Outdoor Recreation Equipment Basics

The highest quality outdoor recreation equipment for backpacking uses advanced space age materials to provide the lightest and smallest possible package for easy hauling.

Sleeping bags are the most important piece of equipment any backpacker can own. They keep the camper warm in the coldest conditions but they are also the largest and bulkiest piece of gear. The lightest and warmest bags use synthetic materials for the casing and the interior as well, though down is still widely popular because of its superior insulation properties and ability to compress to incredibly small sizes. If you are not allergic to down, these are the best bags money can buy but just be sure to not get the material wet. Wet down feathers become heavy and lose their insulating properties making the bag useless. Synthetic filling is often much cheaper and can retain its insulation characteristic in wet weather and is hypoallergenic, but often does not pack as small as a down bag.

A tent is the next most important piece of outdoor recreation equipment used for backpacking. The outer tent fabric, called the rain fly, is almost always a synthetic nylon material that is treated with a waterproof coating to keep the interior of the tent dry in rainy and snowy weather. This covers the tent which is often a combination of synthetic material and mosquito netting for adequate air flow in warmer conditions.

Cold weather tents lack the netting to preserve interior heat and prevent any wind from entering. There are four season tents which are suitable for a variety of conditions from summer nights to winter adventures. A three season tent is suitable for all but the coldest conditions and a wall tent is used for extreme mountaineering. Wall tents integrate the rain-fly into the walls of the tent instead of keeping them as separate pieces. The poles are often made of aircraft aluminum for strength and low weight, though some tents use composite materials such as carbon fiber for the lowest weight and highest strength.

Other important pieces of outdoor recreation equipment used for backpacking include the pack which can be made of anything from canvas to synthetic material and often include an aluminum metal frame for more support of heavy loads. These packs contain a multiplicity of straps and attachments for everything from water bottles to tents, sleeping pads, and other camping accessories. A high quality pack will last for years and hundreds of miles with little or no maintenance.

Taking Care of Your Gaming Console – Things to Watch Out For

A gaming console is an important element for enjoying a game on your Wii or Xbox. However, since it is generally used most of the time, a gaming console can be damaged quite easily. If you give importance or value to your console – which may come at a really steep price, by the way – you will want to read on and find out about which elements or dangers can make your gaming console highly exposed to damage.

DUST

Like computers and laptops, consoles are equipped with fans. The main purpose of these fans is to help keep your console cool by “fanning” its internal working system. There may be times, however, when the fan may cause harm or danger to your game console. This is because the fan can gather dust and other harmful particles. If this happens, the game console may overheat or choke, until it eventually dies out.

Another factor that may cause overheating is the use of game console covers when the console is turned on. If you have a game console cover, use it only when the console is not turned on.

To prevent dust and other forms of pollution from accumulating on your console, make sure that you wipe the tray regularly. Most gaming consoles have manuals that indicate instructions about how they can be properly cleaned. Never attempt to open the console on your own, as this might mean more problems.

HEAT

Overheating is a very common term, especially when you talk about cars. However, overheating is also highly possible when it comes to game consoles. One of the best examples for this is the original Xbox 360, which automatically stops working once it overheats. The best thing to do to avoid overheating is to make sure that your game console has good ventilation. Make sure that air can circulate around your console. Placing your game console in shaded and cool areas will help a lot. Avoid putting your console in areas where there is carpeting. Likewise, things should not be placed on the console top.

Like most machines and gadgets, when the console is not in use, turn it off so that it can cool down.

POWER SURGES

Power surges are irritating. They come in the most unexpected times and they can cause a lot of damage to your game console. Sometimes, these power surges can totally destroy your console.
The best way to avoid damage from power surges is to use a surge protector. Plug your console into your surge protector.

Aside from power surges, lightning storms can also damage your game console, and in a pretty much the same level as power surges. To avoid damage, make sure that you unplug your game console during a storm, especially when lightning strikes. Do the same also when there are power surges or power interruption.

DANGERS CAUSED BY HUMANS

One of the most common reasons for game console damage is human mistakes. Your game console is a prized possession, so you must treat it like one:

-Avoid using your console for absurd purposes like reheating a pizza (on the console top).
-Never place your console in the same area where you put your drinks.
-Do not let any unguarded child (or toddler) tinker with your game console.
-If you’re not in a good mood, make sure that your game console is as far from you as possible, so that you won’t get the chance to hit it with a baseball bat or throw your controller at it. You might say that this is a far-fetched idea; however, this can be true, especially for people who easily get into tantrums, or those who are easily angered.

There are also gaming consoles with user manuals that carry information on how to properly care for these important gaming items. Make sure that you read through and understand everything that is written there, so that you won’t have problems keeping them in mind.

The best way to keep your gaming console safe and free from damage is to care for it like your own baby or your own kid brother or sister. Another way is to keep in mind that without the game console, your Xbox, Wii, or your PS3 will be extremely useless.

If you keep these tips in mind, you and your console will have a wonderful relationship that will last for years. In addition, you will be assured many years of fun and exciting gameplay!

5 Reasons Why Your Kids Should Play Sports

Regardless of where you live in the world, sports may be part of your culture. As a matter of fact, these physical activities are part of everybody’s life to some extent. We know that taking part in physical activities such as sports can keep you both physically and mentally fit. And staying fit is even more important for kids. Therefore, in this article, we are going to talk about five reasons why you should encourage your kids to play sports. Read on to find out more.

Sports Offers Tons of Fun

First of all, sports offer tons of fun. Apart from this, if you allow your kids to play with their friends, you will soon find out that they are learning life lessons. Besides, these life lessons will help them throughout their life to deal with different types of challenges.

If your child is showing some hesitation, we suggest that you take them to the field and explain how the game works. After a couple of days or weeks, they will be able to get the hang of it and start having fun just like you.

They Promote an Active Lifestyle

Here is another reason why you should encourage your kids to take part in physical activities on the field. Playing supports may help your kids develop their endurance and athleticism. Apart from this, this practice can help them cut down on their body fat and get back in shape.

Besides, we know that physical activities work like therapy, which helps reduce anxiety and depression. As a matter of fact, following a healthy and active lifestyle is an ideal way of leading a happy life.

They Help your Kids Learn Sportsmanship

The fun part of sports is that it allows players to take part in a competition. This will allow your kids to learn the art of sportsmanship, which will help them overcome adversity. Another reason is that it will help your kids improve their skills. Plus, they will be able to become better citizens.

They Teach Time-Management Skills

As far as joining sports is concerned, you have to have a time commitment. In other words, playing sports can help your kids improve their time management skills. For example, you can ask your kids to complete their homework before they take part in their favorite sports.

This way they will be able to manage their time better and get important things done first.

They help your kids know the Importance of Teamwork

Without any doubt, teamwork is an ideal skill in the lives of all of us. As a matter of fact, it is a vital part of your life. Taking part in sports can allow your kids to develop their communication skills, make lasting friendships, and have a sense of community. As a matter of fact, women athletes learn to be part of a team and play their roles.

Long story short, these are just some of the convincing reasons that you should encourage your kids to take part in their favorite sports.