Camping Life articles from May 2006

Camping Life archives from May 2006

Gear makes the outdoor world go 'round.(Campsite)
May 1, 2006... For a guy like me who's tinkered around with just about any gadget I could get my hands on since I was old enough to hold things in my hands, gear is King! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For that reason, this is my favorite issue of the year....

Big-top tents: convenient and stylish features redefine family camping abodes.(2006 GEAR GUIDE: SHELTER)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2006... While most parents today who take their kids camping can remember long trekking and exploring trips from their own childhoods, camping in 2006 is more about enjoying shorter outdoor vacations in style and convenience. The tent industry's...

Hiking Hardwear: solemates for those who like to hike.(2006 GEAR GUIDE: FOOTWEAR)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2006... Those who enjoy camping will find that the consensus among today's boot experts is to buy the best boots--along with the best socks--that fit your feet for a particular type of hiking/outdoor activity. Find footwear that fits your sole and your...

Sleeping bags & pads: a guide to finding the right sleeping bag for your style of camping.(2006 GEAR GUIDE: SLEEPING BAGS)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2006... While some people think that bigger is better, others believe that light is right. Typically this depends on the user's end use. For instance, backpackers and adventure travelers need lightweight bags that are highly compressible for easy...

2-Burner Stoves: our guide to family-friendly two-burner camp stoves.(2006 GEAR GUIDE: CAMP STOVES)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2006... Since the dawn of time, when primitive campers used to throw a slab of freshly-caught some-kind-of-saur on the open flames, one bit of technology above all others has changed camp cooking for the better: the development of the two-burner stove....

Flashlights and lanterns: clear away the darkness with any of these flashlights or lanterns.(2006 GEAR GUIDE: LIGHTING)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2006... Consider the many uses of light. Besides being able to shine out and illuminate our path in the dark, it helps us read maps in the blackness of night, acts as a valuable emergency signaling or spotting tool in case of trouble, and enables you...

Handheld and in-vehicle GPS units: tools for the trail and the road.(2006 GEAR GUIDE: ELECTRONICS)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2006... The theme for GPS navigational units this year, be it handhelds or in-vehicle units, is all about integrating enhanced functionality with entertainment. Handhelds are becoming savvier, offering MP3 capability and more detailed topographical...

Cold steel: the proper knives and tools can sharpen your outdoor experience.(2006 GEAR GUIDE: KNIVES & TOOLS)(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2006... From the dawn of man, knives and other sharpened hand tools in one form or another have figured prominently in our lives. Used for scraping, slicing, sawing, splitting and a dozen other applications, these basic tools evolved through the...

How to tell a tale.(Campfire Stories)
May 1, 2006... Telling a campfire story is a skill that can be learned and developed; it just takes time, patience and practice. If you're an active camper like most of us, getting the chance to practice is easy; but keep in mind that if you're uncomfortable...