Camping Gear Essentials - Colorado Wilderness - Article

Camping Gear Essentials - Colorado Wilderness Adventure

Author: Rachel Nunez

Colorado is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country. Throngs of backpackers, lugging along their camping gear, take on the various hiking trails leading them to rugged terrains of snowcapped mountain peaks. Outdoor adventurers can choose from short, moderate and easy overnight hiking and campout, to week long adventure along more challenging hiking trails.



The kind and amount of camping gear to bring for this great outdoor adventure depend on the hiking trail you are going to take, the length of time to complete the hike, and the time of the year your are visiting.



Backpackers can choose the trail to Mount Zirkel Wilderness for a peaceful overnight experience in the Routt National Forest. For a perfect spot of peaceful overnight campout, hike about 7 miles out to Lake Elbert and follow the trail leading to Luna Lake, which is an additional 2-mile hike. You can set up your camp along the Lake but make sure to set back your tents 100 feet from the lake and trail. Always include in your camping gear provisions for treating your drinking and cooking water.



You can pack as lightly as possible for this 24 to 36--hour outdoor adventure. Backpackers must bring only the bare essentials for this short and moderate hiking with no major climbs. There are no special specifications for the kind of backpacks to bring for this type of hiking trail. The regular ones are just about appropriate for this outdoor activity. It must be made of strong material to at least keep your articles safe. It must also have sturdy shoulder straps but at the same time comfortable with adequate padding and curves. Zips, usually made of big teeth, must be very durable and strong. The backpack must have a waist strap so that it snugly fits to your body and will not make you uncomfortable while negotiating the more difficult parts of the trail.



While hiking, you must bring along a lightweight tent so you will not be burdened by the extra load of a larger, heavier weight model. You must also consider the season and weather conditions that you expect to encounter during the hike. Hikers can experience inclement weather conditions even during summer so it is advisable to bring tents that would not only provide a high level of human comfort but also the strength of both structure and material to withstand extreme weather conditions. Tents that are totally seam--taped also provide sufficient protection from mosquitoes and flies which are particularly prevalent in July and early August. Campers must bring four-season tents during the winter months. You must also bring a flameless catalytic tent heater to protect you from the breezy winter nights.



Your camping gear must also include additional items like a sleeping pad or inflatable mattress, and fleece sleeping bag liner to go with your sub-zero sleeping bag. Campers can bring any type of sleeping bag, as long as it can provide quality comfort along with high insulation properties. The season rating of the sleeping bag should determine which type to bring along. Campers must bring one with higher season rating during hikes in winter months. Seasoned adventurers prefer sleeping bags which are lightweight but windproof. One final feature of an ideal sleeping bag is that it must have a proper insulation as most heat is lost during the night, by ground and not by the air.



To complete the essentials of your camping gear, you must bring along a radio with a weather band along with a pack of fresh batteries, and a complete first-aid kit in your personal supply box. Bringing along extra food and water, signaling devices, emergency blankets and extra fire starters would also be a wise decision.



The key to a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure is proper and sufficient preparation-regardless of the season. Happy hiking!

About the Author:
For more tips and information about camping gear, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com/camping-gear.html.

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Affordable Outdoors - Article

Take up camping, hiking, or fishing and you'll always have a reason to be outdoors. Camping, hiking, or fishing is just three of the many available outdoor activities that will take you away from the normal everyday routine of life. Spending quality time outdoors is a great way to enjoy nature with family and or friends and especially the kids. Many people assume that just because they have never been a part of these activities, have no equipment or know little to nothing about it they can't go. That's far from the truth. Its fun, easier and more affordable than you might expect. It's all about enjoying the outdoors, nature and spending time outdoors.

Even if you're on a tight budget a camping trip, a day hike, a family picnic by the lake or just a visit to your local park does not have to be expensive. Some facilities are free where others might charge a nominal fee that's normally used to keep the facility more enjoyable. Some facilities are for use only during the daylight hours while others offer everything from day use, overnight camping, fishing, hiking trails, nature walks, and etc.

Purchase of any gear or equipment should be kept to an affordable budget and fit for your specific needs. Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Boating and Outdoor Recreation is just a few of the activities where you can build your gear and equipment inventory a little at a time. Don't try to buy it all in one season. In fact you can likely find friends and or family that will share equipment and gear. Planning;

Make a list of items you might need or want and give yourself time to get things together, rather than attempting to throw everything together at the last minute. Your trip will be much more enjoyable if just take time make a list and plan. Your list should include everything that you need and or want, as well as those "just in case" items. As you pack, check each item off of your list to help ensure you're not overlooking anything. There are many things to consider; sometimes making a list and planning is the only way to make sure you've got all of your must-haves to make the more enjoyable. It's really all about individual desires and what you'll be doing.
Here are just a few things to consider and think about.

• Consider where you're going, what your activities will consist of and how long you plan to stay in order to determine what gear you might need. • Will you be Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking, or maybe you just want to set up camp and chill for the weekend. You can even plan a combination. • What's the terrain like? Will you be pitching a tent or using a camper? Will your destination be in the rough or will it be a designated cleared site? • Check the Weather predictions and always be prepared for the unexpected. The first time you don't will be the time you wish you had. • Make it a rule, pack up any medications and all first aid supplies that you may need. Prescription medications, pain relief and vitamins are essentials. Those with allergies should bring along an epi-pen or allergy relief medication.
Wayne SmithNashville,

TNhttp://www.waynesoutdoorworld.com/http://www.myoutdoorworld.wordpress.com/

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