Disabled Veteran is Happy with Oztent RV2

Kim,
Just wanted to let you know the OzTent RV-2 came this morning. FedEx knocked on my door at 1030 with two boxes.

Comments:
I'm 52 and a 100% disabled veteran. I don't have great balance or strength when trying to set up a conventional shock cord type so I thought my camping days were over - until now!

The tent went up in about 17 minutes - part of that was getting it out of the box. (It was packed very well with no obvious damage to the box upon receipt.)It took about another 5 min to tie everything down the way that seemed best.
Take down took 11 min - part of that time was sweeping, folding, and packing up the ground cloth.

The ground cloth definitely helped me to orient where the tent would be set up and assured I had a relatively debris free, level area for the tent - this is a must have to aid with a "best site" set up and to protect the bottom of the tent,the ground cloth extends under the tent & front canopy, is just one more bonus of the OzTent system.

All of the features were as described and very well thought out for efficiency and function. All of the screens, window/door panels, and zippers were obviously well constructed and operated properly.
This is a perfect tent for one or two people +/- a dog.
I can't wait to try this tent out - I'm checking out how my gear will fit and what I will need for my next trip.

Thanks so much - Kaylee and I couldn't be happier!

Regards and Blessings,
Maria and "Kaylee"

For more information on OzTent gear and other quality products visit our website www.FamilyTentCamping.com

10 Tips for Keeping Goods Cold in a Cooler

There is nothing worst (almost) than reaching for a "COLD" drink out of the ice chest on a hot sultry day or night and pulling out a borderline cool one... It's even worse when getting ready to prepare a meal over the campfire and finding out the ice in the cooler wasn't maintaining the proper temps. It's like running the air conditioner with the windows wide open and expecting the entire area to stay cool.

Engel 80 Deep Blue Cooler

1)Keep the ice chest out of the sun,you may need to move periodically to maintain ice condition

2)If possible cool down the inside of your ice chest 24 hours prior trip to avoid making the fresh ice work harder than needed by placing an ice pack inside to start the cooling process.

3)Wrap cooler with a blanket, tarp or a reflective material to deflect sun rays and provide proper insulation.

4)Freeze water in plastic 1/2 gal juice containers and add to your cooler. Since the large bottles take a couple of days to defrost, making a great source for cold drinking water..

5)Avoid using party ice purchased at convenient storesif possible,(tends to melt faster)

6)With your empty plastic bottle, add 1/4 cup of salt to it. Salt in water helps it freeze faster and makes it extra cold, make sure to label them to avoid drinking.

7)Pack your cooler with the frozen food, and raw meats at the bottom near the ice containers, then layer food such as eggs stored in a plastic egg holder to avoid breakage and keeping items needing less refrigeration such as fruit & vegetables are at the top.

8)Minimize opening of cooler hatch, if possible have a 2nd cooler for drinks and snacks to keep the campers happy and the cooler items chillin...Also, when getting inside cooler at night simply stick a cooler light on the inside of lid instead of using a flashlight to keep your hands free.

9)If you are able to find a place that carries "dry ice" it can be very effective when cooling is needed over long periods of time. Make sure to wrap the ice to avoid direct skin contact.

10)Thermal Ice Packs can be placed around food and along the inside of the cooler as well, also having on hand is great for use as a first aid treatment when needed.

What have you found to be an effective cooler tip?

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"Beat the Heat" While Tent Camping

Camping is a great time for family and friends to gather around the campfire and share stories and enjoy delicious campfire desserts next to a nice warm fire on those cool crisp nights... Well, we can look forward to those times in further months ahead. Just as we prepare for the cooler months ahead we also need to be ready when the temps bring unfavorable conditions, such as triple digit HEAT! Here are a few tips for Tent Camping in the heat.

1) Location, Location, Location: Look for shady areas to pitch your tent. Then make use use of your compass to strategically pitch your tent towards the east. Also, try to find spots where there is trees, a hill, or any other sun blockade that can give you shade while you are sleeping or during the hottest part of the day.

2)Consider the direction of the wind as well: Find out which way the wind blows. Pitch your tent in a way that the wind blows directly into the mesh windows. Switch the location or position of the tent if you notice that the wind direction alters. This is very important if your tent only has a little mesh on it. But if it is purely made of mesh, don't worry about the positioning. For a back up plan pack a battery operated fan, just in case...

3) Open and air out your tent: In the early morning when temps outside are still cool open your windows and doors to expose the screens. This will keep your tent from becoming stuffy and uncomfortable. Some tents have roof vents built in for ventilation which is a nice feature. Throughout the day close the tent in any area the sun is directly beating on and open the sides facing shaded areas. By keeping this process going until sundown, your tent will keep much cooler temperatures during extreme heat conditions.

4) Have a good quality, Screen Tent: In triple digit heat there can be lots of bugs, so a screen room is a wonderful item to have. A Screen Tent will allow you to sit outside with plenty of fresh air without the bugs! A Screen Tent with no-see-um mesh is a good feature to look for so the smallest bugs can't get through. The Turbo Screen Machine is quick and can be easily set up over a picnic table, or our newest Malamoo MOZ Screen Tent is perfect for 1 person, can be used on the ground or fastened to the King Goanna Stretcher

5)Did you know if you wear lighter colored clothing keeps you cooler: light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays.