HIKING BASICS

What is a Kayak: All You Want to Know About It!

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

admin

Often, we hear the question, “What is a Kayak?” well, if you are one of them, you are on the right platform, and you are about to get your answer. By simple definition, kayak refers to a small and narrow watercraft that’s propelled with a double-bladed paddle. Most people confuse a kayak and a canoe.

Well, both have some similarities, but they also have significant differences that set them apart. Some of these similarities include: both are lightweight, powered by humans, and they can both be used for similar activities and in similar environments.

Learn to kayak

However, some significant differences can be observed in the design (cockpit, seats, and paddles) and how each is used thus helping one distinguish a canoe from a kayak.

Factors to consider when buying a kayak

Your primary uses/ the type of paddling you want to do – Every boat is designed for a different type of paddling, and it’s important to get the right boat for your kind of paddling. Otherwise, it might not serve you as perfectly as it should, and its durability will be compromised.
Where you are planning to use it – Some boats cannot be damaged even if they hit hard rocks while some cannot withstand even the slightest encounter with hard rock. Also, some boats do better in flat waters while others are excellent in rough waters. Therefore, you should know where you will be using your boat before purchasing it.
Who you are planning to go with – Will you be carrying your dog along or maybe a friend? If yes, then know that there are single and double kayaks and it’s important you get the best accordingly.
The kind of load you want to carry with you – Each boat has different cargo compartments in terms of size. Therefore, you should check if the space will be enough for everything you want to carry with you. Also to guide you is the kind of trip you are planning. You might need to bring more for an overnight trip than you would for a day trip.
Your budget – Of course, your budget dictates the kind of kayak you end up buying, but my advice is, you’d rather take one more month to save enough for the best instead of going for a cheaper one then live with regrets.

Different types of Kayaks

Kayaks come in different basic types that are so specific to use. These several basic types include:

Whitewater Kayaks (Ideal for paddling fast moving rivers)

The Whitewater Kayaks do not have keel thus can’t track in a straight line which makes them very agile and maneuverable. Their cockpit is tight thus keeping the paddler on the boat, especially when in rough conditions. These boats are mostly short, 7-10 ft. and are perfect for paddling fast moving rivers.

Touring (ideal for long paddling excursions)

Features a well-defined keel, ideal for tracking, thus enabling it to track in a straight line, good primary stability, plus high secondary stability. With these boats, you get perfect turning from “edging” and comfort from the large cockpit interior making them ideal for long paddling excursions.

Red Touring kayak

Large access hatches and bulkheads are available on most touring kayaks thus allowing safe, dry storage. The boats are ideal for lakes, flatwater, gentle-moderate inlets, wide rivers, and bays. You will also find some that are fitted with outriggers, rudders, and provisions for the sail.

Recreation Kayaks (Ideal for flat water paddling)

If you will be paddling in inlets, lakes, slow moving rivers and bays, then a recreational Kayaks is what you need. These are perfect for flat water paddling making them ideal for low-intensity paddlers and beginners as they tend to combine turning and tracking in a smaller hull. They have large cockpits and high initial stability thus serve as excellent platforms for hunting, photography or fishing.

Sea Kayaks (Ideal for open ocean paddling)

The Sea Kayaks are low in the waters, thus reducing the cross wind effects, they measure 15 ft. or more, and most of them have: much smaller cockpit openings, smaller access hatches, and bulkheads.

Sea kayaks on the beach

To compensate on crosswind pattern or a wave, some of these kayaks have rudders or skegs and also have other features like deck mounted pumps and compass housings.

Different Styles Kayak

There are two major styles when it comes to kayaking, and you choose one over the other based on the type of paddling you want to do, your personal preference and your skill level. The two styles are:

Sit In – Kayaks in this style have an efficient hull design. They are dryer, allow greater gear storage, have properly fitted cockpits, you get an extended paddling season, and you can easily use your body to control your boat effectively. The Sit In style kayaks allows paddlers to use a skirt, has bulkheads that limit water infiltration and a hatch cover that’s properly fitted to provide flotation plus dry storage.
Sit On Top (SOT) – Most paddlers who like to get an all over tan, play in the surf, get a stable fishing platform, have flexibility and mobility or emotional concerns, thus not able to use the Sit-In Kayaks find the Sit On Top kayaks ideal. With the Sit On Top kayak, you will have no worries swamping your boat as almost all of them are self-bailing.

Kayak Design Considerations

Tracking vs. Turning

Normally, a kayak that tracks well doesn’t turn as well, and this is why turning versus tracking make the biggest trade-off when it comes to boat design. However, these two features vary from one boat to another, and it’s also possible to make one that tracks well to turn better.

Stability

How much stability do you require for perfect paddling? There are two types of stability when it comes to kayaks: Initial/Primary stability and Final/Secondary stability.

Keeping the kayak stable

The Initial stability can be told by how tipsy the boat is while at rest and this helps in predicting how stable your boat will be when entering/exiting the boat or while on low motion activities e.g. fishing, bird watching or sunbathing.

The Final/Secondary stability can be told by how tipsy the boat is while underway.

Note: in almost all cases, boats with high primary stability are less likely to be stable while paddled in rough conditions and vice versa. Conversely, a more tipsy boat while in the immobile state becomes more stable when in peddling state and increases in seaworthiness as the conditions build.

The best guide when it comes to stability is knowing the kind of activities you will be doing and your level of paddling expertise because one tends to feel more stable as their paddling skills improves. Most advanced boats will have less initial stability than beginner boats for this reason, because they are likely to take a risk in rough conditions and they also need a fast boat which is often absent in beginner boats as are traded off for a wider beam.

Material

When it comes to kayaks, the materials range from fiberglass, plastic, wood, Kevlar, carbon, fabric with frame and inflatable plastic.

Plastic: heaviest, but wins in resistant to damage and recyclable
Fiberglass: rigid than plastic, but cracks on impact and not recyclable
Kevlar and Carbon: Exotic, lighter, but costly
Wood: rare, attractive, need sophisticated techniques for classic look
Fabric with Frame: light and sometimes expensive option, collapsible
Inflatable plastic: a portable & storeable kayak

Cockpit Considerations

You have four contact points with your boat: feet on the foot braces, knees on thigh braces or under the deck, hips on the seats’ sides, and the bottom of the seat. The four contact points should give you support and keep you comfortable. Paddlers should brace their feet and knees for turning and stability.

Single kayak cockpit

The whitewater boats are padded to give a tight fit to keep the paddler in their boats during a roll while the sea and touring kayaks feature a looser fit to give enough space to move about and stretch on long excursions. For people with large feet, they should ensure that fit upon the foot braces and under the deck comfortably.

Cockpit Rim Opening size

This size determines the ease of entering and exiting your boat. The newer Whitewater Kayaks and the Touring Kayaks feature an almost similar keyhole cockpit: close-fitting but fairly large keyhole cockpit giving peddlers snug while allowing a rapid and easy exit.

Original traditional Sea Kayaks features small cockpits thus reducing the possibility of large waves caving in their skirts and swamping their boats. Recreation Kayaks features very large cockpits thus can’t keep the peddlers in their boats in case it turns over.

Boat Length

Any peddler should know the importance of the boat length. It’s simple; longer boats are faster and more efficient in the water. When it comes to the boats’ volume, this depends on how big you are and what you want to carry with them, which is mostly determined by the type of trip you are planning e.g. for overnight trips, one will need a room enough for tents, provisions, and sleeping bags.

Single versus Double Kayak

We have solo paddlers and those who like a company. For solo paddlers, a single kayak is definitely the option for you while for those who like to paddle with their dogs or a friend, double kayaks are perfect.

Couple on single kayaks

However, it’s important to note that single kayaks are more maneuverable compared to doubles, but doubles carry more gear. Also, most doubles are hard to paddle alone effectively, some are more stable compared to singles, but more difficult when it comes to rescuing and pumping dry.

Hatches

Only a few hatches’ seals are completely waterproof, and it’s a great advantage to have one that is because it’s important to keep all the water out when rolling. However, if you can’t find one that’s completely waterproof, there are other alternatives like keeping the essential stuff such as clothing and food in waterproof bags then put the bags in your hatch compartment.

Larger items need large hatch opening and also, it’s important to ensure that your hatch covers are securely attached because heavy surf and seas can break and blow them thus there is a risk of losing them. Also, paddlers should not depend on the hatches entirely. If your gear compartments are not full, always have floatation bags for boat floatation and watertight integrity.

Rudders and Skegs

For most touring kayaks, rudders and skegs are not necessary. However, long sea kayaks need a rudder to enable them to move straight, even in a cross wind. If you need a kayak with a rudder, ensure that the design is: durable, has a foot brace that’s easy to use and can be easily stowed.

On a kayaking adventure

Alternatively, if rudder doesn’t work for you, just go for a retractable skeg. It does not work as perfectly as a rudder, but helps in trimming your boat making it more controllable in varying sea/wind conditions.

Boat Weight

When inquiring about the boat weight, keep in mind that you will always have to get it to and out of the water or on and off your car and even portage at times thus weight is very significant. Mostly, the boat’s material and design determines how heavy it is.

For example, rotomolded plastic boats are heavier compared to fiberglass, kevlar, and vacuum formed acrylic ones. However, you can consider getting a kayak cart to help in moving your boats.

Durability of construction

Again, your boats’ material plays a significant role in determining their durability. Each material has different durability, hence the durability of the boat in general. For example, plastic material will withstand abuse much better than fiberglass. It easily scratches but resists fractures and punctures better than fiberglass.

Kayaks under the sunset

Also, to be safe, try and get all the necessary tools for boat repair and ensure that you have the right information/skills on how to go about it. Your boats’ maker will be in a better position to provide the right information.

It’s also important to ensure that you use the boat for what it’s designed for as this contributes a lot on its durability. For example, most of the Touring boats are easily damaged by a hard hit on rocks because they are rigid, but Whitewater boats withstand hard objects much better.

Cost

Boats’ prices, just like for other items, keep changing from time to time, so if you are planning to buy one, you better keep checking the trend. Also, some materials are more expensive than others. The size of the boat also determines its price. The longer/bigger the boat, obviously, the higher the cost.

Try it first

This can never be said enough! Never buy a boat blindly. You have to see it, feel it, and finally, test it before placing your money on it. Think of how frustrated you can be if you carry it all the way to the ocean only for it not to function as expected.

Try out kayak

Always take all the time you need to try all the boats available before settling on one because it’s worth it. You can look for any dealer that rent boats or any demo models available and try different manufacturers/boat types. You can as well call the “Shack” then ask when you can demo your boat of interest.

Paddles

Never underestimate the importance of your paddles. Most newbies don’t know this, and they later learn the hard way. Simply put: your body = engine, your paddle = transmission.

Without a good transmission, even the best car will automatically move down the scale to being the worst car ever. You can never enjoy paddling if you chose a boat with a low-quality paddle so, just get the best one.

What else does a paddler need?

For safe and successful paddling, ensure you have a whistle, Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and a paddle. You will also have to be creative and come up with a way of removing water from the kayak. You can use a sponge or a pump. Ensure that you learn all the necessary skills for survival and handling your boat before taking in the water.

Kayaking with falls in background

NOTE: One important feature every peddler should never fail to check and test before buying a kayak is the FOOT PEGS. Almost all the traditional kayaks had secure foot braces, but due to transformation from using a kayak as a hunting survival tool to more of a recreational art form, foot braces are given less attention. Whatever style kayak you choose to paddle, you should not compromise on getting a secure place for foot rest.

There are different types of FOOT PEGS such as adjustable foot pegs, molded in foot braces, and others with a fixed bulkhead. One sure thing is that a kayak without a foot rest is just incomplete as one will often slump forward, lack comfortable posture, and be unable to use torso-rotation thus can’t propel the kayak effectively.

Wrapping up

A kayak is definitely different from a canoe, and there are different types of kayaks all designed differently and used for different activities. It is important that one gets the right kayak for the type of activities they want to do and also, the kind of environment they want to use it. Each paddler should do some thorough research on the type of kayak they want, then test it before purchasing it to avoid unnecessary frustrations.

First kayak experience

HIKING BASICS

Health Benefits Of Drinking Water: Be Positively Hydrated!

Published

5 years ago

October 24, 2019

admin

We all know that humans simply cannot live without water. It is essential to our livelihood and helps the body in so many ways that we simply cannot function without it. Even our blood is 92 percent water! Staying properly hydrated allows your body to remove toxins and helps to send vitamins and nutrients, as well as oxygen, through the body to the proper places, keeping you energized. We will discuss all that and more as well as how long to digest water.

Water is helpful when losing weight, as it boosts your body’s metabolism, and it promotes healthy skin. You may feel that you are in a happier mood when you are hydrated, because water is doing its job by working with your body. You probably have a lot of questions, such as how long does water stay in your stomach? That can vary from person to person, but we will discuss more below about water and your body.

Soon, you will know all about water, how to stay hydrated, what causes dehydration and more. Let us first talk about ingesting water.

Ingesting Water

When you drink water, it travels from the mouth to pharynx and then down the esophagus. This takes about a second. Some of that water is absorbed into the stomach, some if it is absorbed into the small intestine. Then the water enters your circulatory system and then flows through the body. Did you know that if you drink 2 liters of water each day, it can turn into upwards of 2,000 ml of urine? The bladder holds up to 16 ounces of urine. For your stomach to digest water, it can take generally 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, if you have not eaten anything, and are drinking water, it can sometimes digest in just a handful of minutes.

On average, a person needs at least 64 ounces of water in their body per day. If you are highly active, you may need more water. Depending on your fitness level, you may need to increase your water intake as well. Ingesting this much water will keep toxins flushing out of the body and will keep you full so you will not want to snack. It boosts your metabolism, keeping you going through the day. The best part? Water has no sugar, no fat, and no calories!

Ways to Stay Hydrated

Besides drinking water and increasing your intake if necessary, you can find many foods also have a lot of water. Stay away from the caffeine, which acts as a diuretic. Many fruits and meats contain a high amount of water.

Some great examples of foods that will keep you hydrated include:

Hamburger Meat
Chicken breast (not fried)
Soups, Broths, and Stews
Smoothies
Flavored Water or Sports Drinks like Powerade
Watermelon
Grapes
Real Fruit Juice
Jell O

There are many things you can do to improve your body’s hydration level.

Making small changes like replacing that soda with some water, can help your body work better and less harder.

Here are some ways to improve your hydration level:

If you do not like plain water, you can always eat foods that are high in water, such as those mentioned above.. Some foods can contain up to 90 percent water. While you do want to drink water regularly, you can always add lemon for flavor.
Stay away from drinks that will steal water from your body. These would be the sodas, coffees, and teas because not only are they diuretics, causing you to lose more water when you urinate. If you are already dehydrated or sick, stay away especially from apple juice and prune juice as you will lose even more water in the form of stool.
To increase your water intake, carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. Whether it is exercising at the gym, working in your office, or driving your car, keeping water nearby will allow you easy access to hydration.
If you are flying, you may notice that your mouth feels dry. The air in the cabin dries out your body. Drink water before and during your flight so you do not feel this way. During this time, you should also avoid soda pop and alcohol while you are in the air.
Stay away from any “water diets” that claim to help you lose weight fast. Drinking too much water can be dangerous. Not only that, but your body can only absorb so much water before it just goes straight to your bladder. You will not burn fat doing a water diet.
Water is hard to digest when you are eating it with a meal. It also dilutes the digestive acids. If you do want to drink water with your dinner, try drinking sips of room temperature water. Drinking ice water will slow the digestion process.
As we said before, drinking two glasses of water when you wake up can help jump start your body for the day. It keeps your body in balance and allows your mood to improve. This is definitely a must when it comes to hydration.
Lay off the carbonated water as it only makes you burp. The gas from this will make you feel full in the stomach, which means you will not drink as much as you would with regular water. If you cannot live without a little fizz in your drink, you can always put some seltzer in your water.
You can lose weight by drinking more water. It can help to burn calories and can help you feel full between meals. Water will flush the kidneys and release toxins from your body, as well as some fat. If your kidneys are in great shape, the rest of your body will improve.

What Causes Dehydration?

There are many things that can lead to dehydration, namely lack of giving yourself water for your body. If you do not ingest water, you can die within days. Some foods can cause dehydration as well.

Below are 9 foods and drinks that can dehydrate your body.

White Asparagus: This vegetable has aspartic acid, which affects the kidneys, depleting water from your body. This will, in turn, cause you to be dehydrated.
Alcohol: Since alcohol is a diuretic, it will make you need to use the restroom more. Thus, you are losing water from your body. Too much alcohol will cause a hangover, leading to a headache, because of lack of water. If you do drink, try to drink water as well to keep yourself from a hangover later.
Cured Meats: Because of the high amount of protein and salt in cured meats, your body will lose water. It is recommended to drink water along with your cured meats to ensure the salt does not dry up the water within you.
Coffee: If you drink just one or two cups of coffee, you do not have to worry about it dehydrating you. However, if you drink a lot of coffee, it dehydrates you like alcohol does because coffee is also a diuretic. Plus, the caffeine is thought to speed up the process of dehydration.
Soy Sauce: We all like to add a little soy sauce to our rice now and then, but it does contain salt, which will soak the water up from your body. In 2013, a girl almost died from drinking a quart of it and it gave her an imbalance of electrolytes, causing dehydration. If you use it a lot, though, you should drink some water along with it.
Bouillon Cubes: Used for making soup, bouillon cubes contain a very high amount of salt, which aids in dehydrating you. Essentially, when it is used in soup, you are drinking flavored salty water. Even though water is used in the process of making soup, you will still need additional water to stay hydrated. If you are sick, you will want the extra fluids so water can replenish your body.
Popcorn: High in sodium, popcorn can cause you to feel very thirsty. Many like to drink a soda with their popcorn, especially in the theater. Try to replace that soda with water or flavored water to gain some fresh water for your body.
Fried Foods: French Fries. Cheese Sticks. Fried Chicken. If it is fried, it is going to dehydrate you. Fried foods and processed foods usually have a lot of salt, which can be over your daily intake amount. Avoid these foods or eat sparingly. Always replenish yourself with some water after eating these foods.
Sugary Drinks: Many sodas or juices contain a high amount of sugar, which are acidic as well. While they may be tasty, they are sucking water right out of your body. In turn, all of your organs are working harder to process the sugars, and your body has lost water. Cut back on the sugary drinks, by including more water within your daily diet.

What Happens to Your Body without Water?

Dehydration will occur when you do not have enough water in your body. You need to replace the water throughout the day to keep your body functioning properly.

Some signs that you are being dehydrated include:

Dry mouth
Feeling tired
Headache or dizziness
Muscle cramps
Dry skin
Constipation

There are more signs if you happen to be severely dehydrated, such as:

Irritability
Sunken eyes
Fast heartbeat
Fever
Little to no urine
Low blood pressure

There are more signs, but those are the major ones. The major causes of dehydration are: frequent urination, sweating, vomiting, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Nobody is immune to dehydration and it can affect you more, and this is especially true for certain people like:

The elderly
Sick people
Infants
Diabetics
Alcoholics
Those with adrenal gland disorders
Those with cystic fibrosis

The elderly are more likely to become dehydrated because as a person ages, the thirst mechanism in the body is not as strong. Therefore, they will lose water faster. If an elderly person has dementia, they will experience dehydration and the need to stay on top of their water consumption. Infants and small children are at risk of dehydration because their little bodies go through water faster, so they need to be sure to get water regularly.

While a person can live up to 3 weeks without food, the body can only go 3 days without water. Survival experts, stick by the Rule of Threes: You can live only 3 minutes without oxygen. You have 3 hours to find shelter in a harsh weathered environment. You can live 3 days without water, and you can live 3 weeks without food. There have been cases where people have lived a week without water, but those are rare. Since the body is nearly 70 percent water, you can see how essential it is for living.

Best Time to Drink Water

Believe it or not, there are times in the day that are better for drinking water, as well as a few guidelines that will help your body get all of the water it needs.

So, when is the best time to drink water?

Drink 2 glasses of water upon waking up. This helps to wake up your internal organs and get them ready for the day.
Drink 1 glass of water a half hour before any meal as it helps the digestion process.
If you are taking a bath, drink 1 glass of water to keep your blood pressure down.
Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of water for heart health. This aids in preventing a heart attack or stroke.
Another trick is, after drinking the 2 glasses when you wake up, you can brush your teeth and eat about 45 minutes later. From there, eat your breakfast and do not eat again for another 2 hours. This helps water to process through your body more efficiently.

Best Ways to Drink Water

There are three great ways to drink water and keep yourself healthy:

Drink at a slow pace. Keeping a steady pace when drinking water will keep you more hydrated than if you were to down a whole bottle in just a few moments. This is because your intestines can only take so much water at once. If water moves too fast, you will lose it through urination, instead of it being absorbed into your body.
Drink water with some lemon! Lemon has many health benefits as you will see below. You will feel more energetic and your body will be able to digest food better. Using a water pitcher that has an infuser will allow you to infuse your water with whatever fruit you want and the fruit will pour into your glass with the water.
Timing is key for drinking water, as we stated above. Knowing when to drink water will allow you to better absorb it giving you more energy and releasing more toxins. Drinking water is simple if you have some next to you at all times. You can use a tumbler and fill it wherever you need to, at school, at the office, or at home. Drinking as you eat will slow down the digestion process, as some people think.

Add a Little Lemon

Lemon is not only for enhancing your water with taste, but it can do wonders for your body. Here is how:

Lemon keeps you alert and full of energy because it contains potassium. This helps nerve function and brain function, and it reduces stress.
Lemon boosts your immune system with Vitamin C. This helps the body heal and helps to break up phlegm if you are sick.
A little lemon in your water will keep you not only hydrated but will not hold onto fat cells. They also absorb nutrients.
Since lemon has Vitamin C, your skin will produce more collagen, which keeps wrinkles at bay.
Lemons have pectin fiber, which keeps your metabolism regulated. This can help you lost weight and curb craving.
The liver loves lemons because it helps produce enzymes for your body. The liver works better and the bile helps in digestion. It also keeps toxins flowing out of your body by urination. Plus, lemons help bowel movement regulation.

Wrapping it up

Water is our life, truly. We need to take care of our bodies by drinking an appropriate amount each day. This lessens our risks of heart attacks, strokes, and sickness. It keeps your skin beautiful and helps boost your mood. Without water, we cannot survive. Hopefully, you have learned many things about water and can improve your daily regimen. Thanks for reading!

HIKING BASICS

Romantic Camping Ideas: Genius Hacks For Camping Couples To Plan Their A Romantic Outdoor Adventure

Published

5 years ago

October 20, 2019

admin

Camping is definitely the first thing that crosses someone’s mind when it comes to a perfect Valentine day or any other romantic event, especially if you and your partner love camping and spending time in the wilderness.

Imagine the fun and romance taking the love of your life somewhere far away from the hustle, bustle and busy schedule of city struggles. It would be up to you to turn “the wild environment into the romantic one”.

In this article, we are going to take a look at some really amazing romantic camping ideas. If you are still not sure about romantic camping, then stay tuned because you might end up loving it.

How to Plan Your Romantic Camping Trip

If you don’t want your romantic getaway to turn into a disaster,there are some important things to consider before actually going on a trip.

Pick the perfect spot

It is crucial to do some research beforehand and get yourself familiar with the area. Of course, unless you are planning to go somewhere where you have already been. If not, then make sure to find a place that would suit both of you. Since you are planning a romantic trip, go somewhere where you will have privacy and peace and quiet.

How to find the perfect spot? Do a research on all of the campsites online. By using online maps you can take a look at each detail, route, and path. By doing this you will be able to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Make reservations

This is very important, especially during the peak vacation months. You do not want your camping spot to be reserved by someone else, right? Not only reservations, but you should also use the online info to find out about entrance fees and the price of the activities being performed there.

In this way you won’t be surprised in a bad way.

Camping Gear You Must Not Forget

Let’s take a look at some of the goodies that you should not forget. These goodies would come in handy during your romantic camping.

But make sure to remember that you cannot really bring all of them together, because that depends on the location.

Since you will be sleeping in the wilderness, a comfy air mattress of high quality is a must. You might even want to go for a two-person sleeping bag so you would make sure that both of you have enough space. However, if you are camping somewhere with freezing temperatures or during the winter, you might want to buy a warmer and a waterproof sleeping bed with good insulation.
Pillows will spice up the cozy atmosphere and allow you to snuggle.
Make sure to bring extra blankets if you are camping in the winter or in case it suddenly gets colder. Or imagine what would happen if you get trapped in a rain or storm.
Take your romantic event in the wilderness to a higher level by hanging string lights around the tent, or even in the bushes and trees around it. You will need a battery powered, light strings or the solar ones.
Many couples go for candles when they want to achieve romantic mood, but remember that you must bring only the risk-free light. That is why you should consider bringing LED tea lights which can create the same Valentine effect.
Bring a guitar or some other musical instrument that is easily carried around. You can woo your partner or get wooed. You can also sing some favorite songs together. You will be probably alone, so there won’t be any need to be embarrassed.
Nobody would go camping without bringing a camping stove, so you can make delicious hot drinks like hot chocolate. It is not very romantic to eat canned food.
Do not forget to bring cards and games you both love to play together.
A cooler will keep all food and drinks fresh and cool. It is actually a must with regular camping as well.
If you are not able to play any musical instrument, then take a portable music player with you. Make a romantic playlist of favorite songs in advance and surprise your partner! Music makes everything better.

Other Things to Consider Before You Go

Besides the camping gear that you must not forget to bring, there are also a couple of other things to consider, such as:

Clothes: avoid smelly fabrics that quickly absorb sweat. Cotton becomes very stinky and should be avoided while synthetics, wool and Gore-Tex are great choices. Wool is warm while Gore-Tex is waterproof. Polypropylene and polyester can be used as under-layers because they do not get as stinky as cotton.
Prepare the menu: instead of wondering about the food there, make sure to prepare the full menu before you go. Spice up the camping trip activities and surprise your partner with dishes that she or he adores. If both of you are fond of alcoholic drinks, bring a favorite beverage, but place it in a bag or thermos. Do not forget desserts!
Do a research on wildlife: you would not want to get surprised by a bear, right? Even though it can be quite exciting to come upon a wild animal, you should know how to behave in its presence and if it is possible, to avoid if it is dangerous. You can even find about which products to bring with you in order to prevent insect bites or which places to avoid so you would not come face to face with a rat, skunk, snake, or mountain lion. While you are taking a break, inspect your body to see if there are ticks, because they must be removed immediately. That means that you should not forget an antiseptic.

Ideas for Romantic Camping Destinations

Here are some wonderful ideas for romantic destinations. Depending on where you live and your budget, you can choose at least one that would suit both you and your partner.

Campfire

In most states and countries, campfires are forbidden due to the risk of forest fires.

That is why you should be aware of the fact that you would be able to go camping only when it is colder. However, what is more romantic than sitting around a warm campfire and looking at the stars? You can also enjoy a nice dinner and create a wonderful atmosphere.

Do a research on sites and locations that allow campfires and purchase the firewood only if you are sure that you can really go. Follow the campfire policy for your own safety and everything will be good.

Beaches

Beaches are another amazing and romantic getaway. You can swim, bathe in the sun, and make a beach fire, play beach games etc. Camping at the beach is different than camping in the woods, so you will need to bring beach-specific supplies. The basics are the same, but you will also need to protect your skin from the sun and bug bites.

Track the tides regularly, stay away from the dunes during the night and stay hydrated.

Hot Springs

Have you ever tried camping near a natural hot spring? Then make sure to try it, because it is relaxing, amazing and utterly romantic! If you manage to find a hot spring, imagine soaking yourself in hot water with your partner under the starry night. You can spice it up with tea-light candles, a portable music player and drinks.

However, make sure not to use glass for your drinks, never use soap and do not leave any litter behind.

Hiking

Hiking can be another great way to spend a romantic day with your partner. Just imagine a nice weekend in the wilderness, and away from the crowds. However, make sure to bring boots of good quality because you will be on foot for hours; developing blisters is never romantic. Your shoes should provide you with ankle support and the socks should be designed for hiking. It would be a good idea to spend your day hikes in light-weight hiking shoes instead of the heavy high-cut boots. Your toes should have enough space to move around otherwise they will swell.

As for the destination, it is all up to you. With a blanket, water, enough food, and a headlamp, you can take your beloved on a romantic hike through the woods or hills. Hiking is not only great for physical health, but also mental health as well.

Paddling

Looking for an unusual romantic getaway? Then what about canoeing, rafting or kayaking? Take your boyfriend or girlfriend on a paddling journey in which both of you will have fun! This is a great activity because it can lead you to an isolated campsite where you can take a break and enjoy the view with your partner. You do not really to buy a boat or canoe, you can simply rent one, but you have to be experienced in peddling it. Do not go paddling if you have never done it before because you can endanger not only yourself but your partner as well!

For this kind of adventure you need drinking water, food, sun protection, waterproof footwear and life-jacket. Make sure to get familiar with the area and its rapids before you go so you can avoid unexpected danger. Also, do not only peddle but take mini breaks to show your partner the area and the landscape. It will be an unforgettable adventure!

Safety

When you have finally chosen a destination, make sure to be aware of possible dangers and give your best to prevent them. It all depends on your experience, and if you are the one planning the romantic getaway, then you are responsible for your partner’s life as well.

Let’s take a look at some safety measures:

Sunburn can be prevented by wearing hats, sunglasses and applying lots of sunscreen. It does not matter where you are, you can get a sunburn at high elevations during freezing temperatures just as same as at the beach. However, if you do happen to sunburn your skin, apply lots of gel and seek medical attention if the burns turn into blisters.
Blisters are mostly caused by bad footwear, especially during hiking. Make sure to wear socks of high quality and to keep them dry. If your feet hurt, then make a break and check the blister. Apply a padding if it is not broken; however, if it has already turned into an open wound, then clean it with soap and water and cover it with a hydrogel.
Sprains are serious injuries that can happen anywhere. People who have sprained their wrists, knees or ankles should rest, then apply ice to the sprain to prevent swelling. After that a bandage should be used and the sprained joins kept elevated above the heart level.
Make sure to always have a First Aid Kit with you, whenever and wherever you go.

Final Thoughts on This Topic

To sum up, we have covered the most important things regarding romantic camping ideas. We have also mentioned some great destinations that might spark your interest and positively surprise your partner. Depending on your budget and location, you can explore camping areas online by using maps and official camping sites. In that way you will be informed about the all possible fees and taxes that might come along your way.

In order to turn camping into a romantic trip, prepare everything beforehand and make sure to remember your partner’s taste and preference. After that it is up to you to create a romantic location and transform it from the wild one into a truly Valentine setting.

Additionally, do not forget that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are not experienced when it comes to hiking, paddling or camping in general, do not venture into long and far-away journeys that might endanger both you and your partner. Stick to a place where you can ask for help in case you need it.

HIKING BASICS

Great Outdoor Tips For Couples: Camping For Two!

Published

5 years ago

October 2, 2019

admin

In this article, we are going to take a look at some really amazing romantic camping ideas. If you are still not sure about romantic camping, then stay tuned because you might end up loving it.

How to Plan Your Romantic Camping Trip

If you don’t want your romantic getaway to turn into a disaster,there are some important things to consider before actually going on a trip.

Pick the perfect spot

Make reservations

In this way you won’t be surprised in a bad way.

Camping Gear You Must Not Forget

Let’s take a look at some of the goodies that you should not forget. These goodies would come in handy during your romantic camping.

But make sure to remember that you cannot really bring all of them together, because that depends on the location.

Since you will be sleeping in the wilderness, a comfy air mattress of high quality is a must. You might even want to go for a two-person sleeping bag so you would make sure that both of you have enough space. However, if you are camping somewhere with freezing temperatures or during the winter, you might want to buy a warmer and a waterproof sleeping bed with good insulation.
Pillows will spice up the cozy atmosphere and allow you to snuggle.
Make sure to bring extra blankets if you are camping in the winter or in case it suddenly gets colder. Or imagine what would happen if you get trapped in a rain or storm.
Take your romantic event in the wilderness to a higher level by hanging string lights around the tent, or even in the bushes and trees around it. You will need a battery powered, light strings or the solar ones.
Many couples go for candles when they want to achieve romantic mood, but remember that you must bring only the risk-free light. That is why you should consider bringing LED tea lights which can create the same Valentine effect.
Bring a guitar or some other musical instrument that is easily carried around. You can woo your partner or get wooed. You can also sing some favorite songs together. You will be probably alone, so there won’t be any need to be embarrassed.
Nobody would go camping without bringing a camping stove, so you can make delicious hot drinks like hot chocolate. It is not very romantic to eat canned food.
Do not forget to bring cards and games you both love to play together.
A cooler will keep all food and drinks fresh and cool. It is actually a must with regular camping as well.
If you are not able to play any musical instrument, then take a portable music player with you. Make a romantic playlist of favorite songs in advance and surprise your partner! Music makes everything better.

Other Things to Consider Before You Go

Besides the camping gear that you must not forget to bring, there are also a couple of other things to consider, such as:

Clothes: avoid smelly fabrics that quickly absorb sweat. Cotton becomes very stinky and should be avoided while synthetics, wool and Gore-Tex are great choices. Wool is warm while Gore-Tex is waterproof. Polypropylene and polyester can be used as under-layers because they do not get as stinky as cotton.
Prepare the menu: instead of wondering about the food there, make sure to prepare the full menu before you go. Spice up the camping trip activities and surprise your partner with dishes that she or he adores. If both of you are fond of alcoholic drinks, bring a favorite beverage, but place it in a bag or thermos. Do not forget desserts!
Do a research on wildlife: you would not want to get surprised by a bear, right? Even though it can be quite exciting to come upon a wild animal, you should know how to behave in its presence and if it is possible, to avoid if it is dangerous. You can even find about which products to bring with you in order to prevent insect bites or which places to avoid so you would not come face to face with a rat, skunk, snake, or mountain lion. While you are taking a break, inspect your body to see if there are ticks, because they must be removed immediately. That means that you should not forget an antiseptic.

Ideas for Romantic Camping Destinations

Here are some wonderful ideas for romantic destinations. Depending on where you live and your budget, you can choose at least one that would suit both you and your partner.

Campfire

In most states and countries, campfires are forbidden due to the risk of forest fires.

Beaches

Track the tides regularly, stay away from the dunes during the night and stay hydrated.

Hot Springs

However, make sure not to use glass for your drinks, never use soap and do not leave any litter behind.

Hiking

Paddling

Safety

Let’s take a look at some safety measures:

Sunburn can be prevented by wearing hats, sunglasses and applying lots of sunscreen. It does not matter where you are, you can get a sunburn at high elevations during freezing temperatures just as same as at the beach. However, if you do happen to sunburn your skin, apply lots of gel and seek medical attention if the burns turn into blisters.
Blisters are mostly caused by bad footwear, especially during hiking. Make sure to wear socks of high quality and to keep them dry. If your feet hurt, then make a break and check the blister. Apply a padding if it is not broken; however, if it has already turned into an open wound, then clean it with soap and water and cover it with a hydrogel.
Sprains are serious injuries that can happen anywhere. People who have sprained their wrists, knees or ankles should rest, then apply ice to the sprain to prevent swelling. After that a bandage should be used and the sprained joins kept elevated above the heart level.
Make sure to always have a First Aid Kit with you, whenever and wherever you go.