Camping Checklist Tips

APO Hiking Society: A Music Revival!

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:09:01 +0000

The APO Hiking Society is a Filipino musical group composed of Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Boboy Garrovillo, with a career of hit songs spanning more than three decades. Their recent concerts and recording efforts have been touted far and wide as a full-blown APO revival!

Ever since the KaminAPO Muna album, which is a tribute album to Boboy, Danny and Jim?s, music by the best and hottest bands around, hit the airwaves and music stores, there seems to be little else playing except APO?s hit songs. KaminAPO Muna turned Gold a few days after its release, and turned platinum on its second week. It is a limited edition CD which contains original songs as originally performed by APO Hiking Society, and the new tribute version is selling so well that it is now number two on the sales charts.

Danny, Boboy and Jim are without a doubt, quite pleased. They were there during MYX?s tribute to APO at Megamall this past August 23, where the performing bands paid an enthusiastic tribute to them. Their schedules are beginning to fill. They have many more concerts scheduled, and guest spots on many popular TV programs. Their recent appearance at ASAP was received appreciatively by audiences everywhere, and catapulted the show?s ratings over its competitor.

Kami nAPO Muna, the tribute album to Danny, Jim and Boboy, otherwise known as the APO Hiking Society, is now available on I-Tunes, Apple computer?s highly successful music download company. By navigating online to the I-Tunes home page, and typing Kami nAPO Muna in the search blank, anyone in the world can now have access to this highly successful album of APO's music as it is performed by eighteen of the top bands in the Philippines.

The album?s place has remained solid for an unprecedented 3 months (now going on 4) as the number one fastest -selling album in the Philippines. Four music videos have been made from songs in the album, notably Yakap Sa Dilim, Nakapagtataka, .Doo Bi Doo and Panalangin. Three of the APO hiking society songs are now the number one most requested ringtone downloads.

A new addition to the APO website will feature classic APO videos in the coming weeks, so if you are an APO Hiking Society fan, be sure to keep checking, so you can have your own APO hiking society ringtone! The APO Hiking Society legends Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Buboy Garovillo wowed a crowd of over 3,000 people with their timeless hits and comic antics during the "Kumustahan Asian Pacific 2006 Concert" Saturday night at the Hopwood Junior High School Amphitheater, and it is clear that APO Hiking Society is back!

Six Good Backpacking Habits

Camping Tips — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:37:06 +0000

When backpacking, habits matter. A better sleeping bag may keep you a bit warmer, and a cell phone or GPS unit definitely makes a trip safer, but the things you regularly do while on the trail are just as important. Here are six habits you should develop for wilderness travel.

1. Foot Care

Blisters and other foot problems are not always just painful inconveniences. If they happen far enough into a trip they can slow your hike out to the point where food runs short or you just can’t continue. You may know how to treat a blister or trench foot, but good habits can prevent these from ever happening.

Make stopping several times daily to air out your feet a part of your routine. Take off your shoes and socks and set them in the sun. Pull out your insoles if you can. Soak your feet in a cold stream if they are very hot, but be sure the skin is entirely dry before putting the shoes back on. Change socks if necessary, and let the wet pair hang from the pack to dry. Cover “hot spots” with moleskin before they become blisters. This regular attention to your feet may seem time consuming, but it will allow you to travel more miles more safely.

2. Water Planning

Dehydration is always a possibility when hiking in the wilderness. It is dangerous in hot weather and it can even lead to hypothermia in cold (we need enough fluids for our bodies to heat themselves properly). Plan ahead so you never get the point of being thirsty and without water.

Carry two water bottles, and develop the following good backpacking habit. Anytime you cross a stream or are near a water source, if one water bottle is less than half full, finish it off and fill it. If you are using a water treatment chemical like iodine, while it does its job you will still have the other bottle full of water. If there is a long stretch coming without opportunities to collect water, drink up both water bottles if practical, and fill them both. Also be sure to start each trip fully hydrated. One more habit is to watch your urine. Unless you are taking vitamin pills it will usually only be bright yellow when you aren’t drinking enough fluids.

3. Watch The Weather

It is a good habit to watch the weather reports before you go backpacking. You can get the forecast for anywhere in the world now online. But you also should be looking at that sky from time to time, and be aware of any changes. It is common to have lightning almost every afternoon in some mountain areas, for example. If the trail you are on is heading up high and you see the clouds forming, you might want to wait where you are until after the storms.

Learn to observe the skies in the direction where the weather is coming from, and also where it will affect you. If the streams you are crossing are fed by the mountains in the distance, and you see heavy rain clouds there, you might soon see a rise in water levels. Also, if you see the whole sky clearing out at sunset, you may be in for a cold night. Learn and observe.

4. Cell Phones

When backpacking, it’s a good habit to fully charge your cell phone before you leave. Then turn it off. The primary reason to even bring it is to have a way to call for help. Preserve the batteries for just such an event. It’s not fun to continually hear the phone ringing in the wilderness anyhow.

5. GPS

If you have a GPS unit, put fresh batteries in it before every trip. Then “mark” your car or the trailhead just before you start hiking. A GPS can walk you right back to the vehicle if you remember to enter it as a landmark. Otherwise, it may not help much to just know your coordinates.

6. Leave An Itinerary

One of the backpacking habits most important to your safety, is to let someone you trust know where you will be and when you expect to return. That way if all else fails, help will be sent out there to look for you. Just be sure to notify that person as soon as you do return, so they don’t think you are still out in the wilderness.

Vasque Hiking Boots: A Brand To Know

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:09:02 +0000

Vasque hiking boots may be the perfect type of boot for you to take with you on your next trek. There are actually many benefits to selecting this brand of hiking boots for all of your needs. You may even find that they provide for you the right fit to help you to stay fit throughout your travels allowing you to make them the perfect experience every time. Vasque hiking boots have been providing this level of satisfaction for years and they continue to do so.

Vasque hiking boots have been in business creating high quality, well fitting boots for some thirty years. You will find that these boots are perfect for nearly all hiking (and even walking) needs that you have. Enjoy them on your local trails or you can take them up and down the mountain of your choice. Consider them for exotic destinations or even the run of the mill trail. They are even a popular fixture among those that just want to look like they?ve been hiking. Vasque hiking boots are very versatile for all of your needs.

You will find specific lines of these hiking books for all outdoor needs. There are men?s and women?s hiking boots, backpacking boots for both, mountaineering boots for men, trail boots for women and men and more. The type of boot you need depends on your experience but chances are good that one of these Vasque hiking boots will fill that need.

There are several key features to look for in the right hiking boot, all of which are offered in Vasque hiking boots. You want to have the highest quality so that you can enjoy a rough terrain just as well as the concrete across the parking lot. You need quality that feels good too. A comfortable hiking boot is a must because without this you won?t be able to make it up and down those trails. Indeed, if you will be investing in these boots (or any) you want them to be durable, designed so well that they last you a lifetime.

You can find all of these and other qualities in hiking boots with Vasque hiking boots. You?ll also find that they feel good to wear. You will feel and look good wearing your boots for all of those recreational climbs and treks as well as just for day to day needs that you have. Find the right boot for you based on its quality, its ability to last a lifetime and its benefit on your feet?s comfort. That?s when you?ll find this brand to take advantage of.

A Few Catalogs on Camping Supplies

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:09:02 +0000

Sometimes it is just too time consuming to spend hours and hours driving to and visiting different stores to find what you need. Shopping for camping supplies is no different. So many companies now not only have websites to highlight their merchandise, but they also produce catalogs on camping supplies. These handy books are typically free of charge and can be found for a huge number of camping and sporting goods companies. Everyone from the big names to lesser known camping equipment companies are in on the deal. Besides the variety of companies, catalogs on camping supplies are a real time saver in terms of seeing all of the options, pricing, and different designs available in one place from the comfort of home.

There isn?t a camping or nature lover out there who hasn?t heard of Cabela?s. This outfitter has been in business for a long time and offers its customers a full line of all kinds of important camping gear. Tents, sleeping bags, and coolers are a just a few of the items Cabela?s features in its catalogs on camping supplies. You can request a catalog through their website, over the phone, or in one of their retail stores.

While many people won?t think of clothes as a camping supply, the truth is the right kind of clothing is incredibly important in the natural setting. This is where L.L. Bean comes in. They have a huge variety of camping and hunting apparel for men, women, and children. All of the options are carefully laid out in their catalogs on camping supplies. Whoever said clothes aren?t important on a camping trip has never suffered through cold, wet socks or inappropriately made pants. The proper use of material, clothing style, and temperature appropriate garments are essential on a camping trip.

Moving on to the Adirondack Outdoor Company, their catalog on camping supplies is considered by many outdoor enthusiasts to be the camping bible. Much like Cabela?s, this company features any product or item that you could possibly need on an outdoor trip. Everything from cookware and food products to clothing and utility tools is in this catalog. This catalog on camping supplies seems to be limitless in its thoroughness and they seem to have thought of everything.

While these are definitely not the only catalogs on camping supplies out there, they are a good place to start. Camping and hunting magazine ads are good places to find catalog offers, as are retail stores themselves. The convenience and ease of use with these books is unmatched in today?s hurried world.

The Basics of hiking and Camping gear

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:09:02 +0000

When you first start looking for hiking and camping gear, you?ll find that the options available to you are virtually endless. However, there?s no need to invest in thousands of dollars of new hiking and camping gear right off the bat. If you are just starting out, then the hiking and camping gear that you?ll need to purchase will entirely depend on the camping location that you will be visiting and the facilities that they will provide for you. So start by looking for the location or locations that you?re interested in, the different options they have for lodging, and then you?ll know what you?ll need to buy.

But if camping is something that you plan to do on a regular basis, then it is certainly wise to invest in some basic gear. Not just because it will make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable, but also because it can also make a difference in your safety as well.

One of the biggest factors in determining what hiking and camping gear you will need is the location that you choose and the time of year that you will be going. This will help you to decide on two major aspects of hiking and camping gear ? attire and sleeping bags. Obviously, what you will need to wear in warmer weather isn?t necessarily as important as what will be needed to protect you from the elements in colder weather. But regardless, look for clothing that is durable, easy to wash and dry on the road, and will keep moisture away from your skin. Layering your attire is a good idea as well, as it gives you the best chances of being comfortable, regardless of the weather.

When it comes to sleeping bags, you?ll find that hiking and camping gear has come a long way from the bags you might have had for sleepovers as a child. There are bags available now that are made for one person or two, for summer or deepest winter, that can be compressed down to a small, that are made from cosy goose down or allergy-free synthetics. Plus, you don?t need to put your bag directly on the ground anymore either. A number of pads are available that can make the ground warmer, drier and less lumpy, meaning that you?ll be more comfortable all around.

Some other basic hiking and camping gear options may be necessary depending on where you?re going or on your personal needs. If you?re not absolutely certain that the water available at the site is potable, then water filters or tablets are important. You would be smart to have a basic washable mess kit, which is not only convenient but also much friendlier for the environment. Safety gear is important, particularly in more isolated areas. A first-aid kit, flashlights, and radio to keep abreast of weather conditions should be a part of every camper?s gear.

Backpacking At Ten Below Zero

Camping Tips — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:02:12 +0000

We were both thirteen years old and backpacking in Michigan without adults (times were different back then). Camping miles from the nearest road, in a single-wall pup tent, we tried not to move too much, because doing so resulted in a shower of icy crystals raining down on us - the frozen condensation from our own breath. When we got up that morning, the thermometer read ten or eleven degrees below zero.

We got out of the tent and everything was glittering with those same crystals, which only seem to form on the coldest days. Jim suggested that we should take off our coats, sweaters and shirts and shake them out. They get flattened by sleeping in them, and this would fluff them up, making them warmer. That was his theory. Soon we were standing there in the snow at ten below with our bare skin turning red.

Fortunately, we were able to dress again before losing the feeling in our fingers. Fluffing up the clothing did help it to trap more air and insulate better, so we warmed up quickly. Probably this would have been a better idea after we had the fire going, but it worked. Add it to your list of ways to stay warm when backpacking, but you might want to do it before you leave your tent (provided it is dry in there). What else can you do to stay warm?

Staying Warm While Backpacking - Six More Ways

1. Stay dry.

Always keep as dry as possible when there is a chance of getting cold. It is always surprising to me how often I see hikers walking right through streams without rolling up their jeans. Given how slowly jeans dry, this usually means being wet when the sun sets. Roll up those pants! Put on your rain pants when walking through dew-covered tall grass and bushes. Dry your wet socks by hanging them on your pack.

2. Have the right clothing.

The jeans mentioned above shouldn’t be part of most backpacking trips. Jeans are too difficult to dry. Good hiking pants made of some type of brushed nylon (nylon that feels soft and comfortable), dry fast. I have seen my pants dry in less than thirty minutes after a good soaking. If the weather calls for long underwear, use polypropylene or some similar material that will stay warm when wet and dry easily. The same goes for other clothing. Avoid cotton.

3. Dress in layers.

Layers of clothing trap more insulating air and keep you warmer. Having more layers rather than one thick coat also means you can more easily adjust for differing conditions. That is important to keep you from sweating. If you sweat too much, the wetness can cause you to get chilled when you stop exerting yourself. Dress in layers, then, and remove them as you warm up.

4. Eat and drink properly.

Hot liquids will warm you up - no surprise there. But many people do not realize that foods are not all equal in their ability to produce heat in our bodies. Fats actually produce heat as they are digested, which is part of the reason that whale blubber is eaten in arctic areas. Army survival courses teach soldiers to eat large chunks of butter to stay warn in winter conditions. For backpacking purposes, you can have olive oil on your pasta or eat oily foods like corn chips to get the same warming effect.

5. Learn how to make and place shelters.

A simple shelter of sticks covered with piles of dry leaves and grass can insulated you and save your life if you are caught out in the winter without a tent. Learning how to make a few of these simple shelters is smart planning for possible emergencies. But even if you have a tent with you, it matters where you set it up. It is normally colder the higher you go, but cold air also collects in the bottoms of valleys at night and into the morning. A level area somewhere in between is best. Try to find a place out of the wind as well.

6. Learn a few tricks for staying warm.

Apart from the basic principles of staying warm during winter backpacking, there are a lot of little tricks you can learn and use. Fully fluffing up a sleeping bag, for example, makes it more effective. Doing sit-ups in your bag before going to sleep gets you a warm start to the night. Some water bottles or canteens can be filled with hot water and kept in the bag with you (some bottles will distort if filled with boiling water). Keeping water bottles inside your clothing during strenuous hiking keeps them warmer, so later you won’t have to drink cold water, which can suck away some of your heat in the evening.

The Right Knife Can Save Your Life

Camping Tips — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:21:37 +0000

Knife Design Philosophy

If you have ever watched any of the bear Grylls ' Born Survivor' series or Ray Mears 'Extreme Survival' you will probably have noticed how both Bear and Ray always carry a good quality knife.

Knives have been used since the stone age when man made remarkably effective and sharp cutting tools from flint and obsidian. The knife can be a versatile and practical tool as well as a frighteningly effective weapon. They've been receiving a lot of bad press lately due to the frequency of violent knife crime in our towns and cities.

But knives are not bad, its the people who use them to commit crime who are really bad. They are practical tools that, when camping or in a survival situation, you would be glad to have.

When camping out a knife can be used in any number of ways including:

Cutting branches for fire wood
Preparing kindling
Cutting rope or string
Making tent pegs
Skinning rabbits
Preparing food
Almost everything…

It's makes sense to have the most suitable knife for the job. The swiss-army knife is a good example of a practical, versatile knife that comes with a bewildering selection of tools for almost any situation. But a good quality, strong, sharp knife blade is a basic requirement.

Knives that are suitable for camping don't necessarily need to be particularly large. Ideally the knife should have a high carbon steel steel blade that will not corrode and will hold and good sharp edge. Your chosen knife can have a fixed or folding blade. Knives with folding blades should ideally lock when the blade is open to prevent closing on the hand. The knife should provide a good sized handle that is comfortable in your hand. The blade should have a good sharp point and the handle may have a strong rear bolster (the bit at the bottom of the handle) which can be used as a hammer.

If you select a fixed blade knife it will need a suitable sheath that, ideally, you can mount on your belt. You will need a whetstone to keep the blade sharp. For some applications, such as fishing and hunting, you may like to equip yourself with a knife that has a partially serrated edge, ideal for cutting through bone.

Whatever you choose a knife is an essential part of your camping equipment. While you may be arrested for carrying one in the city streets you would be a fool to venture far outdoors without one.

The Benefit of Children?s Backpacks

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 01:09:01 +0000

In recent history, backpacks have become the perfect accessory for a lot of people of all ages and walks of life. They are convenient to carry and can hold many different essential items. Whether you are using the backpack to carry a little one?s belongings or looking for the many choices in children?s backpacks, these handy packs definitely make life with or for a young child easier. The models, styles, and colors available on the market make it easy to find the perfect fit for your child. The versatility of children?s backpacks is remarkable. They can be used to carrying school supplies, toys, or used as an overnight bag to Grandma and Grandpa?s. The materials most manufacturers use are durable and lightweight and hold up well to the strain of everyday use and little hands.

Many new and seasoned moms are making the switch from diaper bag to backpack. Some companies are noting the shift and adding children?s backpacks designed to function as a diaper bag to their lines of quality products. This style of pack is easier to carry while managing a baby and their assorted needs. Instead of uncomfortably touting a shoulder diaper bag, more and more moms are taking the hands free approach and carrying the essentials on their backs. These backpacks can be found in a wide variety of colors and themes to accommodate any mom and her baby.

Of course, school age children are very fond of picking their own backpack as well. Using one of the well made children?s backpacks is a better choice than a school satchel or carrying books and supplies in their arms. The backpacks limit the weight on the shoulders and reduce strain in the hips due to unnecessary weight and unnatural positioning. It is important to look at the quality of the backpack to be sure it can stand up to the abuse it will suffer at the hands of busy, sometimes careless children. Kids often think it is fun to choose their own backpack and pick out the details like color, cartoon character, and style.

High school and older students have a need for a quality backpack as well. These models of children?s backpacks are designed with their specific needs in mind. Many come equipped with special pockets for cell phones, pens, and calculators. Laptop backpacks are very popular as well. Especially for college students who may use their notebook computer on a regular basis, this feature is invaluable.

Children?s backpacks have come a long way from the one style fits all theory of the past. Careful planning of a child?s needs and closely paying attention to the construction of the product is the best course of action in choosing an appropriate backpack.

Advice For Buying The Best Used All Terrain Vehicle

Camping Tips — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:46:08 +0000

Deciding on whether or not purchasing a atv requires serious thought and a long hard look at your finances. With the economy in the shape that it’s in, many four wheeler owners are looking to unload their atv’s for extra cash. All used four wheeler buyers should beware though. The last thing you want is to buy someone elses problems.

By following the used atv buying tips below, you can help ensure that you won’t be laying down your cold hard cash for someone elses problem.

What do the tires look like? If they’re worn out or full of plugs and patches, this could indicate abuse or lack of proper maintenance. Are the treads worn and slick? If they’re in poor shape, expect to lay out several hundred for new atv tires.

Always take a friend with you when going to look at an used atv. Raise the ATV up if possible to check the underside. Make sure to look at all the shock points and check for any rust or damaged areas. This includes cracks in the frame. Look for signs of fresh paint.This may mean a recent repair.

If you’re {buying|purchasing} a used 4×4 four wheeler, check out the cv joint boots. If they are cracked, this can allow water to get inside. This will cause rust and lead to major damage, which leads to major repair cost!

Check the engine oil as well as the oil in the differentials. Chocolate colored oil, or milky looking oil, means water. This could lead to a whole host of problems.

Worn sprockets will show excessive wear on one side. The same is true if the sprockets have a hook appearance. Expect to replace both the chain and sprocket if you find either of these.

If you can get the front end up on jack stands, check the wheel bearings by moving the wheels in and out and side to side. Do this on the front and back. Worn bearings can lead to spindle damage.

To check for worn tie rod ends, try and move the handle bars back and forth. There should be little to no play.

The air box is one place many used atv buyers fail to check. You can find it beneath the seat by removing it. Dirt or water inside the air box is bad news.

Don’t forget to check for rust in the gas tank. You check for this by taking a flashlight and shining it into the tank. Rust can decrease the life of your engine dramatically.

Check the electrical system by turning on the lights. You also should make sure any cigarrete lighter plug works. These are used for accessories.

Once you’re done checking out the machine, take it for a ride. Listen for any unusual noise. Note how it handles and be on the lookout for any loose parts.

Does the exhaust have the spark arrestor in place? Many owners remove these. However, National Forest and other public trails require spark arrestor’s to be in place. Owners without them can be fined and prevented from riding in these places.

Another important thing you want to check is the age of the atv itself. You may be able to pick up older atv’s inexpensively, but many times you’ll have difficulty in locating atv parts for these older machines. If you can try to stick with atv’s that are only a few years old.

Follow these used atv buying tips and you’ll increase your chances of purchasing a quality used atv that will give you many years of service. They’re not hard to follow. You just need to remain focused and don’t let the Seller pressure you into a quick purchase or ignoring the tips above.

Walmart Camping Tents

Camping Tips — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:26:21 +0000

If you have a plan to go camping , using tents might be is worth to be tried

Nowadays, there are variations of camping tents. There are tents for one person, tents for two people, and tents for entire families. Many options are available, based on your preference and budget. One place you should look at when you try to find camping tents is Walmart camping tents.

Good camping tents would have room for sitting , preparing and relaxing . It would be nice to have your own rooms and today that is exactly what you can buy . Tents that have individual rooms for sleeping are great for camping. If you add the screen tent, you will have a nice little campsite .

Walmart - Camping Tents

Walmart is one of online store with great camping tents options . You can view many tents, starting from the Coleman, Aerobeds and others. You can also choose to buy individual tents or family tents.

Individual tents are so compact that they do not take up any space at all when traveling. They are great for hikers because they fold down small enough to fit on top or on the bottom of your backpack. These camping tents do come in handy for many different things.

Family tents for sure is bigger than individual tents. Three separate rooms allow children to sleep in their own area while the parents sleep in the larger middle section.

The thing everyone needs to remember about camping tents, including Walmart camping tents, is that must be dry before putting away. If they are not dry, it will caused small leaks throughout the tent. Camping tents can become covered with mildew and the mold and mildew can eat right through the canvas or nylon.

The material of which family camping tents are made should also be considered, as may of the new tents are designed to be tear resistant as well as waterproof. Despite what the weather report claims, it is always best to plan for the worst and enjoy the great weather when it comes.

Camping Checklist Tips

APO Hiking Society: A Music Revival!

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Six Good Backpacking Habits

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Vasque Hiking Boots: A Brand To Know

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A Few Catalogs on Camping Supplies

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The Basics of hiking and Camping gear

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Backpacking At Ten Below Zero

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The Right Knife Can Save Your Life

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The Benefit of Children?s Backpacks

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