Monday, July 18, 2011

Choosing a Camping Lantern

>When you go camping you will need a camping lantern , camping stove and a camping cot as well as a flash lightFind Sale And Clearance Items at Outdoorplay.com - Free shipping!

All campers will need some type of lantern gas, battery, or candle. Each one has there pros and cons. To find out which will work for you here are a few tips.Kayaks at Outdoorplay.com - Free shipping!
Gas lanterns give off bright light but are noisy and will be the most expensive of all lanterns to operate. You will have to pack extra propane bottles The older liquid gas lanterns give off just as much light but you will have to refill the tank with liquid gas and this can be messy as well as dangerous if you are not careful. Both types of lanterns use mantels so be sure to carry extras.

Battery lanterns give of plenty of light but however you will need to have spare batteries or if it is a rechargeable style you will need some way to recharge it. The rechargeable lanterns do not last as long as a battery type of lantern and the lighting tends to be a bit duller. The rechargeable lanterns can be recharged with you car by plugging into the cigarette lighter on some models.

Candles will are the most cost effective but you have to be very careful not to start a fire with them. They also do not through a very strong light and they are subject to going out in a breeze.

The best lantern to use inside a tent is a battery style. But they do not work well in colder climates as the batteries tend to run down faster due to the cold..

Be sure the lantern you buy is weather proof. If you are camping in colder weather the gas type of lanterns would be your best choice because not only do they give of a bright light they also give off a fair amount of heat. Never use the gas lanterns in the tent. Should the lantern get knocked over or get too close to flammable materials it could start a fire.

If you are using a gas lantern in the rain you have to be careful because the glass globe can break if a lot of water gets on it. A single mantle in a lantern gives off about 300 watts of light. Be aware that the glass globe of all gas and propane lanterns get extremely hot and can give you a serious burn.

If you are going to use candles you will have to be very careful that you do not start a fire. Rememer that the hot wax of the candle can burn you if you get it on your skin. Never leave a candle that is burning in your tent unattended and never fall asleep with a burning candle or a burning lantern in your tent.

Many camping trips have been ruined by a hot lantern or a burning candle. Now matter which type of lantern you use always play safe Never store a hot gas lantern near any flammable materials or leave any open flames unattended.

Be sure the flashlight you purchase is waterproof, corrosion resistant and has a scratch resistant lens. Look for one that has an adjustable beam and can be free standing which frees up your hands to do other things.

Have a flashlight for each camper in your group. The plastic type are great for the kids and they only cost a dollar or so. Never let the kids wander around at night as unless they’ve been taught not to shine their flashlight beams into other camping sites which can upset the other campers.

Be sure that the flashlights are shock proof. Many a flashlight has been broke because the kids accedently dropped it on the ground. If you are walking at night never shine your flash light at any moving vehicles. Your light may blind the driver and which could cause an accident. by: Ranger BobKayaks at Outdoorplay.com - Free shipping!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Choosing Family Camping Tents

Many adults will say one of the most memorable parts of their childhood was the family’s camping trips. Camping is near and dear to a lot of peoples’ hearts whether the sleep out took place in the backyard or involved a more in depth planning and execution process. It makes sense that as those children grew up and had families of their own that they would want to continue the family tradition and take their children on camping trips as well. To make this dream a reality, the most important piece of equipment is the family camping tents. These tents have evolved over the years into virtual paradises of home like comfort.Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent


You can find family camping tents in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Almost any version can be found to accommodate the family’s size and needs. Family camping tents are better made than ever with the advancement of technology, and are constructed of the most durable and weatherproof materials. While it may not be the optimal experience to camp in inclement weather, with these tents it doesn’t have to be the worst thing ever either. While deciding on the perfect tent for your family there is a certain criteria to keep in mind.Swiss Gear Elite Series 12 Person Huge Family Dome Camping Tent SG33151


Before style even becomes a consideration, it is important to find a well made family camping tent. When you find a tent that you really like, check online message boards for honest reactions to the products performance. There are several websites available that are designed to provide consumer opinions. Then visit the local sporting goods store to take a look at the tent up close and personal. You will want to pay careful attention to the zippers, fastenings, and how easy or difficult the tent is to put up. Be sure to also look into the type of material used and the quality of the poles and attachments. A good family camping tent should be made to last a long time and hold up to the rigors of the great outdoors.Coleman Tent Light


Once you have found several family camping tents you like, then you can narrow down your selection according to your personal preferences. Some family camping tents are a large one room design, while others have a tunnel between two “rooms” that children find a lot of fun. Also consider the size and space available in the vehicle that will be used for camping trips. Many models are made to be compact and space saving for smaller vans and cars.Eddie Bauer Tamarack 2 Room Family Dome Tent


Family camping trips are worthwhile. Be sure to be properly prepared with one of the high quality family camping tents available for a more enjoyable vacation.

About The Author
Paula Radmall

Great Tips for Car Camping Enjoyment

amping is one of my favorite activities and my favorite type of camping is car camping. However, there are many other types of camping such as base camping, canoe camping, RV camping, tent trailer camping and back yard camping. Regardless of how you spend your time out of doors or how much time you spend out of doors, there is always more to learn. I have compiled an extensive list of camping tips and this installment is for car campers. Here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of your car camping experience.

Organize your gear before you go. The basic principle is to organize or categorize your gear by "when" and "how quickly" you will need it. When I get to the campsite, the first thing I do is prepare shelter. So my tent and shade awning are the easiest pieces of gear to get to.

Plan your campsite. Understand how vehicles, wind, sun and rain will enter the campsite. For example, if the wind is coming out of the west, you’ll probably want your tent and kitchen west of any campfire to reduce smoke nuisance.

Always have a first aid kit in camp. Everyone in camp should know where it is, have access to it and know how to use it. I keep mine in plain sight in my kitchen. If it’s locked in my truck, no one can get to it except me.

Every camp needs a shovel. I believe a shovel is the most important tool in camp. You’ll use it to manage your campfire, leveling sleeping spots and countless other uses. Don’t leave home without it.

What tent should you use? I recommend a tent that is bigger than you think you’ll need. If inclement weather sets in, you’ll have a spot out of the elements for reading and playing games. My tent is big enough for two people, two cots, two chairs and two dogs.

There is nothing wrong with having a checklist. Things frequently forgotten are: extra batteries, trash bags, kitchen towels, hats, reading material, sleeping pillows, hiking boots and pet food.

Your most important camping gear should always be on your body. Not in your pack, not in your tent or in your vehicle. Whenever you leave camp always have a watch, a whistle, a cell phone, a flashlight and a knife on your person.

Some neat tidbits I’ve picked up over the years are: a golf towel is perfect for hanging in your kitchen because it comes with a grommet, you can never have enough zip lock bags, you won’t find me camping without a flare – it’s perfect for lighting wet firewood, my camp chairs have side tables attached to them, I pre-cook baked potatoes at home and warm them up in the camp fire, in good weather my hammock gets lots of use.

Car camping allows you to take virtually anything with you when you camp. But the most important of all is good company. Take along good friends and family. When you do, it doesn’t really matter if you have the best gear or the best techniques, the one thing you will have is the best of times. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

The Author

Chuck Fitzgerald

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

camping in portland maine

Maine’s largest city, Portland, is big enough to be sophisticated and small enough to be friendly. Portland is a seacoast city with a working waterfront, a deep history and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The people are easy-going, the atmosphere is casual and commuting is easy. With easy access to the ocean, islands, and mountains, unique galleries and incredible restaurants, the Greater Portland/Casco Bay region offers some of the best of Maine.


We’re proud to call Maine our home. With its vibrant communities and outstanding natural environment it’s what we love about Maine and it’s why we live and work here.


We’re proud to call Maine our home. With its vibrant communities and outstanding natural environment it’s what we love about Maine and it’s why we live and work here.
camping in Maine Is awesome!
visit LLbean for camping clothing!!!

for camping parties visit: http://www.mypartycelebration.com/