"Liberalism is, I think, resurgent. One reason is that more and more people are so painfully aware of the alternative."John Kenneth Galbraith
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A Great Day of Cat Skiing
Snowcat skiing offers strong-intermediate and expert skiers the ultimate powder snow experience.Operators provide full-service guided tours into remote high-mountain regions. Powder snow and “fresh tracks” are the norm. Uphill transportation is provided ...
Did You Ever Try Selling Your Images?
After spending a significant amount of time taking pictures, and accumulating a large library of images, it can be a daunting task looking for a way to sell your work. With the right approach and a vast amount of hard work you soon may see a return for ...
Get Another Hobby
Any investor knows not to put all of his or her "eggs" into one basket, or all of your money into one fund or stock account. If all of your funds are in one stock, the risk is great that the one stock account could go down and you would lose all of your ...
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Time out of doors is a precious commodity to the outdoor enthusiast - but are we getting the most out of this time. One way to ensure maximum backcountry enjoyment is to get the most possible value from the gear you acquire and use. Here are 5 ways to get the most out of your backcountry gear - and your backcountry experience.
- Purchase the best gear you can possibly afford. If you are going to spend a year planning your next excursion on the continental divide, spend three months getting into great shape, take three weeks vacation when its time for the hike, purchase an airline ticket, and so on - then why are you using the cheapest backpack you can find? A good backpack will make all the difference in the world. This applies to all of your backcountry gear. Whether its your GPS unit, sleeping bag, rain gear or dual-fuel portable stove, be sure to carry good equipment in order to get the most value for your money. Dont buy cheap!
- Learn how to use all of your gear correctly and practice using it. When you are completely lost, its not the time to learn how to navigate with a compass and map. When you and your firewood are wet, its not the time to learn how to start a fire with the flare youve been carrying for 5 years in your pack. Take time to learn all of the features of your gear. You might be surprised to learn just how useful your GPS really is when you understand how to use the backtrack feature. Youll be mighty thankful when you learn the proper weight distribution for your backpack. Take time to learn - practice around your home before you venture into the backcountry.
- Keep your gear with you and use it as much as possible. Your backcountry gear isnt just for the backcountry. It has unlimited uses in everyday life. Never go on a
road trip without your pack. Youll almost always find an opportunity to use your binoculars or GPS unit. If you dont have your gear with you, youll need it - never fails.
- Take great care of your gear. Hopefully youve learned this from your parents and not necessarily from experience. Your gear will only take good care of you if you take good care of it. Conversely, your gear will let you down if you dont take good care of it. Thats a bad situation to be in. Inspect everything before you embark on your adventure. Clean and properly store all of your gear upon your return. Have you check your gears straps, fuel, waterproofing, batteries and overall condition lately? Taking good care of your gear is an important part of enjoying your backcountry trip.
- When youre done with it, donate it - and some of your time - to a local scout troop. They are always looking for assistance from outdoor enthusiasts. Youll feel great getting this last piece of benefit out of your old trusty gear!
Optimize your time in the backcountry. The easiest way ensure maximum outdoor enjoyment is to get the most possible value from your gear. Let these 5 ways guide you in getting the most out of your backcountry gear - and your backcountry experience. Use this information and youll Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!
Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir or call (800) 316-9055.
chuck@backcountrytoys.com
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Outdoors Report: July 30Houston ChronicleGuide Mike Williams of Tarpon Express reported outstanding water conditions around Tarpon Alley where his charter caught ... |
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outdoors calendarHeraldNetTo submit an item for the Outdoors calendar, e-mail features@heraldnet.com or send it to ["]Outdoors Calendar," The Herald, PO Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.and more » |
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