A Mountain Holiday

Have you ever considered a mountaineering holiday? You know the type i mean.. get your walking boots on and brave the great outdoors! These types of trips are relatively inexpensive and will give you a whole new way to enjoy your time off.

I am always trying to encourage people to break from the norm, to try something different. Rather than going on a boring beach holiday like you do every year, why not take the the hills and get climbing a mountain. Adrenaline fuelled holidays are on the rise and will continue to increase in popularity throught 2010 and beyond.

When selecting a mountain to climb, always do your research first as accidents can (and do) happen. There is nothing worse than a climber without the correct mountain equipment becoming stranded on a mountainside. With correct preparation you can avoid any serious mistakes and potentially hazardous problems. Always ensure you have the correct walking boots, trousers, jackets and waterproofs, but also a sturdy hat, gloves and bag to carry all your essentials. With these items to hand you can help reduce the risk of getting hypothermia or suffering from wind chill.

With correct preparation, your mountaineering holiday is a great way to get in touch with nature. So get yourself some rambling gear, pack your map and compass and take to the hills - it will be a memorable holiday!

Archaeological Hikes: Vacations That Impact

Archaeological hiking has been growing in popularity as a pastime in recent years, with hikers using these hiking trips to get the exercise that they want while visiting venues that let them glimpse the remnants of civilizations long gone. Much of the same hiking gear is used for these archeology hikes as would be used in other popular hiking destinations, with LED lights or headlamps being an essential piece of hiking equipment for hikes at night and sunscreen, multipurpose tools and water for the daytime.

Defining Archaeological Hiking

An archaeological hiking trip is one that visits outdoor venues which bear some archaeological significance. These venues may feature paintings, carvings, or etchings in the walls of caves or other stone, showing off the artistic accomplishments of an ancient people. Other archeology hikes may visit famous locations throughout history, letting hikers walk through the footsteps of history and walk the same paths that indigenous people once walked. Some hikers on archeology hikes may choose to use the minimal amount of hiking gear that could still be considered safe in order to better recreate the feeling of being there when the history of the location was first created.

Popular Archaeological Destinations

In the United States, there are a number of popular destinations of archaeological hiking that show off the history of the country and its Native American inhabitants. Sites such as Range Creek Canyon in Utah let visitors see the paintings and etchings of these Native Americans, showing off the hunting practices and early beliefs of these early people. Crow Canyon, Nevada is also a popular destination for archeology hikes, allowing visitors to see the remnants of the Navajo civilization and the culture that they had created in what many would consider to be inhospitable lands. Other destinations that are frequented by hikers with an interest in archeology include sections of Oregon and Washington that were inhabited by the Native Americans of the northwest as well as sections of the Trail of Tears, the Oregon Trail, and the route taken by Louis and Clark when exploring the United States.

Archaeological Hiking Tips

There are a number of tips that you should keep in mind when going on an archeology hike. Make sure that you take the proper hiking equipment for the terrain that you will be traversing, including the appropriate clothing for the weather that you will be expecting. Include LED lights in with your hiking gear so that you will be able to see while setting up camp or visiting certain archaeological sites at night. Another important tip is to make sure that you don’t disturb any of the sites that you visit, as they have immense importance both to archaeologists and other hikers; make sure that you don’t take anything from the site and that you don’t use hiking gear that might damage the artifacts contained there. By avoiding making any sort of an impact on the site you will help to ensure that other hikers will be able to enjoy the same sort of hikes for years to come.

~Ben Anton, 2008

What are some good meals to have when camping and how should i cook them ?

I want to go camping in the late summer of next year and I was wonder what types of food I should eat and how I should cook it.

Do You Need A College Basketball Camp

It is the mission of most camps to provide the best programs and staff to fully meet the various basketball and fitness needs of their participants. Most camps provide maximum exposure to college and prep school scouts. Most organizations provide young basketball players with the highest level of coaching, elite competition, and allow each athlete to develop a sense of pride and accomplishment. The idea is determined to create an unmatched basketball atmosphere.

The passion for basketball has led to the development of a small industry around the game. Stores market basketball merchandise like shoes, jerseys, logos and other knickknacks while colleges run basketball camps for beginners. They rope in former basketball players and coaches to run the college basketball camp.

These camps are not limited to college students. Anyone can apply and get admission to the basketball camps. Several colleges organize residential basketball camps while others encourage students to come during daytime only.

However, there is little doubt about the popularity of these camps. There are a large number of wannabe basketball stars that want to learn basketball from ex-NBA players and coaches. Colleges advertise these camps liberally in newspapers and on websites.

The fees of these camps depend upon the duration and the coach. Star coaches can help the colleges set a high fee. Normally, the fee for a one-week residential camp is around $300 while that of a day camp is around $100 to 150.

Most of these camps are held during summers or vacation time so that students can join them without disturbing their academic routine. The camp dates are announced in advance so that students can enroll in time.

Almost all colleges take these camps very seriously. The students are put through the grind. The idea is to make the students learn as much as possible at these camps. The colleges are also concerned that if they don’t put pressure then the future camps will not attract students.

However, the success of the camp rests solely on the coach. Colleges can expect great response if they have been able to get a big name. The response for unknown coaches is rarely satisfactory.

The camps are a good source of revenue for the colleges because their investment is limited to the fees paid to the coach. They don’t have to invest in a basketball court or on lodgings. Al these are already present in most colleges. What’s more these camps become a useful revenue source during the lean months.

The Key to a Successful Camping Season is the Same as the Boy Scout Motto: “be Prepared.”

Camping season is a time for exploring the great outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and truly enjoying the natural world. Whether one is a first timer or an experienced camper, there is always something new to learn and experience. While camping season used to be associated only with summer months, there are many opportunities to enjoy camping throughout the year. The key to a successful camping season is the same as the Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared.”

There are as many ways to camp as there are people who want to camp. For those who prefer a true backwoods adventure, the combination of hiking and backpacking with their camping experience requires a different type of equipment and preparation than those who choose to drive to a state forest or private campground. Certain types of equipment are vital, no matter what style of camping is preferred.

First, even the most intrepid camper needs to sleep! A sturdy sleeping bag is most campers’ choice; sleeping bags are designed to accommodate different temperature requirements from lightweight bags for summer camping to below zero “mummy bags” for mid-winter adventures. But a sleeping bag is not really enough for a good night’s sleep-the ground is a hard mattress!

The wise outdoorsman will choose to put something between his back and the ground. In this, as with sleeping bags, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on the type of camping. The lightest weight and most portable choice is a simple foam camping pad which weighs less than a pound. For a backpacker, this is a good choice. However, someone who is using his car or truck as transportation may choose an air mattress or even a portable cot!

Cooking is another essential element for every type of camping. While the traditional image of cooking over an open fire may be considered part of the ultimate camping experience, many factors make campfire cooking a less desirable option. Modern camping stoves are lightweight and offer more flexibility than a fire. A good camp stove can boil a quart of water in less than 4 minutes; yet it weighs less than 2 pounds!

Once the heat source is decided on, cookware must be selected. Again, choices are nearly limitless! The simplest choice is a stick for grilling hot dogs or marshmallows, but this isn’t a practical choice for a hungry camper. Outdoor cookware sets are nearly as extensive as those a gourmet chef uses. One of the lightest choices is a set which features multi-purpose components made of sturdy stainless steel, ideal for a hiking trip. Other styles of cookware include cast iron dutch ovens, grills, bake ware, and even woks.

Beyond the necessities and preparation for camping, the underlying joy of camping season is the same for all campers. Camping season, whether it is a New England summer, a southwestern fall, or an Alaskan winter, gives people an escape from their daily lives. It represents a connection with the natural world that is usually lost in worlds of skyscrapers, highways, and mundane responsibilities. The rat race is suspended on a camping trip, replaced by long walks, canoe rides, relaxing around a campfire or a myriad of other activities.

Everyone finds something special about camping. People of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to refresh and recharge themselves; it doesn’t matter if one hikes the back country or drives an RV into campground. By choosing to visit where they must adopt new behaviors and conform to different rules, campers create a new world for themselves each trip. For them, camping season is never ending.

Lightweight & Ultralight Camping Equipment Advice

Lightweight Tents &Camping Equipment Advice

CheapTents.com specialises in selling top quality tents and camping equipment at discount prices. We have operated in this industry for almost 20 years, and 7 years of that online, so when it comes to giving outdoor gear advice, we know our stuff!

Being specialists in selling lightweight and ultralight outdoor clothing and camping equipment, here is some very helpful advice for outdoor sports people interested in backpacking, adventure racing, lightweight expeditions and a variety of other lightweight outdoor and camping activities.

Why is lightweight camping and outdoor gear so important?

Lightweight gear is amongst the most technologically advanced outdoor clothing and camping equipment available. This is because it uses the specially advanced technologies which serve the same core purposes as ‘regular weight’ outdoor gear, but at a reduced weight.

Outdoor Sports: Outdoor sports enthusiasts and athletes have come to value lightweight camping and sports equipment because of the way it enhances their performance, hence the increasingly popular manufacture of ultralight tents, clothing and equipment. Adventure runners, backpackers and mountain bikers are amongst those looking to shave every gram off their pack weight.

Lightweight Backpacking and Travel: It’s important to realise that whilst you’re traveling around the world, taking a gap year, or backpacking for a weekend in the fells, you will greatly appreciate good quality, lightweight clothing and equipment, as no one else is going to offer to carry your backpack for you!

Reduced pack weight: By reducing the weight of the gear you are carrying with you, it means that you are putting less strain on your legs, making yourself less top heavy and more than likely reducing your pack size which means you can squeeze through more crevasses!

Reduced clothing weight: Agility is helped by reduced friction against key areas of your body’s movement. By having less weight, you are reducing the gravitational pull of your gear towards the ground, when most people want to be moving forward. Importantly, lightweight and ultralight equipment often means less bulk, which too helps to reduce the friction of clothing against your body and make it easier to conquer another mountain!

Packing Your Backpack

Prioritise. When packing your backpack, like many people I bet you think of an occasion (however remote) where you might actually need the melon baller. Well, the chances are you won’t, so don’t pack it. The rule is, when your lightweight packing, is to focus on absolute need and emergency need, which includes at the very least: water, food, shelter, warmth and safety.

Ask yourself these questions when packing your rucksack:

1. Do I need it? Throw out luxury items. ‘Luxury’ means different things to different people but try and stretch yourself with removing these items, as it makes a huge difference to the way you enjoy the outdoors.

2. How many times will I use it? Just the once - is it worth it?

3. Can something else replace it? Can it double-up as something else?

4. Can I share the weight with someone else (e.g. backpackers often share the weight of a tent)

5. If I was caught-out without it, would I be in a safe and secure situation?

Note: Don’t make any cut-back where it might compromise your safety or others.

"Make sure you have the best lightweight outdoor gear"

Providing lightweight equipment to campers and outdoor sports enthusiasts is a speciality in the outdoor industry who are keen to buy top brands at discount prices. If you’re new to specialist lightweight gear, then here are a few items of very lightweight outdoor gear that you might consider investing in…

Ultralight and Lightweight Camping Equipment:

Ultralight tents and lightweight tents - a very popular piece of outdoor kit, these spectacularly clever and technologically advanced lightweight tents and ultralight tents are one of CheapTents.com’s top sellers. Adventure racers and backpackers find that these tents are more than adequate and can weigh less than 1-2kg. The Terra Nova Laser Comp tent is a great example of an ultralight tent, weighing in at a mere 900g - officially regarded as the world’s lightest two-skin tent.

Bivi Bags - if you’re looking for a truly ultralight camping experience, consider a bivi bag. Simply climb into your sleeping bag and bivi bag, and sleep under the stars in a very minimalist and lightweight form of camping.

Ultralight down sleeping bags - although you can get lightweight synthetic sleeping bags, the real gains are to be found in the high-loft, warm, ultralight down sleeping bags - a superb investment as getting a good night sleep is vital to enjoying the outdoors.

Lightweight camping mat - some hardcore minimalist campers may see any sort of camping mat as a luxury, whereas others see lightweight camp mats as more about getting a good night sleep to aid their recovery and performance the next day.

Lightweight rucksack / backpack - many outdoor people, regardless of whether they are fell runners or backpackers value the weight savings in having a strong yet lightweight rucksack or backpack. Your comfort, speed and agility often correlate with the style of pack that you use. Always choose a specialist, lightweight rucksack or backpack if at all possible.

Lightweight camping stoves - camping stoves have come along way with ultralight versions being available with little, if any, loss to burning and boiling time. Many ultralight camping stoves weigh less than 150-200g making eating a warm, nutritious meal on the hill easy and lightweight.

Titanium pan set - you can eat out of the bowl and the lid also doubles up as a plate. The titanium pan set is ultra lightweight, strong and versatile.

Titanium cutlery - Tired of carrying around cheap cutlery only to break it half way through your Wayfayrer meal? Try titanium cutlery - ultralight weight and incredibly strong.

Ultralight and Lightweight Clothing &Footwear:

Lightweight waterproof jackets - lightweight jackets that are waterproof have been developed by manufacturers for outdoor sports enthusiasts and for stuffing away in your backpack for those ‘just in case’ occasions. CheapTents.com has a great selection of lightweight waterproof jackets and trousers available from some of the very best outdoor brands.

Softshell jackets - for a warm layer, consider a softshell / windproof fleece. Softshell jackets provide the warmth of a fleece, water repellency, breathability and endurance with toughened wear-areas, and promote agility for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Lightweight trekking trousers - important piece of kit for those trekkers, looking to stay warm, and take advantage of lightweight hard-wearing trousers that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.

Running shorts - handy to wear whilst your washing your trousers, or simply for running or walking in warmer weather. Running shorts are a great way to save space, weight and stay comfortable in warmer conditions. Even in the rain, runners and walkers often wear them as it means they are not carrying around excess mud and water in their clothing.

Baselayers - baselayers, or base layer tops and bottoms, are quick drying, fast wicking and reduce odour. Avoid cotton t-shirts as they loose insulative properties and gain weight when wet. baselayers are a very important of anyones layering system and is highly recommended! Baselayer underwear - outdoor clothing manufacturers have even gone to effort of keeping people comfortable by designing baselayer boxers and pants.

Weight saving tips:

1. A decent cooking pan can work as a eating bowl, and, you guessed it, a cooking pan! Do you really need a plate and a bowl?

2. How many tent pegs do you need for the weather? You can now get ultralight tent pegs?

3. Many baselayers are quick drying, wicking, low odour and so can be worn again and again, and dry quickly after a quick wash.

4. Share the weight of your tent - is a two man lightweight tent lighter than two ultralight one man tents?

5. Down sleeping bags are far lighter (weight to warmth ratio is better).

6. Toiletries - shaving gel is heavy and bulky, consider shaving oil or go without. Don’t go over board and throw-away your deodorant - going lightweight isn’t worth losing your friends over! Empty your toothpaste and other liquids into smaller containers - taking just what you need. Consider taking a mini toothbrush too, and leaving the hairdryer.

7. Take a single lightweight camping stove rather than a double-hob camping stove, just cook one thing at a time and eat it as it comes off the hob

8. Stainless steel or titanium cutlery and a multi-tool pen-knife will be the only utensils and tools you’ll need

9. Food - sauce sachets help to make any meal interesting! Tins are heavy - try Wayfayrer meals as these are very popular with lightweight enthusiasts.

10. Drinks - decant drinks from glass and plastic bottles into a Platypus or Camelbak bladder.

11. Money - always spend your lose change before you break into a note.

12. First aid kit - take everything you need, or might need - don’t make any cutbacks.

Items to avoid:

1. Camping chairs and tables - just find a couple of rocks, or sit on the floor.

2. Synthetic sleeping bags (down sleeping bags are much lighter for the same comfort temperature).

3. Too many clothes - buy quick drying clothing and wash it before you go to bed.

4. Heavy-duty inflatable mattresses - ridiculously heavy!

5. Camping stoves that are bulky and require bulky gas canisters - mini lightweight stoves are available.

Importantly, use your common sense when packing your lightweight gear. It’s too easy to get carrried away with taking everything, including the kitchen sink, oven and juicer. Don’t go heavy, be a lightweight.

May camping trip - Part 3

www.survivalistboards.com My kids and I on a camping trip in the woods. In this video we do some perch fishing along a creek. camping children kids quality time hiking wilderness woods trees creeks streams fishing perch

Jon Kate Plus 8 Camping Out 1

no copyright infringement intended. For entertainment purposes only

Mr Bean The Animated Series - Camping

Mr Bean The Animated Series - Camping Please comment/rate and enjoy! :)

where is good place to go camping in the dallas fort worth area?

my husband and i are getting married on valentines day of 2009 and would like to spend our hunnymoon camping since we live in the dfw area we have no clue where to go camping. (other than the backyard) lol. if you know any good places please share!

Be A Mountaineer

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