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GETTING STARTED IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Now is the time to enjoy the Great Outdoors. Purchasing
discount camping gear is a great way to get started putting together all the
supplies you will need to become a veteran Outdoorsman. Outdoors gear such as
tents, sleeping bags, cooking supplies, folding table and chairs, and backpacks
are essential to the experience.
Actually your first step is
getting the right tent. While there are many considerations that go into
choosing a tent, there are a few more specific things to take into account when
anticipating rain. The tent should have
a full flysheet with sufficient overhang to prevent upwards splashing of mud
from being a big problem. Make sure the tent seams are well sealed. You don't
want water seeping through the cracks somehow!
The entrance way must form a lip, like a bathtub, and not be as flat as the rest of the floor (this is actually known as a "bathtub floor"). If the floor slopes down or is simply sewn flat into the tent wall, this will let water in.The coating of the tent must be waterproof – read the labels carefully for the product's virtues and drawbacks.If you are camping for a short time, a small tent might be okay if you can stand being in close proximity with your camping buddies. If you're staying for 3 or more days, take the big tent for your own sanity!
Pitch the tent properly. If you have to pitch the tent in
the rain, put up a tarpaulin over you first to stop the inner part of your tent
from turning into a bath before you even start. Put down a groundsheet matching
the tent to provide additional protection. The groundsheet should not be
visible under the tent, fold under the sides of the groundsheet so water
running down the tent will not catch on the groundsheet and be directed between
the groundsheet and tent floor.
It is no longer advisable to
"ditch" around your tent. The newer bathtub floors don't leak even in
a pool of water. It does damage to the campsite and leaves a mess for everyone
if you ditch around your tent.
The placement of your tent is
very important. Look for slopes, angles, indentations, soft earth and avoid
pitching in these if you possibly can. Look for the highest part of the ground
on your campsite.
Use a tarpaulin sheet as
additional cover and/or as a doormat. If possible, tie a tarpaulin to trees,
poles, anything high around your camp (even onto your car), to create a
"roof" over your tent. Make sure the sides are running over the edges
of the tent and allow the water to run away from the tent. This will help
prevent rain from directly pounding on your tent. This solution is usually
easiest for car camping. The tarpaulin can also be placed on the ground at the
entrance. Here you stand, deposit wet boots, shoes, sandals and jackets before
dragging all that into the tent. (You will want to bring plastic bags so that
you don't get the muck from your shoes in the tent.) Use sticks or other spare
waterproof camp items that fit in the entrance as something to hang jackets
over to dry. As an aside, your jackets should be hydrophobic, quick drying to
ease drying time – invest in one or two good outer layers for the sake of
keeping warm.
Be sure that there is adequate ventilation. Living in
your tent causes moisture from your breath to condense into water droplets,
which may then fall down onto you and your possessions. Adequate ventilation is
the key to minimizing condensation. Remember, the more ventilation, the less
condensation. It helps if your tent has peak vents that you can open.
Keep quick-dry towels (pack
towels/super absorbent towels) handy for mopping up wetness inside the tent. If
the dreaded water flow appears in your tent despite everything else, mop it up
with these towels, wring them outside and hang up to dry again. The sooner you
mop up, the drier you'll stay. It is also a hint to get out of your cozy bag
and investigate the cause of the dripping – perhaps the fly needs tightening or
more airflow is required. Good luck in getting started.
By: Dennis Bailey
Dennis
Bailey is the owner of DP-GREATOUTDOORS.COM - Discount Camping Gear and
posts articles on camping, fishing, hunting, backpacking and shooting
accessories.
As Featured on ArticleCity.com
Colorado in September
Colorful Events Taking Place in Sep 2009 In Colorado
September in the Rockies! Celebrate in GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, Colorado. The aspen leaves are turning a beautiful yellow, orange and red. There are events almost every day in the whole month. There's the Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-off, the Vinotok fall harvest festival and the gypsy jazz. In addition to that there is a Reel rock film tour for adventure film lovers, Arts and Crafts fairs, Harvest festivals, You can run the 10 mile marathon and many more that you can't even imagine. And for sports lovers there are volleyball tournaments, Golf tournaments, Annual Pearl Pass Mountain Bike Tour and the Gunnison Growler Mountain Biking Series. And don't forget the Gunnison Valley Observatory where you can come and gaze at the stars. You can really have "stars in your eyes."
It's a great time of the year for people to join in and enjoy the feel of nature. See the trees' fall against the backdrop of sun-soaked blue sky and pure, clear air. Grab your mountain bike and enjoy the sheer splendor of aspen ablaze in yellow, orange and red. Enjoy the shops and great restaurants with stimulating cultural opportunities. It has also got many lodging options ranging from small inns to luxury resorts. Vacation packages are always available that won't break the bank.
Dennis Bailey
Fishing Waders
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Every fly fisherman knows the importance of a good pair of fishing waders. A good pair of waders should keep you dry. A good pair of waders should be comfortable. A good pair of waders should be durable. A good pair of waders should be breathable and cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Waders need to do a lot. Cheap waders won't do. I have been there and done that and all I got was leaky waders and cold feet. Waders are a crucial component of your fly fishing gear that will keep you comfortable out on the water. In the same way that you shouldn't just opt for a cheap fly fishing reel or fly fishing net you will likely regret it if you just get cheap waders.
I do a lot of fly fishing all over the United States. I need waders that will keep me cool when I am battling the Texas heat fly fishing the Devil's River as well as keep me warm when I am in frigid cold water fishing the San Juan River on a cold winter day. Our Waders do just that.
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Captain Andy's Fishing Report
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Hi There Fellow Fisherman, Captain Andy here with this week's Fishing Report
Perch action is starting to pick up in 20-23 feet of water along the edges of the shipping channel. The numbers haven't been huge, but the sizes are ranging from 8"-10" with an occasional 13" which is nice!
Walleye action has remained steady all summer long. The fish are starting to move out in 20-25 feet of water and they're biting everything from crawlers to plastic.
Salmon action is picking up over on Lake Michigan and I'm also hearing good reports from Northern Lake Huron. The fishing's only gonna get better, so get geared up!
The weather's been great these last couple weeks as well as the fishing, so get out there and enjoy the summer!
From Captain Andy and the crew at Frank's, Good Luck & Good Fishing.
E-mail Captain Andy at CaptainAndy@FranksGreatOutdoors.com
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High Altitude Fishing
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High altitude fishing
Only a few species of fresh water fish thrive in waters at higher altitudes. One distinct and rare catch is the golden trout. Golden trout in Wyoming waters is a highly touted and a difficult catch. The brilliant golden color of the fish is second to none. The difficulty is in the find of the waters that support the elusive fish. It is well known that the golden is found in abundance in the Wind River Range but finding the right timing of the aggressive feeding patterns are as difficult as a finding a good investment, few and far between. Early June seems to be best but at times is fruitless. Backpacking into the natural lakes in early June will increase your success but snow pack may slow your progress. Either way the beauty of the trip is worth the effort.
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Fishing Video
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas found in the fumes from burning fuel that contains carbon, such as wood, charcoal, the propane used in a camp stove or lantern, or the gasoline used in a generator. Generally speaking, CO in a completely open area is not harmful. However, CO in an enclosed or partially enclosed area can be very harmful and even deadly. For example, if you burn wood or charcoal or use a camp stove, fuel-burning lantern, or generator in a tent or shelter, you could be poisoned by CO.
One reason CO is so dangerous is that it's invisible and odorless. Because you can't see it or smell it, you could get sick or die from CO before you even know it's there. Every year, thousands of people are poisoned by CO exposure.
To protect yourself from CO:
· Place camp stoves, generators, portable heaters, fuel-burning lanterns, and similar items outside only and away from tents and shelters. To keep warm in cold weather, pack warm clothes and extra blankets.
· Be alert to the most common symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Remember that breathing in high levels of CO can make you unconscious or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning without ever having symptoms.
· If you think you may be sick from CO poisoning, get fresh air and medical attention quickly.
Camping Survival
Survival Tips
With any luck, recreational camping these days should in no way put your life at risk. However, if you are a backcountry hiker, if you are going anywhere that could put you in danger, or if you are headed anywhere that might not get visited for days, you should take some simple steps to safeguard your health. As hard as it is to believe, people, do get stranded and lost for days. Going out of cellphone range, without anyone coming by for days or weeks? If you are going anywhere like this, you should be prepared.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas found in the fumes from burning fuel that contains carbon, such as wood, charcoal, the propane used in a camp stove or lantern, or the gasoline used in a generator. Generally speaking, CO in a completely open area is not harmful. However, CO in an enclosed or partially enclosed area can be very harmful and even deadly. For example, if you burn wood or charcoal or use a camp stove, fuel-burning lantern, or generator in a tent or shelter, you could be poisoned by CO.
One reason CO is so dangerous is that it's invisible and odorless. Because you can't see it or smell it, you could get sick or die from CO before you even know it's there. Every year, thousands of people are poisoned by CO exposure.
To protect yourself from CO:
· Place camp stoves, generators, portable heaters, fuel-burning lanterns, and similar items outside only and away from tents and shelters. To keep warm in cold weather, pack warm clothes and extra blankets.
· Be alert to the most common symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Remember that breathing in high levels of CO can make you unconscious or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning without ever having symptoms.
· If you think you may be sick from CO poisoning, get fresh air and medical attention quickly.
For more information on protecting yourself from CO, see You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure.
DP GREAT OUTDOORS
861 Amsterdam Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
United States of America
Phone: 719-598-7109
Fax: 719-598-7235
© Copyright 2010 - DP GREAT OUTDOORS
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