Archive for the ‘Camping’ Category

Gearing Up for Snow Camping: Knives and other Essentials

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

Snow Camping at Lake Easton State ParkCold weather does not mean the end to outdoor fun. The winter season can provide an exciting challenge if you love to camp because of the new experiences it provides and because it gives you a good excuse to use your camping knives and multi-tool. Snow camping requires more preparation and special equipment than camping during other weather conditions, so you’ll need to take extra precautions and take the time to prepare in order to maximize the amount of fun you will have.

Snow Camping Overview

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What NOT to Do With Your Camping Knife

Friday, October 14th, 2011

A Family PastimeIf you are an avid collector of knives, then you probably value the condition of your collection – even your utility camping knives. A quality camping knife, however, can quickly deteriorate if used improperly. The most important thing to remember about preserving the condition of your knives is to use them only for their intended purpose.

In order to keep your camping knives in top shape, here’s a look at what NOT to do with them: (more…)

Group Camping Etiquette

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

Group Camp Site #1One of the best things about going camping is the ability to get away from the cramped city and stretch out into open space. At the same time, however, when you’re camping with a group of friends, the campsite can begin to feel crowded pretty quickly – the walls of even the best tent are pretty thin.

To keep from getting under each other’s skin, and to avoid angering your neighbors, there are some basic camping etiquette guidelines you can follow:

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5 Mountaintop Activities for Summer

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

rock climbing is funWhen the summer heat sets in, there are two popular ways to find relief in the Pacific Northwest: Get thee to water, or head to the mountains. Whether you’re a hard-core climber or a casual hiker, the mountains offer plenty of recreational opportunities that allow you to take advantage of the cooler air available at higher elevations. Here’s a look at some of the top Northwest mountaintop activities to help you beat the heat:

1. Hiking and rock climbing.

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5 Tips for Simple Campfire Meals

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Cooking while camping can be a challenge, especially when space is limited. Fortunately, you don’t need to bring your entire kitchen with you in order to eat well at the campsite; generally, the right camping knives and multi-tools can supply most of the utensils you’ll need. The following are some suggestions for simplifying your campfire cooking so you can dine heartily without overstuffing your pack.

1. Plan your meals before you leave. When space is limited, every item has to count. Carefully plan out each meal and bring only what you need. If possible, pre-measure your ingredients into re-sealable bags, organize them by meal, and group items in color-coded stuff sacks.

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Backpacking: How to Properly Load your Pack

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Many experienced backpackers have honed their pack loading skills to a science. For those just starting out, however, loading up a pack for a multi-day backcountry trip can seem baffling. Not only do you have to make everything fit, but you need to position your gear for optimal weight distribution as well as accessibility. The last thing you need when night falls is to have to dig through your pack in the dark to find your LED headlamp.

While the finer points of pack loading are often learned through experience, there are some basic principles you can follow to ensure your gear – and your own safety – are protected. (more…)

Go Glamping – a Look at Glamorous Camping

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

GlampingSome people are just natural MacGyvers. Send them into the woods with nothing but a compass and a multi tool, and within hours they’ll have a shelter built, a campfire blazing and a foraged meal cooking away.

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4 Backpacking Super Foods

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Backpacking FoodEven on a relatively level trail, backpacking can be an exhausting adventure. It’s important to bring plenty of food to recharge your batteries while hiking. On an extended trip, a backpacker can burn 4,000-9,000 calories a day, which means your body will need a lot of fuel.

The best backpacking foods are compact, easy to prepare, dense in calories and can be eaten with a camping knife or multi-tool. Luckily, there are a number of lightweight, compact food items that still pack a caloric punch. The following are the top four trail foods that offer a high amount of calories per weight. Yum!

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