What is a Tactical Knife?

Friday, July 30, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 12:27 PM

tactical-knifeThe term “tactical” gets thrown around somewhat haphazardly in the knife world, but what does the distinction actually denote? Typically when a knife is referred to as a tactical knife it is in order to highlight the versatile quality of the blade. While some blades are designed for a particular purpose, tactical knives are a jack of all trades.

If you are constantly using your knife to skin fish or some other specialized activity, it would behoove you to invest in a variety of task-specific knives. For general use, however, tactical pocket knives will do. No matter what knife you end up buying, it is always a smart idea to go with a trusted manufacturer like Boker or Gerber.

Family Fun During a Power Outage

Friday, July 16, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 12:25 PM

plugParents of small children know that power outages can be a potentially unnerving experience for youngsters. Power failures are often accompanied by fearsome storms; the flash of lightning and roar of thunder can be frightening indeed. It’s up to parents to subvert that scariness, turning a power outage into an opportunity to bond as a family and have fun despite the hectic conditions outdoors.

It’s the perfect time to dust off a few board games, sit down at the dining room table and grab a few Pelican flashlights. Light a few candles and place them at the table as well. Before long, the kids will become so wrapped up in the game that they will forget about the lack of electricity and the storm outside. Technology can be a great thing, but occasionally it’s nice to get back to basics.

The Old Man and the River

Thursday, July 1, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 1:51 PM

fishingWhen I ride my bike through the crowded, bustling city streets, I occasionally miss the simplistic ways of country living. When I’m feeling especially nostalgic, I pedal over to a local suspension bridge, where fishermen cast their fishing hooks into the roiling depths below, hoping to land a city-dwelling trophy fish. Sometimes I even stumble upon old men with waders who are waist deep in the river.

On one day in particular I stopped to ask an older gentleman if he’d had any luck so far. He trudged up out of the murky riverbed and onto dry land, water streaming off of his waders all the while. I noticed he was wearing a fly-fishing vest in lieu of carrying a tackle box. He undid one of the front buttons, reached in and cupped some object in his hand. “Here ya go,” he said, “Have a look at what I’ve caught so far.” I looked down into his palm and saw a tiny minnow wriggling around. “Just kidding,” the man said. “That’s just one of my bait fish.”

Bait Casting Reels

Thursday, June 17, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 1:51 PM

baitcast-reelUninformed individuals may use the terms rod and reel interchangeable, but they are in fact two distinct pieces of equipment. The rod is the long shaft that the ling hangs from, while the reel is the device that lets out and winds up the line. There are several varieties of each of these apparatuses.

Baitcast reels are some of the most common and use a bearing supported spool to keep the line organized. This type of reel is mounted on the top of the rod and works well with many types of fishing line. Due to its position on the rod, the bait casting reel is sometimes referred to as the overhead reel.

Essentials For An Outdoor Excursion

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 1:53 PM

adventure-medical-kitsWhether it’s hiking, backpacking, or camping, there are a few essentials to have whenever spending time outdoors. The outdoors can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken, and the first object to take along is an outdoor first aid kit. It’s important to have outdoor first aid kits to treat numerous injuries that can occur outdoors, the most common being trips, slips, and spills. It’s important to bandage up a cut or scrape to prevent it from becoming infected; even the smallest scrape can turn into a vile infection. Make sure to bring along some Adventure medical kits to treat bites and stings as well.

It’s also important to bring along clothing for all weather conditions including rain and snow (snow clothing might not be necessary depending on where and when).  You might also want items like a flashlight, water (of course), a small supply of food, compass, and a map or GPS in case of becoming lost.

Taking these precautions will ensure an enjoyable outdoor experience for all involved. It’s also a good idea to check the conditions of the area where traveling, for example, areas that are frequented by grizzly bears might require bear pepper spray.

Know Your Lures

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 1:51 PM

lureEnjoy the hot days of summer with early morning fishing in your favorite fishing area. Fishing can be a lot more exciting with good quality fishing lures. Fish live at a certain depths in the water. The balanced jigging lure allows you to reach them consistently and attracts them. The designs of these lures are very much like the ones fishes love to eat.

Freshwater fishing lures use movements, vibrations and color to catch the fishes’ attention. The constant jigging of lures attracts the fish to bite them. They contain multiple hooks to get a good anchor in the fish’s mouth. In order for lures to be effective, proper casting should be learned. It’s a skill that expert anglers should know. The basics of this skill are usually the cast and retrieve system.

Hunting Lodges for Hunting Parties

Monday, May 3, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 2:02 PM

hunterWhen traveling with your hunting buddies, it’s nice to have a place to sleep in a bed, sit by a warm fire, store your hunting bags and eat a hot meal, while also being able to trek out into the wilderness first thing in the morning. Staying at a hunting lodge is the solution for a memorable hunting experience that you’ll want to continue year after year. Unlike a regular wilderness lodge, hunting lodges cater to hunters, ensuring you’re in good company to reminisce about your favorite hunts and even discuss hunting tactics. You’re sure to meet all kinds of new people who will share the same passion as you for the outdoors and for hunting game.

You might even meet a new batch of friends! Hunters know how difficult it can be to relate to people who don’t also enjoy hunting, and by staying at a hunting lodge you’re sure to find common ground with everyone.

You May Be Lost, But At Least You’ll Be Warm

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 2:02 PM

firestartingEvery year hundreds of people get lost in the wilderness. Most people find themselves ill prepared to deal with surviving in the wild. One of the leading causes of death in the wilderness is hypothermia. Knowing how to start a fire can mean the difference between life and death.

Any survival guide should include a lesson on friction-based fire starting. This method involves finding pieces of bone-dry wood, building a tinder nest, creating a fireboard, and using friction to make a spark. Any camper planning a wilderness outing should be familiar with this technique. Of course, it is always advisable to bring a survival fire starter with you as well.

Always Choose a Dependable Flashlight

Thursday, April 1, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 4:22 PM

pelicanWhether you’re camping or out searching for your lost dog at night, there are certain instances where a flashlight is absolutely imperative. To that end, a Pelican flashlight is a particularly easy way to ensure your safety whenever you’re out and about at night. Cars, after all, are required to have headlights on at night so that other cars can see them. People should take a page from this book and always make sure they have a light source so that they too are visible.

That’s why people should only choose high quality and dependable flashlight options. This can include any well-known and trusted brand. Police officers and other individuals who rely on these devices everyday trust these flashlights. While it might not be the difference between life and death for you, it can certainly make your life a lot more convenient if your flashlight works properly!

Solar Power for Fishing Trips

Thursday, March 18, 2010
posted by OutdoorFun 4:22 PM

solar

When you’re out on the open water, you don’t often have a source of unlimited electrical power at your fingertips. While you can use the power from the boat, you don’t want to deplete the battery. Folding solar panels are essential under these circumstances, as with a solar panel, you have an unlimited source of power in the sun, and can charge batteries, power lights and lanterns, even make a hot cup of coffee in the morning!  During an ocean fishing trip, portable solar panels are necessary, but solar panels are also great for hunting trips, camping, and are lightweight enough for backpacking.

Solar panel technology has undergone significant advancements in the last few years, especially as people around the world have been doing their part to support environmental wellness. With a portable solar panel, you can rest assured that you’re doing your part to support the environment in addition to powering the devices needed for survival outdoors.