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Living in central Florida there are lots of things to do outdoors. With the hundreds of lakes, endless trails, and beautiful weather, it’s clear that an entire week could be spent camping in the wilderness here as long as the proper provisions are brought along. Central Florida is home to more than a handful of giant stores specializing in nothing but camping, fishing, hunting, and sports gear alike.

When you’re planning a camping trip it’s important to take note of the weather. It’s obviously more conducive to try and plan your trip during a week when favorable weather is expected. If you’re planning a camping trip in the south during the summer, it’s normal to expect some afternoon showers or thunderstorms, so you should pack with this in mind. Depending on the season, you’ll need to make sure you pack the right clothing, and an appropriate sleeping bag and blankets.

Non-perishable foods are a must and fishing rods and tackle if you’re planning to catch some of our meals. It wouldn’t hurt to have a good sized cooler on hand with clean ice, not necessarily just for drinks but for an unexpected spill that could cause a bruise or swelling. Another must is a well equipped but compact first aid kit with band aids, anti-bacterial cream, and alcohol wipes for any unfortunate incidents.

If you live in an area without a retail chain that specializes in camping gear, that is no problem. Most cities have department stores that would have a section devoted to this. There you’ll be able to find what you need.

If you’ve never gone camping, you’ll definitely need a few staples. A sleeping bag, cooler, lantern or light source, radio, batteries, lighter fluid, and depending on the comfort level, you need you might opt for an inflatable mattress. A tent is also a necessity, it keeps you out of the elements and away from most of the nuisance bugs. If you’re bringing younger children or a spouse, you should look into getting a tent that will house more than one.

A few other things to consider are some bug spray, sunscreen, hats, and some good portable folding chairs.

No matter the occasion, being in the outdoors is always a positive and fun experience. You can learn a lot about yourself and your family by living without the things many of us takes for granted on a daily basis. Make sure that you are prepared, if it helps make a check list of things from each friend or family member who’ll be along for the adventure to make sure you’ll not be without any necessary equipment.

Read our Backpacking / Camping Gear Checklist to make sure you have all the gear you need: http://www.thompsonoutdoors.com/b/p8.htm

In order to maximize on your camping experience, one of the most important piece of equipment that you will need is the camping tent. Whether or not you enjoy your experience will depend quite largely on the quality of the tent that you choose. This is why there is a considerable amount of tents available in the market today.

The first thing you should do in order to pick the right tent is to firstly decide on the dimensions of the tent that you need.

Tents are made to shelter a specific number of people. For example, a solo backpacker might need a tent suited for a solo camper, while a family of six campers will need something that is much bigger and more spacious.

Most tents in the market are made with labels describing their capacity, or in the other words, how many campers it will house.

This means that, if you do not want to purchase many tents with different capacities, you should think thoroughly and decide wisely on the largest number of campers that you foresee camping together with you.

So, if you always go camping with a friend, but decide to go it alone this year, think about purchasing a tent made for two, or a “two-man tent”.

There are basically four components to a tent - the poles, body of the tent, the rain fly and the tarp. The tarp is actually a cloth or sheet that you put on the ground which will help to make your tent floor last longer.

Now that you know the basic components, here are some tips on how to choose the best tent according to your needs.

1. Think of what you need. Consider factors such as where you go camping, during which season, whether you will be backpacking and any other requirements that you can think of. After deciding on your needs, you will then be able to make informed decisions on the type to purchase.

2. Determine your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Once you have established your budget it is unlikely for you to overspend.

3. Decide on the weight and size of the tent. Will there be many campers who will be sleeping in that tent? The size will not matter much if you go ‘car camping’. However, if you decide on going backpacking then it would be wiser to invest in a lightweight tent.

4. Look at the available features of the tent. In today’s market, you will be spoilt for choice as there are many manufacturers offering different unique features for their tents.

For example, you could choose tents with mesh panels which allow the breeze into your tent while at the same time keeping the mosquitoes and other insects out. Or you could opt for ’shock corded’ tent poles which allow for a fast setup, waterproof or flame resistant tents, or even a rain fly for more protection against the rain.

Keep in mind that the tent you choose should be the one that best suits your camping needs.

5. If possible, choose a durable fabric tent. It might cost more but this is one of the things that you should definitely invest in.

6. Make sure that you select the right colour for the tent. Check how the colour of the tent spreads the light inside the tent. Some colours can make the tent interior look bright, while others might make it dark and gloomy.

Take note that light colours are cooler, hence more suitable in the summer. Darker coloured tents absorb heat from the sun and are best used during the colder seasons.

7. Inspect the coating of the tent. You should see a waterproof and shiny coating inside the floor of the tent and on the rain fly. If this is not seen, or felt on the fabric of the tent, then the tent might not be durable enough for heavy usage.

8. Do remember that your camping needs differ in summer than in winter. Your tent choice should reflect this difference, as camping in the hot summer sun is definitely unlike camping in the snow.

Most tents in the market nowadays have weather ratings. Choose and invest in a tent that is specifically made for the weather conditions that you will be camping in.

9. Look at tents from various manufacturers. There are many tent manufacturers that produce unique designs in their name. Some manufacturers are known for their inexpensive tents, while others are more established and famous for their expensive but high-quality tents.

Among the popular tent makers are Coleman, Wenger, Greatland and Eddie Bauer. Pick a tent manufacturer you trust.

When you are in the wild outdoors, it is important to have the proper equipment. The wrong type of equipment will not kill you, but will surely make your camping experience an unpleasant one.

Thus for a perfect camping experience, you should think thoroughly and decide wisely when purchasing your tent.

Keep in mind that your tent will be your home away from home for a few days. Thus, having the perfect tent will provide you a comfortable and safe haven during your camping days.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Find out how to camp and choose the best tents at http://www.campingtriptips.com

Camping safety is very important to all campers regardless of how experienced a camper you are when it comes to camping out. How do you do that when you are away from all amenities and civilization?

It might seem impossible but it is actually possible as there are many gadgets, as well as gears available out there that can cater to every camper’s need. Below are important tips and advice to follow when you go out camping, so that you can be safe at all times. Whatever it is, safety always comes first.

Set Boundaries and Follow Them

Camping with kids can sometimes get out of hand. It’s hard to control them when this is the time that they are experiencing something that they’ve never experienced before. They tend to go wild. To make it safe and controllable, you have to set boundaries in and around the campsites. Give them advice on the things that they should and should not do, especially when there are no adults around. A safe thing to do is to assign them each with a partner to check in on each other on their location and give update or report to the rest of the group of any location changes.

Familiarise Yourself With the Surroundings

The first thing you can do when you arrive at the campsite is to let your fellow campers or kid campers familiarize themselves with the surroundings. Take notes of any noticeable landmarks that are around the site, for example a weird large tree. However, make sure that these landmarks are easily locatable in relation within your campsite.

Knock (Whistle) Three Times On The Ceiling If You Love Me

Each camper should be given a whistle each, especially to kid campers. Whistles give out a high pitch sound that can be heard from far. It’s easier to blow a whistle than scream out ‘help’ when you’re lost in the woods. Establish a code to signify a specific situation so that everyone could easily follow and heed, for example, a whistle blown twice could mean ‘help’ and three times could mean ‘I am here’ or vice versa. Warn the kid campers that they should use the whistle for an emergency purpose. Do not go blowing the whistle for fun. Kids tend to do that.

Colour Your World

Prior to your camping trips, buy trash bags that are brightly coloured. These trash bags are useful in the case that if you are lost in the woods. These trash bags could be used as a device to signal others of your location. These trash bags can also be used when it is cold outside and in need of temporary shelter. All you have to do is cut a slit at the top of the trash bag and wear it like a poncho. It is hard to believe that this could provide you temporary protection that could keep you alive through the harsh night.

Try To Choose A Camp That Provides Hi-Tech Communication

Though some campsites are totally out of contact with civilization, there are campsites that provide the same amenities one would find in civilization such as email facilities, phones and faxes. There are also campsites that provide internet connections. How convenient.

It is perfect for those who would like to stay in contact with their business or personal affairs while they are out camping. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in a sense that being in the harsh outdoors but at the same time enjoying the comfort and convenience of modern technology.

Below are modern technology communication gadgets that can get you connected while you’re camping.

- Hand-held Radios

This equipment can be brought anywhere you go and very handy so that campers can get connected with one another at all times. This equipment is not used only for camping but also in big events, such as sports.

- Laser Range Finders

It is a device that uses laser energy to determine the distance from the device to a place or object. In other words, it helps you know how far away things are from where you are standing. Nowadays, they are light and user friendly.

- Global Positioning System (GPS)

Previously, they were used by the army and units involved in search and rescue operations, however, now they are also used by ordinary people to determine their position with or without reference to separate maps. For campers, GPS provides a precise position so that it can enhance the chance of lost or disabled campers from being rescued.

- Night Vision Goggles

You might have seen one of these goggles used in Hollywood movies. These goggles allow you to be able to see in the dark. Though sophisticated, they are easy to operate. Very compact, light weight and handy.

Camping should be fun, but it is always preferable that you prepare beforehand. Your safety in the woods should not be compromised. It is always easy to forget what type of danger that might lurk when you are having so much fun. Whatever it is, take every necessary precaution before you go out camping. You just never know what could happen out there.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Ample preparation adds to enjoyment and lessens the stress at http://www.campingtriptips.com/camping and http://www.campingtriptips.com/equipment

What is more enjoyable than gathering the whole family and spending quality time for a few days outdoors at a campsite at State Park, Missouri for instance. There is no better way to have this kind of opportunity to get connected with Mother Nature to enjoy the scenery, flowers and wildlife.

It is understandable to get excited about your camping trip. However, it is important that you prepare everything beforehand as you may never know what nature has in store for us, be it good or bad.

That is why every camper should have a camping checklist with them before leaving for the great outdoor experience.

Below is the ultimate camper’s checklist that has been categorized into the following categories:

- Personals
- Camping essentials
- Camping tent checklist
- Camp fire
- Sleeping system
- First aid kit
- Clothing
- Kitchen utensils and gas appliances
- Children and baby supplies
- Before leaving home

1. Personals checklist - grooming and hygiene kit such as tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, towels, insect repellant, soap, deodorant, sun block, lip balm, comb, sunglasses, toilet paper and a trusty sewing kit.

2. Camping essentials checklist - driver’s license, ID card, money, GPS or compass, map, pocket knife, binoculars, flashlights, battery packs, bulbs, lantern, water, canteen, rope, radio, camera, lots of films, clothesline, clothespin, foldable table, lounge chair and clock.

3. Camping tent checklist - tent, ground sheet, mallet, spare pegs, spare poles, spare ground sheet, peg extractor, fabsil (tent reproofer), shock cord repair kit and tent repair kit.

4. Camp fire checklist - matches, wood, shovel, axe, kindling, newspaper, extinguisher and campfire permit.

5. Sleeping system checklist - sleeping bags, camp beds, mattress or camper mat, pillows, air bed and pump, blankets and air bed repair kit.

6. First aid kit checklist - medicines for flu, fever, headaches, stomach ulcer and allergy. Band aids, antiseptics and antibiotic cream for wound. Tweezers to take out splinters. Pocket tissues are advisable.

7. Clothing checklist - a cozy pair of shirt and sweat pants, gloves, jackets, sweater, thermals, hiking boots, sneakers, sandals, socks of varying thickness, underwear, wellies, fleece, swimsuits, pajamas, tank tops, hats and bandannas. Not to mention waterproof jackets and trousers.

8. Kitchen utensils and gas appliances checklist - food container, insulator for frozen food, pots and pans, thermos, aluminium foil, fuel, stove, matches or lighter, disposable utensils, dish towels, bottle and can opener, knife, trash bags, zip lock bags, mugs, bowls, coffee pot, spatula, dish soap, table cloth and skewers for campfire barbequing or marshmallow toasting.

9. Children and baby supplies checklist - for babies, baby food, milk, diapers and baby wipes, pacifier, bottles, bibs, spoons, blankets, high chair, play pen, stroller, stuffed toys, tub and books. For toddlers, games for rainy days and for traveling, pencils, crayons, papers bucket and shovel, kites and frisbees.

10. Before leaving home checklist - lock all doors and windows, turn off all lights and appliances such as television and computer, hold all mail, water the garden, adjust the thermostat and make pet arrangements.

By no means that the above camp checklist is complete as there are a lot more that are not listed above. Be smart about what you consider necessary to bring and what items can you leave home without.

With these filled up, your camping trip would be a blast.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Find out some of the things that you can’t go camping without: http:www.campingtriptips.com/supplies and http://www.campingtriptips.com/gear

Outdoor fireplaces are more or less of the same basic design as a traditional indoor fireplace, outdoor fireplaces can be made from a variety of materials that range from stone, brick, cast iron and concrete to cast iron, aluminium, sheet metal, clay and copper.

Stone, brick and concrete fireplaces are long lasting (though a large fire can occasionally crack concrete). Clay fireplaces are inexpensive, but do not last and need to be kept dry. Sheet metal fireplaces are one of the cheapest outdoor fireplaces in the market. They are often regarded as disposable items, to be thrown out when rusted or at the end of their useful lifespan.

Outdoor fireplaces made of cast iron and cast aluminium, are very similar to one another. Cast iron outdoor fireplaces are heavy, solid and long lasting, but prone to rust and also need a fair amount of maintenance. So, cast aluminium fireplaces have a slight advantage, being built for safety, low maintenance and durability as well as being portable and rustproof.

Copper fireplaces are extremely attractive. However, they turn green over time, and their cast iron supports and bases display an alarming tendency to rust quickly, staining whatever surface they’re standing on. Copper, sheet metal and clay fireplaces are also not as safe, or as durable, as cast iron and cast aluminium fireplaces.

There are several types of outdoor fireplaces; namely portable gas fire pits, wood burning fire pits and chimeneas. Chimeneas are classified as fireplaces with a chimney that protects guests from fumes and excess heat. They provide fires with a continuous supply of fresh air and are clean burning, fairly safe and efficient in fuel consumption.

Fire pits, in general, are large bowls or open air spaces in which fires are built. Though some fire pits do have chimneys, they do not afford much protection from the elements. A strong wind can very often shower family, guests, food, table decorations and neighbouring houses with red hot embers.

The best and most popular fuel for outdoor fireplaces is hard wood. This is however difficult to come by in some places, or is prohibited by local authorities due to environmental reasons. Alternative sources of fuel include manufactured fire logs, natural gas, propane and gel inserts.

Fire knows neither friend nor foe and burns without discrimination. For this reason it is always advisable to have a fire extinguisher or a large container of water nearby for use in an emergency, with outdoor fireplaces, or indeed when a fire of any kind is in use.

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Trapper’s bivouac - sleeping bag, ranger’s tent and bivouac fire. These are enough to let you sleep comfortably through a cold night. If you are to be truly at home in the outside, you should learn how to build a shelter for yourself. There is no genuine trapper or ranger who has not spent at least one night sleeping under the sky. We’ve all read stories about the weary traveler who “dug a hollow for his hips in the soft ground and slept until dawn.”

Even this primitive sleeping arrangement calls for some knowledge of how to adjust to the prevailing conditions. Try lying down on the bare ground to sleep. You will notice quickly enough that the hip bone on whichever side you are lying is in your way. Dig out a depression, just big enough for your hip bone, and you will immediately notice how much more comfortable you are. You can go one step further, and cushion the hole with some fine sand, or you can place some slightly crumpled paper in the hollow for insulation against the cold.

You can be even more comfortable if you put up a ranger’s tent, which requires very few materials. All you need is a rectangular piece of cotton cloth, 6 or 7 feet long. To waterproof it, make a brew from the bark of an oak or birch tree, and let the cloth soak in it for two days. The ranger’s tent can then be used as a raincoat too.

In one corner make an eyelet large enough to run a thick cord through. At the other three corners, sew on small leather loops that you will attach to the tent pegs.

With this cloth, a solid cord 10 to 14 feet long, and a few pieces of branches from which you can cut your own tent pegs, you will have sufficient equipment to sleep out pleasantly on even a cool summer night without having to worry about a cloudburst. Set the tent up as pictured in the illustration.

The way you pitch the tent is important. The entrance must remain open and the tent should narrow toward the rear, so you must always be careful to have the opening turned away from the windy or storm side. To keep out the cold, you can hang a raincoat or windbreaker in front of the opening, or put your rucksack in front of it. There’s an even simpler way: gather some leafy limbs and branches and, after you crawl into the tent, close off the entrance with them, sticking them in the ground like a fence in front of the opening. You can also do as rangers do. In cold weather they just light a fire in front of the tent entrance and lay a few thick, dry branches on the coals before going to bed. If the tent is set up right, the wind will carry the smoke away from it.

The choice of a camping site is important. The earth should not have too much clay, or it will keep the water from being absorbed. And don’t camp in the middle of a hollow where the rain water can collect. Loose, sandy ground is warm and comfortable. It is pleasant to have a wooded area or a rise in the ground to protect you from the storm side. In northern latitudes, the storm side is the west, northwest, or southwest.

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Camping is fun as it is your opportunity to break away from the hectic routine of city life. Imagine being able to breathe the fresh air while at the same time releasing and submitting yourself completely to nature. Besides adults, kids also enjoy going camping outdoors. However if your camping trip takes too long, they might get bored after a few days away from their television and computer. That could spell disaster. Don’t fret though, below are 10 camping activities that would surely keep them entertained and occupied.

1. Get wet and go splashing. If you cannot find a good swimming spot, normally most of the camping parks would suggest where you could find a good and safe spot for you to swim, either a big lake or a small brook. Some of them might have their own swimming pools. Avoid the swimming pool at all costs and go swimming in a lake amidst nature. The experience that you’ll get is indescribable. Some camping parks would offer a boat rental service, where you could rent a boat or canoe for a small fee. Your kids will have a blast. A word of caution, never leave your kids swimming by themselves. Be watchful at all times.

2. Rent a bike and go biking together. Most camping sites have biking trails for you and your family to explore. Be adventurous. Riding bicycles is very enjoyable as you are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ride slow and make sure that everybody is not left behind. Bring a map with you and plan your biking trip adventure before making the trip so that you know exactly where you are heading and where you want to be. Plan your time properly, so that you would be able to make the whole trip and back to your camp before it gets dark.

3. Go bird and animal watching. Most forest parks and camping sites have brochures or leaflets about the different types of animals that can be found around the area that are worth watching and to look out for. A fun thing to do is to buy books on wild animals before your camping trip and play a game with your children and see who can spot the animals first. Just be sure that you keep your children at a safe distance.

4. Play outdoor games such as tug-o-war or the classic sack race or just plain tag. Children love these games, especially when they’re playing these games in the woods. Make sure that you are playing in a clear area to avoid unwanted accidents and also avoid making loud noises that might disturb other campers and especially the wildlife.

5. Go on a scavenger hunt. Who doesn’t love to go on such quests and adventures. What’s good about a scavenger hunt is that it involves the physical, which means you’ll get yourself and your kids to exercise while having fun at the same time. Prior to the game, just warn the kids on the type of things that they should avoid, such as poison ivy, sumac, oak and other prickly plants that might be lurking in the woods. Also, you have to be sure that you teach your kids how to read maps. That could also be a different game and will be discussed below.

6. Teach your kids how to read maps and compasses. Educate them on the importance of navigation and explore the forest with them using the maps and compasses. Show them the location that they are at now on the map and where you guys are going. Get them to notice anything significant on your path, such as a tree with a weird shape or something that is out of the ordinary to identify. This should go hand in hand with your scavenger hunt.

7. What’s camping without a campfire? This is a must to every camper out there. Your camping experience would not be complete without a campfire. This should be done at the end of the day before you go to sleep. Telling each other scary stories and jokes is recommended. Also, don’t forget to bring a guitar and sing songs around the campfire. Other activities you can do around the campfire is to play word games and riddles while roasting your favourite marshmallows and hotdogs.

8. Another night activity that you can do is to watch the stars in the sky. This is both fun and educational. Get everyone to lie on an open field and appreciate the free light show in the sky. You can also bring a star chart and try to discover the famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. If you’re lucky, you might catch a shooting star. Don’t forget to make your wish though.

9. This next game is frowned upon by some campers, but you should bathe in the rain when it rains. This is recommended if the weather is not cold. Otherwise you might get sick. It’s sort of depressing when it rains when you are out camping. Rather than complaining about it, take the opportunity to have fun in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Not recommended when there is thunder and lightning.

10. Just simply enjoy the moment and relax. It might not be a big hit with the kids but it is the most appropriate time to bond with your family and enjoy everyone’s company. Take your time to enjoy the nature, it’s not everyday your family get to enjoy this holiday.

There are many other outdoor activities that you could enjoy doing when you go out camping. By no means that the 10 activities discussed above are complete. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy your time with your family. It’s not everyday that you get this kind of opportunity. So, enjoy!

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Discover the fun things to do when you go family camping at http://www.campingtriptips.com/family and http://www.campingtriptips.com/campgrounds

I am an avid lover of camping under the stars. I guess it’s the outdoors that seem to make the problems and stresses of the world fade away into a distant memory. To enhance this even more, I continuously research, experiment and upgrade my camp fire cooking abilities every opportunity that I get.

One of my more favored unique camp fire meals is fajitas. The first step in a good fajita roast is finding good fajitas. You should explore your grocery store meat market in search of beef skirt steak and some chicken breasts.

The skirt steak can be a bit on the tough side if you fail to marinate the heck out of it. So, with that in mind, grab yourself a nice sized zip lock bag that will hold your skirt steak and the marinade. You may need to do this with a couple of zip lock bags.

My little home brew marinade is a can of any beer, some white vinegar, salt, pepper and I like to throw in some jalapenos to spice it up a bit. Let that sit in the refrigerator or cooler over night, two is better, so it is thoroughly saturated.

The chicken breasts really do not need any marinade. A simple rub will suffice in whatever flavor you would like. I prefer Cajun spice myself.

Now, the trick is getting that fire going just right. You will have to find my camp fire building article for more information on this. But, I will give you the brief break down. What you will need to do is get your coals or wood down to a nice hot layer of coals. This should be hot enough that it would prevent you from holding your hand within five to six inches of it for more than five seconds.

Now, you spread out your coals evenly. Then, place your camp grill over the fire. Let me give you a quick tip on cleaning your grill. There is nothing better than slicing an onion in half, poking a fork into it and then running it up and down your grill. This is even better when the fire is going. The fluids and acids in the onion will sure clean that grill off quickly and you do not have to worry about left over chemicals.

Once you get the grill in place over the fire, you should go ahead and place your chicken breasts onto the center of the grill; which is the hottest part. You chicken will go first because it will take the longest to cook.

Let the chicken roast for a bit, about ten minutes should do it, and then flip it over. Again, leave the chicken center grill for about another five minutes or so. At that point, you should move the chicken to the outside of the grill. By now, the inside of the chicken should be cooking in its own juices. The chicken will continue to cook, just not as rapidly.

The reason you moved the chicken to the outside of the grill is to make a spot for your beef skirt steaks. These will take up quite a bit of room. You will want to remove your skirt steak from the zip lock bags. Do not slice up the flank of skirt steak. You should just lay this right onto the grill. Now, this is a thin piece of meat, so it will cook rather quickly. It should not take more than five minutes on one side and flipping it over for another ten minutes on the other side.

The beef skirt steak will cause some flare up from your coals. I personally like my fajitas to be a bit charred. That is just me though, you may not. So, to control this, keep yourself a spray bottle full of water handy. Or you can rough it, and just splash some beer over the coals every now and then to control the flames.

The beef skirt steak will begin to shrink down slightly and curl a bit as it cooks. After fifteen minutes or so, it should be pretty much ready. If you like yours well done, cook it another five or ten minutes.

Remove the beef from the grill. Now, ensure that you slice against the grain of the beef when cutting your fajita strips. This will keep your beef tender.

Use a toothpick to poke a deep hole into the chicken breasts. The fluids should be clear, if not, let it cook another ten minutes or so. You can even cut into the breast and check for doneness. It does not hurt the meat to leave it on after cutting into it. You just do not want to do that too often.

Now, cut up all of your meat and place it in tin foil to keep it warm. Throw some tortillas onto the grill and allow the grates to brown them slightly. Remove these from the grill when browned to your preference and the stack of tortillas in foil to keep them warm.

All that’s left is to load your tortilla with beef, chicken, salsa, and guacamole and squeeze some lime onto it and you are ready to go. Enjoy.

William “Cole” Doggett is an expert in knives and owns a successful Internet based website, Knife & Supply Company, LLC at http://www.KnifeSupplyCompany.com. His website is devoted to all things tactical law enforcement, military, outdoors and of course, Knives.

Choosing a backpack for your camping adventure is a very important one. It’s not “just a bag” that so many inexperienced campers say. Though it seems such a small matter, your backpack can benefit you in ways that you could never imagine, especially when you are out there trekking or camping and all you have is an ill-fitting backpack.

Still skeptical? In 1994, a hiker who went on a trip to the Appalachians had to have his trip cut short and had to go home broken and bleeding because of an ill-fitting backpack that damaged his hips. Almost a decade later, he went back hiking with a better backpack and managed to make 960 miles of terrain.

Never underestimate the importance of a good backpack to avoid inconveniences that might be caused by terrible equipment. With that in mind, here are tips to help you choose a good backpack for the journey that lies ahead of you.

1. Know what you need - Bear in mind that, campers and hikers’ needs vary in their preferences, some are minimalists and take only what’s necessary or the bare essentials. Others might take a lot more equipment with them, as if they are planning to camp for a month. Decide on the type of equipment you need to bring with you and its quantity, this way will help you decide what backpacks you will need.

Deciding on the amount of space you need is quite easy. Ask the sales representative on the amount of space their bags offer. They might be able to explain a thing or two. As a rule of thumb, pretend that you are going for the longest trip and prepare for a space that could cater for that.

2. Look for comfort - The most important thing to consider when choosing a backpack is to look for comfort. A good backpack should be one that can carry the most weight but with the least amount of effort.

A good backpack should be able to distribute weight efficiently and therefore provide you the maximum comfort when you’re carrying the backpack. One way to find how well a bag handles its content is by testing them yourself. Most camp stores provide sand weights for you to place inside the backpack. See how the backpack handles the weight every time you add a sand bag in. Only you can decide as to how much weight is comfortable for you before you consider purchasing one.

Another rule of thumb to consider is the straps. Shoulder straps and hip straps. The shoulder straps of your backpack should carry about 30% of the weight and the hip strap should be able to carry 70% of the weight as it is more stable. Make sure that these straps are comfortable and unrestrictive. Try moving around in the backpack, preferably with the sand bags included, to see how much mobility the backpack gives you.

Ask the sales representative if the straps have sternum straps. They are used to stabilize the backpack. These straps should be positioned below your collarbone for comfort and stability when you’re carrying it.

Most hip belts constrict your breathing. Find a backpack that does not constrict your breathing but at the same time should not reduce your mobility.

3. Choose your frame - There are two types of frames - internal and external frames - for you to choose from. Internal framed backpacks are suitable for hard trails as they are so maneuverable and do not restrain your mobility. They are slimmer and hug your body closer. If internal frames are for hard trail, external frames are the opposite. It’s suitable for beginners and children as they are used for easy trails and easier to pack.

4. Other extras - Most backpacks are designed in such a way that it allows you to include extra components to be integrated with your backpack such as rings and snap-ons. Also make sure that the backpack that you like is compatible with weather sheets to protect it.

Every year, different backpacks with a new and improved technology come out. Not to mention the different types of beautiful designs for you to choose. The best thing for you to do before buying a camping backpack is to try them out yourself.

However, in the end, a good backpack goes hand-in-hand with a great trek. Choose your backpack carefully as it is your most trusted companion during all of your camping trips. A good backpack will enhance your camping experience tenfold. So take your time when it comes to choosing your backpack as it might be the main factor in determining whether your camping or hiking experience be a good one or a bad one.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies. Choosing a good backpack is vital to your camping experience. Find out more about backpacks and other camping equipment at http://www.campingtriptips.com/backpacks and http://www.campingtriptips.com/equipment

Once you have decided which items you need for your outdoor adventures, reading camping gear reviews is a great way to compare different product features and prices. There are a number of excellent outdoor review sites on the Web and you can find out the details on almost any product with the click of a mouse.

Camping gear reviews are available for all the well known brands and even some more obscure ones. You can read up on a diverse range of products including tents and tarps, backpacks, clothes, sleeping bags, camping stoves, pocket knives, first aid supplies, lanterns, GPS systems, 2-way radios and other high-tech gadgets suitable for the outdoor enthusiast.

Camping gear reviews enable you to compare the features of several different products in different price ranges with very little fuss. This means that you can browse items in the comfort of your own home and take your time making up your mind about the items that best suit you. There is no danger of being pressurized in-store when you take the time to review each item before you leave your home.

Several web sites offer camping gear reviews written by consumers. This is a great way to explore the pros and cons of a product. There are also sites that offer independent reviews written by experts in the field. These are reviews that are not paid for by the manufacturer of the product.

This is a great way to uncover the truth about the advantages and disadvantages of a product. When consulting reviews for different products don not search based on price alone. There are often products that are only slightly more expensive but provide superior quality and features which enhance your camping experience. Do not be tempted to buy the cheapest items.

Even if you are working within a budget search items that are in a tier above what you think you are willing to pay. You may be surprised at how you can actually save money buying a better quality product. Use the camping gear reviews to find out what the positives and negatives of each product are and weigh them against each other to choose the one that best suits you.

Camping can be a great experience for the whole family. There is nothing quite like traveling into the wilderness and communing with the natural world. If you are a first time camper you will probably need around $600 for basic camping gear. Use camping gear reviews to determine how much of the budget should be allocated to each item.

Use online camping gear reviews to work out how much you should set aside for your tent, rainfly and tarp, bedding, kitchen utensils, stove, lantern etc. This makes buying your first camping equipment easier and much more cost effective. Try to avoid manufacturer reviews as these might not tell you the whole story. Rather choose independent and consumer reviews but bear in mind that these might also be subject to bias.

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