All Things Outdoors

You don't have to be mad to camp in winter... but you do have to be prepared. Guy Grieve, star of TV's Wild Gourmets and wilderness survival expert, celebrates the joys of outdoor living whatever the weather, and gives his tips on keeping cosy under canvas

There is a great freedom that comes with being able to live comfortably outdoors at any time of year. One of my happiest memories is of setting out with my family for a weekend of winter camping on our home island of Mull. The weather was changeable so we chose our site carefully: set within a glen thickly wooded with Scots pine, it offered good shelter from the wind in all directions, as well as abundant supplies of firewood. Full story ...... Click Here

High above the tree line on the Bergen Line, the railway connecting Oslo to Norway’s west coast, dramatic, beautiful Finse acts as a powerful tonic for the stresses of modern life. Bordering a lake in an expansive rocky valley, it is located at the highest point on the train line, with the icy fingers of the mighty Hardangerjøkulen glacier visible on slopes to the south. During the brief thaw from the arctic conditions that prevail much of the year, “Finse City” – as locals ironically call the small community clustered around the train station – has a huge appeal for lovers of the great outdoors.

Even better, the number of tourists in no way reflects its allure. Read More

For All your Camping Equipment needs Visit www.outdoors1st.co.uk

Outdoors1st Gearing up for the 2012 Olympics!!

Keep a look out for a new section over the next few month, dedicated to the 2012 London Olympics!!

Nearly two million tonnes of contaminated soil have been cleaned to be reused on the Olympic Park in the UK’s largest ever soil-washing operation.

Five soil-washing machines have cleaned most of the one million cubic metres of soil that was contaminated with oil, petrol, tar, cyanide, arsenic and lead. More than 80 per cent of this soil has been cleaned so it can be reused on the Olympic Park and 98 per cent of demolition materials on site has been recycled.

Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) Chief Executive David Higgins said: ‘Delivering one of the UK’s most complex and greenest clean-up operations on time and on budget is a major milestone. With the soil washing complete, the focus now moves on to the “green build” and ensuring sustainability remains at the heart of our work to deliver the venues and parklands for the Games and legacy.’

This week is London 2012 Sustainability Week and the ODA has published two documents: a map showing the ‘green build’ of the venues and parklands within the Olympic Park, and an update on London 2012’s sustainable transport plan.

For More News visit www.london2012.com

When you start out camping, you buy the camping equipment you think you’ll need. If you’re not sure you’ll enjoy it, then the tendency is to spend as little as possible (or even borrow gear for the first few trips until you’re convinced!). But after a while, you might start browsing through shops and consider parting with money for new camping equipment. When, though, is the right time?

Do You Need Camping Equipment?

There’s a big difference between desiring new camping equipment and needing it. It’s all very well to fall in love with that new lightweight sleeping bag that promises more comfort and rolls up smaller, but is there anything wrong with your old one?

Need means replacing something because it’s broken or torn, or simply worn out, or perhaps because circumstances change – you might have had a child and truly need a bigger tent, for instance. When things like that happen, it makes perfect sense to upgrade, and to buy the best you can afford, within a reasonable budget, since that means you can hopefully go longer before upgrading the same thing again.

The problem with necessity is that it doesn’t always coincide with a flush bank account or a sale. That means you need to shop around, both in stores and online, and research what you want to buy and the prices that places are charging (and all too often the big chains aren’t the cheapest). Ultimately, though, you might end up having to bite the bullet and spend more than you really want for the item you need.Visit Here for camping equipment

The Best Time To Upgrade Camping Equipment

All stores selling outdoor equipment have sales. Right after Christmas is always a good time to shop, since it’s a slow season for them, and there are plenty of real bargains to be found. Remember, though, it’s never a bargain if it’s something you don’t need and that you’re not likely to use too much. If the item you’re considering really is far superior, or your old item is looking worn and well past it, then it can be a real deal. Otherwise you’re simply spending money for its own sake.

It’s worth thinking ahead to sales, to inspect all your equipment in the autumn when your camping season has ended – unless you’re one of the hardy types who likes being outdoors all year long – and making note of suitable gear in the shops. That way you’re well prepared and far less likely to buy on impulse, as well as get the items you really want.

Christmas and birthdays also work well, as long as you have a partner who’s glad to indulge you. A new portable stove might not be the most romantic gift, but it can certainly be very practical.

Thinking Ahead To Replacements

It could well be the case that you’ve owned something for years, but in that time there have been great advances, and you finally feel you’re due an upgrade. It could be to something much lighter or far more efficient. If you’ve had a long period of good service from the old item, like a tent, then treat yourself to the new one and pass the old one on to someone who can use it; recycling is always a good thing. There’s never any need to consign something useful to the scrap heap, even when you’ve finished with it.

Follow these guidelines and don’t give in to impulse, and you’ll find that when you do upgrade, you’ll do so thoughtfully, and probably even save yourself some money, too – which is never a bad thing.

Record numbers are set to take camping holidays this summer, a survey says.

Tent sales have doubled, while UK site bookings are already 16% up on last year.

The Mintel poll also found 40% of Brits were not planning to go abroad.

The trend was fuelled by the recession and airport hassles, the pollsters claim.

For Camping Equipment and other Outdoor Equipment Visit Outdoors1st.co.uk

www.outdoors1st.co.uk is undergoing contant changes and updates, be sure to keep an eye out for updated links to camping stores for camping equipment and outdoor gear.

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Glamping seems to be a new craze taking over designed at those of us that like to go camping just a little more up market!

During a typical glamping trip, for example, the tents are often designed with bright designer colors and materials making them more fashionable for todays youth. These tents can be set up for electrical power, which means occupants can operate appliances such as hair straighteners, mobile phone chargers and even Tv's and Air Con. Forget about smelly sleeping bags placed on hard ground. Those who have gone glamping may sleep on full-size air mattresses, or even regular spring mattresses provided by the outfitters.

Many glamping trips do involve the same types of excursions provided by traditional adventure groups, such as safaris, hiking, and river rafting, but the focus is often on the comfort of the guests. Comfortable transportation is usually provided from the campsite to the excursion and back, and guides are responsible for providing such amenities as full-course meals and laundered clothing upon a guest's return to camp. Some glamping trips are more primitive than others, however, so guests may actually have to experience a little discomfort while glamping.

The idea of glamping appears to have been inspired by the experiences of young, rich entertainers and models at outdoor events such as open air rock concerts. Many wealthy concertgoers wondered aloud if it might be possible to avoid the trappings of a hot tent on a muddy field just to enjoy a show or the wonders of nature. Several adventure groups saw an opportunity to cater to the needs of disillusioned campers who wanted to experience the positive aspects of camping without so many negatives. Thus the concept of glamping was born.

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