Archive for September, 2009
Bringing the Heat in High Altitudes
Experienced campers are always prepared for any eventuality. While some “rugged” individuals might poke fun at their overabundance of equipment and supplies, it’s always best to have too much as opposed to too little. Weather conditions can change in a hurry, and a camp site that’s peaceful and placid one moment can suddenly become the epicenter of a roaring tempest.
In high altitudes, freezing-cold weather is a real possibility. At times it’s impossible to get back down to base camp for the night, and you must set up a tent and bear down until morning. An outdoor heater proves indispensable in these situations as it radiates warmth where it’s most needed. All of a sudden, an “overprepared” camper starts to simply look like a smart camper.
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.