Camping Tents Online

Mosquitoes are out in force once again, and many consumers are faced with the difficult task of choosing the right insect repellent for their particular needs.

Will you be going hunting, fishing or camping anytime soon?

Do you live in a wooded area or somewhere near a lake or stream?

Do you have standing water on or around your property?

Are you flying to your final destination and can?t pack a liquid repellent in your luggage?

And, probably the most important question of all, do you have children that you must also consider?

I’ve found that in most cases, DEET, however successful it may have proven in the past, is overkill when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. Yes, it is a proven method of repelling, but it is also a chemical that has proven to be dangerous and destructive on many levels. DEET is not only known for causing a number of health issues with the young and old, but it also has a reputation for melting buttons on clothing, watch faces and straps, fishing gear, golf grips and just about anything it comes into contact with. In fact, I once watched a girl hold a can of Coke after spreading DEET on her legs, and the red paint from the Coke can came right off on her hands!! Now that?s something to think about when you are about to put it on your skin!

There are a growing number of viable NATURAL and NON-LIQUID alternatives on the market that do just as good a job as DEET without any of the side effects or risk of damaging your favorite clothing and other gear.

This season, I took a personal interest in researching and testing a couple of these and looking very carefully at the testing associated with one particular product called Bug Bam (http://www.bugbam.com). Unfortunately I couldn?t get my hands on testing for the other products I was interested in, but Bug Bam was very transparent in providing me with their testing data, and I must say, it is very impressive.

To preface how Bug Bam works, let me explain the methods a mosquito uses to find us.

Mosquitoes analyze around 300 different scents that come off each of our bodies. From carbon dioxide to lactic acid, they can detect these scents up to 100 feet away and, as they come closer, they actually begin smelling our very skin. As each person smells differently, some people are more appealing to mosquitoes than others, but overall, mosquitoes are after our protein (blood), which they use to lay their eggs. And mosquitoes don?t actually bite, they have a long ?proboscus?, or needle nose, which they use to pierce the skin and ?suck? our blood.

DEET works by blocking the pores of our skin to prevent mosquitoes from finding us. Without fail, the DEET then goes into our bloodstream and, if used to often or too much, can seriously affect our health causing issues such as brain damage and sometimes even death.

Natural products-such as Bug Bam-work by releasing a scent that masks the wearers own scent from a mosquito. The mosquito smells the scent of the Bug Bam rather than the scent of a human, and goes elsewhere to find its food.

Female mosquitoes are the only ones that seek blood. Males (the larger mosquitoes we all see) only eat nectar from flowers.

The Bug Bam range has been proven by one of the foremost environmental research labs in the USA to repel for up to 100 hours, and the products range from wristbands (for personal use) to grids, which protect multiple people in an area up to 300 sq. ft. None of the Bug Bam products require the use of sprays, lotions, batteries, smoke, flames or power of any kind (however I did notice a fan, but have not had the chance to test it as yet).

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the Bug Bam range of products are waterproof and sweat-proof and contain ingredients and materials that are EPA approved and FDA approved as food grade. So there?s nothing to worry about if little Johnny decides he wants to swim with his Bug Bam or likes to chew on his cool new wristband.

So there you have it. Play it safe AND smart this bug season. If you really feel that nothing works for you as well as DEET, go right ahead. It IS the Gold Standard (whatever that means). But if you?re the type who wants to look after their health and well being, then a product like Bug Bam will do the job just as well.

Have you ever wondered how it is to actually travel alone? Well, I know because I have been backpacking. I know how it feels to go to a new place and learn something new, and also make new friends. If you don’t know anything about backpacking, read this article because I am going to offer you some tips/reasons.

What is backpacking? Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Terms such as independent travel and/or budget travel are often used interchangeably with backpacking.

You do not want to travel because no one wants to follow you? Well, don’t worry. You can go on your own. Let me tell you why.

Trust me on this; you won’t be alone for long. Trust me a month of backpacking does not mean a month of loneliness. There are many other like minded people traveling the way you are.

The best tips I can offer you; the easiest way to make friends is to get involved in activities. Join a group of people to scuba dive. I am sure you’ll make friends there. Alternatively, simply strike up a conversation in the hostel. Make sure you do it with a smile. You can say something simple like ‘Hey guys I am on my own. Mind if I join you?’ Sounds very simple, right?

Another reason to go backpacking is because you need to cut loose from your life. Traveling on your own lets you literally leave everything behind - work, family and friends.

Well if you are living behind your boy/girlfriend, here’s a tip that I can offer you. You should take a timeout before you leave. Well, if you are in a serious relationship the I suggest that you both should come out with ground rules when you are away.

Making the decision to travel solo is a great step, but it’s important to know what it is you actually want to do while traveling.

How? Well you should do a research on the country or countries that you are going. The next thing that you should note is money. Traveling alone with not so much cash needs can be quite difficult. Next, learn how to manage your cash.

Dealing with different environments can be difficult but I assure you that while backpacking it may be hard for the first week but you will get the hang of it. Taking care of yourself and also learn from the new environment can be surprisingly easy.

If you are thinking that you need more confidence while traveling, carry a guide book with you. It helps if the guide books contain phrases that are commonly used in a country in their language.

Some people go backpacking because they want to learn new things and experience a different lifestyle. Some go because they want to bring home a whole new perspective of life.

What more can you ask for? Gain as much knowledge by experiencing what locals do and how they spend their day.

Now that you know this, what are you waiting for? You should take this opportunity to get your mind relaxed.

Bug season is upon us once again, and I felt it timely to comment on the growing number of supposedly ‘natural’ insect repelling products that seem to be popping up everywhere we look.

As a consumer, you will see many advertisements for natural repellents, and must be aware that there are many “marketing” companies looking for any way via which to squeeze your valuable dollar from you. They have no business being in the world of insect repellents, but due to the value of the market (approximately $1 billion in the USA alone), they cannot resist expanding their core business (which is usually consumer products, air fresheners or cleaning supplies) to now include repellents in an attempt to swindle a share of this valuable market.

US VS. THEM

GERANIOL: In 1999, the University of Florida (Gainesville) developed a “naturally derived” formula for repelling mosquitoes called “Geraniol”. It is a derivative of the Geranium flower and, when applied to the skin in its liquid form (exactly like DEET), was proven to repel mosquitoes for up to 4 hours. Geraniol is manufactured synthetically in a laboratory to avoid the high cost of extracting the 100% natural ingredient from the flower itself and to ensure that it is perfectly replicated each time. This eventually leads to “immunity” built up by mosquitoes as they commonly become immune to “man-made” repellents and pesticides in 3 to 4 life cycles.

Geraniol also has a terrible smell associated with it and, as a result of growing complaints from consumers, additional ingredients such as mint or citronella are often added to Geraniol products to mask the pungent Geraniol scent.

Today, as more and more consumers seek out natural products to protect themselves, their families and their pets from the threat of disease carrying insects, a number of “marketing” companies have entered into agreements with the University of Florida to use Geraniol as the foundation of their range of “natural”insect repellents.

Despite the fact that Geraniol has only been tested to work in liquid form for up to 4 hours, these companies are selling 120 hour wristbands, patches, candles, tablecloths and more using Geraniol (with mint or citronella to mask the odor) and claiming that these products work to repel mosquitoes and other insects. You will see these products heavily marketed on television and elsewhere, but never in mainstream retail stores (i.e. Wal-Mart) where the guarantee of high returns from unsatisfied customers is too risky.

Don’t be misled.

BUG BAM: Personally developed by Joseph M. Symond first in 1998 and then reformulated in 2005, the Bug Bam formula is truly 100% natural, using only 100% natural essential oils. Joseph personally worked with perfumers, scientists and others to develop the perfect combination of efficacy and appealing scent. As a result,the Bug Bam formula has been scientifically proven time and again (by the top laboratories in both Australia and the USA) to work in both liquid AND solid forms, making it THE most effective natural repellent available on the market today. Not only does it work, but it is safe for all ages, lasts for up to 100 hours and smells GREAT by comparison to anything else on the market.

Playing on the fact that masking our scent from flying, biting insects keeps them away, Bug Bam’s formula in liquid OR solid form releases a (pleasant) scent that is strong enough to hide the user from mosquitoes and other flying, biting insects. And because the Bug Bam formula actually does come from “live” plants and not a lab, every batch we make has a slight difference to the last due to soil, air, water and climate changes before harvesting. This makes it very hard if not impossible for mosquitoes to adapt to.

Bug Bam is THE ONLY company in the world that can boast a scientifically tested and proven range of 100% natural indoor and outdoor repellent products that are safe, effective and do not require sprays, batteries, smoke, flames, butane or a power source of any kind.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Play it smart. Protect yourself from more than just bugs and ask for evidence supporting a products efficacy. If a company is selling a repellent wristband, candle, fan, patch, tablecloth or other item, ask them for testing data that supports their formula working in THAT product. And ask if this is their core business. If all they can provide you with is an outdated lab report or data showing that (someone else) formula works in a liquid or spray form only, and they are asking you to buy their product using that formula in a solid form (such as a wristband), TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE and purchase something that has actually been proven to work!

We pride ourselves on the fact that BUGS ARE OUR BUSINESS 24/7. Bug Bam is all we do and it is not a side business for us. Because of companies offering inferior products, Bug Bam has been forced to prove itself time and time again and, despite the great expense of doing so, our products come through with flying colors.

It is important for us to be honest and factual to you, the consumer, if we expect to gain your business and, most importantly your trust. When it comes to protecting yourself and your family, and you want to use something TRULY natural and effective, try BUG BAM!. Because Mosquitoes Suck!

Many people would like to go for vacations in a serene and secluded spots. The spots can be beaches, hill stations, adventurous forest region or calm and quite valleys beneath a lake. In most of these renowned tourist destinations camping facilities will be available. There can be nice luxurious resorts or forest huts or good camps. But camping in a tent is the most exciting experience one can get, and especially with family or friends. It will be an unforgettable vacation for all who spent nights in tents with viewing the nature’s gift all around and in the lap of Mother Earth. The satisfaction and enjoyment derived out of such camping is beyond words. It is a fun merged with relaxing moments. But it is very important to know how can you set up a tent for camping? What precautions you need to take while camping in a tent. This article will deal with some of the important Tent camping tips. These tips will help you to ensure a comfortable and memorable camping in a tent.

• Before the trip itself, make sure that you are carrying with you all necessary camping materials including the tarp for tent. Check thoroughly the tarp for any defects like leaking points, loose stitching and many such spoiled portions of the tarp. Tarp need to be leak proof.
• See that all other materials like poles, tarp fixing materials and pole fixing equipments are taken.
• Make sure that you use tarp which is rain proof. This simply tells that you can use a rainfly which will cover full tent, including the top and sides. It will have provision for ventilations and openings. It will ensure the inside is 100% proof against rain. Always use a rainfly that provides full coverage of your tent.
• Use a good floor cover, covering entire area. It will assure you no wet or dirt inside the tent. It is better if you can make a plastic bottom with cloth made sheets in the top of this floor cover. Cloth cover can be taken as per the climate, in winter season woolen sheet and in summer cotton sheet can be used to cover the floor. This will ensure comfort of staying.
• As far as possible select a flat area for tent. Undulated regions will give many problems. If possible make the ground tidy by removing the dirt, bushes and insects. Level the camp area before setting up the tent. Also clean the surroundings as much as possible.
• Do not select the camping place near stagnant water ponds. These ponds will be the haven of mosquitoes and you will not able to spent comfortably there.
• Make sure that the tarp is anchored very strongly to the poles. Poles need to placed by reinforcing with rubbles and mud. Also make sure that all cross wires and threads are properly fixed before the first night.
• Put some borne fire outside the tent in night. This will keep off animals and insects reaching the tent.

These are some simple but important tips which will help you in making good tent for a comfortable camping.

How often do you go camping? Don’t you ever crave that break from the big city, smog, and crowds of people? I know I do. There are times when I can hardly stand the hectic atmosphere of small towns. I like an occasional break from the madness. That is why my family and I enjoy a camping adventure in the great outdoors. Just the family, some simple camping supplies, plenty of food, and we’re good to go. What do you bring along on your wilderness outings? Maybe you enjoy family camping tents to keep the rain off your heads and mosquitoes out of your face. These days there are just so many options to choose from when it comes to camping equipment. The right equipment can actually make you want to stay away camping longer.

One thing I always enjoyed as a child was camping with the family. While we eventually upgraded to an actual popup camper, I can still remember the fun times with family camping tents. You know, the huge ones that sleep like eight people. Our family camping tent was fourteen feet long and had two huge rooms! I always loved those things as a kid. You could sneak in there before everyone else did, and pretend it was your own little home. That was great fun. Things seem so huge when you’re a small child.

These days I watch my daughters have a blast with family camping tents when we head out for a weekend with Mother Nature. My daughters love to pretend the tent is their castle and no one can enter. There’s just something to be said about the old-school family camping tents. Actually, I shouldn’t say old anymore. Technology has certainly upgraded these awesome camping amenities. Family camping tents are constructed of high-quality materials, with the ability to withstand a variety of weather conditions. They are waterproof, windproof, bug-proof, and comfortable.

Are you loading up for that next big bout with the great outdoors? Maybe it’s time you took a gander at the modern family camping tents and supplies. Things are constantly changing and upgrading for the better. You might want to ditch that old tent your father passed along to you, and upgrade to a contemporary one. If you are searching for camping equipment and a variety of family camping tents, it is imperative to check out the internet. The internet not only has loads to offer when it comes to camping supplies, but you will also find the absolute best deals around.

Camping is a very relaxing and fun experience when you go with right equipment. Every precaution should be taken before packing your equipment.

Many people camp at camping grounds and some at the backyards. There was not real problem for those who camps here. But if you decide to camp in the middle of nowhere, you have to take lot of precaution, since the weather conditions will be challenging and immediate help will be far off.

You have to be right shape while hiking and if added with camping you have your right camping gears. The most important thing in the camping is the backpacking tents.

The tents should be light to carry, if this heavier your speed is reduced drastically. Nowadays we have lot of options in selecting the camping gears. Tents with light weight should be the best option, but it also should provide a good cover for sunny, windy and rainy weather conditions.

It is always a good move to test the backpacking tent before you use for the camping. You can do so in your backyard and test whether it has water proof and withholds the wind conditions. If you are not testing the tents, you might have shocking surprise. Testing the camp gear will also make you familiar with the setup. If course you don’t want to spend in the middle of wood to figure out how to set up the tent properly. The right equipment with right planning goes a long way in the camping experience. You have lot to see and enjoy than worrying for the camping gears in the middle of nowhere.

You love the outdoors, especially when you spend a lot of time there. There is something serene about camping overnight in a beautiful setting. The sounds, the smell of the fresh air. It is such a departure from your regular, busy life. If you are the type who loves to camp, then camping tents are something that you will definitely need.

Camping tents come in different shapes and sizes. There are also tents that are designed for certain weather conditions. For example, some camping tents are designed as all weather tents, and some have a good resistance against the wind. There are also some highly specialized tents. You can’t expect to use the same tent on Mt. Everest as you would a warm, wind free campground in the summertime.

Here is some advice that will help you choose the best camping tents for your needs:

The Purpose - What do you need the tent for? People who go camping often may feel as if they need several camping tents. And this is true, especially if you camp in different climates or take different kinds of camping trips. For example, if you do a lot of backpacking and a lot of leisurely camping, you will need different camping tents of each. Leisurely tents can be heavy and when you are on foot, you want something that is very lightweight.

The Features - Another important consideration when purchasing camping tents are the features. This also ties in with the purpose of the tent. If you do a lot of generalized camping, you will probably need camping tents that have a variety of different features. In general, you will want a tent that is easy to put up and will have features like sturdiness, wind resistance, and possibly a mosquito net.

Do your research - There are a lot of choices out there for camping tents. Once you know what you need the tent for and have at least a vague idea of the features you will need, you can begin to research. When looking into the various tents, make sure you read the product specs for each one. Talk to a sales person. Or, if you are shopping online, feel free to contact customer service with any questions you may have. Websites in general do a great job listing all the information you will need. But if you have a question on different camping tents you can always contact them.

Learn how - Simply making a purchase decision on which of the camping tents you would like is not enough. Once you buy it, you will need to make sure you understand how to use it. Failure to use your camping tents properly can lead to some very uncomfortable and even dangerous situations. Have several practice runs before you actually take your tent with you while camping.

Camping tents are an important part of outdoor life. Some camping tents serve a general purpose and others are more specialized. If you need a tent for a mountaineering exhibition, for example, make sure you select a tent that will accommodate the weather and the conditions you will face. Backpacking tents are also different than campground tents because they need to fit in your backpack. Once you understand what you will need the tent for, you can begin to select one and make a purchase.

Many people might think choosing a family camping tent is a difficult process. I am telling you that it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. I recommend going to the camping supply store armed with what you are looking for to simplify the process. There are several steps to take to help narrow it down before you start looking.

First, decide weather you will be backpacking, weekend camping, or camping long term. These are different types of camping that require different camping tents. You will need a much lighter tent if you are looking for a backpacking tent than if you needed a family camping tent for the weekend. If you are considering long term camping you might consider a cabin tent for your camping tent.

Next, consider how many people you plan to camp with. Family camping tents come in many sizes so get an idea how many people you plan to sleep in the tent to determine the size. I recommend a little larger than the number of people you plan to sleep to allow for an extra sleeper or camping gear if you aren’t a backpacker.

If you are on a budget and looking for discount camping tents Coleman tents and Eureka tents would be a great option to meet your needs. Both Eureka tents and Coleman tents offer all the styles and sizes you will need for a family camping tent. They offer large family camping tents such as the Eureka Pine Lodge, Eureka Copper Canyon, and the Coleman Sundome. If you are looking for a little lighter weight, and more flexible family camping tent you might consider the Eureka Timberline.

Knowing what style and what size will make your shopping experience much more pleasant when you go to select you backpacking tent or your family camping tent. Don’t let all the brands and styles confuse you, just be prepared with the knowledge of what you are looking for.

Choosing the right camping tents for your trip is very essential to the enjoyment of the trip. Tents can be of many uses during a camping trip that include the provision of protection from bad weather conditions but are not limited to only this. They may also provide protection from other dangers from animals as well as insects that can be vectors for many viruses that can endanger the live of humans.

When choosing the right camping tents there are many considerations that have to be taken into account. These include the weather conditions for the areas that the trip is going to take place in. The weather is not predictable but all aspects must be considered. Waterproof tents are ideally the best type of tent to purchase. They provide protection against most types of bad weather and are closed on the sides. Although they are normally better for weather protection they not a personal choice of many as many persons prefer the fresh air enjoyment provided by open air tents.

The consideration of the types of insects and animals around should also govern the type of camping tents chosen. There are many dangerous insects such as mosquitoes that can carry dangerous viruses and animals such as snakes that can be poisonous. Camping in wilderness areas is common for many backpackers and a sealed tent offers more protection. There are other means of protection such as repellants for mosquitoes but these may not be as effective in the night as a sealed tent. There are also tents on the market today that provide protection by the presence of nets over the doorways to allow some ventilation and fresh air.

The time of the year that the camping trip is taking place is another important consideration. This means for summer trips there is the need for protection from rainfall and winter trips a barrier from the cold. There are camping tents available that can be used for more than one season and these are wise investments for the avid camper. Persons who only camp during certain times of the year may want to choose a tent specifically for those conditions.

For long trips the camping tents considered should be lightweight but durable. The lighter the tent the better for these trips as weight becomes an important factor when traveling long distances. If weight is not a consideration the larger the tent the better and the more comfortable the tent will be. This is as it can also provide storage for other equipment and avoid loss of equipment due to water damage and other factors. When purchasing any camping tent it is vital that the factors mentioned be considered and that the best quality tent that can be purchased according to your budget be bought. Quality is essential as a poor quality tent can bring more problems than no tent at all.

About the Author:

Tents HQ offers articles and tips about different tents and camping.
Article Tags: camping, protection, tent

Read more articles by: Carl Walker
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=79773&ca=Recreation
Article published on August 29, 2006 at iSnare.com

Been shopping for a new camping tent? Wonder what 3-season or 4-season means? Confused about what a family tent or convertible tent classification means? Let’s try to cut through all the marketing lingo and get down to what you should really look for when you see camping tent ratings or classifications.
When you get right down to it, you should think of a camping tent as either 3-season or 4-season. So what’s in a name?

Generally speaking your average 3-season tent is built to hold up well in light to moderate weather conditions. They are built to be comfortable in Spring, Summer and Fall in most any location, hence the name 3-season.

Three-season tents are generally more affordable than 4-season. You will find a vast range of 3-season tent quality from the cheap units found in big retail stores to expensive models found in specialty camping stores.

The downside of 3-season tents? These tents do not hold up well in high winds, torrential rain and heavy snowfall. 3-season tents are generally not the tent of choice for backcountry expeditions through Alaska in January.

The best 3-season tents generally come with a waterproof rain fly and a breathable canopy. Ideally you want to find a three season tent with a waterproof floor. The rugged "bathtub" floor is generally reserved for the more expensive four season tent (but not always).

Four season tents are great for just about any weather condition that you may encounter, assuming its winter. The 4-season rating really should be classified as 1-season. Why? Because a quality 4-season tent performs great in winter conditions but may suffer from over-insulation in the summer months.

Structurally 4-season tents generally have at least four aluminum poles for strength (the more the better) to withstand sleet and snow. They are aerodynamic in design and typically they are dark colored in order to absorb heat. And they are generally much lighter.

The roof lines on four season tents are fully defined and very strong so water and snow cannot collect on top of the tent. Most four season tents can be utilized free standing in the event there is no place to pound stakes into the ground such as on the side of a mountain or in frozen terrain.

Four season tents have a fully encompassing rainfly to combat the elements. They also have excellent waterproof floors that are called "bathtubs" as they come up to about six inches on the side of the tent. Additionaly the seams are very hardy and strong throughout the tent.

The downside to the 4-season tent? Price. You can end up paying a hefty sum for the technology built in to keep you protected.

Also, as I alluded to above, if you are camping in the middle of summer you will want air movement through your tent to keep things cooler. 4-season tents are generally made to inhibit the elements from cutting through the camping tent, which is great in the winter and not so great in balmy summer.

So where does a family tent fit into these ratings? A family tent is simply a 3-season tent.

What’s going on with a convertible 3-4 season tent? This kind of tent generally has some sort of built in airflow ventilator. I would not take this type tent into the backcountry where survival was important. If the ventilator malfunctioned and it would not close, you could become an unhappy camper pretty fast.

Bottom line: The 3-season tent is the recommended choice for the majority of campers. It is the most cost effective tent and will allow the user to camp in a variety of conditions up to, but not including, severe winter weather conditions.

If you camp from Spring, Summer and Fall, a 3-season camping tent will fill your needs. If you camp where severe winter weather is possible then you should be getting a 4-season camping tent.

About the Author:

A father of two daughters, Chris loves the outdoors and counts camping, skiing and bicycling as his favorite pursuits. Chris is the owner of http://www.camping-tent-guide.com, a website for camping tent information, camping tips and outdoor adventure discussion.
Article Tags: 3season, tent, tents

Read more articles by: Chris Morris
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=18546&ca=Recreation
Article published on November 15, 2005 at iSnare.com