Posted on June 17th, 2008 — in World Of Leisure
Imagine! You wake up in the morning, the sun is shining, the birds and chirping and the temperature is nice and warm. That dream can come true but weather conditions can either make you happy or miserable as there is no guarantee. The outcome depends on you. On a cold, stormy night, the last thing that you need is to be freezing while soaking in dripping water and praying that the strong wind does not make your tent collapse on you as well. That is why, a camping tent should be able to protect you from Mother Nature’s fury by insuring you both comfort and protection.
What is the difference between tents?
Well, there is more to a tent than brand names and a vast range of prices. Depending on how you intend to use your tent and what you are looking for, the cheaper version can either satisfy your needs or offer you the guarantee that you will only use it once in your lifetime. In this last instance, your choice of camping tent will have cost you more than a more expensive and practical selection. In the end, was your “bargain” as good as you first thought?
That is why, beside prices, you should look at a few important points to consider before you complete your purchase. Brand names can also make you pay for the name as some will be as good as cheaper options. It all comes back to one thing: “What are you looking for in a tent?”
While you are shopping for a camping tent, you should answer a few questions such as:
How many people will sleep in this tent?
What size of tent should I consider purchasing to ensure that both campers and camping gear will fit?
What type of structure are you looking for?
Are you good in following instructions or is it a plain nightmare just to even think about it?
Do you intend to use it during all year round or mainly during the warmer months?
What are the options that you are looking for in a tent?
Does size really matter?
Well, depending on how you plan to use the interior of your tent, size does matter. Of course, if your tent will shelter a person or two, you do not need a family size tent but if the other way around occurs, you might consider space an important feature to allow both comfort and storage as part of the deal.
Unless your selection indicates that it is roomy enough to fit both the amount of campers and their camping gear, you may prefer to go for at least and extra person’s sleeping capacity in order to fit everyone and everything. For example, if you wish to choose something that fits two people and their gear, you may prefer a three person’s tent. If you intend to use camping gear such as a foldable picnic table, you may prefer a four person’s tent.
Height is also a great feature as depending on your size and the shape you’re in, the higher may be better to allow people to stand up and have headspace.
What other features should you be looking for?
You may find that one entrance may be enough as more can be convenient. You may choose windows to peek through instead of staring at a plain side of nylon. You may find practical to have a lot of storage pockets available.
Other features may also make your camping experience an enjoyable one. For example, color coded poles or dome tents may facilitate the set up of your shelter as another type may provide you with both stress and a big headache instead of a good shelter. Antisnag material around zippers is an important feature to prevent problems or damages.
Maybe you prefer a freestanding tent if you wish to have headspace height all around instead of in the central zone such as the one you have in a dome tent.
Also, depending on your camping needs, you may require a four-season tent that can also face the snow accumulation, the wind and the cold of winter otherwise; the three-season option may be the one for you. Would you like the added protection of a rain fly cover or the practical use of a vestibule?
As you can see, there are as many options in camping tents as there are questions that need to be answered to fit your needs all the way. That is why you should also consider browsing among the top rated camping tents and do the necessary research before you that the final steps of purchasing the tent that is right for you. Make your dreams come true!
Years ago, I was initiated to the joys of camping by a former colleague of mine. We traveled from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico. I have learned several ways to enjoy camping and the first rule of thumb was to start with the best tent that fits all your needs. If you wish to read more information about the top rated camping tents, I invite you to visit my site at: http://camping.findoutnow.org
Comments Off
Posted on May 31st, 2008 — in Better Gardening, Home Improvement Info, World Of Leisure
What is a home with out a Patio? It is like a husband without a wife or a wife without a husband. The true meaning of the relationship is incomplete. So it is the same for a home without a veranda, it is not finished. By finished we do not mean in terms of physical appearance but we are concerned with the sentimental value. A lot of family moments occur around the terrace, that is why a lot of people treasure them and it is definitely one of the extras they would like to have in their homes. It connects them to the memories of their past and also it is a reminder that they can make other memories today to be cherished tomorrow.
Patios do not have to be complicated. They are easily built using concrete slabs or other strong material. In some places they are called verandas, terraces or courtyards. Some houses made of wood have porches that are also made of wood but these have to be strong to support the weight of the furniture that is place on it, also it has to support human weight. Even if you visit places that have these you will see a great difference. Everyone wants to make the place look wonderful.
More about patio design here
Comments Off
Posted on April 30th, 2008 — in World Of Leisure
The call of the wild can be seductive. The exquisite beauty of the
wilderness, the incomparable solitude, the simplicity of life on the trail,
and the rush of living a bit on the edge attract thousands of eager
backcountry enthusiasts. Sometimes enthusiasm gets in the way of
wisdom and adequate preparation. Hikers, campers and other nature
lovers can find themselves lost, unprepared or badly hurt. Colorado’s
Mountain Rescue Association reports its teams respond to more than
1,000 search and rescues per year. Victims often suffer from frostbite,
dehydration, shock or severe trauma. Not all emergencies can be
prevented, but many can. Poor preparation, poor judgment and hubris
can be a dangerous combination that can lead to pure misery, injury or
even death. Be wise and commit to the safety rules established by the
experts. The following 10 rules are promoted by the officials of The
Appalachian Club (www.outdoors.org) and the Colorado Mountain Club
(www.cmc.org) :
#1 Alert Others to Your Plans - Be sure to tell family or close
friends where you are going and when you plan to return. Fill out a hiker
log at the Ranger Station in the wilderness area that you intend to visit.
Know who can initiate a search and rescue in the area you are visiting. It
may be the County Sheriff, but in the National Park system it’s the Park
Ranger.
#2 Educate Yourself - There is an ethic of self-reliance in the
backcountry. You have to rely on your own abilities to stay out of a jam,
or get yourself out of one. You must know your own limitations. If you
are heading into a new area, study the guidebooks. Ask around to get
as much information you can on the terrain, the type of experience, the
topography, and any other features you may need to watch out for. Do
not overlook the option of traveling with an organized group with a
knowledgeable leader to give you at least an introduction.
#3 Expect Weather to Change Quickly - In many locations,
weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving. Seasonal changes can
add to this challenge most anywhere. Be sure to check weather reports
before heading out, and if the forecast is dismal, postpone your trip. The
trail will be there tomorrow.
#4 Dress to Prevent Hypothermia - Heed this advice, even if
you are planning a simple day hike. The chief reason that people die in
the backcountry is hypothermia or ‘exposure’ - a lowering of core body
temperature. Jeans and cotton t-shirts become a real problem when
they become wet and hold moisture next to the skin while drawing heat
away from the body. Polypropylene and silk wick moisture away from
the skin and help retain body heat. Next, consider insulating layers such
as synthetic fleece or wool, and an outer shell that protects from wind or
moisture. A hat will significantly help preserve body heat. Loose-fitting
clothing is better than tight fitting. Feet can become cold if your belt or
boots are too tight and impairing your circulation.
#5 Prioritize When Packing - The average survival experience
lasts three days. To negotiate that, you will need some sort of shelter
that provides a windbreak to keep you warm and dry, as well as water to
maintain hydration, a fire starter, a back-up fire starter, and a mirror for
signaling. Do not over-emphasize the usefulness of flares, strobes and
flashlights. Someone may possibly spot them accidentally at night, but
those intentionally looking for you will be searching in daylight. A fire is
more useful. It is reassuring when you are tired, panicky and cold. It can
warm you up, melt snow to keep you hydrated, or to treat a hypothermic
victim with warm liquid. A fire can be a signaling device during the day.
Remember the power of “3″ - three fires in a triangle, three columns of
smoke, three whistles and three gunshots, are the international signal
for distress.
#6 Know Your Equipment - If you are not quite sure how to use
your compass and topographical map, find the appropriate help or
course at an outfitter or in a book by experts. Maps, compasses, and
GPS devices are useless in your pocket. The time to read the
instructions on your emergency fire starter is not when it is dark, you’re
cold, and your hands are shaking. Using your equipment should be
second nature. Survival will be 10% equipment, 10% knowing how to
use it, and 80% will be your own intelligence and attitude.
#7 Stay Hydrated - Drink a minimum of two quarts of water a
day. Hydration is incredibly important in preventing hypothermia and in
maintaining the ability to think clearly. If you lose two percent of your
body’s fluid content through normal sweat and urination, and don’t
replenish it, you can begin experiencing headaches, nausea,
sleeplessness, increased heart rate and decreased muscle strength.
The body cannot generate heat if it’s dehydrated. If you are planning to
get water from a river or stream, bring a water filter or some method of
disinfecting or treating it. Some people boil it. In a survival situation,
keeping yourself hydrated makes drinking any available water worth the
risk. Although water-borne viruses do exist in rivers and streams, you
will probably be rescued by the time that virus makes you sick. Staying
hydrated is most critical.
#8 Feast on Carbohydrates - Carbohydrates provide quick
and sustainable energy. Complex carbohydrates are best, but a mix of
simple and complex carbohydrates is perfectly suitable. Bring foods
such as fruit and granola bars that provide concentrated energy for the
least amount of weight. Proteins, such as beef jerky, are the worst. Your
body needs time and energy to break down proteins, and they can
require a lot of water.
#9 Remain Calm - Keeping your wits about you in an
emergency situation will prolong your life and greatly increase the odds
of survival. Maintaining a positive mental attitude is the biggest
advantage in a survival situation. This is especially important if you
have an injury, a fatality, or someone who is hypothermic or giving up.
These situations will have a debilitating effect on the group. Rescuers
report that they have had people run away from them because they’re in
a hysterical, threatened mindset. Be cool and calm to help you survive.
(Remember, the average situation lasts three days.)
#10 Stay Put - If you become delayed, don’t take off in a
different direction or try a shortcut. Alpine rescuers say that the biggest
problem they have is that people are not where they are supposed to
be. They are often miles from where they said they were going to be. If
you become badly lost, settle down and stay put.
Get Wild…Stay Safe!
Copyright 2005 Karen B. Cohen All rights Reserved.
Karen B. Cohen is a performance and wellness coach living in a college
town in rural Virginia. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Karen enjoys a
variety of pursuits in the Upper Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge
Mountains. She is an expert yoga instructor and occasionally leads
yoga hikes near her home. She is available for seminars, workshops
and individual coaching, and can be reached through her latest project
http://www.RockbridgeMag.com
(Karen@RockbridgeMag.com)
Comments Off