So What Makes a Bivy Tent?
Since “bivy” is simply a shortened term of the word bivouac, the bivy tent is virtually any tent designed for the purpose of “roughing it” while actually keeping a hiker, fisherman, backpacker, or camper out of the elements. Hence, bivy tents will all share some of the same qualities and characteristics while ranging widely in terms of price, size, comfort, and weight. In general it can be said that any bivy tent is incredibly portable and easy to set up in a hurry. This is an incredibly useful feature for anyone finding themselves in an area where weather can move in quickly. If you’re looking for camping equipment and other outdoor activities? Check out Pike Trail.
The smallest bivy tents are little larger than the length of a sleeping bag and can weigh as little as two pounds. Though the specifics can vary from brand to brand the basic gist of the idea is that the camper can slide themselves and their sleeping bag into the waterproofed bivy tent. The fabric is typically suspended away from the body by a series of hoops. This allows for greater airflow and also can help prevent a buildup of humidity if the camper or hiker is already wet when they scurry into their one-man bivy tent.
Though the one-man gunny sack may be enough for some people, it is nice to have a little extra. The step up from the one-man instant shelter is the two-man bivy tent. To be fair the two-man descriptor is up to interpretation. Depending on reviews, the two-person bivy tent is suitable for one adult and one child, one hiker plus their gear, or two people that simply don’t mind a tight squeeze. The ability to keep camping gear dry may be considered by some to be a serious upgrade. For others that may have a vehicle to keep their gear stowed like on a father-son spending the weekend carp fishing, having a small, dry tent is enough.
There are some features that should be common no matter what type of bivy tent is looked into:
-The fabric should be breathable.
-The fabric should be waterproof.
-The fabric should be bug proof.
Fabric that doesn’t allow for good airflow can make it too humid inside the bivy tent, and a bivy that isn’t waterproof simply isn’t worth the money. Many bivy sacks have a mesh hood that can be used both for airflow and bug proofing, and while virtually any camping gear is going to be waterproof, the real test of waterproof isn’t going to be in the walls or the floor but in the seams. If the seams appear to be weak or of poor construction, think twice before testing it out on the trail. Whether a one man sack or a two man hut, a bivy tent can be an inexpensive way to stay dry on the trail.
Most Important Camping Goods For an Enjoyable Camping Trip
Camping is the perfect way to spend holidays and get away with family or friends. It can be an overnight trip, but most campers like to spend more than overnight on their camping trips. It seems impossible to stay outdoors without basic necessities like electricity, water, food, etc. The most important thing is to plan ahead and start packing all your camping goods earlier. Do you own any camping goods? If you don’t, then just explore the market, find essentials and complete your camping gear. For a frequent camper, it is vital to stay updated with recent inventions of the outdoor industry. Let us discuss some most important camping gadgets.
Portable water heater: We need hot water in day to day activities for making coffee, cooking food, cleaning clothes, washing dishes and showering in winters. Whether you are at home or on camping, these basic needs will remain the same. But can you imagine a hot water source easily at camp sites? Well, not easily. Portable water heater is an ideal solution for hot water anywhere and anytime. With a portable water heater, you can get an on demand supply of endless hot water instantaneously. Present outdoor industry is endorsed with a wide variety of brands to choose from. Eccotemp L5 is one of the most popular and affordable brands of portable water heater.
Portable Camp shower: Adventurous activities bring zeal inside, but also leave you dirtier in mud or water. Going to bed with dirt seems quite irritating and unpleasant. Portable shower is the best hygienic solution for cleanliness. The complete product comes with shower nozzle and tripod stand. Just assemble it, attach it with a water source and enjoy an easy shower. Zodi shower is the best selling brand of portable shower in the market today. It is ideal for both car campers and backpackers. Another easy option for backpackers is a solar shower. Solar shower weighs so light making it suitable for backpackers.
Privacy shelter: Its unique features and easy installation makes it ideal for portability when you’re on a camping trip. Having a portable tent certainly takes care of privacy while sleeping and showering outdoors. You will find versatile designs of shower tents in the market. Most importantly, things to look for while buying a privacy tent are strong poles, durable fabric, ventilation, waterproof pockets and towel rack, etc.
Apart from the above, there are a lot more to add in your camping store. Some of that are a camp kitchen, water container, stove, camping sticks, etc. There is no shortage of camping goods to buy and camping outlets. Choose a reputed supplier who is known for delivering quality products.
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Cleaning The Camping Gear
Yes, it is the spring season, take the camping gear and clean it up so that it can be ready for your following year’s camping adventures. When you have not done the spring cleaning tasks so far, take the good opportunity to check the gear for tear and wear, mildew or mold, grime and dirt or the signs of spoil that need repairs.
Why must you carry out the spring cleaning tasks?
If you undertake the spring cleaning tasks, it is possible for you to utilize the camping gear for many years. When your gear gets damaged, don’t think that you have to replace the equipment, there are lots of professionals who repair it or you can do the repair work on your own so that it can get new life. On every camping period or just ahead of your trip, have a check on your equipment.
Spring cleaning checklist:
Cook stove: Take the burners and check whether they remain free from blockage and also be sure that the fittings remain tight. Also see to that whether there is a need for you to refill the fuel.
Coolers: Have a check on the mildew, rancid smell or mold. In the same way of your cook stoves, check the coolers thoroughly before storing them for your next camp. Mild detergent or small bleach with chlorine can do this job well.
First aid equipment: Remove any medicines that are outdated and see whether any item is needed to be refilled.
Lanterns: See whether the mantels are needed to be reinstated and be clear whether the relief valve of your apparatus is not blocked. Also verify the fuel supplies in the lantern.
Sleeping bags: Check the bags for smells and see whether the zippers have smooth operation, also verify the drawstring of the hood, plus see whether there is any rips, tears or holes if there is any.
Sleeping pads: Have a check for the leaks of the inflatable pads.
Stuff sacks: With mild soap wash your stuff sacks and dry it completely.
Tents: Just ahead of using the tent, see to it that whether there are any tears and rips on the floor and walls. Also check the poles and zippers.
Other gear: Take the spring cleaning checklist and see for other items which are to be cleaned. Take them and check it.
If you find any damage either repair it by yourself or handover it to the professionals. It depends on your skill and ability.
If you want more camping tips, visit Pike Trail.
Cook While Camping: Camping Recipe Tips
Camping food need not be dull. Here are a few quick and easy recipes you can try when you go on your next camping trip:
Camper’s Pizza
Butter a side of the bread of your choice and toast the bread slightly on each side. Afterwards, top the buttered side with pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and other pizza toppings of your choice. You may toast the bread again together with the toppings if you want.
Easy Bean Soup
Combine baked beans, tomato soup, a pack of dried onion soup mix and water into a pot, allow to boil and leave to simmer for a few minutes.
Simple Beef Stew
Season beef with onion and garlic and allow to brown. Afterwards, add canned vegetable soup to the mixture and allow to simmer until properly heated. This stew is best served with bread or baked potatoes.
Outdoor French Toast
Dip your choice of bread slices into a mixture of milk, eggs, and flour. After dipping, place the bread slices over a heated grill and allow to brown.
Here are some tips when you cook on camp:
1. Pack the food you plan to bring in the proportions in which they will be cooked or served. That way, you won’t have to be bothered by measuring the right amount of this and that ingredient once you’re in camp.
2. Make sure to place the items in your cooler in individual watertight bags and containers.
3. Avoid attracting animals to your camp by keeping properly storing your food, preferably above ground level.
4. Make camp cooking a group activity! If you’re camping with your friends or family, make sure that you get everyone to participate in the preparation of meals. It’s a great way to bond and it makes life easier for the assigned “chef” as well.
5. Find a use for all leftover ingredients. For instance, on your last day of camp, use the leftover meats and other ingredients to make a grand omelet for breakfast.
6. Bring a lot of ziplock bags. They come in handy when you need to store all kinds of food.
7. When cooking on a pot, make sure to always put the lid on, as it will allow the food to cook faster and it will also protect your food from insects.
Remember that when cooking while camping, you can get simple recipes that are easy to prepare but do not sacrifice taste and flavor – all it takes is a little enthusiasm and a great love for the outdoors. If you love outdoor activities, you must check out Pike Trail.
Hiking In Nepal: Why Travel Here
Hiking in Nepal is probably one of the best experiences you will find throughout this region. The beauty of the city and country is breathtaking.
The terrain offers something that’s just about perfect for anyone of any hiking experience. Nepal offers the very best resources to help you to make this happen as well. The good news is that the resources available for hiking in Nepal can help you to make this the best experience of your lifetime.
What To Expect
When you visit Nepal for hiking, you’ll find a number of excellent trails to consider.
If you would like to take advantage of the most beautiful scenery, then head for the mountains. Kakani is one of the best locations for mountain hiking because it provides you with a panoramic view of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal and Manasalu Mountains. In fact, this trail is one of the best hiking in Nepal trails out there.
Consider what it offers.
Not only do you get to take in some of the most beautiful mountains, you also get to enjoy the gorgeous Kathmandu Valley, an expansive, beautiful valley that is a travel destination you can’t miss. Travel down into the valley for another benefit of hiking in Nepal. That is the ability to meet and talk to people in the location.
You get to take part in their culture and take advantage of new foods, new customs and enjoy a wide range of wonderful treats when you visit. The traditions of these people are some of the very best.
For a great hiking in Nepal experience, consider a trip to Nagarkot. There, you’ll be able to climb an elevation to 5900 feet.
It is located just east of Kathmandu Valley. The reason you’ll want to visit here is simple. Nothing can beat the sunrise and the sunset in this area.
It's about a one day trip from the Kathmandu Valley and well worth it.
How To Do It
Hiking in Nepal is not something you have to do on your own. There are actually hiking trails that are set up and run by professionals that will guide you. You’ll find a number of resources available for these companies right on the web.
Consider several of the trips available and then determine which offers you the very best experience. You are sure to find a number of benefits in these companies because they can allow you to experience the true beauty that the region can offer to you. Hiking in Nepal is an experience that is quite unlike any other. No hiker should go without at least one trip here.
For more hiking tips, you can check out Pike Trail.