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When you are out hiking or otherwise enjoying the beauty and wonders of nature, you share a responsibility to make sure others can have the same enjoyment. Here are 5 rules to follow when you hit the trails:

Show Courtesy

It’s all nice that we smile and nod when another party goes by. It is also good that we give way to the smaller group of hikers going up a sloped path. But the best part about courtesy during a hiking trip is when we take care of the weakest hiker. If they’re really tired then we can take a break and have them sit on camping chairs. We also helped another person get a good experience out of hiking. This way, lots more people will understand why we get so much satisfaction out of hiking.

Don’t Pollute

A responsible hiker leaves no trace of his trash even if there are no rules on a campsite or on a park. Even small bits of gum wrappers will have the most adverse effects if every hiker that went along dropped one. All the trash that you will produce you can bring along with you and just throw it in the trash bin as you pass by one.

If you’re going to relieve yourself you can dig a cat hole deep enough to prevent it from being washed away into a watershed. Make sure that you are at a distance from the stream or river so your waste doesn’t contaminate the drinking water of other hikers. A lot of disease-causing bacteria make other hikers ill this way.

Be Respectful

Shouting and cavorting is all well and good, but if we really intend to appreciate the beauty of nature as is what hiking is all about, then we should try to keep as quiet as possible so as to not disturb others enjoyment.

Ecological Impact

We all would think that a lone hiker wouldn’t certainly destroy an ecosystem. However, a steady flow of hikers will disturb the habitat of a lot of plants and animals in a forest. Especially if we’re going through a path where there are endangered species trying to proliferate. This not considering that the accumulative waste that we will produce will be enough to contaminate their surroundings and available food sources.

Take Care With Fire

Fires used for cooking and campfire should be done in areas where the ground is bare. Before starting a fire, make sure you can control it.

It all comes down to respecting yourself, others, and the environment. Just do it, cause it’s the right thing to do.

For more tips and information about Camping Chairs, please check out http://www.kidstablesnchairs.com.

In this clip from the 1998 movie The Parent Trap, we once again are reminded how fun it can be to take a stuck-up city person on a camping trip. (If you haven’t seen the movie yet, do yourself a favor and rent it. If nothing else, it proves that Lindsay Lohan used to be able to stuff other than get into trouble!)

If you are tired of all the “rules” you have to follow when going camping, this article is for you! Here 7 super easy ways you can break the rules and ruin a camping trip…have fun!

1: Don’t Secure Your Food Items - Bears And Other Wild Animals Are Too Scared Of You To Bother Your Food

People who tell you to store your food out of the reach of wild animals have just been reading too many westerns. As all normal people know, bears and other wild animals are very scared of people - no wild animal is going to venture into your camp to steal your food. So save yourself the trouble, and just pile your food on the ground outside your tent.

2: Pack Everything You Might Possibly Want - Packing Light Is For Wimps

Ever heard the advice to “pack light” when you’re going camping? Humph - that proverb is only for total wimps. Any real outdoorsman is tough enough to pack everything he needs or wants to his campsite. So go ahead and load up - you want plenty of beer and games so you can have fun, right?

3: Don’t Worry About Campfire Safety - That Stupid Smokey Bear Will Keep Your Fire From Getting Out Of Control

Have you ever wondered what Smokey Bear is smoking? “Only you can stop campfires”??? Please, get real! Campfires aren’t dangerous - you can just leave them and they will burn out without harming anything at all. Every camper knows THAT! So go ahead and fire up a nice big bonfire, sit back, and bring out the beer.

4: Don’t Spend Too Much Time Picking Your Camping Spot - Your Sleeping Bag Will Keep You From Feeling Any Rocks And Sticks

Once you get to your chosen campsite, just get your tent pitched quickly and start having fun. You don’t need to remove sticks or stones before you pitch your tent, either. Any decent sleeping bag will provide plenty of padding so you can’t feel what is under your tent.

5: Don’t Read The Rules Or Signs Where You Are Camping - All The Park Rangers Are Home Asleep At Night

If you really want to get the best possible camping spot, just go pick one! Don’t worry about or even read the laws or signs - they will just cramp your style. All the park rangers are home asleep anyways, so they’ll never see you. Besides, you could just tell them you didn’t see the sign.

6: Don’t Pack Drinking Water Or A Water Purifier - You Can Just Drink Right From The Creek

Pssst. In case you haven’t heard, the idea that creeks aren’t safe to drink from was a myth started by the communists back during the Cold War. It’s just not true - you don’t need to purify water - just drink right from the creek and you’ll be fine. Water purifiers are too expensive anyway.

7: Don’t Pack A Tent Fly Or Groundcloth - All Tents Are WaterPROOF

As anyone knows, tents are made of plastic, which is waterproof. Hence, do not buy a fly or groundcloth for your tent - those are just ways for the tent companies to make extra money off of you. You’ll stay perfectly dry and comfortable with your tent - no tent fly or groundcloth needed.

How Else Could You Have This Much Fun?

So, yeh…follow these rules and have fun. If you follow these rules correctly you are almost guaranteed to do one or more of the following:

1 - Have way more adventure than you planned on
2 - Drop by the local jail for awhile (or a long time, depending on how many acres your campfire-turned-forest fire burns)
3 - Win a Darwin Award
4 - End up on StupidVideos.com
5 - Have a great story to tell your kids about what NOT to do

Check out this hilarious, yet sad video on staying safe when you’re hunting…

Related Pages:
Hunting Knives

With the vast variety of knives on the market, it can be difficult to know which knife you need. Choosing a knife is not hard, though, if you know what you’re looking at.

Step One: What Will You Use The Knife For?

When preparing to buy a knife, the first question to ask yourself is: what you are going to use it for?

For example, is this going to be a blade you’ll use to cut open packages, to cut through string or rope, and other normal daily uses such as these?

Are you a knife collector? If so, you may be in the market for unique or specially made knives.

Are you going to use your knife for basic survival or in a situation involving the armed forces? A high grade knife might be in order, as it could save your life in certain situations such as these!

Will the knife you purchase be used for cutting your catch after fishing or hunting? Some knives are made specifically for this usage.

Is your application more related to basic outdoor activities such as camping, mountain climbing, hiking, etc? Your budget may be a factor, as the sharpness and long-term durability these types of knives may not be as critical as some other purposes. That may vary on how often you engage in such activity as well.

Step Two: Fixed Blade Or Folding Blade?

A primary feature that you should think about is whether you need a fixed-blade or whether a folding knife would suit your purpose.

A fixed-blade can be very reliable and can be used immediately. There is no folding mechanism to break or malfunction, but they are not as compact.

Folding knives have a blade that locks in place, are typically safer and easier to carry, and can offer better dependability. Some are simple enough to open with one hand using a blade-hole, thumb-stud or other similar feature.

Step Three: What Materials Should The Knife Be Manufactured Using?

First, look at the materials out of which the handle is manufactured. You want a good strong grip no matter what your application will be. Comfort could be a factor, so look for a knife that fits the size and shape of your hands and will not be a strain or cause cramping after any potentially long periods of use.

You might also consider if its handle is weather-proof or not. This could be an issue if your application will take place primarily outdoors.

Finally, you will want to be sure that the handle is appealing aesthetically. If this will be your primary knife, this becomes an even more crucial factor to consider as you’ll be looking at this knife a lot (and perhaps showing it off to friends or colleagues).

Secondly, the blade itself needs to be made of material capable of: preserving its edge after extended use, defending against corrosion, and being simple to re-sharpen. There are several blades at a range of price points which will offer such benefits at varying degrees.

Final Consideration: The Warranty

The last thing to consider is what type of warranty is offered. Depending on the dollar investment made, you may want to be sure the manufacturer will back up their product should it ever stop working at peak performance or in the manner in which is intended and/or promised.

Conclusion

Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to choosing the knife that is what you need. If you need any help choosing a knife, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Are you looking for the perfect sleeping bag for your child’s sleepover or your next camping trip? If you’re like most people, you’d like a few tips on choosing the right sleeping bag. Here are a few helpful tips that you can use to ensure that you spend your money wisely while getting exactly what you need…

What temperature rating do you need?

Consider when and where you’ll be using your sleeping bag. Many individuals just blindly toss one in the cart without checking to see what temperatures it performs best in. This is important to do, especially if you are planning to use it on a camping trip. Depending on where you will be camping, you may require a sleeping bag that protects you or the intended user for very low temperatures. Visit Wikipedia for more on sleeping bag temperature ratings.

Check the sleeping bag material.

The material that the sleeping bag is made of should also be a concern if you plan to use this item on more than a few occasions because some materials tear easily or catch fire quickly. The most durable material you can find a sleeping bag made of is Dryloft. It is popular and also more expensive but it offers several great qualities that you just can’t find in other materials. Water resistance, weather resistance and good breathability are just a few of the amazing qualities of this material. Microfiber is also a good bet for durability and water resistance.

Check the all-important filling.

The filling that your bag contains is another important choice for those intending to use their sleeping bag outdoors. There are several options available, so we will break them down into groups; those that insulate well when wet and those that do not insulate well when wet.

Fillings That Insulate Well When Wet

• Lite-loft
• Primaloft
• Hollofil
• Polarguard
• Microloft

Fillings That Do Not Insulate Well When Wet

• Down

Of course, there is much more to consider when choosing the sleeping bag that’s right for you, but these little facts can help you out a bit if you take them into consideration when you go to purchase your next sleeping bag.

Fishing is a sport that is enjoyed by individuals of all ages during every season of the year. Yup, you can fish in the winter, too!

As fun and exciting as fishing can be in the winter, it is important to remember that doing so can be dangerous if you are not careful. With that being said, there are a number of tips, that once implemented, can ensure that your next winter fishing adventure is safe and successful.

Tip 1: No Lone Ranger Fishing

In terms of safety, it is important to never fish alone during the winter. This is particularly important if you will be ice fishing. During every other season, there is likely a large number of individuals in the water or along the shoreline line, but this isn’t always the case during the winter. A fishing partner can assist you should you ever find yourself in a potentially life-threatening situation.

Tip #2: Communicate

If you are unable to fish with a partner, it is important to create a mini itinerary for yourself. Let a trusted friend or relative know exactly where you will be fishing, for how long, and when you are expected to return.

Tip #3: Fish, Don’t Explore

Speaking of location, for safety reasons winter fishers should visit areas that they are familiar with. New locations should be saved for better weather.

Tip #4: It’s Not July

Before leaving for a winter fishing trip, it is important to check the weather and dress for it. Winter weather can be unpredictable; therefore, you are advised against making assumptions. The anticipated weather forecast for your winter fishing trip should be easy to examine. Dressing warmly in the winter is also important for fishers, as it helps to provide comfort. Also, be sure to prepare for the worst, in terms of clothing. While your fishing trip may be successful, there is no harm in planning for certain situations, like being stranded on your boat.

Tip #5: Ice On The Line

In terms of fishing gear, there are a number of winter fishing tips that can help ensure your next fishing trip is filled with great catches. For starters, a line conditioner should be used. Line conditioner, when properly used, can keep all fishing lines free of ice and ice build up. This is not only ideal for ice fishing, but also when the temperatures are below freezing.

Have fun on your winter fishing trip with these tips – stay safe!

Camping is for the most part a safe, fun, and health sport – but there are a few safety rules you should follow if you want your camping trip to be safe and healthy.

Safety Rule #1: Respect Nature

First, respect animals, and the nature that surrounds you. Be aware of any dangerous animals (such as bears or snakes) that live in the area you are camping in. Your policy should be to leave everything exactly the way it was when you came through – in fact, you should try to pick up any garbage you see so you can make it better.

Safety Rule #2: Water Goes Downhill

Be aware of potential flood areas when you’re setting up camp – don’t camp in the bottom of ravines or right next to a creek. Flooding can be dangerous, so make sure you avoid the hazardous areas. Mountainous areas are especially susceptible to flash floods.

Safety Rule #3: Look Around

Third, when you set up camp you should check for any potential dangers. Always look overhead and see if there are dead tree branches above the area where you will be camping. They could fall in the night, directly onto your tent. That is an unpleasant way to be awakened (to say the least), so just avoid areas where that is possible.

Safety Rule #4: Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Just like Smokey Bear says, you should always be careful with fire. If you are even slightly irresponsible with your campfire, you could end up burning down large tracts of forest. Make sure you know proper campfire technique so that you can contain it and burn it in a controlled manner. Never start a fire unless you have water handy to help control it.

Safety Rule #5: Cool, Clear Water

Finally, be careful of what water you drink. You should never drink anything unless you’re 100% sure it’s purified. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the wilderness with painful stomach convulsions. Whether you bring your own water, boil it, or use a purifier, just make sure you aren’t ingesting any dangerous water.

If you follow these 5 rules safety rules, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring a safe and fun camping expedition for all involved.

In this video, outdoorsman, photographer and park ranger Paul Sundberg shows you his favorite camping spots in Minnesota. Even if you don’t want to camp, these places are still a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Minnesota.

When you’re going camping, it’s always nice to take everything you need (and not take things you don’t need). This handy little camping checklist will put you well on your way to packing all the camping gear you need for your next expedition. This checklist is targeted at backpacking campers, so it includes the essentials, but not the niceties that aren’t worth packing in!

The Camping Gear Checklist:

Shelter:
Tent
Tent Fly
Waterproof groundcloth
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad

Food:
Food for meals
Food for snacks
Beverages (hot cocoa/coffee in cold weather)
Water
Pot (s)
Camping stove
Fuel for stove
Matches, flint or lighter
Utensils
Drinking bottle
Fire starters
First aid kit

Tools:
Knife
Axe/Tomahawk and/or saw
Lightweight rope
Compass
Map
Whistle
Radios or cell phones
Flashlight or headlamp
Binoculars

Clothing:
Sweatclothes or pajamas
Hat (boonie style best)
Layered jackets/coats
Raincoat or waterproof jacket
Extra socks

Misc:
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Playing cards
Soap
Personal hygiene essentials
Toilet paper