1. Hide and Seek
This is a nighttime take on a classic. Nominate two or three “tappers” to venture out beyond the firelight and hide somewhere in the woods. The tappers then tap two hard objects together – sticks, pots, pans, etc. The louder the tapping, the easier the game, so keep that in mind when choosing objects. The rest of the group grabs a durable LED flashlight and goes out to find the tappers. The first person to find a tapper and bring him or her back to the camp is the winner.

2. Night Hike
This is a potentially dangerous activity, so make sure you scope out a trail in the daytime before trying it at night. Find a flat, clear trail that doesn’t venture too far away from your camp. You can either light the way with a powerful LED flashlight or place a number of area lights along the trail to illuminate your way. This is a nice, romantic way to experience the outdoors at night, especially if the trail has a clear view of overhead stars.

3. Bug Watch
This creepy, crawly game is great for kids or anyone interested in insects. Tie a large, white sheet between two trees, away from any camp or firelight. Shine a very powerful LED flashlight towards the sheet and inspect the different bugs that the light attracts. Try drawing or taking pictures of the bugs and then identifying them the next day. You’d be surprised at the variety you will find!

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Z-Frame Knife
This bad boy features a stainless steel drop-point blade, belt clip, liner lock and open frame handles. It is rugged, compact, and at a mere $16 it certainly won’t break the bank.

Nano Tac Torch
For the father who has everything comes this compact, handy LED light. With a 13 lumen output and crystal reflector tube system, this light packs quite a punch for its size (2.5 inches). And priced at only $8, you can afford to buy dad two of them.

Folding Saw
Great for campers, the Coast folding saw features a stainless steel saw blade with double cut teeth, a rubberized grip handle and a safety button lock. At 10.75 inches total length, this tool is small enough to carry with you but strong enough to get the job done. Another great feature? It’s only $10!

Folding Fishing Tool/12-Piece Bit Set
This 24-function fishing tool is stainless steel, comes with a convenient carrying pouch and is only $19.99. ‘Nuff said.

LL7853/7854 Car Charger
For the dad on the go, this handy car charger will have your rechargeable batteries ready for action again in no time. Plug it in, charge ‘em up and go. It’s well worth the $9.99 you’re going to spend on it.

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Discount Lights and Knives offers the highest quality LED flashlights and lanterns on the market today. Here are a few of our favorite camping essentials:

Coast Power Tac
This compact, powerful flashlight is perfect for regular camping use. Running on only three AAA batteries, this little baby offers a 58 lumen output and runs for up to 140 hours. That’s a lot of camping! And measuring at just under five inches, the Power Tac can easily fit in any backpack or tent.

Coast LED Lenser Lantern
Coast is at the front of the pack in terms of eco-friendly products, and this lantern is a perfect example. The four D batteries required to run this beauty last anywhere from 80 to 160 hours, and the 90 lumen output LEDs last up to 100,000 hours. That’s more than ten years of continuous use.

Coast Camp Light
When neither a flashlight nor lantern will do, try the Coast Camp Light. This fun, powerful LED features a Crystal Reflector Tube System that provides a brilliant white beam on only two AAA batteries. At 5.6 inches in length, this is another great compact LED lighting option from Coast.

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1. Large Stockman Folding Knife
This is your basic, all-purpose folding knife. The Stockman is stainless steel and features clip-point, sheepfoot and spey blades. The knife measures four inches closed, and at only $4 a pop, it’s one of the most dependable, inexpensive pocket knives you can find.

2. Black LED Pocket Pliers
If a multi-tool is more up your alley, this little number is for you. Featuring a built-in LED light, scissors, saw blade, knife blade, wire cutter and a variety of screwdriver tips, the LED Pocket Pliers do it all. These stainless steel beauties run a mere $32.

3. LED Camp Light
If the stars and the campfire aren’t quite enough light when you go camping, try packing along this handy, powerful camp light. The 5.6-inch body is home to the advanced Crystal Reflector Tube System, providing brilliant white LED light to any campground. The light runs on two AA batteries and costs only $22.

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Fort Stevens State Park

As far as campgrounds go, Fort Stevens could be considered the lap of luxury. This is Oregon’s largest campground – 3,700 acres, to be exact. There are hundreds of full hook-up sites, plenty of hot showers and restrooms, and RV sites as well as yurts. If you’re looking to rough it without having it too rough, this is the site for you.

Nehalem Bay State Park

Animals abound at this park, which hosts 284 campsites, hot showers and restrooms. The main attractions of Nehalem Bay, however, are the animals. You can go seal watching anywhere along the two-mile beach or take a horseback tour in summer. This area even features a horse camp, making it the perfect spot if your group is BYOH.

Jack Morgan Park

Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more woodsy and private. Well, this is it. The campsites are well secluded, and each comes with a picnic table and fire pit. There are more public amenities, of course, but this site is really all about getting back to nature.

As you prepare to sit back to enjoy the coast’s natural beauty, stay up-to-date on the latest camping gear and tips and consider implementing some eco-friendly camping practices, such as bringing along an energy-efficient LED lantern or flashlight, so you can feel good about doing your part to keep Oregon’s campsites (and the rest of the planet) green.

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There are many instances in which rechargeable batteries are preferable to disposable batteries, but is an outdoor adventure one of them? Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of using disposable batteries in an outdoor setting:

PRO: Cost

While rechargeable batteries can start with a significantly higher price tag, the money saved by reusing them is well worth the initial investment. Using rechargeable batteries in low-wattage devices such as flashlights can save the frequent user hundreds of dollars a year.

CON: Charging

Disposable batteries are popular because they don’t require any thought or effort, whereas rechargeable batteries take a little more preparation. Most outdoor areas don’t offer electrical outlets to charge a dead battery, so if you don’t bring back-ups you might end up in a tight spot. Also, charging batteries can take a number of hours–time you may not have when camping, hiking or otherwise enjoying nature. To get the longest use out of your rechargeable batteries, use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns with LED light bulbs, which last longer and use 90 percent less energy than traditional bulbs.

PRO: Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of using rechargeable batteries is obvious: Fewer dead batteries means less waste in landfills. Many retail establishments also offer disposal programs for rechargeable batteries past their prime, so you know that the harmful chemicals these batteries contain are being handled in a more environmentally aware manner.

CON: Availability

While most large retail stores carry rechargeable batteries, you might be hard-pressed to find any at your favorite mom-and-pop bait shop. The lack of availability of rechargeable batteries can lead even the best-intentioned outdoor enthusiast back to the disposable variety.

Rechargeable batteries may sound like a pain to use, but with a little planning they can be an easy, more environmentally friendly power source for your outdoor-related gadgets.

Read more tips on battery usage and disposal.

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• Make sure you’re using the appropriate trailer tires. Not all tires are made equal, and even though your tire may look like the right size and shape, there is still a chance that it’s the wrong type. All boat trailer tires are marked with an “ST” designation on the sidewall. This stands for “specialty trailer,” and if it’s missing from your tires then it’s time to get new ones.
• Don’t overload your boat or trailer. Carrying too much weight on a trailer is a sure-fire way to cause premature tire damage that may lead to a flat. Know how much weight your trailer can hold, and stay under that limit.
• Protect your tires from the elements. Excessive moisture can weaken or warp your tires, while UV radiation from the sun can lead to dry rot. Parking your trailer on a dry, covered surface will help avoid these common problems. If that’s not an option for you, investing in tire covers will also help.
• Perform regular tire checks and maintenance. If you don’t know what state your tires are in before you take the trailer out, you run a bigger risk of losing one to a blowout.

Whenever you take an extended road trip, make sure your outdoor emergency kit is with you and in good working order, including an emergency LED flashlight.

Read more road trip travel tips.

[photo: ScaryComputer]

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Be safe around rivers and streams. Melting snow and heavy rain often lead to high water levels and fast-moving currents. Fresh, moving water can also be much colder than you’d think, so try to avoid springtime swimming or wading.

Pack water-resistant gear. Because rain can show up unexpectedly, all your tents, tarps, and sleeping bags should be water-resistant. Make sure you have water-resistant lighters or matches to use when starting a campfire, and store any food in airtight containers or covered vehicles.

Dress in layers. The forecast may call for sunny skies, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get cold, especially at night. Have plenty of warm socks, sweatshirts, and jackets available, and make sure they stay dry if it rains.

Bring a nature guidebook. Spring is a great time for bird watching and studying local plants in bloom. Bringing a local flora and fauna reference guide will help settle those campfire debates about what kinds of plants and animals you saw earlier in the day.

While it’s not as warm as summer, spring camping can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. But be sure to remember the two most important spring camping tips—be safe and have fun!

Make your camping trip an environmentally friendly one with these green camping tips.

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The workshop, for women 18 years or older, emphasizes both safety and enjoyment of the outdoors and includes all meals, lodging, instruction, materials and equipment. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. If you go, be sure to bring your necessary camping gear as well as your essential outdoor survival kit.

Becoming an Outdoor-Woman workshop
May 28-30 | Drift Camp Creek, near Lincoln City
“Come join the fun and camaraderie of this charming camp nestled deep in the Coastal Range near Lincoln City while learning the outdoor skills that will help prepare you for a year of exciting new adventures.”
Cost: $130
Contact: Mark Newell, mark.newell@state.or.us

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• Consider the light: The end of daylight savings means shorter days. Make sure you return from day hikes with plenty of daylight left to start a campfire or set-up camp. Bring a good light source like an LED lantern (we like the Coast LED Lenser TT7105) that has a long battery life and bright light.
• Remember the cool nights: The weather may be mild during the day but the fall nights can get cold. Bring warm clothes to sleep in and consider a warmer sleeping bag.
• Be Prepared for the Unexpected: The fall weather can be unpredictable at times. Make sure to have water-proof gear where possible and pack plenty of extra provisions in your survival kit in case the weather traps you.

More Fall camping trip tips

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If the bill in Washington passes, the Devil’s Staircase Wilderness would become 30,000 acres of federally protected land and the Wasson and Franklin creeks would be designated as wild rivers.

So far I haven’t heard much grumbling about this proposed bill as it would ensure that this beautiful area sticks around for years to come. Of course it means, camping sites may pop up and require usage fees but it may just be worth it to enjoy those waterfalls.

For more on Devil’s Staircase and the bill check out these sites:
Oregon Wild
Devil’s Staircase Wilderness

Photo courtesy of Dave Tvedt

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The changes would raise fees on day-use, tent and RV sites, and cabin rentals around Oregon.

• Day passes currently costing $3.00 would go up to $5.00
• Tent site camping currently costing $16.00 would go up to $20.00
• RV site camping currently costing $20.00 would go up to $24.00

Though the increase is not extraordinarily large, it is still a bummer that this has to happen. It could box out some families from taking camping vacations next year. What families will need to do is think of other ways to shave a few dollars off their camping trip.

Here are a few suggestions I came up with:

• Shop around for good prices on bulk foods you can take with you rather than high-priced pre-packaged foods
• Choose a camp ground a little closer to where you live to save on gas
• Invest in a LED flashlight (like the V26 Chip Flashlight , just $24) to save on batteries and replacement
• Plan to cook a meal or two over the fire to save on propane for your cook stove

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The trip did remind me again of why I love my Coast LED headlamp oh, so much. I jotted down two very good reasons in my journal while I was out. I thought I’d share them with you:

– Bathroom Buddy: This headlamp is my best friend when it comes to making trips to the Honey Bucket after the sun goes down. Hands-free so you don’t have to fumble with doors, lids, etc. while also holding a flashlight, the headlamp can make an unpleasant experience, slightly more pleasant. Plus, the dimmer switch helps you lower the brightness so you don’t blind anyone when you come back out or see too much while you are in there.

– Tent Illumination: I always manage to remember something I really want, like my hat or a deck of cards after the sun has gone down. I end up fumbling through my duffel or backpack looking for these little items with random success. Now, with my headlamp though, I put it around my neck around dusk and just keep it with me. When I went fumbling to the tent, I just flipped the switch, put it on my head and searched away. This works much better than a flashlight because you have both hands free and can point the light anywhere you are looking (with flashlights this only can happen by putting it in your mouth, a very unsanitary way of managing the light).

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~ Plan an overnight camping trip just the two of you. Pack a couple of simple bags (making sure to at least have basic survival equipment) and head out of town.

~ Spend a Saturday hiking somewhere new

~ Go Star Gazing: Pack a picnic basket full of coffee, champagne and snacks and drive up to a high point to check out the stars

I’m personally excited to hear about the moonlight canoe tours around Bend, Oregon available from wanderlusttours.com. You and your sweety can canoe or kayak on any of the nights surrounding the full moon (July 3-7 | Aug. 2-8 | Sept 1-7). The tour provides everyone with dessert and hot drinks on the lake shore at the end of each tour. You won’t really need to bring much to the party. Maybe just appropriate clothing, a waterproof flashlight (though the moon may be all you need), and your sense of romance. Tours start at $60.00 and can be reserved by calling (541) 389-8359 or by visiting the WanderLust Tours web site.

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In Oregon, for instance, the state has announced that reserved sites at its 29 parks are all snatched up. The only hope for a reservation would be a last minute cancellation. There are 1,350 sites that do not require a reservation around the state but they are first come, first serve. So if you are heading out for a camping adventure in Oregon, you may want to head out a day or two early to ensure you get a spot at your favorite location.

As disappointing as not getting to camp at your favorite site may be, it is however a positive statement about the local interest in getting out and taking a vacation again. Last summer, many held back on outdoor adventures to save money on gas and supplies. We all seem to be coming out of our ‘hunker down‘ mentality and exploring our region’s most beautiful elements again. The great weather in Oregon, hasn’t hurt this either.

If you are still looking to save your penny’s, don’t feel left out. Staycation camping trips are still very much in and are an easy substitute for driving a few hundred miles to the mountains.

For more on Oregon camp site reservations and cancellations, visit oregon-stateparks.org or call 800.551.6949.

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There are a few essentials that you won’t find at these sales. They have a good selection of outdoor lighting, but not the broadest or best selection. Quality, long-lasting LED flashlights and lanterns can be found at several retailers. Check out the LED Lenser Camp Light Kit to pack for your future getaways. This LED tech kit will provide over 100 hours of light from one set of batteries. Each single light can be used in four different ways. Use it as a flashlight or a table lamp. The lights in the kit produce a high quality, white beam using a crystal reflector tube system. These led lights are perfect to add to your camping equipment, and batteries are included! And the best part — you don’t have to sleep on the street waiting for REI to open to get one. Order them online and sleep in this Saturday.

REI Gear Sale!
Feb 28, 2009 8:00 am (Saturday)
Portland REI, 1405 NW Johnson
1405 NW Johnson Street
Portland, OR

*This event is for anyone, but make sure someone in your group has a REI membership card!

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To make reservations call (503) 813-6666 between 9:00am – 4:00pm, leave your name and contact information and a staff member will return your call.

It is never too early to start making your spring and summer vacation plans.

More on NW Camping
Green Camping

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Washington’s famous White Salmon River boasts countless rafting companies. My personal favorite is the friendly and professional staff at Zoller’s Outdoor Odyssey. This family-owned business leads trips from February through late fall. They provide you with an enjoyable and warm ride as you’re led down the whitewater.

Winter Rafting is epic with snow on the banks and mist in the air. The water feels refreshing and exhilarating as you paddle down “dead mans curve” through what used to be an old lava tube. It’s a great scene for anyone into geology. The water level on the White Salmon is lower in the early months, which makes for an even more thrilling experience as the guides seek out which obstacles will add to the fun. It’s a great activity for the family, creating a memorable experience in the great outdoors.

Zoller’s Outdoor Odyssey is number one; the staff are friendly, helpful, and on top of their game. Their camera crew is incomparable as they snap sequence shots for you to bring home and brag to your friends. Be ready to show some intensity in your paddling for your photos!

Visit the Zoller’s website for more details and reservations.

As we were paddling down the Salmon, I noticed our guide Mark who had a survival knife strapped onto his lifejacket. Having the right gear is key. For solo kayakers and group rafters it’s essential to carry the best equipment for safety. The Coast C08 Knife is a great pick. It features a titanium coated 440C stainless steel blade, partially serrated for cutting through rope or any material. The thumb stud is great for an easy, one-handed opening. It’s lightweight and will clip onto your life-vest or attach it as a lanyard. When folded, this knife is only 4.5 inches in length. It’s the perfect knife for white water rafting. Having the best sporting and outdoor gear will ensure your own safe outdoor adventure.

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If you are looking for a mini-adventure to take away the Winter blahs consider a winter camp or hike around the Northwest. There are many places to go, if you know where to look. The important thing this time of year is that you understand that camping or hiking this time of year requires some different skills and survival precautions.

If you aren’t sure what those are, review some of the great posts on this blog or take a class. Portland Community College is holding Winter Camping and Survival classes at its Central Portland Workforce Training Center if you are interested.

Classroom Session
February 18, 2009
6:30pm

Mount Hood backcountry overnight Camping Trip
February 21-22, 2009
7:00am – 5:00pm

Cost: $300 + $29 PCC tuition
Cost includes professional guides, roundtrip transportation and more.
Phone: 503.297.5100
Visit www.pcc.edu

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If you are looking for a mini-adventure to take away the Winter blahs consider a winter camp or hike around the Northwest. There are many places to go, if you know where to look. The important thing this time of year is that you understand that camping or hiking this time of year requires some different skills and survival precautions.

If you aren’t sure what those are, review some of the grea

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Community camping is a great way to catch up with old friends, or add some new dynamics to an already existing group. Preparing for these trips is fairly easy if you split up responsibilities and create checklists for everyone. Just like when you head out on a family camping trip, make a list of all the equipment you will need for your length of stay and then divide it up between the group. Everyone should be responsible for their own basic camping gear – tents, sleeping bags, clothes, flashlight, basic survival gear, etc. Then divide up the food responsibilities between the group. Designate a few people to bring lanterns for the campsite – we recommend the Coast LED Lenser TT7105 because of its bright light and long-lasting battery life. You can designate one person to be in charge of water but this may be best divided between 2 or three individuals for safety reasons.

Community camping is a great way to spend a holiday with friends enjoying the clean air of the Oregon wilderness.

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Check it Out:
REI Snow Camping Clinic
REI Portland Store
1405 NW Johnson St.
Free

More on Winter Camping
Camping Lights – Even More Important This Time of Year

Camping Prices Dropping in Oregon

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There are over 50 state park campgrounds in Oregon and 28 of them are all-year long parks which means there are plenty of opportunities for an inexpensive vacation this winter, camping around the mountains and deserts of Oregon.

Read more or make a reservation at the Oregon State Park site.

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Campers can make reservations for 2009 for one of the pet-friendly yurts or cabins in Stub Stewart. Campers will have to pay an additional $10 a night for the rentals, which makes the per night cost for the structures somewhere between $37 and $49, depending on the size. Reservations can be made by calling 800.452.5687

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Rich Landers of the Spokane Spokesman-Review has written an interesting commentary on the conscientious sportsman and how parents should understand that what they do in such situations will be passed onto their children – both the good and the bad. If we want our kids to learn the Leave No Trace Principles, we must first follow them ourselves.

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During Campbell’s grizzly bear excursion she was able to watch nine bears wading through the rivers, eating salmon and laying around the banks.

Read the complete story.

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The Park entrances are as follows:
West Entrance: West Yellowstone, Montana
East Entrance: Cody, Wyoming
North Entrance: Billings, Montana
South Entrance: Jackson, Wyoming

Camping Options
Yellowstone park has 12 campgrounds that vary in terms of amenities and services from back to nature to luxury. Not all are first come, first serve. Make reservations if you can to ensure a spot. There are also hotels and lodges available outside the park in the entrance cities.

When to Go
June and September are the least crowded of the summer months. July and August are very busy. The region will generally have warm days and cool nights throughout these four months.

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Travel Oregon has unveiled a new luxury weeklong outdoor adventure package that crams six major activities into a seven day vacation. The vacation package will be availble July – September and can be planned through Azumano Travel. The catch? Well, you better have started saving for your summer break for a while. The one week package costs $10,000.

The Outrageous Oregon adventure does include some incredible activities including rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, glacier skiing and windsurfing. The package really does create a no fuss week of adventure that includes luxurious accommodations and a Visa gift card for food and gas.

Will you sign up for this vacation package or will you create your own Northwest camping trip?

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Topping the list are the Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario and the Banff National Park in Alberta. Both are praised for their incredible waterways and lakes fed by some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in North America.

Like the United States, Canada has a national park system dedicated to creating perfect camping and hiking vacations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Learn More About Camping in the Northwest.

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The practical uses for a light like this are numerous.  The mobile reading LED light can be used for leisure reading or studying when roommates or children make turning on a large size lamp inappropriate or impossible.  These lights are typically inexpensive but durable and are a great idea for your family’s next road trip or camping vacation.
To learn more about interested LED gifts and gadgets for your family or friends, read “LED Gifts and Giveaways: The Attraction of LED Desk and Outdoor Gadgets“

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