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How to Pack a Tent in a Backpack 

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A tent and a sleeping back outside with a bright sun shining.

A tent and a backpack can be your key to the great outdoors and nearly limitless adventure. With so much of life flying by at breakneck speeds, especially in our urban jungles, camping is becoming more of a necessity. Getting out and spending some nights in nature is a skill though that many of us have to relearn.

One of the most fundamental aspects of that is having a reliable shelter. Knowing how to pack a tent in a backpack so that it is properly packed and at the ready is fundamental in some cases and there might be more to it than you think.    

 

Two tents in a mountain range by the water.

A great tent can be your home away from home.

 

To pack or not to pack a tent

If you scour the internet for solutions and how to’s for packing a tent into your particular bag it is almost a certainty that you will find little videos and bullet-pointed lists which give you a quick and easy step by step. This article will cover those steps of course (scroll down if you want to get right to it) but, more importantly, it is first necessary to understand whether or not you should even be bringing a tent in your pack in the first place.

Why go through the trouble of lugging a relatively heavy and bulky tent if another option might work better for you? No matter where you fall on the spectrum of experience, whether you are a first-time camper or the next Bear Grylls there are solid reasons to not bring a traditional tent at all. 

Camping and backpacking, as an act, can be about many things. It is a communion with nature, a test of endurance and strength, a retreat from the frenetic pace of life, and sometimes a necessity. If you have spent your entire life mostly sleeping indoors then an initial foray into camping can seem a bit daunting. Where do you even start? Definitions of “real camping” are varied with some swearing by a cushy RV parked next to a communal bathroom and shower and others thinking that anything short of a 15-mile hike into the mountains doesn’t count.

 

Decision making for the brand new camper 

When it comes to the tent question here are some basic questions you need to ask yourself to help you decide. The first question should be, how comfortable (read experienced) am I with not sleeping in a bed? If the very idea shocks you but you want to spend that time away from home and out in nature then you have some options. A tent is not your best one. To spend a night in nature you will very likely want to sleep at some point so here are your options. First, an RV can be parked in a rented campsite just off of the road. These sites often have amenities like running water, toilets, etc. Just be aware that some might call this “glamping” or glamorous camping because of the luxuries relative to other types of camping. 

If an RV isn’t your style then one of your other options is to sleep in your vehicle. The same approach, just with less space. You’ll still be near nature, you’ll still be cooking on a camp stove, and you’re still technically camping. Similar to this you might also want to consider renting a cabin or even a pre-built luxury tent such as a bell tent. These cabins and tents can come equipped with small kitchens and even proper beds. If you read all this and think to yourself “RVs, vehicles, and cabins just don’t cut it, I hear the call of the wild!” then read on. Learning to pack a tent, and being aware of the other options available, is just the beginning.  

 

Decision making for the more experienced camper

If you, when considering tent camping, asked yourself the question, “How comfortable am I with not sleeping in a bed?” and thought, “Hmmm, sounds like a fun challenge,” then this is a good starting point for you. This opens you up to some more advanced forms of camping but also brings with it some new and very important questions. It still isn’t a given that you should bring a tent and, depending on your skill in the outdoors, a tent might just get in the way. The alternatives each come with a different degree of skill and should only be used if you know exactly what you are doing. 

A common non-tent option is something known as “roughing it”. This is basically just you, a sleeping bag (maybe), and the ground. It doesn’t get simpler than that. You sleep out under the stars in an unadulterated connection with nature. Similar to this is the use of a hammock. Some people swear by them and camp with nothing more than their hammock. You just sling it up between two trees and hop in. Both options are very lightweight, very easy to set up and break down, but also leave you very exposed. 

You could also include bivvy bags and bivvy tents with the above options. These are basically structures that enclose you and a sleeping bag and add a layer of protection between you and the environment. The bivvy tents are mostly tent-like because they have some structural support but you can’t really do more than lay down inside them. 

The last practical non-tent option is to make your own sleeping structure. This can be done in many ways. One of the most common approaches is to carry a tarp and then just string it up between some trees. Voila, instant shelter! You can also make more advanced structures with branches, leaves, mud, and even snow. That is advanced camping and should never be relied on unless you know exactly what you are doing.       

 

Two people in a green hammock in the forest.

Camping without a tent opens up many possibilities and any place with two trees can be a campsite.

 

Packing tents for different climates

So, how do you decide between attempting one of the above or just bringing a tent? The next questions all sort of fit together to create a picture of what sort of sleeping arrangements you might need. You must ask yourself, what will the weather/climate/environment be like? How long will I be camping/hiking? And how difficult will it be to reach the nearest town and shelter? 

The first question is a matter of life or death. Weather, climate, and overall environment should be the determining factors in how you camp or if you even camp at all. Wet and cold can definitely be a camper’s worst nightmare but so can dry and hot. The more extreme weather conditions and climate changes, the more experienced and prepared you need to be. As a general rule if you can put the word “very” in front of climate descriptor and you’re going to be outside in it then you will probably need a tent. So, if it is very cold, very wet, very hot, or very dry. Even with a regular cold, wet, hot and dry you should have a tent. 

You also have to consider the overall environment, the plants, and animals around you. Snakes, bugs, and other critters can be seriously dangerous. Even in a nice temperate environment, you wouldn’t want to be roughing it on the ground near a poisonous snake.     

Tents are meant as a barrier against the extremes of nature and they can protect both you and your equipment. Nature can be extreme in subtle ways though. This is why you must also decide how long you’ll be camping/hiking and how far you’ll be from a town, people, or good shelter. A very long hike, or even a relatively short hike which takes you far from people, should both be very well prepared for. On a long hike, you might get injured or sick and a tent provides a safer shelter to recover in. A shorter hike can easily turn in to a longer hike for similar reasons. Injuries happen and sometimes you have to spend a night somewhere you didn’t expect.

If you can consider all these factors and feel you don’t need a tent then you get to enjoy the luxuries of a simpler, lighter weight camping experience. No need to worry about packing a tent. Otherwise, read on to learn the essential methods and things to consider when packing a tent into your bag. 

 

How to pack a tent in a backpack, a primer 

Packing a tent in a backpack implies that there must be some hiking involved to reach your campsite. Otherwise, you could just toss the tent in the back of your vehicle and be on your way. For hikers equipped with the right gear, you will either have an internal frame or an external frame hiking backpack to get you on your way. Not all packs are created equal though! Especially when it comes to lugging your tent from point A to point B.

For those of you without a hiking backpack, you should get yourself an internal frame pack. If you are already own an external frame pack or, some other type of backpack, and don’t want to get another then hang in there. There are some techniques for you to consider when it comes to packing your tent. 

An internal frame backpack is, by far, the best pack to have when it comes to packing away your tent for an adventurous hike. These packs are typically built with aluminum stays along the back which gives it rigidity while also allowing for more room. Before refining your packing technique it is important to check that your tent simply fits into the backpack you have. It should be able to fit inside with enough room below it for your sleeping bag and enough room above it for additional storage.

If you don’t have at least this much space then either your pack is too small or your tent is too big. If you can get away with it buy a smaller tent. You will always want more storage room on a hike but carrying a bigger and heavier tent every day quickly grows tiring. You might also want to invest in a compression sack that can be used to house your tent and squeeze it down to its smallest size possible.

As a general rule when packing your bag you should pack the heaviest items and least used items near the bottom of your pack. This might include your sleeping bag, which comes out last anyway, some of your clothes, maybe a sleeping pad. These heavier items can really strain your back so keeping them near the bottom of the pack is best.

This provides for a better center of gravity and makes it much easier to hike with a heavier pack for long periods of time. Your tent can then go in vertically or horizontally depending on size and space needs. It is best to keep the heavy tent as close to the middle of the pack and against your back as possible. If your pack has any internal straps you should use them to hold the tent in place so you can then pack around it. 

The remaining space in front of and on top of your packed tent should be used for easy access daily essentials, the things that you will want to regularly access. This includes food, snacks, maps, sunscreen, a first aid kit and such. Water bottles, headlamps, and other quick-access items can go into the side pockets while trekking poles can be strapped outside of your pack.

The overall weight of your pack shouldn’t exceed more than a third of your body weight. On a backpacking trip the less you carry the more your body will thank you. Weight can be offset by having a hip belt on your backpack and any seasoned backpacker will probably recommend this.    

 

A man climbing on rocks in the daytime.

Packed right with the equipment you need the world is your playground.

 

What if my backpack doesn’t have an internal frame or enough room?

The next best thing to an internal frame backpack is an external frame backpack when it comes to long hikes and camping. The internal frame offers support and more room inside while the external frame offers support and more room outside the pack to attach things. If you can’t pack your tent in your bag you might want to strap it to the outside of your bag. 

This isn’t the best option though. With your tent strapped to the outside of your bag, it is more likely that it will get wet, torn or even fall off and be lost. There are things you can do to minimize this risk though. First, you must keep your tent in a waterproof and tear-proof bag if it is outside your pack. You must also strap it down to the bag and/or tie it securely so that even if it is jarred or slips from the bag it is strongly attached. When placed externally it is best to put the tent on the bottom of your bag as this will also help keep a good center of gravity and put less strain on your back.

 

How do I repack the tent?

If you have ever tried putting a tent back into the carrying bag it originally came in after having used it for a night then you know how frustrating this can be. The tent repacking process can be better though. First, you can start by simply cleaning and drying all the tent poles and pegs and putting them back into their bags. Then you must layout the tent in the flattest most spread out form possible. Ideally, you should let it dry fully on both sides before repacking it otherwise it will be much harder to pack and much heavier. 

Once everything is laid out and dry you can then set the tent poles (in their bag) along the middle of one edge of the tent. Fold in the sides of the tent if you need so that you have a long rectangle with tent poles along one short edge. Next, start rolling up the tent using the tent poles as a sort of backbone for the rolled tent.

Along the way, before you finish rolling up the tent you should add the tent pegs (in their bag) into the fold to add more rigidity and support to the final rolled tent. Basically, you’re making the tent into a long rectangle and then rolling it up with the tent poles and tent pegs inside to give it structure. 

Once this is all rolled up and ready to go you can try fitting the tent back into its original bag. This should be easier with the rigidity of the tentpoles as a base. If this still proves too difficult though you can try buying a compression sack which is bigger than the rolled-up tent. This will allow you to place the rolled tent in the sack and then use compression straps along the side to tighten it and compress the whole thing.

 

A person hiking in the sunshine.

As the day wears on a pack can feel heavier and heavier, packing right helps a lot.

 

Final Verdict:

Many people are under the impression that camping requires a tent but this is not the case. You have to camp at the level that suits your skill, willingness, and environment. This means that a tent isn’t always necessary. When a tent is necessary though it helps to pack it right. An internal frame hiking backpack will always serve you well as long as the tent is properly cared for and stowed away correctly.

A word of extreme importance though before you head out the door on your adventures, practice at home. If the tent is new or the bag is new or if any equipment is new then you must use it at home before you go. Try setting up the tent, taking it down and packing it up. Trying walking around your neighborhood with your hiking pack filled with everything you intend to bring.

It is always better to find out you don’t know how to do something while you are still in your living room than when you are twenty miles from another person. Preparation makes for a good adventure. 

 

Bonus tip: Check out these 10 camping hacks to make your next adventure a little smoother!

 

 

                             

 

 

         

 

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Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

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Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

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Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

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Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

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Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

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Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

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