If you are the type of person who not only appreciates the outdoors, but likes to get out there and see nature in action first hand by taking a hike or even a walk, then you may find that the right hiking staffs can help you enjoy your expeditions much more. A walking stick can be a trusted companion not only for those seeking some solitude when hiking, but a reliable walking friend for those who have company as well. Down through history people have utilized staffs made from many different materials to assist them in traveling over land so it is not surprising that the majority of hikers and...

Before we get into the whys and wherefores of waiing we need to understand the meaning of the word “farang”. In this and other diatribes with which I hope to inform and amuse you about the delights of Thailand, you will come across farang frequently. If you’re Caucasian and not Oriental, then, in Thailand you’re farang. Thais, as with other natives in this part of the world, juxtapose the l and r when speaking, so farang becomes falang, lobster becomes robster and they have an awful problem saying library! Its derivative is the Thai word for the French; farangset, and goes all the way back to...

If there is someplace you can go and sit back to be amazed by the beauty and spectacular natural creations of the almighty, it is here. The Smokey Mountains are the most beautiful and magnificent natural wonders of our country. It’s got hundreds of miles of hiker trails, wildlife so diverse that one can’t help getting awe struck and virgin vistas to enjoy and relax. It’s got more wilderness than one can travel and walk past but that does not mean that one would have to spend the night in a tent somewhere in the middle of the jungle and eat raw food from the forest. I have news for all of you...

A well-prepared emergency survival list can help you survive a disaster or emergency situation that you may confront anytime. This becomes even more important for the outdoor enthusiasts who spend their days outside, away from the comforts of home. Be it camping, hunting, hiking or any other activity, these people are often exposed to more challenging obstacles. Hence, they are required to carry with them emergency survival kits that could help them to survive even in unfavorable situations. A fully equipped kit can help individuals reduce the risks that cause threat to their life. The right kit is...

The port city of Oporto or Porto, is better known for its fortified wines than its historic port, which marks the end of the 560-mile-long Duoro River. The surrounding Douro Valley not only makes for a perfect vineyard, but the hills are one of the best places in Portugal for hiking.rrIf you are planning a trip hiking in Portugal’s Douro Valley, then your first stop is likely to be the northern capital of Oporto. The city is an enigma, in that it is both heavily industrialised and yet in other parts sleepy and steeped in history. The historic buildings, such as the cathedral, Romanesque Church...

Camping is probably one of the most enjoyable ways to vacation with your family. Family camping trips are a great way to bond with each other and enjoy the peaceful and serene environment of the great outdoors. It will allow you to get away and not think about all of the stressors that every day life in the city brings you. Here are a few things to consider for your next family camping trip.Children absolutely will love the chance to do something new, fun, and exciting. Make sure you include them in all of the planning for the trip, and when you actually get there, have them help you set up the camp...

Why van camping? It certainly doesn’t give you the luxury of life in an RV, but then you don’t have the discomfort of sleeping in a tent, either. It’s cheap compared to an RV, and you can go places they cannot. That’s why we spent more than 25 nights sleeping in our conversion van last year. Van Camping 101 You need a system of organization to keep your space inside the van livable. We noticed after our first long trip that we had brought many things we never used. We learned to be more efficient after that. We also learned how to keep the space open, by using plastic storage...

There is so much to understand when it comes to finding the best sleep system whilst on a backpacking adventure. By understanding a few simple facts you will be able to have a great night’s sleep and fully prepared for the next day ahead. Backpacking is great fun and if you are planning on a trip that requires camping out then you will need to understand which is the best sleep system for you. Even for the most experienced backpacker there are so many options available to choose from that could potentially confuse. There are quite a few factors that determine how to choose your sleep system such as...

If you are in the mood for a hiking vacation then you will probably want to consider the many trails in either the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee or Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Of course there are many other parks and trails throughout the United States but these two destinations offer some of the most scenic and majestic mountain vistas available. Both the Smoky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain National park offer different levels of trails for your hiking vacation. Whether you are taking the family for a casual vacation or are looking for more adventure and...

If you are new to survival gear, you need to concentrate on getting a usable knife. Many times the knife you choose will not be big or oversize since these can make the knife usable and make it bulky to carry. It should be a simple knife, any other tool may be included with a knife can be bought separately that will work much better. Beware of additions on the knives, like hollow handles to store first aid kits, since this can cause the knife to be much weaker when you try to use it. The length to the blade can also be important since having one that is too big to make the knife awkward to use. On...