What Sort of Camping Canopy is Right for You

Many popular campsites have large open spaces where you can fit plenty of tents but because of all the cleared areas they have very little shady areas. To counter this lack of  protection from the sun many campers will pack a shade canopy as part of their camping equipment. If you want to relax in true tent camping style you should consider getting a camping canopy that will cover the whole of your tent as well as provide a covered area around it for your day to day living like washing the dishes or eating. This will also give you somewhere to while away the time while you wait for the rain to go away. Much more satisfying than all of you trying to hunker down in a small tent. Your other option is to get a shade canopy that is a separate structure from the tent. There are various advantages and disadvantages to these two different styles of canopy.
A canopy that encompasses your entire tent provides an extra level of protection from the elements. This has the benefit of keeping your tent in better condition for longer. Your sleeping area will also not become so uncomfortably hot that you can’t have a nap during the day. If it rains heavily you are also less likely to experience any leaks even in the heaviest of downpours. If you need to get some protection from the wind you can do so by putting a canvas wall up around the frame. Campers who would get the most advantage out of a large camping shade canopy would most likely have a trailer due to its size and weight.

People with less packing space may be able to make use of a shade canopy that is somewhat smaller. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes but the most popular is the twelve foot square model. New models erect simply by unfolding making them more popular for campers and around the home as a temporary entertainment area. Less popular are models that use connecting pieces. They are not very difficult to erect but losing even one connecting piece can make it unusable. A built in mesh screen on your canopy will provide much need protection from pesky insects. If you don’t want the built in screen you can have them as optional extra and they simply clip on when needed. If you don’t have a trailer these types of camping canopies are a good compromise.

A camping canopy is a great piece of camping equipment but it doesn’t have to be used just for camping. Use your backyard as a venue for entertaining and feeding a large group. You don’t have to try and squeeze everyone inside. A suitably sized shade canopy can provide an open area where everyone can be comfortable.

October 28, 2012Permalink

How to choose the Tent?

When choose a tent, no matter it is Pop Up Canopy, Camping Tents or Party tent.

Two factors you need to think about as follows:

1) Durability, if you want to use your tent as many times as you can, good quality and long durability are also the important factors you should consider besides the party tent looks.

2) Weight, attention on the weight of the tent you wanna buy, such as camping tent, some camping tents have quite good quality but it’s a little bit heavy for long walk carrying. While as long as you check the items carefully, you can get the comparatively better quality and lighter camping tent.

October 7, 2012Permalink

Prepare a camping at the end of you holiday

Prepare a camping at the end of you holiday

It is the end of Summer holiday, and how to spend the rest of you summer vacation to enjoy yourself? Stay at home? It’s a waste of our holiday, go to movies? There are so many astrictions like the time, the movie, and sometimes, we can’t find the people to go with, so, what can we do now? How about a hiking with several friends? It’s the season to go out! Imagine this, best friends, sunshine, cool water, and beautiful landscape! It sounds so good! If you are planning to go hiking for a long time, these things are necessary: Rations, hiking tent, sleeping bag, stove, footwear, and clothing.
In order to have a wonderful journey and a beautiful memory in your life, may be you need these tips the follows:
First: sign up for a class about long distance hiking. These courses teach economical packing, first aid and survival skills as well as climbing methods.
Second: programs include time, condition, weather, and some other things. for a long hiking, you need to plan the time the hiking you are going to needs and to prepare the thing you need, for example food, clothing, and other things, then, the way you want to, by the way, please consider the weather condition, and the last you’ll need to be in excellent physical condition or your hiking adventure. Remember, keep your pack lightweight.

10’x 20′ White Party Canopy / Wedding Tent
Third: chose a good camp tent is important. You can choose the tent according to the number of your companion. There are camping tents for at least 2 to 10 or more people on the market including pop up canopies and party tents and so on
The chose of the camping tents, there are some tips for you:

  • the quality and the durability of the tent
  • the fabric of the tent
  • the weight of the tent
  • remember avoid leaving the tent in direct sunlight for long time, and dry off the tent as much as possible before packing it.
August 22, 2012Permalink

Top 10 Tips for Campfire Starting

Top 10 Tips for Campfire Starting

When you ars camping with your camping tents or pop up canopies, campfire is a wonderful thing, the following tips are for you about the campfire!
Tip #1 – Add a shovel to your camping gear so you can dig a campfire pit, clear away debris and move the embers when complete. Make sure there are no tree roots to be burned in the fire pit area and no rocks to be damaged/blackened by the fire when lit.
10′ x 10′ SilverGM Pop Up Canopy – Green

Tip #2 – Include a camp axe with your camping supplies to chop firewood and create kindling at the camp site
Tip # 3 – Bring some dryer lint collected in a plastic baggie with the rest of your camping gear to use as fire starter. Or soak some cotton balls in petroleum jelly and put them in a water proof 35mm film container for use as fire starter
Tip #4 – Make sure you are legally allowed to make the campfire in the spot you are planning. Some areas may be very dry at the time you go camping and have Fire Ban’s active for the area
Tip # 5 – If you don’t already have a pre-built campfire pit at your campsite, find a flat area with no tree branches or leaves above the fire pit area. Clear away all leaves for a 8-10 foot wide area. Don’t throw the leaves away as these will be used to cover the area when camping is over so the area is left as it looked when you arrived
Tip #6 – Find some rocks for the kids to draw pictures on using the coals or fire embers after they are cooled. Bring a few extra charcoals for the kids to use. These give the campsite a nice look and feel without damaging the site
Tip #7 – Bring a container of water to set beside the campfire so you can use it to control and put out the fire when done
Tip #8 – Bring waterproof matches in a plastic container and use them to start the fire.
Tip #9 – When setting up the campfire, put the kindling or balled up newspaper down first, then add your moth balls and/or dryer lint. Lastly, put logs on the fire; stacking them in a teepee shape. Start the fire with the waterproof matches or a lighter by setting the newspaper or lint on fire.
Tip #10 – Always make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed and leaving the campsite. You can do this using water or getting a shovel and covering the fire with dirt. Make sure the ground is cool to the touch then cover the area with the same leaves and debris used to clear the area. This will make sure the area is ready for the next camper and left in the same condition. But make 100% sure the ground is cool first so the fire doesn’t re-start on it’s own after you leave.
The above tips are our Top 10 but I also recommend you shop around for other camping supplies you may need to add to you existing camping gear or replace with new stuff. Most of all, have fun camping and remember, “The Joy is in the Journey”.

August 20, 2012Permalink

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 10 — (What To Do if you get lost in)

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 10 — (What To Do if you get lost in)

This is the last backpacking tip in out series of Top 10 Backpacking Tips. Here are 5 key things to do if you get lost in the outdoors.
First, take every step to prevent becoming lost. Take a map, compass, or handheld GPS class at a local community center or outdoor store. Before you hike, study a map of the area to become familiar with the trails, nearby roads, streams, mountains and other features. Leave a trip plan with family or friends. As you hike, observe the topography around you (ridges, recognizable summits,rivers, etc.). They serve as good reference points, particularly when you are above treeline. Try to go backpacking with a friend or loved one; two brains are usually better than one camping tents.
Always hike with a map, compass, or handheld GPS. If you become disoriented, stop, pull out your map, pop up canopies and look at the countryside for familiar landmarks. Few people remain truly lost after consulting a map and calmly studying the terrain for five minutes.

10′ x 20′ SilverCT Pop Up Canopy – Black——10’x20′ pop up canopy
To help orient yourself, you may want to head to a ridge or high ground so you can identify hills or streams that are marked on your topographical map. But don’t wander too far from your original route, especially if you don’t have a map. If you have told family members or fellow hikers where you plan to hike, that area is where rescuers will start searching for you.
Should you continue to be lost, S.T.O.P. (stop, think, observe and plan). Try to go back to your last known location if it is within a reasonable distance. Decide on a course of action and stick to it. Most important, don’t panic. You will be using up energy that you may need later on.
If you can’t find any familiar landmarks by backtracking, then stay put. If it’s cold, snuggle up in your sleeping bag and if you carry a whistle, blow it at timed intervals to signal rescuers or other hikers who could lead you back to your campsite or trail. If backpacking with a friend, zip your sleeping bags together to conserve heat. Consider packing Mummy bags with your backpacking gear. They are nice for single backpackers and will keep you nice and warm..

August 17, 2012Permalink

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 6 — (Camping Grills and Stoves)

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 6 — (Camping Grills and Stoves)

You normally want to keep your list of outdoor cookware and camping grills or stoves to a minimum when backpacking because you will have to eat but you don’t want to lug around a whole bunch of heavy stuff you don’t need. Here are some backpacking tips to consider. Pop up canopy

Campfires are a thing of the past in alpine areas; bring a lightweight, reliable backpacking stove; they’re quicker, easier, environmentally friendly, odor-free, and flexible. While camping grills are nice for family outings, small, lightweight backpacking stoves are better for backpackers. For example, the Backpacker Mini Stove -Isobutane is extremely lightweight and perfect for backpacking. Camping tents

 

When in doubt, take an extra fuel bottle (cold temperatures require more fuel, and cooking time increases with elevation). 8′ x 8′ pop up canopy

You can cook and eat almost anything using only a pot, spoon, drinking cup and measuring cup. 8′ x 8′ SilverCT Pop Up Canopy – Light Blue 

Instead of soap, consider using rubbing alcohol to sanitize dinnerware, or wave briefly through stove flame.

For cooked-on food, leave the pot to soak, or take a small scrubber.

August 7, 2012Permalink

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 5 — Bring essential Camping Supplies

Backpacking trips normally fall into two categories. Those where you set up a base camp, hike away from the base camp and return later in the day. Or those where you stay over night and continue the next day. Tip # 5 applies to when you stay over night and continue backpacking the next day. Get camping tents and pop up canopies in Quictent, you will find some surprise! Maybe you like 8′ x 8′ SilverCT Pop Up Canopy – Red if you like some red and beautiful pop up canopy!
Tip #5 – Bring some essential camping tools.
Whether you are a novice or veteran backpacker; it’s a no-brainer to remember to bring a sleeping bag and a camping tent with you if you are planning to spend the night somewhere. But many forget to bring the few essential camping tools you’ll need. You don’t want to bring anything bulky or to heavy. Try to keep the weight of the camping tools under 5 lbs and consider bringing the camping supplies below.

  • a multi-function pocket knife (or Swiss army knife) – < 1 lb
  • a folding shovel so you can dig a small fire pit – 2.5 lbs
  • a small Camping Axe or Hatchet so you can chop wood for a campfire – 1.75 lbs
August 6, 2012Permalink

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 4 — (Pack Lite)

You’re headed to a wilderness area, not a four-star resort, and you’ve got to carry everything you bring when you go backpacking so I recommend you follow Tip #4.

Tip # 4 – Pack Lite

Amateur backpackers are often easy to spot; they have their arms full of extraneous gear, like fishing rods, paddles, life jackets and tackle boxes. If you are going canoeing, strap what you can into your canoe and get everything else into your backpacking packs. You will be surprised how much you can fit in your backpacks if you give it some thought. Listed below are some of the key items you want to consider putting in your backpacks.

  • sleeping bag
  • safety kit
  • insect repellent
  • sun glasses
  • rope
  • multi-function pocket knife
  • folding shovel
  • matches
  • water
  • dry set of clothes
  • compass and/or GPS
  • walkie Talkie/Cell Phone
  • Dryer Lint to use for starting fires
  • Condiment packages of salt, pepper and sugar
  • a plastic fork
  • a 1 liter Aquafina water bottle
  • food (candy bars, sandwich, soup)
  • Backpacking Tent(camping tents or pop up canopies)

If you are looking for nice backpacking tents, I recommend getting the ‘Xscape Explorer 2 Backpacking Tent’. It sleeps 2, is very lightweight, packs into carry bag for easy storage and can be set up in minutes.

August 2, 2012Permalink

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 3 —3 (Stay Hydrated)

While paddling a canoe or Kayak, have you ever thought to yourself, there’s plenty of water to drink, right? Do you get thirsty in a hurry when hiking or exercising? This brings us to Tip #3.

Tip #3 – Stay Hydrated.

You have probably heard from others that if you find yourself thirsty, you are already dehydrated so do not get to that point. Fill your water bottles or bladders every chance you get so you are hydrated during those long trails. This backpacking tip is the most important tip to remember because staying hydrated is more important than remembering to feed your belly. Also, do not drink water directly from a lake, stream or river no matter how clean it looks. camping tents

I used to swim in the many lake and have accidentally swallowed water many times without getting sick so why can’t I drink it? family camping tents

It’s because there is a risk that the water contains giardia, a parasite that causes severe diarrhea requiring medical treatment. The decision is yours but I highly recommend you follow my recommendation and the Forest Service recommendation which is to filter, boil or chemically treat water before drinking.pop up canopy

A good alternative is to get a Hydration backpacking pack. Simply put some water in your backpacks and drink from the tube that extends outside of the backpacking pack This will help you stay hydrated and prevent the temptation to drink directly from the water in the lakes, streams and rivers.

August 1, 2012Permalink

Top 10 Backpacking Tips 2 — Bring a Handheld GPS Device or Compass

Now if you’ve decided the location where you are going backpacking and you’ve made sure you have a site reserved and permission to navigate the territory, we recommend you follow Tip #2.

Tip #2 – Bring a Handheld GPS Device and/or a Compass

Study maps of the campground and the surrounding area before you go on your big backpacking trip.  Select routes you would like to explore.  Determine if you’re going to navigate the territory by just hiking or whether you will also be canoeing, biking, climbing,or four wheeling.  If you’re new to the area or traveling with kids, don’t try to go too far.  Remember, less-popular camp grounds usually mean you’ll see fewer people and have an easier time finding a campsite.  When choosing a route, consider your ability, and length of time you’ll be out.  pop up canopy. Don’t over extend yourself and others; especially if you or any of your family and friends with you is new to backpacking.

One great way to learn the lay of the land is to get a Garmin Rino 120 GPS/GMRS/FRS. camping tents. One of the things I like to do and that you might want to try is visiting the campground well in advance of your planned trip.  Scout the area and make decisions in advance about which areas you will be navigating 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  It’s funny how you see different things and think differently when your not rushed and excited.

Bring a camera and take pictures of the area in advance so you can refer back to them and share them with others later.  And don’t forget to bring your Garmin Rino 120 GPS/GMRS/FRS handheld GPS with you. If you can’t afford to buy a handheld GPS device, always bring a compass.

July 26, 2012Permalink