December 2014
How to Dress to Survive Cold Weather How to Buy an RV on a Budget The Advantages & Disadvantages of Dry Camping
Magazine
Vol. 1- Issue 7
TheEscape
The Gam
P6
P18 Spoting Scope Long Range H Best Friend
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Dry Camping
P12 Features to Look For in Portable Generators P14 Digital Cameras in the Cold
GROUP PUBLISHER
Brandon Greenhill 205-733-4343 brandon@goneoutdoorsmag.com
Annie McGilvray
EDITOR
annie@goneoutdoorsmag.com
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P22 How to Dress Survive Cold W
The Rush
The Roar
The Usual
es: A Hunter’s
P26 How to Choose a Snowboard
P32 How to Buy an RV on a Budget
P4
to Weather
The Editors Post
P36 Ad Index
Contents
me
The Escape The Game The Rush The Roar Ad Index
TheEditor’sPost: December is here! Many people have been looking forward to this month of Christmas cheer. Outdoor fires, hot cocoa, s’mores, choosing a Christmas tree and decorating the house are just a few things that cause feelings of delight in those who participate.
I hope the November issue of Gone Outdoors was beneficial in putting together a Christmas list for the people in your life you know love the outdoors. If you missed that issue, you can find it on our Website.
This issue, we have some exciting and one-of-a-kind articles that will be helpful in preparing for the cold, winter months we have ahead. Do you want to buy an RV on a budget? We have an article to prepare you for that. We also have included an article on the advantages and disadvantages of “dry camping”. Skiing and snowboarding are in full force this time of year so we have tips and suggestions on being successful in achieving your winter-sport’s goals. Portable generator usage increases with colder temperatures and we have features to look for in picking out the perfect one for your needs. Do you need help in keeping your batteries charged and ready to use? Colder temperatures influence battery life and the devices that use them. We will help you in making these last much longer during your outdoor adventures. With hunting in full force, we will hit on choosing the right spotting scope. We also will talk generally about how to keep warm and healthy during this winter season. Colder temperatures are no excuse to stay inside. With plenty of articles to use for your advantage, you can get outdoors and enjoy yourself no matter what this cooler weather brings. Have a Merry Christmas! - Annie McGilvray, Editor
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The Advantages & Disadvantages of Dry Camping By Brent Peterson
One of the key advantages of RV travel is that all it takes to technically
start camping is to throw the motorhome or tow vehicle into “park.” With most vehicles being highly self-sufficient - even away from the power grid and water hookups of your average campground - any stretch of land can become an impromptu campsite for the night. A secluded spot
next to a stream. An empty field or a deserted parking lot. Yes, even Aunt Edna’s driveway, if you’re so inclined. Such features as an onboard generator and/or inverter, LP tank(s), fresh
water supply, and holding tanks make such a reality possible. That is, assuming you know what you’re doing. Surely, the temptation to dry camp or boondock, where travelers camp in one way or another away from
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Contents
The Escape The Game
The Rush
The Roar
Ad Index
standard campsites and hookups, appeals to the gypsy
spirit in many of us at some point and time. And there are other reasons, too. Me, Myself, and I
A sense of community is always nice, but sometimes being thrown into the mix at the local campground isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. Larger campgrounds may swell to thousands of campers on a busy weekend; poorly laid
out parks stack RVs right on top of each other. Where did all these people come from? While no one can deny the benefits of full hookups, hot showers, game room and
mini-mart, frankly, established campgrounds are not for everybody. Even the five-star RV resorts that do everything from back in your RV to massage your feet might sometimes miss the point. You want to get away from it
all and that means blazing your own trail. Setting up the travel trailer at the secluded fishing hole. Maneuvering the motorhome through the deepest reaches of the dense
forest until you find the perfect spot. Ah, now that’s more like it. No sounds of idling diesels next-door, no kids play-
ing frisbee through your campsite. Just you, your crew and nature. Isn’t this the way it was supposed to be? Location, Location, Location
An RV trip isn’t always to popular destinations, where campsites are plentiful. Some folks, who take the second-home concept seriously, choose to set up their rig for an extended stay in a place where an established camp-
ground might not be found. For example, that fold-down camper of yours might work admirably in grandma’s backyard during your lengthy visit. Best of all, the grandkids are nice and close. Or perhaps it’s the part-time job that’s got you working at the Christmas tree lot, volunteering at that State Park or selling your wares at a regional art show that requires on-site living sans hookups? Patient’s families have been known to “camp out” at the hospital in order to be close to a loved one during a time of crisis. Furthermore, those whose hobbies take them far off the highways - such as motor sports enthusiasts, rock climbers or boaters - often won’t find better nightly accommodations than their RVs. Different situations call for different accommodations and your RV is ready for any of it. Drastic Times Call for...
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The couple was absolutely dumbfounded by the no vacancy signs up and down Pennsylvania’s Interstate-80. They
looked everywhere, by the end of the night just hoping for any campsite, anywhere. Unfortunately, it was fall foliage season and every single place was booked. Sound familiar? It’s getting late and everyone’s exhausted? Somebody
forgot to make the reservations and things are looking a little grim. Any RV maverick who heads for a prime tourist spot in-season knows full well how quickly campgrounds can fill up, often forcing a decision of where to beach the rig for the night. Truth is, sometimes boondocking is a necessity - even if you don’t particularly like the idea of
bunking down in a Wal-Mart parking lot or deserted field. If you’re not going to be a stickler about making reservations, it’s best to work out dry camping skills in advance - before you have to use them. Money Woes
Compared to even a moderately priced motel, most RV parks, campgrounds - even plush RV resorts - are terrific
deals. A night spent at a state or national park is cheaper still, bolstered by the kinds of bedazzling views one won’t find just any old place. However, there are those of the RVing sect who say hooey to the whole notion of paying to camp. After all, they already ponied up $100,000 for
the motorhome, which is the premier full-time camping machine. By their thinking, every night spent parked in the woods or at a friend’s house or catching zzz’s at the
truck stop is money in the bank. Of course, campground owners don’t much like this free-wheelin’ philosophy, but you can’t beat the price of a night of dry camping. The Can-Do Spirit
Many RVers started as tent campers, so we’re used to the idea of roughin’ it. And just because we made the transformation from soggy sleeping bag to comfy digs doesn’t mean we no longer embrace - or at least pine for - the pioneering spirit. Many of us still cuddle our inner explorer and we get a thunderous sense of pride from camping out where few motorhome tires have tread before. We’re talking about a spot so rustic that not even the pricey satellite dish works. Generating your own power, carrying your own water, feasting on fresh trout or a pantry full of
canned goods is a sure-fire way to restore one’s swagger
landlords aren’t so giving. Nor are some towns, which feel
many of the million acres governed of the Bureau of Land
The fact is the land you’re looking to camp on - be it in the
- regardless if it’s in a $5,000 truck camper or $500,000 diesel-pusher. Free camping can be found throughout Management and National Wildlife Refugees. Before You Go...
However, contrary to popular belief, the world is not your
squatters may not be the best thing for the community or the local businesses that profit from overnight guests.
back of a mall lot or next to a woodland stream - belongs to somebody. And that somebody probably isn’t you. At the very least, one should always try to get the owner’s
okay before activating the slide-out and sending up the TV antennae for the big game. Otherwise, that tapping you
oyster. One cannot simply park their vehicle anywhere they please and throw out the welcome mat. There are
hear on the side of the window at 4 a.m. might just be Officer Friendly looking to point you back on the highway. As
ities as far as boondocking is concerned. Many smaller towables lack the ability to generate their own power,
Is Your Rig Worthy?
laws to consider, etiquette to follow and safety concerns to factor. Furthermore, different RVs offer different capabillacking an onboard generator, inverter or even solar power applications. Smaller fresh water tanks will limit
the duration of the trip - and length of shower, for that matter - of any off-roading adventure. Is your RV up to the challenge? Are you? Here’s a few things to consider before camping without a net. Safety First
The problem with camping in parts unknown is just that - you just don’t know. Is it safe or not? While every
campground isn’t necessarily Fort Knox, the reputable ones are well-lit, fenced-in and offer the safety-in-num-
bers reassurance you won’t get bunking at the truck stop or deepest, darkest woods. For me, every snap of a tree
branch sends me into a deep, paranoid panic when parked in isolation. For others, it’s all part of the natural experience. Still, one must never compromise the safety factor. If it’s just a matter of spending the night before moving on in the morning, gravitate towards spots that are well-lit, fairly busy, and ideally located near the communal bond of another RV or two. Parked under a streetlight might not make for the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had, but it does provide some assurances of safety. Moreover, make sure doors and windows are locked, possessions brought inside for the night and you know where the keys are in the case of a much-needed quick getaway. Legal Matters
While Wal-Mart has made it well-known how much they just love harboring RVers for the night, many potential
a rule of etiquette, it’s always nice to support a business that has allowed you to camp over for the night.
The axiom is painful yet true: The smaller the RV, the less stuff it’s got. Smaller fresh water tanks mean less aqua for drinking and washing, while minuscule holding tanks dictate fewer days spent in the wild before needing to purge. Keep this in mind before scheduling a two-week odyssey far away from civilization. As we mentioned, your vehicle may or may not have means to create electricity on-
board, forcing owners to invest in a portable generator or inverter to do the work. On the flip side, a smaller unit is
better when it comes to maneuvering you and your crew to more reclusive places. A camper van or truck camper is
a superior off-road machine, capable of squeezing through the tight passages that a 40’ motorhome or 60’ worth of trailer and tow vehicle can only dream about. In short, don’t write checks your RV can’t cash. Know and respect your RV’s limits, and plan accordingly. Moreover, what is the condition of the RV? Is everything working okay? Bet-
ter be sure before you find yourself 20 miles away from a paved road with a flat tire or a dead battery. As you would before any trip, fully inspect the unit and stay on top of any preventative maintenance and routine service. Ready, Set, Camp
Even if you never intend to spend one single, solitary mo-
ment camping away from full hookups and the predictable fun of a campground, it’s still a good idea to at least know how what your RV is capable of - just in case. The best advice is to test your dry-camping skills in a safe environment. The smartest way is to get a no-hookup campsite
(or get full hookups and don’t use them the first night or
final thought: Just because no one may be able to see you
curve. How fast does your family go through water? How much LP do you need for a weekend or more? How adept
right? Fifty gallons worth of spewing gray and black water
two) to see how you do. Or just try things out in the driveway. You’ll learn all-too-quickly you and your RV’s learning are you at cooking over a campfire if the LP gas runs out?
How much can your generator handle at one time - or how good are you at conserving electricity? Ah, yes, conservation, the backbone of the dry camping experience. Here’s some ways to get the most out of less. Restore Power
If you run out of electricity, you run out of a lot. Fortunately, there are ways to keep that from happening, namely through the use of a generator or inverter to keep the bat-
teries surging. Portable models aren’t cheap, but are available to prolong your stays in the great outdoors. Otherwise, you’ll need to adopt a highly disciplined approach to squeeze every bit of juice out of your batteries. Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances when not in use. A few guilty parties are the water pump, electric step or exterior lights, which all subtly eat up the amps. Forgo the blow dryer and air conditioner, which are big electricity-users. Park in the shade, on hot days, to keep the refrigerator
from overworking, but still keeping things cool onboard. Don’t keep playing with the slide-outs or spend the whole afternoon watching TV. Keep an eye on that monitor panel. You don’t want the batteries to drain to zero. Remember: In a pinch, a decent-length drive can partially recharge your coach battery when readings begin to wane. Water World
Not everyone has a 100-gallon water tank. For everyone who doesn’t, it’s time to conserve, considering that water is critical for cooking, cleaning and hydrating the crew. Thankfully, fresh water is pretty easy to maintain and re-supply if you should run out (Quick Mart, anyone?) Still, shorter showers (remember the in-and-out style of the “Navy” shower) and minimizing hand washing (use hand sanitizers when possible) should maintain water levels. Don’t leave the water on when brushing teeth or washing dishes, either. If there are facilities nearby for showering and such, use them. And just think - the less water you use, the less goes into the holding tanks. It’s a win-win. A
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doesn’t give you the right to dump the tanks during your boondocking adventures. We’re on our best behavior,
is no way to repay someone for using his or her property. Pro-Propane
LP gas is a pretty hardy resource, meaning it’s tough to
run out if you have any decent-size tanks. However, our conservative approach should still be employed here as
well. The best way to stretch the propane supply is to cook
outdoors. A campfire is still the most fun and flavorful way to prepare a meal, a method that simply can’t be replicated in the RV’s oven no matter how you try. Snuffing out pilot light’s when not in use will stretch your supply
even further. Otherwise, go easy on the furnace and water heater. Provisions
Overloading the RV is a bad thing. Running out of Mac N’ Cheese 30 miles from the nearest town isn’t too good, either. Dry-campers must walk the line between loading up and overloading, which is hopefully something that comes with experience. Spare canned goods, firewood
and portable cooking devices can go a long way when roughin’ it - provided they don’t tilt your vehicle into the overweight condition. If boondocking plans simply call
for a night here and a night there, you probably won’t run
out of food or supplies. However, if the campout is of the epic variety, be realistic about how much of everything you might need and how easy it will be to get more. Bring extra food and water, if need be, since a hungry group quickly falls into mutiny mode. A few other possible items to include: portable grill/cooking grate, charcoal, fishing poles and tackle box, extra blankets, alkaline batteries, cell phone, first aid kit, tool kits, hatchet/saw, manual can opener, cooking tools and bug spray. And don’t head into the woods with the fuel tank on “E.” Chances are your generator will munch on some of the fuel and dry camping is no time to run out of gas. Article written by Brent Peterson for the June 2009 issue of CyberSam. Brent is the author of the Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing.
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If you are like me who loves going outdoors to do a little camping, hiking and fishing, then you would know that one of the
essential gears to have in such recreational activities is the portable generator. Portable generators used for recreational functions have grown in popularity in recent years. This is probably mainly due to the explo-
so dependent on (if not addicted to) that not many will agree to leaving them behind when they go out on a camping or hiking trip.
Portable generators have now become a neBut what are the important features that you should look for in choosing the most suitable generator for your intended use?
This article hopes to enumerate some of the most important considerations in choosing the right equipment for your portable power.
generator that produces power surges will fry sensitive circuitry and destroy sensitive electronic equipment! Fuel Efficiency - it is also important to
look for portable generators designed to maximize every drop of fuel as this will mean less fuel costs and less environmental impact. Again, inverter generators excel in this aspect of power generation as those types of generators produce clean and green energy.
Noise Level - going out on a camping trip means you will be communing with nature. Do not ruin it all with a noisy generator. Many portable generators today are designed to reduce noise level so you can
achieve that peace and quiet that vacations are usually intended for. Some models have been reduced down to sub 50 dB (A) noise level. While no generator is truly silent, such noise levels are pretty good and are virtually whisper-like at a certain distance! Lightweight - if portability is what you are after, then nothing is more portable than a generator that you can hand-carry with relative ease. Many brands have made significant headway in this regard and if you look hard enough, you will be able to find units that may go as low as 30 pounds or so! In the world of portable generators, that is feather-light!
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sure your wattage requirements. And this will depend on what you will need to power with it. Most generators are rated with a running wattage and a maximum wattage. Take note of the running watts of the generator as that is more important than the maximum watts it’s capable of producing.
in powering up electronics that require stable supply of electrons in their circuits. A
The Roar
Maximum Power - portability will certainly create a tradeoff in power. The smaller the generator is, the less power it can produce. Hence, in buying a portable generator, one of the important things is to accurately mea-
these type of generators produce clean and stable electrical current that is important
The Rush
cessity in most outdoor expeditions, whether they be for recreation or otherwise.
like a laptop PC or a television, it is important to choose inverter generators because
The Game
sive growth of the consumer electronics industry which have produce a lot of fancy and useful gadgetry that people have grown
Voltage Stability - if you are planning on using the generator with delicate electronics
The Escape
By James NickelsonÂ
Contents
Features to Look For in Portable Generators
Digital Cameras in the Cold A Li-Ion in Winter Here are a few tips about outdoor photography in winter. Mostly, I’ll describe how to get maximum life from your batteries in low temperatures. That means two things about the scope of this article: 1.
This article won’t get into other aspects of outdoor photography,
2.
The information in this article applies to other battery-powered
at least not very much.
devices besides just cameras. (There’s even a section about your car!)
As I set about researching this article, I discovered something interesting: Nothing! I can’t find anything on the Web that supports the tips I’m about to give you, and I’ve never read about it in print sources. I can’t believe I’m the only one who knows this, and it’s certainly no breakthrough scientific discovery. And I can’t believe I’m the only one who has ever attempted to use a digital camera in sub-zero temperatures, but maybe we are so small a market that nobody has bothered to pub-
lish this information. Frankly, I’d consider it unlikely that this has never been published before, but I can’t find it. So, here you go. You might have to consider this something of a “myth,” but you can easily confirm it on your own.
Here’s the thing. Electric batteries are a lot like old, cranky hikers. They get slower and crankier when it’s cold. It doesn’t matter what kind of batteries you have, whether primary or rechargeable, carbon or alkaline, nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion, lead-acid automotive batteries, or, I dare say, any battery that’s ever been invented or likely to be invented any time soon. They all operate much better at temperatures closer to normal human body temperature than to the temperature of ice.
Okay, maybe there’s some exotic battery that nobody outside the secret laboratory has ever heard of, but any battery you’re likely to find on the consumer market likes warm temperatures. And maybe batteries of
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Contents
The Escape The Game
The Rush
The Roar
Ad Index
one type operate best at 84.37 degrees Fahrenheit while batteries
Good!) The nearer to your skin, the better. I typically carry my extra batteries in my shirt pocket, with at least one sweater and
You can observe this very easily. If you keep your camera (or
don’t bring any extra batteries. They wouldn’t work anyway.
of another type prefer 88.64 degrees, but the point remains that batteries work better near body temperature.
other battery-powered device) outside in very cold temperatures, you’ll see that the batteries are depleted very quickly. Place the camera inside your jacket for a few minutes, and the batteries indicate a much higher charge.
Any battery produces electric power by chemical reactions, and
any chemical reaction occurs more efficiently at higher temperatures, up to a limiting temperature where complex chemicals
begin to break down. These limiting temperatures are way above your body temperature, so don’t worry about it. Just don’t drop your batteries into a fire and expect them to work better.
So what can you do about it? Two things, one simple and one with ramifications.
one jacket outside of that. Don’t carry your batteries in an outer pocket or a backpack. If that’s your plan, save the weight and just Second, keep your camera as warm as possible while you’re not actually using it. This, as I alluded above, has ramifications. The problem is that if you keep your camera at your body temperature, condensation will form on the lenses when you take it out and start using it.
So, while your extra batteries benefit from being kept at body
temperature, the camera itself has problems with that. Here are a couple of techniques that I use to reach a balance between these two requirements. 1.
First, carry your extra batteries in an inner pocket. (You do dress in layers when you go outdoors in winter weather, don’t you?
Keep your camera at an intermediate temperature and, if possible, keep the battery warmer than the lens. I keep my camera in an inside pocket of my outermost jacket, and
I keep it lens-side-up. Typically, my outermost jacket is unzipped, so the top of that inner pocket is only marginally warmer than ambient temperature. The battery-end of my camera is buried deep inside a sort-of warm pocket, while the lens is just outside of the frigid White Mountain 2.
wilderness.
Change out the batteries throughout the day, cycling them between the camera and your inner pocket. When the
battery in my camera indicates that it’s “dead,” I install the extra battery and put the “dead” one in my shirt pocket. Then, when that second battery is “dead,” I switch back to the original battery, which is now warmed up and, magically, no longer “dead.”
One final note: When you get back home, do not place a cold bat-
tery on its charger. Let the batteries warm up to room temperature for a few hours before charging them. The sudden change of temperature from freezing to charging, and the sudden flow of electrical current through a cold battery, will almost certainly cause permanent damage. Film Cameras
While the tips in this article are specifically about digital cameras, much of this information also applies to film cameras. Almost any film camera manufactured in the last half-century has electronic exposure controls and an electrical actuator for the shutter. Many also have an electric film-advance motor. The batteries that operate these features will also benefit from being kept warm.
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reactions by which film records an image may not happen quickly enough, and your pictures will be underexposed. And you won’t even know it until you develop them. The temperatures at which this becomes noticeable are truly extreme, typically well below zero Fahrenheit, but the phenomenon does exist.
So, your film camera will benefit from being kept warm just as a digital camera will.
But it also has the same drawback of condensation on the lens.
A trick I used to use in extreme cold was to keep the lenses in my camera bag at ambient temperature and the camera body in a
jacket pocket. It slowed me down a bit, requiring me to mount a lens before taking a picture, but it was better than enduring the
elements only to come home with a roll of underexposed pictures. Also, condensation could form on the viewfinder lens and mirror,
at least an inch away from your skin but still close enough to stay reasonably warm.) Starting your Car in the Cold
Here’s a bonus tip about cold batteries. You may have heard this before and dismissed it as preposterous, but it’s perfectly true. It only works if your car battery is rather old and weak. If this
trick helps you to get your car going on a cold morning, replace that battery as soon as you can. But if you’ve been putting off buying a new battery and now
you’re running late for work and the car won’t start, here’s a way to save the day: Turn your headlights on before you start the car.
but this condensation was not in the path between the objective lens and the film, so it did not affect the pictures.
It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually works. What happens is that the electric current that flows through the battery actually warms the battery itself. Once warmed up, the battery produces
What other gadgets do you use outdoors in winter conditions? Regardless, if it has a battery, the battery will work better if you keep it warm.
You have to apply this trick very carefully. The idea is to use some of the battery’s energy to warm the battery, but not to deplete the stored charge in the process. When you crank the starter that one last time, you want the battery to be warm and to have enough
Other Electronic Widgets
And condensation might not be a problem! A little bit of condensation may form on the circuitry itself, but this is less of a problem than you might think. Most consumer electronic devices have a coating on their circuits to protect them from atmospheric
moisture and oxygen, so they can handle a little bit of condensation. When you remove your gadget from that warm pocket and hold it in the icy air to use it for a minute or two, only a few tiny drops of condensation will form. Then, when you put it back in its toasty pocket, the condensation will mostly evaporate again.
GPS receiver? Keep it warm, but high enough that it can get a good signal from the satellites. Your body can obscure the satellite signal, especially when the forest canopy has already weakened the signal. You might try keeping the receiver on a shoulder-strap that will hold it on your back or shoulder, clear of your backpack, under your jacket. Walkie-talkie? It should ride well in a pocket of your inner jacket that will keep it warm and ready to use.
Wireless phone? (Why are you bringing it into the wilderness?) I prefer to leave mine in my car when I’m hiking. Then I put it in a shirt pocket to warm up when I start to drive home. By the time I’m back in civilization and cell-phone coverage, it’s ready to receive that message of worry from my wife. If you do carry it on a hike, keep it in an inner pocket. (And if you’re worried about getting rat-cancer from the radio energy, keep it in a pocket that’s
current more efficiently than when it’s cold.
charge to start the cold engine.
So, if the first attempt results in a slow cranking, give it up quickly. Turn the headlights on for a while - a minute or so should do it - then turn the lights off and try the starter again. Notice that I said “headlights.” The parking lights don’t draw enough current to warm the battery up significantly on a very cold day.
So, you may ask, why doesn’t the starter draw enough current to warm up the battery? In fact, it does, but at the same time, it’s drawing so much charge from the battery that it can deplete the charge before the battery becomes efficient enough to start the engine. Use the headlights.
If you try this for two or three cycles and the engine still doesn’t start, give it up and break out the jumper cables. (You do have jumper cables handy, don’t you?)
If you’ve had to use this trick even once, get a new battery. Today! Chuck Bonner
http://www.HikingWithChuck.com
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Objective lens
Uses
The second number, in this case 50, is how big the objective lens is. The larger the objective lens the scope has, the more light it can transmit. This is important when viewing objects in the dawn and dusk hours, also the hours when game is most active. Another benefit of a bigger objective lens is that it will provide a larger field of view.
Magnification Magnification power is the main reason we need a spotting scope. To start, we have to know how to read the power of a scope. You may see something like 12-36x50mm or 32x50mm, generally, the numbers before the x represent how many times further the naked eye can see with the help of that scope. Most scopes don’t go past 45x, at this point there aren’t many practical uses for it.
The Two Types of Spotting Scopes Angled Scope
Angled spotting scopes have an angled eye piece. An angled scope is better for viewing objects in tree lines or animals that are hiding because of the ability to easily pan up and down. Another benefit is that you can use a shorter tripod, giving you less to carry when in the field. Straight Scope
A 90 degree spotting scope is the usual choice for those of us buying our first one. Although not recommended because of stability reasons, a straight spotting scope can be used without a tripod while standing up. It is easier to aim as you can move it left and right freely. With the help of a tripod, animals on the ground are
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Specifications to Understand
Field of View specification is usually abbreviated and shows both yards and meters. If the field of view is 170 - 90 yards it means that at the lowest magnification, you can see 179 yards across and at the highest magnification, you can see 90 yards across.
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for spotting scopes; this article will detail the things to look for when buying one and how to use it once you get it.
Field of view
The Rush
A rifle scope’s view can only take you so far. A binocular also has limited range. If these two routes of magnification don’t provide enough power for you, you’re in the market for a spotting scope. A lot of outdoor aficionados use spotting scopes for nature viewing and scenic observing. They can provide more detail at longer ranges. For example, they can provide enough detail to differentiate between similar species from very far away. Telephotography is also another application, manufacturers offer camera attachments on their spotting scopes. The camera attachment technology has improved by leaps and bounds, you are now able to take photos, use an SD card or even upload it on the spot. Astronomy fans also have reason to by a spotting scope as they are very effective when star gazing as well. There are many uses
The Game
By David R Wells
The Escape
A Long Range Hunter’s Best Friend
Contents
Spotting Scopes:
much easier to view. A straight scope can provide all these benefits with less neck strain. Coating
Lens coating is vital for a quality spotting scope. Lens coating is very expensive and can mean a big difference in price but a bigger difference in optical quality. Look for fully multi-coated lenses for the best experience. The types of coating on lens coatings available are: • • • •
Coated - A single layer on at least one lens surface. Fully Coated - A single layer on all air-to-glass lens surfaces.
Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on at least one lens surface. Fully Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Using a Scope for a Hunt
When buying a spotting scope, make sure you buy a tripod if you don’t already have one. This will steady your view. Even the slightest movement will negatively affect your view
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when looking at images with such high magnification.
To achieve the clearest image, slowly adjust your magnification while observing an object. Sometimes, an image will not clear up; heat waves at high noon will blur your images. At a high magnification during a hot summer day, you’ll barely be able to see the horns on a buck just a half mile away.
Many hunters in the west coast use high powered spotting scopes because of the wide open country. However, the plains of the Midwest and open areas of the Appalachians are also good candidates for powerful magnification. Personally, I use my scope out west to pick out mule deer. A spotting scope is useful in providing the details of an animal before you begin to stalk it. You want to be sure of your prize buck before you begin a stalk. Often times during scouting season, animals will be in large herds. For example, during the fall deer are a lot less confrontational any may hang out together; this is a good opportunity for you to scout a potential wall hanger. Thank you for reading my article! We have spotting scopes available at our online optics store [https://oneshotriflescopes.com], but we specialize in rifle scopes.
There are technical resources available for our community, a shop blog, and a huge selection of products to choose from. Pay us a visit! [https://oneshotriflescopes.com]
How to Dress to Survive Cold Weather 12 Tips on How to Stay Warm Outside During Winter By Darryl Rodgers 1. Dress in Layers - You can always remove outer layers if you get warm.
2. Wear 100% Polypropylene underwear - or other moisture wicking underwear. No matter how many layers you wear, you will be cold if you are wet. The key is to wear form-fitting, moisture-wicking underwear that will wick the moisture away from your skin. Cotton underwear will soak up moisture and hold it next to your skin, making you cold. 3. Avoid Unnecessary Movement - if you know you will have to be still later on. For instance, if you are a hunter walking to your tree stand or blind, start earlier and walk slowly so as not to cause excessive sweating. Also, it’s a good idea to tie your coat around your waist or put it in your daypack as you walk. You may be cold at first, but with the coat on you are more likely to sweat. As you walk, you will warm up. Save the coat for when you really need it and are sitting still for long periods of time.
4. Wear a Hat or Cap - Most of your body heat is lost through your head. You will be surprised at how much warmer you will be if you wear something on your head. You may also choose to wear some other type of warm headgear. Something
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Contents The Escape
The Game
The Rush
The Roar
Ad Index
such as a ski mask that covers your face, including your ears, and nose is nice and in some climates essential. Again, save the hat for when you are still or have a lower level of activity if possible. A 100% polypropylene baklava under your head gear will serve to wick moisture away from your head.
5. Wear a Scarf - or turtleneck. Just make sure your neck is covered with something warm.
6. Wear Warm Outer Layers - 100% wool is a good insulator, or you may choose from a host of other high tech outer layers such as polar fleece. Always pack a rain suit or other water-proof outer shell that is large enough to cover all of your layers. If it starts to rain you will be glad you did! Take along a heavy water-resistant coat. Don’t skimp on something cheap. Get a coat with good insulating qualities and a built-in hood. Outer shells that have a wind blocking material in them will help keep those cold gusts from making their way through your clothing. Wear pants that fit a little loose with layers on under them. Blouse your pants with blousing rubbers or stuff them into your boots to trap body heat and prevent cold drafts from finding a path up your pants leg. 7. Wear Mittens - Believe me when I tell you that your fingers will be much warmer with mittens on than with gloves! Now there are mittens that have a folding top part which allows you to expose the ends of your fingers when you need to use them. You can then flip the top half of the mitten right back over your fingers for protection.
8. Use a Hand Warmer - If you›re going to be sitting still for long periods of time and it’s important to you to have more finger dexterity than pop-top mittens will allow, you may want to give a hand warmer a try. These are usually made from polar fleece or other warm material and have a waist strap with a quick release. The heat generated from your hands inside the insulated sleeve keeps your fingers toasty and ready for use at a moment’s notice. Also referred to as a hand warmer is a device which operates on butane. The outer shell of the hand warmer is aluminum and it is carried in a cloth pouch with draw strings. For hunters and wildlife observers this may not be a good option, since the scent from the burning butane may alert wildlife downwind of you to your presence. If it’s cold enough, you may not care. 9. Wear Under Socks - Start off with under socks made of 100% polypropylene. You need to wick as much moisture as possible away from your feet and toes. A pair of thick wool socks over your under socks will serve to further wick moisture and they will also act as a good insulator.
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10. Wear a good pair of cold weather boots - Your choice of boots should depend on where you intend to trek, how much you intend to walk and how cold you expect the weather to be. If the weather is not that cold...let’s say 40 - 50 degrees above zero Fahrenheit, and you intend to trek across areas where you may have to step in small puddles wear a good pair of boots that have good insulation and contain a water-resistant material that allows your feet to breath. If you expect to be sitting still for an extended period of time, you will want to wear boots that are designed with a large pocket of air in the toes. This air pocket along with insulation in the boot will keep your toes warm in some very cold weather! The only drawback is that you will look like you are wearing Mickey Mouse shoes! They are cumbersome to walk in for long distances, however for times when you don’t need to walk very far and will be sitting for an hour or more in very cold weather, these boots are perfect!
11. Buy Your Boots with Extra Room - Be sure when you try on a pair of boots that you wear the socks you will be wearing in the woods. If you wear a pair of athletic socks when you try on your new cold-weather boots, there will not be enough room for your thick wool socks. I would rather my cold weather boots were just a little on the big side rather than the other way around. Extra air in the toes provides for extra insulation. Tight boots restrict circulation in your toes which will also make them colder. Just make sure you don›t get boots that are so big they rub a blister on your heel. 12. Use a Blind - whenever possible for wildlife viewing or hunting. Anything to help block the wind will also help keep you warm.
Darryl Rodgers is a stay-at-home dad, author and adventurer. He grew up in rural South Carolina hunting, fishing and playing in the woods near his home for hours at a time. At the age of 19, Darryl started a career as a corporate pilot. He served as a medic in the Army National Guard and eventually became a Copilot/Gunner on the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
Darryl has owned several small businesses but has been most successful and had the most fun running an outdoor summer day camp for boys. He has also worked with at-risk boys through a non-profit program. Darryl is the proud father of two boys, ages 8 and 15. Through his years of practical experience in working with boys, Darryl has become an expert on what boys like, how they learn best, and what things they need to be taught that they are missing in school.
How to Choose a Snowboard
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One of the best ways to get in shape and stay in shape is by training for a physical activity that you really enjoy (like snowboarding!). It
a very rewarding sport and a great way to stay in shape during the cold months, when 75% of weight gain occurs during the year! So you are ready to start snowboarding, but
how do you choose a snowboard if you are a beginner? The first question to ask yourself is “What kind of snowboarding activities do you
Most people just want to snowboard, but keep in mind what direction you think you are most likely to head in; freestyle (trick in the park/ pipe), groomed trails, deep powder, racing
or all of the above. If you are not sure, an “all mountain board” is a safe bet, and what most people start out with because it’s versatile and allows you to try different things. I didn’t get a
down any questions you may have and consult a pro at your local shop. This is the best way to pick out a board for the first time, as a good snowboard store/company should have someone knowledgeable on hand to answer your questions. I would avoid buying online, unless you have already tried out your setup in person and are sure it’s the right one.
I would also check out the buyer’s guide from Transworld Snowboarding Magazine, which
is really awesome! I buy it every year, even if I
am not on the market for a new board because I love reading about it. They do a “Good Wood” test (many boards have a wood core), in which they test a bunch of boards that have no branding elements on them so the testers are unbiased.
One other bit of advice, many major snowboard companies will have demo days at certain ski resorts. You can demo your new set up for a fee, before having to purchase. If you have the time and money, this is the best way to be sure your new set up will be perfect.
The Rush
want to learn?” and “Where will you be riding and what are the snow conditions like usually?”
Below are some practical guidelines to keep in mind while doing research. Be sure to write
The Game
is easier to motivate and stay committed to your workouts knowing that it will allow you to have more fun on the slopes. I hope this post encourages you to go out, get a snowboard setup and start snowboarding each season. It is
around.
The Escape
Buying a Snowboard for the First Time?
more specialized set up until my second time
Contents
By Jonathan Angelilli
The Roar Ad Index
Feet First
The first step is to stop thinking about the actual snowboard and start thinking with your feet! Your boots are the foundation of a good snowboard setup. If your boots aren’t comfortable, you will not be able to perform well, in fact it will be hard to have fun at all. A little toe pain goes a long way when it comes to snowboarding.
Also, the size of the boot is one factor in determining the size of the board, so boots first. Your boots, once strapped into your binding, shouldn’t stick out over the edge of the board, otherwise you risk TOE DRAG. Before trying on boots, make sure that you cut your toe nails. Your boots should be very snug, but not tight or
uncomfortable. The boots will pack out a tiny bit when broken in, but not more than maybe a ½ a size, probably less.
It is recommended to try on several brands, as each one cuts the shape of their cut differently, and uses different technology and materials to create a certain fit. There are
different lacing systems, different amounts of shocking absorption materials, and even different shapes depending on your style of riding. Some of the boots will have heat molding; you can take out the inner boot, heat it up, and mold it around your foot. Bindings Next
Your bindings need to fit perfectly with your boots to
assure optimal performance and safety. Most brands of bindings will work with most brands of boots, but I think
it’s a good idea to pick out the boots first and then buy the same brand of bindings. I would also pick a board from the same brand too, just to keep things simple, as there are certain brands like Burton who have some boards that are only compatible with their own bindings. Bindings come in different shapes, sizes and materials. In general, the lighter/stronger ones will be more expensive. Try finding bindings that are easy to use and avoid using
plastic parts, which often break in the cold. You should also be able to adjust your binding easily and take them off easily.
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A quick note, I would completely avoid step-in binding/ boot systems. These basically allow you to step onto your board and be secured to it without having to strap on the bindings. The convenience you get from saving 20
seconds strapping in is far less valuable than the cost of performance you will endure the rest of your time on the mountain. Board Sizing
Picking the right size board depends on 4 main factors; * How wide is your foot? * How tall are you?
* How much do you weigh?
* What is your riding style and ability?
If you have a size 11 or larger, you will most likely need a wide board to avoid toe drag. Not all boards come in wide sizes. There are some boots now that are specifically designed to decrease the overall length of the boot, so people who can almost fit on a regular width board can wear these boots and don’t have to buy a wider board.
For quicker turning, transitioning from heel to toe edges and more control (especially on groomed/hard pack
trails), a narrower board with a good sidecut is key. (Sidecut is the shape of the edge of the board). For floating on powder, a slightly wider board is great. For freestyle riders doing tricks in the park, a shorter board makes it easier to rotate, and a twin tip board is ideal. (Twin tip boards are shaped exactly symmetrical, which makes switch stance riding easier).
Again, most first timers will want to buy an all mountain board, which has a relatively symmetrical shape, but if you know you are going to be focused on riding in deep powder, you may want to get a more specialized board for that
(which will be longer, have a much longer/wider nose and much shorter narrower tail, which helps to sink the tail into the powder and keep the nose and board afloat.) This is a pretty cool calculator for finding the right size
board. I wouldn’t trust it blindly, but it will definitely put you in the right ball park: http://www.frostyrider.com/ tips/size-guide.htm Board Options & Technology
There are a lot of options and styles of boards with new
technology coming out each year. Camber and Reverse Camber boards are currently the hottest new trend. These boards play with the shape of the board by adding rocker. Essentially, all board used to be slightly convex to the ground, but now companies are making boards that are
perfectly flat or concave to the ground. Some companies are playing with multiple kinds of camber in the same board. As a beginner, I wouldn’t worry too much about this technology unless you know you want to be a freestyle snowboarder. But let me say that I love my new board’s reverse camber design; I find it makes flat landing slightly more forgiving, and helps me pop my ollies. Goofy Versus Regular
If you skateboard, wakeboard, or surf, you know already what stance you like. There are two good tests for determining whether you are goofy or regular (Left foot forward or right foot forward). One is to run and slide against a slippery floor on your sock. Which foot do you
naturally foot forward? That is your front foot. The other test is to have someone push you while standing, which leg do you put backward? That is your back food. Don’t think too much when doing these tests, just let your body react. Take a Stance
You have the option to put your stance narrower or wider and to turn out each foot to different angles, and on some new boards, the ability to move your stance forward or backward (closer to one of the edges.) A great way to determine your stance is to (once you are a little warmed up) jump up as high as you can and try and land silently. Your body will automatically put you in the position that
you are most powerful in. How wide are your feet? How turned out is each foot? This will be pretty close to your ideal stance, although you may want to turn your back leg inward slightly if you are not planning on riding switch (with your opposite foot forward pointing downhill) to
make you more comfortable on the board. Seasonal Rentals & Pricing
One other thing to keep in mind, you may want to get a
seasonal rental instead of purchasing a board your first year round. Snowboarding can be totally Zen, but it’s equipment, money and time are intensive and conditions vary on the weather. If it’s your first season, investing in buying a board may not be the best decision. Many snowboard shops will have seasonal rentals. If you think you want to buy a setup, a good idea is to buy really comfortable boots and then get a seasonal rental for the board and bindings. There may be an option to buy that board
at the end of the season for a discount, and if not, you can pick out another board at the end of the season for a major discount. (Late March and April, a lot of equipment will be on sale, sometime for 50% off or more!) In general, this is a great time to purchase equipment and clothing for snowboarding, if you can make it throughout the season without needing anything too much. I bought my boots for 30% off in April, my gloves for 50% off in May and my pants for 30% off. Major savings!!! Of course,
if you want a very popular board or boot in a popular size,
there is very little chance that it will be waiting for you at a discount, so keep that in mind. Surf the Earth
Now you are all set and armed with information to pick out a great first setup and experience an amazing sport.
Snowboarding is total Zen and one of the best ways to spend time outside in nature during the cold months. If you are just getting started, I encourage you to get in the
gym and start training for your time on the mountain. The more conditioned you are, the more fun you will have. In general, there is a three day learning curve for snowboarding, and I highly recommend taking a lesson the
first day and not trying to keep up with your friends. You should be linking turns and transitioning from your heel edge to your toe edge by the end of the first day, although this will vary from person to person. (Most people will do what’s called a “falling leaf” in the beginning, which allows them to maintain control but prevents you from learning
proper technique.)
Ideally, your first trip should be somewhere with fresh snow (for softer falls and slower “learning” conditions), and should put you on the mountain for three days in a short period of time (as long as you are relatively in shape.) If you go one day a season, and wait a year to go again, that three day learning curve gets way longer. I know you will find that snowboarding is a rewarding sport that will allow you to stay in shape and connected with nature during the cold months of the year. Take care, stay fit, and shred hard! Johnny Fitness
http://www.getdynamicresults.com
Jonathan Angelilli aka Johnny Fitness has worked as a full time trainer for over 8 years, has completed 9 certifications, trains several celebrities, and is currently the Training Director of Dynamic Results, an upscale fitness
and lifestyle company in NYC. He is a fanatical snowboarder and loves spending time snowboarding in Vermont, out west and in the Alps. His best tricks to date are a back flip and a front side 540 off a 12 foot hit. Not bad for someone who only gets 15-20 days per year on the mountain! He is
very passionate about getting people in great shape to push their snowboarding abilities.
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That may be one of those oxymorons, to “buy an RV on a budget”, but you can still get the best deals if you just devote a little time in finding what you want.
We officially started camping with a small 14’ Fun Finder in June of 2009. Since that date, we have discovered that camping can be addictive.
For us, it’s the total relaxation and the ability to catch fish on many bodies of water we most likely wouldn’t get to try. It’s like taking a short vacation since you’re out of your house and daily routine.
wide basis.
I even sent off for several brochures for the floor plans we decided we would like. Naturally, I studied them over
and over checking out even the smallest detail. Many RVs are similar in size, but the floor plans change and finding one that you like is the best feeling for RV shoppers.
Fun Finder ourselves led us to contracting with a local consignment RV lot.
January 2012 was the last time we camped with our Fun
neously. It just happened to be EXACTLY what we had dreamed about for our next RV. We tried not to show our excitement to the salesman, but it was like the cat that ate the mouse, we just couldn’t stop smiling. Naturally the salesman was interested in selling us this RV, but we had decided not to buy just yet. Especially since they were asking around $25,000. Which, for us, was just plain out of the budget we’d set up for this type of purchase. That one single day started a frenzy of researching for a Keystone Bullet with a rear bath, single slide out and
center wall complete with spin around TV that separated the sleeping area from living area. I scoured the Internet looking at RV sites all over the US before finally finding a manufacturer’s representative lot in Michigan called Lakeshore RV. My contact was a guy
named Mike and we started our endless barrage of questions. One of the things we learned was that they wanted $2200 to deliver a new RV to our home in Florida.
It took about a month of discussion before we finalized our options, price and shipping arrangements. And
because of all the options it already came with, we only
Ad Index
After all that research, we finally came up with a floor plan we wanted. We had narrowed our search down to a Kodiak, Aerolite or Bullet. Our decision not to sell our
the Bullet, our hearts skipped a beat almost simulta-
The Roar
Well, after almost three years of a fairly cramped space during camping, we made a decision to upgrade our RV. So, I started researching hundreds of travel trailers, not just locally, but looking almost daily online on a nation-
One weekend we had decided to drive over to a Camping World which was not far from our house just to look at some other models. Low and behold, they actually had a 2010 Keystone Bullet in the floor plan we wanted so we gave it a serious looking over. The minute we walked into
The Rush
There’s just something about being away from home for a weekend, or even a couple more days that gets into one’s soul.
I searched and searched all over the web looking for what we had dreamed about and had it put on our goal board in my office. We had pretty much narrowed our search to a Keystone Bullet because of its floor plan and quality of construction.
The Game
Our Marriott on wheels!
Finder, then the search escalated to find our “dream RV”.
The Escape
By Timothy L Emmons
Contents
How to Buy an RV on a Budget
added a larger A/C, a slide out awning and an E2 equalizer hitch to handle this less than 5,000 pound ultra-light RV.
say, my heart was pounding and my palms were sweating since I was thinking this monster behind our Tundra was going to be
they had a special price with a lot of options and overall it worked out to be some $6,000 less than most lots were asking.
It didn’t take long before Karen broke out our Passport America
One of our major decision making points for the Bullet was that Lakeshore RV had told me they sell less in the winter months, so
The day was fast approaching before we headed up north to pick
up our new Bullet. After logging on to MapQuest, I found out how many miles we had to drive roundtrip, so that gave me an idea of
what our gas costs would be. So we decided to drive up north and personally pick up our new “Marriott on wheels”. We left our house in Cape Coral, Florida at 6:00 AM on a Satur-
day. With our GPS mounted and set up for someplace in northern Georgia, plus my trusty laptop on the ready to search out places to sleep for the nights we’d be gone, we departed. It was a beautiful day to drive, and some ten hours later with only one small rainstorm in southern Georgia, we arrived in Dalton, GA. where we booked into a Motel 6. Laugh all you want, but they are great, inexpensive places to stay, and usually located close to a restaurant or two. We’re not out to buy the hotel; we just want to rent a clean room for sleeping.
The next morning we started out again around 6:00 AM and drove through the hills of Tennessee, Kentucky and into Indiana before reaching our next destination, South Bend, IN., where again we found a Motel 6 online at an affordable price. Luckily for us, this one even gave me a senior citizen discount on top of the low rate.
On day three, our research showed us our destination was a mere 150 miles north. It had taken us two full days and a few hours in the AM of the 3rd day before we arrived at our final destination.
Our very first stop was at a Wal-Mart to buy some large pillows. Then we continued on to the RV lot, which was only a few more miles away. Needless to say, both our hearts were racing when we finally drove into Lakeshore RV in Muskegon, MI.
Since it was still in winter mode, the temperature was in the low
50’s, so to us it was literally freezing. We had planned for the coldness and had our sweatshirts with us, but I didn’t want to carry long pants so my legs did get a little chilled.
Lakeshore RV told us we could stay on their lot for the night if we wanted just to check things out before heading south.
Since I had the weather channel saved on my laptop, I had checked the weather for this particular day and it was showing a very cold front coming our way. So, we made the decision to continue our drive into warmer climate. So, after finishing up the contract, we drove off the lot with our 2012 28’ Keystone Bullet. Needless to
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super hard to adjust to, but I quickly found out that it was as easy as the 14’ RV we had sold. Camping Guide and located a campground in Indiana, so that was our goal for day one of our return home. About 4:00 PM that afternoon, we arrived at the Caboose Lake
Campground near Remington, Indiana and set up for the first time. It was cold but beautiful blue skies, so we located our assigned space and set up our Bullet for the first time. At last we got a chance to operate our propane heater and fortu-
nately for us it worked perfectly. The best part was that it only cost us about $15.00 because of the 50% discounts Passport America gives to its members.
On day two we made it to Tennessee and booked into the Nash-
ville Country RV Park near Goodlettsville and we still arrived in the early afternoon. Since it was in the Central Time Zone, we actually arrived an hour or so earlier than expected, so we walked around this beautiful park and took some pictures. We paid a little more here but it was a lot less than a hotel and we knew our room would be very upscale! Day three was also an early start of around 6:00 AM, and again, 10 hours later, we drove into another Passport America listed park called Florida Gateway RV Resort near Jasper, FL. It’s a beautiful park with wide-open spaces and some small cabins for rent. We only paid $20 to stay at this beautiful park and as usual this includes water, sewer and electric. Some parks even have Internet if you need it. It wasn’t until day four that we finally reached our final destination, Sun-n-Shade RV Resort near Punta Gorda, FL. Which just happens to be a mere 16 miles from our house.
It was here that we finally got to stay for more than one night. And after setting up, which only took us about 15 minutes, we drove home and picked up our Sea Eagle Boat so we could finally do some fishing and just enjoy our time in one place. And on that Sunday, April 1st, we hooked up for the last time
during this trip and drove our “Marriott on wheels” to our pre-arranged storage lot.
Today, we camp about every two weeks and are still addicted to
this lifestyle. Most of our camping in State & Federal parks cost us anywhere from $11 to $13 per night because I can use my Interagency Senior Pass, and the private parks usually run $20 a night and up, depending on where you want to stay.
Contents The Escape The Game
Pg.
Crew Bed
1
Dee Zee
IFC
www.deezee.com
Hallmark Cutlery
20
www.hallmarkcutlery.com
Kahr Firearms
BC
www.kahr.com
Larson Electronics
31
www.larsonelectronics.com
Safety Seal
35
www.safetyseal.com
Truck Air Bedz
36
www.truckairbedz.com
Ad Index
The Roar
The Rush
Company
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Website www.crewbed.com
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