Hiking Etiquette Tips

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When you’re out in nature hiking the trails, you can get so immersed in the beauty of your surroundings, the wind in our hair and the ground beneath your feet, that it can be all too easy to forget your manners. However, trail etiquette is old and important – it keeps everyone safe and ensures that the trails are well-maintained for us all to enjoy.

If you need to brush up on your hiking etiquette, check out these useful tips for hikers:

Priority

The first thing you should bear in mind when hiking is that there is a ladder of hierarchy on the trails. Horses should always take priority, followed by hikers, with cyclists coming in third. Now that you know this, you can always be sure to make way for the relevant parties, ensure the trails are safe and pleasant and avoid any nasty confrontations.

Additionally, you should remember that, if you are being passed by horses, you will need to move off the trail a little on the downhill side, if it is possible to do so. This will prevent the animals from getting startled by taking you out of their immediate path and making you look smaller.

Uphill Traffic

When you’re hiking, you should always give way to uphill traffic. Going uphill is harder work than going downhill, and when you’ve built up some steam, and you’re going along at a pleasant pace, the last thing you want is to have to change course, lose momentum and start again. So, put yourself in the place of others and always yield to the uphill travelers.

Stay Right

Hikers should always try to stay on the right side of the trail, and if they wish to pass someone ahead of them, they should always do so on the left, after warning the person in front what they are about to do. Doing this helps to stop accidents and annoyances on the trail.

Leave No Trace

So, you’ve gone up the trail with a mountain of supplies including food, water, string and your best backpacking tent to see you through your trip.  You’ve built a fire, had a feast and enjoyed your time in the woods. Now it’s time to leave, what do you do? If you’re an inconsiderate person, you’ll leave your food wrappers on the ground along with the ashes of your extinguished fire and leave. Who wants to carry more than they have to on the trails right?

On the other hand, you’re a very considerate person, you will pick up and repack everything you brought with you, including wrappers, apple cores, and banana peels and take them home with you to be disposed of safely, so that the next hikers who come along won’t have to look at your trash.

Using Tech

There is nothing wrong with listening to your portable radio or playing your iPod when you’re out on the tail, but try not to do it in the vicinity of other people who might prefer to listen to the birds sing rather than Beyoncé. Be aware of your surroundings and ask others if they mind before you do anything that could spoil their trip.

If you bear all of the above in mind, you’ll have a great hiking trip and so will everyone else on the trails.

Everything You Need To Know About Camping

Most of us need a break from work to unwind and relax. Vacations and holidays are an important part of the year. They also give us plenty of quality time to spend with family and friends. Some people love flying overseas to somewhere exotic. Pampering and luxury sound like the perfect way to destress! Although camping isn’t quite as glamorous, it can also be the ideal way to refresh the mind, body and soul. Here is the essential breakdown of everything you need to know about camping:

Accommodation

Camping is about enjoying being a part of the landscape. Sometimes it’s about having some shelter when the weather comes in too! Tents are the quickest and easiest way to have somewhere to spend the night, almost anywhere you like. You could choose between a survival or pop-up tent that is lightweight and easy to assemble. Or a camping tent for all the family. Check out some camping tent reviews to find out what kind of tent suits you and the people you’re traveling with.

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Getting There

Of course, you might be traveling in a camper van. This is your little home from home that you can park up and enjoy a feast and a snooze in the back. If you don’t have a camper van, then you need to consider how you will get to your camping grounds. You could drive and pack everything in the trunk. Or you might enjoy a cycling tour. Backpacks and saddle bags are usually enough to carry everything you need. You could also assemble a bike trailer to carry those extra bits pieces. Make sure you apply your sunscreen every few hours when you are out in the fresh air.

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Washing

Not every place you stop at will have full bathroom facilities. You can buy little wipes that are effective for personal hygiene. It’s not practical to take enough water for a bath! If you like a hot shower, then plan your camping online. You can check reviews of the sites you want to stay at and book in advance to ensure a good spot for the tent and access to all the facilities you like. Some camping grounds also provide meals and dining facilities.

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Eating

Getting a campfire going has become less of a chore over the last few years. Most people now carry portable stoves. They are lightweight and really easy to use. Of course, making a fire is one of the fun things about camping, and it will keep the bugs off you! Make sure you have matches in a waterproof bag and a little kindling you can keep dry too. Be sure to adhere to any fire marshal instructions for the area you stay in.

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Critters

Some people are unlucky when it comes to insect bites. However, there are some really good repellent sprays that will keep them at bay. In your first aid or medical kit, make sure you have some sting relief cream and an antihistamine. Bigger critters like snakes and spiders rarely bother campers. However, if you are allergic to anything like bees, be sure to have your medication to hand at all times.  Happy camping!

Going On A Camping Vacation? Make Sure You Have These Essentials With You

Camping can be an excellent choice of vacation for many people. Families can enjoy the great outdoors just as much as couples or a group of friends. There is something quite relaxing about heading out to a campsite and setting your tent up for the night. It’s about cooking outdoors and being one with nature. So if this is something you are considering doing then this post will be for you. I thought it would be a good idea to share with you some of the essentials you need for a great camping vacation.

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Tent and sleeping essentials

One of the first things to think about when heading out for a camping vacation is the tent and sleeping arrangements. You need an easy to assemble tent that is durable to bad weather. Depending on where you are going the weather can change quite drastically. You will also need a sleeping bag and mat. A mat will protect you from sleeping on the hard floor. If there are a few of you, there might be a few different tents to administer. Or if you are sharing the one tent work out who will be the one to carry and transport it in their backpack.

Toiletries and personal items

When you go camping, especially into the wilderness, then showers and the niceties go out of the window for a few days. However, it is always good to keep on top of personal hygiene. So take with you some essentials to keep you going. Things like wet wipes and string deodrant are small and can fit in any backpack, but will keep you feeling fresh. You might also want to consider things like toilet paper. Make sure you pack a change of clothes and also ensure your building is protected by waterproof outerwear. This will come in handy if it rains but also if you find yourself in a humid area.

Hunting gear and essentials for starting a fire

You will need to consider what you eat while you are camping, and how you plan to cook things. So making sure you pack essential hunting gear will be one of the first things you organise. If you are unsure of what you might need to consider visit websites like chandlerrodandgunclub.com. They will be able to offer more information on what’s available. It would also be a great idea to pack with you some of the essentials to start a fire. Not only will this be handy for cooking what you hunt but also at night for keeping warm and deterring predators away from your camp.

A decent backpack to store everything in

Finally, it’s all well and good considering all of these items, but if you haven't got a decent backpack to take it all in, then it’s useless. A decent backpack needs to be many things. It needs to carry all of your essentials with ease. It needs to be comfortable to carry for long distances and be waterproof so it is protected from the elements.

I hope this helps you if you have a camping vacation coming up soon.

Insect Repellents To Bring To Your Camping

The weather is inviting because it is not yet hot and the temperature is starting to let up. Nature's blooms are in their fullest. The trees are still verdant. The air is fresh. And all these are invitation for a nice camping outdoors.

When you are camping, you are becoming vulnerable to the elements and the bugs and critters around nature that will surround you during your camping activity. have fun but do not compromise your risk to insect bites.

These are the type of insect repellants you can bring to your camp while enjoying the great outdoors. Take note of the candle ones. Always make sure you do not light it inside the tent or anywhere it can catch fire to.


Insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide)

These are effective and long-lasting; however, you are only protected on the areas where you apply it. Read labels properly on how to apply repellants with DEET. DEET can damage some synthetic fabrics such as rayon  or plastics.


Citronella Oil

If you have allergic reaction to DEET, you can also try using citronella oil. It is applied topically to your skin to prevent mosquito bites.


Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Photo credit: photo not mine

The oil is used topically to ward off mosquitoes and tick bites. It comes from the gum of the eucalyptus plant


Neem oil

Neem oil is from the pressed fruits and seeds of the Neem tree. It is a type of an evergreen growing in the Indian subcontinent.


Always be careful when applying oil to your skin. Test a small patch of area to check for reactions. Also, some of these oils must not be applied on pregnant women and infants.

A Different Kind Of Mountain Bobsledding in Italy

Have you ever tried bobsledding during winter time? Did you feel the rush of adrenalin and your heart pumping as fast as the twist and turn of the bobsleigh? How about doing it downhill on ordinary season without any safety helmet, just a safety seatbelt and a lever brake?

Fun Bob. That's the name of the place in Alpe Campo Rimasco in Italy. It's a unique outdoor adventure because the whole family can enjoy.  The descent is about 1850 metres starting from a restaurant at the Alpe Campo and down to the base where you could rest and enjoy the cool, alpine air in Valsesia. The descent will last around more than 2 minutes depending on your speed.

It is open during summer and also during weekends in October before the winter season sets.

(Photo credit: tripadvisor.nl)

This is a video I have taken from YouTube from the Rifugio Alpe Campo which runs the place. Thrilling!!!

(Credit to owner of the video)

Essential Tips For A Safer Camping Trip

A lot of people get put off camping for a variety of reasons. Some just don’t like slumming it, but a big factor is the issue of safety. It’s understandable - after all, it’s only a thin sheet of fabric between you and the outside world. And, there are a lot of dangers involved in the activity that you just don’t have to deal with in a hotel!

However, if you count yourself among these people, would you change your mind if you knew how to be safe while camping? In this guide, I’m going to give you some great tips on how to have a safer and more enjoyable camping trip. Read on to find out more.

credit - flickr

Know your escape routes

First of all, excellent planning is essential for any camping trip. You should research where you are going so that you are aware of how to access emergency services should you need them. Bee or wasp stings, slips and falls, and, of course, snakes can all cause issues. If they do, the quicker route you take to a hospital, the quicker the injured party will recover.

Arrange meeting points

If you are traveling in the wilderness in a group, there’s a good chance one of your party will get lost. A phone is obviously the best way to resolve this issue. But, so you aren’t relying on a signal, you should also arrange meeting points at the start of any journey. Rivers are a great marker, as it narrows down the choice of direction. Plot out several points on a map, and make sure everyone has a copy!

Remove temptation

Your food smells - and it smells great to any animals that might be around. Now, this isn’t all that scary if you live in a country where the biggest wild animal might be a badger, but if it’s a bear? That’s a different story. So, keep all your food sealed up in airtight containers or bags, and keep it out of sight.

Drink water

The human body is remarkably resilient, and it can go a surprisingly long time without food. It’s a different story for water, though, and you need to stay hydrated. You should bring plenty of water with you and keep it safe, and it’s also advisable to bring a portable water filter. That way, if you get lost somewhere, you will be able to purify any water from any source, and know it is safe to drink.

Torch and batteries

When you are camping away from the bright city lights, it is going to be dark. Very, very dark. So, make sure you bring a good torch with you - and plenty of batteries to keep it running. It’s no fun if you need to take a toilet trip in the middle of the night, so bring some light with you to ensure you don’t have an accident.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when you are planning a camping trip. But, put these tips into practice and you should have a perfectly safe trip, and have a great time camping. Enjoy!

Camp Explorer and Recipes for Great Summer Campfires from Little Passports

**The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

This summer, Little Passports is posting an exciting Camp Explorer activity series on their blog! Summer is a great time to venture and experience fun activities while outdoors. You can go camping, have a bonfire, cook some tasty meals and dine al fresco too! Check out their most recent post and learn how to make a great campfire recipe- your very own Pan de Campo. Did you know that Pan de Campo is the official state bread of Texas? It is also referred to as cowboy bread! 

Read the full post and download the recipe on the Little Passports Blog-Camp Explorer Week 1. 

Craving more recipes? Search the Little Passports Blog to find your favorites! 

Camping Necessities for Fall

Now that the hot summer weather has given way to the cooler breeze of autumn, this will be a great time to venture to the wilderness and gaze to the stars at night with your family and friends.
It is wise to be properly dressed and have all the necessary tools and kits for a fun and safe venture in the great outdoors.

Pelican - PRO GEAR ELITE 95QT COOLER TAN POLYETHYLENE PRESS/PULL

A camping adventure will not be complete without a nice cooler to store those beverages and other food to be cooked and served later on.

Pelican - PRO GEAR ELITE 95QT COOLER TAN POLYETHYLENE PRESS/PULL - $431.99, See Site shipping - Available at TigerDirect

Liberty Mountain - Mountain 518575 Rain Gear Backpacker Poncho - Navy

It's not bad to bring a raincoat while camping. Autumn weather is still unpredictable and it can be a bit misty out there.

Liberty Mountain - Mountain 518575 Rain Gear Backpacker Poncho - Navy - $31.46, 5.82 shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Gerber - Knives 0987 Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter

Not sure on how to make fire out of rocks and twigs? Maybe this fire starter can help you.

Gerber - Knives 0987 Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter - $16.80, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Lodge - L12DCO3 8 Qt Deep Camp Dutch Oven

This cooking utensil will be a great addition to your camping if you love to serve something nice for the whole family and gang to enjoy.

Lodge - L12DCO3 8 Qt Deep Camp Dutch Oven - $57.75, See Site shipping - Available at Katom

Mr. Heater - Portable Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Heater

The outdoor temperature during autumn can dip to a low of degree, esp. at night. Bring a portable heater and you will need it.

Mr. Heater - Portable Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Heater - $79.95, 11.73 shipping - Available at QC Supply
(2 reviews)

Petzl - E87 P2 Myo RXP 2 Headlamp

This will be a perfect addition to your cap if you love the outdoors at night. Don't be blind as a bat and bring a Petzl Headlamp.

Petzl - E87 P2 Myo RXP 2 Headlamp - $89.95, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Victorinox - 54525 Champion Plus Multi-Tool Swiss Army Knife

A must-have tool for camping is this multi-tool swiss army knife.  Now, you don't have to carry several other tools and gears that will only make your bag heavy with unnecessary stuff.

Victorinox - 54525 Champion Plus Multi-Tool Swiss Army Knife - $49.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com
(9 reviews)

Coleman - Lantern LED Quad

Preserve those wood and don't turn them to campfires just yet. Why not use this LED lantern instead?

Coleman - Lantern LED Quad - $51.35 (30% off), Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com
(2 reviews)

Kaz - Stinger UVB45 40 Watt 1-Acre Ultra Bug Zapper (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Yes, another must-have during camping. A bug zapper will help ward off those pesky mosquitoes and other bugs so you can enjoy your camping adventure with less or nil bug bites!

Kaz - Stinger UVB45 40 Watt 1-Acre Ultra Bug Zapper (Discontinued by Manufacturer) - $59.95, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Coleman - Port Toilet

Some campers are very privy and would rather do their natural business the usual way. So, bring one of these portable toilet and let the fussy ones use this instead of the expanse of what nature can provide.

I'm probably one of those fussy campers who will opt to carry her/his own portalet!

Coleman - Port Toilet - $49.97, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Sugar Brand - Wise Company Prepper Pack Emergency Food Supply

Sometimes, things will run out and it's bad if the food runs out during your nice camping adventure. Pack one of these Sugar brand emergency food supply, just in case.

Sugar Brand - Wise Company Prepper Pack Emergency Food Supply - $64.99, 10.16 shipping - Available at Sportsman's Logistics

Cabela's - Camping: Standard Camp Kitchen

I like this fancy camping kitchenette! It has everything and it'll be great for a large group of campers who can enjoy cooking and dining al fresco.

Cabela's - Camping: Standard Camp Kitchen - $98.99, 20.95 shipping - Available at Cabelas

GSI Outdoors - 148320 Sierra Camp Set in Blue - 16 Pieces

Don't leave trash in your campsite. Be mindful of the environment and the wildlife around you. Bring some washable steel utensils instead.

GSI Outdoors - 148320 Sierra Camp Set in Blue - 16 Pieces - $69.00 (21% off), Free shipping - Available at Austin Kayak

StanSport - 99805 2 Person Camp Set

Don't forget, a camping is not a camping without any durable tent that can withstand the cold elements of the great outdoor!

StanSport - 99805 2 Person Camp Set - $127.99, Free shipping - Available at Target.com

RIVER'S END - Bear Grylls Endeavor Series 30-Degree Men's Sleeping Bag, Orange

Don't forget to pack your sleeping bags too!

RIVER'S END - Bear Grylls Endeavor Series 30-Degree Men's Sleeping Bag, Orange - $65.99, Free shipping - Available at Overstock.com

Cabela's - Deluxe Camp Beds

Some campers prefer their very own cushion, so this Cabela's deluxe camp beds will be the perfect fit for the fuzzy campers.

Cabela's - Deluxe Camp Beds - $109.99, 22.95 shipping - Available at Cabelas

Fashion Pet - Outdoor Dog Plaid Fleece Jacket, Small, Blue

Camping is not just about bringing the right tools to enjoy the outdoors. If you're planning to tag your furry best friend, ensure that your pet is dressed appropriately. It can get very cold at night.

Fashion Pet - Outdoor Dog Plaid Fleece Jacket, Small, Blue - $10.94, 5.11 shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Outdoor Research - Outdoor Research Salvo Softshell

Your best best for the cold autumn nights outdoors is this hooded jacket. You will be warm and dry too.

Outdoor Research - Outdoor Research Salvo Softshell - $129.50, Free shipping - Available at The-House.com

Columbia - Columbia Minx Mid Shorty (Women's) - Red

Wear appropriate shoes for the camping. This red Columbia outdoors shoes for women can flatter every fashionista camper out there.

Columbia - Columbia Minx Mid Shorty (Women's) - Red - $89.95, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Adidas Outdoor - Adidas Outdoor Terrex Conrax CP Boots - Men's Blue Beauty/Black/Black, 10.5

The men will enjoy wearing this outdoor boots too.

Adidas Outdoor - Adidas Outdoor Terrex Conrax CP Boots - Men's Blue Beauty/Black/Black, 10.5 - $224.95, Free shipping - Available at Backcountry.com

Basking in the Beauty of Newport Beach: Five Must-Do Outdoor Activities

Photo credit: allgoodprovisions.com

Those who visit California not only visit a state; they embark on a plethora of outdoor opportunities.  Florida may be the ‘sunshine state,’ yet California does not pale in comparison.  Additionally, California weather is mild compared to the intense humidity of its east-coast sunshine competitor.  

Those who visit the west coast, specifically Newport Beach, California, encounter a number of fun and engaging activities.  Here are five activities no visitor can afford to miss.

Davey’s Locker Sport Fishing and Whale Watching

 Those who embark on tours outside of Newport Bay catch views of blue whales in the summer and fall and grey whales the other half of the year.  You may have heard a share of ‘whale stories,’ but Davey’s consumers experience a 95% success rate in spotting the mammoth-sized sea creatures.

Game anglers gravitate toward the service, catching hundreds of fish (per trip), which is not difficult when the waters feature over two dozen species, including giant yellowtail, tuna, and halibut.

China Cove Bike and Kayak

Davey’s offers exciting boat tours, but while the ocean and boats are in motion, riders stand still.  The relaxing occasion calls for some exercise.  Burn calories while keeping cool in the water, or take the tour inland, renting and riding a bike along the coast.  What can one expect to see on their tour?  Kayakers and riders stop at Pirate’s Cove Beach for a swim.  Are you ready to let a machine do the driving for you?  Newport Beach vacation rentals are close to many outdoor activities and tours.  Take a ‘hidden’ jeep tour along Southern California’s Riviera.

Balboa Fun Zone

The name says it all; Balboa Park is California’s oldest family amusement area, featuring a grand ferris wheel, an arcade, a nautical museum, harbor cruises, bike rentals and more.  As an associated extension, park goers hitch a ride on the Catalina Flyer to nearby Catalina Island.  The park and associated attractions remain popular year round, but don’t worry about parking.  A public lot is available, juxtaposed to the pier, making this destination fun and convenient.

Photo-walking Tours

Spend the day, but keep your memories forever on a walking tour of Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor.  Don’t be discouraged by your level of photography mastership; professional photography instructors aid goers, directing attention to unbelievable shots while providing photographic insight you can take home.  Those who don’t come equipped with cameras may rent a device from the service.

Pirate Coast Paddle Company

You may have experienced the Pacific Ocean before, but have you done it on a paddleboard?  Don’t worry if wondering if you’re up to the challenge; professionals offer lessons and kid programs, as well as ongoing rentals for those with more experience.  To add to the ambiance of the occasion, elect to take sunset or moonlight paddle tour.

Those who visit Newport Beach, California never come away with a shortage of outdoor activity stories and memories.  Whether catching an eye-full of blue and grey whales, kayaking among millionaire-dollar coast homes, or paddleboarding in the moonlight, you’ll be more than pleased with the relaxing and active synergy offered at this vacation spot.

Marcus Anderson, now retired, travels as much as he can these days. An avid blogger, he likes to write about where he goes on travel and vacation blog sites.