Hunting isn’t for everyone. It’s an activity that requires precision, tranquillity and focus. Hunters oftentimes release their built-up stress and anxiety while hunting and get an incredible adrenaline rush that can’t be replaced by anything else.
Over the last few years, we’ve learned that anything can happen and we need to be prepared for the worst possible scenario. So, learning how to shoot can’t be that bad. You’ll need the basic equipment, and of course, someone to show you how to use it properly.
Have you ever tried camping with kids? It can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. If you already have a big enough tent, you only need to get adequate sleeping bags for your kids and you’re good to go. That being said, bags for toddlers and young teenagers don’t have to have the top of the range sleeping bags you would use yourself – they just need to be comfortable and safe enough.
Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors, have fun with the family, and get exercise. If you are planning a camping trip, it’s smart to consider which supplies you need to bring. Depending on the length of your camping, where you’re going, as well as your level of experience, you might need more than just basics like water and snacks. Making sure you have all the essentials is vital for a safe and successful camping trip.
Make Up a Cosy Sleep Kit
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is one of the biggest investments you’ll make for your camping kit. It’s important to think about where and when you’ll be using it as this will help you decide which temperature rating you’ll need. A 3-season sleeping bag is suitable for spring, summer, and autumn, but if you’re planning on winter camping or wild camping in particularly cold weather, then a 4-season sleeping bag is a better fit for the job.
Sleeping bags are normally made from synthetic materials or down. Down fillings are light and compressible and keep you warm. Synthetic fillings are more affordable, they don’t compress as well as down but they perform better when wet – so if you’re out in heavy rain or snow it’s worth considering a synthetic fill sleeping bag. Though, for added comfort, you might consider equipping both choices with a comfy camping sleeping mat too.
If you’re a side sleeper, or like to move around while you sleep, then you should consider a mummy-style sleeping bag which has been designed with added room at the foot end. Some sleeping bags also have extra insulation at the base which helps to keep the warmth in.
Down-filled sleeping bags are considered to be ideal as they offer a high warmth to weight ratio. They are also more compact than synthetic-filled bags and pack down small. However, in damp conditions, the down will lose its insulating properties, so synthetic-filled bags should be considered if this is likely to be a concern.
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Sleeping Mat
As well as keeping you warm, a sleeping mat will provide insulation from the cold ground and can be used in conjunction with your sleeping bag to provide extra comfort. The size of your mat should correspond with your height. Though, if you want to avoid getting one that leaves your feet hanging off of the end, it may be better to get a design that’s at least a few inches longer.
As for the shape, a mummy-shaped camping sleeping mat is ideal for saving weight and space as it only insulates where it’s needed around the torso, head, and feet. There are designs that can even accommodate two people, created to fit comfortably in wide 2-person tents, so be sure to consider this when you search for the ideal model for your needs.
Other factors you should bear in mind are the level of support and insulation. For the first, you require a thicker mat, with the minimum acceptable thickness being at least 7cm for air and self-inflating mats. For the insulation, models with PU foam will do the job. And, last but not least, don’t forget to consider the weight of the model you choose. This is necessary especially if you want to keep things lightweight!
A tent is your home away from home when camping. You’ll want to make sure to find a durable one that’s the right size and is easy to assemble. Some tents are specifically made for one person, while others are best for a couple or family.
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Choose the Right Tent
You’ll also want to think about what season you’re going camping in, because some tents aren’t made for extreme temperatures. Most tents also have a weight limit so if you’re planning on backpacking, look for one that’s lightweight, as well. This is especially important if you’re also going to be carrying a quality camping sleeping mat and sleeping bag.
Pack Up a First Aid Kit
A good first aid kit is a must-have when heading out into the wilderness. If you are planning a camping trip, the following items will help you be prepared for any small injuries that may occur:
Bandages: You will need bandages of several shapes and sizes. Some of the most common ones include butterfly or Steri-strips, which are used to close larger wounds. You should also have smaller bandages for minor cuts and scrapes. You may want to get a few waterproof bandages if you plan on swimming or will be in moist conditions.
Gauze pads and rolled gauze: These items can be used to cover wounds or as compression bandaging for sprains or swelling.
Antibacterial ointment: You need to clean wounds when they occur but having some ointment on hand can help prevent infection.
Alcohol wipes and/or sterile pads: These can be used to clean wounds before applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage. If you are planning on going into more remote areas, you may want to pack some iodine tablets in case you need to purify water from natural sources.
Think of Water Treatment
When you’re planning your next camping trip, don’t forget to bring along a water filter, tablets or pump. It’s important to be able to treat your water if you run out, or you find yourself in an emergency situation.
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Take Care of Food Storage
No matter what type of food you plan on bringing on your camping trip, it’s important that it is stored properly. If you are planning on bringing fish or meat, make sure it is packed in coolers with ice packs or dry ice for optimal freshness.
Protect Your Skin
Protect your skin. Slather on the sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy and cool. The sun’s rays can still penetrate the clouds, and you can get burned. And don’t forget the bug spray to ward off those mosquitoes!
Do Your Research Before You Go
Remember to always do your research before you set out. This means knowing where you are going and how difficult the hike will be. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where the hike is too challenging for you. Or too dark for that matter!
That’s why you should always carry and use a good flashlight. You never know when you might need it. It’s also a good idea to get a flashlight that has multiple settings so that you can conserve the battery.
To Sum Up
Camping can bring out the adventurer in anyone. You will not just be getting exercise, but you will be able to enjoy some time outdoors with a nice campfire and a good night’s sleep. Be sure that you have your camping essentials in order and be safe!
For most experienced hunters, male and female, their introduction to the great outdoors began with the gift of a knife – either a brand new one, or the passing down of one that’d been in the family for generations.
Summer is finally here and with it so is the desire to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re going to the beach at least several times per week or you’re planning to use the weekends to go hiking and camping, you’ll definitely benefit from having a portable beach chair. As the name implies, a chair of this kind is also foldable which makes it easy to carry with you. Since there are lots of chair models available on the market, you should certainly take into account some important things in order to find the right chair for your needs.
It is no secret that camping has been on the rise and can be said to be one of the most popular hobbies in recent years. With so many benefits, such as spending time with loved ones, reconnecting with nature, or just having more adventure in your life, who wouldn’t want to go camping?
It can bring so many new adventures and life lessons that will enlighten you on what’s important, plus it brings so many health benefits that you’ll wonder why you haven’t started earlier. Sure, it can be hard work, but it’s also fun!
You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a high-quality flashlight. You can’t rely on just any flashlight while you’re camping, hiking or hunting – it has to be a flashlight built to last and one that you can use in the roughest of conditions. For that reason, it is always better to invest in a flashlight from a renowned brand than settle for a cheap version that’s prone to malfunction.
Steering a boat and applying the throttle are things that new boaters master pretty quickly. What takes more experience is levelling the length of the boat to the angle of the water, or what is known as boat trim. Either the bow is too high, and disrupts visibility, and makes it difficult in picking up speed, or too low leading to possible swamping. Angle adjustment can be done through the propeller, in power trimming, but won’t be as effective or fast as a pair of separate boat parts called trim tabs.
The evolution of one the most universal and utilised tools in human history, the knife, has produced a wide array of utensils in as many fields. There are hunting, fishing, camping, tactical, survival, chef’s, kitchen, military, butcher knives and as many similar tools like cleavers, scalpels, machetes, and multi-tools all used for different cutting applications. What sets each knife apart is the type of cut. How blades are shaped will ultimately affect how easy, deep or clean the cut is. Also, the blade materials play a significant role in this aspect, with most knives featuring steel alloys, with metals and other materials in varying concentrations to produce the properties that are most sought-after.
The right outdoor patio heater will allow you to still be able to relax in your idyllic backyard when the weather gets colder. Patio heaters are designed to withstand any weather conditions as long as they’re properly placed. They have the power to create a warm and cosy outdoors atmosphere and let you enjoy the fresh air.
Humans have always looked for ways to bring light into darkness in every sense of the word. This is what essentially flashlights are – a way to lighten your way even in the darkest places, regardless of the situation. An artificial light that can guide you through the night can offer saving grace in many different scenarios, even some life-threatening ones. In other words, whether you are hiking through rough terrain, night hunting, repairing your vehicle on the side of the road or simply looking for the fuse box, working a search and rescue job, most people can benefit from owning a good quality torch.
It is no news that you need to be properly prepared before heading to the outback to make your trip relaxing and more enjoyable. If you are far enough from civilization there is no option to resupply mid camping. Especially if you are hiking or camping far from your base station, your best bet is being equipped with the most essential pieces of survival gear.
If you’re a person who loves chilling outside and hitting the trails, you already know that nothing can be more annoying than uncomfortable hiking boots. Wearing the wrong boots can cause a number of problems that can cut your hike short, from blisters to sprained ankles and even hypothermia. That being said, good hiking footwear is crucial if you want to successfully explore a vast amount of terrain.
If you’ve been out on a hunt once, you’ve seen it all. There is a series of coordinated actions designed to ensure a successful catch. But if you’ve been hunting for quite some time, you probably want to try something new, like night hunting.
Hunting at night presents a set of challenges that are quite different than doing so during the day. For one, like any hunting trip, it is also paramount to uphold high standards of safety to avoid anyone on the team getting hurt. However, the difference is that there’s reduced visibility at night which can make it hard to distinguish between a target and your teammates.
Luckily, with some experience, planning and the proper set of gadgets, you and your team can stay safe while hunting at night. Here are some of the most important steps to ensure safety.
Use the Right Flashlights
It cannot be overstated – light is your primary safety tool in the dark. So, before you decide to catch game animals in the dark, get a good night light hunting set. Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind are LED hunting lights of the flood or searchlight variety. They are capable of emitting intense output (up to 25 000 lumens) and have long run times.
Then there are all those piercing lights that aim at reaching great distances with their beam and that can be mounted on a tactical weapon. Besides ensuring that you get to clearly identify your target, these kinds of lights also help confuse the game to ensure a successful hit.
On the other hand, there are many lights that are needed for more than freezing your game in its tracks when you shine the torch to the max output. For instance, using red light does a great job to preserve your night vision. You can use it to shine some light in your close proximity and that will improve the safety of your team.
Sometimes game animals do not give up until they are exhausted. Blue light can serve to reveal blood traces in the dark, so if you need to chase your game, this will be quite handy.
If you hunt in a group, which is highly likely, you can establish a signalling system with the help of your flashlights. For example, it is common to mark a target by moving the light beam up and down. You don’t want to alert the game, but you want to alert your fellow hunters only.
The overall safety of the team will be high if you clearly indicate the stages during your hunting actions with light. Showing your peers that your rifle is ready to engage so everyone can stay put goes to great lengths in keeping them safe.
Last but not least, look for a torch that can be mounted on a tactical weapon. Having a free hand is a sort of luxury when hunting and preferable in terms of safety.
Practice Handling Ordnance at Night
Needless to say, improper handling of a firearm can jeopardize yours and the safety of others. To increase the safety during night hunting you need to learn how to become one with the rifle, like it is an extension of your body, an instrument if you will.
There are two hurdles to get past: the low visibility and the disruption of your body’s circadian rhythm. With dedication and the right mindset, you can prime your body to conquer them both. First, get to know your weapon inside out. Practice breaking it apart with your eyes closed (shut them with a bandana or go to a pitch-black room). You can use mock munition – don’t hurt yourself while learning the ins and outs of your weapon.
I have to admit – the second issue is tricky. Breaking the sleeping pattern affects both the brain and body. You can work on maintaining a strong will power but that might not be enough. It is just how your body is wired. Secretion of melatonin depends on natural cycles that affect your physiology. To counter this, set an alarm clock and get used to handling your weapon at early hours of the day, again in pitch black.
Learn to Identify Targets at Night
Safety starts with preparation. Before going on a night hunt check the hunting regulations (if any) in the area. Study the area with care to avoid intrusion into someone’s farm or property. And this doesn’t apply only to permanent dwellings. Night light hunting includes the risk of running into a temporary camping ground as well as other sorts of outdoor enthusiast, like yourself. Look out for signs of other people being present to prevent tragic accidents.
Not every pair of eyes you will see out there is game animal, so put an effort to note the differences. And for god’s sake don’t be one of those trigger happy blokes that shoot at everything that moves. Do you want to shoot a cow during a night hunt? Or a mule? Use your high beam distance torch to distinguish between a stray cat and something you would like to bring home.
Experience Is the Currency of Masters
As with any other more or less sophisticated trade out there, you simply need to go through numerous trials before you can become a master. You need to get exposed to various hunting scenarios to be able to discern on your own what is the best course of action to be taken next.
If you are convinced night hunting is a straight forward activity, think again. A lot of experience is needed before it becomes that easy. Hunting requires a smooth and fast decision-making process because timing is everything. And nothing disrupts timing like lack of decisiveness.
All in all, before you try your hand at night hunting, make sure you already have substantial experience in hunting during the day.
Hiking is a great way to discover the beauty of nature and reap the benefits it has to offer. Besides, it allows you to take a break from the stress of everyday life. Sometimes it can be an iconic travel challenge like hiking the Great Himalaya Trail or the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but mainly, hiking is about fun and adventure.
