view from inside of a tent

Types Of Camping | Embrace The Adventure!

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, camping

Camping is an enjoyable outdoor activity that has been around since ancient times. Of course, ancient camping was just called “life.”

Now, all joking aside, camping connects us with the outdoors and allows us to disconnect from the stressors of a daily connected life.

old compass and map

Camping doesn’t have to look like might have imagined. Let’s take a look at several types of camping that could lead to your next big adventure!

There are many types of camping, each with unique characteristics and appeal. We’ll take a look at several types of camping, ranging from prefabricated shelters like a cabin or lodge, to “bare-bones” camping. (You can jump straight to the camping style you want more information about by clicking the links below!)

Glamping

night view of glamping house

What is “glamping” you might ask? Well, it’s “glamorous camping,” and it probably looks a lot different than the camping images you have in your mind!

For many years the term “glamping” (or, glamorous camping”), was used as a dig for campers who wanted to enjoy the outdoors without the added hassle of “roughing it.”

Rather than taking the remark as an insult, campers have leaned into the concept, and now families can enjoy the outdoors while enjoying many amenities of home.

glamping yurt

Glamping involves staying in powered campsites with rigid wall structures like yurts or cabins.

While the level of luxury can change, glamping lets campers stay out of the wind, with power for lights and amenities, and sleep on beds instead of sleeping bags on the ground.

Many families who love the outdoor activities without having to worry about setting up a tent and an entire campsite will enjoy glamping as well!

Car Camping

Car camping is one of the most popular type of camping, and is great for those who want to enjoy nature without having to go too far from the comforts of home.

view from a tent car camping

Car camping is great for those who want to stay close to a restroom and shower facilities, as well as access to electricity. Not to mention there is some comfort in being able to stay in the car if the weather turns rotten.

Car camping involves bringing a vehicle to a designated campsite via a paved or unpaved road, depending on the campground.

After campers have arrived at their designated campsite, the vehicle is unpacked. The campsite is carried to the campground by vehicle, but the tent, cooler, chairs, cooking area, and the like are assembled away from the vehicle itself (unless you have a vehicle rooftop tent).

Most campgrounds that offer car camping have electricity, bathrooms, and running water nearby.

Ever thought about a MILITARY tent for camping?

RV and Van Camping

vw van with rooftop camper

RV or van camping combines the mobility of car camping with even more comforts of home.

Vans and RVs (recreational vehicles) can utilize traditional campgrounds or designated RV parks with additional hookups to accommodate the vehicle’s power needs.

The bathroom convenience of RV camping is particularly appealing for those looking to not walk through a dark campground for a late-night bathroom trip.

rv for camping

Unlike car camping, where sleeping is done outside of the vehicle, RVs and camper vans provide a sleeping area inside the vehicle away from the elements.

While many campers still set up a traditional camp outside of the vehicle, many RVs are equipped with refrigerators, kitchens, and bathrooms.

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What is “fifth wheel trailer” camping? Find out HERE!

Dry Camping

An offshoot of RV and van camping is dry camping.

Unlike traditional RV campsites that have hookups for power, water, and even a location to pump your wastewater, dry camping has none of those.

Dry camping is popular for its reduced cost compared to the nightly fees for campsites with power and water hookups.

For full-time RVers, dry camping is a great way to travel at a lower cost.

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Overlanding

There is a more rugged form of car camping called Overlanding.

Overlanding involves carrying everything needed for a camping trip in an off-road capable vehicle.

car camping tent

Unlike traditional car campers, “overlanders” find their own paths into the wild and often use their vehicles as sleeping quarters, cook stations, and charging ports.

The thrill for overlanders is the ability to explore new places and get away from crowds that can frequent well-known spots.

Tent Camping

A departure from camping with a vehicle or solid structure, tent camping involves a bit more “roughing it.”

Within tent camping, levels range from the backyard to the wilderness.

Backyard Camping

While pitching a tent in the backyard doesn’t sound like camping, it’s a great way to conduct a trial run for a more extensive camping experience.

kids backyard camping

Parents will also appreciate backyard camping when they turn a raucous slumber party into an adventure by keeping the kids outside rather than jumping on the bed.

Being able to pack it in is a nice convenience, should the weather turn foul and your rainfly isn’t as weatherproof as you thought.

Not only can you test your gear under prime conditions, but it serves as a great first step to acclimate children to camping.

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Primitive Camping

Primitive camping is the next level up from car camping and is a great way to fully immerse yourself in nature.

With primitive camping, you’ll need to be prepared with your food, shelter, and supplies.

campfire flame

Primitive camping involves leaving all of the amenities of home behind and camping in remote and secluded locations. Without a car’s storage and carrying capacity, campers need to prioritize lightweight, compact items.

If you choose to go to a campground that offers primitive campsites, you’ll need to be sure you reserve and stay in designated sites that are marked on trails in the area.

Camping with your dog? YES!

The challenge with primitive camping that also makes it the experience so rewarding is that campers must carry in everything needed.

This type of camping is great for those who want to connect with nature and have a unique outdoor experience.

For those looking at a team-building exercise, assigning each member of a camping party to carry specific pieces of gear increases the camp’s ability to have more. So, you could say that in primitive camping, “teamwork makes the dream work.”

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Dispersed Camping (Go “Remote”)

The last type of camping we’ll cover is dispersed camping.

Out of all the styles of camping, dispersed camping is the most remote, challenging, and rugged.

camping vehicle in the starlight

Unlike car camping or primitive camping, dispersed camping is where you go off the grid and venture into the wilderness beyond any designated campsites.

In many areas of designated wilderness, there is a minimum distance that camps must be from the road. Without those minimums, campers would quickly overuse the areas near roadways that are critical for wildlife (and from an adventure standpoint, it’s kind of cheating to have your car just a few yards away!)

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camping stars

Dispersed camping requires the most preparation. Unlike camping at assigned campsites where the ground is level and often free of any dangers like flooding, a dispersed camper needs to consider the overall safety of their campsite as well as proximity to resources like water.

This type of camping is great for those who want to experience the ultimate in solitude and remote camping.

Just like with primitive camping, you’ll need to bring your gear, food, and water.

Which backpacking tent should you choose?

You want a list of the BEST camping locations? Read THIS!

While fire safety should be practiced with all forms of camping, the lack of premade fire pits means that you, as the camper, must pay extra attention to how and where you build your fire.

For all of the responsibility and effort required in dispersed camping, it is no wonder why few campers attempt it. However, the challenges and rewards of total freedom and isolation are also the reason why campers who complete these trips want to embark on more.

THESE tips will keep you warm in your tent!

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Biking burns calories… but how many?

Final Thoughts On Camping Types

While we all may come from different backgrounds and have different outlooks on life, we can all successfully share in the outdoors.

campfire with sparks

Nature is deeply rooted in our psyche. The desire to put the phone away, hold calls and status updates for a sunrise, and take in the smells of a campfire runs through all of us.

Every type of camping listed above can be broken down into smaller sections for more niche activities. Rather than carrying the campsite on your back, you can use bikes, horses, or even llamas.

Car camping can quickly become boat, canoe or kayak camping.

Regular bike vs E-bike… which is better?

No matter which type of camping you choose, from packing the family sedan full of coolers and lawn chairs for a weekend camping or planning a getaway in the wildest edge of the backcountry you can find, you’re sure to have an unforgettable outdoor experience.

So, get out there and start planning your next camping trip! And who knows, we may even see you out there because, as John Muir once said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.”

handgun and camo holster

Handgun Hunting 101: Gun and Gear Basics

If you’re looking to get started with handgun hunting, you’ll want to be sure you have the proper equipment and skills. So, let’s cover the basics and some tips that will help you lead you to positive results.

Choosing The Right Handgun And Gear For Hunting

minnesota whitetailed buck

The first step in handgun hunting might sound simplistic, but it’s true… you need to select the right gun and gear.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a handgun:

  1. Weight And Size

First, you ought to select a handgun that’s the appropriate size and weight for the type of hunting in which you’ll be engaging. Too heavy of a handgun can be difficult to shoot accurately, while one that’s lightweight may be more difficult to control.

If you are building your firearm or accessory, choosing the right polymer frame is important as well.

Various Polymer 80 Frames and those for other pistol types are in the market, so ensure to choose the most suitable ones for your needs..

  1. The Type Of Handgun

When choosing a hunting handgun, consider the type you want. Handguns come in many styles, such as revolvers, semi-automatics, and single-shot pistols.

  • Revolvers
loading revolver

Revolvers are reliable, but can also be somewhat difficult to shoot accurately when hunting.

Revolvers are the oldest and most reliable type of handgun. They have a cylinder that holds the ammunition and a trigger that rotates the cylinder when pulled. Generally, they’re the most reliable type of handgun, although they can be more difficult to shoot accurately.

  • Semi-Automatic Handguns

Semi-automatic handguns are the most popular type for handgun hunting. They use a magazine to hold the ammunition and the trigger pulls the slide back to chamber a round. They’re more accurate than revolvers, but require more maintenance and can be more difficult to handle.

  • Single-Shot Pistols

Single-shot pistols are often used for small-game hunting. These guns are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offer a range of ammunition choices. They’re the least expensive type, as well as the least powerful, but they can still be effective when used correctly.

It’s important to use the right gun for the job. Smaller caliber handguns are great for smaller game hunting, while bigger game, such as deer or elk, will require a larger caliber handgun.

  1. Grip
pistol grip

Another factor to consider in choosing the right handgun for hunting is the grip. It’s necessary to select a gun that’s comfortable to handle. It should be the correct size for your hands and the type of hunting you’re doing.

 Here are several ways you can determine the right grip size for your handgun:

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  • Feel The Grip

One of the most straightforward ways to determine the right grip size for a handgun is to feel the grip. It should comfortably fit in the palm, and you should be able to wrap your fingers around it with minimal effort.

  • Measure The Hand
hand holding pistol

Measuring the hand to be sure it’s a good fit for the manufacturer’s specs is an important step in choosing the right hunting handgun for you.

And remember, no matter what type of handgun you go for, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to ensure its reliability and accuracy during hunting trips.

Looking for a home defense shotgun? Read THIS first!

Other Equipment Necessary For Handgun Hunting

In addition to the gun, several other pieces of equipment are necessary for successful handgun hunting. These include:

  • Ammunition
handgun in bullets

Ammunition refers to the projectiles and cartridges used in firearms. It typically consists of a bullet, primer, powder, and casing.

There are different types of ammunition suitable for handguns and game animals.

For example, hollow point ammunition is a great choice for small game hunting as it’ll expand upon impact and cause less damage to the meat. On the other hand, full metal jacket ammunition is better for larger game as it’ll penetrate deeper and cause more damage.

If you are hand gun hunting for deer, some cartridge choices to consider are:

  1. 9mm Luger
  2. .327 Federal Magnum
  3. .45 Auto
  4. 10mm Auto
  5. .357 Remington Magnum
  6. .44 Remington Magnum
  7. 40 Smith & Wesson
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  • Holster

A holster is a type of accessory typically worn on a belt or any other clothing piece around the waist and is used for carrying a handgun. It’s designed to provide a quick and secure way of carrying and concealing a firearm. 

gun in holster on hip with camo shirt

A holster should be comfortable and secure, allowing easy access to the handgun when needed. It should also be compatible with the gun and the type of clothing worn.

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  • Protective Gear
protective shooting equipment

Eye and ear protection are also a must. Eye protection will help prevent debris from getting in your eyes that may kick up when firing your handgun. This particular activity can also be loud, so it’s important to protect your ears to avoid hearing damage.

  •  Jig

A jig is used to help with precision and accuracy. It ensures the handgun is held in the same position each time, allowing the shooter to make consistent shots. 

The jig typically consists of a base, an adjustable arm, and a clamp to secure the handgun. It also helps reduce muzzle rise and can be used to mount optics and other accessories.

These are the basic items you’ll need to get started with handgun hunting. But, depending on your needs, you might also require other tools, such as a rangefinder for determining the distance to your target, a scope for longer-range shooting, or a bipod for more stability.

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Planning on hunting at night? You need to know THIS…

Tips For Successful Handgun Hunting

Here are ways you can ensure successful handgun hunting:

  • Practice Your Shooting

Handgun hunting requires a high level of accuracy, and you’ll need to shoot accurately and quickly to take down game successfully. That said, constant practice is essential to become proficient with your handgun.

man shooting handgun on range

Ensure that your are familiar with your handgun and comfortable with safely aiming and firing it before you ever go hunting with it.

Since you never know what situations may arise when hunting, you should always practice shooting from different positions, such as from a bench, a tree stand, or the ground, while considering the target’s distance, size, and wind direction.

elevate stand fixed position tree stand

Hunting from a treestand can help conceal you from your target animal’s normal line of sight.

One effective technique for handgun hunting is to use a tree stand or blind to help conceal your presence and get closer to the game. This can help you get within range for a successful shot without spooking the game.

Additionally, ensure the gun is always pointed in a safe direction and never loaded until you’re ready to shoot.

HERE’s what you need to consider when choosing a rifle scope!
  • Adopt The Right Mindset

When hunting with a handgun, approach the hunt with the right mindset. Unlike rifle hunting, where you can take longer shots, handgun hunting requires a closer proximity to your game.

This means you’ll need to be stealthy and patient to get close enough to the game for a successful shot. And, always remember that wind direction is critical to having the best chance to harvest your target animal.

  • Know And Follow All Firearms Laws

Finally, as a hunter, it’s your responsibility to follow all applicable laws and regulations concerning the use of firearms. Make sure you understand and abide by them.

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Learn how to choose a gun safe HERE!

Final Thoughts on Handgun Hunting

Handgun hunting is both challenging and rewarding. It’s important to select the right gun and gear, and understand the basics of the activity before heading out.

With the right knowledge, equipment and practice, you can have a successful, unforgettable, and enjoyable handgun hunting experience.

Rage X-Treme 4-blade broadheads

Extreme Testing | The Rage X-Treme 4-Blade Broadhead Review

I’ve got another Rage broadhead test for you… It’s the Rage X-Treme 4-Blade.

This head is a hybrid. It has a fixed blade, as well as a big, wide mechanical cut.

I was eager to put this head to the test to see how it performed.

So let’s go through some of the design features and specifications and then put this Rage X-Treme 4 -Blade to the test…

The Rage X-Treme 4-Blade Broadhead Up Close

rage extreme 4-blade profile

Here’s a good look at the Rage X-Treme 4-blade. And man, this is a wicked-looking broadhead with all kinds of cut going on.

rage x-treme 4-blade thickness of fixed and mechanical

It’s a hybrid head, meaning it has a fixed blade component that has a cut of 7/8 of an inch. Then it has a mechanical broadhead that operates like a normal Rage.

rage extreme 4-blade fixed blade thickness

The fixed blade thickness is 0.030” and the mechanical blades thickness is 0.035”.

Rage x-treme 4-blade fixed blade portion

Here’s a look at the fixed blade part of the broahdead.

rage x-treme 4-blade retention ring

The blades are held closed by this clip right here and this ring. The retention rings are normally great for this broadhead, but I have the crossbow model on there because the buddy that sent me these heads only had the crossbow model, but I’m sure it’s going to perform really well. (The ring on the crossbow model holds them a little bit more securely.)

rage x-treme 4-blade in open position

As pressure is put on this end of the blades at one end, they slide back and then the blades fully deploy and come to a cut of 2.3” in the open position.

Compound bow parts diagram! [interactive]

Above, you can see it is in the open position. You’ve got that full cut of the mechanical blades of 2.3” and the 7/8 of an inch on the fixed blade portion. So, a total cut of over 3.1”. That’s a really impressive cut.

The mechanical blades are a bit thicker than the fixed blade. They’re 0.035” thick. Again, the fixed blade is 0.030” thick. The blades are stainless steel and the ferrule is made out of aluminum.

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So, when I think about this, the first thing that comes to mind is that this would be devastating turkey broadhead because you are just going to pull a big old cut through a turkey and that helps in hitting the vitals. But perhaps, it can be good for a lot of other game as well. I know people have taken elk, bear, deer and many other animals with them.

I really liked Rage in the way the blades deploy. I love the way they open and I like the design. I’ve just never been really impressed with the durability. And so, that was my big question mark going into these tests.

Deer hunting isn’t easy… THESE tips will help!

Rage X-Treme 4-Blade Broadhead Tests

So let’s see how this Rage X-Treme 4-Blade performed.

For the tests of the Rage X-Treme 4-blade, I’m going to be using my Bowtech CP28 set at 72 pounds. I’m using a Bishop FOC King Arrows for most of the shots and then I’m using the Bishop FAD Eliminators for the really hard impact ones.

Flight Forgiveness (1 Field Point and 1 Broadhead @30 yds) 

rage x-treme flight forgiveness test

As you can see in this picture, the broadhead and the field point hit very close together.

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Initial Sharpness

rage x-treme initial sharpness fixed blade

I tested the sharpness before doing the penetration tests. The fixed bladed measured 400 (the lower number the better).

rage x-treme initial sharpness mech blade

The initial sharpness of the mechanical blades was 200.

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Penetration Test 1 (2/3″ Rubber Mat, 1/2″ MDF and FBI Ballistic Gel)  

rage x-treme 4-blade ballistic gel test

The Rage X-treme 4-blade penetrated right at 4″...

rage x-treme entrance hole in foam padding ballistic gel test

And like every Rage, it opened very well, even on this soft rubber foam mat. It expanded to the full open position.

THIS is the “backbone” of your hunting arrow…

Edge Retention Test (After Penetration Test 1)

rage x-treme 4-blade post sharpness mech blade

The post sharpness of the mechanical blade was 350.

rage x-treme 4-blade post sharpness fixed blade

The post-sharpness of the fixed blade was 600.

You need to know about nock tuning. HERE’s why…

Quickly find your FOC with THIS calculator!

Penetration Test 2 (Layered Cardboard)

rage extreme 4-blade cardboard penetration test

It penetrated through 45 layers of cardboard.

Bowhunting devastation: The quartering away shot!

Angled Shot Test (1/4″ MDF/Carpet)

rage extreme angled mdf test

Here is the Rage X-treme 4-blade in the angled MDF.

Deer antlers: Why they grow [and shed]

Durability Test (1/2″ MDF Max 3 shots)

rage x-treme after 3 shots into mdf

I shot the X-treme into MDF three times. Overall, it held together well. One of the blades bent back a bit and the other one bent too, but the bottom one bent the most. And then, you can see the base of the ferrule, where the blades bent back, they cut into the base of the ferrule.

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Durability (22ga Steel Plate Max 2 Shots)

rage x-treme 4-blade in steel plate

I shot the head into a .22 gauge steel plate...

rage x-treme after going through steel plate

So here’s the head after it has gone through the MDF 3 times, which it did fairly well through the MDF. It just got bent up a little bit, and the base got cut into a little bit. But, on the first shot into the steel plate, as you can see, one of the blades broke.

rage x-treme pinched ferrule after steel plate test

And then, the ferrule got pinched and squished a bit. I guess the steel plate got bent to where I can’t move the blade, so I can’t close them, and there’s no way I was going to shoot again like this.

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Now, the main blade actually did really well. It held together very well. There’s just a little bit of scraped on it but the mechanical blades not so much. Still, it did pretty well through the MDF. But, it’s not going to make it on to the concrete round (where I shoot into a concrete block) because with that kind of damage, I just don’t want to risk anything by shooting it into the concrete.

As it is, I get shrapnel flying back near me all the time. And so, once something breaks or bends really significantly then that’s the end of the durability testing.

Is the wind your friend? [It better be!]
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Ever had the “Rumble” happen to you?
What makes a great broadhead? Find out HERE!

Final Thoughts On The Rage X-treme 4-Blade Broadheads

So what do you think of the broadhead? Hey, I tell you what. It did a bit better than I was expecting. It has such a nice wide cut.

I can see it having some really lethal applications in the field. The other main blade held together pretty well in the test that I did.

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Like most of the Rages, the blades are just the weakness. And, I know they would get the job done again in many situations, but I just wish they would make them a little bit more durable because I like a lot about the design.

I like the Slip Cam. I like the size of the cut, and I like how well they open on impact. They have a lot of good strengths to them. The durability is just always a bit of a concern.

Tips for bowhunters [you need to know these!]

But again, I know in many situations, maybe most situations, it’s going to perform really well. I know for a turkey, it would be a really good head because you’re getting that fixed blade and you’re getting that really wide cut. So I could see it being a really good choice for that.

But you check out the score sheet and see how it performed and see if this might be one to consider for your quiver.

rage x-treme 4-blade lusk score
Lusk Grade of the Rage X-treme 4-blade broadhead
John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures