People go camping for various reasons. It could be that they want to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban life, want to enjoy some bonding experience with their loved ones outdoors or it could be that they just have this love for outdoor escapades. Either way, this type of activity requires them to have tents with them, some of the most usual examples of which are Coleman tents. You know of course that this brand has always been linked with camping activities.

Indeed, the tent is one of the stuff that you could not afford not to take along when having outdoor activities. It is one of your vital needs, together with food and water, as it will be your refuge for the whole time that you are out. It is where you snooze and take shelter particularly those times when the weather is bad.

The tent is your shield against the unfavorable elements while camping. Thus, it is important to painstakingly choose your tent. When choosing a tent, one of the things that you need to look into is its size. You need to take into account your own body size and if you are sharing it with one or a couple of people. It is likewise advantageous if you get the light one as there are a lot of other things that you need to bring with you. Also, pick the one that is simple to build. It would be really beneficial when you become too tired after traveling or trekking and when you do not have the luxury of time to dismantle and pack it when it is time to leave. More significantly, select an excellent quality tent. It should be rainproof as torrential downpours can get so vicious. Furthermore, it must be able to withstand different types of weather conditions.

While those standard tents really come in useful, contemporary tents such as Khyam tents are likewise obtainable and they come in absolutely fashionable designs. Apart from the design, however, comfort is the most crucial thing that you need to take into consideration.

Camping is a very old vacation activity and lifestyle and the needs of campers increase. Thus, firms that manufacture camping gears just like the creators of Vango tents have produced fresh designs that can handle these growing requirements. The internet is a prolific source of information regarding camping equipment, so you can make the most of it to obtain wise and sound decisions. It would not hurt if you did a little bit of research. Compare features, evaluate prices and read a couple of merchandise reviews. Going outdoors is one thrilling activity, so better be certain that you bring all you need to make it a much more pleasant experience.

Has your family chosen wherethey want to go on your summer vacation? You are not alone, most families have not yet decided where they want to go. It can be a quite time consuming activity to find that ideal vacation plan, so explore the choices for your Alabama tourism. You will find exciting options and it may not be an easy choice!

However, if you are careful and take the time to do some planning, it should make your summer vacation fun and one of those “family events” that you will treasure forever. The most frequent mistake people make is first selecting a “destination.” The perfect vacations start when you first select “what you want to do”! Do you want to go camping, tanning on a beach, playing and relaxing at a pool, or touring educational or heritage attractions? By choosing “what you want to do” first, you are off to the best start of selecting that perfect family Alabama attractions destination!

Since you know “what you want to do” – you can sort through the various tourism destination areas and find those ideal attractions that you want to go see or do. By spending a little time planning, you can also find those destinations that include a variety of attractions that are of interest to both you and your inclusive family. Online travel guides are available that can help you find detailed information about events that are more detailed than a simple attraction name and address. Since you know “what” you want to do and “where” you want to go, a professional high quality online Alabama travel guide will provide you a comprehensive article detailing each attraction to help you make an informed decision about what you want to do and where you want to go.

Here are 3 Alabama vacation ideas that you may want to consider:

Idea #1: Birders heading to Alabama’s Gulf Shore won’t want to miss the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island. Whether you are spending time camping on Dauphin Island or just plan to visit this beautiful island on a weekend trip, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is well worth a visit.

Idea #2: Alabama Shakespeare Festival - Montgomery, Alabama. If you are a fan of great Shakespeare then you really need to come to this festival. It is the 6th largest Shakespeare festival in the world. After beginning as a part-time with plays running for six weeks during the summer the Festival was moved from Anniston to Montgomery through the generous donation of Wynton Blount when he agreed to build them a new facility in Montgomery. Now the ASF runs year-round productions with more than 400 performances scheduled each year.

Idea #3: U.S. Space & Rocket Center Delivers Out of this World Fun. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is one of the premier space museums in the world. The first NASA visitor center, the USSRC opened in 1970. Since that time more than 12 million visitors have taken the opportunity to learn more about space exploration. The largest collection of space memorabilia and rockets in the world is housed in the museum.

As you have discovered, you have a significant choice of options available to your family when it is time to select that ideal family Alabama tourism. Enjoy your time to plan carefully what you want to do and where you want to go. Use a professional travel guide to help you discover those perfect attractions in Alabama. And you will know that you will experience a wonderful vacation with a lifetime of memories.

How To Prepare Camping Food and Meals

I think it’s a good idea to pack your camping supplies including your food the night before taking your family camping. It always seems to take longer if you wait until the day you leave for the campground. If you live in an area where you don’t feel that your items will be safe overnight in/on your vehicle, at least have it all ready to go the night before. If you get everything ready beforehand, all you’ll have to do is get up, have breakfast, throw the equipment in the car and go. Easy as 1-2-3.

This Is One Of My Favorite camping food recipes From The 101 Camping Recipes Book

Foil Dinner
12 Potatoes, partially cooked
12 Carrots (or other vegetable)
3 lb beef, Ground
Salt and pepper,To Taste
For single : Cut one potato into small pieces. Cut carrot
into sticks. Make a patty of 1/4 lb. ground beef (3/4 inches thick).
Place all ingredients side by side on a piece of foil. Season to
taste, wrap in foil and put packet into embers or onto grill. Cook 10
to 20 minutes.
Other combinations: Ham, pineapple and sweet potato; Chicken legs,
onion and potato; Hot dogs and onions; Hot dogs with cheese and
bacon; Hot dogs with apples and cheese.

Frying Pan Cookies
2 Eggs, unbeaten
1 c Sugar*
1 1/2 c Dates, chopped
Salt
Cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove
from stove and add 2 cups of Rice Krispies.
Roll in balls and dip in coconut.
*Would recommend from none to 1/2 c sugar. Dates, coconut and Rice
Krispies supply sufficient sweetening.

Preparing Your Food For - easy camping meals

You can get tired of sandwiches after awhile so having some great tasting camping food recipes is a must when going camping. Camping out. Try the recipes at home first to see if your family likes them.

Use paper plates & cups (not plastic) that can be burned in campfire

Use block ice, instead of cubes to keep things cool, it lasts a lot longer. Block ice can be hard to find in some areas so make your own - make one or several large cubes at home (using old milk or plastic containers filled with water)

Make sure you have enough fuel for the camp stove for the entire trip

Plan your meals now don’t wait until after you get there

Prepare vegetables at home (the night before the trip) and put them in zip lock bags, prepackaged bags ‘o salad from the grocery is a great way to get your fresh leafy veggies

If you intend to carry cheese, grate the cheese ahead of time or buy pre-grated packages (put in cooler)

Buy Pringles canned potato chips - so they won’t get crumbled

Put your bread in a box - so it won’t get crushed

Use only pancake batter that mixes with water. (no eggs or milk needed)

Place only beverages in the cooler that will be consumed on the first day refill every night

Corn on the cob is a real camping favorite. Wrap the corn on cob in heavy foil 3-4 times for cooking on the fire & rotate often, you can sprinkle a little salt on it before cooking also.

Camping can be the the best family experience of your life or the worst. Planning is a big key to camping bliss.

Over the last 15 years there has been a consistent increase in new camp tent designs. The range of choices is overwhelming and that makes it confusing at first but it can better be understood by categorizing them in two ways.

Camping tents are sorted by function followed by structure. For example, camping tents being categorized by season where tents are either 4-season or 3-season tents. This can then be further categorized by the number of bodies it can fit.

The “3-man” and “4-man” tent came to be known as “3-person” and “4-person” and even to solo, duo, trio, quartet and so on. But this demands a much more cynical way of looking at the description.

This is because what manufacturers mean by a 3-man camping tent is a tent that can accommodate 3 small human bodies laid out like corpses. If it were live breathing people the space would be too small.

If you were to hike solo, some people prefer to carry a 2-man tent so that you can also store your camping gear and yet be comfortable and spacious enough for you to cook when you have no choice. It’s better to be stuck in a 2-person tent for days in a blizzard than to be stuck in a small bivouac bag.

A number of camping tent manufacturers make allowances for hiking gear and cooking. Cooking in your tent without ventilation is not a recommended practice. It can even spell death for you. Be sure the camping tent is well ventilated when you cook in it. camping tents that allow for such matters are tagged as “2-plus”, “3-plus” and so on.

Going back to take the example of “4-season” camping tent models we see that they are designs that could do well in the heaviest snow and rain and strong winds. Closing the gap between 4-season and 3-season tents are “convertible” tents. This type of tent allow you to save weight by removing some parts of the tent including poles, sections and zip-out roof panel.

However, most modern camping tents are 3-season tents that do well in all seasons except for the worst of winter. The lightweight version is more suited for camping in late spring and early fall also known as the 2-season camping tent.

Remember that this type of categorization is based on estimations of the average guy. The problem is not everyone has the same amount of body insulation. A seasoned backpacker might survive a blizzard with the lightest of 3-season tents or even a small bivvy and yet still have no trouble sleeping at night.

If you want to go camping you need the right camping equipment . You can’t go out for the weekend or even a week with just the clothes on your back and no gear.

The key to choosing the correct camping gear is to know what conditions you will encounter on your camping trip. The length of time you will be camping also influences what camping gear you should carry.

Fortunately we live in a day and age where camping gear manufacturers are constantly coming up with better equipment, whether it’s lighter backpacks, bigger tents that are lighter, or tents that have power hook ups, you can pretty much find what you are looking for the type of camping you are going to do. I want to break down some gear that I have found useful and hopefully will make your next camping adventure even more fun!

Consider about which gear is essential based on your personal circumstances and surroundings. You will have many choices of gear from which to select that are both practical and functional even if you are on a tight budget.

These are just a few of the essential items that you should consider purchasing. Make sure you make your own list of items to bring and cross them off before heading out. It’s no fun to go camping and not have camping gear you may really need.

Startup Camping Gear and Equipment Costs

A. Shelter - Tent for shelter - $35.00 for a single person up to $350 $400.00. For a four person or larger depending on design and quality.

B. Sleeping - Sleeping bag, camp cot and pad $25.00 - $100.00 per person the price is dependent on the quality, type and whether each person uses all three items or a single sleeping bag.

C. First Aid Items- A good first aid kit is mandatory, plus aspirin or other pain relief medicine

D. Lighting - Flashlights or Lantern - you need at least one good flashlight per person - $10.00 - $25.00 each, Lantern - $30.00 - $60.00 is optional. You have the choice of propane, white gas, or dual fuel gas. They each have good and bad points. If you are in a campground that supplies electricity carry a light or lights you can plug in instead of a lantern.

E. Food Preparation - Cooler - $10.00 - $30.00
Cooking - Camp stoves - $20.00 single burner propane camping stove, up to $60.00 for multi burner
Sterno Stove and sterno - $10.00 I don’t care for sterno it doesn’t get hot enough for me. But it’s simple and inexpensive and better than nothing. Even a small camp stove is far easier to use than a can of sterno or a wood fire.
Cook over a campfire - free except for wood, makes a mess of your pots and pans
Food Storage - $10.00 (I use a large plastic storage container with a lid 23“ long and 18“ wide 16“ tall)
Cardboard box - for storage of pots and pans $free
Cooking pots and pans - outdoor enameled cook set is a good place to start, it’s inexpensive has most needed pots and pans, cups, coffee pot $20.00 - $50.00
Knives - I carry a cheapo stainless knife set that comes in it’s on plastic carry case. It has 5 big sharp kitchen knives. $10.00 - $15.00 at a dollar store
Eating Utensils - Knife, fork and spoon for each person $1.00 per set tops
Water - Containers for cooking cleaning and drinking.

F. Campfire Building - If you intend to build a fire for cooking or pleasure you’ll need something to cut wood. Axe, Saw or Hatchet $5.00 - $15.00
To Start The Fire - I carry strike anywhere matches * optional weather proof matches, newspaper and dry wood - $1.00 - $4.00

G. Your Clothing - Your basic clothing items will include, shirts, socks, undergarments, cap or hat. Inclement weather you can consider carrying. You may already have something. $0.00 - $30.00 per chair.

A backpacking bag is perfect for camping because it keeps your hands free for more important tasks like drinking from a bottle of water or to hold a trekking stick. Carrying a travel bag on a hiking trip would be inconvenient and would make a man tire very quickly.

Backpacks generally fall into two categories for outdoor activities like hiking. In the old days external frame bags were commonly used but since a few years after its introduction internal frame bags are the standard.

The frame of an external frame backpack is made of tough and light material. The way the load is placed in an external frame backpack makes it difficult to keep balanced. This presents a problem when you need to climb up hills or mountains so the natural solution, the internal frame backpack, was born.

But some still choose external frame hiking back packs because you can carry some stuff by securing it to the frame. Most people like to tie essentials that they may need regular access to the frame. Be careful not to carry too much hanging on the frame that it turns into something like a bus in developing countries. It can make it hard to move or make you unbalance.

Some still use external frame backpacks because they’re cooler. “Cool” meaning that ventilation is good so it is cooler to wear.

Nowadays external frame hiking back packs have almost been completely replaced by internal frame hiking back packs. It is known that they are simply much more convenient and carrying a heavy weight is so much easier because the center of gravity is much lower and since the weight is much more closer to the body, it is also more balanced.

Internal frame hiking back packs compensates for the lack of external lashing points with a big holding capacity. Some have straps that allows you to carry your other camping gear like camping tent, mummy bag or poles on the outside. The close proximity of the pack to your back also makes it more compact in a way, giving you more flexibility. A higher level of comfort is achieved even when they tend to make your back sweat. Some producers are sharp enough to improve the overall ventilation of the hike backpack by having minimal surface area in contact with the back.

Whether you choose external frame or internal frame hiking back packs be sure it is the right fit for you because it makes a really big difference in the comfort you feel especially if you carry a heavy weight. Note that that expensive doesn’t always imply better quality. You can still get a cheap hike backpack that’s of high quality.

Look for internal frame hiking backpack at http://www.hiking-camping-world.com/

Are you tired of the modern day hustle and bustle? A vacation to a tourist spot may just as well be a trip to the mall. There are too many people around you to feel relaxed. When you are ready to completely disengage from modern life, nothing is better than backpacking.

Backpacking allows you to truly get in touch with nature. There is nothing more awe inspiring than a night out in the hills with the stars and moon shinning in the sky. You can actually sleep outside have fun a lot of fun. However, you may also find terrible weather and see the need for a tent.

When backpacking, you are actually discouraged from carrying an elaborate tent. You will be moving a lot and carrying a tent that is heavier than you can be tiring to say the least. A simple 3 season tent such as the kelty teton 2 may be all that you need. It is study enough to keep you safe from the worst elements in spring, fall and summer.

Your choice of backpacking tent should be able to hold the right capacity. A two person tent is normally good enough for most backpacking trips. Not only do they allow more room but they do not weigh too much to carry. Find a tent that has the right balance between internal space and weight.

Times are tough and it seems we are trying to get the best deal in everything that we buy. The best deal sometimes does not translate to a good nights sleep. This is especially true if you are stuck in a storm with a cheap tent that is collapsing. Find a good brand name tent such as Kelty and you are more likely to enjoy your trip.

In the end, all backpacking trips boil down to proper planning. You should plan for the best quality tents and other equipment. That may be the easy part. The hard part is that you can rarely be able to plan for the company you keep.

When you think of camping out for one or more nights, then most people think of snuggling up in a sleeping bag inside a camping tent.

Few people think who have actually gone camping outdoors seriously imagine camping out without a tent. But those who have never tried it may daydream about it. Certainly we have Hollywood to thank for hundreds of romanticized Westerns and adventure movies where the heroes lie down next to a camp fire and pull a blanket over themselves.

The reality is that one blanket wouldn’t be anywhere near enough, and with nothing underneath them as a barrier to the cold and damp from below, they’d be lucky to get any sleep at all.

John Wayne only had to lie down for the cameras. But you need to get a proper eight hours of shut-eye… warm and dry.

So yes, you can enjoy camping without having to carry a tent along with you… As long as you know what you’re doing.

You have to take care of several things that a camping tent would have normally done for you…

(1) Shelter. Mainly this is keeping off the rain from above, and in windy weather, from the side as well.

(2) Insect Proofing. This can be by having a mosquito net of some kind, or else smearing yourself with insect repellent. (Better than nothing, but not particularly effective.)

(3) Keep your Sleeping Bag Dry. Even if it isn’t raining overnight. Your sleeping bag can be soaked from above with dew and with moisture sucked up from below by your body heat. The cold ground also leaches away your body’s warmth, which is why experienced campers like to have more insulation beneath them than above them! (A mattress or foam sleeping pad normally provides this.)

Three popular ways of camping without a tent are to make use of a camping tarp, a camping hammock or a bivvies. All of these have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. But most of them are lighter and quicker to set up than a camping tent. And that’s just what the hiker or lightweight camper needs.

A camping tarp won’t keep away any insects, but it will keep the rain and dew off you overnight. It doesn’t weigh as much as most tents but it does take some skill to set up right.

A camping hammock is a bit like a one-man tent without poles. String it between two stout trees or supports and you’ve got it made - in the shade. These babies even have rain protection and insect mesh. So no mosquitoes.

A outdoor bivvy is the smallest, lightest system of keeping your sleep sack dry, you warm and the insects away from your skin. It’s also very low-profile and works as an emergency survival bag for hikers out in the wild as well.

David Harvey has enjoyed recreational camping for more than 40 years, sleeping alone or with friends in tents large and small, summer and winter. He has been both a Boy Scout and a Scout Leader, and still makes use of his camping gear whenever he needs a break from his Internet Publishing pursuits. David is a the publisher of several web sites, including http://www.1campingtent.com/camping-without-a-tent.htm

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Alaska is full of surprises and there are many places you can go camping in “The Last Frontier”. During the summer many people call this the land of the midnight sun. The vastness of this state is enough to overwhelm you.

So now the question is where do you go in Alaska. There is the far north with the arctic beaches, the reindeer herds or maybe the thick dense forests and waterways of Southeast Alaska. There is also the realm of the Aleutian Islands. These island are rarely visited and some are over a thousand miles west of Anchorage and still part of the same state. Then there are glaciers and white water rafting that can be accomplished and both at the same time. You can raft down the freezing muddy waters of many a glacial feed river.

Oh the variety that Southeast Alaska offers. Some of the best glacier viewing can be found here as well as some great whale watching. If you catch a nice day there is nothing like chartering a flight to take you soaring over the glaciers, mountains and rivers that dot this part of the world. There is also the great Misty Fjords National Monument that can take your breath away.

Throughout Southeast Alaska you will find many National Forest Service cabins located in some very nice places. These are setup for you to enjoy, just plan ahead as they can be booked out in advance. There is often lots of rain here you can read a Kelty Green River 6 review and discover how this tent just might be the one to use so you can stay dry. Most of the campgrounds in this part of the state are near towns like Wrangell, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Heading to the far North of Alaska you can go camping in the arctic. A place like Kaktovik which is located North of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity for beach camping. It is wise to seek local advise regarding the safest sites though. This is a unique opportunity, how many people have been beach camping in the Arctic?

Other locations in the north of the state include several along the Dalton highway. A couple of these are Yukon crossing, Arctic Circle, Hess Creek and north of the Brooks range Galbraith Camp. Each of these places offers a spot to put up a tent or park your RV. But up here you might find it hard to sleep as the sun just might not set.

When planning a camping trip in Alaska be prepared. The mosquitoes and noseems can be horrible. Some days when the temperature is up and the wind is calm they virtually cause you to go mad. So be sure to bring bug repellent. Also realize that many of the camping places in Alaska are remote and you need to bring your survival gear as there may not be any towns for miles.

Over 1,000 luminaries illuminate your path throughout Historic Augusta, MO the first two Friday nights of December between 5 to ten PM. This annual event has more than a twenty-five year history and has become a ritual for the Augusta community to sponsor. A complimentary Trolley service will carry you through town to tour the many shopkeepers and vintage shops, wineries and brewery, restaurants and food stands, find unique artwork including hand-blown glass, crafts, and jewelry.

The local church can help get you into the holiday spirit with Christmas caroling and encourage you to sing along or simply relax in the church sanctuary with a large Christmas tree. The village square Will boost your holiday spirit with a horse drawn carriage ride around the center of town, a warm bon fire with Chestnuts roasting and marshmallows toasting, and St. Nick waiting to listen to you Christmas wish-list.

The holiday enthusiast may appreciate the excitement of the Holiday Scavenger Hunt and a Christmas challenge and an evening awash with gathering treasurers from all the shopkeepers. You can turn your answers at our History Museum and register for awards from our local merchants.

Everyone can easily relax by appreciating a band at Mount Pleasant Winery sipping a glass of wine; spend the evening at dinner accompanying friends at Café Bella, Augusta Brewing Company, Ashley’s Rose or Balducci’s; relax with a therapeutic massage at Halcyon or you can shop till you drop at a number of specialty shops and antique stores - a great northeast Missouri attractions.

Enjoy the holiday season in Augusta, Missouri on either of the first two Fridays of December with our Annual Candlelight Christmas Walk. The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce sponsors this event each year and you will feel the Christmas spirit throughout the village. We recommend you make your Bed & Breakfast reservations quickly, before all the rooms are reserved. The festivities begin at 5 PM and goes until ten PM with over one thousand luminaries lighting your way through town.

A complimentary Trolley shuttle is on hand to guide you visit all the wineries, spa, and restaurants. You will find original artwork with paintings at Augusta Wood, unique jewelry at Wine Road boutiques and hand-crafted glass by local craftsman Sam Stang at their studio in town. Stoneledge antiques and the local Emporium will carry you back to yester years with their collection of antiquities and exciting stuff from the past. Purely Provence offers home embellishments and holiday décor, while Good Life Goods has gift baskets inspired by faith, hope and love - just a sample of what you will find in your Missouri travel guide.

Mount Pleasant winery provides a no-cost concert and don’t forget the warm mulled-spiced vintage at Augusta Winery. The brewery includes a great variety of micro-brews and meals. Halcyon spa provides free chair massage to relax you during the hustle and bustle of the season. The restaurants and food stands will curb your hunger with specials and homemade food. Attactions include St. Nick, horse drawn carriage rides, children activites at the library, Christmas caroling with the Ebenezer United Church of Christ, our Town Historian, the History Museum, a Scavenger Hunt and many new businesses.