It used to be that having small children drastically slowed down your life. You lost the ability to just pick up and run out the door on a moment’s notice, especially if you had to worry about car seats, strollers, diaper bag, and other baby items before leaving. Good thing times have changed! Today, there are options for taking baby on the run without slowing down your active lifestyle.

One of the most beneficial parenting tools for anyone with a busy lifestyle is the baby carrier backpack. It is the best way to get out the door quickly and carry on with your daily life, even with the little one in tow!

Safety

Baby carrier backpacks allow you to carry your baby on your back, rather than trying to prop them up on a hip or tuck them into a sling on the front of the body. When you are walking quickly, going up and down stairs, or just hustling it through the parking lot trying to make it to a doctor’s appointment on time, it is much safer to have the baby securely strapped to your back where all areas of your body can move freely.

Comfort

Many parents find a backpack carrier a lot more comfortable than a front sling because it allows the weight of the child to be distributed across the entire body. A front sling can throw your body off balance and strain your neck and lower back, especially as the baby grows heavier. You will have better stabilization and bodily support with a back carrier.

Of course, they are also much more comfortable than trying to carry a heavy car seat or carrier, which places strain on all parts of your body.

Ease of Use

This has to be the biggest perk of using a baby carrier backpack. While strollers are a hassle when trying to get up and down stairs and can be impossible to push through sand and other difficult terrain, a back carrier can go literally anywhere your feet carry you! There are no obstacles to getting around with a baby when they are riding on your back.

You simply put the back carrier on your back with the baby secured in the safety belt, and you are on your way!

Entertaining

Baby carrier backpacks tend to be more entertaining for a growing baby because they allow the child to see the world from a higher vantage point. Being confined in a baby sling can make many children fussy since there is very little visual stimulation to catch their interest. Similarly, being pushed around in a stroller gives them a visual very low to the ground which is not very interesting.

When they ride on your back, they have a very different experience. They are up on your level and can see the faces of people passing by, rather than their feet. They can see all the details of the world that you enjoy yourself and they are more likely to be occupied and mentally stimulated while you go about your busy day.

There is not reason to let a child slow down your busy lifestyle! You can take them with you and never miss a step with a baby carrier backpack.

I was just reading a blog that discussed primitive camping; The writer stated that it was all about camping the way they did back in the 1800’s, including the clothing. Sounds like fun, but I do like modern camping equipment. With the right equipment, camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

I’ve done a fair amount of tent camping over the years, and the modern definition of primitive camping, at least the one used by most campgrounds for their sites, are those sites which don’t have electricity and water. Truthfully, not having electricity when camping isn’t a major issue, but I do sort of like having water available. Given the option of a site without water and one with a spigot right there, I’ll pay a couple of extra dollars for the available water. Then on the other hand, I have brought my own on many occasions using a 5 gallon water carrier.

Over the years I’ve done my share of tent camping on islands, in National Forests, in open fields, and on beaches, in what would be considered primitive camping conditions, where whatever conveniences we had were what we brought with us.

Regardless of where we camp, we like the convenience provided by propane stoves, a good tent, a comfy cot or air mattress and a good sleeping bag. Add in a cooler, a Coleman lantern and a few other essentials, and you have the basics for a good “primitive” camping trip.

Cooking over an open fire is OK for some things, but you can’t beat the convenience of lighting a propane stove to cook on, or a having a good propane lantern to light up the site. And I love the queen size cot I found years back that uses a queen size air mattress…talk about comfortable camping. It fits perfectly inside my 5 person tent, which is just perfect for two people and has enough room to stand up in when you’re changing clothes.

Ok, so maybe it’s not that primitive based on some people’s definition, but it is fun getting out and sleeping in a tent in the outdoors. So leave me to my modern camping conveniences and a good size tent and I’ll be happy with the modern definition of primitive camping.

I love the outdoors and will probably never get tired of tent camping, but I also like what is available in modern camping equipment. Definitions can change over time as has camping, and with all the great camping equipment available today why not be comfortable? Use the camping technology available for your next “primitive” camping trip and enjoy.

Cooking with a Dutch oven is a lot of fun when you are camping. But you will need to season it properly before you cook your first meal in it. Always check with your manufacturer for specific seasoning requirements for your model but the following is a general guideline.

The first step is to wash your oven with hot water. Most manufacturers will have you wash your new Dutch oven with hot water to remove the coating from the factory.

The second step in the process is to coat the oven with oil. You will want to thoroughly coat the entire oven with a heavy coat of a good olive or vegetable oil. Do not use an animal fat such as lard because this can become rancid over time. Use a paper towel to apply the oil. Make sure you cover the inside, up the sides, outsides, bottom, the feet, and the lid including both sides with the oil.

Finally, you will want to fire your Dutch oven. Now it is time to place your pot and the lid in your kitchen oven or on a barbeque grill for one hour at 350 degrees. You will want to remember to check with your manufacturer for the time and temperature for your model. Place the coated Dutch oven upside down on the rack with the lid beside it. If you are doing this in your kitchen oven you will want to place tin foil on the bottom of your oven to catch any oil that may drip during the seasoning process. If you do the seasoning out on your barbeque grill it will not heat up your kitchen if you are doing this process in the summer time and you will not have to worry about any smoking due to oil dripping on the bottom of the oven.

After you have completed the firing process, allow the oven to cool thoroughly. When it is cool, the seasoning process has been completed and you are now ready to cook your first meal in your new Dutch oven.

An ultralight backpack means more fun. Enjoy floating down the trail instead of hauling heavy gear. You can have an ultralight backpack if you mercilessly analyze every piece of gear in your pack. Here are 201 tips to consider for reducing the weight of your pack. Some are big, some are small. That’s part of the secret. Small things add up. The old and obvious are mentioned because they are some of the most important. Have fun being a fanatic. If your friends make negative comments, invite them to lift your pack and compare it to theirs. Think of these tips as a buffet, and take what you like:

1. Buy a digital scale. You can find a good one that measures down to 1/10 ounce for about $30. You’ll be surprised at the weights of some items. You can take your light, portable scale into stores and make wise decisions before you buy. Do not fear sales people with little or no knowledge of the backpacking gear they’re selling. You’re now in control. Let them fear you.

2. Remove the excess weight from your body. Losing those unwanted pounds is probably the best weight reduction you can make. It doesn’t involve leaving any of your favorite equipment home. You’ll feel better, and there’s a net gain in strength and endurance.

3. It needs to be mentioned at least once. If you don’t need it, leave it home.

4. Avoid last-minute packing. If you hurry and pack at the last minute, you’re more likely to throw in things like extra clothing you don’t need.

5. If you’re backpacking with a companion, plan ahead and share the weight of the gear such as the tent and cooking gear.

6. Develop your sewing skills. Be creative. Some of the best, and most inexpensive, ultralight backpacking gear is the kind you make yourself.

Pack

7. Purchase a light backpack. Your pack is one of the best places to lighten up. You’ll need to reduce the volume and weight of every piece of gear to use the lightest pack. Your final result can be a pack that weighs less than 2 pounds. That’s a savings of more than 5 pounds over the big “load monster” packs.

8. Don’t buy a pack with too much capacity. You’ll be too tempted to fill it, and it won’t handle as smoothly if it’s partially filled.

9. Try using your pack without the hip belt. You might like it better.

10. Remove your pack’s sternum strap if you don’t use it.

11. Remove any manufacturer tags from the bag. In fact, remove tags from all your gear, including clothing. Save the care instructions from the clothing if you can’t remember how they’re to be washed.

12. Cut some of the length from the waist belt and straps on the pack. Remember to leave them long enough for when you’re wearing your bulkiest clothing.

13. If the pack has aluminum stays, or some other reinforcing material that can be removed, try carrying the pack without it. The really light pack you end up with shouldn’t need reinforcing. Think positively from the outset.

14. If your pack has large buckles or cord locks, find a way to replace them with lighter ones.

15. Don’t worry too much about the lighter materials in ultralight packs. These materials are still very strong. You can make repairs that are lighter than tape by using McNett Seam Grip. It works for sleeping bags, tents, and other gear, too.

16. If you need a pack cover, use one that’s very light, like the ones that are made from 1.3 ounce silicone-coated nylon. Or, use a lightweight garbage bag. Or, spray your pack with a waterproof coating. Your pack may already be waterproof. Check the manufacturer’s specifications. You might be able to save the weight of a pack cover.

17. Ultralight compression stuff sacks can help you reduce the volume of your gear. You may be able to lower your overall weight by using compression bags because you end up with a smaller pack.

Sleeping Gear

18. Buy a sleeping bag that isn’t “overkill.” It’s surprising how many people buy a sleeping bag for low temperatures and then use the bag for summer camping 95% of the time.

19. Use a down bag. Nothing is more efficient for the weight. Don’t worry too much about the down getting wet and losing its efficiency. High quality bags are made with shell fabrics that have a very tight weave and are very water repellent, so they tend to protect the down. The down itself has natural oils in it. It works for the geese. Use your skills to keep your bag dry. Keep it in a waterproof stuff sack.

20. Have a small towel handy to wipe any condensation from tent walls. That will help your ultralight sleeping bag perform to its maximum.

21. A piece of very light and thin painter’s tarp plastic or a light trash bag can be used to keep condensation off the foot of your sleeping bag. The plastic or trash bag can have multiple uses such as keeping gear dry.

22. With a lightweight bag you can always add layers of clothing for extra warmth.

23. You can also use a silk liner that adds warmth and weighs as little as 4 ounces.

24. Switch your stuff sack for an ultralight one that’s made of 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon. They weigh as little as .6 ounces.

25. Keep your sleeping bag clean. That will keep the efficiency high.

26. Keep your sleeping bag in a large storage bag when it’s at home so it will retain its full loft and maximum efficiency.

27. Air out your bag during lunch and as quickly as possible after you set up camp. Moisture can evaporate and the bag can fully loft.

28. Eat and drink before going to bed. That will help your body to efficiently heat your sleeping bag.

29. If your feet get a little cool, you can use things as light as plastic newspaper bags or grocery sacks to keep them warm. You can use the bags for dual purpose tasks, and they add hardly any weight. They can also be used for bringing wet gear and boots into the tent. The sleeping bag stuff sack can be used as a foot warmer.

30. Using an ultralight air mattress can reduce your pack weight and volume and increase your comfort. They can be as light as about 20 ounces for a full-length mattress.

31. You can have an air mattress with insulation in the tubes for only about 1 ounce more.

32. Leave any inflatable sleeping pad open as much as possible so the condensation inside will evaporate.

33. A closed-cell foam pad is light and easy to use. You can even cut away areas that you don’t need to save a few ounces.

34. The lightest air mattress available is called a balloon bed. No joke. The shell can be made from 1.3 oz. (or lighter) silicone-coated ripstop nylon. Sew 7 tubes (or more or less) into the 60″ long fabric. Leave the ends open for inserting and removing the balloons. Insert Qualatex 60″ balloons (model 260Q) because they’re the strongest. Use clear or white since they’re stronger than colored ones. The balloon bed can weigh less than 4 ounces. A pump can weigh 1.3 or 2.2 oz. Each night you’ll need to use new balloons, so figure 8 per night. Eight balloons weigh .4 ounces. This figures one for breakage. They don’t pop when you lay on them, but may pop when you tie them off. See more at balloonbed.com. Or make your own and get balloons and a pump at tmyers.com, larocksmagic.com, or others.

35. You can go crazy and use bubble wrap for your sleeping pad if you don’t need too much insulation or cushion. It’ll weigh about 4 ounces. There’s a variety that’s made with some nylon that is much stronger than the cheapest kind, but the bubbles still pop when you concentrate your knees or elbows directly on a small area.

36. Ultralight backpackers have come up with a lot of ideas for lightweight pillows. One of the most common is using your extra clothing for a pillow. One place to contain the clothing is in your sleeping bag stuff sack.

37. When you pack ultralight, you often don’t have much in the way of extra clothing. Some hikers use their pack for a pillow. It solves a second challenge of where to put your pack in the tent.

38. A small piece of foam with some of your gear underneath can serve as a pillow.

39. At .4 oz. you can get a pillow at Office Depot. It’s a 10 x 12″ air wrap plastic packing “bubble” that you can blow up and deflate with a straw.

Shelter

40. You can save a lot of weight by choosing an ultralight tent that weighs two to three pounds for the two-person tent, or less than two pounds for a one-person tent.

41. If you usually backpack with a companion, consider buying a one-person tent for those times you go solo.

42. If you already use hiking poles, you can save the weight of tent poles on some tents.

43. If you have an old tent you’d like to keep, you can save weight by replacing the poles with lighter carbon fiber poles.

44. If you have an old tent that you like which has a fly, you can save weight by using the old fly as a pattern and sewing a new fly from 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon.

45. You can save weight by using titanium tent stakes. The 6″ titanium stakes are just .2 ounces each.

46. Save weight by leaving stuff sacks home. A few rubber bands around your tent are lighter than the stuff sack. Put rubber bands around the titanium stakes and band them to the poles to keep the stakes from poking holes in anything.

47. In some dry regions, you may be able to use a bivy sack or sleeping bag cover as your only shelter.

48. If you need bug protection only, the pop-up bug bivies weigh only 6.5 ounces.

49. For an even lighter solution to bugs, a square yard of no-see-um netting weighs less than an ounce.

50. Simple, lightweight tarps can reduce your shelter weight to a pound or less.

51. If you use a bivy, tarp, or poncho/bivy, you may want to have a mosquito head net to keep the bugs away. Of course, these can be used during the day, too. They weigh only .6 oz.

52. Some tarps serve a dual purpose by doubling as your poncho, too.

53. Creative cord tying from a tree or using an available stick with some tarps and tents can save the entire weight of poles.

54. The lightest ground cloth is the one you don’t take. Use caution when you set up your tent so you don’t need a ground cloth.

55. If you use a ground cloth, use one that’s a light as possible. An ultra-thin 99-cent plastic painter’s cloth is a light disposable option. Some people like Tyvek. Consider using 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon for your ground cloth.

56. If you use a ground cloth, be sure to trim it a couple of inches smaller than your tent. If it’s bigger than your tent, you can catch unwanted rain and funnel it under you.

57. Consider hammock camping. Hammocks can be as light as about 2 pounds, and there are some great advantages like being able to set up on uneven ground.

58. If you have a tent with a fly, you may be able to set it up with the poles and fly only, especially in late summer when there are fewer mosquitoes.

59. You can more effectively use tent options without netting if you repel insects by adding permethrin to your tent.

60. Shake the water from your tent before packing it on a damp morning. Let the moisture drain off while the tent is on a rock or tree.

Clothing

61. Long-term weather reports from the internet can cut ounces from you pack. In dry weather you can leave some of the rain gear home. In warm weather you can leave some insulating layers home.

62. You can shave ounces by making some last-minute decisions about whether to carry things like rain pants. If the weather and conditions look good, you can leave items in the car.

63. If the weather is warm enough, some hikers like to leave the rain pants home anyway. Your legs will get wet, but they won’t be trapped inside sweaty rain pants.

64. Your rain pants can be lighter than 4 ounces if you use “chaps” that cover your legs but are open at the midsection.

65. Rain gear can weigh less than 10 ounces for top and bottom if you use the very lightest and most simple varieties. We’ve already mentioned combination poncho/tarps if you want a piece of gear that serves as shelter and rain gear.

66. One of the best lightweight clothing rules is “no multiples.” If you have one pair of pants, running shorts and/or rain gear are enough backup.

67. One very light short sleeve shirt and one long-sleeve shirt should be enough.

68. Avoid cotton. It doesn’t dry as quickly, so it could be dangerous. And even if it’s not dangerous, it’ll be heavier when it’s wet because the water weight won’t dry as quickly as other fabrics.

69. Very light synthetic materials and silk may allow you to leave heavier, bulkier fleece at home. A couple of silk layers under your rain gear may be enough for summer hikes. That’s a total of less than 6 ounces for 2 shirts.

70. Never wear jeans. They weigh about 1 ½ pounds and don’t dry well. Lightweight nylon outdoor pants can weigh as little as 8 ounces.

71. If you need more insulation, there are ultralight jackets made with down that weigh less than 8 ounces, about the weight of a T-shirt.

72. You can save a lot of weight by using running shorts that weigh around 3 ounces instead of heavier cargo shorts.

73. Leather belts can be quite heavy. Look for a light belt. A lightweight nylon accessory strap with a quick-release buckle works well.

74. Using silk can cut the weight and bulk of your underwear in half.

75. A lightweight watch cap (beanie or lightweight stocking cap) can weigh as little as an ounce. It’s great for extra warmth during the day or while you’re sleeping.

76. A full-brimmed hat for storm protection that’s made from silicone-coated nylon weighs as little as 1.2 ounces.

77. A baseball-type hat from lightweight ripstop nylon for sun protection can weigh less than an ounce.

78. A painter’s cap will give you cheap, light protection from the sun. They weigh about 1.3 ounces.

79. If a hat is too hot for you, use a visor to be cooler and lighter. Visors vary a lot in weight, so use a digital scale to find the lightest one.

80. Lightweight polypropylene gloves that weigh an ounce will give you some warmth.

81. You can use your extra socks as gloves, or for added warmth over light gloves.

82. Those plastic newspaper or grocery bags that we used for keeping your feet warm at night can be used to keep your hands dry.

83. Socks that are warm, comfortable, and help you avoid blisters are vital. Don’t try to go too thin and light if you tend to blister. But many popular styles come in various heights. So a shorter, lighter sock might give you the same function.

84. One of the best ways to save clothing weight is to use running shoes instead of hiking boots. The old saying of one pound on your feet being equal to five pounds in your pack is true. You lift your shoes with every step, so why not lift something light and comfortable?

85. Shoe laces that come with your running shoes are often too long. They catch on the little twigs along the trail. You might as well cut them off and save the weight. Burn the ends so they don’t unravel.

Cooking

86. Keep your cooking gear light by using a kettle only. You can save more than half the weight of the cooking kit by leaving the plate and fry pan home. The ¾ quart kettle by itself weighs less than 5 ounces.

87. With titanium, your kettle can weigh under 4 ounces.

88. Stainless steel is heavy. Avoid it. Non-stick coatings make a kettle heavier than one without it. Decide whether the weight of the non-stick surface is worth it for you.

89. For your cup, use the plastic kind that have measuring marks inside. They’re four times lighter than a sierra cup.

90. Try using a lexan spoon only. You probably don’t need a fork. For cutting food you can use your pocket knife. File some of the excess weight from the handle of your spoon. Have some fun being a fanatic. Drill some holes in the handle.

91. Some hikers like a long Dairy Queen spoon because it can reach all the way into foil pouches and zip lock bags. Be ready to use some emergency chopsticks if the spoon breaks. Some people like chopsticks anyway.

92. Blacken the bottom of your kettle to cook faster and conserve fuel. If your kettle won’t do this naturally, use heat-resistant paint, the kind you use to paint barbeques and wood stoves.

93. Keep the lid for your kettle. You’ll save its weight by using less fuel.

94. Use a windscreen so you conserve and carry less fuel. You can probably use something that’s already in your pack so there’s no weight added. Or use something very light, like aluminum foil.

95. Use your digital scale to know the weight of a full and empty fuel canister if you use butane/propane. It’s surprising how far a small can will go. You can learn when to leave a full 7-ounce canister home.

96. For a scouring pad, keep it simple and cut it down to a very small size. Or, better yet, don’t take one at all. They tend to become bacteria magnets. Use goats beard — the stuff that’s attached to tree bark. Or use pine cones or sand.

97. You may need a towel to handle your hot kettle. Keep one small piece of a rayon camper’s towel for kitchen use and one for your body.

98. The lighter, thinner towels you can find in grocery stores are even lighter than a rayon camper’s towel. These work well on your body because they can rinse so easily for washing up.

99. There are two main types of ultralight stoves. Titanium stoves that burn butane/propane fuel can be as light as 2 ½ ounces. Their small fuel canisters are 7 ounces. Or you can choose a soda can style stove that burns denatured alcohol. These can be lighter than 2 ounces. Their fuel is readily available and can be carried in very light containers.

100. Fiberglass is often used as a wicking agent in the soda can stoves. The thin fiberglass within foil can be used to hold hot stoves or kettles and can be used to hold heat in your kettle.

101. The lightest water container is a plastic soda, water, or Gatorade bottle. Of course, you’ll want to remove that heavy label.

I highly recommend that backpackers work from a camping list as they plan their gear purchases and pack for their trip. There are two reasons for this. The first and most obvious reason is that if you forget something important, you can’t hop in the car and run to the nearest Wal-Mart to buy a replacement like you can when you’re car camping (I currently own 3 propane bottles due to this phenomenon). The second and less obvious reason is that it helps you limit what you bring, which is very important when you’re carrying everything on your back.

Below I’ll show you my list. Granted, I’m not a thru-hiker, nor have I done 4-season backpacking, but I have done a couple 11-day treks and many shorter trips, and this is what works for me:

Shelter

Most backpackers use tents of some type. I have a Coleman Cobra small two-man tent that I use when the weather is really cold (I had dreams of being chased by a Polar Bear jumping from iceburg to iceburg one night when I tried sleeping in my hammock on night then the temperature was hovering around zero). I’ve found, however, that when the terrain, the rules, and the conditions allow, I prefer using a hammock. I bring the tarp for shelter over my hammock, and it has served at quick shelter for a group of nine during an intense sudden storm that came up while we were on the trail. Obviously, if you’re going to be camping in very rocky terrain, you’ll want a free-standing tent. If you’re going to be hiking in heavy snows, you’ll want a four-season tent. Here’s my shelter:

Kelty Noah’s Tarp 12 (I considered a 9′ tarp, but to me the 9oz difference was worth it for storm protection. It’s very roomy for one person. I’ve also shared my tarp on occasion. There are lots of tie-outs, so I have plenty of options for set-up.)
40″x96″ polycryo groundcloth (very light and folds very small)

Sleeping

Ultralight fanatics would never be caught dead with anything but the absolute lightest down sleeping bags. More power to them. All of my bags are synthetic. I live in an extremely rainy area, and synthetic bags still provide loft and warmth when wet. Due to one unfortunate incident on a Scout trip, I spent a cold night in a bag after wringing it out and other than being a little clammy, was fine. Down, on the other hand, loses all loft when it’s wet. Granted, there are lots of ways to keep your bag dry, but I’d rather prepare for the worst, so I suffer with a few extra ounces and a slightly bulkier bag.

Homemade hammock (I can’t always use it, but it’s nice when I can)
3/4 length Thermarest Guidelite (I can use this on the ground or in the hammock for bottom insulation if needed. I also use it for a “chair” on occasion.)
Sleeping Bag (I have several and bring the one that’s suited to the weather)
Sleepwear (ranges from underwear in warm weather to silk long underwear plus wool socks and a beanie in cold weather)

Pack

Some people prefer external frame packs, some prefer internal frame packs. Here are the key differences: an external frame pack is cooler on you back and you have options on how you attach gear to the outside of the pack, but it tends to ride a little further from your back than an internal; internal frame packs ride very close to your back which really reduces load swaying, but they’re hotter on your back and there are fewer options on how to carry your gear. I prefer internal frame packs, simply because I haven’t found an external frame that doesn’t hit the back of my head as I look up. I have a couple of packs, but my current pack is very light, since this is a good place to really trim the pounds.

Gossamer Gear G5 Hyperlight pack (I wouldn’t recommend this if you are hard on gear, but I’ve found it to be fine for me.)
Rain Cover

Water

I’ve heard of groups running out of water on the trail. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen to me or a group I’m hiking with.

Depending on the water supply in the area I’m hiking in, I will bring two Nalgenes, a four-liter Platypus water bag, and if needed, two empty one-liter club soda bottles. Note that if you’re in bear country and your water bottles have ever held anything other than water (club soda is just carbonated water), they should go into the bear bag at night. The food smell permeates the plastic.

Aquamira Water Treatment

Cooking/Eating

There are lots of options for lightweight high-tech stoves that are available today. I made the alcohol stove after reading an article online, and since it’s pretty cool and tends to be a conversation starter (not to mention being very, very lightweight), it’s what I use. Obviously if you’re going into an area where you have to rely on available fuels, stick with one of the more common white gas stove or even a dual fuel stove that can also use unleaded gas.

Homemade soda can stove + windscreen
Small bottle of methanol for fuel
Aluminum pot (grease pot)
Titanium mug
Lexan spork (gotta have a spork)

Safety

Skimp on your tent, and you get wet. Skimp on your sleeping bag, and you’ll be cold. Skimp on your safety equipment, and you could die.

Survival Kit (always in my pocket)
First Aid Kit
Lighter, “waterproof” matches, and a magnesium firestarter (there have been many cold, wet, windy nights where the magnesium turned frustration into fire)
Headlamp
Two Pulsar LED lights (one is always clipped to the outside of my pack)
Topo map
Compass (I don’t need no stinkin’ GPS – I will bring one, however, if there are any GeoCaches on the route I’m taking)

Accessories

Some people bring less, some bring more. I’ve found through experience that these are the items I use, and also those that I regret if I don’t have.

Trekking Poles (they REALLY help when you’re loaded down with water in rugged terrain and they can be used to pitch the tarp on the ground)
Journal + pen + 2 golf pencils (I lost my pen and my backup pencil once. The pencils are very light.)
Bear Bag Cord
Several homemade stuff sacks
Camera (I’ve been bringing a small digital with lithium batteries. The lithium batteries last a LONG time.)
Sunscreen
Bug Repellant
Bandanna
Toilet Paper in a freezer ziplock
Plastic trowel (sometimes the ground is just too hard to kick a hole with your boot)
Crocs for camp shoes
Bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap
Lightweight wide-brimmed hat
Lip Balm
Baking soda (for toothpaste)
Compact toothbrush
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Sunglasses with neck cord
Watch
Rain Jacket and Pants
Trash Bag(s) (I normally bring two in case one gets punctured. I also compact my trash very well, so small bags work fine for me.)
Duct Tape – a couple of yards wrapped around one of the Nalgenes is enough for me.
Multi-tool (the pliers double as a pot lifter)

Food

Please keep your food and trash completely separate from the rest of your pack items. Gallon Ziplocks will work OK for this. You don’t want your pack or gear to smell like food. Bears have excellent noses!

Two hot meals a day – oatmeal for breakfasts and variety for dinners
Cold trail-type food for lunches/snacks. (Make sure you plan for plenty of calories or you’re really start feeling it in the middle of your trek.)

Clothing

I’m not going to list all of the clothing I bring, because it changes significantly season-to-season. However, I think it’s important to list the clothing items I pack (i.e. duplicate items):

One extra wicking t-shirt
Two extra wicking underwear
Two extra pairs of Smartwool socks (I know I wasn’t going to get into clothing specifics, but I have to mention these. I’ve found the Smartwool Trekker socks to be the best for backpacking. I bring three total pairs so that I always (hopefully) have a dry pair to change into.)

Optional Items to Consider

You may think of other items you want to bring, but please remember that an ounce on your back is a pound on your feet!

Sock liners (I hate them, but some people love them. With Smartwool socks, I have no need.)

Gaiters (I’ve never used them, but I’m sure they help keep your socks dry in foul weather. They’re on my “should try” list.)
Extra Ziplock/trash bags
Feminine Products (Backpacking can make your cycle go wacko, so be prepared)
Reading Glasses, if needed (how else are you going to read your map?)

A Sharpie marker
Extra glasses, especially for contact lens wearers; extra contacts; contact solution

Deodorant (not recommended in bear country – you really don’t want to smell interesting to bears)

If you use the above camping list as a guideline as you prepare for your next backpacking trip, you can insure that you bring what you need without carrying a lot of stuff you’ll never use.

When it comes to winning your love back there are many of us who have experienced love and loss. You might be sitting there feeling that it wasn’t time for your love to end. You might feel that the relationship or marriage you’re in was a failure and you want to try again. The love that was there before is now gone. Let’s say you are not ready to let the love go, than you need to learn how to win the love back.

If you can honestly sit back and look at how love was a war that was constantly being waged than you can know how easy it is to lose the battle. In a relationship things can turn on a dime. Maybe there were times that you were winning the battles but the tides do turn. When you thought you were winning the war with your partner it now looks like you might have lost.

If you are not ready to give up and you can humble yourself enough to admit defeat then you need to FIGHT! If what you are fighting for is well worth all the tears that you have caused or going through yourself than you should seek out help and guidance. The help you find can help you get that love back. Getting that love back will be the hardest thing you have ever gone through but it can happen. First you should step back and look at the situation. When looking at the situation you need to evaluate it and be absolutely sure that this is good for you and your partner. If it isn’t than cut your losses and move on.

When trying to win the love back you will want to see how you can improve what you are doing currently and how to improve what you will be doing. If you want to be able to win the war than you need to be able to better yourself by looking at the past and seeing what you did wrong. While thinking of what you did in the past try to see how you could have done better. Remember that the person you love isn’t going to want to go back and continue going down the same path. If you want to make your loved one happy than change what you can.

Also seek out advice. Look for relationship advice so you can win your love back. So find someone who can work with you to help guide you so you can win the war and get your lover back. While getting advice have them teach you how to become a better lover and a better friend. These are the keys to help you so you can have a better relationship. So if you want to win your love back these are the steps you need to take so you can have success. Remember, nothing in life comes easy especially a successful relationship. Take care.

Antique carpet is very beautiful in design. The brilliant historical background has made it more attractive and splendid. The color combination is very good. The vintage carpet will make your home very cute and nice looking. The demand of the antique is high in the whole world. Clients prefer the vintage carpets and they show their massive likelihood to collect these home decoration accessories paying the good prices. It has now become an indispensable part of office decoration. If you are a businessman, you must decorate the reception hall, office chamber and the conference room with the red or black colored antique carpets.

The luster and elegance of the rooms will become more palpable and eye catching if the carpets are spread over the floors of the rooms. If you want to opt for the good quality vintage carpets, you need to talk to the well known dealers who have the good performance track record in the matter of distributing carpets which are very elegant and attractive at the justified prices. When you make the deal with the sellers, you need to do a comprehensive survey to know whether your dealers are selling the room decoration accessories within affordable price rates.

There are many dealers who are not genuine and they will give you false assurance by offering the machine made carpets. They will pretend that thee inner decoration items are antique which are in actuality not real. There are few tips and you should follow these short cut techniques to find the authentic dealers who will not dupe you by offering substandard goods.

First of all please be very careful and attentive while making the probe for collecting the antique carpets. You should gather information to know very clearly about the various features of the antique carpets. You should be well acquainted with age of the vintage carpet. You can ask the dealers about the age of the vintage carpets. You will have to look at the contours of the vintage carpets. The borders must be in good position. Often the dealers like to cut or trim the seams of the borders of the carpet. Therefore be careful and try to find the cost effective and really attractive carpet.

Kindly check whether there is any defect in the carpet. If there is any deep cut or hole in the texture of the vintage carpet, you must avoid the carpet as it is not genuine. Check the price rates which are marked on the rear or front side of this product. In this regard, you should do a short comprehensive checking in the internet to know about the different sorts of vintage carpets with the price tags.

Learn About Brands for Durable Camping Equipment

When you are buying equipment for camping, you want something that is going to stand up to wear and tear over the years. You want all your supplies to last for a long time not just through a few uses. Luckily it is not that hard to find quality equipment to enjoy your camping experience with. Several brands turn out top quality goods. The Coleman brand has been well known since the early 1900s when it first started. Back then it was all about gas lanterns.

The Coleman Company turns out high-quality tents of various sizes, lanterns, camp stoves, and more. Their merchandise does stand up year after year. This brand is also reasonably priced so it is easily affordable by all camping enthusiasts.

REI has been in business since 1938 and today it turns out excellent camping gear. From tents to sleeping bags REI offer you the camper quality. The online store alone offers various choices of gear for you to check out. The company also puts many dollars into conserving the great outdoors do you can continue to enjoy them for years to come.

Kelty is another reliable name in gear to enjoy the outdoors with. It has been in business since 1952 when Dick Kelty began it. Prior to opening Kelty and Dick had made some packs for his friends in the garage at his house. Now the company sells everything from backpacks to tents to child carriers for backpacking.

These are just some of the top names. So you can see how easy it will be to find quality merchandise to help you in your camping efforts. With good durable equipment camping is so much more fun. This is what camping is all about after all, is it not? Fun in the wide-open space of the outdoors.

Agra is an amazing city of Uttar Pradesh State which is known throughout the world for the undying symbol of love ‘Taj Mahal’. The architectural marvel of this historic city summons scores of tourists to this place which makes it a most visited city of India. Situated on the bank of river Yamuna this city nestles some of the supreme Mughal architectural monuments which fascinate each and every visitor coming to this place. This place was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1658 which gifted this city with many splendid Mughal era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri and all three of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Taj Mahal:

Taj Mahal is the epitome of love which is renowned for its immeasurable architectural beauty and inlay decoration. This undying symbol of love is the most visited monument of India which is known for its architectural marvel representing best of man made wonders. Taj Mahal is the wonder of modern day architecture which makes it one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its fusion of Indo-Islamic architectures, inlay decorations, lattice work and calligraphic representations. This is the symbol of love which was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight.

This edifice of love is the encrypted symbol of love carved out of the white marble which took 22 years to be build by 20,000 skilled artisans. The exquisiteness of this superb architecture is personified by the cryptic calligraphy all over the complex. Taj Mahal is renowned for its delicate pierce work, Arch of Jali, Inlay detail, Incised painting and Herringbone.

Fatehpur Sikri:

This architectural fort was built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri means the City of Victory which was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only 10 years. The complex grand fort includes monuments and temples all in a uniform architectural style which includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Some of the well known attractions of this palace are Diwan-I-Am or the Hall Of Public Audience which is famous for its Beautiful jali screen work.

Diwan-khana-I-khaas or Hall of Private Audience is famous for its single vaulted chamber. In the center of this stands a profusely carved column. Some other known attractions of this place are Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, Hawa Mahal, Nagina Masjid, Daulat khana-I-khas, the Treasury and many more.

Jama Masjid Agra:

This Mosque is famous for its architectural pattern which showcases the assimilation of Indo – Iranian construction pattern. The beauty of this place lies in its rectangular open forecourt with no minarets. It is known for its striking marble pattern of sandstone domes which captivates visitor’s attention.

Some of the other well known attractions of this place are Sikandra in Agra, Rambagh in AgraTaj Agra, Agra Fort and many more.

For those who love to travel frequently with their baby, using a lightweight stroller can be the perfect choice. Since this tool is designed to be lightweight, parents will be easier when going with the baby in the stroller. Besides, most of strollers today are made to be easily folded so that you do not have to worry about storing it in your car. If you are going to buy a lightweight stroller for your baby or toddler, you can check out the following tips in order to get the best result on your shopping.

When choosing a lightweight stroller, you need to consider about the weight and the size of your baby or toddler. Do not choose too small or too large item because it can make your children to be uncomfortable to sit on the stroller. Also, you have to make sure that the stroller is lightweight enough to push, lift, and move.

Furthermore, you need to make sure that the stroller you are going to purchase is equipped with safety harness to avoid your baby from getting injury. Besides, in order to keep the stroller from collapsing or accidentally folding up, you have to make sure that the stroller is equipped with locking mechanisms. This feature also helps you to keep the wheels from spinning when you want it to stay so that it would not move around.

Moreover, you also have to consider about the height of the stroller handles. Make sure that you will get a comfort to operate it. Just choose the stroller that comes with suitable height for you. In addition, you need to examine the features included on the stroller like storage basket, canopy, or cup holder.