Posts Tagged ‘Propane Heaters’
Making Compromises for the Love of Camping
In my younger days, I made a point of hiking and camping on a weekly basis. Even in college, my buddies and I would drive out of the city and into the Cascade Mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. We took pride in building our own fire, pitching tents and fishing for our supper. This practice taught us self-reliance and a better appreciation for nature’s splendor.
Now that I’m older and married to a woman who’s not so enthusiastic about “roughing it,” I’ve had to make some compromises. For starters, we only go camping once or twice a year. One of my wife’s stipulations is that we have quality accommodations, including air mattresses and portable heaters. That way we can enjoy the tranquility and pastoral pleasures of the outdoors before retiring to a rather civilized slumber.
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.