Packing for a Camping Trip

June 24th, 2010

The outdoors is a place of adventure and fun. Yet, it can also be an opportunity to encounter risks that are not available behind the comforts of your own home. If you frequently take trips outdoors and go camping, you must learn how to prepare for your trip and prepare for it in a systematic way. You wouldn’t want to reach your camp site only to find out that you forgot to bring essential items such as a raincoat or your camping water filter.

Many people begin by creating a checklist of important items to bring. Generally, your checklist should be classified into two broad categories: consumables and non-consumables. Most consumable items you bring include food and toiletries. The quantity of consumable items will depend on how many people will be using them and how long you will be at camp. The non-consumables are those items that you will be bring back with you when you return home. These include important items such as blankets, flashlights, and camping water filter.

For food items, it is important that you create a meal plan for your whole camping trip so that you will know what food items to buy and bring. Avoid bringing frozen food or those that require refrigeration, unless you intend to bring a mini-refrigerator or its equivalent.

Prior to your scheduled date of departure, start piling your gear in one designated area of the house. Review your checklist from time to time and make sure that all listed items have been readied. Also make sure that all equipment are functioning and that you know how to operate them.

Anticipate weather changes when you decide on which clothes to bring. Also consider the climate of the area you’re going to. For example, if you’re going to a warm climate, you may want to avoid cotton. Remember to bring spare clothes, too.

Systematically stuff your items into bags. Nylon bags work best. For example, you can pack all your clothes in one bag, dry food in another bag, and so on. Arrange your gear so that you can maximize bag space.

If you are systematic and organized in your gear preparation for your camping trip, you will be less likely to forget bringing the essential survival items. Nobody wants to reach camp and find out that he or she forgot to bring clean drinking water, or that he or she cannot get clean water because the camping water filter was left at home.

Three Fun Things You Can Do While Camping

June 17th, 2010

Provided you are well-prepared, camping can be a tremendous opportunity for many fun activities that you would otherwise not be able to enjoy if you just stayed at home. The number of fun activities is actually limitless. It is only limited by your creativity. Just make sure that your camping gear includes all the essentials for safety and survival such as food, emergency kits, flashlights, and a camping water filter. You wouldn’t want to spoil your camping fun by forgetting one or two important items.

Although there are numerous ways to have fun while camping, and there are equally numerous variations of those fun activities, you can start with the three described in this article.

Explore the outdoors at daytime. There are several ways to do this. The most common is by hiking or trekking. You can commune with nature all you want and breathe in some fresh air. You get to discover flora and fauna that you rarely see in the urban environment. You can also go biking, if a biking trail is available on the camp site. Just make sure that you know how to get back to your camping area before nightfall. If you just set up camp, the first thing you might want to discover is your sources of water. When you go trekking or hiking, bring with you your camping water filter and water container so you can get fresh water back to your camp.

Play outdoor games. If your camp site has an open area or open field, it would be a great place to play outdoor games such as frisbee or volleyball. You can play tag, too. If you prefer games that require mental exertion, try board games. Chess is a good mental exercise. Uno is also a favorite card game. You don’t even need a picnic table to play board games. Just spread a mat or a table cloth on some grassy spot, and you’re set to go.

Look up at the sky. At night, especially when the sky is clear, your camp site becomes an instant observatory. The stars are brighter when you are far away from the smog and the city lights. If you are a stargazer, you might want to bring your star maps with you and your telescope. While watching the stars with your companions, you might even want to engage in storytelling. As an alternate night-time activity, you can also go trekking in the dark–if you are adventurous, that is. Many interesting creatures only come out at night and remain hidden during the day. Just be careful when exploring in the dark and always bring your flashlight with you. Also, don’t trek at night alone.

Camping can only be fun if you are safe. So, before even thinking of the fun things, make sure that you are equipped with safety gear and supplies such as food that doesn’t spoil easily, first aid kits, lights, and camping water filter.

Benefits of Using a Camping Water Filter

June 16th, 2010

Almost all experienced campers know the importance of having potable water when they go camping. Most campers would bring bottled water for short camping trips. The supply may be enough for a short period. But, bottled water can also add to your luggage weight. Is there an alternative? The alternative is to bring enough clean water to last for a while and to get water from a source near your camp. You should not trust water from any other source other than the supply you brought from home. You should make sure that the water you obtain from other sources should be clean. Most campers prefer to use a camping water filter to purify their water instead of the conventional purification tablets or some other method.

By using a camping water filter instead of bringing bottled water, you will not only be lessening the weight of your luggage but also helping the environment. As you know, packed water is usually packaged in plastic bottles that may not be eco-friendly. You can, however, bring bottled water in large gallons. That might work, too. But, why go through all that hassle of loading gallons and gallons of water to your car’s trunk when you can just slip a camping water purifier into your bag?

Also, you will save on cost. Bottle water is definitely more expensive. But, if you invest in a good camping water filter unit, you can bring only one bottle (the filter unit) and have an unlimited supply of clean drinking water. Almost all camping water purifiers can be used and reused several times before they will need replacement of some parts, especially the filter elements.

Another advantage of using a camping water purifier is that most systems are able to eliminate the foul aftertaste of water from unsafe sources. The filters are able to screen out contaminants such as microorganisms and substances. So, your purified water will taste better and will not leave a bad taste in your mouth. This, besides eliminating the harmful sediments, substances, and microorganisms from the water.

Over conventional purification methods, a camping water filter offers more convenience and better advantages. So, it may be worthwhile and cost-effective to invest in one for your next camping trip.

How to Get Safe Drinking Water When Camping

June 15th, 2010

Whether at camp or in daily life, water is life and is indeed very important. It is one of the essentials for survival. As you go on a camping trip, you should know how to obtain water fit for drinking. This is so that when your stocked water runs out, you can just find a river or any water source that you can get water from. Then, you also need to purify the water, since drinking unsafe and unclean water can prove to be very dangerous. For that, you can use bleach, iodine tablets, or a camping water filter.

Not all camping areas have available access to drinking water. Also, water found in creeks, lakes and rivers may not be all that safe to drink. If you unfortunately find yourself in a situation where you run out of water and creeks and rivers are all you have for water, you can find ways to purify the water.

You can fill a pot with water and add a couple drops of bleach in it and let it stay for about an hour. The bleach is strong enough to kill most harmful microorganisms in the water such as bacteria and fungi.

Aside from bleach, you can also use iodine tablets. Just drop it in the water and wait for about fifteen minutes. Iodine is also a very effective disinfectant and sanitizer, but can leave a bad taste in the water.

You may also use a camping water filter if you brought one with you. A good water purifier system will filter the water in layers, first screening the physical sediments, then killing the harmful microorganisms. Some even can remove foul odors from the water.

Regardless of where you got your water, it is best to boil the water that you have collected just to be safe. This is to kill the bacteria and other organisms that might be found in the water. Boiling is easier to do and less dangerous rather than adding chemicals to the water, since certain chemicals and substances might produce side effects.

Every camper must know how to obtain safe drinking water while at camp. Catching diseases from bacteria is not unheard of and can sometimes be deadly, especially when you’re in the wilderness where lots of things can go wrong. That is why it really pays prepare bleach, iodine tablets, or a camping water filter beforehand for ensuring a steady supply of potable water at camp.

Essential Items to Bring When Camping

June 14th, 2010

Camping is an adventurous activity. It entails risks that often are life-challenging. Many people find it fun to occasionally challenge themselves in this way. To be able to survive the risks, you must bring with you essential items for survival and safety. Food, of course, is very important. A camping water filter is also very important.

Both food and water are necessary for survival. Of the two, water is more important. You can get by without food for several days, but you won’t last very long without clean drinking water. For this water, food and water should be at the top of your list. Bring food that does not spoil easily. As for water, you can only bring a limited amount. Though you can acquire clean, potable water from camp sources if you pack a camping water filter among your gear. But, there are other essential gear and items, too.

A tent is most essential to every camper. This would serve as your primary shelter all throughout the camping trip. During night time, the you can sleep inside the tent. Also, you can store your things inside it.

Bringing a sleeping bag with you is also essential for the trip. You can just snuggle into it whenever you feel like sleeping. This can be used also to protect you from a chilly night ahead of you.

Cooking utensils is also needed to be brought during the trip. These tools will be of help to you when you cook the food that you are going to have as your meal. To minimize baggage weight, bring cooking implements that are made of lightweight materials.

To avoid getting lost in the area, you should also have a map, a flashlight, and a compass with you at all times. These would keep you on track especially if you wander off to explore the area. Both would help you in your way throughout the camping trip.

Clothing is another essential item. The clothes that the camper should have with him or her should be durable, comfortable, and lightweight. This should include clothes that can be put on and removed depending on the temperature and exertion in every activity the camper plans to do. Also, the your shoes or boots must be durable enough.

A first aid kit is another important thing needed at camp. It is very handy for minor accidents or emergencies such as accidental cuts and wounds, insect bites, etc.

Knowing what matters or what are essential is one of the precious lessons of camping, if not the most important lesson. Next time you go camping, list down all the essential items so that you can bring them.

How to Go Camping Safely

June 11th, 2010

Camping is a form of recreational activity. This is usually done as a group, usually with family or friends. You can also go camping alone, but where’s the fun in that? Going on a camping trip requires planning for safety. Before you leave the house, you should already know where you want to go, how you are to get there, and the length of time you want to stay there. Also, you must be ready with all the things you need to bring for the trip. Your safety and most of all your survival will depend on the necessities that you bring, such as food and a camping water filter. Every camper must know the items to be brought with him or her.

In choosing a campsite, you should consider your comfort and safety all at the same time. This is for you to be able to stay safe while on the trip and at the same time be comfortable and relaxed to avoid stress. The ideal campsite is said to be one that is situated on high ground. You should pick a campsite that has easy access to commodities like firewood and water.

If going on a camping trip, you should know what kinds of places you should stay away from. Staying away from swamps and tall grass allows you to be safe from insects, since these are the places where insects commonly stay and breed. You must also stay away from tall trees, especially ones with weak or dead branches. Lightning could hit tall trees during inclement weather, or strong wind could blow and dislodge the weak branches. You wouldn’t want your tent to be right under them when they fall. A dry creek bed is another place you should stay away from, since it may get flooded when heavy rain pours down. Lastly, stay away from places where wild animals could possibly be found.

As you arrive at the campsite, you must check every place. Visually inspect the area for any potential hazard. Also, the food supply must be kept safe from the reach of animals. Otherwise, you will find yourself starving if they can easily access it. Identify your water sources, too. Especially if you will be staying on camp for long stretches, your supply of clean water from home may run out fast, and you will need to get water from a nearby source. For purifying your water, you should bring a camping water filter. Also be certain that you have a first aid kit.

Safety is a very important thing that all people must be concerned with–whether during camping or in everyday life. It indeed helps to be cautious and to think of your safety ahead of time rather than push ahead with whatever activity you’re planning and totally risking your safety. It is better to be prepared and equipped for what might happen rather than to be helpless when a risky situation comes your way. Your safety and survival must be your number one priority in deciding what you want to do.

Dangers You Can Avoid by Using a Camping Water Filter

June 9th, 2010

When you go backpacking or camping, you should always bring clean water with you. However, if you stay in the woods, the country, or the outdoors for an extended period, you may need to get water from sources near your camping site. Be careful, though. Water is deceptive. The water you see in streams, lakes, or rivers may appear crystal clear, but it can also contain potentially dangerous organisms and substances that you cannot see. That is why, it is important to always bring with you a camping water filter, especially if you go camping for several days.

There are several health hazards that you need to be concerned about in relation to drinking water while camping.

One area of concern is water pollution. Pollutants and contaminants can find their way to bodies of water via such channels as the sewage system, downstream flow from industrial sites, and surface runoff. Another way that water systems get contaminated is through exposure to animal and farm waste. Dead and decomposing animals in bodies of water can also be a rich source of pathogens and health risks. Parasitic organisms, bacteria, and protozoa can easily spread this way. An example of a disease-causing bacterium is Escherichia coli, which can cause gastroenteritis, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and others.

Chemical contaminants can also find their way into waterways. Such contaminants are often waste products or byproducts of industrial plants or factories. Examples of chemical pollutants that may harm you if you ingest them are chlorine and some heavy metals such as mercury and lead.

Another cause for concern are the diarrhea-causing pathogens. The most common of them are Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia. If these bacteria are present in large quantities in your water source, you will need to get rid of them before drinking water from the source. Otherwise, you will need to go to the toilet frequently. Diarrhea while on a camping trip, of course, dampens your enjoyment.

Other organisms that you wouldn’t want to allow into your body are the cholera-causing Vibrio cholerae and the typhoid-disease causing Salmonella, both of which can be invisibly present in water bodies.

So, to have continuous supply of safe and potable water, always purify your water by using chemical treatment solutions, boiling, or a camping water filter.

Water Purification with a Portable Camping Water Filter

June 7th, 2010

If you are planning to go camping, one of the essential items that you should not leave home without is your camping water filter. It is one of the most useful tools for survival in the wild. Besides, there’s really hardly any excuse for you not to bring one, or even to buy one, because most camp water filtration systems these days are more portable and compact than those from the previous years.

Depending on your needs, preferences, and intended use, you can select from a variety of water filter models. Some are priced as low as 30 dollars, while the more sophisticated, high-end models can go as high as 400 dollars or thereabouts. Many models–even those that are not expensive–are still durable and versatile.

Basically, the main function of a camping water filter is the mechanical filtration of objects present in water. The objective is to remove those objects–whether microorganisms or sediments–to purify water and to make it safe for human consumption.

Most camp water filtration systems have filtering media with pores small enough to effectively screen out microscopic organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, parasite eggs, and larvae. Some filter models are also claimed to be effective in filtering out viruses. The filter pores or holes can be as small as 0.4 microns–definitely small enough to prevent most microorganisms from passing through. All filtration systems are capable of filtering physical sediments, while some models include features that neutralize toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful chemical contaminants.

These days, too, camping water filtration systems are portable. Many models are small enough to fit into your pocket. They are also light enough to carry around comfortably; they usually just weigh several ounces, around 20 ounces or so on the average. However, be cautious when you consider the ultra-portable models. Make sure that your camping water filtration unit removes sediments and as many microorganisms as it can. Also, choose one with an acceptable flow rate. You don’t want to wait for hours just to filter one liter of water.

Having clean and safe water to drink while camping is essential to good health and survival. With a portable camping water filter among your camping gear, you won’t have to worry much about drinking unsafe water anymore.

Three Ways to Purify Campground Water

June 4th, 2010

If you are fond of camping and heading out into the outdoors, you should bring with you important supplies and necessities for survival. One of such important items is clean water. Needless to say, clean water should be at the top of your priority list because you can easily die from dehydration or thirst. However, carrying bottles of water while on the hike can be cumbersome. It is possible to obtain water from many sources in the camping site, yet you should also be careful because many invisible contaminants can be in the water. The best way to have safe and clean drinking water while you’re camping is to purify the water that you get from such sources as spigots, lakes, springs, and rivers. As a camper, you can purify your drinking water by using either or a combination of water purifying chemicals, boiling, and camping water filter.

Water purification chemicals usually come in the form of concentrated liquid solutions or tablets. Often, you will need to mix a few drops of solution or several tablets for every liter of water. The foremost action of water purification chemicals is to kill most of the harmful microorganisms that may be present in the water. Some of these harmful microorganisms include most protozoa and bacteria that can cause diseases in humans.

What water purification chemicals cannot kill, boiling probably can. Thus, boiling is another way to clean your water for drinking. If you let your camp water boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, almost all of the microorganisms in the water will not be able to survive.

The third way to purify water is through the use of a camping water filter. In essence, it primarily involves mechanical filtration of organisms and sediments that may not be easily visible to the eye. Some models, however, also include features that remove free radicals and harmful substances in the water.

Crystal clear water from a spring or river at your camping site may look temptingly clean to your eyes. But, be wary because the water can be teeming with a lot of harmful organisms and substances dangerous to your health. As a camper, you should always make sure that you purify your water through water purification chemicals, boiling, and/or a camping water filter.