Camping Lovers Guide

If you like to spend your summers outdoors and if you are a rather active person, you will find having a cooler invaluable. Nothing is worse than drinking a hot soda but a cooler works to keep everything nice and chilled for an extended period of time.

Soft coolers are great for those times when you want to spend the day at the beach and want to bring along a bunch of drinks and food for you and all your friends. They can even be used to keep groceries chilled if you have a long trek from the store to your home. Icemule Cooler offers cooler backpack that keeps ice intact and it's as tough as a mule.

Sports equipment stores sell various types of coolers; some are small while others are big. Some are constructed out of softer materials while others are made out of hard materials and very durable.

There are all types of coolers ranging from durable hard coolers to small and easy to carry portable ones which are perfect if you are going to be bringing enough food and drinks for one person. Then you've got the really high-tech coolers; thermoelectric ones which uses a fan to draw away heat.

The main difference between soft and hard coolers is the material that they are made out of. Soft sided ones are usually lighter and easier to lug around. Some even come in the form of a bag or backpack, making it very convenient to carry around. Portable ones are the most convenient for folks who plan to engage in an activity such as hiking or jogging.

The best way to pack items in your bag cooler is to add in a layer of ice between the various items.

It's also a good idea to fill the cooler completely with ice because it stays cold longer that way. It will stay cold for a long period of time if you open it only when you absolutely have to. Opening a soft cooler frequently will cause warm air to enter and melt the ice. In order to keep items cold for as long as possible, try to keep the insulated cooler in the shade and out of the sun.

If you plan on packing drinks or beer you might want to refrigerate the drinks beforehand. Coolers aren't great at making drinks cold; the simply keep drinks that are already chilled cold. The summer can be hot and unbearable but you can make life a lot more pleasant by utilizing a cooler.

Written by Samantha Z. Potter - Icemule is a backpack insulated coolers is a waterproof and leak proof soft sided coolers that doesn't leak. It's perfect for keeping food and drinks cool when you go camping or to the beach.

Technorati Tags: Backpack, Camping Gear, Drinks, General, Groceries, ice coolers, miscellaneous, Mule, outdoors, outdoors gear, recreation, Soda, Soft Cooler, Soft Coolers, Sporting Goods, sports equipment, Trek

Backpacking can be a fun and exciting adventure in nature, but surviving in the outdoors with only your gear is a dangerous risk for someone with no backpacking experience. Before even planning your first backpacking trip, become familiar with common terms, the necessary gear and equipment, and outdoor accident response and first aid procedures. Read reputable books and guides to gain a better understanding of backpacking before going out on your own. Outdoor and hiking clubs offer members organized training an outings to gain more experience and a number of government and private agencies hold backpacking and hiking classes to further your knowledge.

Backpacking also requires a great deal of physical strength and endurance. Before starting out on a long backpacking outing, you should train yourself not only for the terrain, distance, and climate, but to bear the weight of your pack on an all day trek as well. Exercise regularly and remember to work your lower back, upper back, and abdomen muscles as well as your legs. You should also be aware of your personal medical condition. Be prepared for any adverse affects you may suffer on your outing or consider an easier trip if your conditions warrant.

Plan your backpacking trip carefully far in advance of the actual date. Decide where you will hike and how many days your trip will last. Get familiar with the climate and terrain of the trail so you can adequately prepare your body and get the necessary gear. Always remember to tell friends and family about your backpacking plans. Leave detailed information of where you will be and how long you will be gone with a loved one so help can be sent in the case of an emergency.

Once you have planned your trip, you can decide on gear and equipment. Weight is the most important factor for backpacking. Consider the altitude and climate of the area you will be traveling in, as well as the forecasted weather for the days you will be backpacking. Choosing a tent and sleeping bag will depend on how you personally sleep, the weather, and the number of people going along.

Besides comfortable hiking shoes or boots, a lightweight, appropriate sized pack, and the lightest sleeping gear that meets your needs, there are a few other essential things you should always remember to pack. Most importantly, you will want a relevant, detailed map of the area you will be backpacking in and a reliable compass that you can read. Consider laminating the map to protect from element damage. Carrying all your supplies in Ziploc bags can keep them dry and help you easily find things at the same time.

You will need a flashlight and/or a headlamp. A small, lightweight flashlight is good to carry with you at all times. Remember to bring along an extra set of batteries for your lights. Pocket knives and tools are important for every trip. The Gerber 600 Pro Scout with toolkit is a great all in one option that saves on space and weight.

Pack fire starters and water and wind resistant matches for extreme conditions and emergencies. Fresh water and purifying tablets are also very important backpacking supplies. Always remember to pack a fully stocked first aid kit and a whistle for emergencies. Other items you will want to carry on every trip are a really good bug repellent, especially in summer or marshy locations, sunscreen and a lip balm with sun protection, and at least one pair of high quality sunglasses.

Remember to pack extra food, at least one extra meal, and extra fuel for your stove if the food requires cooking. The final things you need to always bring along on every backpacking trip, even a day trip, are extra clothes and emergency shelter. Extra clothes should include a wool or fleece sweater, waterproof pants and jacket, thermal underwear, insulated gloves and socks, and a warm polypro, wool, or polar fleece cap. Space bags and tube tents are good lightweight shelters.

If you found this article interesting why don't you visit and read Leland Polik's other articles on his website the latest being on Baseball Information, and A Guide to Baseball Rules.

Technorati Tags: Accident Response, backpacking, Backpacking Tips, Backpacking Trip, Camping Gear, Camping Supply, Climate, Dangerous Risk, Endurance, Fun, Gerber Knives, Hiking Clubs, Knowledge, Necessary Gear, Physical Strength, Private Agencies, sleeping bag, stove, Survival Tips, Train, Trek

I used to love taking camping holidays deep in the woods. I was an avid hiker, and no trek was too difficult for me. Sometimes, I would walk as much as 20 miles a day! This wasn't just a walk in the woods either. I was carrying a heavy pack of camping equipment, complete with clothing, food, emergency supplies, and recreational items. I never went to those camping sites that were right by the road. I would always hike into the wilderness.

When I hurt my back, however, I knew that I wouldn't be able to take these kinds of camping trips anymore. At first I was depressed, but I decided not to let it get me down. Instead, I bought a camping trailer. I had always sort of looked down on camping trailers. It seemed like a stupid way to go off into the woods. I had seen lots of those pop up trailers in the camping sites that I drove past on the highway. People would include everything in them. They would take along their televisions, their liquor cabinets, and all sorts of electronic appliances. Basically, there seemed to be no point to it. Why go off into the woods and bring the city along with you?

(more...)

Technorati Tags: camping equipment, Camping Holidays, Camping Sites, Camping Trailer, Camping Trailers, Camping Trips, Emergency Supplies, Love, Trek, wilderness