How to Prepare for an Outdoor Adventure

(ARA) - Now that warmer temperatures are on the horizon, camping enthusiasts are starting to seriously think about planning their next outdoor adventure. Whether you'll be hiking in the mountains, roughing it in the desert or simply spending a weekend at the local campground, one thing's for sure, you'll be bringing along a lot of stuff.

The normal camping fare includes a tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, food and other essentials. These days, there's a trend towards also bringing along all the comforts of home, including camping furniture and tables, grills and even electronic devices like TVs, video games and portable stereos.

If you'll be traveling as a family, there will be more hands to carry all the things you're bringing along. But no one wants to get weighted down, which is why it's important to pack light.

Realizing how important comfort is to people, camping equipment manufacturers have concentrated in recent years on lightening the load. You can find tents that are roomy, well ventilated and easy to set up, yet weigh only ten pounds. There are also lightweight stoves and cookware, and even sleeping bags.

"Campers don't want big, bulky products that take up a lot of space and are difficult to haul," says Brent Klages, director of operations at Slumberjack, a St. Louis, Missouri-based company with more than five-decades of experience in the outdoor sleep industry. "People want gear that's lightweight, compact and easy to transport without sacrificing performance and durability."

Convenience is the focus of Slumberjack's new Family On the Go series of sleeping bags. The first product in the line, the Telluride sleeping bag, weighs just 3 1/2 pounds and compresses down to a compact size that's easy to handle, transport and store; but it doesn't sacrifice on quality. The bag is constructed from a durable, anti-snag nylon material, which is resistant to wind and water. It also features a Thermolite Extra insulation and poly-cotton liner, which gives the bag a "bed-like" feel. The bag's 30 to 40 degree Fahrenheit comfort rating makes it perfect for summer camping.

In addition to packing light, the American Red Cross recommends all campers bring along the following items when hitting the outdoors:

* First aid kit
* Flashlight
* Candle and matches
* Compass
* Cell phone
* Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device)
* Hat
* Insect repellent
* Map
* Nylon filament
* Pocket knife
* Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)
* Radio with batteries
* Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)
* Sunglasses
* Sunscreen
* Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)
* Water
* Waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin
* Water purification tablets
* Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device)

Once you arrive in the woods, be sure to show respect for Mother Nature. Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats, don't leave litter of any kind, do not take souvenirs from historical sites and natural areas, and always put out campfires completely.

Visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics at www.lnt.org for more information about how to reduce human impact on Mother Nature when hiking, camping and enjoying other outdoor activities.

For more information about lightweight sleeping bags, camping furniture and other outdoor gear, visit www.slumberjack.com or call (800) 233-6283.

Courtesy of ARA Content