Activities To Plan for Your Next Camping Trip

Activities To Plan for Your Next Camping Trip

With spring finally here, it makes sense that you want to plan your first big camping trip of the season and get back out in the woods. While camping trips are great for sleeping out in nature and enjoying the warmth and comfort of a campfire, there’s so much more to do. Here are some fun activities to plan for your next camping trip to try and mix it up a little bit.

Make It a Fishing Trip

Few things allow you to enjoy the peacefulness of nature more than fishing. Whether you prefer to sit on the shore or head out on a boat, the serenity of fishing turns any camping trip into a more memorable experience. Depending on where you’re camping, you can catch bass, trout, catfish, and other tasty fish that are perfect for roasting over the campfire come dinnertime.

Nature Trails

Exploring nature trails is always an excellent activity to plan for your next camping trip. Many established trails exist to take you through fantastic scenic views and take in everything the area has to offer. If you’re not one for hiking, one of the many benefits of owning your own golf cart is that you can take it through a wide enough trail. For more hardened outdoorsy types, you may opt to skip the trail altogether and explore the wilderness to your heart’s content.

Wildlife Scavenger Hunt

There’s a certain majesty to discovering animals in their natural habitat. Many campers turn their trip into a game by seeing what creatures they can find throughout the weekend. Plan ahead and learn what types of wildlife are in your region to turn the trip into a giant scavenger hunt. Some of the most common animals to watch out for are deer, foxes, wild hogs, and the many interesting and exciting species of birds you’re likely to encounter out in the woods. Whether you want to focus on larger animals or primarily explore birdwatching is up to you.

What To Include in Your Bug-Out Bag Checklist

What To Include in Your Bug-Out Bag Checklist

No one ever plans for an emergency that requires them to pack up and depart immediately. Yet, with today’s rising worries, many choose to go equipped. While most people are not too paranoid, it is still a good idea to take an honest look at the world and learn how to take some precautions, such as knowing what to include in your bug-out bag checklist.

What Makes a Good Bug-Out Bag?

If you don’t want to spend time carefully curating your emergency kit, you may choose from a variety of premade bug-out bags available online. Yet, since they are for the masses and market to the vast majority, they seldom include customized choices tailored to you and your area.

For instance, if you settle in a desert instead of a heavily wooded area, you won’t have access to the same resources.  If you are carrying materials for more than yourself, the contents in a premade bug-out bag may not be sufficient. However, if you want a proper customized bag for yourself, you should take advantage of what a small tactical backpack offers.

Tips for Curating the Bug-Out Bag

Despite many unknowns, you should follow a few basic guidelines while packing your bug-out bag. First, there’s no reason to overcomplicate things, considering you’re not constructing a portable dwelling. Adding unnecessary materials takes up valuable space and adds more weight to an already loaded pack. While having the essentials is paramount, you don’t want to feel like you’re carrying around cinder blocks. Long-distance hiking and a heavy pack don’t mix well, so keep it light.

Ideally, if things go awry, you want enough supplies to last three days. Hopefully, you never encounter a scenario where you’re in the wild for more than 72 hours, but at least your bug-out bag can aid you.

Another great tip to follow is to bring items that have multiple purposes—a backpack full of goods is akin to a Swiss Army knife. After all, the goal is to survive; thus, packing for comfort isn’t the best solution.

Essentials for the Bag

Now that you know what makes a good bug-out bag and some tips on packing one, here’s a general list of things you should have:

  • A map and a compass to ensure your whereabouts.
  • Water and high-calorie snacks and MREs.
  • Extra socks for those cold nights, which could be a lifesaver in the winter.
  • Fire starting tools to avoid rubbing two sticks together.
  • Emergency radio to keep abreast of the news.
  • Tarp for a makeshift tent.
  • Multi-purpose tools to handle your basic tasks.

Learning what to include in your bug-out bag checklist is crucial for the avid outdoors person. Things could get bad in a hurry without the appropriate materials; however, tailoring your bug-out bag to your needs helps minimize a potentially catastrophic event.

4 Must-Have Accessories To Add to Your UTV

4 Must-Have Accessories To Add to Your UTV

A UTV, also known as a utility task vehicle or side-by-side, is an off-road vehicle meant for rough terrain. One of the best ways to make the most of your UTV and improve its performance is by adding accessories and upgrades. Here are four must-have accessories to add to your UTV.

Utility Rack or Bed Extender

A utility rack or bed extender is a great way to add storage and convenience when using your UTV. It can also help provide extra protection for any cargo you may be transporting. Many of these accessories come with adjustable straps to secure items, giving you peace of mind knowing your items are safe and secure while driving over rough terrain. Many models feature removable shelves, making it easy to store smaller items—such as tools or parts—without taking up much room on the main body of the rack.

Winch Kit

Another popular and beneficial accessory for your UTV is a winch kit. Occasionally during an off-roading excursion, you or your buddy will get stuck in rough terrain or sticky situations. A winch is the perfect towing accessory to handle the job of pulling you out to safety. The size of the winch you need will depend on what type of terrain you plan to use it in and how much weight you expect to pull. A larger winch is better for heavier loads, while a smaller one is better suited for lighter tasks.

LED Light Bar

LED light bars are also an excellent addition for off-road vehicles. This accessory will allow you to illuminate your path and have clear visibility even after dark. LED light bars offer many advantages over traditional halogen or incandescent lights, including lower power consumption, greater durability, and improved visibility. When choosing the right LED light bar for your needs, consider size, beam pattern, wattage output, and mounting options.

Steel Bumper

Finally, a steel bumper is another must-have UTV accessory. There are several benefits of adding a steel bumper to your UTV. For example, steel bumpers provide much more protection than factory-installed plastic or fiberglass units, making them ideal for people who frequently take their UTV out onto more rugged terrain. The heavy-duty steel construction can withstand impacts from rocks, debris, and other hazards without sustaining major damage.

Now that you know some essential accessories to add to your UTV, you can select the best options for your off-roading vehicle. Have fun customizing your UTV, and don’t be afraid to add further personalization with unique color choices.

Must-Have Gear for Your Next Winter Hunting Trip

Must-Have Gear for Your Next Winter Hunting Trip

If you’re getting ready to set out on a winter hunting trip this season, there are some important preparations you’ll need to make first. Winter hunting can be dangerous due to the cold temperatures and poor conditions, so always ensure you have everything you need before heading out. Here’s a quick list of some must-have gear for your next winter hunting trip to bring with you.

Cold-Weather Clothing

One of the biggest issues you’ll face during a wintertime hunt is the frigid weather. Hunters often set up early in the morning and end their hunts at sundown when temperatures plummet to their coldest all day. Your safety is most important, so ensure you pack enough warm clothing, such as insulated coats, pants, boots, and more. You’ll also need warm accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, thick socks, and hand warmers. Being ready for the cold will mean the difference between ending your hunt early or outlasting the game you’re tracking.

Insulated Cover

Another crucial part of staying warm during a winter hunt is using an insulated cover. Whether you’re using a blind to hunt for ducks and geese or a tree stand to hunt deer, choosing an insulated variety will help you stay warm on your longest hunts. An inner fleece lining can make resting in a snow-covered duck blind much more comfortable and manageable.

Light Bars for Nighttime Conditions

The sun sets much earlier during the winter months than at other times of the year. Unless you’re hunting non-game animals, you’ll have to cut your hunts short based on daylight. You’ll often have to pack up your blinds, decoys, and other hunting gear while there’s still sunlight available too. However, you can extend your hunting time until sundown and use a light bar to help you pack up after dark. Light bars are also incredibly useful to have when setting up your hunt in the morning hours before sunrise. Navigate the snow and ice more carefully by choosing the best hunting light bar for your needs.

Once you have this must-have gear you’ll need for a winter hunting trip, you’ll be ready to brave the cold and track down some unique winter game animals.

3 Practical Concealed Carry Tips for Women

3 Practical Concealed Carry Tips for Women

Many women want to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense but don’t feel comfortable with everyday carry. Firearms training courses are an effective way to learn more about firearms and techniques for shooting.

Choosing the right gun, finding the right carry position, and putting in the training time will help anyone find what works for them. Discover three practical concealed carry tips for women.

1. Choose a Gun That Fits

While some people assume that women want to carry small handguns, this is inaccurate. As with any person who carries a concealed firearm, the best type of gun, size, and caliber depends on your personal preference and lifestyle.

You can read online reviews to learn what people have to say about different models. Consider renting a gun at a shooting range so you can try the gun out before you buy it. You’ll want a gun that fits well in your hand and that you can safely and efficiently operate.

2. Use an Effective Carry Position

To carry a concealed weapon, you must master discretion. Sometimes, people with smaller body frames have a trickier time finding the right concealed carry holster position. And clothes manufactured for women are often made with thinner fabric that doesn’t hide a gun and holster as well as thicker material does.

Experiment with different positions of inside-the-waistband carry. If you spend a lot of time seated, you might prefer having an ankle holster. You want a position that feels comfortable, keeps your gun hidden, and keeps your weapon accessible in case of an emergency.

While off-body concealed carry probably won’t be your everyday carry position, you should consider concealed carry bags for some occasions. Your gun bag should be made specifically for carrying a firearm so that you have the safest and most efficient product. Keep in mind that with off-body CCW bags, you’ll need to treat the bag as a holster rather than a regular bag. That means always keeping it with you to prevent access from unauthorized persons.

3. Routinely Train With Your Gear

The final practical concealed carry tip for women is to train with your gun and equipment routinely. If you don’t train, you won’t be as familiar with your gun and holster as you should be. Training helps you feel comfortable with your weapon and builds your muscle memory so that you can react smoothly if you need to use your firearm.

Practicing two to three times a month is effective for most people. Choose one objective for your session and make it a specific purpose. For example, you might train to maintain a proper grip to improve recoil control, or you might work on maintaining your stance.