Before heading out the door to shop for that new or used rv lets take a look at the different styles that are available. The main classes are as follows: Class A Motorhome, Class B Motorhome, Class C Motorhome, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Pop Up Campers, Truck Campers, Sport Utility and Hybrid Campers. The latter 2 are the newest kids on the block, the first three are driving units and do not require a tow vehicle.

1. Class A Motorhome: This is the largest and most expensive type of RV. They are built up from a chassis that includes the frame, suspension and drive train.
2. Class B Motorhome: Also known as a van camper or conversion, they are built using a van body. They are the smallest of the motorhomes.
3. Class C Motorhome: Sometimes called a mini-motorhome, these units have a van front end and are easily recognizable. In size they fall somewhere between a Class A and Class C.
4. Travel Trailers: This unit is towed from a bumper level hitch and is available in many lengths.
5. Fifth Wheels: This is also a tow able unit, but requires a bed mounted fifth wheel hitch.
6. Pop Up Campers: Also known as folding or tent trailers, these are the smallest type of tow able camper. They make a great entry level unit for those converting from tent camping to an rv. They have a rigid roof, floor and partial sidewalls. The rest of the unit is canvas, this still gives you the feeling of being outdoors.
7. Truck Campers: May also be called a slide in camper. This camper is slid into the bed to a pickup truck.
8. Sport Utility: This is basically a travel trailer with a garage, sometimes called a toy hauler. There is a door at the rear of the unit that drops down as a ramp, allowing you to park a 4 wheeler, dirt bike or other toy you may have.
9. Hybrid Camper: This is a cross between a travel trailer and a pop up. This style has hard sides all around, but the beds fold out on the ends like a pop up and are covered with canvas. They are lighter than most travel trailers and can be towed with a mid sized suv.

There you have the 9 RV types explained in there basic form.

Mesh backpacks may seem like a fairly strange invention, but they do have a couple of main uses. What is nice about mesh is that it is transparent. Thus the reason it has become commonly used in schools to prevent students from bringing contraband such as drugs or weapons to school. Scanners are very expensive and it takes a long time to scan all children on a regular basis so see through bags offer a similar level of protection against this problem.

Mesh backpacks are also commonly used in sports to carry equipment. It is nice to be able to see what is in your bag and determine which one you need quickly without having to look inside. Sporting gear tends to need to dry out on occasion so the mesh conveniently allows gear to dry while it is being stored.

Scuba gear is also often kept in mesh backpacks for the same reason as mentioned above. It is nice to be able to store and transport gear in the same bags but when that gear need to dry out properly to avoid damage or mildew mesh is a great alternative.

Aside from mesh backpacks simple mesh bags are also used for similar reasons. Stuff sacs for camping or packing are often mesh. And laundry bags are usually mesh. This serves two purposes. As already mentioned to avoid mildew during storage but also in this case clothes can be washed right in the laundry bag. This may seem odd but if you are in a situation where people are sharing washes and dryers it can come in handy.

Many other bags like military backpacks will also employ mesh as a divider or for extra storage. This reduces the overall weight of the bag and increases functionality.

Crawling out of my tent in the early Mongolian morning, I look across a vast steppe covered in a colorful carpet with intricate patterns. There are chives growing, as far as the eye can see and they’re all in flower. Literally millions of mauve and white heads bobbing gently in the morning breeze. A delicious, heady scent of herbs permeates the air as I move around our Land Rover, searching for my red tin mug.

We’re camped on the edge of an enormous open valley. It’s like a giant basin, rimmed with dark towering mountains…..sentinels in the early morning light.

Mongolia, the Land of the Great Blue Sky is indeed living up to her name on this crystal clear day.

“People pay squillions to wake up to a 360 degree view like this” I think, as I take in the beauty which lies before me and languish in my chair, sipping my steaming coffee. It’s an idyllic scene and as I absorb the smells, sights and sounds, I wonder how long it will be till the wind wakes from her nightly slumber and begins to roar.

I think back to two nights ago when we were camped in the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes. Our nice little dome tent with the “cute little vents and lots of netting for great airflow”…just didn’t cut it! A wind from hell blew in during the night and hammered us for over six hours. I felt as though someone was standing over me with a giant pepper -shaker, spilling it over my face all night. I’m sure the wind speed was over sixty kilometres per hour because most of the time my tent was so bowed in that it was touching my face. I could hear the gusts coming through the dunes, like roaring waves or is it…a screaming banshee? I spent most of the night cowering into my sleeping bag to keep the sand from getting in my eyes, nose and ears.

In the morning I was literally laying in a sandpit. What a night! The sandman really did show up! And speaking of tents, if you’re coming to travel in Mongolia, forget about bringing a tall one. Once you step out of it, in one of those winds, say goodbye to it, as it tumbleweeds itself all the way to the Russian border.

Mongolia really is a magnificent country to travel through and driving overland at our own pace, in our Land Rover, is allowing me to truly immerse myself into some of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever set eyes upon. I love the great expanse of space and being able to interact with the local people in the towns, the markets and the herders, sharing a tiny part of their traditional nomadic lives.

Mongolia with all her beauty has indeed dazzled me but I am acutely aware of becoming complacent. She is a land of temperature extremes and can change dramatically within a few hours. I have heard reports of local folk who are aware of these extremes, having been caught out. Frozen dead bodies of unprepared herders have been found, out on the steppe in these circumstances. These extreme temperatures are far more prevalent in Spring and Autumn.

It’s not often that two days are alike and I’m learning to expect the unexpected. From sweltering in a pair of shorts one day, to twenty- four hours later when I’m pulling on all my winter woollies including my knitted beanie.

Traveling in Mongolia was an eye opener. A real shift from my western lifestyle. I only got a diminutive taste of what this country has to offer and I was here for eight weeks. But what I saw, smelled, heard and tasted tantalized all of my senses. Mongolia is indelibly imprinted in my mind.

Mongolia is not for the faint hearted and if you’re looking for a five star type, cushy, comfortable holiday, then forget it. Mongolia is probably not for you. It’s challenging, both emotionally and physically.

If you decide that you’d like to experience a Mongolian adventure, it is in your best interests and safety to be fully prepared. Take the time to plan your Mongolian holiday

If you’re going on a backpacking trip, your goal is to pack light. Remember, you’ll be carrying that weight for most of the time. But that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice things you need just to have a lightweight pack. With the right organization, you’ll be able to bring all your essentials without having to break your back carrying your pack.

Follow these effective tips for lightweight packing:

Pack the right clothes

Choosing the type of clothing and footwear to bring will impact your backpacking trip greatly. Not only will it do a lot for your comfort on the trail, but it also affects the weight of your pack. When choosing clothes, go for lightweight synthetic materials. Not only do they weigh less than most materials, but they’re great for wicking moisture and sweat, too. Do not bring cotton or denim – they’re not good on the trail plus get really heavy when wet.

Also, ditch the boots – instead, go for trail runners as they are more comfortable and more lightweight.

Drink up

Every hiker and backpacker knows that sufficient water is a must on the trail. You also know that the water you carry is a big part of your pack’s weight. What you can do is to drink up at the water source, then fill your bottle with just enough to get you the next one.

Dry out your gear

Dew and moisture can cover your tent’s entire surface area, adding a few ounces to its weight. Might not seem much, but your clothes, tarps and other camping gear is probably covered, too, adding more weight to your pack than you know. Be sure to dry these out before packing it away!

Go for a down sleeping bag

Compared to a synthetic material sleeping bag, a down sleeping bag is lighter and more compact. It’s warmer, too, which is ideal for backpacking. Be sure to pack a good quality dry pack liner to prevent it from getting wet!

Distribute the weight

If you’re backpacking with family or friends, it won’t make sense that each of you bring their own cooking gear, own tent etc. Work out your cooking and sleeping set up and share the load among the members of your group. This way, each of you carries less!

Follow these 5 effective ways for lightweight packing for your next backpacking trip and you won’t have to worry about the weight of your pack!

Camping heaters are portable heating options that are used to warm up the tent of campers. The unit of measuring the power of a camping heater is BTU (British Thermal Units), the standard measurement of heat output. A heater with a higher BTU will produce more heat than the one with a lower BTU. Camping heaters use an array of fuels like propane, unleaded gas, camping fuel, electricity or battery. By following a few useful tips in choosing and using the heaters in camps, you are rest assured of a safe deal.

• Before buying a camping heater, you should consider a few facts. Are you going to use it in a tent or a cabin and how do you plan to carry it? Is it in your car or do u wish to back pack it?

• In case you are planning to hike with the heater, choose a light weight model that would not add up to the weight of your back pack.

• Make sure to pick up a heater with safety features like an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), which shuts down automatically if oxygen levels drop to prevent the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. The safety tip over switch is another important safety feature. It turns the heater off if it’s knocked over to prevent fire hazards while the overheat protection device shuts it off if it gets too hot.

• Your camp should be properly ventilated and the heater should not be left burning overnight or unattended to prevent CO accumulation.

• Ideally the heater should be kept at least 2 feet away from flammable objects like plastic, paper; clothes etc and make sure that it is not coming in direct contact with the tent material. Keep it in a safe place to prevent fire hazards.

• Pick up a heater with a stable base so that it can be placed safely without getting toppled over.

If you recently discovered the joy of camping and spending time in nature, good for you! There’s nothing like feeling the sun shine on your skin and breathing in fresh air. But along with the good things of being outdoors, you should know that the woods are rough and prone to accidents and injuries. You should always be careful, prepared and most of all, always thinking about your safety and that of your fellow campers.

Follow these important tips for a safe outdoor trip:

Anticipate bugs and insects

We all know that the woods are home to a lot of critters, big or small. This is why you should be prepared to protect yourself from all sorts of insects, especially if you’re camping during bug season. Apart from being annoying, some critters, like ticks and mosquitoes, can bring serious health problems.

Be sure to bring bug spray and some good mosquito repellent. If you’re exploring or trekking, wear long sleeves and pants (better if you tuck them in inside some long socks) to protect your skin. At night, use yellow or red light instead of white, because white attracts insects more.

Practice campfire safety

Spending time around a campfire under the stars is one of the biggest joys of camping. But we all know that we should always be cautious with anything that involves fire. Make sure that you build your fire in an open space, away from your tent, trees and bush (most campsites have a firepit). Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure that you put it out completely when you’re about to sleep or when you’re leaving the campground.

Be prepared for emergencies

One of the most important things you have to bring to every camping/outdoor trip is a stocked first aid kit. If any injuries should happen, you should be prepared to administer first aid until help arrives. Make sure your kit contains band-aids, bandages, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, allergy and pain medications, antibiotic ointments, antiseptic creams, and more. There are plenty of complete lists on camping websites that you could check.

Apart from a first aid kit, it’s also important that you pack a map, compass, whistle, some chalk, a lighter, flashlight and bear spray in case you get lost in the woods.

The outdoors is such a fun and educational place. But it also poses plenty of danger, and preparedness is the key. Follow these important tips for a safe outdoor trip!

This has been around a lot longer than many of us would think, but how did pole dancing originate and where did come from? The form of pole dance we know today and its origins can be traced back to exotic performance dance arts.

The first recorded striptease dates back to a myth from ancient Sumerian times involving Inanna, the Goddess of Love, and her descent into the underworld to find her lover Damouz. At each of the seven gates, she removed an article of clothing or a piece of jewellery. As long as Inanna remained in hell, the earth was barren. When she returned, the earth again became abundant and fruitful. Some believe this myth evolved in the ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’ of Salome from the bible.

The bible records Salome’s dance but the first mention of removing veils rises from Oscar Wilde’s play of ‘Salome’ in 1883. Some have claimed this to be the origin of modern striptease, but other influences may have come from Parisian times and the Moulin Rouge striptease through to Middle Eastern belly dancing and American burlesque.

Today many women learn the arts of Belly Dancing and dancing with Veils. Belly Dancing has been carried over from these legendary events. The skill have traveled from ancient Sumeria and into the Asia counties. It is understood to have been picked up by the gypsies who brought Belly Dancing through Europe.

The ancient Middle Eastern belly dance was thought to induce fertility in women and to strengthen their bodies in preparation for childbirth.

Throughout history there have been many forms of dance emerging. Many formed from sensual roots and bringing with them much controversy.

Another sensual form of dance, Rumba, is a dance of enticement and teasing. The tango originated in brothels of ancient Argentina. ‘Gouchos’ would arrive after working in the fields and the girls would entice them into going upstairs through dancing with their heads turned slightly to avoid the smell.

In the early 1900s the strip tease dance was added to burlesques shows to entice men to return. These featured famous strippers including Gypsy Lee Rose. Traveling tent shows had strip tease acts. The smaller tent dancers started to use the pole in the tent’s centre to dance around. These tents became known as the dance pole tents.

Another idea of where pole dance actually started is linked to the Maypole. This Pagan ritual was seen by some as a phallic symbol which may explain why some link it to the pole dancing we know now.

The earliest recorded pole dance was in 1968 with a performance by Belle Jangles at Mugwump strip joint in Oregon.

Today’s pole dancing craze is believed to have started in Canada in the 1980’s in exotic table dancing and lap dance clubs. Fawnia Mondey, originally from Canada, is one of the worlds first pole dancing champions. During the 1990’s Fawnia started teaching pole dancing to every day women. She produced the very first instructional pole dancing DVD.

Pole dancing quickly spread to the US followed by the rest of the world, helped by multi corporations such as Spearmint Rhino. Pole dancing is recognized throughout the world including Europe, Australia and even parts of China.

Lap dancing clubs in the UK grew in 1990’s featuring pole dancing on stage. Since 2000 onwards pole dancing has become more acceptable by the general public.

Pole dancing as we know it today involves dancing around a vertical pole. The old ancient strip tease became a forerunner to the modern updated variation. Pole dancing provides a display of acrobatics and strength, combined with a combination of sensual, flowing, feminine dance movements to form the art of pole dancing we now know and recognize.

The modern form of pole dancing has only been documented since the 1980’s, yet the origins appear to go back many years prior to this. Only in recent years has pole dancing become more acceptable. The stigma attached to this art may be one of the reasons why the dance appears to have little history documented and appears to have been ‘underground’ for many years.

If you will be using your caravan during the holidays it’s always recommended that you insure it in order to protect yourself from any danger that might come your way.

Types of caravan insurance covers

There are three types of caravan insurance covers you can go for: touring, static, and trailer tent cover. Caravan insurance covers are inclusive of the caravan that is being towed behind another vehicle.The static cover covers a caravan that you place at a fixed location. For example, the caravan that you place at a holiday park. In most cases, the cover protects even the contents in the caravan. It covers the tent and sometimes the contents in the tent. Since the tent is usually exposed, most of the insurance companies shy away from covering the content. The few that accept to insure the caravan often charge a high fee.

Factors to consider when getting a caravan insurance cover

To avoid misunderstanding in the event you have an accident or your contents are damaged, you should get the right caravan insurance cover. The first thing to consider is the reputation of the company you are working with. As rule of thumb ensure that the company is of high reputation and can’t scam you.

You should also consider the size restrictions of the cover. It’s common for companies to cover caravans of a certain weight or size. To avoid problems in the future you should weigh your caravan including its contents and ensure that the company you are buying the cover from will insure it.

If your caravan will be in the same place for the entire time of your holiday, you should get static insurance that will protect your contents. The policy should cover items such as clothes and gadgets such as phones, tablets, and laptops. If you will be traveling with high tech, expensive machines you should let the insurance company know about it so that you can know whether you are on the safe side.

Finally, consider the excess. This is the amount of money you agree in the event of any claim. It’s usually divided into two categories: compulsory and voluntary. You should analyze the two amounts and go ahead with the cover if you are comfortable with it.

Tips on how to get the most out of your caravan insurance cover

When you are going for any cover you should always strive to get the most from it. When it comes to caravan insurance cover, there are a number of things you can do to get the most from it. One of the things you should do is have a clean claims history. This shows that you are responsible which increases your chances of getting a policy with a low premium.

The other thing you should do is install safety equipment in your vehicle. You should install an alarm, wheel clamps, hitch lock and any other equipment that might increase the safety of your unit.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about caravan insurance cover. For a great experience get your cover from a reputable company.

An ultralight backpack means more fun. Enjoy floating down the trail instead of hauling heavy gear. You can have an ultralight backpack if you mercilessly analyze every piece of gear in your pack. Here are 201 tips to consider for reducing the weight of your pack. Some are big, some are small. That’s part of the secret. Small things add up. The old and obvious are mentioned because they are some of the most important. Have fun being a fanatic. If your friends make negative comments, invite them to lift your pack and compare it to theirs. Think of these tips as a buffet, and take what you like:

1. Buy a digital scale. You can find a good one that measures down to 1/10 ounce for about $30. You’ll be surprised at the weights of some items. You can take your light, portable scale into stores and make wise decisions before you buy. Do not fear sales people with little or no knowledge of the backpacking gear they’re selling. You’re now in control. Let them fear you.

2. Remove the excess weight from your body. Losing those unwanted pounds is probably the best weight reduction you can make. It doesn’t involve leaving any of your favorite equipment home. You’ll feel better, and there’s a net gain in strength and endurance.

3. It needs to be mentioned at least once. If you don’t need it, leave it home.

4. Avoid last-minute packing. If you hurry and pack at the last minute, you’re more likely to throw in things like extra clothing you don’t need.

5. If you’re backpacking with a companion, plan ahead and share the weight of the gear such as the tent and cooking gear.

6. Develop your sewing skills. Be creative. Some of the best, and most inexpensive, ultralight backpacking gear is the kind you make yourself.

Pack

7. Purchase a light backpack. Your pack is one of the best places to lighten up. You’ll need to reduce the volume and weight of every piece of gear to use the lightest pack. Your final result can be a pack that weighs less than 2 pounds. That’s a savings of more than 5 pounds over the big “load monster” packs.

8. Don’t buy a pack with too much capacity. You’ll be too tempted to fill it, and it won’t handle as smoothly if it’s partially filled.

9. Try using your pack without the hip belt. You might like it better.

10. Remove your pack’s sternum strap if you don’t use it.

11. Remove any manufacturer tags from the bag. In fact, remove tags from all your gear, including clothing. Save the care instructions from the clothing if you can’t remember how they’re to be washed.

12. Cut some of the length from the waist belt and straps on the pack. Remember to leave them long enough for when you’re wearing your bulkiest clothing.

13. If the pack has aluminum stays, or some other reinforcing material that can be removed, try carrying the pack without it. The really light pack you end up with shouldn’t need reinforcing. Think positively from the outset.

14. If your pack has large buckles or cord locks, find a way to replace them with lighter ones.

15. Don’t worry too much about the lighter materials in ultralight packs. These materials are still very strong. You can make repairs that are lighter than tape by using McNett Seam Grip. It works for sleeping bags, tents, and other gear, too.

16. If you need a pack cover, use one that’s very light, like the ones that are made from 1.3 ounce silicone-coated nylon. Or, use a lightweight garbage bag. Or, spray your pack with a waterproof coating. Your pack may already be waterproof. Check the manufacturer’s specifications. You might be able to save the weight of a pack cover.

17. Ultralight compression stuff sacks can help you reduce the volume of your gear. You may be able to lower your overall weight by using compression bags because you end up with a smaller pack.

Sleeping Gear

18. Buy a sleeping bag that isn’t “overkill.” It’s surprising how many people buy a sleeping bag for low temperatures and then use the bag for summer camping 95% of the time.

19. Use a down bag. Nothing is more efficient for the weight. Don’t worry too much about the down getting wet and losing its efficiency. High quality bags are made with shell fabrics that have a very tight weave and are very water repellent, so they tend to protect the down. The down itself has natural oils in it. It works for the geese. Use your skills to keep your bag dry. Keep it in a waterproof stuff sack.

20. Have a small towel handy to wipe any condensation from tent walls. That will help your ultralight sleeping bag perform to its maximum.

21. A piece of very light and thin painter’s tarp plastic or a light trash bag can be used to keep condensation off the foot of your sleeping bag. The plastic or trash bag can have multiple uses such as keeping gear dry.

22. With a lightweight bag you can always add layers of clothing for extra warmth.

23. You can also use a silk liner that adds warmth and weighs as little as 4 ounces.

24. Switch your stuff sack for an ultralight one that’s made of 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon. They weigh as little as .6 ounces.

25. Keep your sleeping bag clean. That will keep the efficiency high.

26. Keep your sleeping bag in a large storage bag when it’s at home so it will retain its full loft and maximum efficiency.

27. Air out your bag during lunch and as quickly as possible after you set up camp. Moisture can evaporate and the bag can fully loft.

28. Eat and drink before going to bed. That will help your body to efficiently heat your sleeping bag.

29. If your feet get a little cool, you can use things as light as plastic newspaper bags or grocery sacks to keep them warm. You can use the bags for dual purpose tasks, and they add hardly any weight. They can also be used for bringing wet gear and boots into the tent. The sleeping bag stuff sack can be used as a foot warmer.

30. Using an ultralight air mattress can reduce your pack weight and volume and increase your comfort. They can be as light as about 20 ounces for a full-length mattress.

31. You can have an air mattress with insulation in the tubes for only about 1 ounce more.

32. Leave any inflatable sleeping pad open as much as possible so the condensation inside will evaporate.

33. A closed-cell foam pad is light and easy to use. You can even cut away areas that you don’t need to save a few ounces.

34. The lightest air mattress available is called a balloon bed. No joke. The shell can be made from 1.3 oz. (or lighter) silicone-coated ripstop nylon. Sew 7 tubes (or more or less) into the 60″ long fabric. Leave the ends open for inserting and removing the balloons. Insert Qualatex 60″ balloons (model 260Q) because they’re the strongest. Use clear or white since they’re stronger than colored ones. The balloon bed can weigh less than 4 ounces. A pump can weigh 1.3 or 2.2 oz. Each night you’ll need to use new balloons, so figure 8 per night. Eight balloons weigh .4 ounces. This figures one for breakage. They don’t pop when you lay on them, but may pop when you tie them off. See more at balloonbed.com. Or make your own and get balloons and a pump at tmyers.com, larocksmagic.com, or others.

35. You can go crazy and use bubble wrap for your sleeping pad if you don’t need too much insulation or cushion. It’ll weigh about 4 ounces. There’s a variety that’s made with some nylon that is much stronger than the cheapest kind, but the bubbles still pop when you concentrate your knees or elbows directly on a small area.

36. Ultralight backpackers have come up with a lot of ideas for lightweight pillows. One of the most common is using your extra clothing for a pillow. One place to contain the clothing is in your sleeping bag stuff sack.

37. When you pack ultralight, you often don’t have much in the way of extra clothing. Some hikers use their pack for a pillow. It solves a second challenge of where to put your pack in the tent.

38. A small piece of foam with some of your gear underneath can serve as a pillow.

39. At .4 oz. you can get a pillow at Office Depot. It’s a 10 x 12″ air wrap plastic packing “bubble” that you can blow up and deflate with a straw.

Shelter

40. You can save a lot of weight by choosing an ultralight tent that weighs two to three pounds for the two-person tent, or less than two pounds for a one-person tent.

41. If you usually backpack with a companion, consider buying a one-person tent for those times you go solo.

42. If you already use hiking poles, you can save the weight of tent poles on some tents.

43. If you have an old tent you’d like to keep, you can save weight by replacing the poles with lighter carbon fiber poles.

44. If you have an old tent that you like which has a fly, you can save weight by using the old fly as a pattern and sewing a new fly from 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon.

45. You can save weight by using titanium tent stakes. The 6″ titanium stakes are just .2 ounces each.

46. Save weight by leaving stuff sacks home. A few rubber bands around your tent are lighter than the stuff sack. Put rubber bands around the titanium stakes and band them to the poles to keep the stakes from poking holes in anything.

47. In some dry regions, you may be able to use a bivy sack or sleeping bag cover as your only shelter.

48. If you need bug protection only, the pop-up bug bivies weigh only 6.5 ounces.

49. For an even lighter solution to bugs, a square yard of no-see-um netting weighs less than an ounce.

50. Simple, lightweight tarps can reduce your shelter weight to a pound or less.

51. If you use a bivy, tarp, or poncho/bivy, you may want to have a mosquito head net to keep the bugs away. Of course, these can be used during the day, too. They weigh only .6 oz.

52. Some tarps serve a dual purpose by doubling as your poncho, too.

53. Creative cord tying from a tree or using an available stick with some tarps and tents can save the entire weight of poles.

54. The lightest ground cloth is the one you don’t take. Use caution when you set up your tent so you don’t need a ground cloth.

55. If you use a ground cloth, use one that’s a light as possible. An ultra-thin 99-cent plastic painter’s cloth is a light disposable option. Some people like Tyvek. Consider using 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon for your ground cloth.

56. If you use a ground cloth, be sure to trim it a couple of inches smaller than your tent. If it’s bigger than your tent, you can catch unwanted rain and funnel it under you.

57. Consider hammock camping. Hammocks can be as light as about 2 pounds, and there are some great advantages like being able to set up on uneven ground.

58. If you have a tent with a fly, you may be able to set it up with the poles and fly only, especially in late summer when there are fewer mosquitoes.

59. You can more effectively use tent options without netting if you repel insects by adding permethrin to your tent.

60. Shake the water from your tent before packing it on a damp morning. Let the moisture drain off while the tent is on a rock or tree.

Clothing

61. Long-term weather reports from the internet can cut ounces from you pack. In dry weather you can leave some of the rain gear home. In warm weather you can leave some insulating layers home.

62. You can shave ounces by making some last-minute decisions about whether to carry things like rain pants. If the weather and conditions look good, you can leave items in the car.

63. If the weather is warm enough, some hikers like to leave the rain pants home anyway. Your legs will get wet, but they won’t be trapped inside sweaty rain pants.

64. Your rain pants can be lighter than 4 ounces if you use “chaps” that cover your legs but are open at the midsection.

65. Rain gear can weigh less than 10 ounces for top and bottom if you use the very lightest and most simple varieties. We’ve already mentioned combination poncho/tarps if you want a piece of gear that serves as shelter and rain gear.

66. One of the best lightweight clothing rules is “no multiples.” If you have one pair of pants, running shorts and/or rain gear are enough backup.

67. One very light short sleeve shirt and one long-sleeve shirt should be enough.

68. Avoid cotton. It doesn’t dry as quickly, so it could be dangerous. And even if it’s not dangerous, it’ll be heavier when it’s wet because the water weight won’t dry as quickly as other fabrics.

69. Very light synthetic materials and silk may allow you to leave heavier, bulkier fleece at home. A couple of silk layers under your rain gear may be enough for summer hikes. That’s a total of less than 6 ounces for 2 shirts.

70. Never wear jeans. They weigh about 1 ½ pounds and don’t dry well. Lightweight nylon outdoor pants can weigh as little as 8 ounces.

71. If you need more insulation, there are ultralight jackets made with down that weigh less than 8 ounces, about the weight of a T-shirt.

72. You can save a lot of weight by using running shorts that weigh around 3 ounces instead of heavier cargo shorts.

73. Leather belts can be quite heavy. Look for a light belt. A lightweight nylon accessory strap with a quick-release buckle works well.

74. Using silk can cut the weight and bulk of your underwear in half.

75. A lightweight watch cap (beanie or lightweight stocking cap) can weigh as little as an ounce. It’s great for extra warmth during the day or while you’re sleeping.

76. A full-brimmed hat for storm protection that’s made from silicone-coated nylon weighs as little as 1.2 ounces.

77. A baseball-type hat from lightweight ripstop nylon for sun protection can weigh less than an ounce.

78. A painter’s cap will give you cheap, light protection from the sun. They weigh about 1.3 ounces.

79. If a hat is too hot for you, use a visor to be cooler and lighter. Visors vary a lot in weight, so use a digital scale to find the lightest one.

80. Lightweight polypropylene gloves that weigh an ounce will give you some warmth.

81. You can use your extra socks as gloves, or for added warmth over light gloves.

82. Those plastic newspaper or grocery bags that we used for keeping your feet warm at night can be used to keep your hands dry.

83. Socks that are warm, comfortable, and help you avoid blisters are vital. Don’t try to go too thin and light if you tend to blister. But many popular styles come in various heights. So a shorter, lighter sock might give you the same function.

84. One of the best ways to save clothing weight is to use running shoes instead of hiking boots. The old saying of one pound on your feet being equal to five pounds in your pack is true. You lift your shoes with every step, so why not lift something light and comfortable?

85. Shoe laces that come with your running shoes are often too long. They catch on the little twigs along the trail. You might as well cut them off and save the weight. Burn the ends so they don’t unravel.

Cooking

86. Keep your cooking gear light by using a kettle only. You can save more than half the weight of the cooking kit by leaving the plate and fry pan home. The ¾ quart kettle by itself weighs less than 5 ounces.

87. With titanium, your kettle can weigh under 4 ounces.

88. Stainless steel is heavy. Avoid it. Non-stick coatings make a kettle heavier than one without it. Decide whether the weight of the non-stick surface is worth it for you.

89. For your cup, use the plastic kind that have measuring marks inside. They’re four times lighter than a sierra cup.

90. Try using a lexan spoon only. You probably don’t need a fork. For cutting food you can use your pocket knife. File some of the excess weight from the handle of your spoon. Have some fun being a fanatic. Drill some holes in the handle.

91. Some hikers like a long Dairy Queen spoon because it can reach all the way into foil pouches and zip lock bags. Be ready to use some emergency chopsticks if the spoon breaks. Some people like chopsticks anyway.

92. Blacken the bottom of your kettle to cook faster and conserve fuel. If your kettle won’t do this naturally, use heat-resistant paint, the kind you use to paint barbeques and wood stoves.

93. Keep the lid for your kettle. You’ll save its weight by using less fuel.

94. Use a windscreen so you conserve and carry less fuel. You can probably use something that’s already in your pack so there’s no weight added. Or use something very light, like aluminum foil.

95. Use your digital scale to know the weight of a full and empty fuel canister if you use butane/propane. It’s surprising how far a small can will go. You can learn when to leave a full 7-ounce canister home.

96. For a scouring pad, keep it simple and cut it down to a very small size. Or, better yet, don’t take one at all. They tend to become bacteria magnets. Use goats beard — the stuff that’s attached to tree bark. Or use pine cones or sand.

97. You may need a towel to handle your hot kettle. Keep one small piece of a rayon camper’s towel for kitchen use and one for your body.

98. The lighter, thinner towels you can find in grocery stores are even lighter than a rayon camper’s towel. These work well on your body because they can rinse so easily for washing up.

99. There are two main types of ultralight stoves. Titanium stoves that burn butane/propane fuel can be as light as 2 ½ ounces. Their small fuel canisters are 7 ounces. Or you can choose a soda can style stove that burns denatured alcohol. These can be lighter than 2 ounces. Their fuel is readily available and can be carried in very light containers.

100. Fiberglass is often used as a wicking agent in the soda can stoves. The thin fiberglass within foil can be used to hold hot stoves or kettles and can be used to hold heat in your kettle.

101. The lightest water container is a plastic soda, water, or Gatorade bottle. Of course, you’ll want to remove that heavy label.

Tarps are a remarkably inexpensive way to cover anything and everything you want to cover from the elements like rain and snow, pollutants, pollen, dust, or over spray. They are flexible, cheap, and effective for a wide variety of uses in and outside of the home, farm, or business. They also have many uses related to recreation and novelty uses.

Probably the most common use of tarps is as a cover for large items stored outdoors such as cars and trucks where there is inadequate garage space to store them, cars and trucks being renovated or saved for that “someday” renovation project, boats and canoes, campers, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and trailers. Whether you choose an inexpensive high-density polyethylene or a heavy-duty or canvas tarp, tarps are strong, tear-resistant, light weight and easy to handle and drape, and completely waterproof. Utilizing the sturdy grommets on the corners, you can either tie the tarp down with stakes or simply weight down the edges with heavy objects like concrete blocks to keep them from blowing off in the wind.

Tarps also make fine covers for piles of firewood that are outdoors drying out keeping rain and snow from saturating them but still letting air circulate around the logs as they dry.

When you’re working on any kind of outdoor project and inclement weather threatens or stops you in your tracks, tarps are a fast, easy way to protect your project until the weather clears. This might be a roofing job, addition to a house, or other large construction project you opted to do outdoors for maximum flexibility. Whatever it is, tarps are a godsend when storm clouds start rolling in unexpectedly.

While you don’t often think of it as a cover, multiple tarps are also very useful to have along on camping trips. It’s a good idea to stretch a tarp over tents and anchor them with stakes, because most tarps are more weather resistant than tent fabric. Especially if water ends up sitting on the roof of the tent, tent fabric inevitably leaks. A tarp stretched out and tied to tree limbs in the forest also makes a handy canopy to protect gear and campers from sun and rain showers while enjoying time outdoors or eating at a picnic table, so they do in essence become durable covers for all practical purposes.

When hauling loads in an open truck bed, tarps are effective covers to protect items from blowing out or getting wet during a rain shower or thunderstorm and are especially helpful for long trips. So the next time you’re helping your friends move into a new house or apartment, be sure to throw a few tarps into the truck along