Tecnu Extreme
For all you campers and hikers out there, you all own a first aid kit, riiiight? Well you should have one, and it should be stocked with Tecnu Extreme cream. Tecnu Extreme is a poison ivy cream that can prevent you from ever getting it, or treat it once you have it.
Urushiol is the stuff that gets on your skin and causes you to itch. Tecnu Extreme, when used within 8 hours after exposure to the plants, can remove the urushiol thoroughly enough so that a person may be able to avoid the rash in the first place. If the rash has started, Tecnu Extreme can help stop the rash in its tracks and help with the itching.
The forest services use this, and so do landscapers, and others that work around foliage. It’s really easy to buy as you can find it in any drug store, or you can order it online here. So make sure to add this to your first aid kit!
Hi-Tec Hiking Boots at Zappos
I just got new hiking boots from Zappos.com. I didn’t have a lot to spend, so after Michael’s 40% discount, I scored on this pair of Hi-Tec
Cape Trail WP for only $44 bucks!
They feel pretty good on my feet, and I’m excited to test them out this weekend at the Virgin Gorge baby! Pictures to follow, I’m sure.
hiking boots, zappos, Virgin Gorge
Squishy Bowls
Michael came across these cool Squishy Bowls on the internet today. They are made of silicone and they squish down for easy packing in your backpack.
They claim they are sturdy, and can withstand up to 400 degrees! You can either wash them out if water is available, or turn them inside out and lick them clean, and they come in 4 pretty colors, Tahoe Blue, tomato, Celery, and Slate.
They come in a Bowl & Cup set for $15.95. Just one Medium Bowl sells for $10.95, and two Travel Shots will run you $7.95. You can pick them up at REI, or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Pretty nifty!
guyotdesigns.com, Squishy Bowls, camping equipment, camping
Tent Camping
As you guys know we love tent camping. It’s truly the only way to camp in our minds. Our friends gave us a new tent as a wedding gift, that we haven’t gotten to use yet, but we will soon, and maybe even in the snow! I came across a pretty informative site all about tent camping. It’s not flashy and fancy, just informative and straight to the point. They cover everything from types of tents, which ones to use in different weather conditions, and even links to the manufacturers websites where you can order them. And if you like eBay, they have a link to buying tents on the auction site as well.
tent camping, tents, camping equipment
Wysi Wipe
I just have to tell you about this cool product I came across on the internet. I got a free sample in the mail, and I’m telling you, I was really impressed. Wysi Wipe is a compressed towelette that requires water to expand. They are 100% natural, and biodegradable. They are small and compact and perfect to take camping and hiking, as they take up less than an inch of your pack, and weigh only 2 grams.
Not only camping and hiking, but they are so handy you can take them in your car, diaper bag, purse, anywhere that you may need a wipe to clean up spills, and messy faces or hands. You can check out the Wysi Wipe site for ordering information, and to see videos of them in action, but I thought I would make my own, to show you that they REALLY WORK!
I’m impressed! The Wysi Wipes should be in everyone’s backpack!
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Independent Thought
A really useful firstaid kit should always be accessible for health emergencies around your workplace, residence, or on road for traveling purposes. This firstaid kit should have appropriate antibiotics and antiseptic in it. The really good firstaid kits should contain cold pack to reduce emergency arthritis pain and muscles aches.
WysiWipe, towelettes, camping, camping equipment
Storage Containers
Oh I found another piece of camping equipment that I don’t think I would have any use for, but I guess some people might? It’s a small locking, waterproof box for jewelry. Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t wear jewelry while camping. I mean I have my rings on, but I don’t ever take them off, so I’m just not sure about this product. Do you wear jewelry camping? I guess Paris Hilton would.
Camping Kitchen Suppy Storage
I was making a list of the equipment that we need for camping. It seems like every time we are out on a trip, there is something that we say we need next time. So I started this list that we can take to REI next time we go. One of the things that I want is a kitchen stowaway cabinet. They are rugged boxes with sturdy cabinet hardware, where you can keep all your kitchen supplies in one safe place, and away from the bears!
camping kitchen, kitchen storage units
What Clothes To Bring For Backpacking
While researching what to pack as far as clothing when backpacking, I came across a website on disposable undergarments. On long backpacking trips, disposable underwear products are perfect for camping because you don’t have to use limited backpack space with re-packing dirty underwear, or washing them out in a stream. You can just wear, and toss in your trash bags, that you are taking out with you, right?? And they are friendly to the environment as long as you dispose of them properly.
Camping Shoes
So what’s the best kind of shoes to wear while you are out camping? I usually just bring my flip flops for around the camp site, then my walking shoes for when we go out hiking and exploring nature.
I remember the one time I put on my walking shoes to go for a hike, and I had forgotten to turn them over and check for bugs. I had them on for only a minute when I noticed something moving around in one of my shoes. I freaked out, ripped them off, and I found a big beetle. Shudder, oh it was so gross!
Sometimes I really want a more comfortable shoe than my flip flops, so I was looking at Dansko shoes. They claim to have “anatomically contoured foot beds that support the foot from heel to toe.” That sounds comfortable. I like how the toes are square and more shaped like your foot, so there is plenty of room to wiggle your toes. They also have rocker bottoms that help you walk more naturally.
Not only do they have shoes with all these comforts, but they have Dansko sandals and Dansko boots also. They also have won the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, so you know they are great shoes. I think I want a pair of the clogs. They would be easy to slip on and off when I get in and out of the tent.
What are you favorite kind of shoes to wear around the campsite?
Dansko Sandals, Dansko boots, Dansko shoes
What’s A Good Camping SUV/Truck?
We are seriously considering trading in both of our cars, and getting a new SUV or truck. Every time we go camping, we are shoving as much stuff in every possible place in the car. The trunk is jammed back, the backseat is stuffed full, and I even usually have something on my lap the whole way there. It is really starting to suck, so we need something bigger, and fast!
When we get a new vehicle we are going to look into an extra extended car warranty coverage like the company Continental Warranty offers.
When I had to have my engine torn apart at the beginning of the year, having an extended car warranty would have saved me from scrambling to come up with $1000 for car repair costs. I guess you live and learn though, so as soon as I can get all caught back up again in the financial department I am going to look into purchasing an extended warranty for my car.
On the site they have a section where you can search for car warranty plans by plugging in the state you live in, and the mileage on your car. So I know that we can find a good plan foe our new vehicle that would cover such things as the engine, transmission and transfer case, front and rear wheel drive, air conditioning, brakes, cooling system, electrical, fuel system, and steering components.
The next step is calling one of their agents to get a quote on what it would cost for an extended warranty on my car. Do any of you have an extended warranty on your car or SUV? What company did you purchase yours through? Do you think it’s worth it? What’s the best SUV or truck that we should buy for camping?
We are two people who love to go camping and hiking. We love the outdoors, and we are working on becoming as green as we can be.
