Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
Eureka Tent Parts
Not familiar with the parts of a tent? Here’s a crash course on the different parts of Eureka tents:
The floors of Eureka tents use a puncture resistant and waterproof fabric as the base of the tent. The fabric is sewn up the sides of the interior to prevent ground runoff from entering the tent and seeping through seams.
The inner canopies are made from a lighter, breathable fabric that may include zippered door frames, panels, and mesh vents. These let in fresh air, but not mosquitoes and other critters. Other essential parts of Eureka tents are the rain flies and frames.
Weathering the Storm
During the summer months, the family likes to escape to Lake Michigan to cool off. Sometimes we rent a cabin other times we camp-out. This past summer we decided to camp.
We brought a long a Eureka screen house to use as our tent. The week was fraught with storms and were it not for the high quality rain flap; we would have been soaked through several times over.
On the days when the sun decided to shine, we raised the flaps of the screen house to take in the breeze and open up even more space.
Selecting a Family Tent
As with any trip, a camping vacation requires careful planning. The centerpiece of camping is the tent. Purchasing a tent for your family vacation can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to consider:
First, you need to consider the condition of your campsite. Is the region cold and damp, even in the summer months? In that case you would need a tent with a good rain fly. You will also need to consider how much room you need. Perhaps you’ll want family tents instead of a family tent- give the kids some more room and give yourself and your spouse more privacy. Also think about if you’ll be repeating the experience. If the answer is yes, then you should invest in a more expensive, high quality tent that will hold up over time.
A Family of Nature Lovers
For the longest time I’ve gone camping with my husband each spring. We’re both very outdoorsy people; that’s actually how we met – it was on a camping trip organized by our local YMCA. It didn’t take long before we started going on mini camping trips of our own. We’d throw our 2-person tent in the back of his pickup truck and head down the dusty trail to our favorite spot by the lake.
Things have changed since those days; we still go camping but we bring family tents instead. That’s right, in the last 10 years we have been blessed with three beautiful boys who have also taken a liking to the outdoors. They love to stroll down to the water’s edge with their father and watch as the little fish swim by the shore. Sometimes the braves ones will get their feet wet and chase after the fish. Nothing brings me more delight than to watch as my family enjoys nature together.
Screen Tents ~ A Bonus Item for Campers
Camping is one of those outdoor activities that everyone seems to enjoy. It’s a great way to save money on a family vacation or even a weekend trip to the mountains with your buddies. When you go camping there are certain necessities that are obvious such as a tent, sleeping bags, cookware, food, etc. However, there is also a list of items that are considered very important by many, but happen to be a less obvious choice to ensure comfort and satisfaction.
A Eureka screen tent is a bonus item for all campers. It would definitely be on the list of things people are less likely to consider. Unlike a traditional camping tent, a screen tent provides shelter without completing shutting out your surroundings. While the top and bottom of a screen tent are solid, all sides are transparent and made from micro netting that allows the sunshine in but not the bugs.
You’re Never Too Old for Family Bonding
This fall my eldest child started high school. I knew he’d start wanting to spend less time with the family, so I decided to make the most of the time we had left. I planned a family camping trip a few weeks before school started, for me, my husband and our three kids. Before my eldest could balk that he was “too old” for these trips, I pointed out that I’m not so old that I don’t remember my teenage years, and if he wanted more independence he’d be wise to humor me.
With minimal sulking we set off to a nearby National Park and set up camp. For the next few days we bonded over hiking, fishing, and roasting marshmallows over the fire- all the corny, stereotypical activities that make camping so fun. My eldest even got into the spirit of things by teaching his younger siblings camp songs. At night we all piled into the Eureka family tent and slept soundly, worn out from the day’s activities. The week went by all too quickly, but I’m glad we had the time to make lasting family memories.
Backpacking in Grand Teton National Park
Hiking has always been a part of my life. Even when I was a little baby, my dad would strap me to his front in a baby carrier and up into the mountains we’d go; though, according to the video and photographs I’ve seen I was content to sleep most of the time. When I got older my family would go on weekend camping trips in National parks. I also honed my hiking and camping skills in the Boy Scouts.
I graduated from college this past May, and as our final hurrah before heading off into the real world, my college buddies and I decided to go backpacking in Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton is just south of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The alpine geography is gorgeous and was an incredible to explore. Lightweight backpacking, with dome tents, portable stoves, and minimal food, was definitely the right decision. Had we carried too much with us we would not have had the energy to explore so much of the park.
Quality and Comfort for the Whole Family
Outdoor activities continue to be a big draw for people around the world. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, hunting or just camping – people will never leave their love for Mother Nature and the great outdoors. In many households in the United States camping continues to be a time-honored tradition. It’s an activity that the entire family can enjoy. Getting away from the television or the computer for awhile never hurt anyone. In fact, quite the contrary is true. Families who camp together and engage in healthy activities together are more likely to be happier and better adjusted.
It’s never too early, or too late, to start sharing the joys of the outdoors with your family and children. The best part is you don’t even have to spend a lot of money to do it. Many purveyors of outdoor equipment offer rental services for high-dollar items like tents and camping stoves. This makes camping with the entire family both affordable and convenient. If your family is reluctant to give up all the comforts of home then look into more comfortable supplies. Padding to put under sleeping bags, more comfortable tents like Big Agnes tents, versatile lighting and perhaps even mobile broadband may serve to encourage your family to have an adventure.
Giving the Gift of the Great Outdoors
The holidays are here and that means it’s time to get our holiday shopping done before it’s too late. If you’re anything like me then you have a long list of people to shop for and you’re probably not looking forward to it. Sitting in traffic, dealing with throngs of people and standing in absurdly long lines are but a few of the many frustrations that holiday shoppers face. Luckily, though, with lower shipping costs and faster delivery times it’s finally more economical and convenient than ever before to get all of our gift shopping done online.
Outdoor gear is no exception. I live in an area where outdoor hobbies are extremely popular. Given the natural beauty of our immediate environs almost everyone here has some kind of outdoor hobby. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, hunting or camping – my list is chock full of folks who love the great outdoors. As a result, the outdoor stores here are even more packed than the others, as their merchandise remains a popular gift during the holidays. So this year I’ll be sticking to the internet and buying a backpacking tent here and there, perhaps a water bottle or two and maybe even a little something for myself.
How to Avoid Hiking Mishaps
Hiking is an enjoyable activity that allows you to appreciate Mother Nature in all her splendor. However, hiking also poses some potential dangers and risks unless the proper precautions are taken. When it comes to hiking, there are two essential components of safety; be aware of your surroundings, and stay dry. It’s important to monitor your surroundings because the environment can change rapidly, and a carved walking stick can help you test unfamiliar terrain. At dusk, it becomes dark in a forest much more quickly than it does elsewhere, and visibility can fall at an alarming rate. You should always carry hiking equipment like a map, a flashlight, and whistle in case you should become lost. And while you may not be planning to spend the night in the woods, packing a Big Agnes Seedhouse tent is never a bad idea either.
Staying dry might seem trifling, but in truth, nothing will slow you down like wet boots, wet socks, or wet apparel. In addition, there is the danger of conditions like hypothermia and even frostbite. In some cases, it might be better to stop and stay dry than continue moving, even if you’re heading back to your car. By taking these precautions you will ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe hiking experience.