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Choose the Perfect Campsite

Doug Howlett — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:34 +0000

Choosing the perfect wilderness campsite can be the difference between turning your escape to the outdoors into a true weekend paradise or an experience of truly “roughing” it. While some may choose a giant recreational vehicle and sleep inside in their well-stocked tenement-on-wheels, “real campers” sleep under the stars and enjoy the challenges posed by leaving creature comforts behind. Be the skilled outdoorsman or outdoorswoman your fellow campers will admire and spare them a weekend of camp regret by choosing the perfect spot to pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, breath in the fresh air and relax. The Field & Stream Camping Guide: Camping Skills You Need offers great tips on choosing the right camping spot and more. The perfect campsite should include:

A View

Whether it’s a shimmering lake, a babbling brook or a panoramic view of the distant mountain range, we go camping to enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of the raw outdoors. What better way to enjoy it than being sure you have a commanding view of the nature and terrain around you?

Open Space

Look for an open spot among the forest, large enough to accommodate your tent(s), chairs, cooking space and other items. Avoid trampling vegetation, and don’t cut or remove plants. Always leave the area exactly as you found it.

Shade

Don’t pitch a camp site in the wide open, if possible, and choose a spot with ample shade to keep cool in summer and avoid sunburn in both warm weather and cold.

Water

Make sure you have a source of clean water within 100 yards to make hauling it to camp for cooking and cleaning easy. Some parks and wilderness areas may restrict how close you can set up near water due to erosion and pollution concerns, so know the regulations where you will be camping.

Level ground

Pitch a tent on solid, level ground devoid of protruding roots and half-buried rocks. Remove sticks, loose rocks, pine cones and other hard objects and layer the surface with fallen leaves and loose moss for added comfort and moisture absorption. If there is a slight incline, set your tent and sleeping bags so campers’ heads will be uphill when sleeping.

Protection from Wind

In addition to providing shade, the trees and terrain should protect the camp from high winds, yet still allow breezes to pass through to keep camp cool and deter mosquitoes. Some other things to do when choosing a campsite include:

Check the trees around a potential campsite for dead limbs or trunks that can fall in high winds. Never set a tent below a tree with large, dead limbs.
Be sure the trees around camp are all of roughly the same height. A single tree that towers above the rest could serve as a lightning rod in a severe storm.
Never camp in low areas, such as creek bottoms or drainage ditches, as they may be prone to flash flooding in a storm.
Don’t camp beneath rocky ledges or below loose, boulder-strewn slopes where falling rocks or even a full-blown landslide, mudslide or avalanche could wipe you out.

Photo courtesy of Coleman

Winter Ride: Snowmobile Safety Tips [SLIDESHOW]

Brendan — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:00:47 +0000

With winter right around the corner, snowmobile season is almost here. There's nothing quite like zooming over the sparkling snow in a snowmobile, and it's a lot of fun -- but it's also important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to help keep snowmobilers safe this winter. [slideshow] Safety tips can be helpful in the moment, but it’s equally important to be prepared. Proper preparation for the snowy season can include the right snowmobile insurance coverage. Make sure you’re covered before you rev up your engine.

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Full Steam Ahead: RV Driving Tips

Melissa — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:00:19 +0000

Driving a recreational vehicle isn’t exactly like being at the helm of a freight train, but it’s certainly nothing like driving a sports coupe, either – or even a big old pickup truck, for that matter. There's nothing quite as "American" as taking an extended RV vacation. If cruising from coast to coast in a recreational vehicle sounds like your idea of a fun time, then you’re going to want to read up on some safety tips before you head out. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are five key tips to piloting an RV safely: Don’t drive blind. This doesn’t just mean that you should keep your eyes open behind the wheel at all times – that much is a given. What it does mean, however, is that you should make full use of your mirrors, both rearview and side-view, to see as much as possible of the road and traffic conditions around you. Always be ready for the sudden stop. RVs are much, much heavier than your average car, and as a result, they can take a long time to come to a complete stop after you’ve applied the brake. This is easy enough to master if you had the road all to yourself. Alas, you don’t. Keeping a safe following distance behind others may help prevent you from having to stop that rolling mammoth on a dime. Give your tires some love. In tire-talk, "love" means air and attention. But, when you’re driving an RV, it’s important to check your tires each and every time you head out on a major leg of your trip. With the weight your RV tires are carrying, your safety depends on them being properly inflated at all times. Get yourself a good quality tire pressure gauge and know exactly how much pressure your tires should have, then check them regularly. Pay attention to your weight distribution. In a vehicle as big as an RV, there’s lots of room to put stuff. But you can’t just go about haphazardly adding weight without potentially impacting your RV’s center of gravity. Always secure heavy objects down. The last thing you want is for something heavy to shift suddenly while you’re cruising along at 55 mph. Wear your seat belt. (You’re not off the hook). Driving what is most often the biggest thing on the road can lull you into a false sense of security. But, the fact is you can get seriously hurt in an RV accident if you’re not securely buckled in. As a rule, enforce strict seat belt use for every passenger when you’re on the road. In addition to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s advice on things to do and not to do when you’re behind the wheel of an RV, here are a few bonus tips to keep at the forefront of your mind while tooling around the country in that monster rec vehicle of yours.

Watch your height. In a sedan or an SUV, you probably don't have to worry about posted height clearances. But when you’re driving an RV, it's critical. Know your vehicle’s exact height and always be on the lookout for things like low-hanging branches.

Be conscious of your length. This doesn’t only apply when you’re parking. Vehicle length becomes a factor when overtaking other vehicles on the road or when merging into other lanes.

Get familiar with your RV’s handling. Really familiar. Overcorrecting in a small vehicle isn’t always a recipe for disaster, but if you do the same while you’re driving an RV, you could inadvertently cause a wreck. Defensive driving is critical, but you may have to adjust your approach to compensate for the enormity of your on-road footprint.

Practice parking before you go. One of the great pains about driving an RV is finding adequate parking space when you’re ready to pull over for the night. While your best bet is to plan all of your destinations in advance and only go places you know have RV parking, you should always have a Plan B ready. This includes learning how to park in tight areas. The best way to do this is to practice in an empty parking lot sometime before you leave on your RV excursion. Taking the extra time will do you good, and you may thank yourself for having done so.

Now that you’re well schooled on how to drive an RV safely, be sure to review your motor home insurance policy to make sure you’re full covered for any eventuality. With motor home insurance, you can get a variety of options, including bodily injury and property liability, collision, contents coverage, personal injury protection and even coverage for your expensive sound system. Most insurance companies will also give you the opportunity to secure roadside assistance, towing and labor costs coverage. Recommended by the Editor:

5 Tips to Take Your ATV Virtually Anywhere

Sean — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:00:32 +0000

ATVs—known as four-wheelers among those who use them—have become essential transportation for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe seeking to access and explore everything from the back 40 to truly remote backcountry. Virtual mini-tanks on wheels, they can travel off-road up and down hills, between trees, over rocky ground and through mud and shallow water. But, they can also be dangerous if not used properly. According to the latest ATV statistics on record from the Consumer Product Safety Commission there were 317 deaths and 115,000 emergency room visits as a result of ATV accidents in 2010. To make the most of your next ride (and to do it safely), follow these tips from Field & Stream’s Camping Guide and the ATV Safety Institute.

Safe Climbing

When approaching a steep incline, put the vehicle in the lowest gear that still allows sufficient forward momentum. Lean forward, standing if necessary, to keep your weight centered and low to the ATV, while keeping your hands solidly on the controls and your feet on the footrests. Approach the hill straight on, never at an angle. Maintain a slow but steady speed. Avoid pressing hard on the throttle, as this can spin tires and lessen their contact with the ground, making the ATV less stable.

Going Down?

Aim the ATV directly downhill to keep the weight distributed across all four tires. Put the ATV in the lowest gear to minimize speed, and lightly feather the brakes during the descent. This can prevent tires from locking up, which can cause the ATV to slide on loose or muddy ground. It also helps maintain a safe speed. Lean back as far in the seat as possible without losing reach of the brake controls. This will better distribute your weight over the quad, ensuring a low center of gravity until on level ground.

Negotiating Obstacles

When approaching uneven ground, logs, rocks or other obstacles, lock the ATV in four-wheel drive and slowly approach from a perpendicular angle. Pull to the edge of the obstacle and then apply enough power to crawl over the log or rock, keeping in mind that it might not be sturdy. Stand or lean if necessary to shift your weight so that the ATV remains balanced and in contact with the ground or other solid surfaces at all times.

Hauling Loads

Secure heavy loads on the ATV’s rear rack, as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, using ratchet straps or strong bungees. However, if you’re climbing a hill, temporarily place the load on the front rack to keep the front of the quad on the ground during the climb. If at any time a load is so heavy it causes tires to lift or hinders maneuverability, drag the items behind the ATV instead or divide the load and make separate trips.

Crossing Water

First, determine the water’s depth and be sure it isn’t so deep it will go over your engine’s air intake. This can lead to a stalled or even ruined engine. You should walk the path to assess the water depth and to spot any submerged obstacles. Avoid fast-moving streams and only cross where there is a gradual incline upon entering and exiting and the bottom is rocky or solid. Maintain a constant speed, watching for submerged obstacles, and remember when back on dry ground that your brakes may be wet and will not work as well until they dry. Speed the drying process by lightly applying the brakes as you ride. These tips should help your next ATV adventureto be safe and worry-free. What’s the best ATV trip you’ve ever taken? Photo Attribution: Photo courtesy of ATV Safety Institute

The Right Way to Road Trip [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:00:11 +0000

While the "high season" for road tripping is obviously summer, road trips can be successful virtually year-round. Going sight-seeing to the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore is often the first thing that comes to mind (thank you, National Lampoon), but people are making road trips to all sorts of autumnal destinations from college football games to apple orchards, pumpkin patches and scenic areas to take in the colorful foliage. In the end, it seems that road trips often fall into three common types based on the vehicle: car (the family heading to the 'Mouse House' in either Florida or California); RV (the extended family seeing all the tourist sites the country has to offer); and motorcycle (the 'pack' heading off on a bonding trip for some revelry). Follow each of our iconic vehicles down the board game of road tips and learn some tips to consider when planning your next adventure. click image below to enlarge [infographic] Recommended by the Editor:

All You Need to Know About Solar Storms

The Storm Crew — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:00:19 +0000

Six million Canadians mysteriously found themselves without power for more than nine hours on March 13, 1989. The cause? A surprise storm from outer space. That’s right; a powerful geomagnetic storm disrupted Hydro Quebec’s electric power transmission grid. Effects from the space storm even melted transformers as far south asNew Jersey. In our technology-dependent society, space weather can have a serious and direct impact on our daily lives. While power outages due to space weather are rare events, it’s possible that a widespread outage, like the 1989 Canadian outage, could easily occur again with even more serious consequences. Power and communication disruptions could cripple computer systems, telephone systems, satellite networks and GPS-dependent services. Planes couldn’t fly, phones would stop working, gas stations couldn’t pump fuel, and credit cards and debit cards would be rendered useless. Is extreme space weather a serious threat? Mike Hapgood, a space weather scientist at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory nearOxford,England, says yes. Hapgood says minor geomagnetic storms are a periodic – and insignificant – occurrence. Much of our planet’s electronic equipment and orbiting satellites are built to withstand these storms. But a major coronal mass ejection (a large solar flare) could cause a serious geomagnetic storm that disrupts our power grid and communication system.

There’s a 12 percent chance that a serious space weather storm could happen in the next decade. --Space Weather, online journal published by the American Geophysical Union

Depending on where you live, a hurricane, tornado or earthquake may seem far more likely to impact your daily life than a space storm. After all, a recent flare-up of solar activity in March led to lots of media coverage, but no real problems. According to Hapgood, that’s because March’s solar activity was due to solar flares, rather than a coronal mass ejection. So, what’s the difference? Think of a large solar flare as a heavy rainstorm. Sure, there may be some flash flooding, but any real damage is minimal. A coronal mass ejection, however, is like a Category 5 hurricane bearing straight down on your house. That’s never good news! Coronal mass ejections occur when the sun’s magnetic field disrupts the sun’s atmosphere, sending an ejection of charged particles into space. If this hurricane of particles hits Earth, it can overload the electrical grid and disrupt the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Should you prepare for space weather? Absolutely. Effects of solar storms, including the loss of communication technology and electricity, could cripple our country for several days or even weeks until power is fully restored. Fortunately, preparing for space weather is similar to preparing for other natural disasters. FEMA recommends all families make an emergency kit and a family communications plan. Keep in mind that you may be unable to use your debit card or credit card and that fuel pumps may not work. I always keep a small stash of emergency cash on hand and at least half a tank of fuel in my car. A car phone charger or solar-powered charger can keep your phone powered until electricity is restored.

What Should You Do If You Get Lost In The Woods? Be Prepared.

George — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:00:38 +0000

It’s one of the most frightening experiences you can endure: You’re hiking or walking through the woods and make a turn off a trail for a little untamed exploring. When you walk back to where the trail should be, it isn’t there. Or rather, you aren’t where you thought you were. You laugh nervously and realize you probably just went a little too far to your right, so you adjust and walk farther, your pace picking up with the anxiety that’s beginning to set in. Oh no, still no path. You’re lost! Now what do you do? The first thing is to not give in to the inevitable panic that will begin to wash over you. Stop, take stock of your situation and understand from the outset that your odds of being found in this day and age are incredibly high. In fact, most lost people are found by the second day. So, there’s no need to panic. In his book The Pocket Outdoor Survival Guide, author J. Wayne Fears says the decisions a lost person makes in the first three seconds of realizing their predicament can save them or doom them. Admitting that they are lost is best done sooner than later, and stopping and taking stock is critical. Fears recommends following the STOP formula:

Sit

Sitting not only jumpstarts your ability to relax and think clearly, but it also suppresses your urge to run or walk quickly—usually in a wrong direction.

Think

Your mind is your most critical survival tool. You need to keep it calm, reflect on any past training or skills that will help you now and rationally assess your situation and your most immediate needs.

Observe

Identify what problems need to be solved and the order in which they must be dealt with. You’ll need shelter, a way to signal searchers, fire, water and a visible campsite so searchers can find you. What components are at your ready disposal to achieve these?

Plan

Make a plan and put it into action. If you have a cellphone or a radio, call for help first. If a cell signal is low, send a text message, as it takes less power and you can send it to multiple people at once for better odds of reaching somebody. But, don’t just sit and wait. It can still take a while for rescuers to arrive. Choose a visible campsite or, if in a stalled vehicle situation, stay with your automobile as it’s much easier to locate from the air. Construct a shelter, gather firewood and stay alert for other hikers, the sound of a nearby highway, low-flying planes, anything that can translate into your being discovered. Keep a mirror or bright clothing handy to catch the attention of searchers. Make a fire. Damp leaves or wood will make more smoke, thus making it more visible. Sit back and stay calm. Help should be on the way before long.

Before You Go

A little pre-trip prep can save you a lot of worry and hassle should you get lost later. Do the following before you go:

Leave a trip plan with a friend or relative that includes where you’re going, emergency contacts, when you left and when you expect to return.
Carry a freshly charged phone or a two-way radio with new batteries.
Tote an easy-to-use GPS unit. There are plenty of inexpensive, easy-to-use models available.

The decisions you make within the first seconds of becoming lost can ensure your survival or seal your fate. Using the guidance above can help you make the best of a bad situation.

Photo courtesy of Bill Winke

The Glitzy Lives of TV and Movie Characters. Could They Afford It?

Brendan — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:00:32 +0000

Flying cars. Talking dogs. Dogs talking in flying cars. There's nothing like good, old-fashioned Hollywood magic to thwart our conceptions of reality, and no element deludes us more than the portrayal of upper-crust lifestyles lived by ostensibly middle-class characters. In TV and movie land, writers wear $1,500 high heels and CIA agents drive $100,000 cars through the streets of Milan, but what kind of cash do these sorts of professionals pull down in the real world? Choosing a career path is serious business, especially for those of us thinking ahead toward retirement. Let's examine how our favorite TV and film characters' paychecks really read, entertainment value aside.

Don Draper, "Mad Men"

No one is smoother than Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce's brooding creative director. Always impeccably dressed and known to enjoy all the finest elements of 1960s life, from cars to clothes to abodes (whether in Westchester or Manhattan), it seems like Don Draper's making the big bucks. But how would his modern-day, off-screen counterparts fair? According to GlassDoor.com, not too shabbily. The site estimates New York-area creative directors make an average of $80,000-$250,000 per year. Assuming someone of Draper's caliber is at the upper end of that spectrum, members of this field would be well-heeled, if not entirely carefree.

James Bond, 007 franchise

With another 007 installment just around the corner, we can't help but wonder: Do all intelligent agents and spies live a life that's so...Bond-like? Well, we're not sure about the Agency's budget for cool gadgets, cars and impeccably tailored tuxedos, but we do know the site CIAagentsalary.com reports experienced agents' salaries as being in the less-than-glamorous $78,000 range. So, a real-life agent probably wouldn’t cruise the streets in an Aston Martin – but as for being pursued by gorgeous women, friend and foe, who knows?

Carrie Bradshaw, "Sex and the City"

What freelance columnist makes enough to live in a beautiful Manhattan brownstone, eat dinner out whenever and wherever she wants and buy bank account-shriveling couture on a whim? Carrie Bradshaw of "Sex and the City," that's who. While her character lured many an aspiring writer toward a keyboard, Carrie's imitators probably didn't encounter the level of success she "achieved." Indeed.com reports the average writer's salary is $59,000. PayingNew York City rent, that's not even enough to order Chinese food more than one night a week, let alone live like a socialite.

Jerry Seinfeld, "Seinfeld"

In real life, comedian Jerry Seinfeld is as rich as they come, but how about on TV? Seinfeld's old sitcom character's presumed earnings were probably true to form for a successful New Yorkcomic. With frequent “Tonight Show” appearances and consistent gigs as a featured touring act (such performances can garner up to $1,000 or more per appearance), Seinfeld certainly made enough to maintain a rented Upper West Side one-bedroom and drive a Saab. That said, most other pro comics don't do nearly as well: SimplyHired.com reports an average salary of just $30,000. In other words, your everyday funnyman probably isn't quite as unflappably jovial as Jerry was.

Rachel Green, "Friends"

Lessee of one of the most notoriously gorgeous TV apartments of all time, chances are "Friends" sweetheart Rachel Green wouldn't have made enough in three months to cover one month's rent – especially after cutting up her credit cards. Over the course of the series, Green worked her way up from a waitress at the Central Perk coffee shop to a buyer for Ralph Lauren. Unfortunately, her upward climb still didn't yield massive financial security — GlassDoor.com estimates a Ralph Lauren assistant buyer's yearly salary to be between $48k-$60k. So, if you’re a real-life Carrie Bradshaw, don’t feel bad about living without the Christian Louboutins. Sometimes our favorite TV and movie characters are a little overpaid. Whether you’re Don Draper living the high life or Rachel Green living without Daddy’s credit cards, you could always use a helping hand managing your finances.

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Photos courtesy of eworld-musiclove.blogspot.com, www.Adamecker.com, www.highsnobiety.com, www.apartmenttherapy.com

Coming Soon: The Ultimate Action-Packed Blockbuster [VIDEO]

Brendan — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:21:28 +0000

Forget superheroes. In the teaser trailer for this summer’s real epic blockbuster, The UnReal Adventures of Ted & Traci, a courageous couple overcomes a car crash, boat wreck and a backyard explosion in an effort to spread the word about prevention and protection. Ted and Traci live a normal life, but working through life's little misadventures can be a challenge. During the next few weeks our heroes will provide you with funny, outrageous examples of what not to do...and why having proper insurance can be so valuable. Check out all episodes of this web series (new episodes added weekly): Episode 1 - Om on the Road Episode 2 - Up in Smoke Episode 3 - Supercharged Episode 4 – Stranded Episode 5 - Grillmeister Episode 6 - Staycation Connect with me on Google+ or follow me on Twitter

Insurance Agent: How the World Sees Me

Brendan — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:02:55 +0000

Stable. Helpful. Reliable. While typically categorized as such, insurance agents may consider themselves helping those in need and protecting good people during stressful, uncertain times. Who are we to disagree? Sometimes the truth lies in the eye (or mind) of the beholder.