July 2nd, 2009
The Satmap Active 10 is a Satnav and ordenance survey map all in one and is part of a new breed of camping / walking gizmos becoming available.
The gadget itself comes in a waterproof box and is comparitively light when compared tto other similar systems on the market. The Satmap Active 10 has a color screen that is 3.5 inches and has a backlight to help you in your time of need.
This version is exceptionally easy to use and because it comes with batteries can be used straight out of the box, giving you time to familiarize yourself with the interface.
Some features of the Satmap active 10 include showing you where you started from and the exact route you took to get there and all this on an ordenance survey map. Im sure there are many more features besides, however these are beyond my one day trial and would probably require some studying of the instruction booklet however for most the basic features will be ample.
If i had to state one aspect of the Satmap Active 10 that i was not 100% happy with it would be the awkward joystick, however this in no way ruins what is essentially a great tool.
Tags: camping, Exact Route, Gadget, Gizmos, Map, Ordenance Survey, Satmap, satmap active, satmap active 10, Satnav
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June 29th, 2009
Two man dome tents are probably the most popular tent in the camping market. This type of tent is a must for anybody serious about camping and for this reason it is hardly surprising that this is a very crowded sector for manufacturers and designers.
This type of tent is probably the best multi-purpose tent available and is perfect for festivals or a camping weekend away. It is also perfect as a spare tent in the event of extra people wishing to join you on your camping holiday.
Most manufacturers will have a two berth dome tent as part of their range and ‘Easy Camp’ is no exception. ‘Easy Camp’ is a Danish company and their Torino 200 is probably one of their most popular designs, especially within their budget range.
The Torino 200 has two windows on either side of the main door which have curtains that can be closed (with velco). The windows themselves reduce the cramped feel that is often such a problem with tents of this size.
Overall the Torino 200 is a good budget tent and ideal for those looking to keep costs to a minimum or use the tent as disposable (perfect for festivals). The tent easily fits into the tent bag and can be easily packed away with minimum fuss.
Tags: Camping Holiday, Camping Market, Camping Weekend, Dome Tent, Man Tent, Multi Purpose Tent, tent, Tent Camping, tent reviews, Torino
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June 27th, 2009
Enjoy the highest-rated campgrounds in northeastern New York at Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground in Cooperstown, New York. Located off Interstate 88, our park lies between the splendid Catskill and Adirondack Mountains and provides a wealth of activities for New York campers! Join us at Cooperstown Shadow Brook between May 18th and October 14th, and create a beautiful memory in the scenic Leatherstocking Region.
The plentitude of activities at our campgrounds will please even the most finicky person in your family. Relax in our heated swimming pool or catch some rays on our sun-tanning deck. Play horseshoes, rent a paddleboat or bask in the sunlight and try catching a fish from our spring-fed pond. Or, take advantage of our great themed weekends and fun events such as chili cook-offs, swimming races, or clam bakes!
There are plenty of day trips for you to enjoy! Revel in all things baseball at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Enjoy displays and exhibits featuring our national pastime. Howe Caverns offer fun-filled adventures such as lantern tours and rides on the underground Lake of Venus! You can even take a pony ride or try to find precious stones when you go gemstone mining. Make your online reservations today and prepare to play at Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campgrounds!
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June 27th, 2009
For scenic views and a beautiful natural setting, central California is the place to go, and camping at Yosemite Pines RV Resort in Groveland provides the perfect base for a memorable vacation. Located near I-5 off of Hwy 120, the campground is set on over 30 landscaped acres filled with pines and oaks, and the spacious RV sites and tent sites are sure to please. We also have cozy modern cabins, deluxe cabin and yurts for rent, all available through our convenient online reservation system.
When you stay at the Yosemite Pines, you are surrounded by the luxury of a full-service resort, including a refreshing swimming pool, clubhouse and camp store. Enjoy the steam train, trails and rock climbing, as well as river rafting, kayaking, canoeing and water skiing. Throughout the summer, the campground staff plans daily games and activities, as well as Ice Cream Socials and campfires. You can even strike it rich on a self-guided gold mine tour!
For off-camp exploration, there is plenty to do, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you plan an excursion. From the splendor of Yosemite National Park to the quaint towns that dot the area full of art galleries, museums and wonderful restaurants, there is something for everyone in and around the campground. So when planning your next vacation, make sure you stay at Yosemite Pines RV Resort, your Gold Country home away from home.
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June 27th, 2009
When choosing a new tent it is important to understand what the tent will be used for and how many people it is intended to house. Different camping holidays and types of activity will probably require a different tent.
If you are planning hiking or cycling while carrying your tent you will have to be prepared to pay for a lightweight and high tech design to enable it to be easily carried.
There are currently eight leading tent designs, however as time goes on the features that distinguish these different types are blurring slightly. Below i will look at todays most popular designs.
Dome Tents
Dome tents are freestanding tents held up by there flexible poles. These tents have recently become the most polular option overtaking the conventional frame tents of yesteryear. Many dome tents have external porches and are particularly popular with hikers, cyclists and family campers. Lightweight versions are available but expect to pay a premium.
Frame Tents
There was a time when frame tents were all you could buy in your local camping store but have recently been replaced by the dome tent which is lighter and easier to pitch. This type of tent has interlocking poles that hold up the canvas structure and are usually triangular in construction, when you think “tent” this will usually be the one that is on your mind.
Geodesic / Semi-Geodesic Tents
This type of tent is particularly favoured by those into mountaineering and expedition camping probably due to there stable dome–type design. These tents will usually have approximately four poles that cross (giving them stability), however three pole designs (semi-geodesic) exist and are regularly used by hikers and backpackers.
Other types of tents available include folding campers (trailer tents), ridge tentss, tunnel tents and vis-a-vis designed tents.
If you are camping and buying a tent to suit more than two people it is strongly advised to increase the capacity of the tent by two, for instance if there are four people camping a six man tent would be perfect.
Tags: buy tents, camping tents, cheap tents, choosing a tent, dome tents, frame tents, geodesic tents, semi geodesic tents, tent reviews, tent shop, tent size, tent store, tents, which tent
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June 6th, 2009
Camping is not camping without a flaming camp fire. There are many campgrounds that have taken the step of banning camp fires. I avoid these campsites whenever I can. Nothing tastes quite as good as a burnt campfire hotdog.
Over the years I have had many situations where the campfire did not want to light, burnt out or flamed far too high – seeing me go hungry or being forced to eat what was no more than charcoal with a hotdog flavour, therefore I bring you my top tips (learned from my mistakes)
- Firewood – Never collect enough firewood to keep the fire going, always collect far too much. Fires will burn faster, it will get colder, or you will decide to stay up for longer if you have only collected “enough” firewood.
- Good tinder bundle – It is important when camping to always be prepared and by that I mean assume there will be no dry suitable tinder to light your fire with. Once you start bringing your own you will find that the forces of nature will leave far more for you in the wilds. The reason for this is all to do with chaos theory. I believe the technical term is sods law.
- Always be first up in the morning to light the fire, because even if you do absolutely nothing for the rest of the day everyone will remember that the fire is yours which comes with certain benefits; first to eat, first to warm up and the secret satisfied feeling of knowing that you have beaten the elements.
- Finally, remember that fires are dangerous especially when there are children around and make sure the fire is out when it is time to retire for the evening (luckily this is a mistake I have not made).
Tags: campfire, camping, camping tips, lighting, lighting a campfire
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June 6th, 2009
There are few better holidays than a camping holiday. Camping vacations are a great time for families to bond and forget there usual hectic lifestyle in a countryside crying out for adventure. Unfortunately the truth is that in any family there will be at least one that hates the idea of sleeping under the stars. Below I have listed some tips that may help even the most unwilling camper have a good time!
It is a good idea to think about what you want out of a camping experience and specifically what the area in which you intend to travel can offer in terms of making that experience come alive. The execution of a perfect camping trip is all in the planning.
Once you have decided on a location or a handful of potential locations it is important to research the area by all means available. Search the internet for local attractions, walks and restaurants (for those days that everyone may need cheering up).
Once a specific location and campsite has been chosen, or just an area if you intend to camp in the wilds focus your concentrations on what you will need to take with you. Probably the biggest spoiler of camping trips is the weather so it is important to think ahead. If you are visiting an area such as Scotland weather will be a huge factor (as will midges).
Draw up a list of everything you need to pack and what activities you plan to do when you are there. Make sure that some of these activities can be done on days of bad weather as this will be important for family moral.
Once you are there enjoy yourself. Make sure everybody else enjoys themselves and if you are with children make sure that they are involved in every stage of the planning and setting up camp.
Tags: camping, camping checklist, camping equipment, fun camping, planning a camping trip
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May 26th, 2009
So you are looking for an affordable practical family tent huh? Colemans have just released their Riverside 6 tent. This tent is a dome tent with two poles and a front and back porch and the necessary two doors.
The rear door is a simple zip design with an inner curtain. On each side of the door is two large windows giving your tent that open feeling which is ideal if you are camping somewhere with a view, these too have curtains.
With this tent you can add a further two poles to convert the already spacious area into a six bedroom palace and has a hanging curtain that enables the living area to be split into two. The second door is removable and really only required when the tent is split into two different sleeping compartments, you don’t want to have to wake everybody up.
This tent offers great value for money from a company that is both respected and admired in the industry. The tent is not over the top and provides you with just enough features for a great camping holiday.
The Colemans Riverside 6 is easy and quick to pitch and a perfect weight when taking a car to your campsite. This tent is ideal for one location camping and perfect for all the family.
Tags: colemans, colemans riverside, colemans riverside 6, colemens riverside 6 review, riverside 6, riverside tent, tent reviews, tents
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