Tag Archives: Camping

Camping

Brighten Your Camping Trip With the Power of a Maglite Flashlight!

Tripping in the dark? Can’t see the trees? Time for the power of the Maglite Flashlights!

Maglite Flashlights are practically a staple in our camping gear and around our house. You won’t find a better or brighter flashlight.

I wouldn’t ever go camping without one. And if you know a bit of their history you’ll understand why.

In 1979 Mr. Anthony Maglica introduced the world to the first Maglite flashlight. He sought out the highest standards of quality and integrity. He was obsessed with fine engineering and the company continues to produce Maglite flashlights with that in mind.

North American made, the Maglite Flashlights are so durable and long lasting I’m sure our children will be able to pass them down to their children one day!

There are a large variety of styles, sizes and colours to choose from including the mini Maglite flashlight. The mini mag flashlight is just as rugged and durable as the full size Maglite flashlights but obviously a lot smaller and lighter. These are super clipped onto your backpack, used for reading in your tent and make the best flashlights to give to the kids.

What we love about the Maglight flashlights is how well made and tough they are. And there’s nothing delicate about the mini flashlight.

All of their flashlights come with the outer casing made of aluminum and is resistant to corrosion. They have a pretty strong light beam and come with two power settings, one full strength and a lower setting that conserves power and is great for reading at night or used inside the tent.

Of the large selection of models they make, we also like their Maglite led flashlight and their MagCharger – rechargeable flashlight.

All of these are made with high standards of quality and dependability, made of aluminum and are designed to be tough, rugged and long lasting.

Of course being both campers and hikers we also bring a few headlamps with us, especially when we’re backpacking. Being able to be hands free at night time is pretty important when you’re out in the back country. We have headlamps for the kids too and these are also a staple in our camping gear.

You can look at the cheaper, plastic flashlights but if you really want to get your money’s worth and have the brightest flashlight in the campground, look for the Maglite brand, you won’t be sorry and you won’t miss your way to the bathroom either.

Happy Camping!

Camping

Camping 101 For First Time Campers

I recently met a new family the other day. She is the mother to 5 boys and 1 girl all under the age of 9. My kids are now good friends with her 6 kids and her and I have wonderful conversations about everything under the sun. We recently spoke at a picnic and in conversation I mentioned that our families should go camping together. She confessed that they had never gone camping. I stood there starring in disbelief thinking, how could this be? She added that they did not own a single piece of camping equipment either.

Later that night I shared this information with my husband. Although I was still shocked, he reminded me about the time we went to our local REI and participated in a family camping event. REI loaned out gear to the families who were interested in learning more about camping and trying out some new gear. They put on a free campfire show with a fantastic Spanish guitarist/storyteller, while we all enjoyed an evening of camping together.

During that fun trip, we all camped at a local campground just 20 minutes from our home. We met a dozen or so wonderful families and were amazed to learn that this was their very first time camping. I guess it just never dawned on me that there are so many families out there who have never experienced the joy, adventure and sheer fun of camping. Perhaps the reason might be that there is a huge fear of the unknown about camping with young children, or they simply do not have any camping gear so they never investigated the idea further.

Some basic and simple ideas to get started are:

  • Do not worry about gear. Just find a local KOA where you can rent a cabin for a few bucks for the night.
  • Survey the area you are thinking about camping at first for safety from cliffs, or other dangers for kids. Maybe even picnic there first.
  • Plan on one night excursions at first to get an idea of what food quantities will be needed for longer trips.
  • Bring food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and breakfast again as well as snacks – healthy ones of course.
  • Make a check list to help you confidently pack for your trip.
  • Always bring a first aid kit, just in case.
  • Bring some fun toys/games, flash lights, blankets, rain gear, and remember to bring a camera.
  • Prepare yourself for some real relaxation, and family bonding time.
  • Start thinking about other campground locations,and start planning your trips.
  • Bring appropriate clothing and rain gear to be comfortable in unpredictable weather.
  • Remember, you can always rent your gear at local sporting goods stores at reasonable prices, a tent, and some bags should suffice.

Through the years, I have discovered that not only does camping rejuvenate the soul and get you back in touch with the reality of life and nature, it is also one of the most affordable family activities out there.

So my quest is to help new campers to find the confidence, and information to get started on the journey of a lifetime, with minimal expense, for maximum results.