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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Now that winter solstice has come and gone that means the days are slowly starting to get longer. But despite this fact you will still need a way to see when you are camping in the outdoors even with the longer days. Coleman lanterns are the perfect way to illuminate your backcountry camp and come in a variety of styles, which can be powered by propane, gas, or even batteries. Made with the same sturdy construction that Coleman lanterns have had for many generations these lamps are perfect for lighting up your camp spot and creating lots of camping fun for the family.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sometimes after a long camping trip you forget to take proper care of your gear and when you do remember it can sometimes be too late. If a cooler is not thoroughly dry before it is put away mold and mildew will build up inside creating a bad smell that can absorb into your food on the next camping trip. If you forget to completely dry your camping cooler before you put it away and this happens rinse your cooler with some diluted bleach water to kill those germs and get rid of that smell for the next time.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Monday, December 29, 2008
Camping gear should always be stored dry and many campers make the mistake of thinking that their sleeping bags and camping tents are dry since there was no rain on the trip they took. This is not the case though as moisture from your own breath can collect in the bag and tent making it slightly moist but not wet to the touch. This moisture can turn into mold and mildew in your camping gear if stored without proper drying out first. For good measure every camper should hang their gear to dry upon returning home to give it time to not only thoroughly dry out but also air out as well to avoid problems with moisture and smell.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Friday, December 26, 2008
Many parents purchase their children those cute little cotton sleeping bags from the local toy store and feel that they are adequate for their children to camp in. During the summer time these kids sleeping bags are sufficient since temperatures do not really get cold enough to test the quality of the bag out. But in times when there is colder temperatures or even moisture involved these novelty childrens sleeping bags do not stand up to the needs your child will have in the outdoors. For this reason use those cute character bags for sleepovers at a friends house and get a quality Coleman sleeping bag for use on campouts.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Thursday, December 25, 2008
One common misunderstanding regarding sleeping bags is the warmth they use to keep you from feeling the chill when you are camping in colder temperatures. Sleeping bags do not have the ability to generate warmth but instead help you retain your own body heat to provide the warmth you need to make sleeping outside more comfortable. This is one of the reasons that you should ensure that the sleeping bag you are using is big enough you are comfortable but yet not so large that you loose some of the body heat to the unused portions of the bag.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Most campers who have spending time in the outdoors for quite some time are very familiar with the classic Coleman lantern that has provided the lighting for many campsites for generations. Of course even though I grew up with these camping lanterns I never really liked dealing with the propane or gas that powered them. For people like me Coleman makes battery operated lanterns that look just like the classic design but run on light bulbs and batteries so there is no messing with any gas while you are camping with these handy lanterns. Plus as parents we do not have to worry about our kids while they are using it.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Whether you are going for a short day hike or a extended backpacking trip there are certain items you should always carry in your camping backpack for safety because an accident can happen at any time. Of course many hikers know to carry plenty of fresh clean water and some snacks for the hike but you should also include at least a simple first aid kit as well as the materials to start a emergency fire. With the GPS making navigation easy many hikers depend on these gadgets but you should always also carry a map of the area as well as a compass. Of course these will do you no good if you do not know how to use them so make a New Years Resolution to learn how. It is not only a great skill but can be very fun as well.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Monday, December 22, 2008
A pair of binoculars is one of the most under appreciated accessories that any camper can carry in their camping backpack. From adults to kids a good set of binoculars can give you the ability to see anything that is small or even see far away. So whether you are a avid birdwatcher or even a hunter a pair of binoculars can make your hobby not only a whole lot easier but a lot more fun as well. There are all kinds of binoculars for everyone from top companies such as Coleman camping gear so that you can surely get the set that is just right for you and your family to enjoy on your camping trips.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Friday, December 19, 2008
One of the most popular gifts for men over the Holidays is a camping multitool that he can carry on his belt everyday. These tools from such companies as Leatherman and Gerber are the ultimate do it all emergency tools that every man can use no matter what his lifestyle and hobbies. Made with some of the best materials available and featuring handy tools that can be used on camping gear to even fax machines this is one gift that every outdoors loving man while treasure every day and not just put away in a drawer and forget about.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Thursday, December 18, 2008
First time campers usually eat hot dogs and other classic camping food when they head out for a fun time in the woods. Of course as their camping skills advance they want their outdoor cooking skills to advance with them so they can eat more exciting things on their camping trips. For many this means getting better camping stoves and even Dutch ovens from companies such as Camp Chef to make their meals. Having all the cookware you need made just for cooking while in camp makes creating exciting meals that all the campers will love so much easier.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Most avid campers will go camping in the winter but the vast majority of the season, when days are shorter, is spent thinking about the trips they want to take in the upcoming spring and summer. Many pour over camping books and websites looking for new locations while others work on improving their camping skills. One thing every camper should work on over the winter is his or her first aid skills. Accidents can happen at any time and it is very useful for every camper to have a fully stocked camping first aid kit and know how to use it for any emergency that can occur in the wilderness.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008
As we host the family for the Holidays in our homes we find that we do not always have enough furniture to accommodate everyone. One solution many families implement to get by during the season is to use their camping gear as the extra furniture they need for their guests. Folding camping chairs give extra places for everyone to sit as you get together and chat about the past year. While camping cots and air mattresses make easy to use extra beds for those guests who are staying the night or even several. Of course this gear is good for more than just hosting the family it also makes your campouts much more comfortable as well.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Monday, December 15, 2008
Camping with your dog can be a whole lot of fun, but many campers neglect to look into the campgrounds they plan to stay at verify that pets are allowed to stay there. Wherever you plan to stay whether it is a private campground or even some government owned land with primitive camping will have different rules regarding camping with your pet and you should always know these before you head out. If the place you are going allows pets make sure your dog is well behaved and under your control at all times as other campers will not appreciate your animal coming into their camping tent and spoiling their experience.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Friday, December 12, 2008
Camping in the winter can be a whole lot of fun for the family who decides to brave the colder temperatures to see how their favorite camping spot is like in this season. To some camping when it is not spring or summer seems like a daunting task, but really with the right camping gear it can be just as fun and comfortable as it is in the warmer temperatures. One piece of gear that can make camping during this time more bearable is a Coleman portable heater. These heaters can make a camping tent warmer for changing clothes and more comfortable sleeping.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
Camping grills have come a long way since many of us got our first Coleman stove that came in that handy green metal box that made taking your cooking on the road for camping and more. Now the Road Trip Grill is the Coleman stove of choice and this grill is one very nice cook stove, not just for campers but also for tailgate parties and even for using in your own backyard. The Road Trip Grill has a stand that makes grilling easy or you can still place it in on top of a table or other flat surface. Plus the grill is easy to light, use and clean up making dinner time a real breeze even in the most remote locations.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Taking along plenty of water in your Coleman cooler is a great thing when you are camping. But when you are camping in the winter hot water can be a real big addition to your supplies since this is great for washing up, hot cocoa, and so much more. Coleman makes some great hot water systems that are very easy to use and provide your camp with hot water on demand. Using a battery charge along with propane this water heater can heat up to 40 gallons of water. With the ability to wash up and have all the hot water you need make sure you bring plenty of water in those camping coolers for everyone to enjoy this extra little luxury.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
As more people realize the harm that drinking from disposable water bottles causes to the environment that leaves special issues for campers to ensure they have clean water to drink while they are at their camp spot. Many natural water sources have bacteria living in it which makes drinking without purification unadvisable. This means that campers need to either treat their water with a water filter or bring it in with them from home. Many opt to use Coleman coolers that are specifically designed to hold beverages to bring that water on their trip. These camping coolers are easy to fill and have spouts on them, which makes dispensing water a breeze. Plus they are reusable so that you will not be filling up the landfill with plastic bottles.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Monday, December 8, 2008
Camping is a lot of fun for the entire family but for kids it can be a whole lot of fun especially if they have camping gear and toys that are made just for them. Coleman camping gear makes a complete line of sleeping bags, camping tents, and even fun toys that are designed to make the camping experience of any kid something they look forward to. These bags and lanterns and more are not only fun for your child but as a parent you can rest assured that they will also be safe and comfortable while they are outdoors with these products.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Friday, December 5, 2008
When you are camping you want to see wildlife, but at night once you go to bed you do not want those same critters coming into your camp and getting into your food supply and gear. Of course nobody wants to give their food to an animal but the consequences are worse than that since wild animals that are fed are putting themselves in increased danger. As a camper you should keep all of your food stowed away in camping coolers and other containers with lids so that any animal that may come visiting in the night cannot help themselves to your food supply. Of course if you are in bear country even more steps should be taken to protect yourself as well as these wonderful creatures.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Thursday, December 4, 2008
If you have never been camping before than it would probably not be wise to head straight into the backcountry and start off on a backpacking camping trip. Like it or not until you know exactly what gear you need for the weather and how to operate your camping equipment too many things can make your trip miserable the farther you are from civilization. It is best to learn what sleeping accommodations work best for you from the tent to the sleeping bag. You also need to be familiar with your camping stove and water filter so that you know not only how to operate them but potentially repair them as well if the need arises. These skills and knowledge developed on car camping trips can make your backpacking excursions much more enjoyable.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Camping especially if you have children can be a lot of fun but it can also be a lot of work and if not properly prepared, can turn into an adventure that is not very fun. Just getting ready for a camping trip with kids can be daunting and forgetting some of your camping gear or comfort items can make the trip less than ideal. Even the most seasoned campers have a list they use in order for them to ensure nothing they need gets left behind. When packing enough camping supplies and food for several people it can be very easy to pack something as essential as a sleeping bag which can make the campout no fun at all.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Camping tents can be purchased for various seasons as they are rated for, most usually are either three or four season tents. For most people a three season tent will be sufficient for most of their camping needs. While a four season tent is more important for those who camp in the winter especially in snowy areas. Of course a three season camping tent can be used in cooler than normal conditions and the occupants can still remain warm if care is taken in choosing the site to pitch the tent. If the tent is exposed to winds or pitched in a valley the temperatures will be colder outside thus making it colder in the tent. Careful selection of your tent site can help your gear keep you warmer in colder temperatures.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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Monday, December 1, 2008
Many first time campers run into rain or other bad weather on their first time out and get discouraged from going camping again because of this experience. You can still camp during these times and have a good time you just need to remember the Boy Scout motto and “Be Prepared”. Make sure you use tarps to cover eating areas and provide shelter during the daylight hours. Also ensure that your camping tent is seam sealed and has a rain fly to keep it dry on the inside. Campers should also have a rain poncho and other clothes to ensure they stay warm and dry to help them enjoy their camping experience no matter what the weather outside.

by: SummitCampingGear 0 Comments
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