"It is only in the country that we can get to know a person or a book."Cyril Connolly
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5 Easy Steps to Giving the Perfect BackCountry Gift
Does the thought of buying a gift for a friend or relative make you smile or does it stress you out? Is there a hiker or camper on your gift giving list? What can you give to the someone who already has everything? The secret of gift giving is not always ...
Find And Catch Those Pesky Fish With A Garmin 240 Fish Finder
Garmin 240 Fish Finder Depthfinder with Transducer - a review The lakes that I normally fish are deep and quite rocky, and I have been delighted with the performance of the Garmin 240 Fish Finder, which gives a clear picture of what lies below. The image ...
Introducing New Horses to Your Herd
People change horses as often as they buy new cars these days. "New" horses are always coming and going. There are people who have had 5-7 horses in as many years. Many of these "new" horses already now how to behave in the herd. They know how to yield to ...
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If you spend any amount of time in the backcountry at all, it will rain on you. Remember this - rain is a good thing; without it there wouldn’t be much backcountry to enjoy. How you prepare for rain and how you handle yourself and gear in the rain, makes the difference between a great experience and a horrible one. Here are some great ideas for ensuring your backcountry enjoyment when mother nature rains down on you.
Our best tips for enjoying the backcountry in the rain can be separated into two categories. The first pertains to getting ready to hike, camp or whatever else you love to do outdoors. Here are the Best Outdoor Preparation Tips:
- Always check the weather forecast. Understanding the type of rain to expect may even determine whether you go or not. If the forecast calls for severe thunderstorms with tornados, you will probably plan differently than you might for scattered showers. Check before you go, and check when you’re there. A good weather radio is an essential piece of gear for backcountry recreation.
- Store everything you take in re-sealable plastic bags, especially socks, matches, flares, food, maps and your first aid kit.
- Pack your sleeping bag in a large plastic trash bag or a specially designed waterproof bag.
- Pack a brimmed waterproof hat and jacket. Always have rain gear with you, even if it is only a large trash bag.
- Treat your tent, hat, jacket and pack with waterproofing spray - even if they’re called “waterproof” to begin with.
- For two weeks prior to your trip, be sure to take your multi-vitamins. You should be doing this regardless. A good immune system is an outdoor enthusiast’s best friend.
So now you’re packed and out the door. Once you’re there, common sense and a few tricks of the trade will help you get through unscathed. Here are the Best Outdoor Rain Tips:
- Never camp in a low lying area. Look for a durable surface which will allow water to run off more effectively.
- Look for a campsite this is somewhat protected from wind, flooding and heavy rain fall.
Under a group of small trees is ideal. Keep away from the tallest tree in the forest - that’s where lightning likes to visit.
- Place a mat outside the tent door to collect debris. If you are base camping, the weight of the mat is not worth the benefit - so use rocks instead.
- Do not touch the walls of your tent when it is wet. This will adversely affect the water resistant capability of the tent. That is - you can create a leak.
- Use a tarp under your tent. You should do this regardless of the weather, but when it’s raining it becomes important.
- Sleep. There’s nothing better than sleeping in a tent when the rain falls.
- Check the forecast every hour. If the storm is worsening, you need to know about it. Do you have extra batteries for your weather radio?
- Never hold a fishing pole during a lightning storm.
- Emergency flares are excellent for igniting wet firewood.
- Body heat is a precious element. Conserve and protect your body by keeping it dry on the outside and wet on the inside. Drinking water becomes very important when body heat is being lost. Change into dry socks, get into your dry sleeping bag.
- Keep an eye on your tent, the tent’s rain fly and the ropes/stakes holding your tent in place. Standing water and high winds are the enemy of your tent.
Remember this - when it rains, you’ll see fewer people and fewer insects. Some of the most remarkable times you’ll experience will be in the backcountry during a rain storm - it can be exhilarating! Doesn’t sound so bad after all - does it? Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!
About the author: 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 calendar -- Published May 23, 2012Stockton RecordBy The Record Go Outdoors - Bass Pro Shops at 1356 Bass Pro Drive in Manteca is offering free classes for adults to enjoy the outdoors. At 6 pm, hiking basics; 7 pm, campfire cooking; 8 pm, kayaks and canoes. Information: (209) 825-8400 Festival ... |
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Celebrate the great outdoorsPayson RoundupPayson's third annual Arizona Mountain High Games is a celebration of the great outdoors in the Rim Country. It is also part of the state's official ongoing festivities marking the 100th anniversary of Arizona Statehood. The event has been sanctioned ...and more » |
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