Via Canonici Outdoors
Here, you will learn to enjoy the outdoors. Given today’s access to technology, we encourage people to stay away from these modern comforts and enjoy Mother Nature. We provide useful tips and information about anything outdoors. We provide useful reviews about gears and handy tips on how to get the best bang for your buck.
Outdoor Tips and Information
Handy tips to enjoy the outdoor!
Camping gear to have this 2017
Every year, new camping products come out on the market and it is now time to review some of the trendiest ones in 2017
Solar Powered Caravans
They are also known as motor homes. The majority of these solar camping cars have a 24-volt battery or a 12-volt system. For the system to produce power, solar panels are the best solution as they are fitted on top of the cars to be charging during the day.
Unlike the other noisy option of charging the batteries with the alternator when the engine is on, solar panels are quiet, do not produce any emissions to the environment, no smell, affordable, and above all, they rarely require maintenance as they are durable. Another thing is that these solar panels are made in different shapes so that they can fit different types of vehicles. Read Tumblr panneau solaire camping car to know more
Coleman propane portable Grill LXE
This grill is a portable one that is fit to be used out of the house. It is made of cast iron with the surface coated with porcelain. It performs well even if used in extreme weather conditions.
Features that make it preferable is the cooktop that is interchangeable, a range of options like stove grates and griddle, matchless lighting as you only need a button to light, and it possesses a collapsible stand which has wheels for easier storage and transportation. The interchangeable grease tray makes it easier to clean.
Lifestraw water filter.
This is the best invention ever made for an outdoor life. No one should miss this when going for camping as it is a multipurpose water filter. Features include being light in weight, about 2 ounces; it needs no chemicals or batteries for it to function. It can filter 263 gallons (1,000 litres) before being replaced, and the most important one is that it is cheap. Also, it attains EPA standards; filters fast, and easy to use.
Insect repellent, 100 4OZ pump spray
It is very efficient in repelling mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks and chiggers anywhere and under harsh conditions. This repellent contains DEET which is a substance used for repelling mosquitoes for more than 50 years in the USA, meaning that it is very effective and has no health issues to you as a human o the environment. The 4ounce spray is very portable and lasts longer
Oxy led CREE XML T6 Flashlight
This flashlight is very cheap in the stores and has a built in battery which is rechargeable. It has five different light modes which are SOS function, three brightness levels and a strobe. Also, it possesses a zoom function.
As a matter of fact, it is designed using aircraft aluminium alloy, making it durable. Good news for this flashlight is that it is water resistant and the ultra-clear glass lens gives a perfect light at night.
Siege Lantern 44931
This lamp is fit for hiking, emergencies and camping. It has got one red LED light and four white LED lights. The handle is ergonomic so that it can easily lock itself in an upright position. Also, it has rings at the top and bottom which make it easy to be hanged in any position. It functions with three alkaline batteries d-cell that can last for 295 hours. When the power of batteries is about to get over, it will signal you to change them.
Coleman Brazos sleeping bag
This sleeping bag is designed to resist extremely low temperatures of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a Fiberlock, it avoids shifting of insulation, thus making it durable. The outside cover is made of tricot knit lining and polyester. Other advantages of this sleeping bag is that it is machine washable, has a comfortable cuff to surround your
Food Ideas for Your Camping Trips
Veteran or even amateur camp chefs throughout the world have different campfire food ideas that keep everyone asking for second helpings by the camp fire. The most popular camping recipes are not only easy to cook but need to be nutritious as well. These methods usually involved being wrapped in foil, roasted or grilled on hot coals, or the use of a Dutch oven.
Though the thought of cooking and eating outside sounds exciting, make sure you have packed enough food for the whole trip, and the best way to do this is to have a menu. You must also double check your supplies before leaving, and it sure wouldn’t hurt to pack a bit more extra food.
Here is a good example of a one-day menu for your next family camping trip:
Breakfast
Make sure your ingredients are stored properly
Western Beans & Texas Toast Recipe
You’ll need:
- 2 lbs Ground meat of one of a mixture of turkey, beef, venison, pork, mutton
- Two cans Pork in beans
- One large Onion
- Mustard, ketchup and BBQ sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Bread and butter
How to cook:
In a pot, skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat with the chopped onion, then drain off the excess oil. You can now add the pork n beans, garlic powder, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, salt and pepper according to your preference.
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, butter a piece of bread, sprinkle some garlic powder, and toast over a fire. This is good for 4-5 persons.
Lunch
Chuck Wagon Stew
Use a portable gas stove to cook
What you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Two medium potatoes, unpeeled and diced
- One medium onion, minced (optional)
- Salt
- One tsp Instant beef bouillon
- 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- One 16oz can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- One 8oz can cut green beans (do not drain)
How to cook:
You will need a pot with a lid or a deep skillet as well as camp stoves or hot coals. Brown the ground beef and drain off excess oil. Add all the remaining ingredients. Mix, cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally. Best served with cornbread. Serves four people.
Dinner
Swiss Cheese Chicken
What you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Swiss cheese, sliced
- Cream of chicken soup (Campbell’s)
- Dry herbed stuffing (Pepperidge Farms)
- Butter
- Cooking oil
- Foil
- Paring knife
- Can opener
- Spoon
How to cook:
Spray a piece of foil with cooking oil. Put chicken, layer with Swiss cheese, then add 2-3 spoons of soup. Top with the stuffing and dab with butter. Securely wrap the mixture then place over hot coals or open fire.
Snack
Robinson Crusoe’s S’mores
What you’ll need:
Marshmallows
Chocolate
Graham crackers
Peanut butter
How to cook:
Place the marshmallow on a stick. Meanwhile, spread peanut butter onto the graham crackers then put the chocolate on top. Place this near the fire to help the chocolate melt better. Roast your marshmallow evenly until brown then sandwich it between the graham crackers.
There is a whole horde of camping recipes out there. You can even create your own to make your camping experience even more enjoyable. All you have to do is surf the web and copy the recipe you want to try. You can also take the recipe and modify it to suit your taste better.
Camping Tourism in the Lovely Land called Switzerland
Tourists say it’s the travellers’ paradise. With a land of 15, 940 square miles, Switzerland is a relatively small country. With an average population density of 472/sq mi, this is needless to say that this will be the campers’ paradise.
The mountains and habitats: Switzerland is just the place for those who love hiking and camping in the mountains. The southern half part of the country has a lot of mountains. This part of the country is much less populated than compared to the rest of the nation. But if the campers move towards the northern half, more faces are likely to be found. Campers find this part of the country camping friendly as it is partially forested and partly cleared. Best of all, there are some large lakes to camp around.
Pick your region:
Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland
Grossly, there are three essential areas (in respect of topography) in Switzerland: The Swiss Alps, The Swiss plateau or “middle land”, and
The Jura mountains (it stands by the northwestern French border)
Just One Piece for Sampling:
The Alps- Blessed with the unparallel beauty of high mountain ranges the Alps is a great place to tour. This mountain range reaches as far as the central-south of Switzerland. When the tourists look at Dufourspitze (a high peak of Swiss Alps at around 15,203 ft height), the romantic and adventurous minds remain stunned. However, the highest peak of the Swiss Alps remains around the many valleys. Again reminding of the peace and beauty loving minds of the campers, there are many waterfalls and glaciers around here.
Some of the sources of the rivers/waterfalls are from great rivers of Europe.
Rivers like Rhine, Rhône, Inn, Aare, and Ticino comes all the way to meet the largest Swiss lakes finally. Among the largest Swiss lakes that meet with the European river, sources are-
Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), Lake Zürich, Lake Neuchâtel, and Lake Constance. Camping facilities around these spots are not similar. Some places or lakes may not allow campers to set tents. So for more information, it is better to contact the Swiss tourism authority.
Camping: While in Preparations for campers in Switzerland, just the beauty of the location or campsite won’t make it a great trip. Just imagine yourself trembling in cold or starving at the most awesome campsite of the world.
So, wherever we camp, some preparations- especially regarding equipment is needed.
1.Your primary sources for research: In this era of eCommerce, there are hundreds of suppliers/sellers online waiting to help you out with your camping equipment. In fact, for buying or just comparing gears for camping, both online and offline stores are now available. But usually, the company with strong distribution chain often delivers the products right to the doorsteps of the consumers.
2.Be savvy rather than spending blindly: Having purchased the largest or the most expensive material does not ensure the most fun camping tour. Rather, you have to understand what you need for camping. In other words, you should understand your need and your budget limits. In fact, the buyer is a winner when the best and the appropriate product is purchased within the given budget.
3.Choose Reliable Camping Suppliers: In the real or offline world, people can see the shops, stores and set-ups of the supplier or seller. But on the internet, anyone can open a website (looking very convincing and appealing), but the quality of the supply may not be satisfactory at all.
One easy way to locate a top family camping tent supplier is looking at their ‘counseling services’. Good suppliers won’t hesitate to help you understand your individual needs regarding the camping gears and equipment. Moreover, they will give you hands-on information about the details of the equipment (i.e. regarding tent space, comfort issues, special heal matters related to equipment/straps/backpacks). The good and proactive supplier may also allow you to test to make sure the gears lasts for many camping trips.
In addition to all these cautions about your requirements, purchasing the right equipment and selecting the reliable supplier- there is one more thing to remember here.
If for instance, you are ordering the product online- there are chances that the company may make too much delay in delivering the product. It gives you hassle and tension before the camping vacation. So, before ordering the product, it is better to be confirmed about the delivery date and the company’s backup arrangements, just in case the delivery is late.
Stove Cleaning and Maintenance – Guidelines
Proper camp stove cleaning and maintenance will make it last longer and work more efficiently. All the stoves we carry in our Equipment Store are Coleman Stoves, so these suggestions apply to this brand and type of stove. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they differ from what is suggested here.
A simple wiping with warm water and dishwashing soap with a soft cloth or sponge will take care of most spills. After cleaning, dry thoroughly.
If a deeper stove cleaning is required and especially if there has been a boil-over, first drain fuel from liquid fuel units and remove propane tank from gas units. Remove the screw from the centre of the burners and lift off the rings and bowl. Check the manifold for debris. If needed, clean with warm soapy water and rinse with clean water.
If there is a significant amount of grease build-up, use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle or a pressure washer (a car wash works well). Avoid using any oven cleaner or strong degreaser that may cause damage to the painted surfaces.
Any time the stove has been cleaned with a water hose or immersed in water, turn the stove upside down to make sure all the water is drained from the inside of the manifold. It will prevent rust or corrosion, which will prohibit the proper flow of fuel to the burner.
After cleaning the stove and at the end of each season store your stove correctly. Place dry, clean stove in a plastic bag and seal with a twist tie. Insects and spiders seem to love making their home inside the burners.
It is often why a stove will not light properly. If you have a liquid fuel stove drain as much fuel as possible and return it to the can. Fuel left in the tank can cause a buildup on the fuel tube and restrict the flow of fuel to the burner.
It is suggested that you oil the pump cup on the tank’s pump plunger at least twice a year with light machine oil. It helps in sealing the container to the pump barrel and ensures the pump will work smoothly.
Stove cleaning and maintenance is easy if messes are taken care of immediately and not left to build up. A good quality stove will last for years and help you make many tasty dishes under the stars if you just take care of it.
The Coleman Hot Water Portable Water Heater
The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand is a very useful 3-in-1 device that has a variety of functions, one of which is that of a portable camping shower. It provides hot water for washing dishes, making hot beverages and showering.
Over are the days where you have to light up a fire to heat up water for soup, coffee or tea. This Coleman unit will save you time by providing boiling water in 5 seconds and have your beverages ready in a flash, thanks to the fueling power of propane. Just use the rotating faucet to fill up any cup or container and turn the control knob to the “hot” setting. When you’re ready to do the dishes, turn the knob to “warm,” fill up a bucket, add some soap, and you’re willing to plunge in your plates and utensils.
The unit also acts as a portable camping shower, and an optional Coleman spray adapter is available for around 20$ to simulate a more authentic shower experience than the hose included with the kit. The “warm” setting will provide a comfortable showering water temperature of around 90 degrees.
The water pressure is supplied by a 6-volt rechargeable battery that pumps the water through the hose and out of the nozzle. So, no need to look for a tree branch to hang the unit, unlike portable solar camping showers, which require the bag to be hung overhead to provide water pressure. The unit comes with a 5-gallon collapsible water container that you can fill up to act as the water provider. If you have access to a continuous flow of water, such as a water hook-up, you can purchase an optional pressure hose that you can use to connect the water hook-up to the Coleman outdoor unit.
With all these functions, the Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater is one of the most versatile water heater solutions out there.
It allows you to wash dishes, prepare hot beverages and take a shower while spending time at any campsite, regardless of the amenities provided. With a bit of imagination, this Coleman unit can also come in handy in situations other than camping such as during natural disasters, blackouts, on fishing and boating trips, at a rustic cabin in the woods or a lake and even at all-day outdoor sporting events. With the Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater, the lack of hot water in any situation will never be a problem again.
The Coleman brand has always been synonymous with dependable camping products, and this one fits the bill as a must for any outdoor event. It will make your outdoor adventures much more enjoyable as you’ll be able to concentrate on the fun things and not worry about leaving the comfortable conveniences of home behind.
Important facts:
– The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater includes a safety device that immediately shuts off the unit to prevent it from going beyond 160 degrees
– The 6-volt rechargeable battery needs to charge for about 8 hours to be fully ready
– Use standard propane cylinders made for camping products. Do not use 14.1oz cylinders used for hand torches
– The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater will typically make 40 gallons of warm or hot water on one full battery charge and a 16.4 oz. Cylinder of propane
The Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater comes equipped with:
– Pump/Heater unit
– 5-gallon collapsible water container
– Rechargeable pump battery
– Hose Quick-connect
– 6 volt Rechargeable Battery
– 12 volt Recharger Cord (auto)
– 110 volt/120 volt Recharger Cord (household)
– PCV Rain Cover
– fits over Hot Water On Demand unit when not in use
Optional accessories not included with the unit:
– 16.4 oz. propane cylinder
– Coleman Hot Water on Demand Carrying Case (Adjustable shoulder strap or barrel handles, consists of two zippered side pockets, perfect for carrying two 16.4 oz. propane cylinders or other accessories.)
– Coleman Water Hose Adapter (Regulates water pressure from input hose up to 100 PSI)
– Coleman spray adapter (48” long hose easily attaches to faucet of the Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Heater with Quick-connect fitting. Handled spray head is ideal for a light shower.)
Everything on Propane Camping Stoves
A bit of history
Here is a little bit of history of the Propane Camping Stove. In 1923 the Coleman Co. introduced the Model-One a two-burner camp stove. When the American families were able to afford the Model T Ford, they were able to take vacations and travel around the country. Motor camping became very popular. The families would strap their camping stoves and other camping equipment to the running boards of their car. The American families would pull along the side of the road or in remote areas and pitch their tents and make camp.
In 1942 the GI Pocket Stove was introduced during WWII as the backpacking stove. The U.S. Army wanted a compact stove for their particular unit of ski troopers. The stove needed to be compact in size and be able to burn a variety of liquid fuels and gasoline. The Pocket Stove also needed to light quickly in temperatures ranging from 60 degrees below zero and 125 degrees above zero.
In November of 1942 during the invasion of North Africa, 5,000 pocket stoves accompanied the American armed forces. More than one million Pocket Stoves were sent to the battlefronts in Europe and the Pacific until the end of the war in 1945. The soldiers used the Pocket Stoves for many things other than cooking their meals, like warm up their bunkers, hot water for drinking or shaving and the Medics would use them to sterilise their medical supplies.
In 1969 the first propane camping stove was introduced to the American Public. To this day, there are many types and styles of propane camping stoves.
Depending on your camping needs and the size of your group, you can choose between a two burner or a three burner propane camping stove. Also available is a one burner propane camping stove which can be used as an extra burner or ideal for backpacking.
Using a propane camping stove is one of the easiest types to use. A propane camping stove uses small portable propane fuel cylinders that you attach to your stove. The cylinders weigh about two to three pounds. You can use the larger propane tanks like the one you use on your barbeque at home. There are adapters that you can purchase to accommodate for the larger propane tanks. If you are camping for the weekend, the small propane fuel cylinders are the best way to go. If you are planning on camping for longer than that, the larger propane tank would be the better choice.
Cleaning and Care of your Propane Camping Stove:
A clean stove is not only better looking but works better. The benefits of a clean stove include better fuel efficiency, flame control and has no rust or corrosion.
You should clean your stove whenever if becomes dirty or after a boil-over that causes buildup in the burners. It is recommended that you clean your stove between camping trips and before storing your propane camping stove at the end of the camping season.
Under most conditions, stoves can be wiped out with a warm damp cloth and dishwashing soap and dried before storing. If your stove needs a deeper cleaning here are a few suggestions for cleaning it:
If you have encountered a boilover, remove the screw from the centre of each burner and lift off the burner rings and bowl to check the manifold for fluid or debris. If there is a build-up, clean it with a warm damp cloth and dishwashing soap before rinsing with clean water.
If the stove has a large amount of grease or dirt build-up inside the case, on the burners or grill, you can use a high-pressure hose on it like at a car wash. Make sure that you don’t use any tire, oven or engine cleaner as it can cause damage to the paint on the inside of the case and the metal grate and manifold.
If the stove has been cleaned with any hose, turn the stove upside down to make sure all the water is removed from inside the manifold. Any water left inside the manifold can cause it to rust and disturb the flow of fuel to the burner. It can cause the stove from burning properly.
After cleaning your stove, it is important to store it properly. Put stove in a plastic bag and seal it with a twist tie to prevent spiders and other insects from getting into the unit. It can block the fuel and airflow.
Listed below are just several types of propane camping stoves available on the market.
One Burner Propane Stoves:
PowerPack Single Burner Propane Stove, 1-Burner Propane Stove
Here are a few two and three burner Propane camping stoves that I recommend:
2-Burner Propane Stove: It has consistent cooking performance even in cold weather and high altitudes. Individual burner controls from simmer to full boil for perfect outdoor cooking. Windblock shields burners for maximum heat or folds down for a convenient side table. Two high performance 22,000 BTU adjustable burners. This stove lasts up to 1.1 hours with both burners on high and 4.5 hours on low with one 16.4-oz propane cylinder. Heavy-duty nickel chrome grate, it removes easily for cleaning. Resist rust and easy to clean. Match light.
Propane Stove, Two-Burner, Standard: This stove has a high-pressure regulator and provides a constant output, regardless of weather conditions. It is equipped with two 10,000 burners. It can boil a quart of water in 4.5 min. One cylinder of propane (16.04 oz) will last up to 4.5 hours.
Propane Perfectflow Instastart Portable Skillet: This propane skillet is perfect for cooking large meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Consistent cooking performance in cold weather, high altitudes and when fuel is low. The 8,000 BTU tube burner provides more heat than an electric griddle. The 100 oz. Capacity is perfect for cooking chilli, chicken or any of your favourite camping recipes. One 16.4 oz propane cylinder will last up to 1.1 hours with both burners on high and up to
4.5 hrs. on low.
How To Purchase A Portable/Home Generator
Considering buying a portable or home generator, but are not sure what to get?
The first thing to determine is what you’ll use the generator for.
Portable generators are designed to power small appliances and equipment while at a remote location. Standby generators are designed to be permanent structures outside your house to act as an automatic backup when there is a power outage. Both have different purposes. A portable generator isn’t ideal to for a home when the power goes out. They are noisy, don’t run for an extended time and are also dangerous if used improperly.
Yamaha is one of the market leader
A standby generator, apparently, is not made to go on the road. You ought to first know what kind of equipment you will run. Will you power up an RV, your property, or a small laptop?
Knowing how much power you will want determines what size and type of generator to have. Power is measured in watts used. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. You can get this data by checking out each appliance and adding up the wattage, but this is unreliable because you most likely won’t be running everything simultaneously. A better way would be to have an electrician measure your energy usage at both starts up and running wattage.
It is much more accurate.
You should buy one with about 20 percent of you would need to ensure enough power. If you’re only likely to power a couple of appliances, you may make use of the stated power on the label as a guide.
What are they made of?
Generators have two components, an engine that burns fuel such as, gas or propane as well as a generator that turns the power into electricity. It performs this by rotating a coil within a magnetic field to produce an electrical current. Gas or propane power most portable units. Gas isn’t the greatest for the home unless you put it to use outdoors. You must not run a portable gas unit indoors because of the carbon monoxide fumes. Propane is better for at your home use.
Standby generators are permanent structures made to power up a home if the main power goes out. It’s nice to have backup power to keep the refrigerator, air conditioning, lights plus the computer running. These units are made to provide backup power automatically via a transfer switch that detects when the primary energy sources are out. Standby generators often run on propane, natural gas, or even a mix of fuels. They could be hooked right up to your gas lines, which means you don’t need to keep refuelling. The standby generators range from 7 kilowatts up to few hundred kilowatts or power.
Portable generators are for powering up appliances or equipment at remote locations. A lot of portable generators tend to range from 1 kilowatt up to 15-20 kilowatts. Some even provide 200 kilowatts for big construction projects.
Good portable generators ought to have a sizable gas tank, a fuel indicator gauge and lots of receptacles so that you can run all of the appliances you need. The more devices or power equipment you’ll run, the larger the machine you should get. Also, check the quietness of the unit. Some units have built-in oversized mufflers which make the unit nice and quiet. You wouldn’t desire to annoy the neighbours, would you?
Things to Bring When Camping
Camping is a great activity that you can do on your own or with friends and family. Camping can be fun, but it can also be a nightmare when you don’t have the right gear and the right tools. Keep in mind that when dealing with the outdoors, you are dealing with the elements. In order to enjoy the activity, here are some basic things that you need to bring when you are camping.
Basic First Aid
It is important to bring the necessary first aid when you are going outdoors. You never know what type of emergency might appear when you are out there. From the medicines to different items that could help you when you are injured, these are things that you need to include in your first aid box.
If you are camping with friends, always make sure that at least one person is trained to perform basic aid treatments.
Tent
Tent is an important consideration when camping. It serves as your temporary shelter. Could you imagine withstanding the elements? There are different kinds of tents to choose from. You need to choose the right one depending on the number of people you are camping with, and the climate that you have to deal with.
Among the things that you need to consider is the ventilation, plus the height of the tent especially when you are sharing it with other people.
Cooking materials
If you are going to camp for a couple of days, it is a good idea to bring the right cooking materials. Cooking materials can keep your camp healthy. Butane gas and other portable cooking equipment are some of the most popular options that you can go for.
The right clothing
You need to bring the right clothing when you are going outdoors. You have to make sure that you do your research before you even going outdoors. Could you imagine getting cold outdoors when you camp?
Food
Of course, you need to bring the necessary food. You want to plan which foods will last. It is suggested to take canned goods for these types of trips. However, if you are simply camping with a trailer, then you can bring decent food with you.
If you intend to enjoy the outdoors, it is a good idea to plan what you are going to bring with you. Make a checklist of these things in order to be able to survive the elements and not go hungry or get injured.
Outdoor Activities
Below are some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy with your family and friends.
Camping
Trekking
Cycling
Fishing
Hunting
Swimming
Surfing
Hiking
Kayaking
Canoeing
Photography
Mountain Climbing
