Monday, August 31, 2009

Economic Camper Trailers

Do you remember growing up and taking the camper out with your parents or grandparents? Exploring new places, streams, lakes, forests. Enjoying nature, eating food you can cook on a stick, and playing cards by lantern light well into the night? Camping is a time honored tradition in many countries like the US and the UK. Camper trailers or "coaches" as they call them overseas are a very popular way to get out and unwind after weeks of stress that builds from modern living.

Camper trailers are a very convenient and easy way to take a weekend holiday. They are typically small and lightweight, they tend to be easily towed by even a normal car, and they are easy to transport and more importantly- store when you're not camping. Some of these campers are hard shelled, and they have a teardrop shape that helps keep the mileage down on your gas bills as you drive to and from the camping grounds. Often they have features like mini kitchens and burners, possibly a small generator for electricity, and cabinets for storing your camping supplies and food. Basically everything you need for any weekend warrior type.

Folding campers are good compromises between a full on RV and a backpack with a tent. They offer the small space and price that makes them available to many, while still providing the creature comforts you know and love and yes... even need.

When traveling alone, with two people, or even with a small family, a small camper is a fun purchase to make for everybody. There's nothing quite like taking your tea alongside a flowing river, or cooking some fresh s'mores on an open fire. Those are memories that you will hold close in your heart for years to come.

There are many different brands of campers and travel trailers, and used camper trailers are a hot ticket item in the Summer, Spring, and Fall times. Especially in an economy that makes international vacations unrealistic, owning your very own version of a hotel room and taking it out on the weekends is a great way to get the R&R you need while not spending more money that you don't have.

There's no need to worry or stress out when shopping for folding camper trailers. Visit CamperTrailerTitan.com to read reviews and get awesome deals on a new or used folding camper, travel trailer, pop up camper, or tent trailer.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Camping Pack List

When you're getting ready to go camping, there's always the question of what gear to bring. Having too much stuff is no fun - especially if you're hiking in to your campsite - but you don't want to be without something essential either. A lot of what you'll need will vary depending on several factors - the length of your trip, the weather, where you'll be camping, etc - but let's take a look at what you can expect to need on most camping trips.

There are several things you'll need on any camping trip that you go on. Always bring the following:

Tent (or a tent equivalent, such as a heavy duty hammock, or the materials for a lean-to if you're roughing it)
Sleeping bag
First aid kit
Flashlight
Matches
Knife
Hatchet and/or machete (for cutting up firewood)
Food and water

For cold weather camping, you'll want to bring at least one of each of the following. There's no need to run out and buy new things. You'll be out in the woods and everything is going to get dirty anyway, so the old, beat up sweatshirt and jacket will do fine.

Sweatshirt (with a hood if you have one)
Jacket
Cap
Gloves
Sleeping bag liner (if needed, depending on the weather rating of your bag)

If the weather is going to be very hot, plan on bringing these items:

Sunscreen
Large hat (to keep the sun off)
Extra water
Canopy (to provide shade)
Fan (you can get a small battery powered fan at any mega-mart for cheap)

Lastly, if you're camping at a campground and won't be hiking in to your campsite, then there are several more things you might want to bring. Some of these will depend on the facilities available at your campground though, so do a bit of research before you go to find out what is available.

Camping chair
Hammock
Camp table
Camp stove or grill
Fishing pole
Small backpack for day hikes
Towels and swimsuits

Friday, August 28, 2009

Quick camping guide

When you think about the best advice regarding camping for someone who enjoys luxury, you might think that the only fitting advice for that category is this - don't go camping! But if you are a person who loves the good life but has been roped into a camping trip, that might not be an option. If you are in a position where you absolutely must camp, then the following tips should get you through the trip with minimal inconvenience. In other words, they should take the "rough" out of "roughing it."

First of all, make sure that the tent you select is really top of the line. By which, I mean it should be weatherproofed and lined to keep out light and as much noise as possible. You also want to apply this philosophy to the sleeping bag that you choose. Make sure it is as warm as it can get (mountains tend to get quite cold at night, even in the middle of summer) and that it is as soft as is available. But don't stop there. No. An air mattress to go underneath your top of the line sleeping bag is absolute must, and this must be the best model, as well. The most sturdy and comfortable kind are the three tiered system beds. They are the least likely to spring a leak, as well.

Here's the thing - no one ever said that luxury, or even the imitation version of luxury that you are able to achieve on a mountain top, would come cheap. But if you are willing to shell out the dough, you can make your camping experience much more enjoyable.

Camping on A budget

Does the cost of travel have you wondering if you can afford to take your family on a vacation this year? Then you might want to take your family on a camping trip. Campgrounds at state parks, national parks, national or state forests, and other public recreation areas make great destinations.

What can you expect at the campground?
It costs around $12-$25 to spend a night at these campgrounds, which is much less than the cost of a motel room these days. The parks are typically run by park rangers, who also provide security at the campgrounds. Each campsite will likely have a fire-pit, charcoal grill, and a picnic table. There will be an area to set up your tent, and a place to pull your car off the road. These parks usually have buildings that enclose bathrooms and showers. You'll also find drinking water available, places to do your dishes, and trash containers. Yes, there is some work to camping, but what a great way to involve the family in daily chores.

What recreation is available?
Most public parks have hiking trails, and many parks have lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. Imagine the sight of your kids seeing a deer cross the path or a raccoon snooping through the campsite at night. There may also be a playground with swings, basketball courts, and other amenities. Also remember to bring along bikes, balls and gloves, board games, Frisbees, or any other favorite game or toy. There will be plenty of opportunities for the family to play together. Many state parks and other public parks offer nature programs for the kids, and some even show outside movies on weekends. Since most of these parks are located in remote areas away from city lights, they make great places to watch sunsets and to gaze at the stars at night.

Common tip for camping

Half of being a good camper is about being prepared. The other half is about using common sense. Campers often forget where they are, and they find themselves in situations that could have easily been avoided.

1. Finding a campground

Not every campground is right for every camper. Choose accordingly. If you're new to camping, pick a public campground close to home. Public campgrounds are run by a government agency, and they are consistent in their services and regulations. Private campgrounds vary from one to another. If you are tent camping, avoid RV parks. Believe me, most tent campers don't like camping next to RVs, which can be noisy with their A/C and generators running all night.

2. Reservations

Don't make reservations at a campground that you have never visited. Reservations get lost, campgrounds fill up, and you may travel long distances only to find out that you have no campsite. If you must make reservations, be sure to get a confirmation over the phone or in an email, and get all necessary information while on the phone. Ask about their cancellation and refund policy, check-in times, and visitor rules before you get to the campground.

3. Try out gear in advance

When you acquire new camping gear, take the time to try it out before you get to the campground. Set the tent up in your back yard so that you can become familiar with how it goes up, and just as import, how it comes down and packs. Use your sleeping bags in the family room for a night to see how comfortable it is and how well you sleep. Cook a meal on your stove to see how well it performs. Try your lanterns outside at night so that you can see just how much light they give off.

4. Choosing a campsite

They say when buying real estate that it's all about location. You could say the same thing about choosing a campsite. When choosing a campsite, look at its proximity to things like bathrooms, showers, playgrounds, dog loops, lakes/rivers, and garbage disposal areas. Some places are nice to have nearby while others, depending on your personal preferences, are better off further away. Never choose your campsite hastily.

5. Tent placement

As a general rule, pick a high level spot to pitch your tent. You'll sleep better, and should it rain during the night water will drain away from your tent. Erect your tent far enough from any grill or campfire so that sparks won't fly into it. Never set your tent up on low ground. Aim your tent door away from the direction of the morning sun. That way you won't wake up and exit your tent into the blinding sun.

6. Food cooking/eating/storage

Cook food outdoors in designated areas, usually around the grill or campfire. Never cook in your tent. A small flame or spark can quickly put holes in a tent. Eat wherever you like at your campsite, but never eat in your tent. Critters will not hesitate to eat holes in your tent to get to food crumbs. Store all food in tight containers, preferably in the trunk of your car. If you leave your cooler out, put a rock or something heavy on top to keep critters out. Never leave food sitting out.

7. Foul weather

Heavy rain, lightning, snow storms, and high winds all spell misfortune to the camper. Unless you are a die-hard camper that camps in any weather, avoid camping when storms are brewing. If the weather forecast looks bad, consider rescheduling your camping trip. If you are intent on camping when it is possible that it might rain, you better have a tent that will keep you dry. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being soaking wet inside your tent.

8. Safe campfires

One of the joys of camping is sitting around the campfire. Wherever you build your campfire, keep it small. A bonfire is not necessary. Keep a bucket of water nearby, and use it to douse the fire before retiring. If you have kids, closely supervise them, and remember that toasted hotdogs and marshmallows can be very hot. Never leave a campfire unattended. Be sure you have bandages and burn ointment in your first aid kit. Ice works well to sooth the pain of burns too.

9. Bugs and critters

You are camping outdoors where birds, bugs and other critters live. Watch wildlife from a safe distance. Take sprays to deter bugs. When camping in the woods, check now and then for ticks. Don't leave food out unattended, and don't feed the wildlife, they will continue to come around your campsite and be a nuisance.

10. Packing up

When it is time to leave the campground, try to pack your gear dry. If you must pack it wet, be sure to spread it out to dry at home at your first opportunity to avoid mold and mildew. Pick up all trash and debris around your campsite, and dispose of it properly. As a courtesy to campers just arriving, tell the campground attendant when you are leaving that your site is available.

Chicken for camping

A camping recipe from Beth. This recipe is easy and very tasty. It's also great for those low-carb diets. After all, anything with bacon and cheese has got to be good.

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • McCormick brand chicken seasoning
  • hot sauce
  • cilantro (I use McCormick brand)
  • 1 cup pepper strips, frozen or fresh
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation:

Cook bacon on griddle or fry pan, drain fat, and set aside. Shake salt and pepper, seasoning, hot sauce, and cilantro on both sides of each chicken breast. Go easy on the hot sauce, two shakes on each side will be plenty, more if you like it hot. Pan sear or grill chicken until it's no longer pink inside. saute pepper strips and onion until tender. Top cooked chicken with peppers and onions. Sprinkle both kinds of cheese on chicken. Place cooked bacon strips on each chicken breast. Cook all until the cheese melts. Either place everything in a casserole dish and bake, or close top of grill like you do with cheeseburgers.
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