EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 9 (UPI) — Scottish national parks are dealing with camping equipment so inexpensive many visitors simply abandon tents and sleeping bags, rangers said.

All thanks to the supermarket chain giants Asda and Tesco. 2 person tents cost $15 at Asda and a little bit more at Tesco but with 2 sleeping bags thrown in.

These incredibly cheap tents have been a problem for the officials at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park for 5 years now.

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1. Start with a good campground that’s close to home with drive-in campsites.

Look for campgrounds you can reach in under an hour from wherever you call home (check your state parks website or visit www.reserveamerica.com for ideas). This makes it easy to start with just an overnight trip, since you can leave Saturday morning after breakfast and still be home Sunday for dinner.

2. When picking your campsite, avoid these locations if you can:

Next to water – The view might be lovely, or the sound of a trickling stream, but with small kids it could be a safety hazard and you may end up constantly chasing your toddler or young kids out of the creek. It may also put you in the thick of mosquitoes come dusk.

Next to the restroom – In the case of pit toilets, the reason may be obvious. But the constant traffic to the john, flushing noises, conversations, and lights can be very disruptive to young sleepers who are already excited about sleeping in the tent.

3. When you’ll be sharing a tent with a baby or small kids, test-drive the sleeping arrangements at home first.

Whether you set up the tent in the backyard, or just roll out the sleeping bags in the living room, it’s helpful to try a practice run of sleeping “in camp” at home. Let your kids practice sleeping in their sleeping bags-toddlers often wiggle their way out in the night, and if yours does, you’ll know you need to dress him in extra warm clothing. Just the prospect of sleeping in a tent can be exciting enough for kids new to camping, and if they don’t normally share a room with Mom and Dad at home, so you might want to work through that initial excitement at home rather than in the campground. Also, campers with babies will especially want to test out the baby’s sleeping arrangements and attire to make sure they are comfortably warm without being overbundled.

4. Keep the food and cooking simple on your first camping trips.

You don’t need to cook up 3-course meals for your family while camping, and you don’t even need a camp stove to get started. For a short camping trip, bring bagels or cereal, sandwich fixings, cold veggies, fruit, and a few of your favorite snacks. And by all means, don’t forget to bring the marshmallows!

Backpacks are generally categorized into three: frameless, external frame, and internal frame. The main purpose of a frame is to support the backpack and helps to distribute the weight across your whole body, mainly on the hips so that your shoulders are not bearing all the burden.

Frameless Backpacks

This is the simplest and most inexpensive type of backpack you can find. The most basic design consist of one main pocket and connected to a set of shoulder straps. They are more used for general stuff rather than hiking. However, some are suitable for outdoor activities like hiking. Some more advanced versions have a suspension system like waist strap, chest strap and padded shoulders.

External Frame Backpacks

This is an old favorite with backpackers because of its large capacity and strong frame. The frame is very rigid and it supports a sack made of cloth or other materials.

External frames allow for users to carry a heavier weight than a frameless pack could. It also gives the wearer more support and protection and better weight distribution. The frames have been made of wood until about the middle of the twentieth century.

This type of backpack is not very common today and the frames are now made of lightweight metal tubes, often aluminum and sometimes titanium or scandium. A system of straps and pads keep the sack and frame from contacting the body so you get reduced sweatiness.

It is normal practice to strap bulky items such as camping tents, sleeping bags and pads on the frame because some parts of the frame are not occupied by the pack. The main compartment is usually small compared to internal frame backpacks to allow for these bulky items to be strapped.

The problem with external frame backpacks is the center of gravity is very high up and away from the body resulting in instability. Keeping your balance especially when climbing up hills is not an easy task with external frame backpacks.

Users also complain of getting bruises as a result of the uncushioned frame rubbing or hitting against the body. However, external frame backpacks are very durable.

Internal Frame Backpacks

Invented in 1967 by Greg Lowe, the internal frame backpack has replaced external frame backpacks as the standard pack for hikers. Greg Lowe later went on to found Lowepro, a company specializing in backpacks and other carrying solutions for various equipment.

The frame which consists of strips of metal or plastic is integrated into the pack. A system of straps works with the frame to distribute the weight.

An internal frame backpack is fitted closely to the body and therefore the load is more easily controlled and easily predictable. You have more freedom of movement and are ideal for scrambling over rocky surfaces and hiking uphill. However, the close fit presents another problem; poor ventilation and therefore sweatier backs.

Unlike external frame backpacks, there are only a few (if any) lash points for your tent or sleeping bag and there is a limit to the size of whatever you want strapped to the outside of the pack. Fortunately, modern internal frame backpacks have a large capacity so that all of your gear can fit inside.

Check out these internal frame backpacks and bivvies which are great for backpacking because they’re compact, lightweight and easy to set up compared to tents.

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2009 is the year of camping revival some might say and they could be right. With reports flying everywhere about how big and trendy camping is, stores are having a hard time keeping up with demand for camping gear.

There are two types of camping. Wild camping is camping in the outdoors away from civilization and there won’t be any of the facilities in an organized campground. It’s also referred to as technical camping and you’re limited to what you have in your backpack.

The other type of camping is called family camping and backpacking is optional. It’s easier than technical camping and the campgrounds are usually close to lakes and rivers.

The difference between family camping and wild camping is not just about the level of difficulty and location. In wild camping, it is ideal that you have small and lightweight camping equipment. In family camping, people usually arrive in their vehicles so they can pretty much carry everything under the sun. Family campers can also use whatever they have at home as camping gear.

However, they do have at least one thing in common; tents, sleeping bags and camping cookware e.g. camp stoves are the most expensive things they need to have. And because the lighter and smaller the equipment the more expensive it is, wild campers have a bigger bill when they first start out.

For family camping, the biggest considerations for a tent are space and comfort. First it has to at least accomodate the number of people to share the tent with plus one more. In general, the more space the better the comfort.

Cabin tents have nearly vertical walls and high ceilings and often comes with bug-proof netting, large rain flies, ventilation windows and even separate rooms. This type of tent has the best headroom compared to any other type of tent.

Dome tents are smaller but they still have a good amount of headroom. They’re easier to set up and often less expensive than cabin tents. Dome tents also fare better in wind and rain because they have a low profile.

Both types of tents are heavy and bulky and therefore not ideal for backpacking. Solo hikers either go for bivvies, 1 person tents or 2 person tents if they want comfort. Dome tents are less popular with backpackers because they tend to be too heavy.

As for sleeping bags, rectangular ones are more popular with family campers because they have more room to move about in. You can also zip them together to form a double bag.

Technical campers almost always prefer mummy sleeping bags because they’re lighter in general and does a better job in keeping you warm especially if there’s a hood. There are two types of insulation in sleeping bags; down and synthetic. Down sleeping bags are lighter and more effective but it can get too hot if the temperature is not cool enough. Synthetic sleeping bags are heavier and less effective in retaining heat but they keep their insulation properties even when wet and when they do get wet, they dry very easily.

A camping mat is one of the essential camping gear because even if your sleeping bag is effective, you still lose a lot of heat to the cold ground. Family campers like to use inflatable air mattresses along with battery powered pumps. Camping cots are also a popular option.

Backpackers on the other hand love to use self-inflating pads like Therm-a-Rest. They’re lighter and packs very small.

As for camping cookware, family campers can pretty much use whatever they have at home. They often carry coolers filled with their favorite food and drinks. An open fire is better suited for barbeques but it’s still much more easier and practical to use camp stoves for general cooking instead.

Wild campers have to be careful with their camping cookware so as not to carry too much and be a burden. Non-stick pans and pots are essential for easy cleaning. Propane stoves are popular with new wild campers because they’re very easy to use.

If you plan on camping in Michigan, you’re in luck.

The state of Michigan has launched a “first-time camper” program offering a bargain for camping beginners not already in the state park central reservation system. Newbies can book a two-night stay in any of 15 participating state parks or recreational areas including Muskegon State Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park for $20.

The 20 bucks covers campsite fees and camping gear on rental. The camping gear includes camping tents, sleeping bags, camp stove, fishing pole, lantern, flashlight, chairs and instructions on how to use them.

Anyone who is interested better hurry because the first 110 campers to sign up get to keep the fishing pole. Who gives away fishing poles these days? The rental gear is provided by Gander Mountain. Participants get a discount if they later want to purchase their own.

You can book by calling one of the participating parks directly. You qualify for this offer if you’re new to camping and not in the park system’s reservation system. The number of takers is limited by the available space.

Once booked, participants will be mailed an introduction packet. Upon arrival, camp rangers or interpreters will help the family set up the tent and teach them how to use the provided equipment, start a campfire, even make a S’more. An orientation packet will include additional information on the area and other free, family-oriented events occurring at the given park during the time of the stay.

Seasoned campers are absolutely forbidden to even try to book and take advantage of the freebie. It’s camping 101 and more experienced campers are better off with the hundreds of low-cost options available in the state. However, anyone with a library card can get a free day pass (normally $6) to a state park where they can grab a hammock and read.

Did you notice?

There are a lot of news concerning the increase in the number of campers. More people are going camping if not just to enjoy the great outdoors and save a little coin. Campsites are getting full and the sales of camping gear is on the rise.

Can you believe it? Even when a lot of people are hooked to the internet, mobile phone, etc, more are willing to let go of the modern world for the natural world.

However, the new wave of campers are not all just about going back to basics. It’s more about comfort in the outdoors. That’s why there is a big increase in the number of car campers.

The best thing about car camping is that you don’t have to worry so much about the weight of your camping gear so can save a lot of money while not sacrificing comfort because ultralight gear like down sleeping bags cost a lot of money. Car campers can use bedding they currently have at home.

Camping gear that is high in demand includes tents that you can stand it (like dome tents), bivvies, coffee makers, hammocks, headed fold-up chairs, big coolers, inflatable dinghies, first-aid kits, water purifiers, filters and GPS.

A lot of the people that are part of this camping craze are young families with young parents who grew up camping. Even though camping can cost a lot of money, it still beats paying for the hotel in a single vacation. Plus, you can use your camping gear over and over again.

So savings on holidays is still the major factor in the camping boom.

If we don’t take care of the earth, there will be no more that it can offer to our children. That’s why environmental protection is one of the key values guiding the development of new ADVANSA products.

In case you didn’t know, ADVANSA is a well known fabric manufacturer in Europe and also the leader in polyester fabric technology.

The textile giant will launch two new ranges of high-end technical insulation products for sleeping bags and apparel. Both ADVANSA Thermo°Dry for sleeping bags and Thermo°Cool for apparel provide an excellent level of performance.

The two revolutionary fabrics are a result of ADVANSA’s extensive experience in developing high performance fabrics for insulation and moisture management in clothing.

The performance of a fabric is determined by the combination of different fibers and design. ADVANSA’s high-end fabric not only provides insulation but also deals with the effects of perspiration, condensation and humidity inside the sleeping bag or clothing. So instead of wearing one layer for insulation and another layer for moisture management you only need to wear one layer that does both.

The dual functionality of ThermoºCool makes it the top choice for many European brands. The fibre is designed with increased surface area and microchannels to transport moisture quickly away form the skin to the textile surface. The hollow fibres allow enhanced air circulation and focus energy on the evaporation process to achieve maximum evaporative cooling.

In cool weather or after exercise the hollow fibres provide thermo-buffering to protect muscles from post-exercise chill. Thus, providing superior moisture management and temperature control, the fabrics for apparel are keeping the users comfortable across a wide range of temperatures and activity levels.

Created with new intelligent technology from ADVANSA and again meeting the two trends of growing consumer interest – multifunctionality and environmental awareness – the thermoregulation product ADVANSA ThermoºCool is also available in an ECO version. ADVANSA ThermoºCool ECO uses a polymer that is made from renewable resources, such as corn, instead of traditional petrochemical derivates.

Last year’s Zero Impact Challenge by Backpacker Magazine focused on eco-friendly backpacks. The challenge was to “create a trail-worthy 3,500-cubic-inch midsize with materials and manufacturing that entail minimal environmental impact.”

Seems pretty simple right? Not so. If you knew anything about pack design you’d understand the enormity of the task. An eco-friendly backpack needs to be light, simple and made of recycled material. Five companies that rose to the challenge were GoLite, JanSport, L.L. Bean, Mountainsmith and Osprey.

Key = Lowest impact (1, Green); Lower impact (2, Blue); Business as usual (3, Orange)

This year, the challenge is focused on something more interesting -  sleeping bags. The goal was to develop a dependable three-season sleeping bag with lower carbon emissions.

Five out of thirty companies rose to the challenge – Big Agnes, Feathered Friends, GoLite, Sierra Designs, and The North Face. The rules are simple:

“Send us a bag rated 20°F, plus an encyclopedia of data on materials, shipping, and energy use.”

This finished sleeping bags have to undergo a three-month evaluation by testers from Colorado, Vermont, Kentucky, New York and Utah. How much the bags impact the environment will be analyzed by Cooler, a pioneer in climate studies and product analysis, and endorsed by three major environmental organization.

Findings

• Recycled polyester produces 35 percent less emissions than virgin poly and 50 percent less than virgin nylon
• Goose down bags are not greener than recycled polyester
• Contestants cut emmissions by 10 percent

The results in alphabetical order:

Big Agnes Tumble Down 20
Less bag where many hikers don’t need it makes a big difference.

Feathered Friends Blue Heron 20
A winning combo: Make it light and local.

GoLite Starlite 20
Recycled materials and fewer trucking miles trim carbon weight.

Sierra Designs Verde 20
No bag in this challenge incorporated more recycled components.

The North Face Green Kazoo 15
How do you replace a legend? Cut its footprint without cutting warmth.

Women-specific sleeping bags as the name suggests are tailored to fit women a little bit better. The really big problem is that women vary is shape and sizes. Some are round, some athletic, some skinny, some curvy and more.

Sleeping bag manufacturers claim that their women-specific sleeping bag dimensions are based on the size of an average women. The problem is, most women I know are not the size of an “average woman”. So where do these “average women” come from?

Most athletic type women have problems with fitting women-specific sleeping bags because while it is made a little wider in the hips and a little narrow at the shoulders, these athlete women are a little narrow at the hips and a little wide at the shoulders.

So what am I saying?

Women-specific sleeping bags are still worth looking into despite the size problems. If it fits, why not?

I need a zero degree sleeping. Which one should I get that’s no more than $300?

Sierra Designs make really good women sleeping bags. The Winema 0 degree sleeping bag is highly recommended. Weighing 3 pounds, 12 ounces, it is made up coconut shell derivatives that are as soft as nylon. Insulation is made of the synthetic Primaloft Eco surrounded by EcoSensor recycled shell material that keeps you comfortable in damp conditions. It has got some of the features of a high end down sleeping bag.

If you want a down sleeping sleeping that is less than $300 then go for the Teton +0 by Marmot. The 600-fill goose down insulation makes it softer, warmer, lighter(3 pounds, 5 ounces) and more durable than synthetic sleeping bags. Considering that the price is about the same as the Winema, this one is a steal.

If the above two are out your range then a good cheap sleeping bag is L.L. Bean’s Katahdin Climashield Women’s Mummy. Despite the fact that the price is about half the maximum budget, this one is still a zero degree sleeping bag that’s highly rated by users. At 3 pounds, 5 ounces, it’s surprisingly light for a synthetic sleeping bag.

Also consider a sleeping pad or two to keep away the cold from the ground and for extra cushioning.

I wonder how the hotel business is doing right now? More people taking up camping instead of staying in luxury hotels due to the economic crisis. I’m guessing they’re not doing very well.

Hotels are being replaced with camping tents and caravans in big numbers. While camping stores are getting richer, hotels are getting poorer. We are indeed in bad situation right now but people still need to take a break and camping is the obvious answer to their holiday needs.

Everywhere from the States to Australia people are in a craze for camping and fishing. According to Ray’s Outdoors media and marketing manager Jacques de la Porte, fishing gear, camping stoves, cookware, tents, sleeping bags and backpacks are hot sellers despite the economic slowdown. Even the wealthy are starting to take up camping.

More people are investing in caravans that would quickly cancel out in accommodation savings. Instead of spending $300 a night people are now paying $60 for a camping site that includes a pool and jumping pillow for the kids.

We see a lot of first time campers mostly made up of families with young children and retirees affected by the stock market crash. People are starting to go back to basics and the new lifestyle a go.

People who aren’t camping are staying in motels to save pennies. Dromana Holiday and Lifestyle Village manager Gloria Paice said bookings had steadily climbed in the past year. “We had a really busy month before Christmas and it really hasn’t let up,” Ms Paice said.

Since the recession, a lot of people claim that camping is becoming more popular than ever. It turns out that even CNN is saying the same thing.

One 22-year old Susan Lanier says, “I’m in school and usually I’ll do some sort of trip, but usually I’ll go to a beach or something or I’ll fly to New York, but [finances have] just been tight, and this is a cheap way to get out of the city and do something fun.”

You may need to spend some cash on camping gear but most you would only have to buy once for at least a few years (like a tent, for example.)

I’ve seen reports coming from the United Kingdom saying that they have been seeing a rising trend in camping as well. This trend is true for hiking too. According to reports from the Sporting Goods Manufacturer’s Association, outdoor camping’s popularity rose by 7.4% from 2007 to 2008. Overnight backpacking rose by 18.5%! These are significant stats and it continues to increase in 2009.

It is also reported that sales of tents and sleeping bags are up 14% over 2008 and up 28% for sales in March compared to 2008 respectively.

State parks are also seeing an increase in the number of visitors even when the parks are having a hard time managing their park systems due to the recession.

Classes that teach basic camping skills are also seeing increased interest. Other parts of the industry are seeing increasing numbers as well.

Sleeping outside in a tent is no longer an activity favored by mostly “nerdy families, nature geeks and Boy Scouts.” With the economy now and the need for people to reconnect with nature it’s no wonder camping has become more popular. It’s good to get away from the city sometimes and get back to basics.