Denali National Park, Alaska
We live in a big country and with the need to get out and stretch those legs, now is a great time to discover what outdoor treasures are right in your back yard.
Top Notch Outdoor has provided a comprehensive list of favorite camping grounds in all 50 states. Maybe plan a road trip, visit all 50! However you choose to pick your next adventure, be sure to check and see what’s in YOUR state.
Winter is a special season to enjoy the Great Outdoors, especially if you go camping. Most people have given up on braving the cold, snow, and wind, so serenity and isolation are at their peak. Here are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure a safe, enjoyable time during this magical season.
Before setting up tent like one would normally do in the other three seasons, pack down the snow on which you plan to set up your tent. Snowfall can be deceptively uneven so setting up your tent before packing down snow will result in lumpy, uncomfortable ground; not to mention the risk of damage to the foot of your tent.
An appropriate sleeping pad is the key to a good night’s sleep and important for retaining warmth. The usual inflatable sleeping pad can actually transfer the cold easily to your sleeping bag and a sleeping bag is only as good as it is warm. With the proper sleeping pad, you can minimize loss of body heat.
You never know when a hat or gloves will get soaked for one reason or another. Bring a back up for your warm clothing so you have something comfortable to wear while drying out your wet stuff. Waterproof camping gear is always a plus and helps avoid having to dry everything too often.
Leave The Water Filter At HomeOne big benefit of winter camping in the snow is not having to lug around your usual water filtration system. Just use your cooking equipment to boil snow for drinkable, usable water. Make sure to bring the water to a full boil as snow is not sterile.
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Today’s blog is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor enthusiast Katlyn Spade.
Camping With Your Dog: The Do’s, the Don’ts, and What to Bring
37 percent of American campers aged 18 and above take their pets along with them on camping trips, according to the 2017 American Camper Report. Dogs are an important part of people’s lives, and for many, a camping trip wouldn’t be complete without their furry friend. Camping is a great way for your dog to get some exercise, explore nature, and spend some quality time with you. To ensure that you and your pet have a blast on your camping trip, there are some things that you must get right, especially during the planning process.
Find an ideal camping site for you and your dog
First of all, you need to find a campsite that allows dogs. You don’t want to drive hundreds of miles to a campsite, only to find out that your furry friend is not allowed in. A few minutes of research online will help you find many pet-friendly campgrounds in different areas. For instance, the United States Forest Service (USFS) office in your area will have plenty of primitive camping opportunities for you and your dog. If you are going to a private campground, call ahead to confirm that your pet is welcome. Keep in mind that just because a campsite allows dogs does not mean that your dog is allowed. Some campgrounds have limits on the size of dogs allowed or the number of dogs per campsite so always familiarize yourself with their pet policy before you go there.
Bring your dog’s essentials
Just like you, your furry friend likes to have some of the comforts of home at the campsite. You need to bring all the things you need to ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable on this trip. Some of the basics you must bring include food, a dog first aid kit, a kennel or dog bed, a poop bag, and any items required by the specific campground you’ll be visiting such as a leash. When considering sleeping arrangements, make sure that you have a tent that is big enough for you and your dog’s bed or kennel. If your dog sleeps outside he will be cold, unsafe, and probably barking the whole night. For extra safety and your peace of mind, you should bring a collar with a tracker to help you trace your dog or one that lights up at night so that you always know where your pup is.
Mind your pup’s health
Some campgrounds might be dangerous to the health of your dog depending on where you go. Before going on your trip make sure you visit your vet to ensure that your dog can handle the new environment and to get any necessary vaccinations. If your dog is taking any medication or supplements, make sure you have enough for the whole trip. You should also have a flea and tick preventative, especially when camping in forests and woodlands where your dog can pick up unwanted parasites. In case of anything, it’s always a good idea to find out where the nearest vet is.
Camping is a great way to spend more time with might your dog. It will require more planning and effort on your part, but if you get it right, it will be a highly rewarding experience for you and your furry friend.
Today’s ALTAI™ Insight has been brought to you by our fabulous guest writer, Katlyn Spade.
The idea of camping is one that is immensely popular and has a special place in American hearts. Around 77 million households in the US have a member that goes camping at least occasionally, according to the 2018 North American Camping Report. Exploring the wilderness is something that often invites thoughts of campfires, toasted marshmallows, and incredible outdoor hiking adventures. If you happen to be one of the individuals who’s thinking of going out to enjoy the bounty of nature, you should be suitably prepared. That said, what do you need to know
There are a lot of different areas to enjoy nature in the US, like the states of California, Wyoming, Alaska, and Michigan, to name a few. Each of them has its own particular landscapes, topography, wildlife, and weather conditions. If you are going to enjoy nature through camping, it is important to find out more about your chosen campsite. Studying your destination beforehand lets you know what facilities are available or what sort of camping etiquette should be followed. After all, you can’t just pitch your tent or park your RV anywhere–there are rules to follow, and you’ll even have to register beforehand.
Venturing out into the wilderness puts your body against conditions you may not normally encounter in your daily life. So it’s only natural that you will need the proper equipment to help you fully enjoy your trip. There can be rough terrain, so make sure you gear up with ALTAI™; a pair of boots that are comfortable, lightweight, quick drying, and even waterproof, will take you a long way. For camping, you need the proper items to make a camp, like a tent, cookware, bedding, blankets, and so many other things. Investing in quality camping gear can help you enjoy the outdoors in relative comfort and safety.
Irresponsible campers have been known to have dire negative effects on the great outdoors. Roughly 84% of the wildfires that have ravaged parks were caused by irresponsible individuals, based on a study by the University of Colorado. To avoid adding to that ecological problem, it would be wise to know how to be a responsible camper. Critical yet simple things like not littering, tending carefully to your fire, not leaving food out, and using existing campsites can help a lot.
As well prepared as you come, there will still be elements out of your control like the weather, the availability of your campsite, and even the presence of other campers. To better enjoy your trip, it’s good to prepare to be flexible. Set back-up plans in case your first option doesn’t go through. If you can’t do the full camping, consider glamping options. If around other campers, it’s good to know how to bask in the glory of nature and be respectful of others.
There are a lot of different reasons why you should go camping or take part in activities out in the wilderness. Nature has in her safekeeping sights and experiences that only the brave and respectful get to enjoy fully. Arming yourself with the proper knowledge on how to respect and thrive in the outdoors can help you have a more enjoyable time.
