Are considering going on a backpacking trip? You are going to have to carry everything with you on your back or in your pockets when you go into the wilderness. While this idea doesn’t appeal to everybody, some people consider this the ultimate get away. As you are preparing to go, you will quickly realize that weight is a big issue. In order to be as mobile as possible you have to find a good balance between size, weight and the price of your gear. Typically the smaller and more lightweight, the more expensive.

Everything you bring needs to be minimal, including your food. Here are some easy backpacking food suggestions.

Water = Life

You can get away with skimping on some things, but one thing you need to make sure you have enough of is water. When you are out in the wild, walking with a pack, you need plenty of water to drink. The minimum is two liters per person per day, but your needs can be a lot more than that, especially if you are in a hot area.

Most people cannot or don’t want to carry that much weight in water. At eight pounds a gallon, you can see that carrying enough for a few days will easily weigh you down. A good alternative is to bring a water filter or iodine pills. There are many different types of filters on the market. The type that you choose will depend on what the water quality is like where you are going. No matter what, do not skip out on this essential backpacking piece of equipment.

Peanut Butter
One of the easiest camping foods around is a good ol’ plastic jar of peanut butter. You can bring bread, crackers or biscuits to spread it on, or you can just eat it by the spoonful out of the jar. You’ll be burning a lot of calories, which you’ll need to replace. You could also opt for energy or nutrition bars, but peanut butter is a lot cheaper and gives you great protein and calories to keep your body going. For a special treat, throw in some chocolate chips.

Salami
Many hardcore backpackers swear that they can survive off of salami for days. This dried, spiced meat doesn’t require refrigeration, is lightweight and is also packed with calories and protein. Just be sure to bring a pocket knife with you.

Meals In A Pouch
Nowadays, there’s a great variety of great premade camping food on the market. You can be miles from anywhere and still enjoy a great gourmet meal like Beef Stroganoff, a nice side dish and Blueberry Cheesecake for desert. There are plenty of vegetarian selections as well. These types of meals come two ways, dehydrated or fully hydrated. The hydrated, or wet, meals do not need any water added, but they are heated by putting the pouch in boiling water for a few minutes. There are many great menu choices, but they can get a little heavy.

The dehydrated meals are prepared by opening the pouch and pouring boiling water inside. You stir, let it sit for a few minutes and eat. These have the advantage of being much lighter to carry. Either type though can be eaten cold if you are in a tough spot and not able to make hot water.

Whatever type of camping food you bring, be sure you’ve got enough for everyday of your trip and a little extra, just in case. Although you can survive for days without food (but only for three days without water!), you don’t want to have to when you are out in the wild. Being prepared now goes a long way in making sure you have a great trip later!

Camping in the great outdoors can be an amazing experience. You can escape from your everyday life, get out of your house or apartment and leave behind your normal routine. Maybe you want to do a long backpacking trip deep into the wilderness, or maybe you’re happy taking the camper to a local campground. Wherever you decide to go, one thing that is essential to having a good trip is a camping checklist.

The specific items that will be on each camping checklist will vary from family to family and from trip to trip. It depends on factors such as where you are going, what time of year, how many people and for how long. This article will help you prepare a list to make your next camping trip pleasant and unforgettable.

Camping Checklist Basics

One of the first things you need to consider is where you’ll be sleeping. Even if you have a camping trailer with beds, you need to make sure there is enough room and proper bedding for everyone. There’s nothing worse than being cold all night! Some people prefer to sleep outdoors in a tent. In that case, a few items that you’ll want to consider is the type and size of tent, sleeping bags that are appropriate for the time of year, sleeping pads and a tarp or ground cover. Believe me, having the right sleeping equipment can make all the difference in having a good trip.

The next essential on your camping checklist is cooking utensils and supplies. Many places restrict, or do not even allow, campfires due to concerns about forest fires. You’ll want to bring some kind of a stove to cook your food. Don’t forget to bring the proper type of fuel with you.

Your kitchen equipment list is important, since when you are out in the woods, you can’t just run to the local store. For example, if you bring canned food with you, don’t forget a can opener. Other items include pots and pans, plates, cups, utensils, a cutting board and knife and matches or a lighter for your stove, plus any special items you might want. There’s even camping espresso machines so you don’t have to skip your morning latte.

The type of food you bring will depend on how you are camping and how long you are going for. If you are packing it in, you’ll want to get food that is as lightweight as possible. But if you are going in a car or camper, you can prepare much more elaborate meals. Be sure to bring some detergent to clean your dishes after and always heed the ranger’s advice about keeping food away from animals, especially bears.

Other items on your checklist might include flashlight and batteries, extra clothes, bug spray, sunscreen, camp towel and shower, toilet paper and a small shovel, and extras like a camera, games, camp chairs and a journal.

If you are going into the wilderness and carrying all your equipment on your back, your choice of backpack and hiking boots is going to be very important. Be sure to do research and find the equipment that is right for you. Remember to plan ahead and break in your boots before hand, you don’t want to spend your trip nursing blisters.

No matter where you are going on your trip, a good camping checklist will help remind you of all the gear that you need to bring. With your well written checklist in hand, you’ll be sure to have all the equipment that you need for a relaxing and enjoyable camping trip.

Are you looking for a fun thing to do with the kids over the summer vacation? Many people love to go camping as a family for several great reasons. It really promotes family together time especially when  you are sleeping together in a 5 person tent, or bigger depending on the size of your family.

At a time when televisions, computers and cell phones seem to rule our lives if we let it, this can be a great way to help your children to disconnect for a bit. Also spending time in the great outdoors is a wonderful way to create memories and have good times together.

One of the first major items that you will need to get ready for your camping adventure is a tent big enough for the whole family. In this article we will discuss how to find the best tent for your needs and specifically talk about one of our favorite options which is the North Face Dome Tent.

Most tents include the number of people that it holds within the actual name of the tent. Keep in mind though, that although the tent will comfortably hold that many adults, it does not take into consideration additional storage, baggage and additional camping gear that you may need to store in the tent as well. Another option would be to keep all additional items inside of your vehicle and only use the tent for sleeping. In our example, the North Face Dome 5 Tent is meant to be a 5 person tent and would sleep 5 adults with ease.

This may be better suited for families which include 2 adults and 2 children, allowing for a bit of extra space. The added space may be particularly appreciated when you have the occasional dreary day and the children need a place to be able to play cards or a board game without being on top of one another.

When shopping for your family tent, you will want to look for something that is very durable and one that can withstand all sorts of weather. This model for example, is made of fabric that is waterproof and very sturdy. This specific tent also utilizes a special lift venting design that allows the tent to lift with the wind rather than to bend and risk being thrown about as some cheaper tents may be. This tent will definitely survive nearly any weather condition and it is also popular among serious mountaineers and people who like to hike extensively.

If you have a plan that includes hiking to your camping spot, you will also need to take the weight of your gear into account. This is a definite consideration when hauling 5 person tents as opposed to a 2 person tent because the added material and bulk can make for a much heavier haul when trekking longer distances. The North Face Dome is very lightweight and does come with an easy to use duffle-like storage back for easy packing, so this may be of less concern than with some of the other heavier and bulkier tent options.

We hope that this article helps to provide you with an option for your tent selection. There are many to choose from and searching online will provide a wide variety of options to help you select the best tent for your family.

Happy camping!

Are you new to hiking, mountain biking or other outdoor sports? One thing that you will want to keep in mind as you prepare to start planning for treks and excursions is making sure that you have a sufficient water supply to sustain you for the length of any major outings that you will be going on. One of the worst things that can happen to a hiker or biker is to suffer from dehydration.

There are many things that you can do to prevent this and planning is half the battle, whether you choose to use a great hydration system such as the Camelbak Hawg or carry numerous water bottles along with you in your backpack.

In this article, we will talk about the importance of staying hydrated during your outdoor activities and provide some tips and resources that will help you to achieve this goal.

Even when one is not engaged in a strenuous activity, the body perspires and loses liquids in the form of sweat. To replenish the supply of liquids leaving the body on a regular basis, a person should typically drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to maintain an optimal level of hydration.

While hiking, biking or engaging in another strenuous outdoor activity, of course one is prone to sweating a lot more so more care needs to be taken in order to be conscious of replenishing the fluids that your body needs. Most often people consume these liquids in the form of water which would be the healthiest for your body, but some people also drink Gatorade or other drinks that can also be a good way to hydrate the body.

One great solution to keeping hydrated while hiking or biking is the investment of a good hydration system such as the Camelbak 100 oz which carries a good 100 ounces of water which will keep you hydrated during a good long hike or bike ride. Simply fill up the sturdy water reservoir and insert it into the comfortable pack which is padded and customizable in size to fit your back and body.

This particular model also includes an added 900 cubic inches of space for additional storage. Store things such as snacks, keys and maps in easy to access pockets within the pack. There is even a nice water resistant spot for your beloved MP3 player right at the top of the pack so that you are able to enjoy your favorite tunes while hiking those beautiful mountains or other wonderful landscapes and scenic views.

A few great tips for staying hydrated include drinking a fair bit of water before you even set off for your hike, drink additional water every 20-30 minutes or so and continue to drink a bit of water after completing your hike. The bottom line is to stay conscious about drinking sufficient water and you should be perfectly fine.

Whether you choose the Camelbak hydration pack or another brand of this sort of system, we highly recommend this as a great investment and tool to help you stay hydrated while hiking. These systems are very easy to use and very affordable considering the value for what you are purchasing and the money that you could save on bottled water.

Hiking and camping are favorite activities for people that love the outdoors. Whether you enjoy camping with your family, one other friend or solo camping it is essential for you to organize your gear before you set out on your expedition.

The main item of equipment if you are planning to rough it, would be the type of backpacking tent that you choose to set-up. Of course this will be largely determined by the number of people that will be sleeping, but if it is only you and one other person you may want to consider the Mountain Hardwear EV 2 tent as a sturdy, lightweight and quality 2 person tent option.

In this article, we will discuss some points to consider when choosing the perfect tent for your camping or hiking adventure.

As noted above, the most important factor to consider is the size of the tent that you will need. This is partly determined, of course, by the number of people that you are camping with. Don’t forget to also take into consideration the amount of additional equipment and gear that you will have with your while trekking. This is partly due to the weight limits of what you can comfortably carry as well as the actual storage room needed within the tent.

When shopping for tents, you will see them described according to the number of people that they will hold. For our example here, the Mountain Hardwear EV 2 has a 2 person capacity. Keep in mind though that this is really geared towards backpackers that are traveling very lightly without much gear. That 2 person description describes how many people the tent can sleep without gear. If you are a family of 4 that is also traveling with a lot of gear, a 4 person tent capacity most likely would be a little snug and you should aim to go a bit bigger than what the actual number of people might be.

Next, you will probably want to chose the tent’s shape that would be most suitable for your needs. Typical tents come in 4 common shapes. The most popular shape is probably the A-frame tent which you would most likely recognize as the pup tent. A wall tent looks like the A-frame but usually it includes side walls and is much larger than the typical A-frame. The most popular tent for family camping or for comfortably sleeping a larger numbers of people, would be the umbrella shaped tent. This one includes large windows and is tall enough for standing. Finally, there is the geodesic shaped tent which looks like a bunch of different sized connected triangles and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Lastly, you will want to consider the weather conditions of the places that you will be setting up your tent. Whenever possible go for strong and durable fabrics that will withstand pretty much any type of weather condition. The Mountain Hardwear EV brand is a great example of a very sturdy tent that will withstand almost any weather condition and is well worth the higher cost. We think that you would agree that the last thing that you would want while camping on your own, with a buddy or your family is to have rain seeping into your tent.

Happy camping!

The most important piece of equipment that you will need for your hiking trip is your hiking backpack, so you will definitely want to do the research needed to discover the perfect pack for you.

There are many different brands and models to choose from whether you decide to go with a trusted and higher end product, such as the North Face Catalyst 75 model or other brands such as Kelty, Osprey or one of several other companies to choose from. This is probably the most important item you will buy because it will most likely be your biggest gear investment and this is the thing that you will notice the most if you do not choose the best fit for you.

You will want to develop a criteria for yourself that lists the most important features and comforts that you would like in your backpack. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

How much do you want to carry with you on your back? This is a very important thing to consider because it will play a critical part in the comfort level of your hiking trip as well as the size backpack that you purchase. The pack models typically include a number which is the reference to the amount of weight in liters that the backpack will hold. So for our example here the Catalyst 75 would hold 75 liters worth of gear.  Whenever possible it would be best to go for the least amount that you are actually carrying on your back. You should consider all possible trips and hiking adventures though to be realistic about what your needs could be so that you don’t end up with a pack that is too small for your trip.

The most important thing to consider will be the fit of the backpack for your torso. This means that it should be appropriate to your torso height (not your overall height in general) and fit comfortably around your hips. To get your correct torso measurement, you should measure from the most noticeable vertebra protrusion of your upper spine which is your C7 vertebra, to the rear shelf of your hip bones. Many websites that sell backpacks will also have a sizing chart so that you can be sure that you are measuring correctly.

There are a lot of extra features to consider such as ventilation, cushion, opening pockets, pouches and attachment accessories. The fun part is exploring to find one that has all the great little compartments and extra zipper pouches to store your equipment, maps, food, clothes and everything you will need to be ready for a great hiking trip. The North Face Catalyst 75 backpack is an example of a pack that has all the bells and whistles that you will need.

If at all possible, you should try to visit a store where you can spend some time walking around with a backpack that has weight in it so that you can have a realistic feel for what certain amounts of weight will feel like on your back. It is also great to be able to try out different styles and fits to find the one that is best for you.

Are you excited to start doing some serious hiking? Gathering your gear and making your checklists are the first step to a successful hiking excursion. Among your gear lists, you may want to include some type of hiking GPS system such as the Garmin 60CSX Handheld GPS which is a perfect unit for serious trekking.

In this article, we will cover some useful features and tips that you should make note of as you research the best GPS navigational system for your own hiking and camping needs. There are many great models to choose from and knowing the best requirements for you can aid you in the process of selection.

Firstly, you will want to take into consideration the location where you will be using the GPS system. Unlike road or water travel, hiking routes require a GPS unit that is highly sensitive due to the extreme variance of outdoor conditions. While hiking you will encounter deep canyons and dense tree coverage so you want to be sure that the system will be able to work in these types of scenarios. For best signal, you should be sure to get a GPS model that includes at least a 12 channel chipset to see you through any type of terrain and circumstance.

Another big consideration for your hiking GPS is the weight and size of the system for obvious reasons. You do not want a unit that is bulky or one that will weigh you down in any way. The Garmin 60CSX GPS mentioned above, is a great example of a handheld system that you will want to check out for yourself. There are many handheld GPS models available from well-known companies such as Garmin, Lowrance and Magellan to name a few brands for you to consider.

Also for obvious reasons, you will want a GPS unit that has a long battery life. The last thing that you will want it to be stuck out on the trail somewhere far from base relying on a GPS system that now has a dead battery. You will certainly want to always be sure to carry extra batteries for that exact situation.

Consider what, if any, mapping capabilities that you would like your GPS system to have. Many include basic mapping and the option of purchasing add-on maps and different types of mapping software options are also available with many units.

Durability and a waterproof model should definitely be considerations for the avid hiker as you want something that will stand the test of time and all weather conditions that you may encounter. Many of the handheld GPS units, such as the Garmin 60CSX, mentioned in the article are very rugged and popular for trekking because of the endurance capabilities.

Be sure that your system has enough built in memory to fit your needs. Typically a system will be able to hold a specified number of waypoints and saved routes, but many of the systems also include optional add-on memory capabilities.

Be sure to do your research while shopping for the perfect system to suit your needs. Whenever possible, it is a great idea to be able to test a unit in the store before actually purchasing and heading out on your first hiking adventure with the GPS system that you choose.

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to grab the hiking boots and head out for some good trekking adventures! If you have kids, this can be a great way to enjoy some nice summer weekends and assure that the children as well as yourself are getting some great exercise.

Most children love to be outdoors so this should not be a difficult sell if done right. If your kids are used to sitting in front of the TV or playing video games all day, it’s the perfect time to introduce a new activity that will get them out of the house.

If hiking is a new adventure for your family, you’ll want to first be sure that you have all the right gear to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. Your feet should come first whether you choose to go with a sturdy boot or some type of hiking shoe. Check out REI or a local camping store for some great options.

Also note that you will want to be sure to break your shoes or boots in before setting out on any type of lengthy hike. If you don’t take this important step, you could end up with badly blistered feet and a very disheartened experience.

Depending on the length of your hiking adventures, at the minimum you’ll need a way to carry some basic supplies. If you are doing a trek that will only last part of a day, you’ll probably want to carry some food and drinks along with any additional clothing depending on the weather conditions. It’s probably also a good idea to include a basic first aid kit especially when you are trekking with the kids. Include some band aids as this can help a lot if there is an issue with any blisters on the feet.

If you are doing a bigger hiking trip that will cover many days, of course you will need a bigger backpack and additional gear. Depending on the outing, you may need to bring a tent, sleeping bag and additional food. This type of overnight trip may require some good pre-trip conditioning as trekking with additional weight on your back can make a big difference as to how fast you are able to hike. Practicing at home before you go is a great way to build up your endurance and figure out just how much weight you are able to comfortably carry on your back.

If you will be camping, you’ll also need to take into consideration items that you might need to build a fire and anything additional that you might need for sleeping arrangements. One idea is to have a backpack and sleeping back for each child that is light enough for them to carry themselves. Also, don’t forget any maps and a compass as getting lost in the forest will not be a pleasant experience for anyone.

Hiking can be a great way to experience wonderful conversation with your children and bring your family closer together in general.

Camping season will be upon us before we know it and it’s a perfect time to start preparing your checklists, hiking gear and Yakima roof rack so that when the time comes, you will be fully prepared to load that car up and go.

Firstly, to alleviate the potential stress of cramming everything into your vehicle, you may want to have a look at something like the Yakima rack as a cargo solution. By the time we get this packing list together, you will see the beauty of having everything stored on top of the car or truck in this great compact rooftop carrier.

Now let’s start with the packing list. Of course this will vary as your hobbies and interests may be different but we will assume that hiking, fishing and outdoor activities are high on your list of things that you enjoy doing while roughing it in the wilderness.

1. Good hiking boots or shoes. This is a must if any real hiking is likely to occur. Note that you will not want to wear a brand new pair of boots without first breaking them in a bit. This is important because if you don’t follow this guideline you could end up with some very sore feet, putting an end to the weekend hiking adventure.

2. Clothes appropriate for the weather and terrain. If you anticipate rain at all, be sure to bring some decent rain gear as trekking in these conditions while wet can get old pretty quickly.

3. A backpack that is size appropriate depending on how long you will be hiking at a time and if the hikes will include staying somewhere overnight. Be sure that you can easily carry with you food, an extra layer of clothing, minimal medical supplies and water to name a few items.

4. A small first aid kit that includes band aids, antibacterial cream, bug repellant, aspirin and any other medications that you may need while away.

5. A tent if you are tent camping. Also if you are tent camping, of course you will need a sleeping bag, pillow, and items to build your campfire. These bigger items will fit very nicely overhead in your Yakima Skybox cargo storage unit so you need not worry about the kids fighting for room in the backseat of the car.

6. A fully charged cell phone and possibly a good handheld gps device if you will be trekking in low populated areas.

7. Any maps covering the area that you will be hiking in. You might also considering bringing a compass if you want to do it the old fashioned way without today’s technologically advanced gps systems.

8. Depending on your interests, bring all your fishing gear, hunting equipment, swimsuits, the canoe…you name it. Bring those items that will keep you, the kids and the dog happy. Hint…don’t forget the dog food if you are bringing the family pet along.

Start getting your packing list together that includes all of the items that are essential to you and your family. Before you know it, it will be time to pack up the kids, the car and the Skybox 21 atop your vehicle and off you go. We hope that this list will get you started and that you have many happy camping adventures ahead of you.

The Camelbak Hawg is the perfect hydration system for hiking or mountain biking enthusiasts.

Don’t worry about lugging cumbersome water bottles along…simply strap this pack on your back and you will be good to go for hours!

Click here to start your order!

Features of the Camelbak Hawg 100 oz:

• holds up to 100 oz of water and includes an additional storage area totaling 900 cubic in. of space
• excellent ventilation within the back panel system that is well padded
• water access is very convenient and easy to get to
• made with excellent dual side compression
• padded shoulder straps are fit for comfort for even the longest of hikes or bike trips
• includes a suspension harness that is dynamic and keeps the pack stable as you move
• can easily customize the fit of the hydration pack to suit your body
• includes a waist belt that is removable
• the water reservoir is made with OMEGA HydroTanium and a sturdy polyurethane film that is super resistant to almost any kind of shock
• the actual drinking valve is ergonomically placed for convenient use
• includes a rain cover so that the hydration system can be used during all kinds of weather conditions
• includes a reservoir pocket that is well insulated so that you can keep water cool for hours
• includes a big cargo pocket with an organizer within to hold keys, tools and other accessories
• Want to carry your MP3 player with you? Includes a special pocket for this purpose at the top of the pack for easy access.
• includes 2 additional external zip side pockets for added storage
• lifetime warranty on the reservoir

Click here to order today!

The Camelbak Hawg hydration pack is one of the best brand names when it comes to reliable and innovative hydration systems! We wish you all the best as you set out on your trekking and riding excursions!