Car Camping VS Overland Camping

Camping Trends: "Car Camping VS Overland Camping" How camping has evolved from the campground to the outback. In this issue we will be addressing the question "How is car camping different from Overland camping?" Both require vehicles, however, there is a big difference between loading up the standard SUV to camp at the local campground, and using an Overland vehicle that's been upgraded for off-road use and is equipped for driving into remote areas. These vehicles require more than just off-road tires.

When car camping your more likely to stay at a campground with all the modern conveniences of home such as hot water for showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, a fire ring and maybe even a swimming pool. When Overlanding, your camp is where you make it, whether on top of a mountain, a remote valley or a patch of dirt under a shady tree.

Car camping does not require nearly as much planning for a successful trip. You can load up your tent, sleeping bags and some groceries, then drive up, set up and have fun! For Overlanding if you "fail to plan,then plan to fail". You need detailed planning to assure your equipment is prepared. The last thing you want, is to drive into a problem that could leave you stranded in a remote area alone or stuck in rugged terrain. There is no grocery or camp store for last minute supplies when Overlanding, so planning food, water and tools for repairs is essential for survival.

When car camping you may cross a state line experiencing a Q&A by the border officials, but you are safe and have access to a doctors, hospitals and any other help if needed. When Overlanding you may cross International boarders which require passports, or searches and you will most likely have no access to medical or any other help. Again, planning is key so be sure to have a quality first aid kit and any other emergency items you might need. Also, it is very important that you let someone know the route you plan to take for an extra safety precaution.

Most important, whether car camping at the local campground or Overlanding across the great divide, HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!
For Overland gear visit www.OzTent.us

How Insect Repellant Works

How does Insect Repellent Work:
•Insect repellent is used as a general term, but it really covers a variety of repellents based on their active ingredient used to keep the bugs off. There are chemical products based on ingredients such as DEET. There are also natural products using active ingredients such as Citronella and oils such as lemon eucalyptus. The chemical products tend to be toxic to some extent, so repellents with natural active ingredients are generally better for you. A Screen Tent is always a good piece of gear to bring along on your outdoor events, here are a few tips on how to use insect repellants.
•When mentioning the word "repellent", in most cases people assume insect repellent works by repelling mosquitoes, flies and so on. Some do, some don't, depending on your body chemistry and other variables. Some insect repellents work by making you smell or taste bad to a bug. Other work by masking your skin odor. The process can be analogized to stealth plane technology. The bug uses its "radar" to identify tasty humans to bite, but you are hidden from the radar by the insect repellent.
•If you wear insect repellent, it is important to understand there is a second reason you may get bit. While bugs are attracted to the odor of your skin, they are also attracted to another odor you give off. In this case, we are talking about the carbon dioxide in your breath.
•Insect repellents tend to be effective over only short distances. As a result, you may see mosquitoes and other bugs flying fairly closely to you. This does not mean they are biting you, but it can lead to a sensation indicating they are. The best way to determine if you are being bit is to look at the spot where the sensation is occurring. If you are, then put more repellent on!
So if you are wondering if you should walk around coated in insect repellent? The choice is up to you but If you are in an area with a high concentration of bugs, it would be highly recommended for best results, considering the biggest risk time tends to be dusk or dawn. This is the feeding time for many bugs, especially mosquitoes. For more camping gear and accessories visit www.OzTent.us

Camping "A Blast from the Past"

Has camping changed or have we changed the way we camp? There was a time when all you needed was a station wagon to transport your tent for shelter, an ice chest to keep your food cold, sleeping bags, and a lantern to shed light while enjoying your campfire dessert and game with family and friends. There are a few changes that have improved the way we camp, first of all, technology has taken camping to a whole new generation of campers. They are educated in what they are looking for and have the resources to purchase what will fit their camping needs. Many Overland type campers, travel "self contained" with all terrain trailers that are custom built for transporting water, a generator, storage compartments and last but not least, a fully functional kitchen area for cooking and clean up. When it comes to tent shelters,there are a couple set ups to consider. Roof Top Tents which mount on the roof of a vehicle or an all terrain trailer,the tent is accessed with a ladder that can be stowed away easily for safety and convenience. The other option is a ground tent such as an OzTent "The 30 Second Tent" which is great for traveling "on the go". It features a revolutionary designed internal frame for quick set up and easy pack away and is 100% waterproof. The entire tent stores in a 6'6" storage bag which is made of heavy duty canvas with a PVC inside lining for waterproof protection. These Tents can be fastened securely on a roof rack with tie downs or the back end of your truck, SUV, or van.

Oversized Sleeping Bag Comfort

Spring is here, perfect for camping! There's nothing better than sitting around a warm campfire with your favorite hot beverage. When it's time for bed, a warm cozy sleeping bag is ideal for a restful night sleep. The Black Pine Sports Big Johnson sleeping bag is great for the "BIG" guy looking for the extra wiggle room, measuring 100" length, 45" shoulder and foot area. The inside lining is a brushed soft fleece for that cozy feel and a "hood" feature that allows you to draw the head portion of the bag around your head and large draft tubes to keep the warmth in and the cold out, the micro fibre insulation keeps you warm even if the bag gets wet! The outer "cotton duck canvas shell provides durability and long lasting performance available in a +20 for seasonal temps, -5 for the Fall and -35 for winter camping. I personally own the +20 and has worked out great for 4 season use due to my high metabolism.
Another great feature the Black Pine Sports bag offers is the ability to zip a right and left side zipper together for 2 person comfort. Sleeping Bag comes with a storage carry bag for easy storage and travel.

Tips on Storing your Camping Tent

Now that the camping season is done for some of you, it's time to store your Tent. Here are a couple tips to save you some time, effort and $$$$

Before storing your tent, ensure that it is completely clean and dry. Moisture wrapped up in your tent for extended periods will promote mildew growth.

Your clean and dry tent can be stored in its stuffsack or loosely in a box or oversized cotton storage bag. Avoid sealing your tent in a plastic bag or any other airtight, confined space. Find a cool, dry spot to store your tent such as a closet inside your house where it won't be exposed to humidity.

It's always a good idea to set up your tent and check it over thoroughly and identify any areas by using a simple paperclip with a note showing location of damage or repair, if repairs needed it might be a good idea to have done before storing, or make a note to unpack in the early spring to have taken care of, there's nothing worst than finding out when your setting up camp....

Visit our Online Stores www.FamilyTentCamping.com www.OzTent.us for our niche selection of Camping Tents & Gear for families and the avid outdoorsman

OzTent Screen Room for Mosquito Lab Experiment

Recently The Rockefeller University of New York purchased an OzTent RV-5 Screen Room for experimental purposes, requiring the OzTent screen room to keep mosquitoes contained during mosquito-host seeking experiments.

The Deluxe Screen Room creates an insect free area perfect for eating in or just relaxing. It can be installed under the awing, to the side of the awning or in front of the awning. It can also be used as a stand-alone unit.

The Deluxe Screen Room has a dome shaped silver roof with zippered doors and our famous No-See-Um mesh on all four walls. Now with Zip down covers for added protection. These covers can also be used as awnings. 8" Bathtub sewn in floor to provide additional ground protection from rain water & unwanted intruders.

The Deluxe Screen Room comes complete with all ropes, pegs, roof rods and four telescopic poles in its own carry bag. Now available in three sizes. For more information visit www.OzTent.us

Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey with a Tri-Pod

Cook a Turkey Outdoors with Charcoal while it dangles from a tripod like a trapeze artist. An aluminum foil reflector oven, coals and a tripod are all that are needed to cook a delicious, moist, Thanksgiving feast outdoors. (no dangerous oil flare-ups here!)




Materials Needed:
- 44"x18" Wire mesh
- (4) metal tent stakes
- 18" wide roll of Aluminum Foil
- (4) metal binder clips (office supplies)
- Metal tripod (the one shown is a camp cooking tripod that comes with a round metal grill that adjusts up and down. The grill and 3 side chains have been removed.
- 3 feet of Sisal rope (be sure to use natural fiber rope). Wrap the bird to provide an anchor point for hanging from tripod chain. (A barrel not is recommended for securing bird to tripod, you may also use a hook with rope tied on one end having the hook attached to the chain of tripod.
- 2 feet of wire to tie the legs for securing bird to body
- (2) Plastic oven bags (these bags are designed for use in household ovens and will handle regular cooking temperatures)
- (1) Turkey (thawed)

Make the 4 Coal Towers ahead of time (they are reusable)
1. Cut a piece of wire mesh about 11" by 18" for the Coal Towers
2. Roll the mesh into a 3 1/2" diameter x 18" tall cylinder
3. Secure the seam on the cylinder by "sewing" it together with a length of thin gauge wire or by cutting a few of the squares along the edge of the mesh and fold them back on themselves "hooking" the other edge of the seam.

1. Lay two to three sheet of aluminum foil on the ground shiny side up. Over lap the the edges. (He may perform without a net but this turkey needs something on the ground. Not to catch his fall but to reflect heat.)
2. Place the Coal Towers at the four corners of the foil. The distance between the towers should be 18" apart. (use the 18" roll of aluminum foil as a measuring gage)

3. For the high wire act, place the tripod scafolding over the foil as shown.
Add the sides to the reflector oven.
1. Wrap aluminum foil around the towers (shiny side inward)
2. Secure the foil at the top of the towers with the metal binder clips

The oven is done.

Light the Burning ring of fire

1. Start the Charcoal Briquettes.

A Chimney Starter is the method of choice. No need for flammable petrochemical liquids, and the coals are easy to dole out from the starter with tongs.

After the coals are glowing in the starter, divide them equally amongst the four towers using tongs.
2. Top-off the towers with additional un-lit briquettes. They will gradually self-start from the hot coals below.

Ready to start cooking

The turkey should be about 3-4" off the ground and centered between the 4 coal towers.
Cook just like you would in a 350 F degree oven.
Our 26lb turkey took 4 1/2 hours to cook. (160 degree F internal temperature)
Occasionally throughout the cooking process, add additional briquettes to the top of the towers as the lower coals burn down.

Thanksgiving is a great time to enjoy a great meal, family & friends.