Outdoorsman Time

tips for the modern sportsman

What Do You Need To Go Camping For One Night?

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When I was growing up, camping trips were family vacations that lasted for several nights in the same campground. However, it does not have to be a week long event. In fact, you can camp for just a single night – as many people do on road trips or when attending festivals. Sometimes one-nighter camping trips are spontaneous events that do not really offer a lot of time for planning in advance. With that in mind, I find that it is best to keep a few gear staples in the vehicle at all times since you never know when adventure might come knocking at your door and see you spending the night sleeping under the stars.

Gear For Setting Up Camp For One Night

I think it goes without saying that the tent is probably the most important thing that you’ll need for such an overnight adventure. But what is more important is ensuring that you have one large enough to accommodate each person who is with you. A good rule of thumb is to take the total number of people who need to fit in the tent and add “one” to it. You should do this so that you get one that is large enough to hold each person as well as their gear. So, for three people, go with one that fits at least four people inside so that all the gear will fit in there. Also, remember to include a tarp for ground cover as it will extend the life of your tent.

An air mattress and battery-powered pump are good options to include if you have the space. I am a big fan of these because I have a terrible time sleeping on what appears to be flat, solid ground but always ends up being lumpy and bumpy when it is time to sleep. It’s just a nice way to make sure that you get well rested by not actually sleeping on the ground’s uneven surface. Granted, this is certainly not essential for everyone.

For bedding, the smart choice is a three-season sleeping bag. This will help you to be prepared for any wild temperature fluctuations. See our top 3 season sleeping bag picks here.

Since you’ll need some light when the sunsets, opt for a battery-powered lantern as opposed to one that requires fuel. (click here for our top LED lantern picks) This is the perfect choice for such a short trip. Additionally, you can use headlamps for setting up camp or for bathroom runs.

The really tricky part of packing for just one night is the food supply. You do not want to over-pack and take things that you won’t use or need, so what you should pack depends on your situation. If you’re planning on fishing for your meals, then something like a portable grill or camping stove is a good option (see our portable camping stove reviews). Or, if hiking is what you’ll be doing then maybe some energy bars and packs of tuna are the best choice. You can even opt for freeze-dried meals, if you prefer. When it comes to drinks, it is likely easier to fill a large water cool jug before setting out and then use it to fill individual canteens and water bottles.

And if you are not staying at a campground that offers shower houses, then you might want to consider bringing a camp shower along with you. Unless you don’t mind being the stinky person all day long. Other basics include a first aid kit, a change of clothes and a compass, map or GPS device.

Top 10 Kayaking Equipment & Gear Essentials

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You’ve finally decided to join your buddies on that kayaking adventure that you’ve been avoiding since before you can remember—Congratulations! It can be intimidating at first to join in on a new sport, especially one as oftentimes fast-paced as kayaking if you are not sure about what equipment and gear is essential when getting the necessary items needed for your water journey. So, whether you’re going down a slow river, doing a bit of fishing from a kayak or venturing through the harsh currents of Great Falls, Virginia, make sure to obtain these 10 essential items before beginning your expedition.

Top Must-Have Kayak Gear Items

Before doing your shopping, check out our suggestions for the top ten things that you’ll want to look for when outfitting for your first kayaking expedition.

1. Picking the Right Kayak

There are a variety of kayaks to choose from, which can seem overwhelming at first. It’s important to know your kayak before taking it out onto the water, so knowing where you’re going, for how long, and your skill is important. If you are taking a trip through calm waters for the day and you are a beginner to intermediate kayaker, it’s best to go with a recreational kayak, as opposed to a touring kayak which is meant for longer days and rougher waters. Learn more with our tips on buying your first kayak, and reviews of our favorite models of kayaks for fishing.

2. Picking the Right Paddle

Choosing a paddle might sound easy enough, but there is a lot that goes into choosing the right paddle for you and it can impact the comfort of your trip as well as your safety, so it is important to decide carefully which paddle fits your adventure best. Knowing things such as the height and length of your kayak, your skill and experience, and the waters of where you are kayaking are key in deciding what paddle is right for you.

3. Life Jackets

Safety is essential when kayaking, and even though you are probably an experienced swimmer, it is still important to wear a life jacket or carry a PFD (personal floatation device). Depending on the currents of the water, and what you are trying to accomplish during your kayaking trip—fishing, touring, what have you—it is important to stay safe and prepare for the worst.

4. Helmets

This is vital for whitewater kayaking, and though they can be used for any type of kayaking, it is essential mostly in more dangerous forms of the sport. Hitting rocks is common in whitewater kayaking, and a helmet could be the difference between life and death. Add this to a must have if you are kayaking along any water that is rocky and fast-moving. If you are fishing in a slower-paced river, you probably can leave it at home, but it doesn’t hurt to have one in case.

5. Picking the Right Clothing

Make sure to dress for your trip in a way that is right for your specific situation. It may be hot and sunny above the water, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be freezing if you get inside the water. Layering is key when kayaking, and it is important to dress for the water not just the weather because you will certainly get wet.

6. Spray Skirts

Spray skirts keep the water out of your kayak and is a must-have for any trip. Most spray skirts are designed to fit your kayak specifically, so it is important to get one that matches your boat as well as your trip. There are certain spray skirts for flat-water kayaking, made for occasional splashes here and there, and there are spray skirts for whitewater kayaking, which endure harsher currents and heavier splashes.

7. Hydration and Nutrition

It is important to bring food and water on your trip to avoid dehydration and nutrition loss. Extra water bottles, or investing in a filtration water bottle can really come in handy as well as snacks and freeze-dried nutritional supplements.

8. Kayak Cart

Unless you plan on carrying your kayak around, it is important to invest in a cart. This will help you tow your kayak to your destination, and they often come with straps to tie your kayak to your car.

9. Safety Gear

Aside from a life jacket or a PFD, it is important to carry a basic first aid kit as well as items such as a knife, sun screen, a water-proof flashlight, matches, extra clothing, emergency shelter, and a repair kit for your kayak. These small items can save you in a pinch.

10. Navigation Supplies

Phones nowadays have navigation guides on them, and getting a water-proof phone case can make it better than any map. However, it is important to have something as a backup in case an unforeseen situation occurs—like your phone dies or is eaten by a fish. You’re going to want to know how to get back home, and you’ll be happy that you brought a map or compass then.

Cool Hunting Gear: GoPro Sportsman Mount

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How many times have you made an awesome shot when out hunting, but no one was there to see it? Well, GoPro wants to make sure that never happens to you again. They’ve made a pretty cool new sportsman mount that you can hook up to pretty much anything – your gun (including paintball and airsoft guns), your fishing pole and your bow. This is a pretty exciting development for all the huntsmen out there who want to show people how great their day out in the field was.

gopro sportsman mount for hunting

I know what you’re thinking – how can you use this thing and it not affect the game you’re tracking? Fortunately, it has a nice black matte finish so that the sun doesn’t reflect off it and draw attention to you. However, it does not include the blackout housing. Although, it is compatible with it if you want to made an additional purchase for the GoPro camera.

Now, to use this mount, you need to have one of the GoPro cameras already. If you don’t own one, then check out the availalble models at the GoPro online store.

I really like that you can mount the camera forward or rear facing for great shots in either direction. Might be pretty cool to get a shot of your face right when you make the kill. If you are seriously considering this mount, know that it can fit on pretty much anything that you use outdoors as it will fit any component between .4″ and 1″. And when you buy the GoPro sportsmen mount package, you get the sportsman’s mount, the standard and skeleton backdoor mounts, and all the assorted brackets and hardware that you will need to use it.

For more info, take a look at the video below.

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