A Few Things To Take Into Consideration Before Purchasing Big Camping Tents

The plus side of getting a sizable tent is the fact that once the weather does not go the right path you'll have a camping mansion to lean back on. Camping is really a event that ca...

What You Need To Search For Within The Right Ice Fishing Animal shelters

Getting the best shelter can make your hobby enjoyable and fun after some extra comfort. Within this video I'll reveal to you what important things to loo...

Trailer Sway 101

Yaw, more generally referred to as sway within the RV industry, is really a bad word for trailer proprietors. The phrase yaw or sway is really a side-to-side movement. There is little ruin how you experience camping faster than the very first time you have trailer sway.

You've tent camped for a long time and you decide you're ready to move up to and including pop-up. You want to the local car dealership and discover a pop-track of an ideal layout for your family. The sales representative knows that it'll bond with the utmost weight that the vehicle can tow. He really requires a purchase because everything has been slow. Instead of risk losing the purchase he decides to not explain the additional cost of the correct hitch try to securely tow your brand-new trailer.

You are all packed up for any weekend getaway. You've made all your pre-trip inspections and you are all set to go. You load probably the most precious cargo you've, your loved ones, to your tow vehicle and mind on a brand new venture. Things are fine whenever you go out. You are taking the on ramp towards the interstate. You are cruising in the posted speed limit taking pleasure in the background music around the radio. All of a sudden from nowhere a transfer truck going twenty miles within the posted speed limit is passing you as though you are doing nothing. The pop-up is drawn in to the draft produced through the truck. So that they can correct this totally unpredicted event you over steer and also the trailer starts to visit the alternative direction. Not necessarily sure how to proceed you hit the brakes and switch the controls left, then right. Now, that certain-ton trailer behind your suv is veering dramatically laterally and starts to affect what little control you've within the vehicle. The outcomes are catastrophic.

Ok, as this is just articles, let us begin again and connect this even before you realize there's a possible problem. You bought your pop-up from the trustworthy local RV car dealership. At the chance of losing the purchase profits person describes that you'll require some specialized hitch try to pull your brand-new trailer securely. You're a little skeptical, feeling like they simply want much more of your hard earned money. Besides, your father never needed any of these things. He just hooked a clip unto the ball and went.

You choose to provide the sales representative the advantage of doubt and listen for any minute. He teaches you in the book that the tow vehicle is ranked to tow no more than 3,500 pounds. He then describes that which you must element in to that particular tow rating. It offers the load of the new camper, any after market add-ons, such as the roof mounted ac and battery the car dealership will install, all the cargo and private possessions that you simply load within the trailer as well as in the tow vehicle, and also the weight from the people within the vehicle. Now out of the blue the sales representative has your undivided attention. You'd no clue that all this needed to be looked at.

He teaches you the load label in your new trailer. The unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) is 2,100 pounds. The ac weighs in at 100 pounds and also the deep cycle battery weighs in at 50 pounds. Safe he estimations that you'll carry about 300 pounds of cargo, after which adds another 300 pounds for the wife and 2 children. You're amazed how quickly things accumulate.

Now you must 2,850 pounds rather than the 2100 pounds that you simply think it is. It is not over yet. Profits person begins to describe that each condition has different needs how much a trailer can weigh before it takes trailer brakes. Inside your condition the load is 3,000 pounds., however your car dealership has brakes placed on any trailer they order that weighs in at over 2,000 pounds. He describes that despite the fact that your automobile is ranked to tow 3,500 pounds the brakes around the vehicle specified for to securely steer clear of the automobiles weight, no additional ton . 5 being drawn behind it.

He goes towards the parts department and teaches you a brake controller and describes that this is exactly what triggers a clip brakes and also the car dealership will do the installation once they perform the wiring for that trailer lights. You want the characteristics he described concerning the brake controller. Because you can by hand adjust the quantity of stopping action to ensure that whenever you hit the brake pedal the tow vehicle and also the trailer interact to prevent the load inside a reasonable period of time. That which you enjoy may be the part he described concerning the manual override lever that triggers a clip brakes without needing the automobile brakes.

He stated if you are on the steep grade and you won't want to prematurely put on the vehicle brakes you gradually slide the lever and also the trailer brakes will slow you lower. But what really offered yourself on it had been as he described when a clip begins to sway you can lightly slowly move the lever, initiating a clip brakes, to assist straighten a clip out. He continued to describe that trailer sway is among the greatest potential issues that you could encounter while towing a trailer. He highlights a few of the factors that lead to trailer sway.

o First of all poor trailer design adds to trailer sway. When there's an excessive amount of weight behind the trailers axles leading to the tongue weight to become under 10% from the trailers weight it features a natural inclination to sway.

o Incorrect tire inflation

o Improper weight distribution hitch changes

o No sway control around the trailer

o Crosswinds

o A transfer truck passing in the rear from the trailer

o Climbing down inclines

o Towing speeds

o Tow vehicle not correctly matched up for that trailer

o Improper loading, over-loading and poor weight distribution

He required time to describe that for that trailer to drag correctly the maker suggests the tongue weight resting on your ball mount ought to be ten to fifteenPercent from the total trailer weight. He stated if it's a lot more than 15% they've what's known as fat loss distribution hitch that can take the extra tongue weight and distributes it towards the axles around the tow vehicle and also the trailer where it ought to be, and when it's under 10% whenever you load your cargo you distribute it to include some excess weight around the tongue. He researched the pop-up you had been purchasing within the sales brochure and also the tongue weight was 305 pounds. Using the ac installed as well as your cargo loaded you'd be between your ten to fifteenPercent range. He described that the weight distribution hitch was more generally combined with heavier trailers and perhaps with pop-ups with respect to the tow vehicle, however in this situation it wouldn't be needed.

The following factor he requested was in case your vehicle were built with a receiver. You reply, would you mean a hitch? He describes the part that's bolted towards the vehicle is known as a receiver, and that he teaches you a chart which has a number of different classes of devices with respect to the quantity of weight you'll be towing. The category II receiver was ranked for several,500 lb. gross trailer weight and 300 lb. max tongue weight. For any small improvement in cost he suggested a category III receiver ranked for five,000 lb. gross trailer weight and 500 lb. max tongue weight as your trailers tongue weight exceeded 300 pounds.

With this done he stated allow me to demonstrate the main one ingredient that our car dealership strongly suggests to anybody buying a pop-up. He walked over and acquired a component in the shelf. This really is known as a friction sway control. We mount one finish from it towards the ball mount and also the other finish towards the tongue around the camper. You adjust the quantity of friction by turning the lever clockwise for additional friction and counter clockwise at a lower price friction. He described that you simply transform it in 1/8" batches before you have it modified in which you feel at ease. This can not totally eliminate sway, but when the forces of sway have been in motion it'll dampen the sway and assist you to manage it when you are towing your camper.

Well, he stated, that about will it. For under 10% from the cost from the pop-up you will get all the hitch work done and make sure that your household is safe when you are on a holiday. At this time you are believing that the sales representative has your own interest in your mind and wasn't just trying to earn more money.

You are all packed up for that first weekend getaway together with your new pop-up. You are making all the pre-trip inspections the car dealership described for you and you are all set to go. You load probably the most precious cargo you've, your loved ones, to your vehicle and mind on a brand new venture. You are taking the on ramp towards the interstate. You are cruising in the posted speed limit taking pleasure in the background music around the radio. All of a sudden from nowhere a transfer truck going twenty miles within the posted speed limit passes you as though I you are doing nothing. You are feeling a small movement behind you. It had been sufficient to help remind you that you are tugging the pop-up. You appear at you are watch and tell the household that you ought to attend the campground over a couple of hrs.

Understanding how to react whenever a trailer starts to sway could possibly be the distinction between your safety and disaster.

Happy Camping,

Mark

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk who owns RV Education 101

Camp Tents For Those Seasons - For Those Reasons

You might be a skilled camper or else you are simply starting to investigate question of a weight camping holiday. Possibly you're a biker or perhaps a walker and also know the best way to have a solo tent for any good night's sleep! Today, you'll find tents of excellence for those seasons as well as for all reasons. You may even desire a family tent which you can use in most seasons. This information has some valuable information for you.

Let us begin with the a couple of person camp tents. Frequently, individuals are searching for stability, security, protection along with a tent that's light to hold within this category. The Wenzel Lone Elk Walker, is compact and light-weight, has these characteristics. The Alps Alpinism 1 and 2 person tent range possess some wonderful features. The Zephyr 2 Aluminum pole tent has incredible ventilation, great mind room and it is lightweight - an excellent combination for that traveler. Swiss Gear Niesen Walker Tent can also be well-liked by the rods sliding into grommeted webbing for simple set-up as well as includes a gear attic and organizer pockets.

A house abroad tent may be the Chinook Tradewinds Lodge. The 6 person tent has two large private rooms as well as an very large front vestibule - even large enough to suit a have a picnic table!! It's also very fast and simple to setup.

There is a beautiful searching family sized tent that's also popular - the Swiss Gear Montreaux Family Dome Tent. If you wish to bring your family towards the country this tent has two distinct rooms, is simple to setup having a pin and ring system and has an E-port for electrical cord access. Having a full mesh ceiling you can view the heavens!! It sleeps as much as 10 people.

Camping nowadays is about convenience and ease. People wish to benefit from the outdoors the moment they are able to. The Grand Trunk Uinta 4 - Person Tent takes under one minute from beginning to end in set up. It features a patented central hub technology and design. Additionally, it comes with an overhead gear attic and interior storage pockets.

Lots of tents cover campers for 3 seasons of the season when you can rely on other tents to supply quality and gratifaction in almost any weather. One particular tent may be the Paha Que Pamo Valley 6-Person Tent. It possesses a wide-open, airy feeling in good weather in addition to a dry and spacious atmosphere once the weather turns nasty. It's known as a 3+ season tent.

You will find several more tents available that you should take a look at. A good way to get this done is to undergo this site where you've got the chance to check out, choose and purchase your covering on sale prices. Happy outside holidays!

Lose Pot Belly - 10 Steps to get rid of Your Pot Belly and also have a Flat Lean Stomach

Every second individual is tired of the stomach body fat and bumps round the waist. We're a lot participated in work that people overlook the trauma faced by the body. We continue eating junk and growing weight. Therefore if now you must decided to get rid of pot belly and also have a flat lean stomach, you're welcome.

Listed here are 10 effective steps to get rid of pot belly and also have a flat lean stomach:

1. Positive attitude and commitment for the goal set on your part is essential should you really want a set stomach. You cant ever shed individuals unwanted weight if you're not devoted towards the program elected on your part.

2. Give up eating unhealthy foods immediately if you want to get rid of pot belly. Create a daily food chart on your own. You do not always desire to make a diet regime but indulge health food in what you eat like eco-friendly veggies, proteins, minerals.

3. Walking is excellent for getting a set lean stomach. You have to choose walk every day for 30 minutes. Attempt to walk around you are able to if you cannot compensate for morning walk.

4. Give up eating whitened bread and rather eat brown bread. Whitened bread is really a refined product and results in huge pot belly. It's not even considered healthy.

5. Just use egg whitened to make egg dishes like omelet's, boiled egg. The yellow a part of egg consists of lots of body fat, while egg whitened has low body fat content.

6. Lots of people believe that missing foods is a strategy to pot belly. Let's allow it to be obvious that missing meals can't ever provide you with a flat lean stomach. It's advised that you simply take 3 foods each day as well as on correct time.

7. Drink tepid to warm water with a few fresh lemon juice included it. This remedy is extremely popular in burning calories. You are able to really get achieved positive results and lose that pot belly to obtain a flat lean stomach with this drink.

8. Continue checking unwanted weight and keep an archive to enhance yourself.

9. Hit a gym 4 occasions per week. Proper workout can certainly help.

10. Do abdominal training exercises like crunches, stretching etc and take aerobic exercise classes. Both of them are equally useful in lessening pot belly.

Our new tent

Here's our new 10 person tent which i just acquired for . Sa-weet!

101 Ultralight Backpacking Tips

An ultralight backpack means more fun. Enjoy floating down the trail instead of hauling heavy gear. You can have an ultralight backpack if you mercilessly analyze every piece of gear in your pack. Here are 201 tips to consider for reducing the weight of your pack. Some are big, some are small. That's part of the secret. Small things add up. The old and obvious are mentioned because they are some of the most important. Have fun being a fanatic. If your friends make negative comments, invite them to lift your pack and compare it to theirs. Think of these tips as a buffet, and take what you like:

1. Buy a digital scale. You can find a good one that measures down to 1/10 ounce for about . You'll be surprised at the weights of some items. You can take your light, portable scale into stores and make wise decisions before you buy. Do not fear sales people with little or no knowledge of the backpacking gear they're selling. You're now in control. Let them fear you.

2. Remove the excess weight from your body. Losing those unwanted pounds is probably the best weight reduction you can make. It doesn't involve leaving any of your favorite equipment home. You'll feel better, and there's a net gain in strength and endurance.

3. It needs to be mentioned at least once. If you don't need it, leave it home.

4. Avoid last-minute packing. If you hurry and pack at the last minute, you're more likely to throw in things like extra clothing you don't need.

5. If you're backpacking with a companion, plan ahead and share the weight of the gear such as the tent and cooking gear.

6. Develop your sewing skills. Be creative. Some of the best, and most inexpensive, ultralight backpacking gear is the kind you make yourself.

Pack

7. Purchase a light backpack. Your pack is one of the best places to lighten up. You'll need to reduce the volume and weight of every piece of gear to use the lightest pack. Your final result can be a pack that weighs less than 2 pounds. That's a savings of more than 5 pounds over the big "load monster" packs.

8. Don't buy a pack with too much capacity. You'll be too tempted to fill it, and it won't handle as smoothly if it's partially filled.

9. Try using your pack without the hip belt. You might like it better.

10. Remove your pack's sternum strap if you don't use it.

11. Remove any manufacturer tags from the bag. In fact, remove tags from all your gear, including clothing. Save the care instructions from the clothing if you can't remember how they're to be washed.

12. Cut some of the length from the waist belt and straps on the pack. Remember to leave them long enough for when you're wearing your bulkiest clothing.

13. If the pack has aluminum stays, or some other reinforcing material that can be removed, try carrying the pack without it. The really light pack you end up with shouldn't need reinforcing. Think positively from the outset.

14. If your pack has large buckles or cord locks, find a way to replace them with lighter ones.

15. Don't worry too much about the lighter materials in ultralight packs. These materials are still very strong. You can make repairs that are lighter than tape by using McNett Seam Grip. It works for sleeping bags, tents, and other gear, too.

16. If you need a pack cover, use one that's very light, like the ones that are made from 1.3 ounce silicone-coated nylon. Or, use a lightweight garbage bag. Or, spray your pack with a waterproof coating. Your pack may already be waterproof. Check the manufacturer's specifications. You might be able to save the weight of a pack cover.

17. Ultralight compression stuff sacks can help you reduce the volume of your gear. You may be able to lower your overall weight by using compression bags because you end up with a smaller pack.

Sleeping Gear

18. Buy a sleeping bag that isn't "overkill." It's surprising how many people buy a sleeping bag for low temperatures and then use the bag for summer camping 95% of the time.

19. Use a down bag. Nothing is more efficient for the weight. Don't worry too much about the down getting wet and losing its efficiency. High quality bags are made with shell fabrics that have a very tight weave and are very water repellent, so they tend to protect the down. The down itself has natural oils in it. It works for the geese. Use your skills to keep your bag dry. Keep it in a waterproof stuff sack.

20. Have a small towel handy to wipe any condensation from tent walls. That will help your ultralight sleeping bag perform to its maximum.

21. A piece of very light and thin painter's tarp plastic or a light trash bag can be used to keep condensation off the foot of your sleeping bag. The plastic or trash bag can have multiple uses such as keeping gear dry.

22. With a lightweight bag you can always add layers of clothing for extra warmth.

23. You can also use a silk liner that adds warmth and weighs as little as 4 ounces.

24. Switch your stuff sack for an ultralight one that's made of 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon. They weigh as little as .6 ounces.

25. Keep your sleeping bag clean. That will keep the efficiency high.

26. Keep your sleeping bag in a large storage bag when it's at home so it will retain its full loft and maximum efficiency.

27. Air out your bag during lunch and as quickly as possible after you set up camp. Moisture can evaporate and the bag can fully loft.

28. Eat and drink before going to bed. That will help your body to efficiently heat your sleeping bag.

29. If your feet get a little cool, you can use things as light as plastic newspaper bags or grocery sacks to keep them warm. You can use the bags for dual purpose tasks, and they add hardly any weight. They can also be used for bringing wet gear and boots into the tent. The sleeping bag stuff sack can be used as a foot warmer.

30. Using an ultralight air mattress can reduce your pack weight and volume and increase your comfort. They can be as light as about 20 ounces for a full-length mattress.

31. You can have an air mattress with insulation in the tubes for only about 1 ounce more.

32. Leave any inflatable sleeping pad open as much as possible so the condensation inside will evaporate.

33. A closed-cell foam pad is light and easy to use. You can even cut away areas that you don't need to save a few ounces.

34. The lightest air mattress available is called a balloon bed. No joke. The shell can be made from 1.3 oz. (or lighter) silicone-coated ripstop nylon. Sew 7 tubes (or more or less) into the 60" long fabric. Leave the ends open for inserting and removing the balloons. Insert Qualatex 60" balloons (model 260Q) because they're the strongest. Use clear or white since they're stronger than colored ones. The balloon bed can weigh less than 4 ounces. A pump can weigh 1.3 or 2.2 oz. Each night you'll need to use new balloons, so figure 8 per night. Eight balloons weigh .4 ounces. This figures one for breakage. They don't pop when you lay on them, but may pop when you tie them off. See more at balloonbed.com. Or make your own and get balloons and a pump at tmyers.com, larocksmagic.com, or others.

35. You can go crazy and use bubble wrap for your sleeping pad if you don't need too much insulation or cushion. It'll weigh about 4 ounces. There's a variety that's made with some nylon that is much stronger than the cheapest kind, but the bubbles still pop when you concentrate your knees or elbows directly on a small area.

36. Ultralight backpackers have come up with a lot of ideas for lightweight pillows. One of the most common is using your extra clothing for a pillow. One place to contain the clothing is in your sleeping bag stuff sack.

37. When you pack ultralight, you often don't have much in the way of extra clothing. Some hikers use their pack for a pillow. It solves a second challenge of where to put your pack in the tent.

38. A small piece of foam with some of your gear underneath can serve as a pillow.

39. At .4 oz. you can get a pillow at Office Depot. It's a 10 x 12" air wrap plastic packing "bubble" that you can blow up and deflate with a straw.

Shelter

40. You can save a lot of weight by choosing an ultralight tent that weighs two to three pounds for the two-person tent, or less than two pounds for a one-person tent.

41. If you usually backpack with a companion, consider buying a one-person tent for those times you go solo.

42. If you already use hiking poles, you can save the weight of tent poles on some tents.

43. If you have an old tent you'd like to keep, you can save weight by replacing the poles with lighter carbon fiber poles.

44. If you have an old tent that you like which has a fly, you can save weight by using the old fly as a pattern and sewing a new fly from 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon.

45. You can save weight by using titanium tent stakes. The 6" titanium stakes are just .2 ounces each.

46. Save weight by leaving stuff sacks home. A few rubber bands around your tent are lighter than the stuff sack. Put rubber bands around the titanium stakes and band them to the poles to keep the stakes from poking holes in anything.

47. In some dry regions, you may be able to use a bivy sack or sleeping bag cover as your only shelter.

48. If you need bug protection only, the pop-up bug bivies weigh only 6.5 ounces.

49. For an even lighter solution to bugs, a square yard of no-see-um netting weighs less than an ounce.

50. Simple, lightweight tarps can reduce your shelter weight to a pound or less.

51. If you use a bivy, tarp, or poncho/bivy, you may want to have a mosquito head net to keep the bugs away. Of course, these can be used during the day, too. They weigh only .6 oz.

52. Some tarps serve a dual purpose by doubling as your poncho, too.

53. Creative cord tying from a tree or using an available stick with some tarps and tents can save the entire weight of poles.

54. The lightest ground cloth is the one you don't take. Use caution when you set up your tent so you don't need a ground cloth.

55. If you use a ground cloth, use one that's a light as possible. An ultra-thin 99-cent plastic painter's cloth is a light disposable option. Some people like Tyvek. Consider using 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon for your ground cloth.

56. If you use a ground cloth, be sure to trim it a couple of inches smaller than your tent. If it's bigger than your tent, you can catch unwanted rain and funnel it under you.

57. Consider hammock camping. Hammocks can be as light as about 2 pounds, and there are some great advantages like being able to set up on uneven ground.

58. If you have a tent with a fly, you may be able to set it up with the poles and fly only, especially in late summer when there are fewer mosquitoes.

59. You can more effectively use tent options without netting if you repel insects by adding permethrin to your tent.

60. Shake the water from your tent before packing it on a damp morning. Let the moisture drain off while the tent is on a rock or tree.

Clothing

61. Long-term weather reports from the internet can cut ounces from you pack. In dry weather you can leave some of the rain gear home. In warm weather you can leave some insulating layers home.

62. You can shave ounces by making some last-minute decisions about whether to carry things like rain pants. If the weather and conditions look good, you can leave items in the car.

63. If the weather is warm enough, some hikers like to leave the rain pants home anyway. Your legs will get wet, but they won't be trapped inside sweaty rain pants.

64. Your rain pants can be lighter than 4 ounces if you use "chaps" that cover your legs but are open at the midsection.

65. Rain gear can weigh less than 10 ounces for top and bottom if you use the very lightest and most simple varieties. We've already mentioned combination poncho/tarps if you want a piece of gear that serves as shelter and rain gear.

66. One of the best lightweight clothing rules is "no multiples." If you have one pair of pants, running shorts and/or rain gear are enough backup.

67. One very light short sleeve shirt and one long-sleeve shirt should be enough.

68. Avoid cotton. It doesn't dry as quickly, so it could be dangerous. And even if it's not dangerous, it'll be heavier when it's wet because the water weight won't dry as quickly as other fabrics.

69. Very light synthetic materials and silk may allow you to leave heavier, bulkier fleece at home. A couple of silk layers under your rain gear may be enough for summer hikes. That's a total of less than 6 ounces for 2 shirts.

70. Never wear jeans. They weigh about 1 ½ pounds and don't dry well. Lightweight nylon outdoor pants can weigh as little as 8 ounces.

71. If you need more insulation, there are ultralight jackets made with down that weigh less than 8 ounces, about the weight of a T-shirt.

72. You can save a lot of weight by using running shorts that weigh around 3 ounces instead of heavier cargo shorts.

73. Leather belts can be quite heavy. Look for a light belt. A lightweight nylon accessory strap with a quick-release buckle works well.

74. Using silk can cut the weight and bulk of your underwear in half.

75. A lightweight watch cap (beanie or lightweight stocking cap) can weigh as little as an ounce. It's great for extra warmth during the day or while you're sleeping.

76. A full-brimmed hat for storm protection that's made from silicone-coated nylon weighs as little as 1.2 ounces.

77. A baseball-type hat from lightweight ripstop nylon for sun protection can weigh less than an ounce.

78. A painter's cap will give you cheap, light protection from the sun. They weigh about 1.3 ounces.

79. If a hat is too hot for you, use a visor to be cooler and lighter. Visors vary a lot in weight, so use a digital scale to find the lightest one.

80. Lightweight polypropylene gloves that weigh an ounce will give you some warmth.

81. You can use your extra socks as gloves, or for added warmth over light gloves.

82. Those plastic newspaper or grocery bags that we used for keeping your feet warm at night can be used to keep your hands dry.

83. Socks that are warm, comfortable, and help you avoid blisters are vital. Don't try to go too thin and light if you tend to blister. But many popular styles come in various heights. So a shorter, lighter sock might give you the same function.

84. One of the best ways to save clothing weight is to use running shoes instead of hiking boots. The old saying of one pound on your feet being equal to five pounds in your pack is true. You lift your shoes with every step, so why not lift something light and comfortable?

85. Shoe laces that come with your running shoes are often too long. They catch on the little twigs along the trail. You might as well cut them off and save the weight. Burn the ends so they don't unravel.

Cooking

86. Keep your cooking gear light by using a kettle only. You can save more than half the weight of the cooking kit by leaving the plate and fry pan home. The ¾ quart kettle by itself weighs less than 5 ounces.

87. With titanium, your kettle can weigh under 4 ounces.

88. Stainless steel is heavy. Avoid it. Non-stick coatings make a kettle heavier than one without it. Decide whether the weight of the non-stick surface is worth it for you.

89. For your cup, use the plastic kind that have measuring marks inside. They're four times lighter than a sierra cup.

90. Try using a lexan spoon only. You probably don't need a fork. For cutting food you can use your pocket knife. File some of the excess weight from the handle of your spoon. Have some fun being a fanatic. Drill some holes in the handle.

91. Some hikers like a long Dairy Queen spoon because it can reach all the way into foil pouches and zip lock bags. Be ready to use some emergency chopsticks if the spoon breaks. Some people like chopsticks anyway.

92. Blacken the bottom of your kettle to cook faster and conserve fuel. If your kettle won't do this naturally, use heat-resistant paint, the kind you use to paint barbeques and wood stoves.

93. Keep the lid for your kettle. You'll save its weight by using less fuel.

94. Use a windscreen so you conserve and carry less fuel. You can probably use something that's already in your pack so there's no weight added. Or use something very light, like aluminum foil.

95. Use your digital scale to know the weight of a full and empty fuel canister if you use butane/propane. It's surprising how far a small can will go. You can learn when to leave a full 7-ounce canister home.

96. For a scouring pad, keep it simple and cut it down to a very small size. Or, better yet, don't take one at all. They tend to become bacteria magnets. Use goats beard -- the stuff that's attached to tree bark. Or use pine cones or sand.

97. You may need a towel to handle your hot kettle. Keep one small piece of a rayon camper's towel for kitchen use and one for your body.

98. The lighter, thinner towels you can find in grocery stores are even lighter than a rayon camper's towel. These work well on your body because they can rinse so easily for washing up.

99. There are two main types of ultralight stoves. Titanium stoves that burn butane/propane fuel can be as light as 2 ½ ounces. Their small fuel canisters are 7 ounces. Or you can choose a soda can style stove that burns denatured alcohol. These can be lighter than 2 ounces. Their fuel is readily available and can be carried in very light containers.

100. Fiberglass is often used as a wicking agent in the soda can stoves. The thin fiberglass within foil can be used to hold hot stoves or kettles and can be used to hold heat in your kettle.

101. The lightest water container is a plastic soda, water, or Gatorade bottle. Of course, you'll want to remove that heavy label.