March 2008 - Posts

• Tip Corner; No Gear Left Behind

  By Stu Marks  Have you ever run to grab your camera for a quick, once-in-a-lifetime shot, only to find that your camera is fogged up, or the power light is flashing because of moisture or the “Dew” light comes on? There are a number of good reasons to never leave your photo or video gear in the car when you’re not in there with it, and this is one of them. Digital cameras, whether video or photo, are a lot like people. They like a medium set of temperatures within which to operate. When you let your camera get heated up in a hot car, and then take it into an air conditioned room, you can expect the installed firmware to complain and even execute certain operating restrictions in order to protect the hardware and the memory medium; the card or tape. Just like strong, contrasting temperature and humidity changes anywhere else, your camera’s interior surfaces can easily collect moisture that can seriously damage circuit boards and mechanical gears and switches. Take a glass out of your cupboard and fill it with a refrigerated drink. Watch the outside walls of the glass begin to coat with drops of moisture. This is exactly what you don’t want happening to your lenses, circuit boards and servo switches inside your camera gear. Treat your cameras like people and you’ll never have to worry about this, ever. Don’t leave children, pets, the elderly, groceries or your Cannon Digital Rebel inside a car over night, or in direct sunlight all day. Simple enough. Stu Marks was an Advertising Photographer at the age of 18, and has been shooting professionally for over thirty years. Posted Mar 19 2008, 02:33 PM by Stu Marks with 3 comment(s) Filed under: gear, outdoor adventure tip

• The Essential Camping Checklist

  Are you planning a camping trip? Do you feel overwhelmed with all the responsibility involved in preparation? You can plan an exciting trip without forgetting anything and avoid packing your whole house. Preparation is necessary for any outdoor adventure.   Containing the basic supplies and equipment can make a difference in your enjoyment and camping experience. Checklists are a great tool to help with your organization. Your camping list will fluctuate according to the type of camping and activities you have planned for your trip. A list comes in handy as well for the places you are going, the time of year and the length of your trip.             Here is a great camping checklist to get you started:   Shelter and Bedding: - Tent                                      - Ground cloth/tarp - Extra stakes                         - Shade Tarp/poles/rope/stakes - Axe or Hammer                   - Mat for tent entrance - Sleeping bag                         - Sleeping pad/cot/air mattress - Headrest/pillow                    - Extra blankets/sheets - Air pump                               - Repair kit, if needed - Utility bags for storage   Cooking/Dinning: - Water                                   - Food - Charcoal                               - Matches/Lighter   - Cooler                                   - Can opener - Camp stove                          - Mess kit - Campfire grill           - Tongs -Thermos                                - Skewers/grill forks - Pots/frying pans                   - Cook utensils/plastic silverware - Potholders                            - Fire starters - Tablecloth’s                         - Plastic bowls/paper plates/food storage containers - Paper towels                         - Trash bags - Aluminum foil                       - Dish soap - Pam spray                            - Thumb Tact’s - Napkins                                - Ziploc bags - Pie irons                               - Paper cups - Condiments                          - Dish rags/brillo pads   Clothes: - Shoes/boots                          - Jeans/pants/belt - Shorts                                   - T-shirts/extra shirts - Socks/extra socks                - Undergarments - Hat                                        - Sweatshirts/jacket - Rain poncho                         - Swim suit/towel - Laundry bag                         - Sleep clothes   Personal Hygiene: -Toothbrush                            - Tooth paste - Wash rags                            - Towels - Soap                                      - Shampoo/conditioner - Comb/brush                          - Toilet Paper - Razor                                    - Nail clippers - Deodorant                            - Feminine products - Shower shoes                       - Personal medications   Miscellaneous Items: - Binoculars                            - Bird guide - Bug spray                             - Bungi cords - Camera                                 - Candles - Cards, games                       - Cell phone/charger - Clothes pins                         - Compass - Duct tape                              - Gloves - Flashlight                              - Frisbee - GPS                                      - Knife - Lantern/fuel                         - Pen and paper - Sun block                              - Tools - Water filters                         - Whistle - Radio                                    - Extra Batteries/bulbs - Duct Tape                            - Plastic Grocery Bags - Reservation Info.                 - Contact Numbers - Umbrella                               - Disinfectant wipes - Work gloves                         - Alarm Clock - Drinks/snacks                      - Cooler - Watch                                   - Scissors - Money                                  - Radio - Backpack                             - Park map/guides - Sunglasses                                       - Camp chairs - Fishing gear                         - Hammock - Lantern hanger                    - Popcorn - Smores                                             - Hotdog sticks   First Aid Items: - Personal medication            - Bandages - Aspirin, Tylenol                   - Medical tape - Sterile gauze                        - Elastic wrap - Antibiotic wipes                    - Antiseptic cream - Burn ointment                      - Sunburn lotion - Hydrogen peroxide - Scissors - Tweezers                              - Eye wash - Sanitary napkins                  - Snake bite kit - Bug repellent                       - Benadryl   * Take a First Aid class and a CPR class -- keep current on this information * Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container * Keep the contents organized * Know how to use everything in your first aid kit * Inspect content often, re-supply as needed * Keep readily available at all time   Posted Mar 12 2008, 02:03 PM by accarrie with no comments Filed under: camping, necessaties, first aid kit, supplies, hygiene, cooking, clothes, shelter, bedding, list

• How to treat Bites and Stings

  Insects, pests, and snakes are hazardous in any survival situation. You may be hiking, boating, diving, or just exploring the outdoors and you may encounter some type of pest. Some examples of these pests may be mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, snakes, scorpions, lice, spiders and bees. These insects not only cause irritations, but they also carry diseases that can cause an allergic reaction or make you very ill. So be sure to always carry some form of repellent on you and wear the proper clothing to keep you safe from these pests.               Ticks can carry and transmit diseases from just one bite. They can spread the most common illness, Lyme disease. In some parts of the U.S ticks can pass on Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be a potentially fatal disease which is caused by an infection from the tick bite. This bacterium is transmitted from three types of ticks: An American dog tick, Wood tick and a Lone star tick. So before heading out remember to educate yourself on the types of ticks you may encounter on your trip. Another insect that transmits diseases are mosquitoes which carry malaria, West Nile , and dengue. Fleas and lice also can transmit diseases with one single bite. Fleas can spread The Plague and lice transmit relapsing fevers and Typhus. Flies also can spread infectious diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. To avoid the complications of insect bites/stings avoid insect-infested areas, use insect repellent, wear the proper clothing for your trip, and keep up on your immunizations.  Avoid wearing any perfumes or sweet smelling sprays/lotions that will draw these pesky little creatures to you.               If you get bitten or stung, do not scratch the affected area because it can become infected. Inspect your body at least once a day to ensure there are no insects attached to you. If you find ticks attached to your body, cover them with a substance, such as Vaseline, heavy oil, or tree sap, which will cut off their air supply. Without air, the tick will release its hold, and you can remove it. Be sure to remove the whole tick from your body. Use tweezers if you have them handy. Grasp the tick where the mouth parts are attached to the skin. Do not squeeze the tick's body. Wash your hands after touching the tick. Clean the tick wound daily until healed.   Posted Mar 12 2008, 01:59 PM by accarrie with no comments Filed under: disease, wasps, bites, infection, stings, bees, ticks, treatment, spdiers, pests, insects

• How to start/light a fire

  In many survival situations, the capability to start a fire can make the difference between life and death. Fire can fulfill many needs in order to stay alive in the outdoors. Fire can offer warmth and comfort. It cooks and preserves food that one needs to stay healthy while traveling. Fire also provides heated food which saves calories our body normally uses to produce body heat. You can use fire to purify water, sterilize bandages, signal for rescue, and provide protection from animals. It can be also be a psychological boost to give peace of mind and companionship. You can also use fire to produce tools and weapons. Fire can cause problems and destruction if used in an irresponsible manner. It can cause forest fires or destroy essential equipment. Fire can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning when used in shelters. So when building a fire be responsible about it and make sure your camp site allows fires.                         Understanding the crucial principles is the first step to creating a fire for survival means. When you apply heat to fuel it produces gas, and then combined with oxygen in the air creates a burning fire. Understanding the important concepts of fire is the safest way to maintain and generate a fire. The three notions that characterize a fire are, air, fuel and heat. Having all three components is needed for the fire to burn. If you do not contain all three of these concepts your fire will burn out. The correct components of a fire are needed to burn safely and at its greatest potential. The only way to master this technique is to practice.               Before building a fire you should consider the climate and land you will be using. Check for available materials, the amount of time you have and why you need the fire. Look for dry spots that are protected from the wind and are properly placed in relation to your shelter. Make sure your supply of wood or other forms of available fuel are nearby. If your surrounding environment is made up of wooded and/or brush, clear the area before starting any kind of fire. Scrape the surface soil from the spot you have chosen to build your fire. To decrease the chances of your fire spreading clear the area of at least 1 meter in diameter to avoid destruction. If the conditions are permissible allow yourself to construct a firewall made from stones or logs. This wall will help keep the direct heat within the fire allowing the fire to burn longer. It will also lessen the wind effects on the fire and keep sparks from flying around. Remember you will need some wind to keep the fire burning.               There are three types of substances you need to build a fire. These substances are tinder, fuel and kindling material. Tinder is a dry substance that needs very little heat to ignite. A small spark will get the fire burning with the right forms of tinder. Keep in mind that your tinder needs to be very dry in order to get a spark ignited. Fuel is a less flammable matter that burns slow and steady once lit. Remember not to over-due it on the fuel, which may result in a serious injury. Kindle material is what you add to your tinder to keep the fire burning. Kindling materials should also be very dry to guarantee a burning fire.         Below is a list of material that can be used to start a fire:                         - Tinder:             * Dead Grass/ferns/moss          * Dry cattails             * Straw                                    * Thistle             * Charred Cloth                       * Dead palm leaves             * Sawdust                                * Fine wood shavings             * Gun powder                          * Wax paper             * Lint                                       * Tree bark             * Dead evergreen needles                         - Kindle Material:             * Small slivers or wood             * Heavy cardboard             * Flammable wood saturated with, gasoline, oil or wax             * Small twigs               - Fuel:             * Dried animal manure             * Animal fat             * Coal, oil, shale             * Dry knotted grass bunches             * Finely split green wood             * Dry branches/standing wood               There are many different ways to build your fire pit, which depends on the situation you are in. There is the common Teepee technique in which you arrange a few branches/sticks in the shape of a cone. Then fill the center with some kindle material to the center of your tepee and light it. As the fire burns the tepee your outer sticks will fall inward which feeds the fire. This type of method will work well with wet wood. Then there is the Cross-Ditch method that requires some digging, if time allows. To use the cross-ditch system draw a cross or “X” about 25-30 centimeters in the ground. When drawing your cross or “X” make it at least 8 centimeters deep. In the center of your marking, build up a large amount of tinder to generate a strong fire. Then build a pyramid of kindling material above you tinder. Creating this pyramid and shallow ditch will allow air to sweep under your tinder to provide a draft to keep the fire burning. There is also the Pyramid process to building a fire. This method works well at night when you have to sleep to build your strength for the next day. To position this fire just place two or three small twigs or logs parallel on the ground. Next place a solid sheet of small sticks across the parallel logs in the opposite direction. Continue this process three or four more times. Build upward making the layers smaller as you get to the top. Then make a starter fire at the top letting the fire burn downward slowly igniting the logs below. This system gives burning fire that requires no attention during the night.               There are many different ways to light a fire. The use of matches always works as long as the wind is not blowing too much. Make sure these matches are waterproof and store them in a waterproof container. There is the old eye glass lens method that will only work on a bright sunny day. You can also use a lens from a camera, binoculars or a magnifying lens. Position the lens on top of your tinder to focus the sun’s rays. Hold the lens over your tinder until you begin to see smoldering smoke. When you see smoke lightly fan or blow into your flame, adding a little fuel to create your burning fire. Gunpowder can also be used as a tinder source to light a fire. This method will only work if you have ammunition with your equipment. Carefully extract the bullet from the shell casing, collecting the gunpowder as your tinder. Sprinkle the powder on top where your fire will be burning. A small spark will ignite the gun powder so be careful not to stand to close to your fire pit.                 Keep in mind that when the time calls for building a fire for whatever reason; be very careful when igniting your fire and keeping it lit. Some helpful hints to consider are collect needed materials for your fire along your trail. Keep any and all firewood dry and close to your campsite. If wood becomes damp keep it near the fire for it to dry out. Add insect repellent to the tinder to keep it fresh. Most importantly make sure your fire is put out completely before leaving camp.   Posted Mar 12 2008, 01:52 PM by accarrie with no comments Filed under: camping, start a fire, sterilize, purify water, kindle material, survival, tinder, fuel

• How to prepare for a trip

  The most important factor to remember on your trip is to learn to read maps and use a compass properly. Buy a good compass and a map of the area in which you intend to visit, and study the terrain carefully before you set out, so that you have some idea of what awaits you. You should always put the map into a clear plastic bag and seal it. You might have to cut the map up and seal each section into a separate bag, but it keeps it clean and dry. Most compasses are normally accompanied by a pamphlet with detailed instructions of how to use the instruments.       Try to discover as much as you can about the area as you can just in case of an emergency. Failing to do so will cause you to guess where you are at all times during your hike. But for you thrill seekers part of the adventure is facing the unknown. Becoming familiar with your surrounding areas keeps you accustomed to the types of creatures and vegetation that you are likely to encounter. This information can be helpful and increase your supplement of food supplies.        Make certain that you have the correct clothing for the environment and the weather. Jeans are very tough and do not snag easily.  Just always remember that the different seasons require diverse types of outerwear.       Pack your kits in a rational manner into your backpack to help stay organized. Try to keep your required equipment close at hand, in the outer pockets or on your belt, or in pants pockets; for this will make it easy on you to get to whatever you may need fast. Keep in mind that a frame-type rucksack with hip-belt will be most comfortable. Place heavy stuff in the bottom compartment and the lighter on top to make carrying more at ease for you. Before going on your trip try to carry your backpack around the neighborhood for a few hours every day to get use to the feel and weight of your equipment. Do not neglect climbing some steep flights of stairs wearing it for more familiarization with the impact you may endure on your trip. If your backpack is too heavy and unevenly distributed, it will to be impossible to carry in the wilderness. Do not try to carry more than 30% of your own body weight on your back or what you can carry without hurting yourself.       Ensure that the area to which you are going is sufficiently supplied with accessible water. Your map may read that a river or lake is never far from where you are hiking.  Knowing that for sure you have water available close by is a safety precaution that should always be taken. Water should always be purified for your safety. Usually, water is cleaned either with a pump or with chemicals such as iodine or chlorine dioxide, both of which can be bought from a camping store or online. These chemicals can sometimes double as a disinfectant for wounds, insect bites and scratches.       A first-aid kit is a must. Include bandages, both gauze and ACE bandages for sprains and strains. An insect repellent is essential for prevention of mosquito and black fly bites and some anti-itch cream will be well appreciated afterward. Pack craisins into your diet or trail mix to help prevent bladder infections. Take enough toilet paper to last you long past your intended trip; it can also be used as padding and to blow noses. Remove the cardboard roll from the inside and it will squash down to save space, or alternatively, store small items inside the toilet roll - just remember to write on the wrapping that it contains something. Always, always bring a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries and bulb (if needed). Butterfly bandages will close most wounds and will last until you can get to a hospital for serious injuries. Bring some sort of stomach laxative and sun lotion, for obvious reasons. Don’t forget your toothbrush and paste for hygienic reasons.       Unless you are very brave do not venture into the wilderness alone, until you are an old pro at it. Try to have at least one sober, experienced outdoorsman in your group. Everyone in the group should be equipped with a walkie-talkie or some sort of communication device in case of separation; and have extra batteries on hand as well. A whistle for each person is a must. Everyone, especially kids should learn the “I’m lost" signal: three short, sharp blasts followed by a few seconds of silence, so that they can hear whether anyone is answering. In open areas, signaling with mirrors is also helpful. Wear bright reds, oranges and yellow colors, because they are easily seen, especially if lost people wave them above their heads. A pair of compact binoculars is also a helpful item to have on hand when one may be lost.       Tents should be of low profile. Ensure that yours is high enough for you to sit up comfortably in it and that it has bell ends covered by a fly sheet. The bell ends can contain all your equipment and are excellent for cooking in a storm situation. A can of pepper spray deters many creatures that might try to steal your equipment at night. Try to always camp on high grounds with the ground sloping away, and cut trenches around the edges of your tent to carry the water away.       Waterproof your tent thoroughly taking special care with the seams. Dome tents are popular, but they offer too much resistance to high winds, whereas an A-frame can be positioned so that the sloped ends cause the wind to flow around it. Ensure that the fly sheet touches the ground in windy places: this will stop the wind obstructing your cooking and act as an insulating fence against the cold. In hot climes the fly can be folded back to allow air to circulate around the inner tent. Practice pitching your tent at home, if you can. Ensure that the whole structure is tight and smooth and that the fly does not touch the inner anywhere. If the zip closures are made of metal, replace them with nylon ones, as they become stuck very easily and the teeth fall out. If you cannot replace them, rub a candle or beeswax over them regularly to lubricate and waterproof them.        If you intend doing a lot of hiking buy a good pair of soft boots and thick, woolen socks. Coat the boots every day with light mineral oil until they are saturated and wear them in before you hit the trail. Wear a pair of cotton socks against your feet and the woolen ones over them. Padded, inner soles make the boots more comfortable. Give the boots a coat of oil every evening, even on the trail. The oil should go through your socks. This feels strange at first, but you soon get used to it. The oil prevents blisters and stinky feet, and keeps them uninjured and sweet-smelling. In any case, always turn your boots upside down and bang them out before putting them on in the mornings, just in case some creature decided to venture in them during the night. Keep a pair of slip-ons on-hand to wear around camp. Also bring a foldable hat and UV-resistant sunglasses to keep the sun from blinding you.         As for cooking equipment use a compact, camping gas stove to cook your food. A multi-purpose, Swiss Army type knife and a heavy hunting blade should be included, both of which can be kept sharp with a small sharpening stone or a square of medium-grit emery cloth, along with the other cutlery, crockery and cookware you think you’ll need. People who wear glasses should learn to make fire with them; focus on the rays of the sun into a tiny spot on some fine, dry grass and when it begins to smoke, move the lens closer to enlarge the bright area. When the smoke blackens, blow gently, holding the lens steady as you do so.       Food is a matter of choice: some people buy freeze-dried meals and desiccated vegetables and go to all kinds of preparations, only to find that they run out of food before the end of the trip. You can add cereals, nuts, seeds and chopped dried fruit, to your diet for easy carrying. Make a big bowl of it and then separate it into meal-sized plastic bags and be sure to suck all the air out for freshness and seal.        Your bedding is up to you; what you prefer to be comfortable sleeping on. In the winter months, add a double feather sleeping bag and a light sleeping bag in the summer. Inflatable pillows are small, so they take up very little space and can be used comfortably. Put an item of clothing over the pillow, to absorb your perspiration in hot weather and to keep your face warm in the cold. Take a puncture repair kit along with you if you decide on this option. In closure here are some helpful tips before venturing out on your trip into the great outdoors: Test all your equipment thoroughly before you leave. Use it on a daily basis for a few weeks. Use and test your communication devices where allowed to ensure that everything is working properly. Carry spares wherever possible, boot laces, bulbs, batteries, ECT. Rope always finds a purpose. Polypropylene rope is light and very strong and can be used for many purposes. Always have large, strong plastic bags on hand. In any case, you should consider packing everything into plastic bags before putting them into your backpack: you never know what the weather is going to do. Posted Mar 12 2008, 08:15 AM by accarrie with no comments Filed under: water, hiking, tents, camping, food, maps, first aid kit, preperation, compass, sunscreen, supplies, cellphone

• How to pack for a backpacking trip

  Backpacking can be an exhilarating outdoor activity, but it can be very physically challenging. The most important step to making your trip more delightful is packing well. You should only take items and articles that are absolutely needed. Taking the only necessary items will lighten your carrying load and let you enjoy your adventure more. The first step to ensuring for a well packed backpack is to make a list. In this list include everything you will need on your trip. Do not try to remember things on your own, write everything down. Include everything that you will need and may need for your trip. This will help with any confusion and you never know what will come in handy. Always follow the rule of backpacking; if you’re not sure you will need it, and then you will not need it. Following this rule will help you have less to carry, especially something you may not make use of. For example, instead of bringing a large flashlight, bring extra batteries and a bulb in needed.  You may want to bring a handheld flashlight and/or a headlamp for hands free use. When packing your food for your trip, pack mostly freeze-dried meals; this will also lighten your carrying load. Try to avoid packing raw meats when you are on a long trip. Carry light snacks that can be stored in Ziploc baggies for freshness and a light load.  Make sure to check your map and determine where your water stops are available. The suggested amount of water you should carry while backpacking is about 64 ounces, anymore then that would be too heavy. Most of the time water is available at your campsites from either lakes or streams. Before drinking natural water use purification tablets for your safety. When looking for a tent for your trip, shop for one that fits your needs. If you try to purchase a tents with all the options included this can slow you down. Anything extreme will be too heavy and not necessary to carry. For instance a lightweight two man tent would be sufficient for a backpacking trip. Bring a sleeping bag and a ground cushion to insulate you from the ground at night. You may also want to bring a pillow for head support.   There is no hiking dress code so wear whatever you will be most comfortable in. Always keep a poncho on hand in case it rains. I would suggest wearing hiking boots on your trip; they are most durable and they help protect your feet and ankles. Hiking boots are also waterproof. When you wear hiking boots always wear heavy duty socks with them to protect your feet. Since you will be cooking all your meals in pans, buy ones that are made from aluminum or titanium with a non-stick surface. Pots with handles are the easiest to handle and make sure they are large enough to cook everything in. Then obviously you want to bring along some sort of tinder with you for your fire. Some examples of tinder are cotton, newspaper and dryer lint. Keep your tinder lubricated with Vaseline for easier and longer burning.  Also bring along a few fire starters and a large supply of waterproof matches. As for your hiking back pack use one specifically for hiking. They are intended for hiking so they will hold up through whatever adventure you may seek out. Pack your solid heavy gear at the bottom for the best support. Keep your sleeping bag strapped to the bottom. Keep your tent and sleeping mat on the sides of the back pack. Then pack your cooking gear and clothes in the inside at the bottom of your pack. As for your outside pockets place all of your miscellaneous and things you may need on-hand right away. Pack your map, matches, fire starters, ECT. in a couple of garbage bags for extra waterproof safety. Tips: ~Always bring extra socks ~Try to dress with extra layers for warmth; get to hot take them off ~If you can afford it, invest in a GPS ~Learn how to read a map and use a compass ~Always hike on trails with water spots, you are less likely to get lost ~Buy a good tent; don’t let the price scare you. Make sure your tent is light. Get use to carrying your tent around before going on your trip Warnings: ~Never hike alone, its never safe ~Always ensure someone of your location ~Keep a charged cell phone on hand, and do not over do your hike; your body will let you know when you have had too much. Posted Mar 12 2008, 08:13 AM by accarrie with no comments Filed under: Backpacking tips, water, tents, food, maps, necessaties, batteries, backpacks, flashlights

• How to navigate in the Wilderness

  In a survival situation you are well prepared if you have a map and compass. If you do have these two pieces of equipment, you will most likely be able to use Mother Nature for help. If you are not talented in using a map and compass, you must take the steps to gain the skill of wilderness navigation. There are numerous methods in determining directions by making use of the sun, the stars and the moon. The following methods will give you a broad direction on your location. Being familiar with the environment of the land or country in which you are traveling is the best navigational method. To make your trip is not so complicated learn about the territory you going to be visiting. Become familiar with the surrounding areas, elements and landmarks. Containing the knowledge of your surroundings and navigational skills; using the below methods will give you reasonably good directions.               Using the sun and its shadows is one way to help you determine your location on earth.  It is always said that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This rule is not exactly true the various seasons play a role in when the sun rises/sets. The sun will be south at the highest point in the sky in the northern hemisphere. The highest point of the day takes place at noon. Also when the sun is at that the highest point it will cast no significant shadow. Same goes for the southern hemisphere; the sun is north at the highest point of the day. Remember that shadows go counterclockwise in the south and clockwise in the north. Keep in mind that the shadows direction will give you location and time of the day.