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.
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™ Pro Tip is brought to you by our fabulous writer and outdoor enthusiast, Katlyn Spade.
Handling extreme weather while camping can become a problem if you aren’t prepared; however, with a little know-how and the right equipment, you can ensure that your camping trip is more about comfort and enjoyment rather than battling the elements. This article will give some top tips on making the most out of your camping trip—no matter the weather.
Staying dry in the rain
Be sure to have proper rain gear to stay dry when you’re out for the day. Staying warm and dry will not only make your day trips much more enjoyable, but it will also help you avoid catching a cold. It’s a good idea also to pack some dry bags to protect any items that may get damaged in the rain while you are out walking, such as electronic devices.
Take cover
Packing a tarpaulin and a groundsheet are two major camping essentials for staying dry when camping in the rain. A tarpaulin can be used to help you pitch the tent in the rain and create a sheltered area for bikes, camping chairs, or any other equipment. You can also use it as a rain-free area for everyone to gather outside for some camping activities rather than having to retreat to your tent to stay dry. You could even upgrade to a gazebo for these purposes if you want to be ultra-prepared and comfortable on your campsite. You will also need at least one groundsheet that will form a line of protection between the tent and wet, soggy ground; this will help keep you dry and insulate the tent’s floor.
Camping in cold weather
If you aren’t fully prepared to handle cold temperatures, this could make you miserable and start to sap the fun out of your outdoor adventure. Your first line of defense against cold temperatures is making sure that you are dressed correctly for these circumstances. Outfitting yourself in the correct base layers will keep you warm. You should avoid any tight-fitting clothes that can restrict blood flow, particularly around your extremities. With this in mind, make sure that socks and gloves are a little loose and wear synthetic fabrics or wool, which are the best choice of material for good insulation.
Avoiding a moisture build up
Condensation and excess moisture can also be an issue; this can get trapped in your bag and cause a drop in body temperature. To avoid any issues, you want to get the balance right and avoid running too warm. Also, make sure that you don’t breathe inside the sleeping bag. If you are still waking up to condensation despite these measures, you could use a vapor barrier to stop perspiration from reaching down in your sleeping bag, and you could ventilate the tent with a small opening somewhere.
Other ideas include using a good old-fashioned hot water bottle, while still ensuring that this doesn’t make you too hot and result in a moisture problem. And to protect you from sleeping on cold ground, which is a big culprit for heat loss, you could put an insulated pad underneath your sleeping bag.
Buying footwear online can be tricky. With the infinite variety of styles, it can be a headache shopping around before you decide to take the plunge.
This is why we want to share some detailed information on our boots sizes, so you can make a better-informed decision when buying them online; whether it’s on our store or at Amazon. So here are a few tips to keep in mind when purchasing a pair of ALTAI™ boots and you can always contact us directly for specific sizing questions.
It’s been a busy year for our paintball athletes, and now it’s time we officially announce our new group of brand ambassadors!
Mutiny Paintball
David REAPER Justin
Zac Arbuckle
Philene Harte
Ryan Z Nomads Ziegler
Dave Dinda
Archangel Mikel
Joshua Silverman
Each of these athletes has proven themselves to be truly Born To Outperform™. Whether it’s on the paintball field, a tough day at work, or just climbing to new heights, the ALTAI™ boot team is proud to have these folks represent our brand and what we stand for.
Follow their adventures and be a part of the journey!
It’s your lucky day and just in time for the mid-summer heat! We have recently refreshed inventory of select sizes from some of our most popular styles! Now is the perfect chance to get that back-up pair of boots for the pair you already love. Or tell a friend; you enjoy the ALTAI™ Difference, so share the experience with someone who could use a new pair of hard working boots.
Don’t miss the opportunity for REFRESHING summer footwear: lightweight, breathable AND waterproof. (Like a breath of fresh air for your feet.) But HURRY! This inventory is for select styles and limited time ONLY! Check out what’s in-store right now!
