I chose the Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 2 recently while deciding on a new tent and will be taking it out in just a couple hours for a camping trip in Pennsylvania this weekend. It sleeps 2 people for 3-seasons with 2 doors. Its floor dimensions 38 inches square feet floor space and peak height is 44 inches. The Hammerhead is made of Nylon and Polyester. The tent is on sale at REI for $216.73 (originally was $260.00)
I almost bought the Lightpath 3 by Mountain Hardwear but decided against it because
it was more of a minimal design that what I was looking for, but still a great tent none the less and will protect you from the wind and rain. The Lightpath 3 only has one door, only stand 38 inches tall, 30 inches square feet for the floor, and is not free standing either, which is not always an issue for me, but is something to be aware of. Although the Hammerhead 2 is slightly heavier in weight, the Hammerhead still met my needs for what I was looking for.
Tent features a zip out panel for a lighter, more packable configuration; leaving the panel behind takes 4 oz. off the trail weight
Or keep the panel for more protection and greater privacy
Sturdy 3-pole design offers great livability for 2 backpackers; clips, color-coded pole loops and reflective starter point ensure easy setup
No-see-um mesh doors and panels maintain ventilation to prevent interior condensation; large mesh sky panel rolls back for views and venting in nice weather
Opposing double-slider door zippers make variable venting easy
Rainfly's clear SVX film window adds light and a view outside; 2 vents ensure proper airflow in all kinds of weather
When the weather is "iffy" but you still want a view and ventilation, roll up the rainfly's front side for limited exposure
Dry-entry vestibule design prevents water from dripping inside tent when vestibule is open so you don't get soaked
Atlas 7001 Yunan poles are lightweight, corrosion- and dent-resistant and completely field serviceable by hand
For extra stability, each guyout point clips to the frame on the interior side of the rainfly via welded attachment points
All guyout loops are reflective for easy identification and canopy pockets keep tent organized
Hammerhead 2 features superlight buckles and webbing to save weight
Mountain Hardwear Watertight Construction: Thoughtful design, taping and welding technology combine to make this tent watertight off the shelf. No seam sealing is required
Save weight and create a minimalist shelter by using just the rainfly, footprint (not included), poles and stakes
Comes with stuff sacks, stakes and guyline/tighteners
Watch this video and see how easy it is to set up this tent!
Experienced campers know that having more than one option to start a fire is almost always necessary in the outdoors. While waterproof matches and butane lighters are your best option in most scenarios, they’re not necessarily always available. This, of course, is why a little fire building knowledge and material will serve you well in a fire-necessary situation.
I recently purchased the Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter by soloscientific.com which uses a large 1/4" diameter composite flint steel rod that has magnesium built into it. It has a guided built in striking blade that maximizes the sparks and insures the ignition of any suitable fire starting material. This product is designed to function wet or dry and is made from corrosion resistant high strength materials.
The Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter has an overall length of 3.5", weighs 1/10th of a pound, and can be attached to your key ring so it is always there when you need it. The Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter is made in the USA and is designed to last years. This is a great fire starter compared to the Strikeforce, which has a smaller flint steel rod, making it harder to get a spark.
Follow the steps found at Camping Survival when first using your fire starter:
"To use your Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter unscrew the larger of the two sections that make up the starter. Doing this will reveal the fire starting rod enclosed. Hold the smaller section of the product in one hand and the larger section of it in the other hand. Next position the striking blade mounted on the top of the larger section of the starter against the fire starting rod so that the fire starting rod rests inside the 45 degree angled notch.
This places the fire starting rod in the optimum position to start a fire. While holding the smaller section of the Aurora magnesium fire starter firmly in one hand scrape the fire starting rod with the top corner edge of the striking blade in a fast smooth manner while pressing firmly against the blade and maintaining the optimum 45 degree angle.
You will notice that when done properly the Aurora Fire Starter will emit incredibly bright and hot sparks that will burn and ignite any suitable fire starting material. We recommend that you have fun getting to know your Aurora magnesium fire starter by igniting the fire starting material included - only a small amount of the included material is needed. Cotton balls and dryer filter lint are great fire starting material! (Note: After prolonged use the striking blade can be flipped over to reveal a fresh striking surface. To do this simply remove the top screw holding the striking blade in place, flip the blade horizontally, and then re-secure the striking blade with screw - the striking blade may also be sharpened.)"
Check out this video on a varitey of ways to start a fire with the Aurora Fire Starter:
It is important to have some emergency gear in your backpack before you leave on a camping and hiking trip. Paracord, also known as parachute cord or 550, are all names to describe a lightweight nylon kernmantle cord used in military parachute lines. The 550 is referring to the 550lb weight limit it can hold. The 550 cord consists of 32 stand woven nylon outer sheath and an inner core of 7 nylon- 2 ply nylon yarns.
I purchased a paracord bracelet as a gift from Camping Survival for my camping partner. There are also paracord belts, show laces, keychains, necklaces, dog collars, dog leashes, DIY bracelet kits and just plain paracord. I really love the idea of the bracelets and belts because they are great for a minimalist and will not take up room in your pack. Also make sure your paracord is made in the USA to guarantee its strength and quality.
The bracelet I bought was the made to order American Made Woodland Camouflage King Cobra Paracord Bracelet for $13.95. The King Cobra bracelet is 1"-1 1/4" thick and a size 8, which contains 7 to 8 feet of paracord. If an emergency arises you can take apart your bracelet and use the paracord for survival. A great buy and I received it really fast!
Paracord can be used for:
Making a shelter
Tie up gear
Fishing lines
Make a splint for a broken limb
Hanging game for drying
Use as a tourniquet
Tow line
Just imagine using the paracord in the situations above or others, the only limitation is your imagination. Now picture not having it. Yeah, you should probably buy one or two.
Make sure to check out this video from Camping Survival on the their paracord bracelets:
It is important to stay well nurished on a hiking trip, and with this simple & fun recipe you will be satisified and full of energy! Trail mix is a tradition in the outdoor community and very healthy, full of protein and fiber.
What you will need to start:
-Oven
-Mixing bowl
-Mixer
-Dry measuring cups
-9 by 15 inch baking sheet
- Large Spoon
-Oven mit
For 1-2 person serving:
-4 cups rolled oats
-1 cup flour
-2 eggs
-1 tsp. baking soda
-1 tsp. vanilla extract
-1 tbp. honey
-2/3 cup butter
-1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar
-1/2 cup chocolate chips or yougurt chips
-1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
-1/2 cup chopped alomnds or other nuts
Directions:
Step 1
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees and place a baking rack near the center of the oven. Prepare the 9-by-15-inch pan by lightly greasing the entire inner surface with butter.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, honey and 2 eggs. Add melted butter last. Mix at a low speed.
Step 3
Add the remaining ingredients. Of course you can subtract or add any of the remaining ingredients to your liking. For example you can add pretzels, coconut, dried fruit or sunflower seeds!
Step 4
Roll the mixture into a ball formation with your hands and place one by one on the baking sheet seperated by an inch each. Roll the balls to the size of your choice!
Step 5
Place in the oven for 20-25 mintues or until golden brown.
The United States National Parks are places that I wish my family, friends and everyone would take more time to visit and explore. Often providing you views that are far beyond your imagaination. I am still checking them off my list, and after I plan on visiting parks outside the United States.
The National Parks are all affordable to visit, but it's even better when it's free! The following dates the National Parks waive the entrance fee:
August 25th-National Park Service Birthday
September 28th- National Public Lands Day
November 9-11- Veterans Day weekend
If you're planning a trip that includes multiple National Parks, you should purchase the $80 annual pass that provides entrance to all National Parks. Visit America the Beautiful for details.
Featured National Park: Big Bend
My trip to Big Bend National Park, TX in March of 2013
Big Bend is located in West Texas and well worth the visit. My cousin and I ventured hours from Dallas to spend some time in this place that literally looked like a back drop it was so beautiful. Along our travels we met great people and drove through old west ghost towns. Big Bend has over 150 miles of hiking trails that will make you forget about your troubles and big cities by bringing you silence and solitude. Right along the Rio Grande and with Mexico right at your toes it offers a vast range of wildlife, desert and canyons. I'd consider this one of the less explored National Parks and it is something to add to your list.
