There are many plastic tarps available, which can be turned to a myriad of uses. Whether for use as additional tent coverings, to cover supplies being transported in open top trucks, or protecting crops from inclement weather, there are a host of opportunities. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), they comprise a number of woven thermoplastic polymer sheets, which are laminated together. These multi layers not only afford great protection and provide wonderful insulation. Derived from petroleum, they also have a very high tensile strength. Further, they can withstand internal and external...

When backpacking, it is crucial to bring a proper tent as this is your protection from weather and bugs. There are several different characteristics of tents that you should keep in mind while choosing a tent. Depending on the length of your trek, the weather conditions and the terrain, different tents will be ideal. You will want to choose the lightest tent possible for the conditions and comfort that you require. For warmer weather, this is much easier as lighter-weight fabrics and poles are sufficient. In cold weather, especially when there is heavy snow or wind, you may need to sacrifice some...

Backpacking is always a great way to enjoy the outdoors and gain some exercise. Taking in the scenery and enjoying what mother nature has laid out right in front of us. Making a backpacking trip even more enjoy come with packing the right essentials to make the best of it. Here is a list of what I consider to be the top 10 items to pack along in your backpack. -water/liquids- You can never get enough to drink and to stay hydrated when out in nature, especially if its in the heat of the summer. -food/snacks- Having something to give you more energy is always a good thing. Light snacks are usually...

Buying the right hiking boots means not spending more than you have to and not buying more boot than you need. Before you head to your favorite outdoor sporting goods store, give some thought to the type of hiking you plan to do in the boots. Buying a boot that fits every foreseeable adventure may sound like good planning, but that waterproof boot will leave you with sweating blistered feet after a long mid-summer hike through dry terrain. Consider when, where, and how far you will be hiking. Will you carry a 25 pound pack for several miles over a weekend or 40 pounds over a six-day off-trail trek...

Day hikes are a wonderful way to spend time in the outdoors and to get lots of good exercise. Some of the things you may want to consider for day hikes differ from that on long camping adventures. A lot of the materials are the same but in smaller quantities. Items that you will want to include on taking will vary from day-to-day trips but a general list is always a good place to start. Here a few essential things that you will definitely want to include in your pack: -cell phone *emergencies and accidents can happen at anytime, it never hurts to be prepared -navigation *maps, compass, and if you can...

When packing your daypack, you always start with gear known as the “10 essentials”. To turn a popular phrase, “don’t leave home without them!” I’ve included the list of these 10 must-haves below. In addition, you need to pack gear that will help you enjoy your trip. To do that you need to think about the type of hike, the duration, and the season in which you are hiking. These considerations determine not only the gear, but also the quantity. For example, you’ll need more water when taking a long hike in the summer (1/2 to 1 quart per hour) than a short...

What is the important thing when you do hiking? It is your hiking boots or hiking shoes.Hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear. Out of many hiking shoes that you can find in the market, there are few manufacturers that make good quality hiking footwear designed for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, trail running, casual outdoor wear and water sports. One of those brands is Columbia hiking shoes. Columbia manufactures make many kind of hiking shoes which you can find the offer in the market. Why Columbia hiking shoes become...

The first thing on your list when going on a backpacking trip is to leave information with a friend or family member. If you don’t arrive back at the designated time and date, they need to call someone to go and find you! Think of the latest news stories – lost and presumed dead campers. Do you want to be the next news story? Keep your wits about you. Don’t venture into the backcountry without several items: Plenty of food and water – more than you think you may need. Compass and/or GPS – know how to use them Emergency blankets – weather can change without...

Whether in your backyard or deep in the wilderness, there is nothing quite like the feeling of a real fire. Not only does a fire provide warmth, but it also provides light for safety and a means to cook your dinner if desired. But, if you live in an area that gets particularly dry during certain parts of the year, you are probably aware of what “Fire Bans” and “Fire Restrictions” are, and what they mean for camping and fishing trips. Typically, these types of restrictions are on what is considered an “open fire”, consisting of a solid fuel such as charcoal, wood...

Tents are categorized in three main ways: season, capacity, and use. Finding the right tent involves selecting the right features from each category. SEASON The category “season” is used to describe the time of year the tent will be useful. Rather than using summer, fall, etc., tents are described as two, three, or four season tents. A two-season tent is one with excellent ventilation that will be useful in warmer months by keeping you protected from the elements, but by also allowing adequate air-flow to keep you as cool as possible. A three-season tent is a tent that has less...