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:: Archive for February 20th, 2010

 

February 20th, 2010 | in Reviews | Leave a comment

Do you love camping but hate sleeping on the ground? If so, the Grand Trunk Travel Hammock Ultralight Hammock is a savvy product to take camping. This hammock is very sturdy and remarkably comfortable for both kids and adults. Installation is simple and can be completed in minutes with only one person on the job. The nylon fabric allows the hammock to breathe and not get too hot in the summer, and it dries quickly if there is any rain on the camping trip.

 

As far as specifications, the Grand Trunk Travel Hammock Ultralight Hammock is made for just about everyone. The hammock is made out of 100% polyester taffeta and weighs only 12 ounces. This makes taking the hammock along on both long and short trips quick and easy. It also has an attached sack for condensed transport. The ultralight hammock comes with a pair of 10-foot pieces of 4.5 mm accessory rope that is pre-knotted. For trouble-free hanging, it comes with attached stainless steel S-hooks and a stuff sack that’s attached for compressed transportation. The Grand Trunk Hammock dries quickly and is mildew resistant. Along with all that , it also comes with a 10-year warranty.

 

The Grand Trunk Travel Hammock Ultralight Hammock is by far the best deal as far as camping hammocks go. It’s great for both children and adults, and the nylon fabric allows the hammock to breathe in the warmer seasons so you stay cool. However, in colder seasons it may not be so warm as some other, thicker hammocks.

 

This hammock has a weight capacity of 250, which leaves just a very small portion of people who cannot use it. Besides that, it weighs a measly 12 ounces and folds up small enough to fit into a bag that’s attached to it so you can easily stow it away in a camping bag and never feel it. In addition, setting up this hammock is a one-person job and can take as little as two minutes. It also comes with everything you need to hang it up, including the stainless steel S-hooks and pre-knotted rope.

 

If you are a serious camper or backpacker, the Grand Trunk Travel Hammock Ultralight Hammock is without a doubt for you. Its lightweight, compact size and sturdiness is ideal for adventure tripping in the great outdoors.

 

Buy The Travel Hammock Ultralight Hammock

 

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February 20th, 2010 | in Camping | 1 comment

Camping trips with babies rarely go perfect the first time but you can avoid a lot of serious complications with a bit of practice and planning.  In the long run, camping with babies can be a blast as they are generally adaptable and sleep more than toddlers. 

 

The Practice Trip
The wise parent will make the first camping trip with a baby a short two night adventure near your home.  This allows your baby the chance to become comfortable with the outdoors without over-doing it.

 

A longer trip can become disorienting for the baby as the little one has to adapt to the longer car ride.  This takes training and patience and you probably don't want to start off your first camping trip with a screaming baby.  Another word of advice is to pick a spot without extreme temperatures.  Even tiny babies can put up with almost anything you might expose them to, but you will have to work harder to keep them comfortable.

 

Heat seems to be the extreme to avoid.  You can keep a baby warm on snowy nights but it's hard to cool an unhappy baby in 95 degrees Fahrenheit and infants under 6 months of age should not wear sun screen unless your pediatrician recommends it.  Even a baby kept in the shade can be exposed to a great deal of reflected sunlight.

 

Remember, babies require a great deal of equipment and supplies.  If you forget something dire or realize that something you left home would really be handy you can always go home and get it if your first camping trip is close to home rather than 200 miles away. 

 

Camping with a baby is always entertaining, but it may be quite a bit different than the trips you are used to taking.  Give yourself a chance to get used to the changes.  Plan to arrive at your campsite long before dark as even babies need time to acclimate to their new surroundings.  You will also need time in the daylight to set up your tent and get situated.  Even if you have set up your tent 100 times you may find it more difficult with your new addition.  It is wise to have a tent that one person can set up alone if it becomes necessary.  A leisurely evening in your campsite will allow your baby to feel comfortable and secure.

 

When packing for your practice trip go overboard.  Pack more clothes than you think you will need.  More formula or baby food, more diapers, more wipes, etc.  You can never have too many diapers or wet wipes.  If you haven't already discovered how handy having wipes can be, you'll find out on a camping trip.  Disposable diapers aren't environmentally sound, so PLEASE throw them into a trash can or dumpster WITH a lid.  

 

This is your chance to see what you'll really need.  Worry about packing space on your next trip.  It is recommended that you pack lots of clothes but not too many items that are really heavy or bulky.  It is better to layer lighter clothing.
Temperatures will fluctuate throughout each day and it is easier to add a layer or remove a layer of clothing when the climate changes than to re-dress your baby five times a day.  Snap-crotch garments for your little one are a real plus here as it is difficult to change the diaper of a camping baby without them and they will stay warmer on cold nights if they don’t need to be stripped down for every diaper change.

 

When thinking of feeding your baby, think safety first.  Pre made formula is expensive but sterile.  Powders are convenient but can be hard to mix at campground faucets and some campgrounds have questionable water sources.  The biggest concern is keeping prepared formula cold.  If you are in an RV with refrigeration it's no problem, however, tent campers, please be careful!
Keeping bottles clean can present another problem.  I suggest a bottle with a disposable liner.  If you use regular bottles don't forget a bottle brush!

 

So you have had a successful first camping trip with your baby, taken notes, made adjustments and are now ready for the real thing.  For your first real camping trip away from home it is recommended to choose a campground where you have camped before.  This way you will know what facilities the park offers and there won’t be any surprises.  Plan your trip with plenty of time to spare.   Just getting to your camping spot will usually take a lot longer than you may anticipate.  With a baby diaper changes and an occasional stretch are a requirement.  The best thing about camping with a baby is watching your child's reactions to the elements.  A tree, a cloud or a flower can keep a baby happy for hours and provide great photo opts for mom and dad.  So don't plan a day full of activities and hikes, just relax and enjoy, take lots of pictures, go to sleep early and be prepared to get up at dawn.  No matter how late you put your baby to bed, they will always get up at sunrise when you camp!

 

Even though you try, you can't always control your baby’s moods and other campers simply don't want to listen to a screaming baby.  Do your best to be a good neighbor and try to figure out what your little one is trying to communicate.  PLEASE DO NOT let your baby cry and cry and cry.  Keep your cool and don’t get frustrated.  Sometimes the baby’s portable bassinet or car seat that they are already used to is a good and secure sleeping place for your baby and both fit nicely in the tent.

 

Let the little ones age 6 months – 3 years sit in their stroller around the campfire.  This will allow them be a part of the activity and also keeps them safe and in a familiar environment as long as you ensure the sparks and smoke from the fire are not blowing in their direction.  Do not let youngsters get over tired while camping.  To the best of your ability, keep them on their home routine of taking naps, eating regular meals and observing regular bedtimes.  This will help reduce the crankiness that can result in the crying/noise for those around you.

 

Make the camping experience fun by allowing the baby to get dirty and messy.  It is hard on everyone if everything is off limits and someone is always saying don't touch that, don't get dirty, don't, don't, don't.  Enjoy your kids when they are small, they don't stay that way long.
 

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