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

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.

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. 

Race Report: Barkley Fall Classic 50K+

It's been a bit since the running of the Inaugural Barkley Fall Classic and I'm still blown away at what all who toed the line accomplished that day. It's races and moments like this which will remain in my memory for a long time. Some 200 plus souls toed the line on Saturday, September 20, 2014 and 163 completed the full distance, which as it turns out was more like 35 miles instead of the advertised 50K, of course did we expect any different considering the who the race directors were?

I arrived in Wartburg around 4ish in the afternoon on Friday. My first stop was at the visitors center to meet and sign Gigi's visitor book as requested by Durb and Laz. All us runners have left an impression and Gigi has left an impression with all of us that dropped in. While there I met a couple other runners. We talked about the race and of course about the big dance that takes place in the spring.

After leaving the Visitor's center I headed for the American Legion to pick up my race packet and in general mingle with the other runners who were going to take on the challenge that Laz, Durb, and the BFC had waiting for us. Unfortunately I was just so immersed in the experience that I didn't even think to pull out a cell phone and take pictures. Probably should have. While there I got to talk with Laz again and also officially meet Durb. Great guys in all actuality, top notch indeed.

Gear Review & Giveaway: Life Straw

A while back we were asked if we would be interested in reviewing the LifeStraw® by Vestergaard. It wasn't long (a week if that) before the LifeStraw® was at our door step. Being avid outdoors people you can only imagine what our answer was. We wouldn't be here right now if we had answered the other way. 

Unsure as to when we'd get a chance to try it out, it sat in our gear stash pile on the bookshelf for a couple weeks. Then Father's Day came and this was our chance. When asked what I wanted to do for Father's Day, the only answer was a family hike. We geared up, loaded up the car and off we were to Frozen Head State Park. We took a nice little family hike/stroll up Panther Branch Trail to Debord Falls and at least one pit-stop along the way for the Bug to play in the creek before reaching the falls (a whopping .6 miles from the trailhead). She's little so we take it slow.

Sharing some Camping tips...

So Robin just sent me a link to some camping tips with kids. I thought I would share them here. I'm liking number 10. What's your favorite or some other tips you would add to this list?

Tips for Camping with Kids

Happy Trails and Happy Camping,
Tim and Robin

Gear Review: Terramar Body-Sensors Thermolator II Jersey

As most of you are aware, and for those of you who aren't, I am a brand ambassador for Terramar Sports. What is this Terramar Sports you ask? Well let me tell you, only the best base layers you can find to fit all sorts of bills for outdoors activity regardless of season. It's been over a year since I've been stumping for Terramar and still to this day it's a brand I love and believe in.



For this season, I've been outfitted with a great assortment of gear to keep the running going through the winter, and let me just say, they didn't disappoint. One of my favorite pieces this time around is the Body-Sensors Thermolator II Jersey. On those 30 something degree days with the sun shining, you better believe I'll be wearing it under some running jersey that I've acquired over the past year. This baselayer is awesome. Very warm, yet breathable, long sleeves, and it even has thumb holes, not something I've seen a lot of in men's clothing. I've been on a few trail runs with this top so far, and I've not been disappointed.

Choose The Right Outerwear For You - Top 5 Hiking Jackets of 2013

It’s that time of year when lists are drawn up for the best performances from products to help give everyone a decent idea of what is best suited to them and with the Blackleaf list of Top 5 Hiking Jackets for 2013 it aims to do the same so come rain or shine you’ll know which is better suited to your favorite walks and treks, or even if you just want a decent jacket to last through your everyday routine.

There are a number of different factors to consider in choosing the right outdoor hiking jacket as some are better suited to winter conditions, some are more insulated and waterproof as opposed to lighter shell jackets that offer water resistance instead and are ideally suited to summery weather. However it can’t always be easy to tell at first glance.  Many have technical features that remain hidden yet manage to help your performance and give extra protection and comfort in certain cases. To find out which is best for you, check out the Top 5:

Ready for any trail – the Top 5 Hiking Boots of 2013

You may be looking for the best possible hiking boots as either due to needing a new pair after your favorite old pair has finally worn out or maybe this year the call of exploring the outdoors has led you to buying a first pair but aren’t sure exactly where to start.  It can be tricky navigating through all the brands and models to find the footwear that is most suited to your needs due to certain types being preferable for particular environments and types of trails so Nightgear has put this list together to show the best of this year’s Top 5 Hiking Boots to help you choose the perfect pair.

Columbia Bugaboot Original Omni Heat Boots

These have all the favored style of the classic Bugaboots but have been packed full of technical features making them a decent pair of winter hiking boots in every respect.  The Columbia Omni-Heat technology is comprised of a thermal reflective liner and 100g of insulation which works to effectively keep heat inside so your feet stay nice and warm while the oiled full-grain leather shell, suede upper and pigskin collar and tongue stops any water and works to prevent colder temperatures from getting inside.  Each of the Columbia Bugaboot Original Omni Heat Boots outsole is made from Omni-Grip high traction rubber so even the worst trails won’t stop you thanks to their grip, while the moulded EVA midsole provides all day long comfort so if the weather and the route ahead is tough then these are ideal.

Gear Review: Dorcy Headlamp

A while back I was contact by Dorcy to review their L.E.D. Headlamp. Of course being an outdoorsy sort and avid trail runner, I said, "sure, I'd love to give the headlamp a test spin, I'm always looking for a good solution to running trails in the dark". A few weeks later a small pack arrived in the mail and in it was the headlamp and a fresh pack of AAA batteries.

It didn't take long before I had the torch out of the package to fiddle with it. I found it to be very simple to operate. It has a single button with 3 press operation for it's different modes. One press full high power flood, 2 presses provides you with a low power flood and three presses you get a high powered strobe light, perfect for disco dancing.

Gear Review: LED Lenser SEO5 Headlamp

When it comes to LED lights, most of the time, they are usually really bright but don't shine or illuminate for very far distances. Most of the LED flashlights we own have this problem and they have somewhere between 3 - 9 LED bulbs in them. The same goes for some headlamps we own. However, I have to say that the LED Lenser SEO5 headlamps is more than just hype. It's LED Illumination at the best I've yet to see.

When I received the SEO5 Headlamp, I was excited to get it out and play with it. After all who doesn't love to play with flash lights? Unfortunately it was the middle of the day and our Wee Little One was up and about. So I was only able to get it out of the package and get quickly familiar with its one button operational modes, how to focus and spray the light, and how to swivel the head of the light up and down (really that was a no-brainer).

Race Report/Camping Fail: 2013 Panther Creek Challenge

It was the weekend before Memorial Day, and KTC's Treadin' Trodden Trails series was making a stop atPanther Creek State Park for it's annual 10 mile Panther Creek Challenge. This was one of the original 3 trail races I had planned on running this year (To date I've run in 6 and I've still yet to run the last of the original 3 I planned on running and who knows how many more before the year is out). With the Challenge approaching I had the hair brained idea that we could turn it into a weekend of camping, fun right?

Since it was at Panther Creek State Park which was a 2 hour drive from home, it would be awesome to already be at the park on race morning and then have the rest of the weekend to camp with the family. On paper, most of our crazy ideas sound great. However, we've quickly learned that with toddler, those ideas don't always work out the way we plan. Race weekend had finally arrived and I had taken a 1/2 day on that Friday. When I got home, Robin had some stuff ready (another change since our Little Bug came along, Robin would have already had the car loaded and ready to go), so I got straight to helping with the final packing and then loading of the car. After all was said and done, we were packed, out the door, and pulling into our campsite by around 5pm or so.

Book Review: Dutch Oven - Cast-Iron Cooking Over an Open Fire by Carsten Bothe

I love cooking over the campfire. I've adapted so many household recipes that I've seriously considered writing my own book. I don't usually use my Dutch oven, but I have one. Sadly, it looked like this previous to this review (not too bad, really, but it needed some love):

Obviously, I didn't have a clue as to how to take care of it. I was treating it like a household skillet. It takes more than cold water and a small wipe down with oil every once in a blue moon to take care of something that you use over the open fire (and burn things in constantly). I have had such a sad experience with my Dutch oven that I've punished it by sentencing it to near solitary confinement in the darkness of the back of the cabinet. (It is kept company by my unused Foreman grill.) I would occasionally take it camping and burn biscuits and applesauce-gingerbread cake. I've successfully baked biscuits (from a can) maybe once.

THOUSAND TRAILS ANNOUNCES GEAR UP AND CAMP SWEEPSTAKES

While we aren't RV'ers by any stretch of the imagination, Thousand Trails, home to some of the most beautiful and natural campgrounds and RV resorts across the U.S., is giving outdoor enthusiasts a chance to get out and camp with the Gear Up and Camp sweepstakes.  One lucky camper will win a free week of camping and a camping gear package, with a combined value of $1100.  Sweepstakes entrants will also be entered for a chance to win one of four second place prize packages, and one of 30 third place prize packages daily.

The sweepstakes grand prize includes a week-long camping trip for the winner at any participating Thousand Trails or Encore RV resort campground.  In addition, the winner will receive a package of camping gear, including the following: Rand McNally’s RV-specific GPS device - the  RVND™ 7720 LM; $100 gas card; Strongback Chair; Coghlan's Camper's S'mores Grill and Corn Popper; Coleman Lantern; $50 MyRVMarket.com gift certificate; Thousand Trails sweatshirt, umbrella, window cling, backpack, blanket and travel mug; and a Duck Harbor Cool Weather Sleeping bag.

PEAK® Portable Power System 450 Plus - Gear Review

Have you ever come off the trail after a long day hike or even a few days in the woods, only to find the battery in your car is dead, or worse one of your tires have gone flat? How about camping at a site that has no hookups and you don't have an extension cord or a power inverter in the car to power that air pump for the air mattress? While these haven't necessarily happened to us, but so long as we keep the PEAK® Portable Power System 450 Plus in the vehicle, we shouldn't ever have to worry about any of these problems except maybe the flat tire issue but only if the tire has been puncture in some fashion and you don't have a plug kit.

Not long ago, we were contacted by PEAK® Performance, the people who make and sell antifreeze. They wanted to know if we would like to have one of these power systems for review. Of course seeing what it was, we jumped on the opportunity. This thing is a beast, and I love using it so far. Of course, for some of it's uses I'd rather not have to use it because that means I have a flat tire and/or possibly a dead battery.

Kupilka Cup - Gear Review and Giveaway

Some time ago, we were sent a Kupilka Cup by Sport Hansa to review on our blog. This is a sweet little cup. It actually reminds me of one of those ladles you see in in movies scenes that take place in a Russian Gulag. Perfect for dipping into gruel or in our case stew. You could actually put stew into this cup or my personal favorite, coffee.

The Kupilka Cup is made of a thermoplastic natural fiber composite biomaterial consisting of 50% pine wood fibers and 50% plastic materials. This makes for a durable and engraveable cup that doesn't absorb smells and is insensitive to humidity. Additionally, it has a higher heat endurance which I find quite useful as I can hold the cup in my palms after it's been filled with pipping hot coffee or warm soup without it burning my hands.

Space Bag® Dual-Use Bags - Gear Review

Have you ever heard of or even owned a set of Space Bag®? You know the "As Seen On TV" space saving bags that you load up with your clothes, zip close, hook up your vacuum cleaner and suck the air out of them? Yeah, we had a set of those for quite some time. They came in handy too. Every time the weather changed from cold to hot and vice-versa, we'd swap out our wardrobes. We'd place the clothes we weren't going to wear in the Space Bag®s, suck the air out to compress them as small as possible, and store them in what is now Dinah's closet. This practice occurred for around 3 years before the bags either ended up with holes (thanks to our cats) or the zipper (much like a Zip Lock bag zipper) failed.

Never once did it ever occur to us to use these things for backpacking or camping. They came in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Of course you'd have the whole challenge of getting it compressed again once it was open. You know, there aren't any vacuum cleaners out in the woods, unless of course you've happened to bring one with you. HAHAHAHAHA.

Dinah's First Camping Trip

For Labor Day weekend, Robin and I decided to escape and go camping. It was a last minute decision really, an impromptu trip so to speak. Friday was the last half work day that work was giving us (part of the new summer working hours they were trying out this year). We had discussed going camping earlier in the week but never really decided on anything for certain, but the idea was still buzzing in our heads.

When I got home from work, we discussed it further. Kiddo was going to a friend's house for the weekend  so we had to be around to take her over there after school (life of a teenager's parent = taxi driver). So we figured it wouldn't hurt to throw the tent and canopy in the back of the SUV, load Bug into her car seat, let our trusty side kick Clover hop in, and head out to Frozen Head State Park to see if we would even be lucky enough to secure a campsite. It was Labor Day weekend after all but with the remnants of Hurricane Issac threatening to drench the weekend here, we figured it was a toss up.