Camping Hatchets: Making things Easier

Essential tools for outdoor work, hatchets are also great tools to have when out camping. By definition, hatchets are lightweight versions of axes. They could be operated with only one hand, and are quite handy for “small cut” job needs. They are smaller axes, which are quite useful when working outdoors. American Indians are known to have used hatchets with prominence, with the tomahawk hatchet being the most popular.

These days, hatchets are somewhat complementary tools for axes, which are made for cutting and shaping wood. Axes deal with the bigger stuff, while hatchets handle the small work which axes would definitely over chop.

As camping tools, they are great to have around. One could actually bring an axe when out camping, but the convenience boasted by a camping hatchet would be much more beneficial for campers. Understandable enough, a hatchet’s compact size and lighter weight makes it more practical to bring when out in a camping trip. Axes are simply just too big, and would be of much use with outdoor oriented work, not so much with outdoor recreational activities like camping.

Hatchets could be easily used to help clear tree limbs, should one be working outdoors, or for chopping up kindling and/firewood should one be out camping outdoors. They could also be helpful in tent pitching, as their size could serve as a proxy for shovels or trowels, making the act of digging holes easier.

The thing about hatchets, as a general outdoor tool as well as a camping tool, is that they come in various shapes, as well as sizes. With all the hatchet varieties out there, campers are sure to find the ideal hatchet for them.

Normally, a good hatchet could be visually defined as a foot long, with a strong handle designed for comfortable use. These hatchet types should be ideally one piece items, meaning they are safer to use as the steel making up the hatchet, runs from the hatchet’s head up to the hatchet’s handle.

Hatchet handles should be ideally one which prevents slippage, especially when perspiration is involved. Leather laminations and rubber handles are known to provide such perspiration-handle slippage incidents, and should be a feature one should look for when picking out hatchets for outdoor work, or for camping reasons.

So on your next camping trip, think about the things that could’ve gone smoother if you had packed a hatchet with you, and definitely bring one along.

Estimated Starting Cost of Camping Equipment

One of the best recreational activities that people can enjoy is camping. Many people who long for the beauty of the outdoors and the thrill of adventure find camping a very good avenue for these desires.

Camping has become quite popular that many people want to try it. Upon seeing all the camping equipment an experienced camper possesses, however, they would hesitate to continue on with the endeavor. That’s because camping equipment looks so equipment.

In reality, the starting cost of camping equipment is relatively low. All you need to do is to find the right starting equipment.

The first must-have equipment is, of course, a good tent. For a group or family of four, a tent that can accommodate 6 people is suggested. The extra space provided by a bigger tent will give you a sigh of relief. The cost of this camping equipment may be as low as $200.

The next things on the list are sleeping bags. Sleeping bags are essential since they can protect you from cold weather and from mosquitoes. It is a good idea to buy a 3-season bag which can be used in any weather. In case it gets too warm, all you need to do is to unzip the bag. When sleeping on cold, hard ground, sleeping pads ranging from $10 to $30 that can be placed under sleeping bags can provide that added comfort. The cost of both camping equipment may range from $80 to $100.

Most public and private campsites have charcoal grills which is useful for barbecuing and grilling fish and meat. However, there are meals that require a pot or skillet. To keep them from becoming all black from soot, you would need a propane camping stove. The cost of this camping equipment is around $25 to $80. Fuel for the stove comes from cheap $2 or $3 propane cylinders. Each of these cylinders has enough propane to last for a week.

Cold drinks are also a great for camping. To keep drinks cold, you would need to buy a cooler. Aside from keeping beverages cold, coolers also keep the food from spoiling. The cost of this camping equipment may range from $30 to $100.

You also need to spend other pieces of camping equipment such as lanterns, first aid kit and mess kits. All in all, you would need an investment of around $600. Add to this $200 or less for a weekly campground fee and $200 for food, gas and ice and you can have a great camping vacation. The great thing about camping is that subsequent camping trips will cost less once you secured your camping gear.