on camping trips occassionaly also opt such options. The choice of tent of your preference depends upon three factors, that is, personal style, rental logistics and tent ratings.

1) Personal Style- You may opt for minimalist style or the comforts of your choice in a tent. A utilitarian tent would be sufficient if you are more interested in spending most of your time fishing or kayaking, climbing, hiking etc. as there would be very less need of a tent in such a trip. You would require a large and spacious tent if you are camping with large group of friends or family. All websites offer a wide range of choices for tents to suit every weather condition and season. Moreover, you may choose the model of your choice.

2) Rental Logistics- For people, who prefer to rent their tent from local store should ensure their booking long before they had to go for camping as it becomes difficult during the camping season to get the model of your choice. You can even pick up your rented tent near the camping place if you are renting it from a chain of stores.

For this, you can refer to the website to ensure that is there any other convenient place of delivery. Direct online rental is also a good option to rent a tent from a vendor who specialize in equipment sales as they have more options available than any gear stores.

Such vendors ship the tent to your door. Only hassle is that you would have to repack the tent and ship back to them after your trip. You can also use a combo offer that combines your equipment rental and site fee for camping into a single package. Such offers are easily available at concessionaire-run or private campsites. You may also go to gear outlets and camp stores at popular trailheads and parks.

3) Tent Ratings- Tent ratings may be new for novice campers. It is all based upon the occupancy and seasonal rating. Tents that provide good ventilation during summers or warm weather are known as the 1- season tents. But these 1- season tents are not good during heavy rains. You should opt for a 3-season tent if you want to withstand light snow, heavy rain and ensure good ventilation.

For more protection, you should rent a 4-season tent that can bear heavy snow and high winds due to its sturdier poles and fabric. It is better to rent a convetible tent if you are going in winters as you can convert them into 3-season tents by removing panels. If you are backpacking then you should consider the weight of the tent which is an important factor in determining its rent. It is advised that you rent a tent that could accomodate one extra person rather than the counted friends or family campers to get that extra room for comfort.

You should also consider the cancellation policies and vendor's reservation requirements before finalizing the deal. Check if the vendor charges you for wet or dirty tent when you return it after the trip.