Outdoors Blog » Buying Guides

To be sure that you have a safe and comfortable bike ride, it is always recommended that you wear a helmet.

Here are a few tips to help you get fitted for one.
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So you want to go on a week long backpacking trip, but you don’t know what to buy.

Let me give you some helpful tips on getting the right backpack.

How much are you bringing?

First, know what kind of conditions and how much gear you’ll need to bring along with you. For a week long trip, choose a pack that will fit the greatest amount of gear you’ll need to carry, including the group’s gear if necessary. A pack size of 3,000-6,000 cubic inches should be ideal.

Get the right size:

Second, size your backpack to your torso length and not your height. Just because you are tall, it doesn’t mean you need the largest size. Have someone measure your torso length, which is from your shoulders to the top of your hip bone, and then read the manufacturer’s technical specifications for the right size. This is important because different manufacturer’s have different specifications.

Be comfortable:

Third, find a pack that is well padded and has adjustable shoulder straps. Also, find one with an adjustable sternum strap, which connects the shoulder straps. This helps bring the pack weight forward, relieving stress off your shoulders.

External or Internal Frame:

Lastly, depending on the terrain, choose between an internal or external frame pack. Internal frames, the more popular of the two, are designed to carry the weight on the hips, providing you with the most balance and movement. This is important with more rough trails. An external frame is better suited for easier terrains, but can carry very heavy loads.

There are other options you can shop for, such top or panel loading options and ventilation, but the tips I have provided are the most general to help you shop.

I hope these tips help you choose the right pack, and remember to always be safe, and more importantly, have a great time!

Want to stay warm and comfortable on your next camping trip? Let us help you find the right sleeping bag.

Here are some tips for your next purchase.

To be Cold or Not to be Cold? That is the question:

You don’t want to freeze at night so know what type of temperatures you prepare to encounter on your trip. Check the bag’s comfort rating and see what temperatures it is rated for. Get a bag that exceeds the coldest nighttime temperature you’re expecting, just to be safe.

Down-filled or Synthetic Material:

For maximum warmth and insulation, get a down-filled bag. Although the are the warmest sleeping bags, if they get wet, they take a long to dry. So only use these if you are sure you’re not going to be in wet conditions.

With a synthetic bag, if it gets wet, it can retain some of its insulation qualities and it dries out much quicker. Although down-filled bags compress much more and are easier to store, most times synthetic bags are cheaper when compared to down-filled bags with the same ratings.

You Want Your Mummy:

When choosing a style of bag, go with the mummy design over the traditional squared shaped bag. Mummy bags can pulled over your head and sealed tight, therefore providing optimum insulation and warmth in colder temperatures. Although square shaped bags have more space, comfort and a lower price, their ratings aren’t as high.

Once again, look at the temperatures you’ll be camping in and see which style best suits you. But keep in mind that mummy bags will keep you warmer in the night. It’s better to be a little hot at night and unzip your bag, rather than freezing your buns off.

Getting the right rod can be crucial to a successful fishing trip.

Here are some tips to help even the most amateur angler find the right fishing pole.

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You have never bought a bow before?

Let us help you out.

What type of shooting will you be doing?

Knowing what type of shooting you will be doing, is crucial to how you select a bow. If you are target shooting, target bows tend to be longer with lighter draw weights. This is helpful when you will be taking many shots in a day.

On the other hand, hunting, compound bows tend to be shorter with heavier draw weights. This is because when hunting, you may only shoot a couple times a day and you need the strongest shot possible.

Know your draw length:

A common mistake new archers do when purchasing a bow is getting one that has a longer draw strength than needed. Have someone measure your draw length, either a friend that knows how or go to a pro shop.

You can also do this yourself. Completely draw the bow back and the string should come just past your jawline. That should be the ideal place for your draw length.

Length:

Usually length doesn’t play a major issue with target bows, but keep it into consideration when you’re buying a bow for hunting. When moving through brush and the woods, your bow can get caught and snagged on branches and other objects, so take that into consideration.

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