Flying to Your Camping Destination? Three Tips for Stress-Free Air Travel

Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip through Australia and New Zealand, a romantic camping trip for two in a tropical beach destination, or a family camping adventure in rolling countryside, flying to your destination can bring up a whole host of questions about traveling with all the gear that you’ll need to bring along. Checking in a suitcase can be stressful enough, so it’s understandable that you might be a little apprehensive about checking in tents, sleeping bags and everything else you’ll need for your adventure. Luckily, camping gear is becoming more portable, but you’ll still likely have more luggage than you’re used to. Read on for our top packing tips for a camping trip abroad.

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Gear Checklist for a Camping Newbie

Every now and then, friends ask us some basic camping questions. That woke us up to the fact that not all of our readers are seasoned hikers and campers. Today’s guide is for those just getting into camping, the newbies if you will.

We take a step back and look at the basics of planning a camping trip, from gear to some nifty tips and tricks you should be privy to when taking on the Great Outdoors.

Tent and accessories

First and foremost, it’s worth looking into your shelter. The tent-is-just-a-tent approach is common, but it’s not that simple. The wrong tent can lead to a number of issues.

Vital components can easily go missing, or worse, your tent itself can break. To avoid these mishaps, it’s worth considering the following to ensure a safe and calm night’s sleep.

What to Look for in a Good Camping Air Mattress

If you live to be eighty, you will have slept for about 9733 full days in your life.

Another fun fact – did you know that we can go longer without food than without sleep?

For a camper or a hiker, the quality of sleep they get on the trail is one of those things that can make or break a trip. On the other hand, the quality of sleep we get is largely affected by the comfort of our air mattresses and sleeping pads.

Yet, many of us don’t fully understand what makes a good air mattress for camping.

So, today we take the time for an in-depth analysis of just that – the choice of an airbed. We’ll go beyond the usual stuff people talk about and commonplace advice like…

“Make sure you’re comfortable…”
“Make sure there's enough room in your tent…”
“Make sure you’re warm…”

We go beyond that and dig deeper and look at what actually makes an inflatable comfortable or warm. We might get a bit “sciency” but we’ll also make sure we boil it down to actionable advice.

What determines the comfort of a camping air mattress

Blog Update - Wildfires and How to Help

First, please STILL stay out of the Gatlinburg area. First responders are still trying to clear roads from downed trees and power lines. The Red Cross is not accepting any volunteers that are not Red Cross Trained. Upon last known update, a curfew was being imposed in Gatlinburg between the hours of 6pm to 6am.

If you have new items you would like to donate and don't have a way to get it there, let us know. We can schedule a pickup in the Union County, Anderson County, and North Knox County areas. The persons delivering our items will be going up on Friday, Dec 2nd.

If you still want to volunteer, Volunteer East Tennessee is working to connect volunteers to volunteer needs.
Visit https://www.volunteeretn.org/DisasterRecovery
They will be able to assist you in finding the best place for your skills.

Wildfire in the Smokies - How To Help

Updated info as of 11/30 here: https://www.appalachiaandbeyond.com/2016/11/blog-update-wildfires-and-how-to-help.html

Most of you have heard about the devastating wildfires that have affected the East Tennessee area. Last night, Gatlinburg and the part of the National forest that stretches between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge - known as the Spur - was victim of an enormous, swift moving wildfire. Hundreds of homes and structures were damaged or destroyed and many, many people were displaced, some at this time still looking for family members including beloved pets.

It is sad, sad news. We are heartbroken for all of these victims, for all of the animals affected, and for our ancient mountains as well. Although as old as they are they've probably seen more fires than any of us could imagine, but in my lifetime, I've never seen anything like it in the Smokies.

There are more than 2000 people, at this time, that are in local shelters - more than 14,000 people evacuated. With this being #GivingTuesday, you may be wondering what you can do to help.

Want To Start Hiking? Plan Your First Hike With Ease

Image Courtesy of: Pixabay

Your first hike is an adventure you are likely to remember for the rest of your life. So the pressure is on to make sure you remember it for all the right reasons. Planning your first hike can be challenging when you’ve never been on one before. You might not know what to bring, where you should go and for how long. Not giving your first hike plenty of consideration beforehand can also increase the chances of you becoming lost or ill in the process. This is naturally something you want to avoid. So to help you plan a safe and unforgettable first hike, use these planning tips for beginners.

Be realistic

You might have dreams of completing a particularly difficult hiking trail that takes days or even weeks to complete. But this is probably not the best idea for your first hike. You need to be realistic about your current fitness levels and hiking abilities. This should strongly influence your choice of hiking trail. Look for trails in your local area that are designed for beginners and don’t take too long to complete. These trails will allow you to familiarize yourself with what hiking is like and ensures you don’t push yourself too much. Going on an extensive hike when you aren’t experienced could result in you becoming ill or injured. So always remember to be realistic when choosing an appropriate trail.

Making Camping A Year-Round Activity: Essential Items For A Winter Break

Are you a camping fan? Do you jump at the chance to get out and about and set up camp somewhere far from civilization? Camping is often regarded as a summer vacation option. But if you pack wisely and prepare thoroughly, you can make it a year-round activity. If you’re thinking of fitting in a few days away before the holidays, here are some essential items to take with you.

Clothing

Image via https://goo.gl/Ygh4Xn

If you’re freezing cold all the time, this is going to take the shine off your outdoor adventure. No matter how stunning the scenery, shivering will affect morale, and it could be dangerous for your health. Before you go away, make sure you have suitable clothing with you. Base layers are a good place to start. Pack thermals to wear under sweaters and fleeces. You’ll also need a heavyweight, waterproof jacket. You may need thermals to go under your trousers. Add hats, scarves and gloves for added warmth. Depending on what activities you’re doing, you may also need specialist shoes. If you’re going walking on ice sheets or scaling snowy peaks, for example, you may need crampons.

Xterra Panther Creek 2016

Dirty Bird Events to host “Xterra Panther Creek” featuring a new Trail Run in the Series Saturday and Sunday July 30-31, 2016 at Panther Creek State Park in Morristown, TN

June 23, 2016

XTERRA Panther Creek Trail Races – July 30 @ 8:00 am
XTERRA Panther Creek Triathlon – July 31 @ 8:00 am

Panther Creek State Park
2010 Panther Creek Park Road
Morristown, TN 37814

Event Description

In late July, for the third year running, Dirty Bird Events will be hosting one of the oldest off-road triathlons in East Tennessee, XTERRA Panther Creek. Newly added this year is another trail race in the XTERRA Tennessee Trail Running Series.

Making Traveling Enjoyable For The Older Person

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Traveling is a wonderful experience, and this goes for whether or not you are 1 or 100! So, whether you are an older person yourself, or are wishing to take older people away with you, read on. Here is a guide to ensuring they can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

First things first; be sure to pack all of the necessities that they need when they are at home. Having these with you will give you peace of mind, and them too. So, if you take daily medication, make sure it is packed. Also, have some spares with you, in case you lose the originals. This also means that you are covered if you decide to stay longer, or are forced to stay longer due to cancellations outside of your control. Once you’ve covered the things they need, how about the things they want. This goes for items that make the comfortable and happy when they are at home. So consider things like favorite pillows and familiar bedding. Is there are a certain type of tea they like to drink each morning? While little things, they can make a big difference.

Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas: Learn How to Protect Your Dog From Top Holiday Hazards

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time for the whole family - and that, of course, includes your dog. Since you spend all year looking out for the health and safety of your dog, it’s important to recognize the extra hazards that pop up during the holiday season. From toxic plants to decorations that damage, a little precaution is needed to ensure things go smoothly. Recognizing the dangers, and having the tools required to deal with them, such as a DIY dog fence, is all that’s needed, so here’s what you need to know to have a happy holiday season.

Toxic Holiday Plants
Mistletoe, poinsettia, and holly are common holiday plants, but they are also toxic to dogs. When buying these for your home, go for the artificial versions. If someone gives you one of these plants, place it in a spare room that the dog doesn’t enter. Placing the plants high out-of-reach isn’t always enough, because your dog could eat fallen leaves faster than you can pick them up.

Things to Do On a Long Walk

People today are more health conscious than in the past. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take long walks on a daily basis. You can even make this time more interesting and consistent by following a few ideas suggested below.

Read
Ever wish you could find the time to read the latest bestseller? Your daily walk could be an ideal time. Today, it is easier than ever to download audio books for use on your iPod or phone. Libraries also offer audio books for free on CD.

Race Report: Rock & Root 30k

The second running of the Rock & Root 30k by the guys at Peak Mountain Sports went down at Haw Ridge Park in Oak Ridge, TN back on August 29. Yeah I know what you're thinking, wait long enough to write a report? Yeah,well when you're training for events you don't have time to blog, haha. I have to say that the Rock & Root is probably one of my favorite trail races and for a number of reasons.

The course is challenging to say the least. The Peak guys changed it up a little this year and added some extra vertical gain. There's one climb in particular called the Hill of Truth (H.O.T.) and in late August it's definitely HOT. It's a loop course and you have to run it twice. Thankfully, there is an aid station at the top of the climb put on by the Hill of Truth Hooligans. I'm always glad to reach this aid station because not only do they have water and/or electrolytes, they usually have some other libations if you so desire if you catch my drift. I call it motivation for getting up the hill.

Gear Review: Thule Capstone 32L Backpack

Some of you might have heard and even seen that Thule (luggage and car roof rack giants extraordinaire) has started making backpacks for outdoor adventures. That's right, the brand that dominates the "on top of your car" bicycle rack world and apparently luggage world has entered the outdoor scene on a new avenue. They have two new style packs that just recently launched and I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to try one out...The Thule Capstone (32L edition).

Upon arrival, I could tell this was more than just a day pack, indeed it could also be used as an adventure pack and even an overnight lightweight backpack. I couldn't wait to get it out in the field for testing but alas, wait I would have to do. Fortunately I didn't have to wait to long to really put it to the test.

Gear Review: Munk Pack Oatmeal Pouch

As an ultra marathon trail runner, I'm always looking for ways to refuel during my long training runs. We're talking runs that are anywhere from 10 to 30 miles. I'm always trying new things during my training so that come race day, I have everything dialed in and I know that what I put in my body will cooperate under that kind of physical stress.

A month or more ago, the folks at Munk Pack asked if I'd like to give their squeezable oatmeal a spin. I jumped at the opportunity. It was something new to me. Usually it's either, waffles, gels, chews, or granola bars that get me through my long runs. Having oatmeal on the trail sounds like a dream come true. It wasn't long before the squeezable pouches of heaven arrived on our doorstep.

Be Unique with Keen's UNEEK Open Air Footwear Review

I have a serious obsession with all things sandals, flip-flops, and barely-there footwear. So when Keen approached me asking to review the new Women's Uneek Open Air Footwear, I jumped - literally! - at the opportunity to give them a try.

My Keen Newports are my absolute favorite shoes on the face of this planet. I've had them for years now, and they have been everywhere with me: from the tops of mountains, to creekbeds, to sandy shores, to muddy garden beds, and endless grassy fields. You name it, they've been there! And they are still in glorious shape - considering what I've put them through.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited about the new Keen UNEEK's - an open air shoe/sandal made from a sole and two pieces of polyester braided cord intricately intertwined to form the body of the shoe - striking shock and awe the hearts of all solve-the-maze lovers, self-proclaimed origami experts, and the never ending curiosity of *those people* that can't help but take things apart (points at herself). -I have not ripped apart the shoes yet, just because they are SOOOO cool... not because I'm any less tempted to.

Race Report:2015 KTC Lakeshore Trail Trek Marathon

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to run in another one of the Knoxville Track Club's trail series races, The Lakeshore Trail Trek Marathon. This was the first year for the marathon. Last year I ran this same trail race but the long distance portion was a brutal for me 16 miler as I went out to fast and struggled to finish after about 7 miles. Needless to say, after a few more races and again struggling this year in some of them due to starting out too fast, I finally wised up and took things slow.

This was a big race for me. Albeit I've run in a handful for 50k's up to this point as well as a 12 hour race in which I ran a little over 50 miles in under the 12 hour time, this would be the first time I had attempted a marathon, on trails no less, since my first ever debacle attempt, back in the day when I was in the Navy and thought it would be fun to run a road marathon. Needless to say, I only made it 16 miles that day when my legs said eff you buddy and decided they would not take another step forward. (as an aside, I had never trained for the marathon then and the night before I got pretty liquored up on Tekillya. Not making excuses or anything, but seriously I had no business attempting that Shamrock Marathon in Va. Beach back in 1994).

Gear Review: Outad 2 in 1 Bluetooth Speaker and LED Lamp

Have you ever found yourself around the campfire or out by the grill wishing you could crank your playlist louder? Let's face it, the volume on your smart phone really isn't that loud especially when you're outside. Enter the Outad 2 in 1 Bluetooth Speaker and LED Lamp. This little baby has what you need when you're outdoors and want to crank that playlist for everyone's enjoyment out on the deck, around the grill, the pool, or campfire.

This little speaker packs a punch and has great range too. You can pair any Bluetooth capable device from up to 33 feet away and the loudness factor is pretty loud without loosing clarity. To top that off, as the sun starts to go down, this little gem has a LED lantern that is rather bright and can keep the party going through the night with 120 lumens of brightness.

Xterra Knoxville 2015 Is Coming Soon

Below is the press release from Dirty Bird Events about Xterra Knoxville Trail Run and Triathlon:

"Dirty Bird Events to host “Xterra Knoxville” Saturday and Sunday June 6-7, 2015 at Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness 

May 8, 2015

Image Courtesy of: Dirty Bird Events

XTERRA Knoxville Trail Race – June 6 @ 9:00 am
XTERRA Knoxville Triathlon – June 7 @ 8:00 am

Ijams Nature Center (Mead's Quarry)
2915 Island Home Way
Knoxville, TN 37920

Event Description

Gear Review: Body Glide

In the majority of the races I run, blisters and chaffing are rarely a concern for me. Anything under a marathon in normal temps/climes I never have to worry about things rubbing and causing issues, think shirt on nipples, inner thighs rubbing, your feet, etc. However, each time I've taken a foray into the ultra running world or one of the smaller trail races with weather or water on course, I will usually end up with something chaffing or blisters on my feet. Let's face it, if you rub a prune against something long enough, it's skin will rip open.

So what's a guy (or gal for that matter) to do on race day when weather is imminent or you are going to sweet like a stuck pig and you know things are going to rub? You reach for some kind of lubricant, much like greasing up parts on your car because metal rubbing against metal for too long might cause some fire.

Gear Review: Terramar Climasense 2.0 Thermolator (Pant, 1/2 zip, and mock)

As an ambassador for Terramar Sports, I've been able to get out in the winter months and continue training and racing without issue. This time around, I was fortunate enough to receive their Climasense 2.0 Thermolator Pant, 1/2 zip and mock shirt. Let me tell you, I really love my TXO 2.0 layers and my Terrmar SmartSilk layers, but the Climasense/thermolator set is top notch. Hands down, it's the best baselayer set I have in my repertoire.

I couldn't really tell you how cold this base layer set can withstand, but as a trail runner, this set is absolutely perfect for anything above 25, especially when you couple it together with some Terramar Smart Silk glove liners and a Terramar beanie. This base layer set moves with you and never bunches up. It's like a second skin almost. The sleeves of the mock and 1/2 zip have thumb holes. With these layers on, I've done runs in 30 degree weather without issue. I've yet to make it out in below 30 this season but I can tell you, I wouldn't hesitate to use my Thermolator layers. When I'm cold, these layers provide a warming effect and if I'm hot, they provide a cooling effect.