Wal-Mart Camping Gear Part 3 - Camping Gear TV Episode 92

Camper Gear

Gear Head Camping Gear Airfloor Tent

Camper Gear

Camping Gear Review The Jet Boil Personal Cooking System

Camper Gear

Buy Camping Gear and Equipment Through Online Stores at Cheap Discount Prices

Juggling between a husband/wife, kids, the cat & dog and a full-time job can be overwhelming. Throw in a family camping trip and you're really in deep, especially if you need to buy camping gear and equipment. Why not take the stress out of shopping and buy your gear and equipment over the Internet. You'll even have your camping products delivered right to your door.

You will find that there are much cheaper discounts and sales on all types of camping supplies online as merchants have no overhead retail costs as well as no middle man to pay. What does all this mean? Well, savings to the consumer of course! Get everything you need for an enjoyable camping adventure and be well prepared for any obstacles that may come your way.

There are many camping outlets with the best gear and affordable camping equipment available to buy, so you'll be happy to see that everything is right at your fingertips. Even though your outdoor camping gear and backpacking equipment will be the foundation of your adventure that doesn't mean you have to pay high prices. Buying brand new gear for camping can get expensive, so what not opt for used and rented equipment as an option as well.

A good idea to get organized is to make a camping checklist first and foremost, to prepare you before you begin discount shopping for your outdoor trip. Make a list of categories like cooking/meals, sleeping/housing, clothing/personal and camp tools. The camping items you should highlight on your list include essentials like backpacks, camping tents, sleeping bags, camping furniture and other camping stuff you feel is of top importance.

L. Dente is a successful author and publisher of [http://www.discount-camping-gear.org]. Get information on camping gear, cheap equpment and discount supplies like backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, camping furniture, cookware and other camping stuff.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Wal-Mart Camping Gear Part 4 - Camping Gear TV Episode 93

Camper Gear

Best Places To Buy Cheap Camping Gear

First-time campers are often at a loss about where to buy cheap camping equipment and how well it will stand up against more expensive equipment apart from wondering how the outdoor experience will be. Much of camping fun is determined by the quality of camping equipment used and while buying the equipment, there are downfalls to cheap camping gear, which can be avoided; we cover some for you.

First-time campers can save a bit on investment in camping gear by asking around in the family circle or among buddies if they can borrow the equipment they have; however, they also need to be prepared to be turned down as many persons having purchased quality camping equipment may not like loaning it. Among the risks associated with borrowing costly camping tool is damage the tent or causing the camp-stove to burn besides the normal hesitancy in asking for the loan of the stuff; this makes it ideal to opt buying cheap camping tools instead.

Large shopping malls such as K-Mart or Wal-Mart are great choices for purchase of cheap camping gear, with basic camping equipment available within a wide range of budget-frames. The only up-side to cheap camping equipment is the lowered price tag, but there's not much coming your way as far as durability is concerned as this type tends to disassemble - on you sometimes - and is thus avoidable for those that intend going on more camping holidays. With a little bit of camping experience under the belt, avid campers can look forward to investing in more expensive and long-lasting items in camping gear as buying cheap camping gear lacks durability and causes adds up to more expenses, in the long run (constant replacements burn a hole in the pocket). Thus, it's advisable to wait until you are a seasoned camper and then buy the more dependable camping gear as opposed to bypassing cheap camping gear for the more expensive variety at first-go as this will get you your money's worth as time goes by!

The downside to cheap camping gear is that it may be defective and ruin the outdoor experience for you but if looking out right for cost-effective, sturdy and cheap camping gear basics: cooking stove, tent, sleeping bag and camping cookware, forethought will prove useful in making a smart purchase. There are better quality alternatives available too, though these come at a higher price, but for the avid camper, these are worth the money and the wait.

Beginning with the basics: zero in on a light, water-proof tent that comes with easy to install instructions besides being quick to assemble; similarly, your choice of sleeping bag needs to be comfy, cozy and simple fold-variety so it's easy to store. Many campsites have strict rules about no open-fires, so buying a stove is a good idea and to go with it, you can pick up a few basic pots, pans and cutlery isn't the tinfoil variety for you surely don't want to taste scraped-off metal in your camp-out meal. Wait and buy good quality camping gear over cheap camping gear, recommend experts.

Abhishek is a Camping freak! Visit his website www.Camping-Guru.com and download his FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks for FREE. Learn how to have the perfect vacation on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available!

www.Camping-Guru.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Multi Tools for Rugged Work

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Leatherman multi-tools get the best reviews

Multi-tools combine pliers or scissors with at least one knife blade and a few other useful tools such as screwdrivers -- and fold up compactly between uses. A full screwdriver or pair of pliers will always be easier to use, but a multi-tool give you a way to carry lots of functionality in a small package for quick everyday tasks.

Although it's tempting to look for a multi-tool with everything, reviewers warn about two drawbacks. The more tools inserted into a handle, the harder it can be to get out the one you really want. The second issue is that the more tools you load onto a multi-tool, the heavier it becomes. A multi-tool that weighs half a pound is fine for a glove compartment, but not much fun to carry around all of the time.

Smallest, lightest multi-tools

What To Look For

• Consider which tools you use most.
• Look for blades and tools that lock open.
• How easy is it to access each tool?

Read More

For carrying with you all the time, in pocket or on a keychain, Leatherman multi-tools get mostly positive reviews (Leatherman is certainly the best-known brand). We saw more positive feedback about the Leatherman Micra (*Est. $20) than about any other multi-tool. The tiny Micra includes scissors, tweezers, a nail file and a small blade -- plus three screwdrivers (including a tiny one for eyeglasses). The scissors are the main tool you get when you unfold the Leatherman Micra, and in general, Leatherman scissors earn high marks for sharp cutting.

Owners also like the fact that the tweezers on the Micra are built in, so they can't get lost. You do have to unfold the Micra to get to the knife blade or other tools. Then when you fold the handles again, you have a very smooth, secure handle. Larger Leatherman keychain multi-tools let you open the knife blade (and lock it into place) without unfolding the handles.

If miniature pliers are more important to you than scissors, the Leatherman Squirt PS4 (*Est. $25) unfolds to show pliers where the Micra has scissors. A tiny pair of scissors unfolds from the Squirt's handle, but there are no tweezers. For wiring repairs, the Squirt ES4 (*Est. $25) has more appropriate tools. At Amazon.com, about 85 percent of the owners say they're very satisfied with a Leatherman Squirt; complaints center on the scissors and some trouble getting the bottle opener out, though we also saw some reports that say that the scissors work very well.

These keychain multi-tools have one short knife blade, 1.6 inches long, and are light, less than 2 ounces total. The two Squirt multi-tools come in red, black and blue; the Micra adds green, gray and stainless steel for a total of six color choices. Like all Leatherman multi-tools, they carry a 25-year warranty.

If powerful scissors, a toothpick and a sheath are more important to you than a Phillips screwdriver, the SOG Crosscut CC51 (*Est. $15) keychain multi-tool provides all three. The scissors have compound leverage, and that has positives and negatives compared to the Micra. Owners comparing the two at the Multitool.org forum note that the Crosscut multi-tool makes short work of opening plastic clamshell packaging, but that paper can get hung up on the compound gears. Both tools are about the same weight and length, but reviews note that the Crosscut is thicker. Overall, feedback indicates that the Micra is a more useful all-around tool.

More tools equal a larger size

Stepping up in size, we also found some good comments for the Leatherman Skeletool (*Est. $45) and the Skeletool CX (*Est. $65), which has a carbon fiber handle. These multi-tools weigh about five ounces each, with knife blades that are about 2.6 inches. The main compromise compared to heavier multi-tools is in the strength of the pliers, which are thin to save weight. We found complaints about pliers breaking under very little stress. Still, reviews praise both Skeletool models for their nicely contoured, comfortable shape plus the easy access to all the tools -- no nail-breaking attempts to pull out a tool wedged into a handle. The knife opens one-handed, and the carabiner doubles as a bottle opener.

The main difference between the two Skeletool multi-tools is the stainless steel used for the knife blade. The Skeletool CX has a plain blade that's easier to sharpen than the partially serrated blade on the regular Skeletool. Also, the blade on the CX is made of 154CM stainless steel, which reports say holds an edge better than the 420HC steel used in the regular Skeletool.

The Skeletool multi-tools also have a universal bit holder in the end of one handle. This is a mixed blessing: it's easily accessible and you can use any standard bit -- but it's possible for a bit to fall out if the bit driver spring isn't just right. We found quite a few complaints about faulty bit holders, a nuisance even though such a defective tool would be replaced by Leatherman under warranty. Owners also report that the contoured handle makes using the screwdriver a bit awkward.

If utility and versatility are more important than portability, the Leatherman Charge TTi (*Est. $90) has four blades that are accessible without unfolding the pliers: a regular knife, serrated knife, saw and file. All the tools built into this model lock into place, and the total weight for 19 tools is 8.2 ounces -- heavy enough that the Charge TTi multi-tool is most appropriate for a glove compartment, tool box, desk drawer or tool belt. The Charge TTi comes with a removable belt clip as well as a sheath that has extra pockets to hold more screwdriver bits or a mini-flashlight.

Unlike the Skeletool discussed above, the Charge TTi folds the universal bit holder into the handle, so the bit can't fall out. The Charge TTi comes with eight driver bits, including a Torx bit, and you can also buy extra bits. The blade is 2.9 inches long and is made of S30V stainless steel.

The Swiss Tool Spirit (*Est. $85) might also be worth considering, and it earns kudos for tools that are easy to open -- all from the outside when folded -- and lock into place. The main negatives in user reviews surround the knife -- it takes two hands to open and is mostly serrated, with a blunt end like a butter knife. Also, some reviewers lament the lack of ruler. A kit of extra driver bits is available, but they mount on a completely separate little tool, not the Spirit multi-tool itself.

Expert & User Review Sources

We found the comparison review of multi-tools at Popular Mechanics helpful because it covers three major brands, even though tests here cover only five of the many multi-tools on the market. The nonprofit Multi-Tool Museum site also provides a good comparison review, and we also found some useful comparisons atCrunchgear.com, HandymanClub.com, and MultitoolGuide.com. We found expert single-product tests at Wired,Backpacker and Outside magazine magazines. Amazon.com publishes the most owner-written reviews of multi-tools, but reviews at REI.com, Backcountry.com, KnifeCenter.com and Walmart.com are also helpful.YouTube.com provides loads of video demonstrations and reviews of multi-tools -- helpful once you've narrowed your choice to two or three models. 

Useful Links

• Multi-Tool Museum: Everything about multi-tools
• User guides for various multi-tools
• Multitool.org also has a multi-tool forum
• KnifeCenter.com: Info on multi-tool brands

Related Articles

• Best key-ring flashlights
• Pocket screwdrivers: ConsumerSearch

Related articles

• Leatherman Skeletool (gearflogger.typepad.com)
• Griffin Stylus + Pen + Laser is a geek multi-tool (slashgear.com)
• Steady Shot: Photographers' Multitool With Tripod (wired.com)

Custom Search

Multi Tools for Rugged Work

Image via Wikipedia

Leatherman multi-tools get the best reviews

Multi-tools combine pliers or scissors with at least one knife blade and a few other useful tools such as screwdrivers -- and fold up compactly between uses. A full screwdriver or pair of pliers will always be easier to use, but a multi-tool give you a way to carry lots of functionality in a small package for quick everyday tasks.

Although it's tempting to look for a multi-tool with everything, reviewers warn about two drawbacks. The more tools inserted into a handle, the harder it can be to get out the one you really want. The second issue is that the more tools you load onto a multi-tool, the heavier it becomes. A multi-tool that weighs half a pound is fine for a glove compartment, but not much fun to carry around all of the time.

Smallest, lightest multi-tools

What To Look For

• Consider which tools you use most.
• Look for blades and tools that lock open.
• How easy is it to access each tool?

Read More

For carrying with you all the time, in pocket or on a keychain, Leatherman multi-tools get mostly positive reviews (Leatherman is certainly the best-known brand). We saw more positive feedback about the Leatherman Micra (*Est. $20) than about any other multi-tool. The tiny Micra includes scissors, tweezers, a nail file and a small blade -- plus three screwdrivers (including a tiny one for eyeglasses). The scissors are the main tool you get when you unfold the Leatherman Micra, and in general, Leatherman scissors earn high marks for sharp cutting.

Owners also like the fact that the tweezers on the Micra are built in, so they can't get lost. You do have to unfold the Micra to get to the knife blade or other tools. Then when you fold the handles again, you have a very smooth, secure handle. Larger Leatherman keychain multi-tools let you open the knife blade (and lock it into place) without unfolding the handles.

If miniature pliers are more important to you than scissors, the Leatherman Squirt PS4 (*Est. $25) unfolds to show pliers where the Micra has scissors. A tiny pair of scissors unfolds from the Squirt's handle, but there are no tweezers. For wiring repairs, the Squirt ES4 (*Est. $25) has more appropriate tools. At Amazon.com, about 85 percent of the owners say they're very satisfied with a Leatherman Squirt; complaints center on the scissors and some trouble getting the bottle opener out, though we also saw some reports that say that the scissors work very well.

These keychain multi-tools have one short knife blade, 1.6 inches long, and are light, less than 2 ounces total. The two Squirt multi-tools come in red, black and blue; the Micra adds green, gray and stainless steel for a total of six color choices. Like all Leatherman multi-tools, they carry a 25-year warranty.

If powerful scissors, a toothpick and a sheath are more important to you than a Phillips screwdriver, the SOG Crosscut CC51 (*Est. $15) keychain multi-tool provides all three. The scissors have compound leverage, and that has positives and negatives compared to the Micra. Owners comparing the two at the Multitool.org forum note that the Crosscut multi-tool makes short work of opening plastic clamshell packaging, but that paper can get hung up on the compound gears. Both tools are about the same weight and length, but reviews note that the Crosscut is thicker. Overall, feedback indicates that the Micra is a more useful all-around tool.

More tools equal a larger size

Stepping up in size, we also found some good comments for the Leatherman Skeletool (*Est. $45) and the Skeletool CX (*Est. $65), which has a carbon fiber handle. These multi-tools weigh about five ounces each, with knife blades that are about 2.6 inches. The main compromise compared to heavier multi-tools is in the strength of the pliers, which are thin to save weight. We found complaints about pliers breaking under very little stress. Still, reviews praise both Skeletool models for their nicely contoured, comfortable shape plus the easy access to all the tools -- no nail-breaking attempts to pull out a tool wedged into a handle. The knife opens one-handed, and the carabiner doubles as a bottle opener.

The main difference between the two Skeletool multi-tools is the stainless steel used for the knife blade. The Skeletool CX has a plain blade that's easier to sharpen than the partially serrated blade on the regular Skeletool. Also, the blade on the CX is made of 154CM stainless steel, which reports say holds an edge better than the 420HC steel used in the regular Skeletool.

The Skeletool multi-tools also have a universal bit holder in the end of one handle. This is a mixed blessing: it's easily accessible and you can use any standard bit -- but it's possible for a bit to fall out if the bit driver spring isn't just right. We found quite a few complaints about faulty bit holders, a nuisance even though such a defective tool would be replaced by Leatherman under warranty. Owners also report that the contoured handle makes using the screwdriver a bit awkward.

If utility and versatility are more important than portability, the Leatherman Charge TTi (*Est. $90) has four blades that are accessible without unfolding the pliers: a regular knife, serrated knife, saw and file. All the tools built into this model lock into place, and the total weight for 19 tools is 8.2 ounces -- heavy enough that the Charge TTi multi-tool is most appropriate for a glove compartment, tool box, desk drawer or tool belt. The Charge TTi comes with a removable belt clip as well as a sheath that has extra pockets to hold more screwdriver bits or a mini-flashlight.

Unlike the Skeletool discussed above, the Charge TTi folds the universal bit holder into the handle, so the bit can't fall out. The Charge TTi comes with eight driver bits, including a Torx bit, and you can also buy extra bits. The blade is 2.9 inches long and is made of S30V stainless steel.

The Swiss Tool Spirit (*Est. $85) might also be worth considering, and it earns kudos for tools that are easy to open -- all from the outside when folded -- and lock into place. The main negatives in user reviews surround the knife -- it takes two hands to open and is mostly serrated, with a blunt end like a butter knife. Also, some reviewers lament the lack of ruler. A kit of extra driver bits is available, but they mount on a completely separate little tool, not the Spirit multi-tool itself.

Expert & User Review Sources

We found the comparison review of multi-tools at Popular Mechanics helpful because it covers three major brands, even though tests here cover only five of the many multi-tools on the market. The nonprofit Multi-Tool Museum site also provides a good comparison review, and we also found some useful comparisons atCrunchgear.com, HandymanClub.com, and MultitoolGuide.com. We found expert single-product tests at Wired,Backpacker and Outside magazine magazines. Amazon.com publishes the most owner-written reviews of multi-tools, but reviews at REI.com, Backcountry.com, KnifeCenter.com and Walmart.com are also helpful.YouTube.com provides loads of video demonstrations and reviews of multi-tools -- helpful once you've narrowed your choice to two or three models. 

Useful Links

• Multi-Tool Museum: Everything about multi-tools
• User guides for various multi-tools
• Multitool.org also has a multi-tool forum
• KnifeCenter.com: Info on multi-tool brands

Related Articles

• Best key-ring flashlights
• Pocket screwdrivers: ConsumerSearch

Related articles

• Leatherman Skeletool (gearflogger.typepad.com)
• Griffin Stylus + Pen + Laser is a geek multi-tool (slashgear.com)
• Steady Shot: Photographers' Multitool With Tripod (wired.com)

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Hiking Backpacks: What To Look For

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Expert reviews recommend considering the following when selecting a backpack.

Choose a size that matches your loads. Don't automatically get a big backpack. Unless the backpack has excellent compression features, too large a pack won't balance as well as one sized to fit your gear. Experts recommend taking your actual clothes and gear to the store when you try on backpacks, or if you buy online, loading it at home right away to check the fit and comfort.

Compression straps adjust smaller loads for better balance. You can use a large pack with a smaller load if the compression straps work well enough to keep the gear in the best place.

Choose fabric tough enough for the trips you plan. Many ultralight packs are fine for open trails, but they generally use fabric too delicate to withstand climbing over boulders, or bushwhacking through thorny vegetation.

Adjustable fit helps. This is especially important if you plan to share a pack with someone else. Most packs adjust to fit various torso lengths within a certain range, but some don't adjust at all. Some backpacks are easy to adjust even while you're wearing them, which can add a lot to their comfort.

Interchangeable suspension. In most cases, interchangeable shoulder straps and hip belts deliver a better fit than a one-size-fits-all system. Look for a system that suits your needs. If more than one person is going to use the pack, be sure it can accommodate each user's body type.

For women, packs designed for women usually fit best. This matters most for heavy loads. Reviews say this is not the case for every woman, so it's a good idea to try unisex backpacks too.

Hydration bladders are lighter than water bottles. Backpack hydration systems usually consist of a plastic bladder in a special pocket, a feeder tube and a slot for the tube to exit the pack. Besides saving weight, this system is more convenient so you're more apt to stay hydrated.

Lids that convert to daypacks add versatility. Many backpacks have lids that hold frequently used items. Some lids convert into daypacks or fanny packs, allowing you to take off on a side trip and leave your main gear at base camp. Owners downplay this feature, however, saying some detachable daypacks work well, while most are more trouble than they're worth.

In the course of our research, we also found some useful tips for judging a backpack's comfort and fit:

Your overall height does not automatically determine your torso length. Measure your torso from the seventh vertebra (the bones at the base of your neck) to the spot about an inch above your tailbone. That length is generally 18 to 22 inches.

Remember that a hip belt is not a waist belt. Be sure the belt rides on your hips, not around the softer and less supportive waist area, and that there's enough room to cinch it.

Check that the shoulder straps meet the pack just below the crest of your shoulders. Also, make sure they match the curves of your neck and shoulders, or they'll pinch.

Your head should have enough clearance to enable you to look up; you should be able to adjust the lid pocket so it leans away from your head.

Related articles

• New Gear: Ecogear Backpack (littleheelers.wordpress.com)
• 1 reviews of Computer backpack (rateitall.com)
• Osprey Aura 50 Review (bradleysadventures.wordpress.com)
• Best Travel Backpack Backpack (inclinevillagecabin.com)
• Snorkeling Backpack - DB050 (vakimtum.wordpress.com)
• How to Pack a Backpack (rddavidian.wordpress.com)

Hiking Backpacks: What To Look For

New Twitter
App Gets You Free Traffic.. Click Here To See How >>

Image via Wikipedia

Expert reviews recommend considering the following when selecting a backpack.

Choose a size that matches your loads. Don't automatically get a big backpack. Unless the backpack has excellent compression features, too large a pack won't balance as well as one sized to fit your gear. Experts recommend taking your actual clothes and gear to the store when you try on backpacks, or if you buy online, loading it at home right away to check the fit and comfort.

Compression straps adjust smaller loads for better balance. You can use a large pack with a smaller load if the compression straps work well enough to keep the gear in the best place.

Choose fabric tough enough for the trips you plan. Many ultralight packs are fine for open trails, but they generally use fabric too delicate to withstand climbing over boulders, or bushwhacking through thorny vegetation.

Adjustable fit helps. This is especially important if you plan to share a pack with someone else. Most packs adjust to fit various torso lengths within a certain range, but some don't adjust at all. Some backpacks are easy to adjust even while you're wearing them, which can add a lot to their comfort.

Interchangeable suspension. In most cases, interchangeable shoulder straps and hip belts deliver a better fit than a one-size-fits-all system. Look for a system that suits your needs. If more than one person is going to use the pack, be sure it can accommodate each user's body type.

For women, packs designed for women usually fit best. This matters most for heavy loads. Reviews say this is not the case for every woman, so it's a good idea to try unisex backpacks too.

Hydration bladders are lighter than water bottles. Backpack hydration systems usually consist of a plastic bladder in a special pocket, a feeder tube and a slot for the tube to exit the pack. Besides saving weight, this system is more convenient so you're more apt to stay hydrated.

Lids that convert to daypacks add versatility. Many backpacks have lids that hold frequently used items. Some lids convert into daypacks or fanny packs, allowing you to take off on a side trip and leave your main gear at base camp. Owners downplay this feature, however, saying some detachable daypacks work well, while most are more trouble than they're worth.

In the course of our research, we also found some useful tips for judging a backpack's comfort and fit:

Your overall height does not automatically determine your torso length. Measure your torso from the seventh vertebra (the bones at the base of your neck) to the spot about an inch above your tailbone. That length is generally 18 to 22 inches.

Remember that a hip belt is not a waist belt. Be sure the belt rides on your hips, not around the softer and less supportive waist area, and that there's enough room to cinch it.

Check that the shoulder straps meet the pack just below the crest of your shoulders. Also, make sure they match the curves of your neck and shoulders, or they'll pinch.

Your head should have enough clearance to enable you to look up; you should be able to adjust the lid pocket so it leans away from your head.

Related articles

• New Gear: Ecogear Backpack (littleheelers.wordpress.com)
• 1 reviews of Computer backpack (rateitall.com)
• Osprey Aura 50 Review (bradleysadventures.wordpress.com)
• Best Travel Backpack Backpack (inclinevillagecabin.com)
• Snorkeling Backpack - DB050 (vakimtum.wordpress.com)
• How to Pack a Backpack (rddavidian.wordpress.com)