Camping in Algonquin

We decided that we needed to take a complete get away from it all vacation, the kind of trip that meant checking out of society and escaping from everything.

Although I love the outdoors I have technically never been a fan of camping. I use to joke with friends that my idea of camping was staying at a Holiday Inn. It had been many years since I had the experience and from what I remembered of it, there was peaceful solitude that allowed for an escape not only of the parents but ones inner self.

I was in desperate need to get away from life and all of the telephone calls, cell phones and computers that seemed to possess it. I agreed that it was time to take up the challenge and venture into the unknown. I needed more then anything to find the solitude that seemed to not only escape my life but had been totally forgotten.

I grabbed the tent from the bottom of the storage unit, dusted it off and started gathering everything that we were going to require. Having made a list the night before we headed out, I realized it meant literally taking our home with us or just short of it. Outside of the kitchen sink and my cozy bed everything else seemed to be piled into the van.

I had the Coleman stove, lantern and new batteries. I put the plastic cutlery, paper plates and cast iron pans put into a box along with paper towel and the most important supply Toilet Paper. Not ever to be forgotten Bug Spray camping version and your camera.

Having been quite a few years since I had the opportunity to camp, I really forgot how much you actually need to take with you. When I was sixteen and went out camping for my first time Love was all that was needed. It didn't matter that it rained, that the tent was soaked or that the bugs were three inches thick, Love conquered all. With our cans of beans on the campfire and the beer cases stacked we feasted for the weekend. There was not one person in our group that was going to complain, we were all making memories.

However as we grew and realized that cottages existed the need to take the house with you was somewhere in the background I guess. In some ways I realized that I had became a little spoiled. It was now time for me to go back to my roots and rediscover the serenity and peacefulness that I so much needed in my life.

We arrived up to Whitney at Algonquin Park and filled up the boat with our supplies. Since we weren't sure how long we would stay we literally packed for what seemed like a lifetime. We found a beautiful camping spot that was totally secluded and one we could call our very own. There was no one around for miles and the scenery was outstanding.

We had a beautiful sandy beach that allowed us to park the boat right at our site and on shore. The camping area had been well taken care of by others and it was obvious that we had lucked in on probably one of the most pristine spots up there.

We had a special area that was dedicated to cooking and cleaning, a great fire pit, quite a few flat tent area's, picnic table and the ultimate outdoor bathroom that any camper would be more then happy to use.

Our ultimate port-a-potty was like winning the lottery of camping. Who wouldn't be happy to find such a luxury in the outdoors? I felt like I was in that commercial with the Charmin bears and there soft toilet paper in the great outdoors. The toilet was actually made from a big wood box and was extremely sturdy and on top a White Toilet seat and it was clean. There was No smell and it was an incredible experience to actually know someone had thought of others to not only build it but for others to have actually kept it so clean.

On our first night camping we had a funny incident after we fell asleep. We were probably sleeping for a couple hours when we were awoken to sounds close to our tent. It seemed we had a visitor and he was playing in all of our dishes. My husband tried making a lot of noise to scare it away, but it seemed like our new friend was not giving up that easily.

Finally, my husband went out of the tent buck naked. Well almost, he actually put on his slippers first. He then started to yell and grunt and make even more noise stomping his feet and flailing his arms in the air. It didn't take to much more time for that raccoon to take off running. He probably was laughing all the way through the forest telling his friends you wouldn't believe what I just saw. I know I was killing myself laughing in the tent and for days after when I thought about it. Poor little raccoon terrorized by the naked guy. I only wish I had grabbed my camera to capture the moment. I'm sure I would have won the funniest video moment.

Our goal was to be away and find quiet peaceful serenity that we had been lacking. Having the opportunity to actually escape to be alone and not have civilization interfere in our quite time was something that I could not only appreciate but now have the need to do again. Once I returned home I realized how noisy our society has really become. Oh how I miss those quiet nights and look forward to heading back to our special spot again soon. Camping really does make amazing memories.

By Terri MacKinnon
To find out more about Algonquin Park in Canada check out.
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html

Mona, Puerto Rico - an Untouched Treasure

Puerto Rico is known worldwide for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Travelers come to this Caribbean Island paradise to take advantage of the natural beauty and luxury Puerto Rico Resorts. What many don't get to experience are the 'untouched' natural wonders found in this fascinating country.

Located in the Mona Passage, Mona Island is something you don't read much about. This natural preserve is a flat plateau surrounded by dazzling cliffs on most sides. On Mona, you'll find many species that are either endangered or cannot be found anywhere else in the world. If is for this reason that Mona is often compared to the Galapagos Islands.

Take a tour of Mona and you'll find countless species of animals. On land, the Mona Iguana freely roams the island but cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You'll also find several species of rare birds. In the ocean, several endangered species of sea turtles swim freely amongst the unspoiled mangroves and rich coral reefs. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins or humpback whales.

Things to do in Mona Most visitors spend a great deal of time exploring the island. With plenty to see, this can easily keep your attention for your entire visit. For ocean-lovers, it has been said that Mona offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Healthy coral reefs, clear visibility and warm waters attract ocean-lovers from around the world to this island paradise.

Camping in Mona You won't find any hotels on Mona. In fact, the only way to stay overnight is to pitch a tent on the inland. Camping is allowed on three different beaches and is restricted to weekends-only during hunting season.

Getting to Mona

Accessing Mona can be done from the towns of Mayaguez and Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico. Charter boats carry visitors to the island. Since the trip takes 6 hours, you may want to plan to spend at least a couple days.

Next time you're in Puerto Rico, consider spending a couple days of your vacation in the natural wonder that is Mona Island.

By Enid Glasgow
Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling in the Americas and Caribbean. When visiting Puerto Rico, she stays at luxury hotels in Puerto Rico like Gran Melia.

Leave As Individuals, Come Home a Family - Vacationing in a Log Cabin

Many urban families dream about getting away from the fast pace, concrete landscaping, and high pressure surroundings associated with city life. Typical family vacations include sunshine, beaches, amusement parks, and staff dressed as cartoon characters. While these types of holidays are great for blowing off steam and having fun, they're not very conducive to reconnecting with each other as a family.

Sunbathing and reading on the beach are solitary activities, and it's hard to have a meaningful chat with your teenager while riding on a roller coaster. If you're looking for a different kind of vacation -one that's fun, educational, and involves lots of interaction with your kids- then staying in a log cabin in the woods may be just what you're looking for.

Children that are under the age of twelve are particularly suited for log cabin vacations because of their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for trying new activities. Kids enjoy learning how to fish and hunt with their parents, while the little ones love jumping in mud puddles and splashing in water.

Children of all ages are enchanted by local wildlife like deer, squirrels, and rabbits that pass by. Indeed, observing wildlife in their natural habitat is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about the wonders of nature, the cycle of life, and about respecting our animal neighbors.

Older children and teenagers may be skeptical at first about spending their holiday surrounded by mountains and trees rather than beaches and shopping malls. If they've been raised in a city environment, the idea of being in the American wilderness may sound boring or even frightening. It's important to listen to their objections and empathize, but if you can convince them to be open-minded to the experience, they may end up having the time of their lives.

With hiking trails, lakes, rivers, horseback riding, fishing, and more, spending time in the mountains can be very rewarding. You're able to spend quality time with family members who won't be tied up with school, work, or household concerns. In fact, vacationing in the back country can afford parents an excellent opportunity to work on their relationships with their children, especially teenagers.

The teen years are a precarious time for the whole family, as the teenager tries to find his or her own identity. They need to separate from their parents in order to grow, but they're still vulnerable and immature, and need their parents' support during this tumultuous time. With a cabin vacation, the focus is on activities that are best enjoyed together, which enables family members to communicate and get to know each other on a deeper level.

There are a number of recreational activities to enjoy in the outdoors such as kayaking or hiking, but there are also things to do as a family indoors. Leave the video games and television shows behind and do things as a group, such as playing board games, pool, or darts. Old fashioned ghost stories can also provide a great deal of entertainment on a stormy evening for those with a strong constitution. Many vacation cabins also have hot tubs, which gives the entire family a place to relax.

Curl up by the fire and listen to the sounds of the wilderness. Enjoy being away from the daily grind, and being close to nature. This is your chance to get grounded, relax, and to have fun together. Get to know your family while on vacation this time, and return home a stronger unit.

By Pat Trainor
Check out RentGeorgiaCabins.com to see beautiful North Georgia rental cabins. The properties listed are perfectly situated for enjoying Georgia trout fishing.

How to Get Rid of Bears

Since bear and man live in the same world and often occupy the same space, man-bear encounters are not uncommon. When you pit a man against a bear, the latter would surely win unless the man is armed with a weapon.

Due to the changing environment, bears are either losing their habitat or the sources of their food. In that case, bears, being highly adaptive, search for other sources of food - the food or even garbage that humans make. Bears are naturally shy and would avoid being seen by man, but when their survival is at stake, they get over their people-shyness and attempt to steal some snacks from humans. There are two common man-bear scenarios:

Scenario 1:

* You live in either in Canada, the United States, or any place where bears such as brown, grizzly, or black bears are native.
* The season is temperate, somewhere between spring and fall.
* You are either having a barbecue cookout or you store a lot of aromatic food in your home.
* Your house is located near the woods or some forest.

Scenario 2:

* You decide to go camping in the woods or in the forest.
* You have a lot of food that is good for several days.
* You cook the food (of course, out in the open).

In Case of Bears...

These are just two of the most common scenarios where bears show themselves to humans. If you do see a bear, you should not be afraid. They are just hungry creatures looking for food. It is only very rare that these bears attack people. Bears only attack people when you get in the way of their food or their cubs.

When you do see a bear, you don't need to panic. In cold climates, bears usually appear between May and October, so be alert. Make sure you, your children, and your pets stay clear of bears.

Since bears are shy and timid creatures, they can be easily scared away by shouting, banging pans, waving, or any loud noises. Those that are used to being around humans won't be easily scared off, though. Some brave people may even try to fake a chase of the bear so that it would flee. If you try scaring a bear off, make sure it is not cornered and it has a clear escape route. When attempting to fake a rush towards a bear, never go nearer than 15 feet. These scare tactics are very effective when there are many people; otherwise, it is better to stay at a safe distance and simply make loud sounds to scare it off.

There are some bears that are not easily scared off, though. If you live in an area that is frequented by bears, it is better to have bear repellant like Capsaicin, a natural chemical found in most peppers. When sprayed directly into the eyes of a bear, it will cause the animal to flee. This repellent causes eye irritation that last for several minutes, but does not have permanent and damaging effects on the bear's eyes.

If the bear seems to be aggressive or threatening, never attempt to scare it away. Instead, contact a wildlife conservation office and report the incident. They will be the ones who will deal with the bear by either relocating it or destroying it if it fights against capture.

Bear No-No's

Even though bears are timid creatures, when cornered or provoked, they can be very dangerous. Bears can seriously injure or even kill even a strong man. That is why you must be very careful when dealing with bears. There are certain things you should not do when you are confronted by a bear in your backyard or at a campsite. Here are some bear no-no's:

* Never feed a bear - No matter how cute or how gentle it may look, you should never feed a bear. Doing so is very dangerous. Bears are very strong animals, so when you attempt to feed them, you may risk getting scratched, bitten, or thrown away by a powerful swing.

* Never leave food unattended - If you will be having a cookout, or when you're camping, never leave your food unattended. Clean up the mess right away and store foodstuff in bear-proof containers. Garbage bins are also a favorite of bears, so make sure your garbage bins are bear-proof too.

Why Bears Come

Bears are naturally shy, but when survival is at stake, they have no other choice but to overcome their nature. When bears come to humans, most of the time, they are just searching or attracted to food, but there are several reasons behind them coming out in the open.

The number one reason is because of us humans. The changes in the environment directly or indirectly caused by man makes the food supply of these bears scarce. They are also attracted to the smell of food. Since bears need large quantities of food for the winter, they will get as much food as possible in order to survive the punishing weather ahead.

Bears also have a keen sense of smell, so they seek out the source of the food they detect. They can open doors, garbage bins, backpacks, or even cars just to get the food. Since they also have good memory, they will remember the taste of the food and the location where they got the meal and remember it for a long time.

Younger male bears are also usually not tolerated by adult bears, forcing them to search for new territories. Mother bears may also flee to nearby human homes along with their cubs because adult male bears usually kill other bear cubs.

When there is a shortage of food, usually when the winter season nears, bears become desperate, so they seek out human settlements to hunt for something to eat. Also, when bears are too old, injured, or sick, and foraging for food becomes difficult, they go for easy targets such as the food that people eat.

Avoiding Bear Contact

Bear attacks are very rare, but still, they do happen. It is only safe to make sure that bears would not wander into your yard or campgrounds.

If you are on going camping, be aware of your environment. Stay clear of bear paths. Signs that bears may be near are their droppings or leftovers of food. If there are fruit-bearing trees around, don't set camp there. After cooking and eating, make sure you clean up the mess right away. Throw leftovers in a faraway place instead of burying them near your campsite.

At home, keep foodstuff indoors. Make sure your garbage is sealed in bear-proof garbage bins. If you have fruit-bearing trees in your yard, pick them and don't allow the fruit to fall on the ground. If you have beehives, set them higher, at least two feet above the ground, so that they are out of reach for the bears.

Bears are wonderful and graceful creatures, in spite of their size. It is nice to watch them from afar, but can bring panic to you when they come too close. With these necessary steps, you can "get rid" of bears and avoid further confrontations with them.

Want to know more? You can read more tips on How to get rid of Bears, plus information to get rid of practically anything else that ails you - from bad breath to telemarketers to cellulite - at http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Rivera_Mae

Hiking Alone - 7 Tips To Staying Alive

Almost everyone will say to never hike alone but the reality is we have all done it at one time or another and we will continue to do so. Sometimes you can't find anyone to go with and sometimes you just want to be alone. Here are some tips to enjoy yourself and ensure that you come back in one piece.

1. Tell someone where you are going!

Tell someone exactly where you are going and when you are to be expected back. Leave them a map with your route on it if they are not familiar with the area. Also tell them when to call the authorities if you do not return. If you do not know anyone at all, stop at a ranger station and tell them you will check back with them on the way out, kind of like a flight plan for airplanes. If you are leaving your car somewhere while you hike alone give them your license number, make and model and so forth. I like to leave a map of where I am going in my car also in case the worst happens and someone is searching my car for clues. These days if you are into GPS systems you can leave exact co-ordinates for your location also. This is probably the best insurance you have when you are hiking alone and the most often overlooked. You may go all of your life without having to use any of this information but the one time you need to you will be glad you told someone.

2. Stay with the Plan

If you leave a plan with a friend or authority and then you decide to go somewhere else, all of your efforts to prevent disaster have come to nothing. Do not vary your route no matter how tempting it may be. If you decide to change anything or come out early, let those waiting for you know so they are not wasting time looking for you. This sounds so simple but you would be surprised how many people decided to change the route at the last minute and regretted it later. Don't do it. Hiking alone is risky enough without adding more danger of not being found.

3. Take Water

You cannot survive very long without water. If you are going for a day or a few, take more than you think you need and take water purification iodine or filters because you can survive quite a while with water but not very long without. Enough said.

4 Take Food

Well you say I am only going for the afternoon but what if you fall and break an ankle and now it is night and you have your water but you are hungry! If you go very long you will be very glad you brought at least a few energy bars or some gorp or gu, something. I eat a lot so I take more than most but take more than you think you need. Hiking alone is miserable if you are stuck, lost and hungry!

5. Take Sleeping gear

Now I don't say take a sleeping bag necessarily, but take a space blanket which takes no room or ads no weight and take an ensulite pad. If you ever have to spend the night directly on the ground you will be glad you took a pad. I like to use it to take breaks on and rest my bum on instead of that sharp rock you are sitting on. It really does not weigh very much and will keep your body temperature up if you have to sleep outside. Ditto for the space blanket. They both go together and will keep you relatively warm and toasty without freezing to death.
Also take more clothes than you will think you need because if you are stuck outside or even it turns cold you will be prepared, I think these three items go together, bag, pad and clothes.

6. Take a Flashlight

A flashlight these days is so light weight what with L.E.D.'s and space age materials there is no excuse for not carrying one. Gone are the days of 3 cell Mag-lites weight many pounds. You can get a really bright and long lasting light for not much money and not much weight either.

7. Take First aid.

Take at least a minimal first aid kit when you are hiking alone and if you need aspirin or anti-septic or a bandage you will be glad you did.

If you follow these simple steps you will find hiking alone to be pleasurable and safe.
Backpacking Camping.com is where you will find invaluable information to make your outside nights safe and enjoyable under the stars.

http://www.backpackingcamping.com/
Hiking alone can be a safe if you follow these 7 steps to staying alive
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Kernodle

Must-Haves For the Outdoor Enthusiast

Hunters, campers and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate equipment and tools that help them enjoy the outdoors more fully. Whether its fishing, hunting, or hiking, the following equipment can make great gift ideas that your outdoor enthusiast will look forward to using on the next outing.
A cast iron roaster and griddle is ideal for preparing wild game and one-pan meals. For instance, the Cabela Oval Cast Iron Roaster & Griddle provides quick and even cooking and the lid doubles as a convenient griddle. Although it can be used indoors, it's best results are rendered for outdoor cooking.

No hunter or fisherman should be without a fillet knife. Like a very flexible boning knife, the fillet knife is used to fillet and prepare fish. They have a blade about 6 to 11 inches long that allows them to move easily along the backbone and under the skin of fish. The MAC Sole Fillet knife has an exceptionally thin and flexible blade designed for filleting sole or other delicate flat fish.

And while you're considering a fillet knife, why not consider a knife block set for the serious hunter or fisherman. Professional quality-made knives feature paring, serrated utility, carving, and a cook's knife - all contained in a knife block for easy and safe storage. Shop for high carbon stainless steel blades and poly handles with a no-slip grip for years of use.

A truly practical gift for the hunter, electric grinders come in a variety of sizes to meet various grinding needs. Choose one, like Cabela's Commercial Grade Electric Grinders, that offer stainless steel necks, bases, plates, screws and blades, and also are certified for home or commercial use.

Nothing is more delicious than chicken prepared on a roaster, otherwise known as "beer butt chicken roasters." These roasters come in either double or single size in stainless steel. Although these kinds of roasters were developed to roast the poultry using a beer can, other liquids such as juice or soda drinks can be used. The liquid provides steaming inside the chicken, which produces juicy, tender chicken that falls off the bone. These types of roasters require an outdoor grill with a high lid design to accommodate the chicken roasters.

Functional and convenient for the hunting camp, a slow cooker is ideal for the hunter who can prepare meat or stew ingredients with seasonings, and then heat out to hunt and return later to a warm, filling meal that's ready to enjoy. Eastman makes a 3.5-quart slow cooker with a RealTree Hardwood Camo design.

Jerky is a food staple for many hunters and can be made from beef, venison, elk, turkey, and more. To prepare jerky, the chosen meat is thinly sliced, or pressed thinly, and drying commences at low temperatures, to avoid cooking or overdrying the meat. Multi-tiered jerky trays allow hunters to process a large batch of jerky. Look for trays with an easy-to-clean tray that catches drippings.

For the outdoor enthusiasts who need their morning java, a drip coffee maker designed to fit on a two- or three-burner gas stove, like the Coleman Drip Camp Coffee Maker, can be easily used on a camp or RV gas stove. The Coleman coffee maker also offers pause, serve, and easy pour features.

Once the hunter heads out, he or she can keep their coffee hot with vacuum bottles. The Cabela Camo Bullet Vacuum Bottle are made of stainless steel and are double-walled to keep beverages hot or cold and are extra tough for rugged conditions. The insulated lid doubles as a cup. The bottles come in various sizes.

Any outdoorsman knows that animal-proofing a campsite is important for both humans and animals. A chuck box is a convenient accessory to keep staples and cooking tools contained in a locked container. Cabela's Chuck Box comes with utility hooks, shelf space, paper towel holder, carrying handles, and even a silverware tray. The formica top doubles as a work surface.

SafeCutters distributes the Klever Kutter and Klever Koncept, two of the safest utility knives available. Klever Kutter virtually eliminates the risk of workplace injuries, while the permanently shielded blade protects packaged products. It has been approved by the Department of Homeland Security for safe air transport.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Knapp

Rivers in Jamaica Are Stunning Places to Visit

Rivers in Jamaica

There are more than 100 rivers in Jamaica but not all of them have been explored or can be navigated. The most popular of all the rivers to be found on this island are in fact the Great River, the Rio Grande and the Martha Brae River. But other rivers around the island are actually increasing in popularity as well.

The Black River which is the widest of them all is 73km long but only the first 28km can be traveled along in small vessels. Then there is the Rio Minho which is the longest of all the islands rivers and flows south to southwest where it starts at Portland Point and ends up at Carlisle Bay. The major town that is situated on this rivers bank is May Pen, Clarendon. But as well as those rivers that you can see there are a number of underground rivers located in the limestone regions of the island. The main ones of these being the Hectors and Cave Rivers.

Many of the rivers on the island and not just used for pleasure but have other uses as well. The Rio Cob and Milk River are used to irrigate the land surrounding them. Also the Rio Cob is used to produce hydro electricity for the island as well and this also goes for the White River and Rio Bueno. Certainly the Rio Grande is probably a river that many people have heard the name of and this is where one can try a spot of rafting if you wish.

Before you visit Jamaica check out our Holidays to Jamaica and also our Package holidays to Jamaica
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_P_McNally

Bear Pepper Spray - The Bears Are Coming and They're Hungry

Recently on the news the announcement we have all been waiting for was made. No not about Brittany or Dancing with the Stars but bears are coming out of hibernation. In Colorado alone there are 8,000-12,000 black bears that will be waking up from their hibernation and GUESS WHAT they are all looking for food-YOUR FOOD.

This annual event is greeted this year with more attention than usual because of the heavy snow pack in the mountains which will effectively prevent the bears from most of their normal food sources.

Wild life officials point out that when bears are hungry they are more aggressive than normal-SO BEWARE. As the bears come out of the mountains looking for food they will pick the easiest sources first. Dumpsters, trash cans, pet food in the backyard; even bird feeders are prime pickins for bears.

Black bears are notoriously curious and less aggressive than browns or grizzlies. They are however extremely motivated by food. It is their very keen sense of smell that draws them to food out in the wilderness or in your backyard.
So think about these things that may draw bears to your backyard. The one that is most overlooked is the family bbq grill which is usually not cleaned very well and reeking of old food smells.

They are normally afraid of confrontation unless threatened or protecting their cubs. The sound of barking dogs is enough to scare them away. It is this same keen sense of smell that makes bear pepper spray so effective. Never purposely confront a bear. Be extremely cautious around bears. They are very quick despite their lumbering appearance. If you are in bear territory it may not be a bad idea to have some bear spray around.

Bear pepper spray is an effective deterrent in reducing injuries from bear attacks both to the bears and humans.

Just remember that wind, rain, even temperatures can affect the spray and its' effectiveness. If you follow these tips you can avoid a nasty bear encounter and keep bears out of your back yard.
Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Krohn

How To Choose A Good Backpack

Bags are an essential accessory for most people, there seems to be a style for every occasion. The difficulty comes in finding the right one for you at the right price. Sometimes the purpose of a bag and its practical application is more important than how it looks; this is often the case with a backpack. The backpack has many advantages, but the most obvious one is the fact that it leaves both hands free. Below we will review the whys and wherefores of a good backpack.

Why Should You Buy A Backpack?

Using shoulder bags, worn either on one shoulder or across the body will still leave the bag free to move and slip around. If you are hiking or walking over rocks or mud, the swing of your bag can be enough to off balance you. A backpack would be securely fastened to you and would be less likely to cause a slip. If you are not used to carrying a backpack there is a simple test you can do which may be quite an eye opener. Next time you are out shopping or commuting to work take note of which arm/shoulder you usually carry your bag on. On the return journey try to carry the bag on the opposite side of your body, this will probably feel quite uncomfortable - the reason for this is that either you have developed stronger muscles on one side of your body, or in the case of shoulder bags, you have learn to hold the bag on by moving your shoulder up and down. Both of these options could suggest that you are walking in a lopsided manner; this potentially can damage our spines. So the carrying of an uneven load can be harmful and should be avoided if we want to keep our back in good order. The design of a backpack should allow one to carry your load evenly, you will probably also find that you can carry a heavier weight without straining any muscles

What Should You Look For When Buying A Backpack?

First you need to establish when you will be wearing your backpack; will you be using it for long periods of time? If you are hiking and will be carrying it all day, it is best to choose a backpack with wide supporting straps. If you are simply carrying your book and house keys when commuting to work, you can go for backpack with thin straps which would be quicker and easier to slide on and off. If you are going for a backpack with wide straps, make sure that these are fully adjustable; you will need to be able to adjust the backpack to fit not only your build, but also be able to adjust it depending on the weight you are carrying. It is important to make sure that you try the backpack before buying it and also wear clothes that will be worn when you are using the backpack the majority of the time; for example, if you are buying your backpack for hiking, make sure that you can fit any waterproofs underneath comfortably.

What Do You Need It For?

You should also consider what you will be carrying in your bag. Firstly for weight purposes and secondly to make sure that you have enough pockets and compartments laid out in suitable positions. If you have small children, you may want to make sure there is a section where you can put their spare clothes or snacks in, which is easily accessible.

Where will You Be Using Your Backpack?

Although you can never guarantee the weather it is worth thinking about how waterproof or water resistance you need the backpack to be. Another consideration worth bearing in mind when deciding what size of backpack to buy is that warm winter clothing takes up a lot more space than lightweight summer waterproofs.

Good luck with choosing your backpack, remember, if you are not sure it is the right one then keep trying on more of them until you are happy with your choice.

Jon Kelly is a published author who writes pieces on a variety of diverse subjects. This includes articles about all aspects of rucksacks and backpacks If you would like to get more ideas about backpacks. Please visit: http://www.thebackpackreview.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Kelly

Camping - A Checklist of Things to Bring

Before you head for the campsite, make sure you have everything you need to make your travel safe, comfortable and enjoyable. Remember that failing to plan is planning to fail. But what exactly will you bring? The answer lies in figuring out what kind of a camper you are, what your comfort level is, and what style of camp will you have. The complete gear you need covers basic fire building, cooking and dining, lighting and other miscellaneous items that you think you need.
Minimalist camping

These campers can do without a lot of comfort and equipment. They are willing to accept the wilderness as it is, adapting to the natural terrains and weather conditions. They prefer to sleep on the ground rather than lie on a camping cot. Their camp is sparse, creating fire rather than using a stove and lighting small candles rather than using a lantern. The minimalist really tries to experience the outdoors by choice.

Gear-oriented camping

These campers are people who want to be comfortable and prepared. You can find chairs, tables, cots, stoves and other conveniences in their campsites. Gear-oriented campers enjoy the outdoors but they also prefer little amenities that will make their camp a home away from home. Their camping checklist is long and extensive. If you are this type of a camper, you will need some basic things such as a tent (preferably with rain fly and window), sleeping bag, stove, food and water.

In the campsite, if you need to gather some wood to build a fire, bring a small axe to split the logs. You can place your matches in a sealed container, or maybe you can carry butane lighter. Some campers bring dry logs if they are going out on a rain-soaked day.

For your hearty meals, there are a lot of easy-to-cook foods available. If you want to eat an elaborate meal however, then a more sophisticated camping stove (like those with several burners and adjustable flame) is required. Also, bring a cooler and ice packs to preserve your fresh food.

Be sure you have flashlights with extra batteries. One lantern or two will be enough to sufficiently light your camp. These lanterns can run on battery, propane or liquid fuel. Do not underestimate the value of lighting your camp at night especially if you have children with you. They will also be able to enjoy camping games with flashlights and glow sticks.

If you plan to do some hiking, you need a backpack, travel guide, compass, good shoes, extra socks, hat and a map. Don't forget to bring along a multifunction knife, which can be an indispensable tool. One model of a pocket knife even has its own reusable plastic toothpick, which you might have forgotten to include in your checklist. Also, if you like to swim or bathe in a stream or lake (which usually has rock bottoms) bring along some waterproof footgear.

Camping is a great kind of recreation. Find the right campsite for you, the right preparation, and the right tools to ensure that your trip will be memorable. Your checklist will definitely be very dynamic as you add and remove items along the way. But it is absolutely essential to ensure that you have all you need for a great camping trip.

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Campground Essentials - Camping Water Purifiers

If you have chosen camping as your vacation, you will leave the comforts of home and spend the majority of your time outdoors. You will live a far simpler life at the campground, but this simple life does not mean you must forego all "comforts" of your day-to-day life at home. You do not have to drink from a nearby stream or catch fish to eat.

There is some modern technology and inventions that you should take advantage of when it comes to camping. One such item is a water purifier, a good idea for any camping trip and one of the most important items you to bring.

Camping water purifiers are important to help ensure your water is clean and safe to drink. Using a purifier daily will help prevent you from being at risk for bugs, water-borne diseases or other harmful bacteria. Many models are available from which to choose. Doing a little research before purchasing a water purifier for your trip is a good idea, but here is some information to get you started.

The simplest type of water purifier for camping is the UV model which uses ultra-violet light to destroy any harmful bacteria that may be in the water. The UV model is a good selection for occasional campers. However, because the UV model does not last long, anyone camping regularly would be wise to invest in a more advanced model purifier. Others use iodine or activate carbon to eliminate unwanted bacteria and purify the water.

Camping water purifiers can significantly vary in size. For instance, there are larger models available to keep in your tent or trailer which is a good option when you are staying in one place or at one campground throughout the trip. Or, there are also personal drinking bottles you could choose which is useful during a day trip, while hiking or even traveling to different campsites.
Personal camping purifier water bottles allow you to hike without worrying about running out of water. You can fill your bottle with water from a nearby natural water source, such as a stream, and let the bottle purify the water so it is safe to drink.

Gravity fed water purifiers are similar to the water filters many use in their home. While camping, you can fill the purifier unit with water from a stream or lake, after which the water drips through to the bottom at which point it is safe to drink.

Water purifiers may not be something you first think of when preparing for a camping trip, but it is definitely one of the more essential items you should bring. Natural sources of water may be "natural" but can still contain bacteria and other potentially harmful toxins. Place a camping water purifier at the top of your list of camping supplies to purchase. It is better to be safe knowing that you are drinking clean water.

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The Principles of Leave No Trace Camping ...by River Connection

The Leave No Trace principles might seem unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is every persons responsibility. Leave No Trace is an awareness and an attitude rather than a set of rules. It applies in your backyard or local park as much as in the back country and on rivers.

Help protect the back country and rivers by remembering that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit a friend, you take care to leave your friend's home just as you found it. You would never think of trampling garden flowers, chopping down trees in the yard, putting soap in the drinking water, or marking your name on the living room wall. When you visit the back country, the same courtesies apply. Leave everything just as you found it.

Hiking and camping without a trace are signs of an expert outdoors man, and of a someone who cares for the environment. Travel lightly on the land. No Trace Camping Principals

1. Poorly prepared people, when presented with unexpected situations, often resort to high-impact solutions that degrade the outdoors or put themselves at risk. Poor planning can result in improperly located campsites because groups failed to plan enough time to reach their intended destination, or improper campfires or excessive trash because of failure to plan meals or bring proper equipment. Come prepared one of the risks is hypothermia. Pack light, layering your clothing.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Damage to land occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond repair. The resulting barren area leads to unusable trails, campsites and soil erosion.
* In high-use areas, Leave No Trace suggests that people concentrate activity, which makes further damage unlikely.
* In areas of very little or no use, Leave No Trace encourages people to spread out. Taking different paths when hiking off-trail will avoid creating new trails that cause erosion. Dispersing tents and equipment, and moving camp daily will avoid creating permanent-looking camp sites.

3. Though most trash and litter in the back country is not significant in terms of the long term ecological health of an area, it does rank high as a problem in the minds of many back country visitors. Trash and litter are primarily social impacts which can greatly detract from the naturalness of an area. Thus, Leave No Trace recommends that trash and litter should be packed out. Further, back country users create body waste and waste water which requires proper disposal according to Leave No Trace.
Waste Water: Avoiding soap and dispersing dishwater far away from natural water sources will prevent contamination. After brushing your teeth, dilute the rinse water to avoid leaving â??seagull droppingsâ??. Consider using a kitchen floor tarp to catch drops and spills. Strain dishwater, put the scraps in your trash and broadcast the dishwater above the high water mark.
Human Waste: Proper human waste disposal prevents spread of disease, exposure to others, and speeds decomposition. Pack out your human waste using one of the many good toilet systems available. A coffee can, small paper bags and some deodorizer can be used for a daytime toilet, or carry a wag-bag; this waste can then be added to that in the regular toilet when you get to camp. Regulations for depositing urine vary depending on the area; the usual rule in higher-volume waters and arid areas is to urinate in the water or on wet sand. Be sure to check out local regulations or accepted practices. Donâ??t forget to pick up your dogâ??s solid waste and pack it out too!

4. Leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects as found will allow others a sense of discovery. Similarly, Leave No Trace directs people to minimize site alterations, such as digging tent trenches, hammering nails into trees, permanently clearing an area of rocks or twigs.

5. Minimize Use and Impact of Fire: Leave No Trace encourages people to use lightweight camp stoves, instead of fires, because the naturalness of many areas has been degraded by overuse of fires and the increasing demand for firewood. If a campfire is constructed, Leave No Trace suggests using an existing fire ring in a well-placed campsite or to use a fire pan or mound fire. True Leave No Trace fires show no evidence of having ever been constructed.

6. If enough people approach or interfere with wildlife, it can be disruptive to animal populations.
7. Following hiking and boating etiquette and maintaining quiet allows visitors to go through the wilderness with minimal impact on other users.

Remember............Leave only footprints Take only pictures!

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