Camphikelive

MyCharge Adventure Series

Camper Chris’s Blog

“The book is better than the internet because it doesn’t require power.” Christopher Hiller

“We like to sprinkle awesomeness.” Nate Harrington

010: Bears

00:00 / 00:25:43

Spotting a bear while out on the trail can be both exhilarating and terrifying, but knowing how to handle a bear encounter is key to safely enjoying the wonders of nature. Everyone knows the expression “don’t poke the bear” and today we’re dedicating the episode to bears and sharing all our experiences and tips for keeping these critters at bay.

Remember, your number one defense in the outdoors is to be aware and beware. The truth is that encounters with bears rarely lead to aggression and attacks are very rare. Most bears prefer to avoid humans, and any bear you see is probably just as frightened as you!

Episode Highlights:

Types of bears and geographic locations of breeds.
Prevention is the number one defense.
Don’t overlook any detail that may attract a bear to your campsite.
Think of creating a “bear hang” when camping out.
Be aware that bears and pets don’t mix well.
Consider planning your destination in places that have lower bear populations.
The less people using a park or trail, the less you risk a bear encounter.
Make a lot of noise when in the outdoors.
What to do if you encounter a bear or it’s cubs.
If you find yourself facing a bear, try to figure out which species they are.
Movement is important but how you move can be the key to your safety.
What to do for young children if an encounter happens.
Things to do, and not do, if attacked by a bear.
Do your bear research when planning your next trip!

Links and Resources:

Camper Chris’s Blog

“The best thing you can do is let the bear know where you are.” Nate Harrington

“When you run, you become prey.” Christopher Hiller

009: First Aid

00:00 / 00:23:48

Ouch! Today we are discussing first aid while camping and hiking. From mosquito repellents to gps tracking we’re covering all you need to keep you covered while out on your next hiking or camping trip.

Before each and every trip, plan the length and nature of your adventure. Go through all the items in your first-aid kit and ask yourself what you really need and if there is anything missing. Remember that when it comes to outdoor first-aid, planning and prevention are the best cure.

Episode Highlights:

Keep it simple, compact, and booboo friendly. You don’t need an EMT caliber kit.
Each kit will vary depending on the medical conditions members of your party, the length and duration of the trip, and the area you’ll be heading to.
Adventure brand medical kits are terrific.
Add a flashlight, pocket-knife, tweezers and whatever other little items you need.
Plan well for the things that most likely will happen.
Map your course so you have the ability to get off the hiking trail at any moment.
Make sure people know where you are and know your agenda.
GPS tracking is an excellent way to allow people to know where you are.
We share all our starter first aid kit essentials.
Foot care should be at top of the list for distance hikers.
Think of carrying emergency fire starter.
Consider taking a first aid course before heading out.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray!

Links and Resources:

Adventure medical kits

“Don’t carry help, plan a way to get help.” Nate Harrington

“Safety is the first aid to the un-injured.” Chris Hiller

008: Sleeping

00:00 / 00:21:11

A long day of hiking or camping fun is coming to an end and your body is dying for some downtime. A good day’s fun is also a great setup for a good night’s sleep under the stars!

If you’ve been hiking, fishing, kayaking, or swimming, you are very likely to be ready for a good sleep by the end of the day. We’ll cover all our tips for the how and when of getting great rest on your next trip. Don’t let foggy brain keep you from enjoying a beautiful day in nature!

Episode Highlights:

Focus on comfort.
Get the proper gear for the climate.
Do the temperature rating and research for your sleeping bag.
Test out your bag and accessories, trying out various options.
Remember that sleep integration may take a few days.
We share the ideal times to sneak a nap into your day.
Find out if we should sleep on a full or empty stomach.
Learn a few tricks to help you navigate discomfort or bothersome bugs.
You can always keep adjusting by getting creative and learning to adapt..
Be aware never to leave small children sleeping alone in a closed tent.

Links and Resources:

“The sounds that happen in the middle of the woods can keep you awake for sure.” Nate Harrington

“If you are doing the outdoors right, your kids are going to get tired.” Chris Hiller

007: Lighting

00:00 / 00:27:15

Afraid of the dark? Don’t let that keep you from experiencing the great outdoors. In today’s episode we’re reviewing all things lighting. We have invaluable tips and resources to keep you and your group out of the dark on your next adventure.

Even the most weathered footpaths can become dangerous when the sun goes down. Whether at the campsite or on the hiking trail seeing your way in the dark is essential to any overnight outdoor trip. We’re covering all the old and new technology for lighting the way.

Episode Highlights:

Hikers rely primarily on headlamps. Hands free is what it’s all about.
And old-fashioned flashlight in a camper’s arsenal is timeless.
If you grew up camping, it was likely under the glow from the an old fashioned lantern. There are now countless options available to light the way.
When it comes to headlamps, a red light feature is essential to provide less light in the night. It can also serve as a terrific map reading tool.
Having a headlamp with locking mechanism is important to avoid surprise battery issues.
Safety is key when using any source of liquid fuel to light torches or lanterns.
Campfires are not a source of light but perfect for smores!
Glow stick lights or glow ropes are a useful and fun way to light up gently. Some are now even rechargeable.
Lighting kits are available for your tent. USB string lights give off ambiance and glow.
Word from the wise. Glow-in-the-dark sleeping bag zipper tabs don’t usually work.
Don’t forget the moon – tune in to hear Chris’s unforgettable moonlight canoe story!

Links and Resources:

“There is so much that can’t be put into a picture.” Nate Harrington

“The moon can offer so much light.” Nate Harrington

“My go to is a little flashlight that is indestructible. It never breaks down, it always seems to work.” Chris Hiller

006: Keeping Cool

00:00 / 00:21:57

Today’s episode is all about keeping cool in the great outdoors. We are sharing all our tips and tricks for dealing with the heat when camping and hiking during the hot months. Knowing how to stay cool while camping is an essential skill that will increase your enjoyment significantly. We’re here to help you to continue having fun all summer long!

Don’t cancel your trip just because of the heat.The good news is that you don’t need to bring heavy equipment to stay cool during your next summer outdoor adventure. If you plan ahead you can cheat the heat!

Episode Highlights:

Keep yourself hydrated, before and during your trip. Always have water accessible.
Wear wickable clothing to keep from sweating and dampening heavy clothes.
Wear a bandana around your head or neck and dip it in water whenever possible. Head and neck temperature regulation is key.
Set up your gear to allow for maximum air flow.
Camp or hike near a waterfront. Plan your trip accordingly by choosing trails or campsites near rivers, streams, or lakes.
Try to plan according to the weather. Too hot can be too much and potentially hazardous.
Hike early – take advantage of the cool hours in the early morning.
Relax in the afternoon in the shade.
Take advantage of electricity in places near or inside camp sites.
Be sure that your tent gets a lot of ventilation. You can also try an open-air hammock as we discussed in our previous episode.
Stay away from gimmicky products and stick to the basics: shade, water, air.
Find what works for you to get that cooling effect on your skin.

Links and Resources:

“You flow with what nature gives you.” Chris Hiller

“When you feel thirsty it’s almost already too late.” Nate Harrington

005: Leave No Trace

00:00 / 00:19:55

In today’s episode we will be giving you tips on how to prepare your trip following the principles of leave no trace. If you bring it in, you should take it back out with you one way or another.

We’ll give you tips on planning and ways to take care of the environment you love and use when camping and hiking.

We’ll focus on trash, nature, wildlife, and all you need to alleviate your footprint while enjoying your favorite outdoor adventures. The idea is that you want to preserve nature to the way it was before you ever showed up. Once you start to practice the principles of leave no trace, you can form habits that will stick with you out on the trail. Being mindful and helping others be aware of their impact are great ways to keep nature intact!

Episode Highlights:

We assess the ripple effect of leaving a trace.
The traffic of so many humans using and abusing the same trails is creating terrible consequences for wildlife.
Raccoons and other animals on campgrounds abound. The receptacles create attraction for the animals. Protect them, yourself, and your food by storing your trash and food securely.
When you pack up and leave, leave it exactly as you found it.
Reset the grass after you rest your tent on it.
Cigarette butts are not biodegradable.
If you make it, make it go away. If you move it, put it back.
Where fires are permitted, use established rings or fire pits. Burn the wood to ash and scatter cool ashes.
Burning wrappers in a fire pit is not acceptable.
Look after fellow or previous campers. You can help remedy the errors that someone doesn’t necessarily know they are making.
Campsites and trails now offer log books that can decrease the inclination to commit graffiti.
Food can be prepared so that garbage is very limited. Repackage your food to minimize waste.
Biodegradable items left around are trash left around. Campers tend to think banana peels, apple cores, and orange rinds are fine, but they have impact on nature and it’s creatures.
When using the outdoors as your bathroom the rule of thumb is to go 100 – 200 yards off the trail. Some people build catholes – 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from the camp and trails. Cover the cathole when finished.

Links and Resources:

Shugemery Youtube Channel

Hang con 2018

The Ultimate Hang Book

“We’re not the only ones who are going to enjoy this. We want to preserve it for the next generation.” Nate Harrington

“If you pack it in, you pack out.” Christopher Hiller

004: Hammocks

00:00 / 00:16:24

On today’s episode we’re talking all about hammocks. The trend of ditching the tent and setting up camp with a hammock has really taken hold in the great outdoors. Whether you’re out on the hiking trail or looking to spend a night above ground on your camping trip, we have all the highs and lows of hammock life. Picture yourself nestled between a few trees, maybe your travel companions are strung up next to you, and you get to wake up and enjoy breakfast while hanging in your self-contained sleeping gear.

We’re once again sharing with you our experiences with all things camping and hiking. “Hammocking” is different, it’s entertaining, and it’s easy. We’ll take you though the cost, the pros, the cons, and why you should get up off the ground and into a hammock on your next outdoor adventure.

Episode Highlights:

Why are so many campers are making the switch?
Leaving the tent at home and switching to a hammock isn’t about sacrificing comfort – it is actually more comfortable.
For hikers it is all about the weight and versatility of the hammock gear.
There is a big variety out there on the market. Prices range from $20 to $400.
In order to make the hammock as versatile as a tent you can add accessories.
An underquilt, a rain fly, and a comfort pad can all be added to enhance the experience.
The underquilt is important to add when you need a warm, insulated layer.
Campers appreciate the dryness of a hammock…not to mention the lack of bugs.
Try it out first in good warm weather before buying up all the extra gear.
Target the sleep first, likey you will find that you sleep much better.
We share tips for set-up and positioning in the hammock for optimal comfort.
Check that campgrounds allow for hanging, and never insert anything into the trees.
Hammock camping is easy, fun, and a breeze to set-up and to take down.

Links and Resources:

Shugemery Youtube Channel

Hang con 2018

The Ultimate Hang Book

“Let’s be honest, it’s just fun.” Chris Hiller

“It is a big trend to get as much weight off of your back as possible” Nate Harrington

003: The Food Episode

00:00 / 00:25:15

Whether cooking a delicious meal around a campfire at dusk or preparing hot coffee and oatmeal before a long day on the trail, food is one of the fundamentals of preparing your trip. On today’s episode we are going to cover everything food for campers and hikers. We’ll be talking about our least and most favorites and how to prepare to make the experience enjoyable no matter how you go!

We’ll help you know where to start with your food preparation. We talk about bringing along the practical and the not-so-practical, and we’ll even highlight a day in the food life of a camper and hiker!

Episode Highlights:

Preparing to eat on the trail either for a weekend or a week takes careful planning and preparation.
Whether camping or hiking, think about freeze-dried meals. They have come a long way and the selections at your local outdoor outfitter are endless.
The biggest difference between the trail and the campground is the amount of food you can bring. Hikers need to carry everything they plan to eat and calories are key!
To get ready, make a list of what you will need for each meal. Pack too much food and you’ll end up needlessly hauling around extra weight. Pack too little and you’ll spend the end of your trip rationing.
Foods can be premixed or precooked to make life on the trail easier.
When hiking, remember that depending on how long you plan to be on the trail, you’ll be resupplying at mini-marts or gas stations as you go.
Thru hikers will be able to eat perishable foods on the first stock day, but after that map out your meals so you’ll have what you enjoy and need until the next restock.
Camping is where you can do almost anything! You can elaborate on the food and therefore on the experience and enjoyment of your trip.
When cooking with charcoal you can find all-in-one charcoal packs for camping trips and avoid those messy fluids.
Hikers rely on gas cooking as wood fires can be dangerous and require too much energy.
Many hikers use supply-drop services on the hiking trail. You’ll need to consider prepping the supplies, mapping your locations, and boxing them up to be sent to your nearest stop.
Whether camping or hiking, remember to learn and adhere to “leave no trace” fundamentals.
When making your food choices, pick your favorites. Happy food = happy times. Make that the backbone of your adventure.

Resources:

When we’re talking about food, camping is where it’s at. – Nate Harrington

Food is awesome and we all need it. – Christopher Hiller

002: Camping on a Budget

00:00 / 00:22:35

There is nothing worse than starting your next great adventure only to realize that you don’t have the funds to get where you’ve dreamed of going. On today’s episode of Camp Hike Live we are talking all about camping and hiking on a budget. We will give you our expert tips on the three important aspects that you need to focus on and work into your budget before you head out!

When it comes to camping and hiking, we have been there and we have plenty of useful information to share. Christopher, as the owner of a camping supply store can give you the inside scoop on just how much you really need to bring and some creative ways to get what you need, especially if you’re just getting started. Nate, as an experienced thru-hiker, will share some of his past adventures with you and explain just how little shelter a hiker may need on those rainy days!

Episode Highlights:

The number one consideration in planning your trip will be TRANSPORT.
Deciding where you are going and how you will get there is the first step.
Driving does not always make sense, particularly when planning a hike.
When camping, decide how you will get to your camp locale and figure out the fees to camp there.
Remember that planning with a group and pooling resources can save money.
The second thing to consider when planning your trip is FOOD.
All the food you plan for doesn’t have to get expensive. It should be portable and affordable.
There are creative ways that you can buy your food, eat well on the trip, and save money at the same time.
Ice gets expensive but needs to be put in your camping budget. You cannot do without it so plan for it.
Don’t forget the other necessities and accessories! Napkins, plates, sporks…
The third and most important aspect to planning your trip will be the GEAR.
When it comes to camping, you need to take the time to think, plan, and examine what it is you really need. You don’t need to buy everything!
Hikers travel lighter but having the right gear is essential to comfort and longevity.
Look around you for a good local outfitter. They can expertly inform you about your necessities and help you fit it all into your budget.
Pick the brains of the people that really know about the location and take their advice.

Links and Resources: