Backyard Camp'n'Gear Compass

Leaf the Art to Me

backyardcampngear — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:34:15 +0000

The leaves are falling, so it must be fall. Forget about raking and just enjoy the simplicity of a leaf.

Leaves can provide hours of backyard fun. There is no better art project for the kids than leaf rubbing. All you need is a variety of leaves, plain white paper, and some crayons.

Lay the leaf down vein side up and cover it with your paper. Pick your color and remove all of the paper. Turn the crayon on it’s side and rub across the leaf to create your leaf image. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and make sure you create a memory for yourself.

Campground Reviews (Know Before you Go)

backyardcampngear — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:13:06 +0000

If you have ever traveled and went into a campground without checking it out first you know that there are good and bad camping facilicites. You can have all the best gear but the place you stay will define your camping experience. If you are heading out on the open road or just need a quick reference for a local camping spot check out what other peole have to say at:

http://camping.about.com/od/campgroundreviews/l/blpcgndx.htm

Hamilton County Parks

backyardcampngear — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:50:17 +0000

I have lived in Cincinnati for the majority of my life and although it is not the Geographical hub for outdoor activities the Hamilton County Parks make the most of what our city has to offer. There is nothing like a few hours of paddling on the local lakes and rivers to see nature in action. If you have been interested in taking up paddling check out the Canoe & Kayak Quick Start Program for Adults. It is a great inftroduction to paddling and water safety. Go To: http://www.greatparks.org/events/paddlesports.htm

Hiking In “Bad Weather”

backyardcampngear — Sat, 01 May 2010 02:01:05 +0000

Hiking can be a lot of fun in almost any weather conditions. I mean outside of a blizzard or a severe thunderstorm you can have a great time on the trails. Since it is spring lets address hiking in the rain. The trails will be less crowded in the rain and different weather conditions will vary the fauna you will see. It is important to stay dry and keep warm so check out the following video to get some great advice on how to choose your rain gear:

http://www.trails.com/video_598_rain-gear-stay-dry-hiking.html

Spring Camping Tips

backyardcampngear — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:47:18 +0000

Be prepared for the volatility of Spring weather. Your mom always said it and in the Spring it will come in handy “dress in layers” and keep your feet dry and warm. The air might be warm but be sure the ground is not. Make sure you have a thick sleeping pad to create a good barrier. Also, be ready to get wet. Take the time to trench around your tent. Dig trench by cutting straight down just outside the footstop pins; do not dig in a V-shape. Slope the side away from the tent. Dig trench all around the tent. Throw dirt from trench away from the tent; never throw it against the tent, for it will quickly rot canvas or pull you tent out of shape. In most cases, do not dig trench more than 4 or 5 inches deep and in the shallowest place not over 3 inches. There should be enough slope in the trench so that the water will flow freely toward the outlet and not back up. To carry the water off, dig an outlet at the lowest point of the area and connect it to the trench which has been dug around the lent. When there is a possibility that the water may flow in from higher ground, dig a ditch to divert the water before it can reach the tent. In addition to a footprint or ground cover you can place a tarp on the inside floor of your tent. This way you stay dry even when your floor does not.

Spring Cleaning

backyardcampngear — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:49:49 +0000

We know everyone is ready to get out and camp but do yourself a favor and check your gear first. Get everything out of storage and check your equipment before you head out on your first adventure.

TENTS
Set it up in your garage or backyard and give it a good inspection: poles, pegs, fabric, fly, floor, seams, and window screens. This is a great time to give the tent a good cleaning (mild soap and water) and re-seal the seams. If you have an issue with poles try to get a replacement from the munufacturer before the season is in full bloom.

SLEEPING GEAR
Inspect them thoroughly for tears, or zipper issues and repair accordingly. Run the sleeping gear through the laundry according to manufactrurers directions. Open your bags, turn them inside out, and dry them in the sun. Fluff the stuffing of your bag to increase comfort (if you have the option you should leave them open when not in use to allow the insulation material to breath and revtalize the stuffing).

Self inflating sleeping pads and air mattresses should be wiped down and inflated. Check your air valves and make sure you slightly overinflate the pads to check for leaks. Self inflated pads are best stored inflated to keep the foam expanded and not crushed. Keeping the valve closed will keep moisture out. Use the manufacturer’s recommended materials for repairing any leaks.

LANTERNS
Use new fuels and make sure your mantles are not falling apart. Replace cracked globes with new glass and old mantles with new ones.

STOVES
Disassemble your stove and clean it out thoroughly. A rease-cutting detergent will give the stove a nice shine and a thorough drying will extend the life of use.
If you have an electric igniter, check for a strong spark. With a new LPG canister attached or the fuel tank full and pumped up, start all the burners and make sure they are giving you equal fire all the way around. If not, you might need to clean the burner orifices with a nonflammable cleanser and an old toothbrush.

BOOTS
If the tread looks like they have another year in them shake out the boots and clean them inside and out, then dress the outside with the appropriate products — saddle soap to soften hard leather and something akin to Sno-Seal for restoring the waterproofing of the uppers. Make sure your laces are in tact and replace if needed. Also, make sure your footbeds are not crushed. New footbeds can increase your comfort from season to season.

In addition to your gear take the time to restock first aid kits, check any firestarters to make sure their still effective, and check your water purifyer if your heading out to the backwoods.

Fluff & Stuff for Nest Building

backyardcampngear — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:27:44 +0000

We have a fun way for y0u to help and observe your feather friends with their winter nests. You will need an old sock or stocking, string, scissors, and nesting materials (dried grass, straw, hay, feathers, wool, and even some animal hair from your cats and dogs)

Spread out your gathered items on plates to see what items you have gathered. Determine what you want to use to stuff your sock. Start stuffing making sure you have a good mixture of your materials and pushing them to the foot of the sock.

Then seperate the material by tying off portions of the sock with string or twisting and knotting the sock. Cut little holes in the sock and pull some of the stuffing out to allow the birds to see what items they have to choose from for their nests. Hang the sock somewhere that the birds have easy acess to it and you can watch what they use.

See what items the birds like the most and you can keep their inventory up through the spring. You can’t make the nest for them but you can give them some ready made material to keep them warm.

Safety Tip for August

backyardcampngear — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:43:02 +0000

The dog days of summer have arrived and you need to be careful when handling propane.

During this year’s camping season, millions of nature lovers will rely on propane-fueled camp heaters, lanterns and stoves for their camping trips. Here are some outdoor equipment safety tips, courtesy of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), to help campers understand how to use their recreational propane appliances safely.

Overall Tips
Make sure that your shelter or camper is adequately ventilated at all times. Never leave the heater, stove or lamp burning overnight or unattended.

Check your propane-fueled camping appliances periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. Carefully inspect them at home before taking them on a trip. Never use a flame to check for leaks; instead, apply soapy water on each of the connections, turn on the gas and watch for telltale bubbles. Also, be alert for the ‘rotten egg’ odor of propane, which may also indicate a leak.

If you smell the familiar ‘rotten egg’ odor of propane, follow these steps: (1) do not light matches or use any electrical equipment; (2) exit your camper or tent immediately; (3) if there is an outside tank, turn off the gas valve; (4) call your propane supplier or fire department from a phone near your campsite.

Use only approved appliances and look for a label from a testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, before buying. Always thoroughly read and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Never use a worn or damaged appliance.

Do not store propane cylinders inside hot vehicles or where temperatures might rise above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Cylinders should be stored, moved and used in an upright position unless otherwise indicated on the cylinder. Both cylinders and appliances should be kept out of the reach of children at all times.

Camp Stove Tips
Never use your propane stove in an enclosed area. It should be located in an open, well-ventilated area away from shrubs or dry wood. If such an area is not available, clear one by hand. Keep the stove away from your tent, sleeping bags and camper.

Secure the stove on a level, nonflammable surface. Use a stove base when cooking on snow or uneven ground. Ceramic tile or old license plates make great bases. Visible markers should be put up to alert fellow campers to stoves that are small and low to the ground.

Before connecting the stove to the propane cylinder, make sure that the stove valve is set at ‘OFF.’ Inspect and check connections carefully for dirt or damage prior to lighting. To clean, use a damp, warm, soapy paper towel or sponge. Use the ‘bubble test’ mentioned earlier to check the connections. Never immerse the stove in water.

If ignition does not occur immediately, turn off the gas, wait for it to clear and try again. When lighting, make sure you keep your hands and fingers to the side of the burner and clothing away from the flame.

Never leave a hot stove unattended, and always turn it off before moving it. Disconnect the fuel cylinder when repacking, storing or transporting the camp stove. Cover and store the stove in a clean, dry place.

Lamp and Lantern Tips
Keep dirt and foreign particles out of the lantern valve, and blow the valve clean before connecting the cylinder to the lantern. Check the cylinder, valve connections and mantle (the part shielding the flame) before each use.

Never operate without a mantle or with a damaged mantle that has visible holes or cracks. Avoid mantle ‘overburn,’ which can shorten the life of the mantle and damage your lantern.

Leave plenty of clearance between your propane lamp or lantern and any combustible materials. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for space clearance. Select a level surface on which to place the lamp or lantern.

A lantern is not a space heater. Use it only as a light source. Always detach the propane cylinder before transporting a lantern.

Camp Heater Tips
Only use propane gas heaters that have been tested and labeled by a recognized agency. Leave clearance around and above the unit. The recommended distances are six to twelve inches on the sides, one to four feet above, and at least three feet in front. Your propane heater should only be used for heating, not for cooking food or drying clothes.

Select the right type of heater for your needs. A direct-vent heater uses outside air to support combustion in its sealed combustion chamber and vents exhaust back outside. Use this type of heater in your tent or RV and keep the outside vent free of debris. A vent-free heater uses inside air to support combustion and vents directly into the room. Vent-free heaters should only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Proper use of your camping equipment will ensure you and your family many years of enjoyment of the great outdoor

Camping Craft

backyardcampngear — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:53:41 +0000

Don’t leave your memories behind. Every child is a collector and they need a special spot for the things they find on their family camping adventures. A great camp craft is a shadow box. The shadow box can be created out of cardboard or wooden sticks. You might even find an unfinished box at your local craft store. The boxes can be decorated with markers or paint and then when they have the perfect bug, stick, or rock they can glue in their finds and show them off when they get back home.

Gear Checklist for the Backyard Camper

backyardcampngear — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:54:31 +0000

Whether you are setting up camp in the backyeard or going to your local campground you need some base gear. This is a quick and dirty checklist; tent, ground protector, sleeping bag, sleeping pad or air mattress, warm clothes, flashlight and extra batteries, insect repellant, a bottle of water, and s’mores ingredients (chocolate bars, graham crackers, and marshmellows).