Archive for the ‘Propane Heaters’ Category
Prepare, Prepare
Prior to going out into the great outdoors, one of the best things you can do is make sure that you have all the necessary equipment when leaving the safe haven of the city or suburb. For many people, simply packing a tent, sleeping bag, energy bars and a lantern is enough, but personally, I think that more can be done, particularly if you’re spending an extended amount of time out in the wilderness.
If you look around online, you can find comprehensive camping gear checklists that go into detail on what you’ll need beyond tents, emergency supplies, flashlights and basic foodstuffs. If you are anticipating adverse weather conditions, tarps and a propane heater are advisable. Another great resource to aid in your preparation is the guides provided by the municipal parks and recreation department in your county. There are tools that should be utilized to have best - and safest - camping experience possible.
Plan Ahead for Your Camping Expedition
While the dog days of summer are still far, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the thrill of camping in the great outdoors. On some of the hottest days, some people even begin to crave the arrival of winter. For the extreme outdoorsmen, a winter camping excursion is the perfect way to satiate your adventurous urges.
Winter camping requires even more preparation than a typical wilderness trip, but the benefits are incredibly rewarding. The woods are practically tourist-free for nine months out of the year, and you’ll get spectacular views of the terrain when it’s unobstructed by leafy trees. Keep in mind that you need to stay warm at all times to avoid frostbite and exposure. Portable propane space heaters take care of that issue while you sleep, and your own effort trudging through the snow will keep you warm during the day.
Cold-Weather Camping Pointers
While most people enjoy camping in the warm summer months, cold-weather camping lends a whole new perspective to familiar surroundings. You’ll observe different wildlife along the way, and the stark, bare trees allow better views through the forest. While this hobby isn’t for everyone, hardened outdoors enthusiasts often take advantage of the lack of tourists in order to truly connect with nature.
Every cold-weather camper should have a portable propane heater for times when overnight temperatures plunge below freezing. A winter sleeping bag is also essential, but be sure to pay attention to temperature ratings before making a purchase. The loft, or thickness of the bag, makes all the difference in terms of comfort and insulation. If a sleeping bag is rated for 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it will have about 1.8 inches of loft.
Hunting Season Is Here – Are You Prepared?
November is synonymous with two distinct ideas in my mind. First and most obviously, it’s the month associated with Thanksgiving: stuffing oneself with delicious turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, and reconnecting with distant family members. Almost as important, however, is the beginning of hunting season, which starts November 15 in my neck of the woods.
Hunting is not an activity many people would describe as comfortable. In order to be successful, you have to wake up before the crack of dawn and set out into the chilly woods. Once inside the hunting blind, you sit right back down and wait for your prey to appear. Fortunately, there are a few creature comforts that can help to make the experience a bit more enjoyable. Portable heaters can turn a cruel, impersonal blind into a temporary home.
Off-season Camping
Living in the Midwest, I’ve grown accustomed to cold weather. Or at least that’s what I tell myself every year; the first cold snap often arrives in September or October at the latest. Still, I’ve found that by staying prepared for the worst weather conditions I can still enjoy the natural splendor of the outdoors. This means layering my clothes during camping trips, of course, but I also like to bring along a propane space heater.
I’ve found that most gas stations and general stores offer ways to refill a pressurized gas tank, so I’m never left without an adequate heat source. Some people would say that camping is best enjoyed during summer, but I prefer walking through the woods as the air grows crisp, admiring the trees with their colorful leaves. The campgrounds are less crowded and the wildlife more prevalent.
Beware of Cold Nights
While camping in the summer, the hot days may fool you into thinking that the nights will be comfortably warm. But summer nights can get pretty cold, especially if you’re camping in an area where you’re unfamiliar with the weather patterns. Clear skies during the day lead to cold, clear nights, and you might find yourself unexpectedly freezing if you don’t prepare yourself with the right equipment. If you’re camping in the mountains or another area of high elevation, you need to be especially careful when the temperature drops at night.
It’s a good idea to always have a thick, warm sleeping bag, like a mummy sleeping bag, to keep you warm while you’re sleeping. Even if the nights do turn out to be warm and comfortable, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s also a good idea to bring a portable heater with you. That way, you can stay extra warm by the campfire and enjoy s’mores and singalongs well into the night. Be sure to use a portable heater outdoors only. Using one inside of a tent is a fire hazard, and it may emit gases that are toxic in enclosed spaces.