Posted by admin | Posted in Compasses | Posted on 06-09-2009
Tags: camping, compass, hiking, howto, maps
Camping Hiking Compass
Winter Camping With Kids
I was ten the first time I camped in the winter, and a boy scout. My leader warned us to change our socks and mitts every couple of hours; I listened, but my best friend didn't. We spent our second night at the hospital after he passed out from hypothermia. Unlike many things in my life, this was one lesson I was happy to learn from afar. If you're considering winter camping with kids, some preplanning will make your trip safe and fun.
For your first adventure, keep it to one or two nights and stay within driving distance to civilization. Kids are generally better sports than adults; cold mornings and early evenings are fine as long the time in between is packed with lots of outdoor fun. Set your kids up for a lifetime of winter camping with these simple rules:
Gauge your speed
If you're hiking to your destination, remember that the snow will slow you down. A trail that takes two hours to traverse in the summer will exhaust short legs and take twice the time during the winter. Moderate your expectations and have a back-up plan if you can't make daily goals.
Over estimate clothing needs
Warm, wet weather followed by a cold night is your most dangerous enemy. Thankfully, high tech fabrics designed to wick moisture away from skin make staying dry easier to manage. Estimate your clothing needs and add 50 percent more when traveling with kids. And remind them to change often even if they argue. Hypothermia is not a death sentence, but frostbite is irreversible (damage can vary from mild scarring to tissue death).
Never go anywhere without your compass or GPS
This is rule number one, no matter what the season, but it can be a life and death issue in the winter. During snowstorms your own footprints, landmarks and animal tracks disappear. And panic sets in fast when freezing to death becomes a real possibility. While you're at it, make sure you have cell service for that first trip.
Stay close to your equipment
This may seem like a misnomer, but hikers who set up camp and then go for a walk to find water or wood are as common as brown bears in Tennessee. Explore your surroundings only in pairs and mark your position continually on your GPS or compass. If you do get turned around, you'll be able to make it back to the equipment you need to build a fire and stay warm.
When it comes to camping with kids, capitalize on their adventurous spirit. After all, when was the last time you spent a night in a snow covered forest just for the fun of it?
About the Author
Paul Lander, The Nomadik Fanatik, at Nomadik.com offers advice, tips & tricks and personal anecdotes on wilderness adventures. Visit his blog for information on hiking, survival camping and finding the right gear for your adventures.
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Brunton Pioneer Compass - General Camping $19.99 Compact sighting tool Floats Protective cover includes look-through sighting mirror Includes declination scale and measurement scales in inches and mm Marked in 2 graduations A perfect compact sighting tool, the Brunton Pioneer Compass is packed with features you will appreciate out in the woods. The Pioneer is marked in 2 graduations for precise orientation. This compact tool also offers a declination scale and measurement scales in both inches and millimeters. The compass' protective cover includes a look-through sighting mirror. Floating design allows recovery if accidentally dropped in the water. Dimensions: 2.7'' x 2.4'' x .7''. Lightweight 1.2 oz. Compact sighting tool Floats Protective cover includes look-through sighting mirror Includes declination scale and measurement scales in inches and mm Marked in 2 graduations A perfect compact sighting tool, the Brunton Pioneer Compass is packed |
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Winter Hiking and Camping $16 The outdoor world in its frozen state can take you into a new realm of pleasure where you can enjoy silence, solitude, and a landscape that will redefine "white" in your mind. Learn the skills to help you enjoy wintertime safely and comfortably. Part one covers everything you need to know to take day trips hiking, snowshoeing, or easy ski touring. It includes choosing gear, expanded food choices while "hiking in a freezer," navigation challenges in ice and snow, and avoiding cold-weather dangers. Part two covers making camp in winter, including keeping dry and warm in a tent or snow shelter, winter cooking techniques, and what to pack in your winter first-aid kit. |
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TrailWorthy 6-piece Hiking Set $47.19 Enhance your camping trip with this 6-piece hiking set from TrailWorthy. The hiking kit includes everything you need for your next hiking trip.Brand: TrailWorthy6-piece Hiking SetModel: 290-38634Retail packaged: Color gift boxMaterials: Metal and nylonCarry bag dimensions: 15.55 inches wide x 7.48 inches high x 7.09 inches deepIncludes: A nylon carrying bag, 500 ml aluminum water bottle, 4-in-1 pocket knife, aluminum flash light, carabiner hook, whistle with compass, thermometer and a magnifying glass |
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Camping Out $32.66 Contents Include: Making Fires, Hiking, Whittling, Signaling, Camping And Other Outdoor Skills. Includes Cookery And Recipes, Songs, Equipment, And Games. |
Wilderness Survival Tips : Using a Compass