HIKING BASICS

What is Merino Wool: Benefits and Great Properties

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2017

admin

Merino wool became the most prominent and renowned fabric, among other wool fabrics, due to its sought-after properties and qualities. For those who are thinking: “What is Merino wool and what properties does it have?” , you should know that these include, but not limited to, thermal properties, durability, breathability, and softness. This is actually what encourages many of us to prefer wool-designed knitwears, particularly in winter, because of the insulation properties to keep us warm.

Furthermore, Merino wool is also water-repellent on its outer layers, while other, standard wools, get clammy and damp in inclement and frosty snow temperatures, and can have an irritating itchiness when worn against the skin without any sub-layer underneath. To prevent these adverse inconveniences, the world’s leading knitwear designers use Merino wool predominantly.

To add on, you probably have seen the skyrocketing popularity of this type of wool, but weren’t aware of its indispensable properties. Some people have overlooked the garments made of Merino wool, due to their considerably higher prices, but, nonetheless, it is worth the price.

We will highlight the benefits of this material, its properties compared to regular wool, and its importance to outdoor explorers. But firstly, let’s help you understand what Merino wool is, and what are its roots?

Merino Wool breakdown

This a type of wool derived from one of the rarest, selective bred, Merino Sheep. The sheep is predominantly found in some regions such as New Zealand and Australia, which are infamous for extremely frosty weather conditions, in which normal sheep would probably die if they had been staying there.

Merino wool

The traditional sheep, found in virtually all regions, is not insulated enough to withstand the extremely inclement temperatures. The Merino Sheep, unlike others, has that ability to withstand whichever coldness exposed to. It was this special insulation property that has led to the appreciation of Merino wool in weaving and knitting of, inter alia, outdoor clothes.

Furthermore, Merino sheep produce a soft and durable fleece, which then allows designers to use it for designing their clothes solely of that wool. As a result, the same way that the animal keeps warm in frosty temperatures, outdoor explorers, such as hikers, backpackers, and campers, will be able to keep warm in a durable and soft fleece.

There are many knitwears that are made of Merino wool and these include jackets, V-neck shirts, socks and trousers. You can find such clothes, to prepare for your next outdoor excursion, from various stores, but they are heavily priced, although the price is quite justifiable considering the sought-after properties and qualities that the wool offers.

How Does It Benefit You?

Are you a frequent traveler to a wide variety of countrysides, wherein you get faced with harsh weather conditions? Then Merino wool would certainly allow you to keep your body warm. It can be a great attire in ice climbing, backpacking or snowboarding.

Merino wool benefits

Other synthetic fibers are not a match to the properties found in this wool, and neither are other standard wools from other sheep. Let’s explore the benefits of this wool and then compare with other wools.

Merino Wool vs Other Wools

Merino wool	Other wools
It is breathable	Also breathable but unequal to Merino wool
Has super ultrafine fibers	Have big fibers
Is relatively expensive	Relatively cheaper
Lightweight and easy to dry out	Heavyweight and take long to dry
Has a greater elasticity due to extremely fine fibers	Have minimal elasticity due to big fibers
Soft and not itching against the skin	Irritatingly itchy if worn against the skin due to big fibers getting into the hair follicles
Odor repellant due to maximum moisture absorption	Minimal odor repellant due to inability to absorb massive moisture
Has antimicrobial properties	No anti-microbial/bacterial properties that help prevent odor build-up.
Great water resistant layer	Minimal water resistant, which then results with clamminess when exposed to frosty weather conditions
Cool and warm: Can be worn in either summer or winter	Often worn in winter due to minimal breathability

These are a few yet important benefits of Merino wool compared to other wool fibers. Let’s elaborate on them below:

Breathability: Although, other wools possess this characteristic, they do not surpass Merino wool with its superb and unrivaled breathability.
It has soft and ultra fine fibers that allow the air to circulate, which ensures that the body doesn’t overheat, and that is especially useful during the scorching days of summer. Meanwhile the standard wool does not offer the same level of breathability.
Elasticity: Another great property of this wool is its impeccable elasticity. The knitwear made of Merino wool can easily conform to any shape draped onto. This makes it more ideal for runners because it can stretch to its original shape after use.
Furthermore, the wool’s natural elasticity enables it to be wrinkle-free even after washing it. You can hand-wash it or use the machine and then wear the garment without the need to iron it first.
Softness: Unlike the coarser wool fibers, extracted from other sheep, Merino wool ultra fine fibers are relatively soft. The fleece of its garments enables your skin to feel soft, and you don’t any additional layer to prevent itchiness.
Coarser wool fibers, with their big fiber diameters, tend to be rough because the fibers get into the hair follicles of your skin.
Adaptability to Warm and Cool temperatures: This wool is versatile in that it can be worn during winter or summer. In summer, for instance, the garment can absorb moisture when your body perspires to eliminate any sweat.
It helps manage and regulate the body heat by dispersing moisture through the fibers to the outside environment to evaporate. That being done, you won’t see the need to undress when faced with hot days when hiking or doing any other outdoor activity.
In winter, the garment made of Merino wool will certainly keep you warm because of its unsurpassed insulation.
The animal from which this wool has been extracted, withstands frosty weather conditions that cannot be withstood by other sheep. Having said this, you need this wool to keep you warm in case you’re planning on hiking or backpacking in harsh temperatures.
It has a great weight to warmth ratio to ensure the unequaled warmth compared to ordinary wools.
Odor repellant: Other garments made of ordinary wools are infamous of odors due to their inability to absorb maximum moisture from the body and disperse it. More perspiration leads to unbearable odor, more especially if you are to wear the garment for a longer period. Merino wool, on the other hand, with its breathability, helps resist the accumulation of odor.
The fibers absorb the perspiration odor that will be eliminated when washing the garment. You can wear the garment made of this wool for several days in the wilderness without suffering from unpleasant odors from your body’s sweat.
Furthermore, on odor repellant properties, the wool has massive antimicrobial properties to prevent the prevalence and accumulation of bacteria that cause stinky odor when the body perspires. It absorbs any bacteria and then releases it to the outer area. As a result, no bacteria will build up in, for example, your armpits.
Stain Resistant: Because of the extremely fine fibers, Merino wool is capable of resisting stains in case liquids spill on its garment’s outer layer. The stains will not be absorbed, they will instead be repelled. The another interesting thing about this wool is that it attracts less dust than regular wool.
Fire Retardant: In the unfortunate event that you mistakenly catch campfire, for example, the Merino wool will not stick to your skin as it doesn’t get melted by the fire.
You can quickly remove the garment in such occurrences, and get away unharmed. This property makes the wool safer compared to other synthetic fabrics.
Lightweight: The soft and fine fibers of Merino wool make it lightweight compared to other synthetics or other wools. Even if wet, they are still lightweight because of their ability to repel much of the water and disperse the moisture to keep you dry.
This is an especially great characteristic for hikers and campers as their backpacks will weigh less.
Protection against the UV: As much as it protects the sheep against the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun, the garment made of this wool will surely protect your body against such rays.
Other synthetic garments are not capable of this. With this in mind, wearing merino wool garments in scorching days is never a bad choice because, in addition to keeping you cooler, it will protect you against the harmful UV radiation.

Which Clothes Contain Merino Wool?

Now that you know the vast majority of properties exclusively found in this wool, it is time to discover the range of garments that are made of it.

Clothes Containing Merino Wool

Below are some of clothing products made of this wool.

Winter Jackets: hard-shell jackets, jerseys, and other winter wear accessories, have been made with Merino wool to improve insulation. It’s all because this wool has stunning and great thermal qualities to keep the wearers warm. Mostly, the inner fleece is knitted with this wool instead of other fabric materials such as the cotton and polyester.
Socks: socks are also predominantly made of this wool due to its warmth and breathability. Our feet, for example, are more prone to sweating due to overheating from the shoes, particularly in the summer. A fabric material that can help deter odor and help absorb the moisture is more preferable, and Merino wool is that material because it absorbs the moisture to eliminate odor.
As a result, your socks can be worn for longer periods without having that unpleasant odor.
Summer knitwear: this wool is capable of making you cool in summer’s scorching weather conditions. It is competitively breathable and disperses moisture in order to regulate the body heat. Moreover, the wool does not cause an irritating itchy feeling on the skin because of its softness.
Sportswear: Merino wool has a greater elasticity and anti-wrinkle property. It stretches easily to its original shape and there’s no need to iron it. This property makes it employable in most of the sportswear garments.
Explorers who like climbing high mountains or running in the wilderness, can benefit from this wool. It will either keep them warm or cool in addition to its elasticity.
Inner fleece layers: some clothes can be made of this wool in combination with other fabric materials such as nylon or polyester. The wool is often made as an inner fleece because of its softness on the skin.
Blankets: although rarely, some blankets are made of this wool to enhance their insulating properties that correlate with winter jackets made of this wool.

Where to Buy Merino Wool Garments?

There are many “brick & mortar” and online retail stores that sell these garments. As highlighted already, you need to be prepared for the expensive prices you have to pay a bit more for such clothing. To prevent confusion with other wools, check the garments ticket to check the type of wool used.

It should be understood that many winter jackets, in particular, are made of cotton wool or other types of wools because Merino is scarce to find. Perhaps, the observation of the fine fibers can help you spot the right wool.

The Importance of Merino Wool to Outdoor Activists

Campers, hikers, ice climbers, backpackers, skiers and snowboarders, are often exposed to unbearable and extremely cold temperatures in the wilderness. As a result of that, they need warm clothing to survive such frosty temperatures. Merino wool, with its wide range of properties, emerges as the best companion for outdoor activists.

The outdoor temperatures can fluctuate at any time. If you wear other synthetics to keep you warm, you will be prompted to undress when the sun rises. Furthermore, synthetic clothes for winter are often heavy weight. That will be a burden to you, especially when you have to walk longer distances and climb steep mountains.

Merino Wool to Outdoor Activists

Merino wool, on the other hand, is light in weight making it possible to be worn regardless of the distance to be traveled in dry days. It can adapt to the fluctuation of temperatures because it is breathable, thus well designed to keep you either warm or cool.

HIKING BASICS

Health Benefits Of Drinking Water: Be Positively Hydrated!

Published

5 years ago

October 24, 2019

admin

We all know that humans simply cannot live without water. It is essential to our livelihood and helps the body in so many ways that we simply cannot function without it. Even our blood is 92 percent water! Staying properly hydrated allows your body to remove toxins and helps to send vitamins and nutrients, as well as oxygen, through the body to the proper places, keeping you energized. We will discuss all that and more as well as how long to digest water.

Water is helpful when losing weight, as it boosts your body’s metabolism, and it promotes healthy skin. You may feel that you are in a happier mood when you are hydrated, because water is doing its job by working with your body. You probably have a lot of questions, such as how long does water stay in your stomach? That can vary from person to person, but we will discuss more below about water and your body.

Soon, you will know all about water, how to stay hydrated, what causes dehydration and more. Let us first talk about ingesting water.

Ingesting Water

When you drink water, it travels from the mouth to pharynx and then down the esophagus. This takes about a second. Some of that water is absorbed into the stomach, some if it is absorbed into the small intestine. Then the water enters your circulatory system and then flows through the body. Did you know that if you drink 2 liters of water each day, it can turn into upwards of 2,000 ml of urine? The bladder holds up to 16 ounces of urine. For your stomach to digest water, it can take generally 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, if you have not eaten anything, and are drinking water, it can sometimes digest in just a handful of minutes.

On average, a person needs at least 64 ounces of water in their body per day. If you are highly active, you may need more water. Depending on your fitness level, you may need to increase your water intake as well. Ingesting this much water will keep toxins flushing out of the body and will keep you full so you will not want to snack. It boosts your metabolism, keeping you going through the day. The best part? Water has no sugar, no fat, and no calories!

Ways to Stay Hydrated

Besides drinking water and increasing your intake if necessary, you can find many foods also have a lot of water. Stay away from the caffeine, which acts as a diuretic. Many fruits and meats contain a high amount of water.

Some great examples of foods that will keep you hydrated include:

Hamburger Meat
Chicken breast (not fried)
Soups, Broths, and Stews
Smoothies
Flavored Water or Sports Drinks like Powerade
Watermelon
Grapes
Real Fruit Juice
Jell O

There are many things you can do to improve your body’s hydration level.

Making small changes like replacing that soda with some water, can help your body work better and less harder.

Here are some ways to improve your hydration level:

If you do not like plain water, you can always eat foods that are high in water, such as those mentioned above.. Some foods can contain up to 90 percent water. While you do want to drink water regularly, you can always add lemon for flavor.
Stay away from drinks that will steal water from your body. These would be the sodas, coffees, and teas because not only are they diuretics, causing you to lose more water when you urinate. If you are already dehydrated or sick, stay away especially from apple juice and prune juice as you will lose even more water in the form of stool.
To increase your water intake, carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. Whether it is exercising at the gym, working in your office, or driving your car, keeping water nearby will allow you easy access to hydration.
If you are flying, you may notice that your mouth feels dry. The air in the cabin dries out your body. Drink water before and during your flight so you do not feel this way. During this time, you should also avoid soda pop and alcohol while you are in the air.
Stay away from any “water diets” that claim to help you lose weight fast. Drinking too much water can be dangerous. Not only that, but your body can only absorb so much water before it just goes straight to your bladder. You will not burn fat doing a water diet.
Water is hard to digest when you are eating it with a meal. It also dilutes the digestive acids. If you do want to drink water with your dinner, try drinking sips of room temperature water. Drinking ice water will slow the digestion process.
As we said before, drinking two glasses of water when you wake up can help jump start your body for the day. It keeps your body in balance and allows your mood to improve. This is definitely a must when it comes to hydration.
Lay off the carbonated water as it only makes you burp. The gas from this will make you feel full in the stomach, which means you will not drink as much as you would with regular water. If you cannot live without a little fizz in your drink, you can always put some seltzer in your water.
You can lose weight by drinking more water. It can help to burn calories and can help you feel full between meals. Water will flush the kidneys and release toxins from your body, as well as some fat. If your kidneys are in great shape, the rest of your body will improve.

What Causes Dehydration?

There are many things that can lead to dehydration, namely lack of giving yourself water for your body. If you do not ingest water, you can die within days. Some foods can cause dehydration as well.

Below are 9 foods and drinks that can dehydrate your body.

White Asparagus: This vegetable has aspartic acid, which affects the kidneys, depleting water from your body. This will, in turn, cause you to be dehydrated.
Alcohol: Since alcohol is a diuretic, it will make you need to use the restroom more. Thus, you are losing water from your body. Too much alcohol will cause a hangover, leading to a headache, because of lack of water. If you do drink, try to drink water as well to keep yourself from a hangover later.
Cured Meats: Because of the high amount of protein and salt in cured meats, your body will lose water. It is recommended to drink water along with your cured meats to ensure the salt does not dry up the water within you.
Coffee: If you drink just one or two cups of coffee, you do not have to worry about it dehydrating you. However, if you drink a lot of coffee, it dehydrates you like alcohol does because coffee is also a diuretic. Plus, the caffeine is thought to speed up the process of dehydration.
Soy Sauce: We all like to add a little soy sauce to our rice now and then, but it does contain salt, which will soak the water up from your body. In 2013, a girl almost died from drinking a quart of it and it gave her an imbalance of electrolytes, causing dehydration. If you use it a lot, though, you should drink some water along with it.
Bouillon Cubes: Used for making soup, bouillon cubes contain a very high amount of salt, which aids in dehydrating you. Essentially, when it is used in soup, you are drinking flavored salty water. Even though water is used in the process of making soup, you will still need additional water to stay hydrated. If you are sick, you will want the extra fluids so water can replenish your body.
Popcorn: High in sodium, popcorn can cause you to feel very thirsty. Many like to drink a soda with their popcorn, especially in the theater. Try to replace that soda with water or flavored water to gain some fresh water for your body.
Fried Foods: French Fries. Cheese Sticks. Fried Chicken. If it is fried, it is going to dehydrate you. Fried foods and processed foods usually have a lot of salt, which can be over your daily intake amount. Avoid these foods or eat sparingly. Always replenish yourself with some water after eating these foods.
Sugary Drinks: Many sodas or juices contain a high amount of sugar, which are acidic as well. While they may be tasty, they are sucking water right out of your body. In turn, all of your organs are working harder to process the sugars, and your body has lost water. Cut back on the sugary drinks, by including more water within your daily diet.

What Happens to Your Body without Water?

Dehydration will occur when you do not have enough water in your body. You need to replace the water throughout the day to keep your body functioning properly.

Some signs that you are being dehydrated include:

Dry mouth
Feeling tired
Headache or dizziness
Muscle cramps
Dry skin
Constipation

There are more signs if you happen to be severely dehydrated, such as:

Irritability
Sunken eyes
Fast heartbeat
Fever
Little to no urine
Low blood pressure

There are more signs, but those are the major ones. The major causes of dehydration are: frequent urination, sweating, vomiting, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Nobody is immune to dehydration and it can affect you more, and this is especially true for certain people like:

The elderly
Sick people
Infants
Diabetics
Alcoholics
Those with adrenal gland disorders
Those with cystic fibrosis

The elderly are more likely to become dehydrated because as a person ages, the thirst mechanism in the body is not as strong. Therefore, they will lose water faster. If an elderly person has dementia, they will experience dehydration and the need to stay on top of their water consumption. Infants and small children are at risk of dehydration because their little bodies go through water faster, so they need to be sure to get water regularly.

While a person can live up to 3 weeks without food, the body can only go 3 days without water. Survival experts, stick by the Rule of Threes: You can live only 3 minutes without oxygen. You have 3 hours to find shelter in a harsh weathered environment. You can live 3 days without water, and you can live 3 weeks without food. There have been cases where people have lived a week without water, but those are rare. Since the body is nearly 70 percent water, you can see how essential it is for living.

Best Time to Drink Water

Believe it or not, there are times in the day that are better for drinking water, as well as a few guidelines that will help your body get all of the water it needs.

So, when is the best time to drink water?

Drink 2 glasses of water upon waking up. This helps to wake up your internal organs and get them ready for the day.
Drink 1 glass of water a half hour before any meal as it helps the digestion process.
If you are taking a bath, drink 1 glass of water to keep your blood pressure down.
Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of water for heart health. This aids in preventing a heart attack or stroke.
Another trick is, after drinking the 2 glasses when you wake up, you can brush your teeth and eat about 45 minutes later. From there, eat your breakfast and do not eat again for another 2 hours. This helps water to process through your body more efficiently.

Best Ways to Drink Water

There are three great ways to drink water and keep yourself healthy:

Drink at a slow pace. Keeping a steady pace when drinking water will keep you more hydrated than if you were to down a whole bottle in just a few moments. This is because your intestines can only take so much water at once. If water moves too fast, you will lose it through urination, instead of it being absorbed into your body.
Drink water with some lemon! Lemon has many health benefits as you will see below. You will feel more energetic and your body will be able to digest food better. Using a water pitcher that has an infuser will allow you to infuse your water with whatever fruit you want and the fruit will pour into your glass with the water.
Timing is key for drinking water, as we stated above. Knowing when to drink water will allow you to better absorb it giving you more energy and releasing more toxins. Drinking water is simple if you have some next to you at all times. You can use a tumbler and fill it wherever you need to, at school, at the office, or at home. Drinking as you eat will slow down the digestion process, as some people think.

Add a Little Lemon

Lemon is not only for enhancing your water with taste, but it can do wonders for your body. Here is how:

Lemon keeps you alert and full of energy because it contains potassium. This helps nerve function and brain function, and it reduces stress.
Lemon boosts your immune system with Vitamin C. This helps the body heal and helps to break up phlegm if you are sick.
A little lemon in your water will keep you not only hydrated but will not hold onto fat cells. They also absorb nutrients.
Since lemon has Vitamin C, your skin will produce more collagen, which keeps wrinkles at bay.
Lemons have pectin fiber, which keeps your metabolism regulated. This can help you lost weight and curb craving.
The liver loves lemons because it helps produce enzymes for your body. The liver works better and the bile helps in digestion. It also keeps toxins flowing out of your body by urination. Plus, lemons help bowel movement regulation.

Wrapping it up

Water is our life, truly. We need to take care of our bodies by drinking an appropriate amount each day. This lessens our risks of heart attacks, strokes, and sickness. It keeps your skin beautiful and helps boost your mood. Without water, we cannot survive. Hopefully, you have learned many things about water and can improve your daily regimen. Thanks for reading!

HIKING BASICS

Romantic Camping Ideas: Genius Hacks For Camping Couples To Plan Their A Romantic Outdoor Adventure

Published

5 years ago

October 20, 2019

admin

Camping is definitely the first thing that crosses someone’s mind when it comes to a perfect Valentine day or any other romantic event, especially if you and your partner love camping and spending time in the wilderness.

Imagine the fun and romance taking the love of your life somewhere far away from the hustle, bustle and busy schedule of city struggles. It would be up to you to turn “the wild environment into the romantic one”.

In this article, we are going to take a look at some really amazing romantic camping ideas. If you are still not sure about romantic camping, then stay tuned because you might end up loving it.

How to Plan Your Romantic Camping Trip

If you don’t want your romantic getaway to turn into a disaster,there are some important things to consider before actually going on a trip.

Pick the perfect spot

It is crucial to do some research beforehand and get yourself familiar with the area. Of course, unless you are planning to go somewhere where you have already been. If not, then make sure to find a place that would suit both of you. Since you are planning a romantic trip, go somewhere where you will have privacy and peace and quiet.

How to find the perfect spot? Do a research on all of the campsites online. By using online maps you can take a look at each detail, route, and path. By doing this you will be able to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Make reservations

This is very important, especially during the peak vacation months. You do not want your camping spot to be reserved by someone else, right? Not only reservations, but you should also use the online info to find out about entrance fees and the price of the activities being performed there.

In this way you won’t be surprised in a bad way.

Camping Gear You Must Not Forget

Let’s take a look at some of the goodies that you should not forget. These goodies would come in handy during your romantic camping.

But make sure to remember that you cannot really bring all of them together, because that depends on the location.

Since you will be sleeping in the wilderness, a comfy air mattress of high quality is a must. You might even want to go for a two-person sleeping bag so you would make sure that both of you have enough space. However, if you are camping somewhere with freezing temperatures or during the winter, you might want to buy a warmer and a waterproof sleeping bed with good insulation.
Pillows will spice up the cozy atmosphere and allow you to snuggle.
Make sure to bring extra blankets if you are camping in the winter or in case it suddenly gets colder. Or imagine what would happen if you get trapped in a rain or storm.
Take your romantic event in the wilderness to a higher level by hanging string lights around the tent, or even in the bushes and trees around it. You will need a battery powered, light strings or the solar ones.
Many couples go for candles when they want to achieve romantic mood, but remember that you must bring only the risk-free light. That is why you should consider bringing LED tea lights which can create the same Valentine effect.
Bring a guitar or some other musical instrument that is easily carried around. You can woo your partner or get wooed. You can also sing some favorite songs together. You will be probably alone, so there won’t be any need to be embarrassed.
Nobody would go camping without bringing a camping stove, so you can make delicious hot drinks like hot chocolate. It is not very romantic to eat canned food.
Do not forget to bring cards and games you both love to play together.
A cooler will keep all food and drinks fresh and cool. It is actually a must with regular camping as well.
If you are not able to play any musical instrument, then take a portable music player with you. Make a romantic playlist of favorite songs in advance and surprise your partner! Music makes everything better.

Other Things to Consider Before You Go

Besides the camping gear that you must not forget to bring, there are also a couple of other things to consider, such as:

Clothes: avoid smelly fabrics that quickly absorb sweat. Cotton becomes very stinky and should be avoided while synthetics, wool and Gore-Tex are great choices. Wool is warm while Gore-Tex is waterproof. Polypropylene and polyester can be used as under-layers because they do not get as stinky as cotton.
Prepare the menu: instead of wondering about the food there, make sure to prepare the full menu before you go. Spice up the camping trip activities and surprise your partner with dishes that she or he adores. If both of you are fond of alcoholic drinks, bring a favorite beverage, but place it in a bag or thermos. Do not forget desserts!
Do a research on wildlife: you would not want to get surprised by a bear, right? Even though it can be quite exciting to come upon a wild animal, you should know how to behave in its presence and if it is possible, to avoid if it is dangerous. You can even find about which products to bring with you in order to prevent insect bites or which places to avoid so you would not come face to face with a rat, skunk, snake, or mountain lion. While you are taking a break, inspect your body to see if there are ticks, because they must be removed immediately. That means that you should not forget an antiseptic.

Ideas for Romantic Camping Destinations

Here are some wonderful ideas for romantic destinations. Depending on where you live and your budget, you can choose at least one that would suit both you and your partner.

Campfire

In most states and countries, campfires are forbidden due to the risk of forest fires.

That is why you should be aware of the fact that you would be able to go camping only when it is colder. However, what is more romantic than sitting around a warm campfire and looking at the stars? You can also enjoy a nice dinner and create a wonderful atmosphere.

Do a research on sites and locations that allow campfires and purchase the firewood only if you are sure that you can really go. Follow the campfire policy for your own safety and everything will be good.

Beaches

Beaches are another amazing and romantic getaway. You can swim, bathe in the sun, and make a beach fire, play beach games etc. Camping at the beach is different than camping in the woods, so you will need to bring beach-specific supplies. The basics are the same, but you will also need to protect your skin from the sun and bug bites.

Track the tides regularly, stay away from the dunes during the night and stay hydrated.

Hot Springs

Have you ever tried camping near a natural hot spring? Then make sure to try it, because it is relaxing, amazing and utterly romantic! If you manage to find a hot spring, imagine soaking yourself in hot water with your partner under the starry night. You can spice it up with tea-light candles, a portable music player and drinks.

However, make sure not to use glass for your drinks, never use soap and do not leave any litter behind.

Hiking

Hiking can be another great way to spend a romantic day with your partner. Just imagine a nice weekend in the wilderness, and away from the crowds. However, make sure to bring boots of good quality because you will be on foot for hours; developing blisters is never romantic. Your shoes should provide you with ankle support and the socks should be designed for hiking. It would be a good idea to spend your day hikes in light-weight hiking shoes instead of the heavy high-cut boots. Your toes should have enough space to move around otherwise they will swell.

As for the destination, it is all up to you. With a blanket, water, enough food, and a headlamp, you can take your beloved on a romantic hike through the woods or hills. Hiking is not only great for physical health, but also mental health as well.

Paddling

Looking for an unusual romantic getaway? Then what about canoeing, rafting or kayaking? Take your boyfriend or girlfriend on a paddling journey in which both of you will have fun! This is a great activity because it can lead you to an isolated campsite where you can take a break and enjoy the view with your partner. You do not really to buy a boat or canoe, you can simply rent one, but you have to be experienced in peddling it. Do not go paddling if you have never done it before because you can endanger not only yourself but your partner as well!

For this kind of adventure you need drinking water, food, sun protection, waterproof footwear and life-jacket. Make sure to get familiar with the area and its rapids before you go so you can avoid unexpected danger. Also, do not only peddle but take mini breaks to show your partner the area and the landscape. It will be an unforgettable adventure!

Safety

When you have finally chosen a destination, make sure to be aware of possible dangers and give your best to prevent them. It all depends on your experience, and if you are the one planning the romantic getaway, then you are responsible for your partner’s life as well.

Let’s take a look at some safety measures:

Sunburn can be prevented by wearing hats, sunglasses and applying lots of sunscreen. It does not matter where you are, you can get a sunburn at high elevations during freezing temperatures just as same as at the beach. However, if you do happen to sunburn your skin, apply lots of gel and seek medical attention if the burns turn into blisters.
Blisters are mostly caused by bad footwear, especially during hiking. Make sure to wear socks of high quality and to keep them dry. If your feet hurt, then make a break and check the blister. Apply a padding if it is not broken; however, if it has already turned into an open wound, then clean it with soap and water and cover it with a hydrogel.
Sprains are serious injuries that can happen anywhere. People who have sprained their wrists, knees or ankles should rest, then apply ice to the sprain to prevent swelling. After that a bandage should be used and the sprained joins kept elevated above the heart level.
Make sure to always have a First Aid Kit with you, whenever and wherever you go.

Final Thoughts on This Topic

To sum up, we have covered the most important things regarding romantic camping ideas. We have also mentioned some great destinations that might spark your interest and positively surprise your partner. Depending on your budget and location, you can explore camping areas online by using maps and official camping sites. In that way you will be informed about the all possible fees and taxes that might come along your way.

In order to turn camping into a romantic trip, prepare everything beforehand and make sure to remember your partner’s taste and preference. After that it is up to you to create a romantic location and transform it from the wild one into a truly Valentine setting.

Additionally, do not forget that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are not experienced when it comes to hiking, paddling or camping in general, do not venture into long and far-away journeys that might endanger both you and your partner. Stick to a place where you can ask for help in case you need it.

HIKING BASICS

Great Outdoor Tips For Couples: Camping For Two!

Published

5 years ago

October 2, 2019

admin

In this article, we are going to take a look at some really amazing romantic camping ideas. If you are still not sure about romantic camping, then stay tuned because you might end up loving it.

How to Plan Your Romantic Camping Trip

If you don’t want your romantic getaway to turn into a disaster,there are some important things to consider before actually going on a trip.

Pick the perfect spot

Make reservations

In this way you won’t be surprised in a bad way.

Camping Gear You Must Not Forget

Let’s take a look at some of the goodies that you should not forget. These goodies would come in handy during your romantic camping.

But make sure to remember that you cannot really bring all of them together, because that depends on the location.

Since you will be sleeping in the wilderness, a comfy air mattress of high quality is a must. You might even want to go for a two-person sleeping bag so you would make sure that both of you have enough space. However, if you are camping somewhere with freezing temperatures or during the winter, you might want to buy a warmer and a waterproof sleeping bed with good insulation.
Pillows will spice up the cozy atmosphere and allow you to snuggle.
Make sure to bring extra blankets if you are camping in the winter or in case it suddenly gets colder. Or imagine what would happen if you get trapped in a rain or storm.
Take your romantic event in the wilderness to a higher level by hanging string lights around the tent, or even in the bushes and trees around it. You will need a battery powered, light strings or the solar ones.
Many couples go for candles when they want to achieve romantic mood, but remember that you must bring only the risk-free light. That is why you should consider bringing LED tea lights which can create the same Valentine effect.
Bring a guitar or some other musical instrument that is easily carried around. You can woo your partner or get wooed. You can also sing some favorite songs together. You will be probably alone, so there won’t be any need to be embarrassed.
Nobody would go camping without bringing a camping stove, so you can make delicious hot drinks like hot chocolate. It is not very romantic to eat canned food.
Do not forget to bring cards and games you both love to play together.
A cooler will keep all food and drinks fresh and cool. It is actually a must with regular camping as well.
If you are not able to play any musical instrument, then take a portable music player with you. Make a romantic playlist of favorite songs in advance and surprise your partner! Music makes everything better.

Other Things to Consider Before You Go

Besides the camping gear that you must not forget to bring, there are also a couple of other things to consider, such as:

Clothes: avoid smelly fabrics that quickly absorb sweat. Cotton becomes very stinky and should be avoided while synthetics, wool and Gore-Tex are great choices. Wool is warm while Gore-Tex is waterproof. Polypropylene and polyester can be used as under-layers because they do not get as stinky as cotton.
Prepare the menu: instead of wondering about the food there, make sure to prepare the full menu before you go. Spice up the camping trip activities and surprise your partner with dishes that she or he adores. If both of you are fond of alcoholic drinks, bring a favorite beverage, but place it in a bag or thermos. Do not forget desserts!
Do a research on wildlife: you would not want to get surprised by a bear, right? Even though it can be quite exciting to come upon a wild animal, you should know how to behave in its presence and if it is possible, to avoid if it is dangerous. You can even find about which products to bring with you in order to prevent insect bites or which places to avoid so you would not come face to face with a rat, skunk, snake, or mountain lion. While you are taking a break, inspect your body to see if there are ticks, because they must be removed immediately. That means that you should not forget an antiseptic.

Ideas for Romantic Camping Destinations

Here are some wonderful ideas for romantic destinations. Depending on where you live and your budget, you can choose at least one that would suit both you and your partner.

Campfire

In most states and countries, campfires are forbidden due to the risk of forest fires.

Beaches

Track the tides regularly, stay away from the dunes during the night and stay hydrated.

Hot Springs

However, make sure not to use glass for your drinks, never use soap and do not leave any litter behind.

Hiking

Paddling

Safety

Let’s take a look at some safety measures:

Sunburn can be prevented by wearing hats, sunglasses and applying lots of sunscreen. It does not matter where you are, you can get a sunburn at high elevations during freezing temperatures just as same as at the beach. However, if you do happen to sunburn your skin, apply lots of gel and seek medical attention if the burns turn into blisters.
Blisters are mostly caused by bad footwear, especially during hiking. Make sure to wear socks of high quality and to keep them dry. If your feet hurt, then make a break and check the blister. Apply a padding if it is not broken; however, if it has already turned into an open wound, then clean it with soap and water and cover it with a hydrogel.
Sprains are serious injuries that can happen anywhere. People who have sprained their wrists, knees or ankles should rest, then apply ice to the sprain to prevent swelling. After that a bandage should be used and the sprained joins kept elevated above the heart level.
Make sure to always have a First Aid Kit with you, whenever and wherever you go.