A Handheld GPS Could Be a Lifesaver

Garmin is the market leader in Global Positioning System receivers, but they're not the only manufacturer. Magellan, Lowrance and others make good units, too. With so many manufacturers and models to choose from what should you look for?

Naturally, the answer depends on what you intend to do with it.

The basic purpose of a GPS unit is to enable the user to locate his or her position at any time. That's accomplished by reading the display on a hand-held device that receives the signal from a series of satellites in geo-synchronous orbit around the Earth. How it does that is ingenious, but a little technical so we'll skip that for now.

But, there are actually several different types of GPS unit. One type is optimized for use at sea on a ship, others work better in cars, still others are oriented toward use for hiking. Some basics apply to every type, however.

[nms:handheld gps,4,0,100,camping]

The user should be able to interpret the display and operate the controls without a degree in electrical engineering. Some are little more than electronic maps, some of those are static (they have only pre-loaded maps), others can download new maps via wireless or through a PC/Internet connection. Some have cryptic latitude and longitude readings only, requiring you to translate your position by use of a map.

For a hiking GPS unit, long battery life is important. Navigating around wilderness areas is generally done in a fairly casual way, unless you get lost. When that happens you want the unit to stay active for a long time.

For similar reasons, a waterproof unit is a near must. Rapid, unexpected changes in the weather are common in camping areas. Rain can start and stop before you know it. You don't want your unit to get damaged or stop functioning when you're navigating your way back. Don't forget to ask if the unit you're considering is sturdy. It isn't useful if it can't stand up to the rigors of the trail.

The number of routes and maps, as well as the number of waypoints or coordinates, that a unit will hold varies with model. The more memory the unit has (just as with your computer), the more it can store.

Route capacity should be at least 20, but 50 or more is preferable. Waypoint capacity is a healthy 500 for most, but given that every location is a waypoint, that can add up quickly. Here again, more is better, but you pay for that.

The ability to adjust the map you see in any compass direction is very helpful. The bearing (direction) to your next waypoint is standard, but check to make sure. Knowing where you are at a given time is often almost useless. Your goal is to get from one point to the next, not simply to know which lat/long you occupy.

Ergonomic factors are somewhat important. The unit should fit comfortably in your hand and not be so heavy as to cause fatigue. It should be small enough to fit in your pocket, but light enough as to not be an annoyance while it's there.

Be prepared to pay a little extra to get a good unit. It will last for years and they are already so feature packed that you won't have to replace it in a year with the newest model.

Bugs Go Camping Too

Camping can be one of the best adventures you'll find. Fresh air, stunning mountains, spectacular trees and more are all around most campsites. But humans aren't the only species to be found among them. And not all the other ones are friendly.

Yellow jackets and other species of wasp are common wherever evergreen trees grow. Some make their nests in trees, but many will make a nest under an awning, typically in the late spring and early summer. Many will fly out of the nest in the early morning and back in again in the late afternoon. Often, they'll make a nest in the ground, visible by a hole about the size of a dime.

[nms:insect repellent,4,0,5]

They aren't particularly aggressive, but the colony can get aroused if anyone comes near the nest. When they do, several will fly out at once and the possibility of a sting is high. They're also attracted by the smell of cooking meat, sugar water (like the small amount on the lip of a soda can), and other human products. If you don't see them, the odds are higher you'll come in contact, leading to a sting.

A can of wasp spray is a handy thing to pack, but there are sometimes better ways to deal with the situation.

If the nest is new you'll find a female dancing around the edge as she builds it. Sometimes there will already be an egg sac or two inside. At this stage it looks like a series of honeycomb cells. If knocked down with a long stick the wasp will usually just fly away and try elsewhere.

After creating the cells, the wasp will wrap the structure in a series of onion-like layers, leaving a small hole. By this stage it's too far along to deal with safely unless you can spray the opening accurately. Knocking it down will just release a dozen angry wasps.

Mosquitoes are another common pest and though the sting isn't painful, it's annoying and can be harmful. The risk of fatal or serious injury from mosquitoes has been overblown by the media, but it's real and in certain areas, substantial.

Mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide we breathe out and other factors that are less well understood. Some researchers contend body heat counts, others even suggest the insects can sense heartbeat vibrations. But whatever the real causes, they are not generally under your control.

But there are several products that are effective in dealing with them. Citronella candles help in some cases, but if there's any wind at all they are usually much less effective. Deet-containing sprays are safe and effective, if applied correctly. Try to apply to clothing rather than skin, and in either case use the minimum. Use a lower dosage spray for younger children.

Similarly, ticks are common in wooded areas. Here again the danger of Lyme disease has been exaggerated, but the risk is far from zero. They tend to wind up on animals - dogs in particular - more than humans. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants that reach over your boots and avoid brushing your hair against bushes.

Depending on where you camp, certain spider species are to be avoided. The odds of getting bitten are low - spiders try to avoid human contact and generally only attack when cornered.

Black widows tend to hide in dark, cool places but basements aren't common camping excursions and they tend not to inhabit caves. They're notable for the hourglass-shaped red markings on the underside. Violin spiders are also somewhat shy, but will bite if your hand brushes near them. Stay away from areas where you see funnel webs, particularly in dark, secluded spots.

Check the most common toxic species for the area you intend to visit, dress appropriately and your odds of having your trip spoiled are low.

Basic Camping First Aid

Many camping areas are far from professional medical facilities. Even when rescuers and paramedics can fly in by helicopter (which they do only in extreme emergencies), it can take hours to locate the victim. In circumstances that could otherwise be minor incidents, but might turn major without treatment, campers are on their own. That means, a little first aid knowledge can go a long way.

The first lesson is simply to be prepared, both educationally and with the proper supplies. Learn what you need to do and take supplies with you to do it.

[nms:first aid,4,0,20]

Minor scrapes and cuts can become infected and often turn much worse in the wild than in the city. Lack of proper cleansing, lower hygiene and other factors can quickly complicate what would otherwise be a trivial problem.

To head that possibility off at the outset, be sure to take along clean water, bandages (both wrap around and stick on), and disinfectant. Carrying both a combination pain-killer/disinfectant spray as well as cream is a good idea. The first acts really fast and allows you to easily cover the entire area, the latter lasts longer.

Closing wounds cleanly, quickly and effectively is vital, with larger ones more dangerous than smaller, obviously. The skin is the body's first and best defense against germs and helping it along is essential. Unless you're treating a compound fracture (a bone break in which the bone protrudes through the skin), you should wrap the wound after cleaning and applying anti-bacterial spray and/or cream.

With compound fractures, unless you have the medical knowledge to safely move the bone back, it's best just to immobilize it and wrap the limb as well as possible. Then seek emergency medical assistance as quickly as possible. If you can't contact anyone (many cell phones don't work in the wild), go get help. If it represents low risk of making the situation worse, take the injured camper to them.

A splint can often be improvised from branches, but you need something to tie them together with. Hence, one more reason to have ample wrap around bandages, gauze typically. A good addendum is aspirin, for those whose stomachs can tolerate it. Take care about dosage, though.

One good way to treat potential medical problems is to avoid them in the first place. Learn the appearance of poison ivy, poison oak and other toxic plants - and avoid them at all costs. They're more than merely an annoyance. Exposure to them results in an itchy rash that even anti-itch cream does only so much to relieve. Continual scratching will lead to an open sore and probable infection.

Scissors, or better still a multi-purpose Swiss Army style knife, is a must. The latter often contains a knife for slicing, small scissors for cutting and tweezers for removing splinters - all of which can be tremendously helpful while camping.

Minor problems can quickly grow to spoil a trip. Having the right tools and supplies along and the knowledge of how to use them, can keep most things under control. That allows everyone to still enjoy the experience.

Great Breakfast Camping Recipes Include Eggs

Breakfast camping recipes can be as quick and simple as you want, or you can prepare a large feast for your entire family or group of campers. Depending on the type of equipment you have, you can make a quick breakfast sandwich that doesn't even require a campfire, or you can prepare a dutch oven egg bake that can feed six or more people.

Eggs are a morning favorite, and many breakfast camping recipes include eggs as the main ingredient. Egg breakfasts make a great energy-providing meal that will fuel you throughout your day outdoors. Egg breakfast camping recipes are also a great choice for the campground since the number of eggs can easily be altered to feed as many or as few people as you desire. Here are some tips to make your camp cooking breakfast egg dishes as good as they can be.

[nms:cast iron dutch oven,4,0,40,camping]

•    Add a little water to your eggs when you whip them up, or some milk if you have that available.  This will make your eggs extra fluffy.
•    When scrambling eggs, be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning them.  Also, if you are using a dutch oven to bake an egg dish, be careful to monitor the temperature of the dutch oven and not burn the bottom of the eggs.  Burnt eggs will ruin the taste of your entire dish.
•    Be creative and try your favorite ingredients with your egg dishes.  Including vegetables such as green peppers or mushrooms will make your egg breakfast healthy and tasty.
•    To avoid bringing extra cooking equipment with you to the campsite and to skip any timely preparation, whip your eggs before you leave home and store them in a portable container.

Breakfast camping recipes, including egg breakfast dishes, can be found online.  Taking a quick peek at some easy breakfast camping recipes before you set out on your camping trip will allow you to have some tasty dishes in mind and ready to prepare on a hungry morning.  Bringing along the right ingredients, you can prepare an adequate breakfast in just minutes.  If you would like to avoid taking with you bulky cooking equipment, try breakfast camping recipes that are simple sandwiches but will still provide you with a warm meal.  For example, to prepare a hot breakfast bagel, all you need is some aluminum foil.  Open up a bagel and add your favorite deli meat, such as smoked turkey.  Top with cheese, close the bagel, and wrap in aluminum foil.  Placing the wrapped bagel near the campfire will produce a warm sandwich with melted cheese, perfect for a camping breakfast.

Cast Iron Cookware Is Great For Campfire Cooking

Cast iron cookware is some of the best and most popular camp cooking equipment to take with you to the campground, so camping recipes with cast iron cookware are a good thing to brush up on before heading out on your camping trip. Being ready with camping recipes with cast iron cookware, you can prepare delicious one-of-a-kind campfire meals to share with your friends or family.

Cast iron cookware is a popular camp cooking equipment choice because it is very durable, easy to use over the campfire, and will last a lifetime with proper maintenance and care. Many camping recipes with cast iron cookware call for dutch ovens, which are thick-walled cooking vessels with tightly fitting lids.

[nms:cast iron cookware,4,0,50,camping]

Dutch ovens act just like a smaller version of your traditional kitchen oven, and allow you to bake food at the campsite. Depending on the size of your camping party, you can get a deep and wide dutch oven that will cook up many servings, or you can find a smaller and shallow dutch oven great for personal dishes.

Camping recipes with cast iron cookware are sure to give your dishes a unique flavor. Cast iron cookware has to be seasoned before it is used, and each meal that is prepared will bring more flavor. To keep your cast iron cookware seasoned, do not clean it with soaps or detergents. Simply scrub the insides with hot water. If you have used soap, or your cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned for the first time, cover the insides with cooking oil, place it in a kitchen oven until the insides smoke, and then wipe clean. For the best result, repeat this process one or two times more.

The best camping recipes with cast iron cookware take advantage of the slow heating of food that can be achieved while the cast iron absorbs heat. Chili, roast, soup and stew are great dishes to simmer up and create a hearty meal that will fuel you for your outdoor activities. The following chili recipe is great for warming you up on a cool night.

•    Brown one pound of lean ground beef in the bottom of a cast iron dutch oven placed over hot coals
•    Add one chopped medium onion and one chopped green pepper
•    Add one can of diced tomatoes, one can of tomato sauce, one can of pinto beens, and one cup of water
•    Season with one tablespoon chili powder and one teaspoon salt
•    Stir all ingredients and bring to a simmer
•    Simmer for about one hour, stirring occasionally
•    Serve with grated cheese and crackers

Foil Wrapped Dishes Make Easy Camping Recipes

If you are an outdoors person that likes to take camping trips but doesn't enjoy the hassle of preparing meals around the campsite, then some easy camping recipes may be what you need. Easy camping recipes allow you to stay well-nourished and keep your energy level high enough to enjoy your outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, or fishing.

By having some easy camping recipes ready, you can prepare nutritious meals for yourself while out in nature without the conveniences of a kitchen or the time consuming process of building campfires and cooking.

[nms:camping utensils,4,0,4,camping]

Foil wrapped dishes are some of the most easy camping recipes that you can take with you on your camping trip. This camp cooking method requires only minimum preparation and no cooking equipment is required. It is also great for camping groups of any size.

A simple foil wrapped favorite is a baked potato. Wrap your washed potato in aluminum foil and place it in the coals of the fire. You should have a delicious smoke flavored potato ready in one to two hours, which you can top off with salt, pepper, butter, and any other condiments you have brought along.

Other easy camping recipes that use foil wrapped cooking include seasoned mixed vegetables. Chop, season, and wrap up your favorite vegetables such as squash, zucchini and eggplant before placing them in the hot coals. Salad dressing makes a tasty seasoning for the vegetables. This makes a great side dish if you are preparing a campfire favorite such as steak or cooking up the fish you caught for the day.

Fish make a great meat for a foil wrapped dish. The fish picks up the smoke flavor of the fire nicely to make a healthy, energy-providing meal. For easy camping recipes that include fish, web sites are a great resource. Following is one of the many easy camping recipes that uses fish and produces an entire meal in one foil wrap:

•    Gut and scale your fresh catch of the day, otherwise leaving the fish intact.
•    Chop one small onion, 2 carrots, 2 small potatoes, and a zucchini or squash (or any other vegetable that is your favorite).
•    Place the fish and vegetables in heavy duty aluminum foil and salt and pepper.
•    Add a satisfactory amount of Italian salad dressing on top of the fish and vegetables.
•    Wrap the foil package tightly and place near the coals of the campfire.
•    Watch the dish closely, and remove when the vegetables are tender and the fish is done, being careful not to burn the dish.