An Ideal Filter for Anyone who Regularly Camps and Hikes

For anyone who likes pursuing the backwoods and outer boundaries of civilization, then a portable water filter is a must for making sure one’s drinking water is sanitized and safe. Used by relief agencies as well as backcountry travelers, the MSR HyperFlow filter is a portable microfilter that is an ideal device to carry, especially if you are traversing through the wilderness. Campers as well as backcountry hikers use the MSR HyperFlow filter for making stream, lake or river water more potable and safe to drink.

Some of the Features

Hikers and adventure seekers use the lighter-than-light filter for day trips as well as journeys lasting as long as several weeks. The filter is able to pump approximately three liters of H20 per minute and is also equipped with bottle adapter which enables you to use the filter and pump with a variety of containers. The dimunitive gadget, which measures a mere 7 by 3 ½ inches and weighs in at only 7.4 ounces, has been shown to efficiently eliminate protozoa, debris, and bacteria from water derived from lakes and outdoor waterways.

A Little about the MSR Brand

The three letters of the brand—MSR—stand for Mountain Safety Research, a company that also provides gear for backpacking and camping as well. Besides the water filter, MSR showcases such outdoor items and accessoires as tents, winter shoes, cookware, and stoves.

Consumer Reviews

When you scan the reviews of the product on MSR HyperFlow Microfilter, the assessments are a bit varied. While some users have stated that the pump operated much more slowly than what they liked, others have given the item high marks with respect to compactness and design.

As most consumers give the filter and pump rave reviews, any problems with the device may have possibly resulted from improper backflushing or not understanding how to use the pump. Also, in the past, some of the filters have had flow problems which the manufacturer has stated have now been corrected and therefore are no longer an issue at the present time.

Take some Time to Review the Features of the Filter if you Plan to Spend Some Time in the Wilderness this Summer

Given that most users like the MSR HyperFlow filter, it certainly is one item that is worth investigating, particularly if you plan to travel in the backcountry quite a bit this summer.

The days have turned from gray to blue in the Pacific Northwest, and the night sky has been especially stunning. From bright planets (like Venus) to gorgeous aurora sightings, there has rarely been a dull night.

On April 21, our family took a trip up to Deception Pass State Park, to set up camp and watch the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower. If you missed it, don’t worry. It happens every year around the same time.

Not the brightest of meteor showers, but I’ve been assured that it’s still beautiful.

When we were planning our camping trip, we managed to forget a few minor details. So, even though we stayed up late that night and enjoyed the soft glow of many lovely stars, we didn’t see a single meteor. We’ve learned from our mistakes and want to help you do the same.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your next stargazing escapade.
•    Light Pollution: Make sure you get far enough away from the city that light pollution won’t ruin your view. Most of our backcountry hot spots will fit the bill.
•    Clouds: Check your local weather forecast ahead of time. Temperature doesn’t matter as much as precipitation. Completely clear skies are ideal for stargazing.
•    Trees: When you are selecting a camping spot, try to pick one that has a good view of the area of the sky you’ll be watching. If you are close to desert camping spots, you may want to head that way for a nice open view.
•    Maps: There are plenty of great constellation maps available at bookstores and online. If you need a little help figuring out where to look in the sky, do a quick internet search.
•    Timing: Make sure you read up on timing for your coveted comet or eclipse. Most celestial displays are on for a limited time only! Find out when they begin or peak, and how long the phases last to make sure you won’t miss a moment.

On our family’s Lyrid adventure, we had mostly clear skies, but thick trees blocked the meteor shower out. Had we looked up a sky map to tell exactly where to point gaze, we would have probably picked a different camping location.

Missing the meteor shower was disappointing, but we still had a great time. If this happens to you, just get your fire going and enjoy the company of your fellow campers. There will be more meteor showers and all sorts of other great night sights in the coming months.

Bonus Daytime Stargazing: Did you know there is a solar eclipse going across much of the United States on May 20, 2012? Enjoy it in the beauty of the backcountry!

If you Plan to Go Camping, Make sure you are Well-prepared
If you have decided to indulge your adventurous side and buy the gear and equipment for a family camping trip, then you’ll want to make sure to avoid some of the mistakes made by beginners new to the activity. After all, you don’t want to stand out like a red flag by being disorganized or fumbling around the campsite as you attempt to put up your tent. Make sure you bring all the necessary provisions too so you won’t begin your adventure by spending your first night by going to bed both cold and hungry or checking in at a nearby hotel. So, you might practice putting up your tent in your backyard first before assembling it on the campsite.

The Items you’ll Need for a Good Night’s Sleep
Specifically, in and around your campgrounds, you’ll need, of course, a tent, guy lines, and stakes, a tarp or sunshade, and sleeping bags. Make sure the sleeping bags come with liners for added comfort. You’ll also need pillows, sleeping pads, warm blankets, and an air mattress with a pump.

Clothing made for Camping
For your furnishings, make sure to include folding chairs and a table as well as accessory items, such as headlamps and flashlights (both with extra batteries), and lanterns. Clothing should include t-shirts and underwear made of moisture-wicking material, long sleeve shirts, rain jacket, pants, shorts, hat, bandanas, hiking boots, sandals, and socks made of wool or synthetic materials.

Suggestions for your Campsite Kitchen
You’ll also need equipment for kitchen use as well, including a cook stove with fuel, matches, firewood or charcoal, a rack for grilling, frying pan and pots, food storage containers, vacuum thermos, and trash bags. Include to that list, a cooler with ice, bottles of water, cups or mugs, paring knife, and eating utensils. You’ll also need sponges and scrubbers, foil, a drying rack, and towels.

Personal Toiletries
Personal care items which you’ll want to bring include sunscreen, lip balm, and toilet paper. And, don’t forget the first-aid kit as well as well as your brush, comb and other related toiletries.

Make sure your Campsite Pantry is Well-stocked as Well
Naturally, you’ll want to make sure you have enough food on hand too. Make sure your campsite pantry is well-stocked as you won’t be able to take a quick trip up to the store for any items you forget.

Some Factors to Consider when Choosing Hiking Boots
Whether you are new to hiking on not, the fit and comfort of your hiking boots is a priority. So, before you go shopping for a pair of hikers, you’ll need to consider some factors, such as:
•    How much the boot will be used;
•    The cut and style of the footwear;
•    The overall fit;
•    The materials used in the boot’s construction; and
•    Durability

Light Hikers are Fine for Shorter Hikes
For example, if you regularly enjoy taking shorter hikes on well-worn paths that are around three to five miles in length, then you’ll be safe in choosing either some light hikers or athletic shoes. However, if some of the paths you plan to tread feature vegetation or rocks, then you should direct your focus on boots that are made of sturdy, protective materials, such as high-grade leather, which provide more firmness and support.

Some Styles to Consider for Longer Hikes
If you plan to tramp over more rugged trails, then you may want to choose low-cut hiking boots as they are often lighter and still offer the stability you need. Or, you may prefer mid-cut hikers, which provide better ankle support over rocky terrains.

Choosing a Boot for more Challenging Terrains
If you do plan to hike longer distances or take more challenging trails, then you’ll need to consider the stiffness of the boot as well. Actually, a boot that is less pliable acts as a good buffer against the rocks and uneven surfaces on more rugged landscapes. Check the fit by making sure the boots do not cause any friction or discomfort when they are flexed.

Water Resistance
You’ll also need to examine the water resistance of the hikers you buy. Generally, hiking boots that feature waterproofing are made with a laminate material on the inside which is used to shield the wearer from rainy conditions. Non-laminated boots though offer more breathability, which keeps your feet from becoming too sweaty or warm. Therefore, you may want to buy waterproof hikers for rainy or winter weather conditions and set aside the non-laminated hiking boots for the summer season. As moisture or perspiration can lead to blistering, it is a good idea, when taking a rest during a hike, to take off your boots to air them if the conditions are right.

Sizing your Boots and Breaking them
To make sure you are wearing the right size, allow for a space of about one-half inch at the front of the boot. You should be able to slip your finger behind the heel at the back. In addition, the lacing should be tied correctly or be snug enough to support the foot well. To break in new hiking boots, wear them at home for several days so you are accustomed to them by the time you go on a hike.

The delightful spring sunlight has had me swooning this week. And while it's not quite warm enough for me to venture into my local lakes and rivers for a swim, these bright cool days are perfect for hopping into a canoe for a pleasant paddle across calm lake waters. It's time to get a little arm workout and then kick back and relax.

I'm what you might call a recreational paddler. I don't mind the occasional rapid or rushing river, but by and large I prefer to stay upright when I'm out in a canoe. So in spirit of calm water excursions, today's post is about how to pick a recreational canoe for paddling in calm areas.

Here are 8 tips to help you choose a great canoe:

1. You're in luck! The types of canoes are actually broken up into categories like "recreational canoes." Pick one of these guys and you will stay relatively dry.
2. If you like to use your canoe for slow quiet activities like I do, look for a canoe with a wide flat hull. This will keep your canoe from swaying too much or tipping. Flat-bottomed canoes are very mellow.
3. On the other end of the spectrum, if you like to glide quickly across glassy water, look for a hull that comes to a point. This will allow you to glide easily across the surface.
4. Short canoes are easier to control than long canoes, so regardless of whether you choose a 1- or 2-person canoe, you’ll want to select a shorter model to make your trip easier.
5. Make sure there is a little extra room. I know, I know. I said you want a small canoe, right? It can be a tricky balance to strike, but you do want to make sure you have room for your sandwiches, fishing gear, and sun block.
6. Think about where you'll keep the canoe. It might make a difference in whether you prefer a canoe that is made of a heavier or lighter material. Make sure you select a canoe that won't be too cumbersome for you to transport.
7. Pick a canoe with contoured seats that are designed to stay relatively dry and comfortable. Often times, flat benches can be a big pain in the rump.
8. Last but not least, select a canoe that fits your unique style. There are so many on the market now, that you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of colors and designs.

Pick a canoe you love, and enjoy paddling through the cool sunny days of spring.

Want to read more about canoeing or find a delightful canoeing hot spot? Click here to read some great posts, and click here to find the coordinates of your next favorite location.