Camping & Backpacking : What Should I Take on a Camping Trip?

Posted: March 3rd, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Typical camping supplies include food, a first-aid kit, toothbrushes, razors, toiler paper, toiletries, sleeping bags and anything else that helps an individual to be comfortable. Discover the importance of a flashlight on a camping trip with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on camping supplies. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso


Camping & Backpacking : Types of Sleeping Bags & Their Uses

Posted: March 1st, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

When choosing a sleeping bag, it’s important to take temperature into consideration, and also to avoid using sleeping bags that are filled with cotton. Discover why goose down and synthetic sleeping bags make for good choices with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on sleeping bags. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso


Wilderness Survival : How to Put Up a Dome Tent

Posted: February 26th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

A dome tent should be set up on nice, flat ground with a ground cloth underneath, so that the tent is protected from moisture and dew. Find out how to put tent poles together to make a dome shape with help from an Eagle Scout in this free video on camping gear. Expert: Charlie Vance Contact: www.SwimmingPoolAnswers.com Bio: Charlie Vance has been camping since he was a kid. Vance spent time with the Army, and was part of Boy Scouts of America for nearly a decade, making it all the way through Eagle Scout. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz


Making The Most of Expedition Camping

Posted: February 14th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Outdoor Activity | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

Unlike camping out in your back garden or in the local area for the weekend expedition camping equipment has to be able to withstand some extreme conditions. Of course the exact items you need will be dependant on the expeditions you enjoy. For instance Nordic skiing will require vastly different equipment to say canoeing in the Ardeche region of France.

But you will soon find that there are some essentials to bring no matter what type of expedition you are going on. Most of the time you will find it best to start off selecting the rucksack you will be making use of as you will then know the exact size you need to fit all your gear into. It is always best to be able to fit all of your gear into a single bag and a rucksack that is not too large will also help you keep the weight down. Getting you bag at the beginning is recommended as that way you can keep the amount of kit you need to bring to the absolute essentials in order that it will fit in your bag.

Next in line will be a shelter. Tents are clearly a popular option but you can also make use of a decent quality hammock for camping. Of course the type of tent you get will depend on the weather conditions with a four seasons tent necessary for winter conditions. One issue people have mentioned with hammocks is that because you are in the air your back can get cold as you are sleeping. You will want to get a nice sleeping mat that will provide you with adequate insulation in order that you stay warm whilst camping.

Then there is the matter of a sleeping bag. Again the climate will play a large role here. However when it comes to shape a mummy style sleeping bag will pack smaller and keep you warmer as it hugs your body more closely. Nowadays almost all sleeping bags will unzip meaning they can be in used in nearly all kinds of weather conditions.


Things You Can’t do Without When Camping

Posted: February 4th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Outdoor Activity | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

If you have not been camping before or haven’t been in the great outdoors for a while then there are a few things to bear in mind regarding camping equipment. It will not take you long to realise that with camping equipment you will get exactly what you pay for. A small amount extra upfront will result in a much better selection of equipment. You will find that these pieces of equipment will last much longer. If camping is something you would like to do on a more consistent basis then you will find a little more spend initially is actually going to be more economical.

Shelter is one of the key pillars of survival and a good quality tent will make all the different when you go camping. Tents are made to stand up in different conditions and season for this reason if you want to do some winter camping a four season tent is the option worth considering. Alternatively tents designed for the summer months will be lighter to carry around, so if you only ever go camping in the summer then these will be the tents for you.

With regards to your rucksack as mentioned above the weight of certain items is going to play a role in your enjoyment of the trip. In general those starting out with camping will pack far too much kit than they need and try to cater for all circumstances. Aside from the essential outdoor clothing, tent, food, water and your sleeping bags anything extra is just going to add weight without any significant advantages. Occasionally people may deem it necessary to carry a small stove although these can be heavy and a fire should be sufficient.

Removing unnecessary items from your pack is going to make your trip that much easier and fun. Water is one of those things often not considered when trying to cut down on weight. You will usually be able to get water whilst on your camping trip and simply boiling will make it safe to drink. Cutting down on water will greatly reduce the weight you need to carry.


Camping & Backpacking : How to Make a Fire Pit

Posted: February 4th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

When building a fire pit, it’s important to use igneous rocks as opposed to river rocks because river rocks have a tendency to carry water. Learn about avoiding forest fires by clearing organic debris from a fire pit area with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on fire pits. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso


Survival Tools: Making Sure You Are Prepared

Posted: January 25th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Outdoor Activity | Tags: , , , | No Comments »

Being able to get outside and be in nature is a relaxing and enjoyable experience that most people welcome. But you do need to have some knowledge of the great outdoors. Nature can be a bounteous provider but it can also be unforgiving to those who venture forth without adequate equipment. The right tools for a particular trip or excursion is something that you will be able to find out about online from many of the reputable outdoor clothing and equipment retailers.

As you never quite know what the weather is going to go or where you will be going you will need to make sure your clothing is strong, durable and comfortable to wear. These items of outdoor clothing of most manufacturers will be made from the best possible materials, which is something that is going to provide you with clothing items that will last you for a long time to come.

Check out the fabulous range of waterproof and windproof outdoor jackets and trousers, too, from top brands like GORE-TEX, Swazi, Nanok, and Norrona. The benefit of jackets like these is that they will keep you warm and dry when the rain hits but as soon as it’s sunny they will pack small in your backpack. Staying warm is essential and the wind chill factor is something that can be eliminated with a Gore-Tex jacket, as it totally wind proof.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of tools like these woodcarving tools when you venture into the wilderness. Tools like a knife and axe are some essentials when it comes to surviving outside for an extended period of time. Take for example the Gransfors axes from Ray Mears is an ideal tool for surviving the elements perfectly balanced with a beautifully smooth hickory handle, and hand-forged using traditional Swedish methods, once you’ve used one, you’ll never want to go forth into the great outdoors without one again.


Camping Gear : Camping & Hiking Foods

Posted: January 24th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments »

Foods for hiking and camping need to be nutritious and light weight. Learn about great food to bring on camping trips with tips from an outdoor activity expert in this free camping video. Expert: Brant Bowers Bio: Brant Bowers has worked in the Camping Department at Bill Jackson’s sporting goods store since 2004. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz


Wilderness Survival : About Lightweight Camping Tents

Posted: December 9th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

A camping tent that is light in weight, such as three to five pounds, is ideal for a hiking trip that involves traveling for many miles. Discover how lightweight tents will allow a hiker to carry more food with help from an Eagle Scout in this free video on camping gear. Expert: Charlie Vance Contact: www.SwimmingPoolAnswers.com Bio: Charlie Vance has been camping since he was a kid. Vance spent time with the Army, and was part of Boy Scouts of America for nearly a decade, making it all the way through Eagle Scout. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz


Camping & Backpacking Tips & Gear : Backpacking With White Gas Stoves

Posted: October 31st, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Liquid fuel stoves are harder to start than a cartridge stove. Learn about white gas stoves and cooking on backpacking trips in this free camping video from a hiking expert. Expert: Brant Bowers Bio: Brant Bowers has worked in the Camping Department at Bill Jackson’s sporting goods store since 2004. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz


Camping Trips : Camping Tips: Food & Cooking

Posted: October 11th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments »

Food for camping trips can be as simple or as lavish as the camper desires. Cook good camping food with tips from a scoutmaster in this free camping video. Expert: Rusty Martin Bio: Rusty Martin is a Boy Scout leader who attended Scout Master training in 2006. Filmmaker: Evakay Favia


Camping & Backpacking : Types of Camping Tents

Posted: August 25th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Camping tents are typically made out of lightweight nylon and aluminum poles, and it’s important to remember to get a tent that is big enough to hold the designated amount of campers. Find out why good camping tips should be lightweight and easy to dry with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on camping tents. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso


How to Plan Camping Trips : Tips for Boat Camping

Posted: July 21st, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »




Boat camping is a little different than traditional outdoor camping. Learn tips for boat camping in this free video. Expert: Albert William Hedgepeth Bio: Albert Hedgepeth has enjoyed the outdoors since birth participating a variety of outdoor activities. Filmmaker: Albert Hedgepeth


Camping & Backpacking : Camping Cooking Tips

Posted: July 9th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments »



When considering cooking on a camping trip, it’s important to remember that block ice is better than ice cubes, and that cooking over an open fire is best achieved through hot coals and not open flames. Learn about tinfoil as a great cooking tool on camping trips with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on campfire cooking. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso


Camping & Backpacking : How to Build a Campfire

Posted: July 3rd, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Camping Tips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »




A campfire should be built with progression in mind, meaning that the fire should start small and build towards a bigger fire. Find out how to use birch bark as the base layer of a campfire with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on building campfires. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso