Archive for January, 2009
Quality Gear: The Backside Sleeping Bag
Posted in: Camping Sleeping Bags
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 bags 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 childrens 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 bags 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.
Finding the Backpacking Sleeping Bag Worth Packing
Posted in: Camping Sleeping Bags
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. Its 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 nights 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.
Even non-campers know the brand name JanSport. JanSport backpacks
Posted in: Camping Backpack
Even non-campers know the brand name JanSport. JanSport backpacks are the most well known and well loved packs in the camping equipment industry. Most reputable outdoor sporting goods retailers carry JanSport products, and they sell tons of them every year. JanSport makes a lot of products. While they are best known for their durable and reliable backpacks, they also make outdoor clothing including sweatshirts and jackets, luggage, laptop computer bags, book bags, and many other items. But of course, our primary focus is their wide variety of JanSport backpacks.
JanSport backpacks come in all different types. Anything you could possibly be looking for in a pack, you can find in JanSport backpacks. Whether you are a camper, a hiker, a hunter, a skier, a fisherman, or a climber, JanSport makes a pack for you. They offer both internal frame packs and external frame packs. Internal frame packs are taller and narrower than external frame packs. The frame is integrated into the interior of the pack, which is of course why they are called internal frame backpacks. Internal frame packs have aluminum stays that are hollow. Aluminum is an incredibly strong and light weight metal, so you dont have to worry about any added weight.
Some of the packs have an additional external bar that is part of the frame. This bar helps distribute weight on your body to make your journey pleasant and comfortable. As with most internal frame packs, there are a lot of compression straps on the outside of the pack. This helps with load stabilization and keeps the pack from slipping on your back.
JanSport backpacks are almost all waterproof and have reinforced stitching to prevent tearing when you throw them off after a long day of outdoor adventures. JanSport backpacks offer adjustable torso straps and shoulder straps, as well as padded shoulder harnesses and hip belts.
Some of the larger packs have a detachable top pocket that converts to a hip pouch for easy access to things like compasses and maps. All of the JanSport backpacks seem to have water bottle access that is easy to get to while you are hiking. Some JanSport backpacks have an extendable pocket in the lid to put more oddly shaped items in, and all of the packs have mesh pockets. These mesh pockets (some are external, other internal) make it much easier to find your gear.
In general, JanSport backpacks have between 4 and 7 compartments for your gear, and some of the larger packs actually have dividers in the main compartments. These dividers work to help you organize your gear and to separate your dirty and clean clothing and gear.
If you are lover of the great outdoors, chances are
Posted in: Camping Backpack
If you are lover of the great outdoors, chances are your dog is too. He loves to go on long walks with you around your neighborhood, or maybe to the local dog park where he can run around with his doggy pals. Perhaps you go on nature adventures with your human friends, camping and hiking in national parks. Wouldnt you love to take your canine buddy with you on these journeys? Well, in certain parks and national forests, you can take your dog with you. And if you want to, you can have your dog help you with the load, too.
A dog backpack is an old idea, almost as old as the domestication of dogs themselves. For as long as dogs have been helping humans in their tasks, there have been people who utilize the dog backpack as a means of having the dog help carry the load, be it groceries or camping equipment. The dog backpack is hardly a new idea, but for those of us who want to take our pets with us camping or hiking, it can be a welcome new addition to our standard camping gear.
Before you purchase a dog backpack, be sure your dog is in good health, because only healthy animals should be helping to lug gear on nature outings. If your dog is full grown and in good shape, then you can go ahead and allow him to carry up to one quarter of his body weight - and for a larger animals, that could equal 15 or 20 pounds that you dont have to carry.
Make sure the dog backpack fits well, because if youve ever had a backpack that doesnt fit properly, you know how uncomfortable that can be. The dog backpack should fit securely around the dogs body, but you should still be able to fit your finger between the strap and the dogs body. Also, be sure to check the fit when your dog lies down, stands up, and sits, because different positions can greatly affect the fit of the dog backpack.
If your pooch doesnt; take to the pack right away, you can train him to enjoy it and associate it with pleasurable activities with you. Reassure him in a happy voice and then place a blanket or towel on his back so he can get used to having weight on his back. Once he is accustomed to this, you can put the dog backpack on him and let him wear it while it is empty. Then you can but small plastic water bottles in the pack so he can learn what it feels like to wear the dog backpack when it is full.
Many campers and hikers enjoy camping with their dogs.
Posted in: Camping Backpack
Many campers and hikers enjoy camping with their dogs. In fact, there are many places where you can camp, hike, and experience other outdoor events with your dog. And a lot of these pet toting campers like to have Fido carry part of the gear too ease the stress on their own backs. If you have a large dog and would like to bring him or her with you on your next hiking adventure, then you may want to look into purchasing dog backpacks.
Dogs have been traveling with their owners for as long as there have been domesticated dogs. Sometimes these dogs will wear dog backpacks to help their owners carry a load. When people go to the store, sometimes they will take their dog and have him help to carry the groceries home. Other people will take their dogs on hiking trips or camping outings and then dog backpacks come in handy to carry things like extra water and food for the dog, along with other items.
A healthy dog should be able to carry about one quarter of his body weight in gear on his back. For a large dog, this could be up to 15 or 20 pounds of weight. However, some dogs will not take to their dog backpacks right away, and you may need to train him to wear the pack. Start by laying a towel on the dogs back sop he gets used to having weight on his back. Then let him wear the empty backpack so he can feel the straps on his body. Once he is used to that, any of the dog backpacks that are available should have enough room for two small bottles of water. This will put a little weight in the pack so the dog gets used to having the pack on his back with something in it.
Getting the proper fit for dog backpacks is very important. Just like you, your dog can become very uncomfortable and can even get injured if his pack is not fitted properly. While every pack is different, the same general rules apply to pack fitting. Be sure that the straps are secure and snug, but that they are loose enough to fit a finger between the strap and the dogs body. Be sure to test the fit when your dog is standing, sitting and lying down, as these different positions may change the fit. Some dog backpacks have straps that go behind the dogs elbows, but this is a very sensitive area. Most would recommend finding a brand that makes dog backpacks without these straps.
The Backpack: A Camper’s Camel
Posted in: Camping Backpack
Everyone knows that campers and hunters need a place to keep and carry their gear. When perusing the camping supply aisles in stores, you may have noticed how overwhelming it is to find a backpack large enough to carry all of the necessary items you will need on your adventure in the great outdoors. Sometimes you may have wondered if bringing a pack mule or a camel would be a benefit for the serious backpack camper. However, if you have a good backpack, you wont need to bring along a four-legged beast to cart your gear youll only need your shoulders.
Many backpack campers and even some overnight hunters carry way too much on their trips into the wilderness, and often find themselves lugging around too many unnecessary items. But no matter what you feel you need to carry with you on your outdoor travels, you need a place for all of it. Many backpack manufacturers have taken this into account and have come up with solutions to your backpack problems. Whatever your backpack needs, you can find a backpack to suit them.
You will definitely need a place for things like rain gear, food, and plenty of water. You may also want to bring along field dressing gear or your first aid kit remember, this is very important, especially if you will be camping or hunting in an area that is far from immediate help should an accident occur.
Since you will be bringing so many different and important items, you will want to be certain that your backpack is made of a lightweight material. That way you will not have to drag around a huge heavy backpack with gear that also weighs a ton. But remember that the weight of the backpack is not nearly as important as the durability of the material.
Your backpack should be made of strong, water-proof material. The backpack should be able to withstand hard wind, heavy rain and snow, and you should be able to basically throw it on the ground and not worry about it tearing or leaking water onto your gear. Many camping gear companies now coat their backpack material with silicone to make it more durable and water proof.
Weight displacement is also extremely important for those campers who are traveling long distances. A wider backpack will make the weight of the pack lay on a larger portion of your back, and that will ultimately make carrying the backpack easier on your shoulders and back.
Another important consideration is the functionality of the design of the bag. There should be pockets on the outside so you can easily access your water supply, and there should be interior mesh pockets to organize smaller gear items. Also, having a lot of padding on your shoulder straps will help your comfort level immensely.
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