by James Warner Here is a list of must have items sure to make your outdoor experience safer and more enjoyable. These are applicable for dayhikes and backpacking trips. One of the most important things is having a map of the trail you will explore. Get one at the park visitor center or find one online that you can download. This will keep you from getting lost, help you identify new trails to check out and possibly help rescuers locate you if you’re in trouble. A map reading compass will help you find your bearings and keep you from getting lost. Using the map and compass together will keep...

by Jimmy Downson When you’re going camping – and I mean real camping, out in the middle of the woods – finding a good campsite can sometimes be a bit of a problem. Although you won’t be spending all of your time at your campsite, it does serve as your “home base” for your trip and it makes sense to select one carefully. But how do you decide on a campsite? Let’s take a look. The most important thing to look for in a potential campsite is a reasonable stretch of level ground. How large it needs to be will depend on a few factors, but try to find a spot that is...

by Joel Fremont Every year people tend to look forward to the summer, because summer means more free time, relaxing at the beach, swimming at the local pools, barbequing, watching baseball games, time off from school, and of course summer vacations. This year however, more and more people seem to be opting out of the vacation due to the state of the economy and their personal financial situation. There seems to be so much negative surrounding today, with the hope for tomorrow; and, this does not need to be the situation with your vacation. Don’t put off your vacation – take advantage of the...

by Bob Baxter Many people do not seem to be traveling as much these days due to the recent decline in the job market as well as the stock market. If you are nearing retirement, or you just want to take your family away on a vacation, then used RV’s are going to come in handy. There are many places that you can purchase one and get an excellent deal. Take a look at this simple guide to help you along! Figure out how much you can spend. Because you are making such a huge purchase, it is a very good idea to stay within your budget. Most of you will probably need to finance a used RV so you will need...

by Bob Baxter Many people do not seem to be traveling as much these days due to the recent decline in the job market as well as the stock market. If you are nearing retirement, or you just want to take your family away on a vacation, then used RV’s are going to come in handy. There are many places that you can purchase one and get an excellent deal. Take a look at this simple guide to help you along! Write out a budget. The very first thing that needs to be done is you need to figure out how much you can actually spend on a used RV. If you are leasing one, then you need to figure out how much of...

by Paul Cameron Do you love going on camping vacations? If you’re a camping fan then you are evidently the sort of person who likes the great outdoors and finds pleasure from running away from the everyday stresses of life in the city. Because the plan is to escape from civilization for a short time, the last thing you need is the inconvenience of something going very wrong during your camping trip. That’s how come it is worth preparing a camping checklist to help you remember all the things you might need. At times it may be challenging to settle on what to add to your list. After all,...

by Trent Markim Large family tents are the answer to your special vacation if you are planning to camp in the great outdoors. You and your family have a terrific adventure ahead of you and your camping trip will remain a fond memory if you plan properly from the beginning. Large family tents come in different sizes and materials. Be ready to insure that your investment for vacation begins with the tent. You can do your best when shopping for your tent if you consider how you will use it and how many people need to occupy the tent. Don’t skimp on size. Get what you need for space and a bit more if...

Day hikes are a great way to get exercise, relieve stress, and enjoy nature. You can hike at your own pace, choose your own route, and decide how far you want to go. To have a great time on your hike make sure you have the correct equipment. No matter the route, you need to have a hiking stick. This can be as simple as picking up a branch that is the right size and height or as complex as buying a high end hiking pole. Carrying and using the hiking stick can save you from a turned ankle or a fall. Any path can have a loose rock or a small dip that can cause you to loose your footing. Using a hiking...

Ohio is indeed a hiker’s paradise. There are so many nature filled and exciting trails of varying lengths to choose from, it is near impossible to select the best. I have includes some short one hour trails as well as some longer trails. The shorter trails are ideal if there are other things you need to do during the day and if you are traveling with younger children. The Ohio & Erie Canalway is a wonderful day hike steeped in history and tradition. The state of Ohio, in 1825, started to build the Ohio & Erie Canal following the Washington route. It reflects the settlement patterns of...

Every campground has their share of obnoxious campers. Someone said, look to your left, to your right, in front of you, behind you, if you don’t see an obnoxious camper, you may be it. If you want to make sure you are that obnoxious camper, just follow these ten trusted and proven tips: ...