Camping is no fun at all if it’s freezing and/or wet inside your tent the entire time. You’ll be quite uncomfortable and you could even end up catching a nasty cold!
If you’re a camper or even a backpacking hunter, you need to know how to stay warm in a tent. To do so, you need to know how to retain heat and dry off fast. This will allow you to have a pleasant outdoors experience any time of the year. So, in this article, we’re going to be going over some hacks for keeping your tent warm.
Once it’s time to get in the tent, a warm hat can make all the difference in staying warm.
1. Bring Along Warm, Comfortable Sleeping Clothes
When camping, it’s best to bring along a separate set of clothes for sleeping and store them in a stuff sack so that they’re always kept dry.
This should ideally include warm socks, base layers and a hat that can cover your ears. Make sure that none of the base layers are so tight that they prevent your blood from circulating properly!
When picking clothes, you’ll definitely want to go with those made of synthetic fibers and wool instead of cotton. This is because cotton is notorious for absorbing heat from your body, leaving you shivering when the temperatures drop.
Be sure that the sleeping bags you choose have a rating that is acceptable for the temperatures you will be camping in.
All sleeping bags will have a ‘lowest recommended temperature’ limit on their labels, which should help you determine whether it’s worth bringing along to the particular campsite you’re heading to.
For instance, if a sleeping bag’s limit is 45 degrees Fahrenheit, then it wouldn’t be ideal for camping in high altitudes, where temperatures may drop below freezing.
Just like with your pajamas, it’s important to keep your sleeping bag completely dry. When your body comes into contact with moisture, it can lose heat pretty quickly. Therefore, make sure you keep it stored in a stuff sack during the day.
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12/24/2024 11:08 pm GMT
3. Waterproof Your Tent
You’re never going to be able to keep warm if you’re constantly battered by raindrops leaking in through the roof of your tent. Hence, it’s absolutely necessary to learn how to waterproof your tent.
The bare minimum you could do is to spray water repellent on the roof of the tent and on the rainfly as well.
Since most leaks occur at the tent’s seams, you may want to invest in a good seam sealer as well. Keep in mind that not just any sealer will work on your tent’s fabric, so it’s best to do your research on what kind you need to buy.
Tents typically contain urethane coating which acts as a sealant against moisture. However, the coating tends to wear off over time. So, if your tent is a bit old, we recommend applying a brand new coat before setting out on your trip.
Be sure that your sleeping mat has an appropriate “R-value” so that your body heat loss will be minimal in a cold tent.
If you’re going camping during cold weather, keep in mind that the ground you’ll be sleeping on will be cold as well. While a sleeping bag will keep you elevated, it’s not going to be enough to keep you warm, certainly not as much as a good sleeping mat.
When buying a sleeping mat, it’s very important to pay attention to its ‘R-value’ which indicates how good it is at retaining heat.
A high R-value means you’ll lose less body heat when you’re lying on top of the sleeping pad. We recommend going for one with an R-value of at least 5.
Most campers only put on warm clothing when they start to feel cold. This is a huge mistake, because by then you’ve already lost a significant amount of body heat (hence why you’re feeling so cold in the first place).
So, the best thing to do is to put on the extra layers before night falls.
Thermal attire is absolutely essential when you’re camping in cold weather. So, bring along a fleece hoodie or a warm windbreaker and make sure to keep them dry at all times.
Did you know that most of your body heat is lost through your head? That’s why you should always cover your head with a warm beanie before you go to sleep inside the tent.
Similarly, we tend to lose a lot of heat through our feet as well. Hence, thick socks are a must to bring with you. It’s especially helpful to have a long pair that extends beyond your ankles.
Keeping a hot water bottle close to your body can help you stay warm in a tent.
An effective way to keep yourself warm at night is to fill a hot water bottle and hug it close to a cold spot on your body while you sleep. Make sure the water bottle is a secure one and that the lid can be closed tightly, so that you don’t end up burning yourself!
In addition, we recommend choosing a bottle that is BPA-free so that you can safely drink from it if you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night.
Eating food with high fat content can help you stay warm on cold camping nights.
This is like stuffing as much wood into the fire as you can before you go to sleep. A high-fat dinner or snack will give your body tons of fuel with which to generate heat, allowing you to sleep comfortably for longer.
You won’t feel as thirsty when you’re camping out in cold weather. However, this doesn’t mean that your body needs less water!
Hot coffee is certainly enjoyable and cozy when camping, but you’ll still need to drink enough water to keep regular body functions like digestion and blood circulation running smoothly. At the same time, make sure you don’t go overboard with hydration. Otherwise, you’ll have to go outside several times in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks.
In this article, we’ve covered several different ways to retain heat and keep dry, from waterproofing your tent to staying hydrated.
If you plan to camp out in cold or rainy weather, be sure that you’ve got everything you need to keep your tent warm and dry. Staying warm will make for a very pleasant camping experience and more importantly, it will keep you from getting sick.
Although the purists out there will say that any fishing technology other than a rod and reel is unnecessary, fish finders are valuable tools to elevate your fishing experience.
Fish Finders give you a pair of eyes under the water. This gives you valuable insight into structure and feeding patterns that cannot be otherwise known.
The fish are there… you just need to find them. Check out our list of the best fish finders in various categories!
We will be going over the best fish finders in several categories. Because your fishing needs will vary, certain options may be better for the job than others.
These categories include: The best fish finders for kayaking, small boats, ice fishing, those of certain budgets, and more! Use this information to make smart decisions and make investments that best work for your fishing needs.
So, lets’ get started covering all the best fish finders in the categories below!
You may not think about needing a fish finder when kayak fishing, but it’s a great tool to help you locate fish, regardless of boat size.
Many people do not think of using electronics when kayak fishing, but it can be super helpful if you can afford it.
So, here are the best fish finders for kayaks!
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
The compact Garmin Striker 4cv is a top choice for those fishing from kayaks.
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the best fish finder for a kayak if you are okay with a smaller screen and more compact design.
These are very small but pack a punch in terms of quality and performance. The Striker 4cv is a great option for smaller kayaks and anglers who want something that takes up less space.
The Striker Vivid 4cv has dual frequency sonar, a water temperature log and graph, and a split-screen zoom, among other features.
Garmin is a leading brand in the space, so going with the Striker is a worthwhile investment for your kayak fishing adventures.
The Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot from Lowrance is a great choice for kayak fishers who want an easily visible screen that can also be mounted in minutes to stay out of the way when needed.
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot has a 5-inch waterproof screen that sports a a coating that will help make the screen remain visible even in direct light.
You can also get an installation kit from Lowrance that can be installed in minutes so that the fish finder stays out of your way while kayak fishing.
Lowrance is another established brand, but it tends to be a little more affordable than the others, which is nice.
Smaller boats, like those of kayaks and canoes, do not need fish finders designed for bigger rigs. This will be overkill and misuse of resources.
So, knowing what the best fish finders for small boats are, you can make a more informed decision.
Lowrance HOOK2 4x with Bullet Transducer
HOOK² 4x with Bullet Transducer and GPS Plotter is a great option for small boats with a limited storage space.
If you know you will be in smaller bodies of water in a smaller boat, the Lowrance HOOK2 Bullet is a great option.
This is a portable fish finder that comes in a carrying case with spots for a couple of tackle trays.
The interface is kind of basic, but it has everything you would need on a small boat.
It’s available in screens from 4-12″ and it has an easy-to-use interface with quick access key functions.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and also offers a 5-year upgrade, where you can upgrade to a newer model anytime within a 5-year period for a discounted price.
If you have a moderate budget, but you are still looking for high quality, the $500 and under price range is best.
You can get some excellent fish finders in the $350-500 range. There are even some that fit there that rival the $1000+ fish finders.
Let’s take a look…
Humminbird Helix 5
The Humminbird Helix 5 is one of the best fish finders for under $500, featuring Down Imaging. that gives you timber, brush, rocks and other structure imagery in great detail.
The Helix is Humminbird’s mainstay line, so going with this is a great choice.
It packs a serious punch when it comes to value as it has all that Humminbird is known for, usually under $400.
The screen is not that big (5″), but it has super clear imagery and has sonar systems to provide anything you need on the water.
It has all of the bells and whistles you would expect out of a fish finder at this price range.
The Garmin Striker Plus 7SV sports a 7″ screen and built-in wi-fi, and comes in just under $500.
The Garmin Striker Plus 7SV is a more expensive and larger fish finder than the other two previously mentioned Garmins.
The 7SV has a more traditional display that has more functions than the other models.
This comes in right around $500 and has a 7-inch, easy-to-use display.
It has built-in wi-fi for access to the ActiveCaptain™ app so you can receive smart notifications as well as the Quickdraw Contours Community. It also allows you to transfer waypoints and provides access to software update alerts.
Sometimes, you just need something to get the job done while not breaking the bank.
For those on a budfet, here are the best fish finders under $200.
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
The Vivid 4cv makes the list again, this time for one of the best fish finders under $200.
This is the third time we have seen the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv and for good reason. Coming in under $200, this is the best budget, small fish finder on the market.
This fish finder has GPS and enough tools to get the job done without bankrupting your fishing fund.
It travels well, can be found all over the place, and is affordable.
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12/25/2024 01:59 am GMT
SIMRAD GO7 XSR
If luxury is what you are looking for in a fish finder under $1,000, the SIMRAD GO7 XSR fits the bill.
Of all the fish finders today, this is the most like an iPad or tablet because of the quality screen provided.
Not only is the resolution great on the SIMRAD GO7 XSR, but the interface is huge.
This one comes in just under $1000 and makes you feel like you are using a luxurious item.
This is a touch screen fish finder that also comes with a handheld remote so you can switch between interfaces with ease and from any part of the boat.
The touch screen is viewable in the sunlight, has a built-in GPS receiver, and can connect with other mobile devices.
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12/24/2024 11:32 pm GMT
Best Portable Fish Finder
If you find yourself constantly switching between kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and anything else, a portable fish finder may be best.
These can be brought on the move and be switched all-around at your choosing.
We have already listed a few great portable fish finders, but here is a couple that has yet to be covered.
Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar G2 PT
Although not necessarily “small,” the Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar G2 PT has a ton of features for a portable fish finder.
Although many portable fish finders can be stuffed in your backpack or pocket, the Hummingbird 5 G2 is one of the more advanced portable options.
The Helix 5 Sonar G2 PT is a fairly large fish finder, but it comes in a portable carrying bag that makes the use quite easy. Plus, you will get more features with this due to the size about other portable options.
It features SwitchFire Sonar, which allows you to choose with the push of a button how your sonar returns appear as it pertains to water depth, temperature and turbulence.
The Dual Beam PLUS Sonar gives you a generous coverage area to identify fish, contours and structure. You can toggle between narrow and wide beam or view them side-by-side.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4
The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is a sleek, hand-held fish finder option for those looking for portability and affordability.
If you are looking for a more traditional, hand-held portable fish finder, the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is a top option.
The PiranhaMAX 4 can easily fit in your tackle box and be temporarily mounted wherever you need it.
Despite being affordable and portable, it has excellent mapping skills and can even find fish up to 600 feet deep.
Features include dual beam sonar, tilt and swivel mounting and a 1-year warranty.
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12/25/2024 01:23 am GMT
Best Fish Finders For Crappie
Crappie are super fun fish to catch, and changing your fish finder choice slightly is important. They are smaller than bass and fish finders can be super helpful for pointing them out on the water.
Below are a couple of fish finders that can work with any species, but excel when targeting crappie.
The Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro provides photo-like images, which can help identify smaller fish like crappie.
Although the Raymarine Dragonfly 7 Pro is not a huge fish finder, it brings great value to your crappie fishing.
The wide spectrum CHIRP sonar system is great for mapping smaller fish like crappie very clearly and accurately. This, along with some other great features, like built-in wi-fi and online sonar image sharing, makes the Dragonfly 7 Pro fish finder worth checking out.
The Dragonfly 7 generates photo-like sonar images with incredible clarity. It can scan up to 600 ft. deep.
Be aware, though, there are no charts included in the software.
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iBobber Wireless Smart Fish Finder
The iBobber Wireless Smart Fish finder can be used in kayaks or small boats and is a great option for crappie fishing.
Another fish finder that is using modern technology and a more unique way to map is the iBobber Wireless Smart Fish Finder.
You may not always be using a boat when crappie fishing, or, if you are, it might be a small Jon boat or kayak.
The iBobber is a fish finder that uses a bobber with simple, sonar technology to move information from the water to the app on your phone. It is super portable and great for crappie fishing.
The better fish finders on the market will be equipped with GPS. This allows you to map bodies of water, mark hotspots, and learn a lot about the area you are in. Here are the best fish finders with GPS!
Humminbird Helix 5
The Helix 5 from Humminbird is a GPS powerhouse, with the ability to store 2500 waypoints.
The Helix 5 has been already featured, and it shows up again for good reason.
This fish finder is outfitted with a fantastic GPS that allows you to store 2500 waypoints, 20,000 track points, and so much more.
You can do a lot with the system, so the investment is well worth it. Along with the GPS, it has a great sonar system and interfaces for ease of use.
The HDS-Live is one of Lowrance’s more costly models, but its imaging is top-notch and it features preloaded C-MAP® Contour+ mapping.
The Lowrance HDS-Live is a high-end fish finder outfitted with GPS and active imaging.
These two aspects alone bring a ton of value into the purchase. This is one of Lowrance’s most expensive models, so be prepared to spend some money for those add-ons.
If this is something you can afford, the Lowrance HDS-Live imaging fish finder is an excellent option.
Few animals cause as much controversy as the wolf.
Their rugged and savage beauty has inspired people throughout the world.
While they’re considered an apex carnivore, their grace in capturing their prey or how they hunt is undeniable.
The wolf has captured imaginations for hundreds of years, however, they are not necessarily favorites of farmers.
While many people love wolves, their are many others that do not. This is especially true for some hunters, and even farmers, who may already be dealing with the damage that deer can do to crops.
Add in the occasional missing livestock animals and it’s easy to see why wolves may not be a farmer’s favorite animal.
However, it’s hard to deny that the wolf (or Canis lupus) has captured the world’s imagination for centuries.
As these wild creatures continue to roam the land, they’ll continue to keep us in awe for more to come.
Wolves have been the inspiration for artists and also prey to those who hunt them, and make up an essential part of the world’s ecology.
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12/24/2024 11:54 pm GMT
Species of Wolves
Depending on where you live, knowing what wolf species can be found in your area will help if you’re a hunter or a farmer.
Preparing yourself by knowing which species of wolf that may roam your area is essential for protecting your property or helping to thin the pack.
In addition to learning how big the various species of wolves get, you may also be wondering where do wolves live? This list will help you with that question as well.
A question often asked is… how big do wolves get? Well, it depends on the species. But, regardless of species, they all are impressive animals in the wild.
The Grey Wolf
Grey wolf (photo: WikiMedia Commons)
If there’s a standard image for a wolf, then the Grey Wolf (or GRAY wolf) is what goes through many people’s minds.
Grey wolves are massive creatures. Adult grey wolves can stretch from four to six feet long and can weigh from as much as a medium-sized dog at forty pounds, to an impressive one-hundred seventy pounds.
Keep in mind that wolves over a hundred pounds are relatively rare, but it’s possible to see one if you’re in the right area. Grey wolves are found in North America and Eurasia.
And, while these animals are wild, the chances of them attacking you are extremely rare. No matter how Hollywood portrays them, they’d rather keep their distance from you.
This wolf, Canis lupus arctos, is a subspecies of grey wolf and is one of the enormous wolves around. It can reach five to six feet in length and weigh up to one-hundred sixty pounds.
Arctic wolf (photo: WikiMedia Commons)
The Arctic wolf lives in the North’s harsh climates like the Arctic Circle in Canada and parts of Greenland.
This area is helpful for the species as they’re rarely hunted and have little fear of humans. Fortunately, a wolf attack is still rare.
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The Eurasian Wolf
These ferocious wolves are legendary in their size. They reach seventy to one-hundred seventy pounds and stand around thirty inches high. They also have a length of five to six feet.
Eurasian wolves are native to Europe and parts of the Soviet Union.
Eurasian wolf (photo: WikiMedia Commons)
Fortunately, they don’t interact with humans but are relatively resilient as they’re hunted heavily.
Their legendary status comes from their reputation that spans as far back as the medieval ages. In those times, an attack on humans was more common than today.
Wolves are primarily carnivores (meat-eaters). They prefer to eat larger hoof-type animals like various types of deer, bison, elk, and moose.
Wolves will also hunt and eat smaller animals such as beavers, rabbits, and rodents. These smaller animals will supplement their average dietary needs. Wolves are also known to eat fish, but this isn’t common.
While meat is the main staple of a wolf’s diet, they have been known to eat berries as well. Still, the quantities are relatively small and not considered a dietary need.
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12/24/2024 11:23 pm GMT
Wolves have a large appetite and can eat up to twenty pounds of meat in a single meal.
While wolves can eat a lot, their eating habits can be feast or famine. So, if they find food, they’ll eat a lot of it. This gorging is especially helpful in sustaining them for the times when they can’t find much to eat.
While wolves are carnivores, they prefer to be as far from humans as possible. They travel in packs that can range for up to a dozen wolves. However, packs aren’t as tight as many would think. Wolves will leave an area if there are no resources and will only seek a new mate if their current one dies.
Wolves have long held a mystique to people around the globe. Their grace and savage beauty have earned them fear and respect, with many hunting them out of need or sport or working to save them.
Though wolves carry with them controversy, their resiliency in surviving in the modern world shows how strong they are and how far they’ve come.
They’ve capturing imaginations worldwide, and many religions around have held them in awe as well as honor.
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