Jim’s Hunting and Camping

Hi Everyone;

If you would like to have a boat but you have a compact car and can’t pull one or the cost of a traditional boat and trailer to haul it is just to much, you should consider and inflatable boat or kayak.  You can get a nice boat for a small amount of money and it will fold down and store in your cars trunk when you are going to or from the lake.  You can take the whole family out on the lake or just go fishing by yourself and get that peace and quiet you have been looking for.  If you are more adventurous you can get an inflatable kayak strong enough for class 3 rapids.  The main idea is look and see if the inflatables will do what you want to do, and if so you can than make up your mind as to what you want.  Having fun is what it is all about and what will fit your budget.  No matter what be safe.

Thanks for stopping by.  Jim

Hi Everyone;

When you go backpacking, hiking or bike riding and being able to plug in isn’t an option why not take along a solar charger that can do the trick.  Cell phones and lap tops run out of battery after a while and a solar charger can take the place of standard electricity.  The chargers are light weight but durable and small enough to pack and not take up a lot of space.  Have a great time while you are out seeing the sites and remember to be safe.

Thanks for stopping by.   Jim

Hi Everyone;

If you are planning a hiking adventure into the back country it would be wise to look into a water microfilter.  Water is one of the most important things to have and clean water is essential.  Having water will keep you moving and exploring and that’s what your intent is by going hiking or backpacking.  The microfilter will clean the water and make it drinkable and it doesn’t weigh a ton to carry, and the less weight you have to carry the better.  Spending time in the woods or mountains away from the everyday hustle and bussel is the whole idea behind backpacking or hiking and looking at all the wonderful views of the land is what it is all about, so go have a great time.  Remember to be careful.

Thanks for stopping by.   Jim

Hi Everyone;

When I was young, to only thing I’d heard about a crossbow was that which was shown in movies like Robin Hood. Now it is a very different thing. With a crossbow, archers can release a draw force far in excess of what they can handle with a long bow.

Also, crossbows can be kept cocked and ready to shoot for some time with little effort which allows bowmen to aim better. The only disadvantages are the greater weight and clumsiness compared to a bow, as well as the slower rate of fire and lower efficiency of the acceleration system. Crossbows have a much smaller draw length than bows. This means that for the same energy sent to the arrow the crossbow has to have much higher draw weight.

Crossbows are mostly used for target shooting in modern archery. However, in many regions of the world they are still used for hunting game, including parts of North America.

Several of the top manufactures are Barnett Crossbows Excalibur Crossbows and Horton Crossbows. When choosing a crossbow, keep in mind that there is a difference between them. There is a lot of difference in quality. You should consider the purchase of a crossbow as an investment which will last for years. You should purchase as high a quality of crossbow as your budget will allow.

Excalibur has won the US National Crossbow Championships for the last eight years and the Canadian 3-D Championship crossbow class for the last six years! With Excalibur, accuracy is more than just a word. You can also expect the same type quality from Horton Crossbows and Barnett Crossbows.

Article by Brian W. Anderson of ezineArticles.          Thanks for stopping by.   Jim

Hi Everyone;

If you and your family get together for a week-end of camping then cooking becomes a big deal.  Every Labor day week-end we camp at our daughter and son-in-laws, they have 40 acres with a pond and with our crew of 22 we need lots of room to roam.  But when it comes to breakfast and cooking eggs and bacon you need a family sized griddle.  We have lots of people to help with kids and ourselves and it all works out great.  So I highly recommend that you and the kids or in-laws or friends all get together and have a great week-end anytime that you all can get together.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to be safe.   Jim

Hi Everyone;

When you are hiking, fishing, hunting or just exploring in our great country remember to take along that one piece of equipment that is tried and true, your compass.  Compasses are inexpensive and a good one will work anytime where the new modern GPS may give out if the battery goes dead.  There are plenty of stories out there where even experienced hikers got themselves lost and if not for the trusty compass they would have been in a lot of trouble.  So remember to put your compass in with the first aid kit just in case an emergency comes up.  Being safe is always better than being sorry.

Thanks for stopping by.  Jim

Hi Everyone;

Should sleeping bags be made of down or synthetic? What sleeping bag is best for camping, hiking or backpacking? A guide to make your decision easier.

First off it should at least be rated for the lowest possible temperature you’ll encounter. You may want to even go a little lower just to be on the safe side.

Obviously the main purpose is to hold your body heat in to insulate you from the cooler air. So the better the insulation holds your body heat in the warmer and more comfortable you’re going to be.

Insulation

Down-the filamentous and fluffy layer underneath the feathers. Positives: All being equal down is warmer, lighter, more comfortable, compresses smaller, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Goose down is the standard others are compared to. The more it lofts the better it insulates. This is known as fill-power, the higher the number the better it retains heat.

Negatives: Down looses most all of it’s insulating properties when wet, takes a long time to dry outdoors, is more expensive short-term, and may require professional cleaning.

Synthetic- These are usually hollow plastic threads that serve to trap warm air. Positives: Synthetic sleeping bags retain heat better when wet, costs less short-term when compared to the same temperature rating as down, dries quicker than down, and is hypo-allergenic. It’s usually well-suited for recreational use, but consider your own individual needs.

Negatives: They’re bulkier, heavier, less conforming, and can lose their insulating properties after a few seasons of hard use because of breakdown. More expensive long-term.  Thanks for stopping by and be safe when you are out camping.

Parts of this article from ezinearticles by Marc Wiltse          Thanks again, Jim

Hi Everyone;

Hi Everyone;

Kayaking is a great way to spend time out in nature with good friends and great times. If you are just starting out, there are some things that you should learn before heading out into the water.

As a beginner, you will benefit greatly from taking a class. Being properly trained to kayak can mean the difference between having a safe and enjoyable experience, and finding yourself up a creek without a paddle (bad jokes aside). Being trained by a knowledgeable instructor is the best way to start out. It is also a great idea to kayak with a decent size group of people. When you go out with a group, it is inevitable that some kayakers will be more experienced than others. You can learn from them, drawing on their expertise and experience. They will have tips to share with you, and can help take your kayaking to the next level.

When you take a class, they will teach you the necessary techniques, the essential supplies to carry with you, the required equipment, and most importantly the safety procedures which will ensure that you return to land. It is very important to learn these things before you ever get into the water. Pay close attention to the safety lesson, safety procedures need to be second nature so that when an emergency arises, you can perform.

Thanks for stopping by. Jim

Parts of this article by Sydney Garrison of ezineArticles.

Hi Everyone;

If you are going hunting, camping or fishing a good led headlamp is a great hands free tool to have with you.  They are good for a multitude of different uses besides, like working on your car, plumbing under a sink, anything you have to do that requires a little more light.  LED lights will give you a brighter light with less energy so they will last longer that a flashlight.  They will give you a more useful tool than you thought you would ever need.  If you are a caver you already know the advantages of a great headlamp.  So wear one with confidence and be safe in whatever you do.

Thanks for stopping by.  Jim