A Guide to Bird Watching Binoculars

Bird watching binoculars are a great investment for anyone who enjoys watching stunning birds in flight, nesting, eating and singing among other activities. Being able to watch birds in their natural habitat lets you learn more about the birds and how they interact with their environment and each other.

Anyone who appreciates birds understands that once you enter a bird's habitat you are altering their behavior or you and causing them to fly away leaving you unable to appreciate their beauty.

In order to truly enjoy bird watching you need to be equipped with bird watching binoculars that allow you to observe birds from a distance. A bird in flight is a graceful, awe inspiring spectacle and the right bird watching binoculars will allow you the opportunity to watch the graceful flight of a bird from virtually anywhere.

Humming birds have caught the imagination of countless children and adults and with the right binoculars you will be able to see humming birds and watch them interact with each other and their natural surroundings.

Whether you interest in bird watching is based solely on appreciating their beauty or if you are engaged in bird watching to learn more about this marvel of nature, the right binoculars will open up the door to learning more and appreciating all different types of birds from the well known to the unknown.

Make sure you research the binoculars before you buy them so you can gauge how effective they will be. Binoculars are rated for different distances, so keep that in mind as you pick the binoculars that are right for you.

You will want to consider the distance, style, weight and intended purpose of the binoculars before you purchase them. If you plan to hike with the binoculars in order to enjoy all different species of birds make sure you are comfortable with the weight of the binoculars as they can vary greatly in terms of size and weight.

Another factor to consider when researching bird watching binoculars is the intended purpose. Not all binoculars offer the same features, therefore, get a firm grasp on what you are hoping to accomplish and whether or not the binoculars will work. Some binoculars even allow you to take digital photos meaning you can begin an amazing collection of photos of birds in their natural habitat.

There are many affordable options for bird watching binoculars and most consumers find that the Internet is their best source to research and buy binoculars including bird watching binoculars.

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Situ Bagendit: Exotic Lake

Natural Physical Environment
Situ Bagendit tourist attraction located in the village Bagendit, District Banyuresmi natural tourist attraction is a form of the lake with the northern boundary is bordered by Banyuresmi Village, adjacent to the south by the Village Cipicung, adjacent to the east by the Village Binakarya, and the west by the Village Sukamukti.

Tourism activities that can be done in Situ Bagendit include enjoying the scenery, around the lake by boat or raft. The visitors can also make family recreational activities, enjoy the scenery and water cycling activities.

The object of this tour is managed by Mr. Ajan Sobari with the status of ownership in the hands of local government whose authority is delegated to the Department of Tourism and Culture of Garut regency and the private sector, Mr Adang Kurnia. Under the regulations no. 11 of 2001 the price of admission tickets to this region Rp. 1.000/people for adults and Rp. 500/people for children.

Special Aspects

Situ Bagendit have objects and natural attractions environmental quality, cleanliness and landscape in good condition. The buildings contained in the region, whether permanent or semi-permanent, in well maintained condition. In this area there is pollution, litter and vandalism in the form of graffiti on buildings and trees. Visibility somewhat hindered in this region, the noise level is moderate and there are signs for advertising.
Facilities available in this region of 60 units raft rental rates to Rp.25.000/15 minutes, 11 units of water bike with tarif Rp.10.000/15 minutes in good conditions. There are also several park benches and 6 units rented shelter for visitors with Rp.3.000/jam price. There is also a mini train Rp.2.000 rates and pool area of ​​this Situ Bagendit . The atmosphere in this tourist area is quite comfortable due to its construction has been well planned by the tourism department, but still there are also illegal kiosks and street vendors who in vain to hold their merchandise so that the level visibility in the region become a little terhalang.Objek and attractions Situ Bagendit operates 07:00 to 17:00 o'clock. Building conditions contained in this area in good condition with a permanent type of building materials and semi-permanently in a fairly good spatial development in the region due Situ Bagendit  has been well planned. Area of ​​objects and attractions of this Situ Bagendit  environmental quality, cleanliness and the landscape in this region baik.di conditions contained waste pollution and vandalism in the form of graffiti on buildings and trees caused by pengunjung.Visabilitas somewhat hindered in this region, the level of noise currently there are few signs and advertisements.
Power source in this region comes from the PLN with 220 volts and the voltage distribution is sufficient. Water resources in this area comes from wells and taps with the quality of clear water, fresh water taste, and smell normal water. Sometimes there are obstacles in the area of ​​water use Situ Bagendit the dry season when the surrounding water receded. Waste disposal systems in this area is through septic tanks, sewer and irrigation system. Situ Bagendit  tourist area also has a communications system in the form public phone inadequate amount. There is also a way Situ Bagendit this region whose length B 50m. in the front area there Situ Bagendit  parking lot with an area of ​​1400 m2 with a capacity of 30 buses, 60 private cars and 180 motor vehicles in reasonably good condition with surface layer of soil, but vegetation shaded inadequate. There is a post ticket that also serves as the entrance in good condition, also a public toilet in the building and hygiene conditions are sufficient. This region there is a playground with shade and vegetation in sufficient condition. There are places of worship in the form of Mosque and also there are 10 pieces of trash Bagendit Situ tourist region.

Accessibility
Situ Bagendit tourist area distance from Garut city center is 4 km away. There is public transportation in the form of public transportation terminals Guntur-Kp.Mengger majors and Garut-Limbangan Rp.1.500 rate and tariff Rp.2.000.Kualitas ojeg with the sights and the level of security along the roads in the area of ​​objects and attractions are quite baik.jumlah employees objects and attractions of this Situ Bagendit  of 6 people. Visitors who visited this tourist attraction reached 400-600 people per month. Visitors are usually derived from Garut, Sukabumi, Tasikmalaya, Bogor, Bandung and Jakarta.

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Getting Started In Trekking

Trekking is a great outdoor sport for many people. It arouses in most a heightened appreciation a greater appreciation of nature. It is the perfect weekend or even day time activity to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life, and has proven time and time again to be a great way for friends and families to participate in an activity together.

One of the things that most trekkers admit to after years on the trial is that they were never really ready during their first trek. It seems that most people on their first hikes are ill-equipped and ill-attired to tackle trails and mountains.

While trekking is one of those outdoor hobbies that does not require an exquisite set of skills, save for good balance, endurance, and gait, it still remains that there things pointers that can make your trekking experience be it for the first time or not a lot more enjoyable.

Location First of all, you do have to know where you are going. If you are going for an easy stroll with other experienced trekkers, you will not have to worry too much about this. Your leaders will probably know the area well and will have sufficient skills to get you to the top and back.

Of course, if you are going on a trek without a guide for the first time in a foreign area (that is not so much advised), you will need orienteering skills and a good map. Of course, it would be better if you tried places you know better first rather than tackle hard and unknown areas early on.

You should build your hiking skills, with manageable treks that you are familiar with at first. Guides can help you tackle harder and less hospitable trails. When you are confident in your skill, you can then try moving on to the harder trails.

Gear

1. Clothing

Trekkers have various gear depending on the condition of the trek. But as a rule you should wear light, weather resistant, rugged wear. It would be better if it drew away moisture from the skin. Cotton is a no no, especially in cold conditions, or even very hot ones. A hat would do well in extreme conditions as well both to keep away the sun and to protect the head during extreme cold.

2. Hiking Boots

A good pair of hiking boots is also important for trekkers. Sneakers are not usually advised as your boots should be able to weather a good beating, the elements, and water. Also, hiking boots should have aggressive treads patterns to make hiking on difficult surfaces a lot easier.

Wet rocks, muddy trails, and dusty surfaces can be terrible for most hikers, especially the new ones. Good boots will help make tackling steep inclines and hard trails more manageable.

3. Backpack or Daypack Necessities

Aside from boots you will definitely need a good backpack to carry supplies and other necessities. Water bottles are also necessary for any trek. You need to keep yourself hydrated during the trek since you are sure to sweat a lot. Food should also take up a good amount of space in your bag, just make sure you pack food that is compact, is not fussy to prepare, and delivers energy quickly and efficiently to the body.

If you plant to do heavy trekking in adverse conditions, you will need to have your pack weather the same kind of conditions. Try for waterproof packs that have rain covers for optimum protection. Take along some plastic bags to keep your trash in during the trek.

4. Weather Gear

Depending on the weather, you may need to take along extra gear. When it rains you may need light raincoats or ponchos to keep the cold and the rain away from your packs and your body. Sunglasses are great for sunny treks and will save your eyes from too much sun exposure. You may also want to consider sun block when going for treks that will put you under the sun for extended periods.

5. First Aid Kits

Tumbles often occur during treks, so you will need first aid kits to treat cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. You will also need some ointment against allergic rashes that may occur due to exposure to dust, plants, and animals.

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Finding the Backpacking Sleeping Bag Worth Packing

The backpacker is the ultimate freedom lover. Out and about in nature, they take in everything there is to offer - including the bugs, rough terrain and, at times, inclement weather. The seasoned backpacker is always well-prepared and leaves nothing to chance, knowing one small slip-up on even the simplest of trips can be a dangerous one. It's not the idea of getting hurt that scares them as much as the idea of being unable to get out and enjoy nature and its views! This prompts them to pay special attention to all the aspects of the gear they bring with them.

One piece of gear that warrants extra consideration is a backpacking sleeping bag. A good backpacking sleeping bag fits the need of the backpacker to a tee. It is lightweight, easily stowed and ensures the backpacker a decent night's sleep. How can this be determined? With a little bit of research, forethought and plain old personal preference, the right bag can be found with relative ease.

When looking to find the right backpacking sleeping bag, it is first and foremost best to consider what the itinerary of the backpacking trip will be. Will it be in an area that has warm or cool temperatures? What about temperature changes as the sun goes down? Is the environment rainy or does it have a lot of humidity? A backpacking sleeping bag insulated with synthetic material will better retain its insulating qualities when wet than that of natural material, or down-filled bags. Shell linings such as nylon are good for humid environments and are quite durable but do not work well in cold windy environments. Microfiber works well in water and wind resistance, yet can be costly and heavier than other fabrics. The less material a bag uses, the easier it is to stow and keep the backpacking load light.

Although the one-size-fits-all concept is a nice one, the backpacking sleeping bag that works for one person will not work for another. Different people have different metabolisms and while some sleep "warm" at night, others require extra protection even in the warmest of climates! Temperature ratings give guidelines as to what temperature a sleeping bag can be subjected to and still be comfortable. Other things to consider are whether or not you will need a hood to keep your head warm or draft tubes for venting body heat.

Once the right backpacking sleeping bag has been chosen, using a sleeping bag liner will minimize the need to wash the sleeping bag as a whole, something that can cut down on its lifespan. Choosing a bag of good quality and caring for it without fail will allow a backpacker to get years of use out of their investment.

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A World of Possibilities: Blue Ridge RV Camping

Travelling the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern United States will continually surprise you as you cruise past first a folk arts fair, then a museum to Appalachian culture, then a breath-taking shimmering lake. Stretching all the way from Pennsylvania to Georgia, the mountains are a world of possibilities, and Blue Ridge RV camping is one of the best ways to see them.

You can travel about in the comfort of your own place, at your one pace, and stay near to the things you want to see. And some of the attractions of the Blue Ridge area are uniquely suited to RVing.

One of the fastest growing business and attractions within the Blue Ridge region is wine-making. While California may still be the viticultural behemoth of the United States, the east coast wine industries is its plucky younger brother who boasts more than a few surprises.

Blue Ridge RV camping can be an excellent way to tour the wineries of the region, as you can set up camp and then head out to see what the local area offers. After you've sipped all that one area has to offer, picking up and heading to the next spot is as easy as turning turning your key in the ignition.

Blue Ridge RV camping isn't restricted to wine touring, however. Many people who head to the mountains have something else in mind completely: a bit of blue-grass music!

Mountain music sites abound throughout the Appalachian range, and those taking a Blue Ridge RV camping trip will not be disappointed by the range available to them. A bit of research before your trip will pay off, however, as many of the best acts and venues are small time and not easily booked too far in advance.

Some of the best places to see blue grass musicians are in fact local coffee houses such as the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, West Virginia. Give places near your itinerary a ring and see what acts are scheduled during your stay.

Blue Ridge RV Camping is also one of the best ways to have an outdoor adventure. You can travel with your RV through some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America on your way to an exciting white water rafting or a relaxing fishing trip.

White water rafting attracts many people to the Blue Ridge Mountains each year, and for thrill seekers it is a hard thing to beat. For the more subdued, there are numerous creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes that are home to hundreds of thousands if not millions of fish all waiting for a chance at your bait during your next Blue Ridge RV Camping trip.

Be sure to make reservations for rafting trips, as growing popularity in recent years makes reservations essential.

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Quality Gear: The Backside Sleeping Bag

A backside sleeping bag is the perfect choice for the outdoor enthusiast who takes their outdoor excursions to the extreme of cooler weather conditions. A quality piece of survival equipment that can withstand such cooler conditions requires a number of features and a high level of quality.

In order to produce such a superior item, much must go into the product by way of research and development to determine which properties make for a more reliable product and which do not. Those who choose a Backside sleeping bag will find that the research has led to an extremely fine product.

Since a backside sleeping bag is especially designed to keep campers and hikers incredibly warm in the coldest of climates, synthetic and natural insulations are used in their products with a fill power of 700-750 or more. Bags with this high of a fill power are ultra-toasty, more durable and last longer.

A backside sleeping bag can also be counted on to be amazingly light and compact even with the extra insulation added to the chest and footbox of the sleeping bag. A draft tube that runs the length of the sleeping bag will help to keep out a chilly draft and many of the models come with an adjustable draft collar that creates a seal keeping body heat in and cold drafts out. Models that come with a parka style hood help to retain even more heat.

The bag's durable seams are places on the bottom to keep out chilly winds and compatible zippers allow bags to be joined together to make for a larger sleeping space, a necessary tactic in extremely cold weather conditions. Highly breathable fabrics add to the comfort.

A backside sleeping bag can be found for all shapes and sizes, including children's sizes and youth sizes. Each style gives all the necessary protection a camper could want. Many campers and hikers find that the features, fill power and the bag's ability to compact as well as it does make the Backside sleeping bag worth every penny. The fact these bags can last for many seasons with proper care only increases their value even more.

Other cold weather sleeping bags may offer similar features but backside continues to deliver at a much better price, even if the bag is used only from time to time throughout the year. However, extensive use shows that this is a product that can take the wear and tear of a camping or hiking trip in cold climates and come out extremely well with no problems whatsoever.

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Choosing Family Camping Tents

There are countless adults who will say the most memorable part of their childhood was the family's camping trips. Whether the sleep out took place in the backyard or involved a more in depth planning and execution process, camping is near and dear to a lot of peoples hearts. It makes sense that as those children grew up and had families of their own that they would want to continue the tradition and take their children of exciting camping trips as well.

Of course to make this dream a reality, the most important piece of equipment is one of the family tents. These tents have evolved over the years into virtual paradises of home like comfort.

Family tents are available in a huge selection of styles, sizes, and colors. Almost any version can be found to accommodate the family's size and needs.

With the advancement of technology, camping tents are better made than ever and are constructed of the most durable and weatherproof materials. While it may not be the optimal experience to camp in inclement weather, these tents help to ensure that it doesn't have to be the worst thing ever either. There are certain criteria to keep in mind while deciding on the perfect tent for your family.

Before style even becomes a consideration, it is important to find one of the best made camping tents on the market. When you find a tent that may be the one, check online message boards for honest reactions to the products performance.
There are several websites designed to provide consumer opinions. Visit the local sporting goods store to take a look at the tent up close and personal. Pay careful attention to the zippers, fastenings, and how easy or difficult the tent is to put up. This is the time to look into the type of material used in its construction and quality of the poles and attachments.

One of the good family camping tents should be made to last a long time and hold up to the rigors of the great outdoors.

Once you have found several camping tents you like, narrow down your selection according to personal preferences. Some family camping tents are large one room design, while others are equipped with a tunnel between two rooms that children find a lot of fun.

Also consider the size and space available in the vehicle that will be used for camping trips. Many models are made to be compact and space saving for smaller cars and vans.

Family camping trips are a worthwhile endeavor. Be sure to be properly prepared with one of the high quality family camping tents available.

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7 Essential Pieces of Camping Gear

If you are planning to go on a camping trip, you will want to make sure that you take along all the appropriate camping gear you will need. Forgetting an essential piece of camping gear can lead to a miserable and even disastrous camping trip. The following are some essential gear that you need to be sure to pack for a great camping trip.

#1 - Sleeping Bag - One of the most important pieces of camping gear that you will need is a sleeping bag. Sleep is a very important part of your trip and you will want to be sure that you do not end up sleeping on the cold ground with the bugs and other crawling things. Before you leave on your trip, be sure that you check the sleeping bag off your essential pieces of gear.

#2 - Food - Unless you want to go hungry or scrounge for food on your camping trip, you better remember to pack the food you are going to eat. Make sure you take food that will not need to be refrigerated and will provide you with plenty of energy on your camping trip.

#3 - Water - Water is another essential piece of camping gear that you will need on any camping expedition. Remember that it is always unsafe to drink out of rivers and streams, so you need to be sure that you bring your own water along. Humans need water to survive, so if you want to survive your camping trip without having stop for a trip home or to a store, be sure that you have the water you need.

#4 - Tent - When you go camping, you never know what kind of weather may be coming your way. It is always important to have a tent with you so you can have protection against any weather that you run into. There are different sizes and styles of tents that you can choose from, depending on your needs, but make sure that you have one along.

#5 - Flashlight - At least part of the time that you are camping, you will be in the dark, and more than likely there will be no electricity readily available. While a campfire will provide some light, you may need light in your tent or if you have to go off into the woods after dark. Make sure that you take a durable flashlight that will withstand the rain, and you may even want to pack extra batteries just in case you need them.

#6 - First Aid Kit - Before you go out into the wild, you need to make sure that you are prepared for anything that can happen, and you never know when an accident can happen when you are camping. Be sure that you take a first aid kit with you in case anyone gets scratched, cut, or seriously injured. While it is best to prevent accidents from happening, it is always wise to be prepared.

#7 - Knife - Another very important piece of camping gear to take with you is a good knife. Knives are very versatile and can be used for a variety of things like cutting food, opening packages, or even filleting fish if you decide to go fishing.

These are just a few essential items that you should take along with you as part of your camping gear. While there are many other things that you may want to take along, make sure that you put these seven things at the top of your list!

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What To Look For In A Camping Knife

When planning for a trip into the woods, there are many accessories that can make an adventure easier to enjoy. As you pack up the tent, gather snacks, food and drink, certain survival resources and tools will come in handy depending on the types of activities you wish to enjoy while roughing it in the wild. Sometimes overlooked during the packing of supplies, a camping knife allows individuals to perform a variety of tasks that range from survival to food preparation. Many considering the purchase of a camping knife should consider the following factors:

Type of Knife

There are two basic types of knife blades that a camper may choose to bring along: fixed or folding. Knives with a fixed blade are made from one solid piece of steel that is anchored to a handle. They come ready to use with a high level of durability and dependability. This type of knife works well to clean, skin or bone fish and also becomes of use when a campsite needs clearing of brush. A fixed knife also accompanies minor medical emergencies.

A folding blade is often referred to as a pocket knife and does not possess the same durability, but is convenient nonetheless. Some pocket knifes provide a camper with multiple blades, as well as additional contraptions, such as a variety of tools. A folding knife allows campers to complete woodworking projects, hunt, hike, perform first aid, and assist numerous camping tasks. The versatility and usefulness of a folding blade is also extended by its small, flexible, lightweight nature.

Purpose

During a camping trip, there are several different tasks that may arise. Whether it is preparing the fish you caught for dinner or opening a lukewarm beer, a camping knife can make life easier. For those seeking a multi-purpose knife for camping, they may want to side with a Swiss Army knife, which offers many different attached tools, such as scissors, locking Phillips screwdriver, universal hex wrench, tweezers, a corkscrew, and a bottle opener. For those looking for a study tool possessing a wealth of strength, a fixed camping knife should be selected.

Blade Length

To complete some of the most common camping tasks, a blade that measures 10 to 20 centimeters (or 4-8 inches) is often used. Sometimes a smaller blade will accommodate a camper in most of their situations.

Blade Thickness

Depending on the length of the knife, most camping selections offer a blade thickness of 3 to 6 millimeters (1/8 to 1/4 inch).

Blade Style (Material)

There are many different materials from which a blade is constructed from that can offer a wide-range of capabilities. Non-stainless blades are fashioned from carbon and alloy steels and offer a high level of toughness, but shows weakness towards rust. When two or more metals are used for the creation of a blade, it is called a Damascus. Although brittle, non-steels ceramic blades are non-corrosive. Titanium blades are also non-corrosive, as well as lighter than steel.

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Camping With Or Without A Remote Control In The Great Outdoors

While on a recent camping trip, I was outside my tent looking up at the brilliant stars in the night sky. The sound of hummingbirds had faded with the last light of the sun and was replaced with crickets cheering wind blown pine needles racing across the dirt to a final resting place. In the past, my evening's entertainment in the wild included a gathering of rabbits, a deer or two, maybe even a coyote howling in the distance, but now I had additional choices of entertainment. I could watch TVs glowing from RV windows. I could listen to a hard rock band blaring from someones stereo. Or even try to play name that tune with the rhythm and hum of a generator behind me in spot number seventy-two.

How did camping change for so many of us over the years? It has become a different world in the wild and getting harder to determine what type of campground you are headed to until you have your stakes in the ground. RV's are popular, and are changing the landscape of the wilderness. Whether you are a snow bird, a retiree or just a wanderer, they are great. They provide a home away from home and are still cheaper than motels. You may pay more in gas, but less in lodging and you are in the great outdoors along with your tv, stereo, shower and other accessories.

Years ago, campgrounds had more tent sites and a minority number of RV sites here and there. The scale is shifting and it's becoming more common to have a locale with 80 RV sites and 10 tent-only sites. More and more places don't allow tents at all. On a recent trip, I found tent sites that were overgrown with weeds while the RV sites were getting ruts from all the wheels rolling heavy loads over their spaces. One beautiful newly built state campground had closed down in less than a year because the water at the boat launch was too low. Brand new bathrooms, solar panels and picnic tables sat unused except by spiders. They were gated and blocked off in a paradise to the solace seeker instead of charging less money for a different kind of camper? One without a boat or jet ski.

When researching online for campgrounds, the lines of distinction are blurred if not lost. You may find RV Parks and hope they have a couple of tent sites off to the side of the pull throughs. You may find a cheap or even free campground at the end of a washboard road and hope that it can accommodate your wheel base. But many times you are in for a surprise as the sun goes down and you are a road coffee shy of alternatives. No matter the extent of research, things are different when you get in the wild. Forest and Park services suffer from budget cuts and their condition knowledge and maintenance is not always up to date. You may find varying classes of fees whether you have a rv, use hookups or just pound stakes. Many parks charge full price whether or not you need hookups and water.

Many state and national parks are cramming more spaces into smaller areas and charging more for them, some near $35 in 2007. You may pay a fee closer to a cheap motel and get less space to yourself. It may not be all wide open spaces. In a RV, you can close the windows. Out in your sleeping bag, you may feel like the person snoring in the space next door has rolled into your tent.

If you love camping, you need to keep getting out there in whatever way you may choose. It's just getting harder to get away from it all.

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Camping Equipment Check

You will have a more relaxed and enjoyable camping vacation if you are well organized. A sound camping equipment check will help you do just that. Whether you are going for a week end or a fortnight you also want to check where the campsites are at the location you want to go. It is a good idea to call ahead and make sure that there will be a space for you. This is especially important if the period includes a national holiday. Make sure that you have some knowledge of the area in which you'll be staying before you decide to stay there. If you plan on taking the family dog check whether that's allowed at the camping site. If it isn't then you may need to find a kennel.

When camping, the following list includes basic equipment needed for all camping trips.

* Tent
* Ground sheet
* Tent poles
* Tent pegs
* Sleeping bags
* Camping stove and kettle
* Blankets - it gets cold at night
* A large torch
* Portable lamp
* Portable toilet
* Pots, pans and cutlery
* Insect spray
* Water carrier - you don't want to be trekking for this every five minutes

If you're a seasoned camper you can probably think of other camping equipment that you would consider essential. It is a good idea to make your lists well in advance as people often forget the silliest things. As you are packing check your camping equipment and make sure that everything is in good order. There's nothing worse than putting your tent up and finding a split in the top.

Many campsites will have a camp shop for daily necessities and some may even carry pieces of camping equipment - but it is best not to rely on it. Make sure that you have tea/coffee, soda, dried milk, and water. The first thing you will want once you've arrived and put up the tent is something to drink. Take some cookies and potato chips or your favorite treats for late night munching.

If this is a family holiday then don't go without some books and games to keep the kids entertained. You might also want to add aspirin, bandages, and antiseptic cream to your camping equipment list. Whatever you do don't go without matches and paraffin (if that's what you use) to light the stove. Always take some insect repellent and sunscreen even if it isn't summer. You'll need it because you'll be spending time in the outdoors. Make sure that you have towels, soap and toothbrushes and toothpaste before you finalize your camping equipment check list. Have a great, stress free vacation.

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Basic Rock Climbing Gear

We've all seen rock climbers on television or in the movies. Climbing rocks and cliffs take skill and endurance. In case you were thinking about taking up rock climbing, a listing of the necessary equipment is outlined below.

Shoes: You can't wear your everyday hiking boots to climb a rock. Your shoe should be stiff and fit like a glove. Snug but not too tight. Because comfort is a concern, it's best not to mail order shoes for rock climbing, you'll definitely want to try them on first.

Harness: A harness is worn for safety and attaches to a rope so you won't fall off the rock. Your sales associate will help you find a harness that fits properly, but you'll want to be sure the harness fits comfortably around your thighs and waist.

Carbiners: These are actually hooks. You'll use these to attach different items to your harness.

Helmet: This very important piece of rock climbing equipment will protect your head from falling debris. It will also guard you against bumps and bruises if you should happen to bang against a wall. This may in fact, be the most important piece of rock climbing equipment you own. Make sure you try on your helmet prior to purchasing and that it fits comfortably.

Chalk: Rubbed on your hands, chalk will help you grip rocks. Comes in powdered or ball form.

Chalk Bag: Holds chalk and attaches to your harness.

Rope: Rope should be 10 or 11 millimeters in diameter and 50 to 60 meters long and should be able to stretch a bit under tension to protect a climber in the event of a fall.

Belay Device: This is used to hold a climber's rope. It helps the belayer protect the climber.

If you're interested in rock climbing but don't know where to start, be sure to do your research. Not only are there plenty of books available, but there are articles all over the internet. It's strongly urged that you take lessons with an experienced instructor. If you're unsure of the proper equipment, your instructor or experienced sales person can help you with this. It's better to pay extra money to ensure safety than get seriously injured or worse because you don't know what you're doing.

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How Mountain Bike Gears Work

The gears in mountain bikes just keep getting more and more intricate. The bikes of today have as many as 27 gear ratios. A mountain bike will use a combination of three different sized sprockets in front and nine in the back to produce gear ratios.

The idea behind all these gears is to allow the rider to crank the pedals at a constant pace no matter what kind of slope the bike is on. You can understand this better by picturing a bike with just a single gear. Each time you rotate the pedals one turn, the rear wheel would rotate one turn as well (1:1 gear ratio).

If the rear wheel is 26 inches in diameter, then with 1:1 gearing, one full twist on the pedals would result in the wheel covering 81.6 inches of ground. If you are pedaling at a speed of 50 RPM, this means that the bike can cover over 340 feet of ground per minute. This is only 3.8 MPH, which is the equivalence of walking speed. This is ideal for climbing a steep hill, although bad for ground or going downhill.

To go faster you'll need a different ratio. To ride downhill at 25 MPH with a 50 RPM cadence at the pedals, you'll need a 5.6:1 gear ratio. A bike with a lot of gears will give you a large number of increments between a 1:1 gear ratio and a 6.5:1 gear ratio so that you can always pedal at 50 RPM, no matter how fast you are actually going.

On a normal 27 speed mountain bike, six of the gear ratios are so close to each other that you can't notice any difference between them.

With actual use, bike riders tend to choose a front sprocket suitable for the slope they are riding on and stick with it, although the front sprocket can be difficult to shift under heavy load. It's much easier to shit between the gears on the rear.

If you are cranking up a hill, it's best to choose the smallest sprocket on the front then shift between the nine gears available on the rear. The more speeds you have on the back sprocket, the bigger advantage you'll have.

All in all, gears are very important to mountain bikes as they dictate your overall speed. Without gears you wouldn't be able to build speed nor would you be able to pound pedals. The gears will move the pedals and help you build up speed.

There are all types of gears available in mountain bikes, all of which will help you build up a lot of momentum if you use them the right way.

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Basic Paintball Gear Needed

The biggest concern while playing paintball is the safety and security of the players. Wearing the proper paintball gear will help to ensure that nobody will become injured while playing this fast-paced sport. Without a doubt, the use of air-pressured guns can be very dangerous if a person is not wearing appropriate safety gear.

There is a variety of paintball gear required when playing this sport, not just the paintball gun or marker. To help ensure you have all the proper equipment for this action-packed sport, below is a list of gears each person must have before he or she plays the sport.

1. The paintball mask is an essential piece of equipment that will protect your face. Since most serious injuries incurred are in the face, you are not allowed to play if you do not wear a protective mask.
2. Eye protection is another important piece of protection. Investing in a good set of goggles will prevent any splat of paint for getting into your eyes.
3. Each person must have a paintball gun. The gun is used to eliminate your opponent, and thus is a critical piece in your arsenal. Remember to thoroughly research the different types of guns available before making your selection.
4. Of course, you must also have paintballs to shoot at your opponents. You should try to conserve your paintballs while playing and only shoot when you have the target in site.
5. The hopper is another piece of paintball gear you can't do without. The hopper is where your paintballs are placed. Standard hoppers will load your gun at a rate of 12bps or less. For faster guns, you will want an electronic hopper.
6. The barrel is used to guide the paintball towards the intended target. Brass barrels are relatively inexpensive and allow you to shoot in a straight path and at higher speeds because there is reduced friction.
7. Having air supply is essential and is used in both guns and pistols. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are available. The carbon dioxide is less expensive, but nitrogen is better.

There are other optional accessories such as belt packs, scopes and kits that can give you an even greater advantage over your opponent. Some accessories are also needed to keep your paintball in good working condition. These include oil for lubing your gun, a squeegee for cleaning the barrel, and extra rings and seals.

The paintball gear that we listed above can be used as a basic checklist for beginners as you research the sport and before you begin making any purchases. Playing paintball is great fun, but the costs can run up quickly.

If you do not have the extra money, start with the basic gear first, then purchase additional options as time goes on. Keep in mind you must be fully protected when playing paintball, so proper clothing and safety gear should be a top priority.

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Framing Materials Of Your Mountain Bike

The cost of a mountain bike frame is proportionate to its material, as well as the treatment that material has received. Currently, there are five types of material used in mountain bikes - high tensile steel, chromoly steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Oversized diameters, heat treating, and butting are tubing material treatments that will increase the cost of a frame as well.

High tensile steel This is a very durable alloy that's found in lower priced mountain bikes. It offers a high carbon content which makes it less stiff than chromoly steel, so more materials are needed to make it stiff enough for bicycle frames, which will in turn make it that much heavier.

Relatively inexpensive to produce, you'll find this material in trail bikes, city bikes, and even entry level mountain bikes. There are some bikes that come with a chromoly seat tube, while the rest is high tensile steel.

Chromoly steel Short for steel alloy, chromoly is best described by its major additives - chromium and molybdenum. This is probably the most refined framing material, giving over 100 years of dependable service.

Depending on the type of heat treating and butting, you can find this material in bikes as low as 400 dollars all the way up to 1,500 and beyond. The chromoly steel material offers very good durability and a compliant ride characteristic.

Aluminum For the past 15 years, aluminum has been refined in pretty much the same way as chromoly. There have been various alloys developed, as well as heat treatment, oversizing, and butting. With dual suspension bikes, aluminum is the preferred material as it's the stiffest and most cost effective.

Aluminum is stiffer than chromoly, and therefore it will crack before chromoly. Of course, this depends on how you ride and how much abuse you give the frame. The advantages of aluminum is that the frame is very light and very stiff through oversizing or butting.

Titanium Even thought it's somewhat exotic, the prices for this material have come down over the last few years. Frames made of titanium remain expensive because it takes longer to weld the tubes to the frame.

Titanium is considered an alloy, normally mixed with small amounts of vanadium and aluminum to give it better weldability and ride characteristics. More compliant than chromoly, it offers better fatigue and corrosion properties.

The material you choose for your bike, all depends on where you ride and what style you use. Almost all materials will last you for years, as long as you take care of your bike and treat the frame with some respect.

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Clothes For Winter Riding

Mountain biking in cold weather has always been a challenge. The problem is that you'll start out cold then warm up and break a sweat, making yourself wet. Then, when you travel downhill, the combination of wet skin and windchill will be quite chilling.

Below, you'll find a list of the cold weather clothing that will make winter riding less of a bone chilling experience.

Booties In cold temperatures, your feet are the most vulnerable part of your anatomy. Pressure from pedaling will tend to cut off the circulation to your toes, which can put you at a risk of frostbite. In cold conditions, neoprene booties are a must have. They will zip over your shoes and even have a pattern in the sole where you can cut out a piece for cleats.

Gloves There are several manufacturers that make "lobster gloves", a hybrid glove that separates your index finger and thumb from the rest of your hand. These gloves are warmer than regular gloves, and the distinct index finger will allow you to operate your shifting and brake levers.

In case your hands get cold, you should carry a pair of lightweight glove liners will you as well. If you have to stop to take care of a problem, the liners will protect your hands from the cold.

Glasses Glasses that wraparound and provide maximum protection from the wind are best to wear in the winter. You can protect yourself from debris, as well as the cold.

Socks You should wear heavy socks although not to heavy. A sock that is overly heavy will make your shoes tight, cut off circulation, even make your feet cold. You should try lightweight socks, as they will keep your feet warm without bulk. If you need an extra layer, try silk ski socks as they are very warm and also extra lightweight.

Underwear Polypropylene is the best material here, as it is lightweight and best for colder temperatures.

Wind protection Moving air is the biggest cause for losing body heat. By having good wind protection you'll be able to vent perspiration while also protecting yourself from windchill. You should choose pants and a jacket based on durability, breathing, and price as these types of clothing can get very experience.

Helmet and liners Your head is very important, as you lose 50% of your body heat through your head. A helmet is designed to keep you cool in the summer, not warm in the winter. A fleece liner inside your helmet will keep your head and ears warm during winter riding.

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ATVing on a Budget

When you start researching the sport of ATVing you will quickly discover that this sport can be expensive if you don't watch your spending. When you make an investment in your recreational time such as an ATV, you want make sure you get your money's worth. There are a good number of ways to ride your ATV cheaply and still have a great time out on the trails.

When you purchase your first ATV, you will have two choices for how to obtain it. A company that sells ATVs on the Internet such as Raceway will deliver your ATV right to your door or you can use a local company and go pick one out in person. The stock in a local store will give you far less choices than the wide variety that can be offered on the Internet.

Hauling Your ATV
You will then need a way to get your ATV out to your favorite riding spots. You can get a trailer specifically made for hauling ATVs and those cost a pretty penny usually or if you have a truck or van, most ATVs will fit right inside with no hassles. A loading ramp will make getting your ATV into and out of a truck or van a piece of cake, however most trailheads have premade embankments that are made for loading and unloading 4-wheelers directly from passenger vehicles. If you need to haul more than one ATV, you can rent a trailer from a place like U-haul for roughly $10 per day.

Maintaining Your ATV
ATVs are machines and all machines need regular maintenance. Most ATVs come with a little tool kit for giving your ATV a quickie once over. You don't need to run out and purchase a full tool kit; everything you need to do basic maintenance will come with your ATV. You will be able to tighten any bolts that need it, change the occasional sparkplug when necessary and change your oil if it needs it. Doing preventative maintenance on your ATV will save you in the long run because when you let little minor problems become big mechanical problems, they tend to cost a lot more.

Gas
With the price of gasoline at records highs, get a couple of gas cans and fill them up when you notice the gas prices take a drop. This will save you a few dollars and if you ride your ATV on a regular basis you will save money in the long run.

Extend Your Riding Times
After hauling your ATV all the way out to your favorite trails, instead of spending the day just riding with your friends, make it a long weekend and enjoy a couple of days camping out and riding the trails. It's more cost effective to spend a little time on the trails after you consider gasoline, hauling time and travel time. Relax and enjoy the scenery on your ATV.

ATVing is a lot of fun and it's a great way for a family to escape the stresses of daily life and enjoy the simple beautifies of nature together. Use these tips to make your new hobby economical and even more fun.

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Buying A Mountain Bike

It can be a bit frustrating as well as time consuming when you buy a mountain bike. Below, you'll find some tips and things to be aware of before you lay down the cash and buy a mountain bike.

Determining your price

There is really no limit as to how much money you can spend on a new mountain bike. To help you keep your spending under control, you should figure out what your price range is and how much your willing to pay for a new bike. When you buy, you shouldn't buy from mass merchant stores such as Wal-Mart. You should instead support your local bike shop and get a much better bike and much better service.

Finding your style.

All mountain bikes are designed with several different riding styles and terrain types in mind. You'll need to figure out what type of riding you will be doing the most. Smooth riding, cross country racing, mountain cruising, or lift accessed downhill is something you need to figure out. Make sure that the bike you select fits your personal style and not that of the sale's staff.

Full suspension or hard tail.

If you can afford it, a full suspension mountain bike is always worth the purchase. A hard tail, without rear suspension, is much lighter weight and pedal more efficiently, although full suspensions offer more comfort and overall better control. You'll want to make that decision based on your price range, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on the most.

Finding your favorites.

Comparing mountain bikes component to component is nearly impossible, as there are far too many combinations available. The best way to go about doing this is finding a few components that are the most important to you and making sure the rest or the minimums fall within your price range. You can start with the fork then look at the wheels and rear derailleur.

Sales and seasons.

During the year, the prices of mountain bikes can fluctuate quite a bit. Spring through summer is the main buying season. If you can wait until the right price pops up, normally in the fall and winter, you can save a couple hundred dollars. Many bike shops will also offer discounts or other accessories if you buy from them.

Finding a good dealer.

Finding a good bike dealer is more important than finding the best price. You should always find a dealer that cares more about selling you a great bike than selling you a high priced one. A great dealer will have a clean repair shop and give you the impression that you can really trust them.

Test ride.

You should test ride as many bikes as you can within your price range and riding style. You'll find that some bikes will feel right, while others won't. The more bikes you can test drive, you better you'll understand what works and what doesn't.

Doing the research Product reviews and bike reviews are some of the best ways to find out about a mountain bikes reliability and overall performance. You should always look at what other owners and reviews think about a bike before you make that final purchase.

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A Look At A Variety Of Pocket Knives

A pocket knife is a folding knife with a blade that fits inside the handle and that is small enough to fit in a pocket, with blades no larger than 3 to 5 in. in length. These knives are very versatile tools, and can be used for anything from opening an envelope, to cutting rope, to slicing fruit.

Pocket knives can cost anywhere from $1 at convenience stores, to thousands of dollars for custom, hand-crafted pieces. Well-made knives start at around $20.

Most light duty pocket knives are slip joints, which means the blade does not lock, but once it's opened it locks in place by a spring device that allows the blade to fold with a certain amount of pressure applied.

These knives often have more than one blade, (serrated, plain edged, saws) as well as a other tools such as bottle openers, corkscrews and scissors. A large tool selection is the signature of the Swiss Army Knife. These knives are issued to the army and sold to the public.

The German Army knife is large but light, with two blades opening from each side. It has hard plastic grips and aluminum liners. The United States Army knife used to have blades susceptible to rust and brass liners but now all Stainless Steel and very heavy and rugged. It has four blades opening from the same side. The handle, has rough edges, but can be rounded.

There are many traditional types of folding knives:
A pen knife: a small, thin knife with one or two pen blades, that does not interfere with the appearance of dress clothes, when carried in a pocket.

The Leatherman: similar combination of tools compete with multi-bladed knives, but most of these are too large for carrying in a pocket. The "main blade" is typically a pair of pliers and there is typically one non-locking knife blade.

Locking Knife: medium-sized lock back knife with deer-antler grips, nickel-silver bolsters and brass liners

Locking Pocket Knives became popular in the 1900's. Companies like Buck, Benchmade, Camillus, Gerber, Kershaw Letherman and Spyderco, to name a few, have created a wide range of products with locks of all types. This most popular form is similar to a slip joint, except that instead of the user releasing the blade with pressure, the user has to press on a lever on the back of the knife handle to release the blade, adding a level of safety. There are other types of locks; some of the more popular ones are the liner lock, the frame lock, and the Axis lock.

Even the Swiss Army knife has adopted the locks on some knives. Leatherman tools are now available with locking blades. Most locking knives have only one blade, as large as can be fit in the handle. An electrician's knife typically has a locking screwdriver blade but a non-locking knife blade.

Nearly all pocket knives are legal to own, but they increasingly face legal restrictions on their use. While pocket knives are almost always used as tools, they do have the potential to become weapons. In many places it is illegal to conceal knives larger than a certain size, or with certain locking or opening mechanisms.

They are often banned or heavily restricted in secure areas, such as schools and airports. Switchblades and other "auto-openers" are banned from interstate shipment by the U.S. Government and prohibited entirely in many places, including 37 US states. Nevertheless, they retain a significant following, associated with those who enjoy camping, hunting, fishing, and so on.

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What You Need to Know About Paintball Guns

Paintball is becoming one of the most loved hobbies today. With exciting game play and awesome equipment options, paintball sure is a hobby that should be explored.

The heart of a paintball game is the paintball gun. Without the gun, the game play of paintball would be rather boring. Paintball guns are filled with paint (what else) and uses a gas which expands rapidly (like carbon dioxide) to propel the paint balls into the target.
The air can propel a ball through the air at approximately 300 feet per second. This is the appropriate speed for a paint ball so as to make it break when it comes in contact with a target and to avoid tissue damage upon contact.

There are several components that comprise the paintball gun. These are:

a) Body
b) Barrel
c) hopper
d) tank

There are many different customizations that one can do with his paintball gun. A person can choose from a variety of guns with different specifications and features. There are paintball guns out there that have a firing system which is electro-pneumatic, which means that the firing system is electronically controlled. There are also sear trippers which utilizes a hammer which slams into the valve containing the bullet which propels it into target. There are also paint guns out there which utilize the power of the gas to propel the ball into the air.

When it comes to the barrels of paintball guns, they usually come in 12, 16, 18 or 20 inches. There are also people out there who were able to order customized paintball gun barrels which can reach up to 40 inches! People opt to have longer barrels because these barrels make less noise than the shorter ones because they limit the escape of excess gas.

However, there's no difference in terms of accuracy or noise reduction qualities when it comes to comparing a 16-inch barrel to a 40-inch barrel. The problem with very long barrels is that it can slow a player down quite significantly.

Paintball guns also come in different firing modes. Some paintball guns have pump action, but this type of gun is not for the player who seeks speed because it requires manual cocking. However, it is a good gun have when learning the basics of paintball because it focuses on skills and not on fire power. There are also semi-automatic paintball guns in the market. It reloads a new paintball whenever the trigger is pulled. The fully automatic paintball guns give a lot of fire power. These guns will reload and fire automatic rounds as long as the trigger is pulled.

Here are some tips on how to choose a paintball gun:

1. Know your budget

As with any other hobby, one must define his budget for buying a paintball gun. The guns in the market can cost from a hundred dollars to less than a thousand. Guns which are semi-automatic and fully automatic ones use more gas than the manually reloaded ones. These factors should all be considered when defining one's budget.

2. Be practical

If it's possible for a player to play with a borrowed gun, he might as well do that and rethink about buying a brand new one.

3. Shop for second-hand guns

Another option is to buy a second-hand paintball gun. These guns are usually good enough to play decently without digging a deep hole in one's pockets.

4. Ask the best buy

If one is too enthusiastic about getting a brand new gun, he should consult his buddies regarding what gun gives quality performance at a reasonable price.

These are some simple tips which can be overlooked sometimes. Remember that paintball is just a hobby, a great one if I may say but it's not something that should waste one's money away. Be wise and have fun.

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