Waterproof Spray: Keep Your Gear Dry on Your Next Adventure
If you’re a hiker or a camper who spends a lot of time in nature, you already know that having dry clothes, tents, and shoes is essential for a comfortable stay and safe adventure. Of course, you can’t always find the right waterproof gear for your needs, and even if you do, even waterproof garments and equipment won’t stay waterproof for good. This is why a waterproof spray is often considered part of the essentials for backpacking and camping. Read More
Bye-bye Water Rings: Stylish Coasters for Drinks to the Rescue
Relaxing with a nice cold drink on a hot summer day is as satisfying as enjoying your hot cup of tea during the cold days. Whether you enjoy your drink inside, and whether your stylish dining furniture is old or new, those water rings your drinks leave are just annoying. Not only do they look bad, but these ugly rings and spots can destroy the value of your furniture. Whether you have wood, marble, stone or plastic tables, leaving hot or cold drinks on your furniture can eventually do a lot of damage. Read More
The Numerous Benefits of Burning Candles at Home
The mesmerizing light of the candle has been lighting up people’s lives for centuries. There’s something magical about that golden trembling flame that makes everything more special. That’s why, what was once used as a simple utilitarian source of light has become an indispensable part of every birthday, wedding, romantic dinner and spiritual ritual.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets: Bring the Comfort of Indoors Outside
Outdoor kitchens are functional, stylish, and convenient. Whether you plan to throw a party or just want to frequently lounge around in your outdoor space, having an outdoor kitchen will make your life easier. Paired with the right outdoor dining furniture, the proper kitchen cabinets can easily turn your backyard from an empty space to an entertainment area where you can spend most of your summer days relaxing. The model you pick can add a pop of colour or complement the landscape. The options are truly endless. However, to make the most out of your purchase, there are few things to consider first.
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Outdoor Gear Gift Ideas for Your Man
Picking the proper gift for the man in your life starts with knowing their interests. It’s best if they have already expressed a desire to get some item during your daily talks. If that is not the case, you’ll have to do some guessing and choose based on their hobbies and favorite past times. And while every man is highly likely to carry key chain, mints, mobile phone, cash and credit cards, it’s the other stuff they carry every day, their man cave items that seem to fuel their curiosity.
Outdoor hikers, hunters and tradies have a tendency to focus on gear that has practical application out there. There are three levels to this type of gear: what one carries at all times (in pockets and small bags), what can be carried in a bag (backpack, briefcase, laptop bag, professional kit bag) and what is carried in a vehicle (trunk of the car). Small items seamlessly shift from one category to another, but there are pieces that fit one category only.
Leatherman Multitool
Knives are possibly the number one favorite item for outdoor enthusiasts. Elaborate laws and regulations concerning carrying knives limit this option for many blokes. Fortunately, there is a whole range of multitools (Leatherman Surge, Charge, Juice) which you can legally carry. They all have at least one blade and the Leatherman Supertool 300 has three: a 420HC knife, a serrated knife and a saw.
Pocket multi-tools are very popular because they fulfil between 8 to 15 different functions while being lightweight and comparatively small in size. Leatherman multitools usually have pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, can and bottle opener. Depending on the exact model you choose, there might be other tools too. Multipurpose pocket tools allow you to neatly tuck each micro tool away, so as not to damage your clothes or bag. You can attach them on a carabiner or to your keychain.
Leatherman multitools are fit for many occasions and across all levels of everyday carry. If you don’t want to carry them in a pocket you can certainly include them in your bag or leave them in your car. You never know when you’ll need to check the wiring on your car or use them to set up camp. They can be very specific too. The Leatherman Raptor is tailored for paramedics, the Leatherman MUT (EOD) is made for gun owners, but all of them are multi-functional. If you want to choose a pocket multitool which can be used every day then go for something like Skeletool CX. The Leatherman Supertool 300 is versatile and easy to handle even with gloves and has a total of 19 tools. They all come with an extensive warranty (25 years) so you know you are buying a durable and long-lasting gift.
Flashlight
There are many situations in which having a flashlight at hand would make things significantly easier. If it’s not to find small objects in the dark (like lost keys), then it’s when walking in a dim-lit alley. Your man might need to take a look under the hood or to fix a component that’s hard to see in a tight and dark place. Everyday activities too, like walking the dog or hiking after sunset.
Men want to have a powerful flashlight in their everyday gear. Torches are valuable when hunting because of their high output in lumens. Most often than not, they are handheld LED lights with rechargeable or powerful batteries. Those on the high end can light up an area with the size of a football field. Some prefer carrying a different size flashlight for different occasions. Others go for one torch that would cover most of their needs. It’s not unusual to get a headlamp with a flashlight that can be removed for everyday use.
Binoculars
Hunters have to visually scout an area before getting in on the action. Even if they use game calling devices, let alone for stalking their prey, a good pair of optics is always needed.
The optics’ features are very important. Two variables play a big role there – magnification power and objective lens diameter. They are expressed in numbers like 7×40. The first number shows the magnification power of the binoculars, so objects are magnified seven times. The second measure is the diameter in millimeters. Apart from this, you should keep an eye on the materials the unit is made from. The build should be durable, waterproof, reasonably shockproof and fog-resistant. Lenses tend to fog up when exposed to the difference in temperature so this is not to be overlooked.
It’s highly likely that these binoculars will be hand-held with gloves so look for an ergonomic build that has a non-slip finish. You want the binoculars to be easily portable too. High-quality halyard or adjustable neck strap, and a pouch with soft interior for the lenses are a must.
The Right Type of Torch Light for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
There are plenty of occasions for exploring the great outdoors, regardless of what time of the year it is. Outdoor activities can be beneficial to your physical and mental health as they offer you a break of the stress of everyday life. Whether you’ll be camping or going deeper into the wilderness, you’ll need the right equipment. And one of the most essential items is your torch. So, even if you get caught out in the dark unexpectedly, you’ll be well prepared.
Women Plus Size Tops: A Style Guide
You have probably asked yourself many times what looks good on plus-size bodies? Being a plus size girl doesn’t mean that you should stick to only a few pieces of clothes. The fashion trends change, and now every brand and designer offers pieces suitably tailored to fit women of all shapes and sizes. Read More
Beach Day: How to Stay Safe in the Sun
Spending the day on the beach is one of the few socially-distanced activities that we can still do in order to make this summer look like the old times. But before you head for the shore, you need to make sure you have everything you need for a safe day in the sun. After all, Australia has a notoriously hot climate and a high rate of skin cancer, the highest in the world, in fact. Taking these essentials with you can help protect you from skin damage and heat stroke.
Beach Umbrella
It’s true that we need sun exposure to create vitamin D and absorb calcium. However, excessive sun exposure can cause a red, painful sunburn. A portable beach umbrella can provide some relief from the sun’s harmful rays.
You may be thinking that you will be already taking a number of things with you to the beach, so you don’t need the extra weight of a beach umbrella. However, there are beach umbrellas available on the market which have a lightweight and compact construction. This makes them easier to move from one location to another. Furthermore, portable beach umbrellas come with carrying bags, which frees up your both hands.
If searching for a beach umbrella online, make sure to inspect its features. Look for lightweight aluminium frames to ensure durability and a tilt function for adjustable shade options. A large model with a wide 220 cm diameter cover will provide just enough shade for the whole family or a group of friends. Articulated frames allow the umbrella to be adjusted while staying fixed in place so you can chase the shade. Vent features provide stability and allow wind and heat to escape, ensuring greater comfort underneath.
The fabric that the umbrella is made of will have a significant impact on its sun-blocking ability. Polyester is a material that doesn’t only block the heat but is also mould resistant, durable and easy to clean. It’s also flexible, which increases wind resistance and can dry very quickly.
Cotton is a natural heat repellent, which makes it ideal for beach umbrellas. It is also affordable and highly durable. Canvas is a resilient material that has a PVC coating. That coating makes the material entirely waterproof. Canvas is also very durable, which makes it such a good option for an umbrella for the beach.
Umbrellas injuring people is a big problem on beaches, so make sure to secure your umbrella well. When it comes to how to secure a beach umbrella in the sand, the best way is to use a rocking back and forth motion. Don’t just stab it into the sand. Bury the umbrella post at least 1/3 of the way down in the sand.
Sunscreen
Unless you live under a rock, you know that sunscreen is essential to prevent sun damage and keep your skin looking healthy, young and beautiful. When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, especially for the Australian climate, you need to be extra vigilant about the strength and quality of the product you apply to your skin.
Regular sunscreens are formulated in the way that when UV rays hit the sunscreen, the molecules in the compound absorb the radiation and then slowly break down and dissipate heat. Thin means, every time you apply a conventional sunscreen, you have a chemical reaction taking place on your skin. While this happens, there is a chance that your skin will absorb some toxic chemicals which are linked to cancer and hormonal issues. For this reason, you should consider using a natural sunscreen.
What is a natural sunscreen? It’s a UV-repellent product that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – natural minerals recognised as safe and effective by the FDA. These natural minerals work immediately and don’t seep into the skin like the chemicals in conventional sunscreens.
When it comes to buying a natural sunscreen, the “Sunbutter SPF50″ cream is a good option to consider. It’s high protection, water-resistant for up to 4 hours, reef safe, palm oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and comes packaged in a handy small plastic-free container that is perfect to pop in your beach bag.
For a non-greasy finish sunscreen, go with the”Simple As That SPF 30”. It’s a sunscreen that has been specially formulated to provide high protection from the sun using zinc oxide as the active ingredient. This sunscreen also contains Rosehip Oil, Raspberry Oil and Green Tea, making it perfect to use on the face.
For children, it’s very important to choose a sunscreen specially formulated for their delicate skin and free from harsh chemicals such as parabens and fragrance which can cause irritation. Look for natural formulas that contain zinc oxide, rosehip oil, green tea, and chamomile to keep their skin nourished.
UV Protection Sunglasses
Each time you spend in the sun without eye protection is dangerous for your eye health, and this applies wherever you are. However, it’s especially risky in places like the beach where sunlight bounces off the water and increase the intensity of UV rays. So, make sure your eyes are properly protected with a pair of shades that offer 100% UV protection. Sunglasses that offer a lower level of protection will only reduce light, which means your eyes will still be susceptible to damage including photokeratitis, cataracts, and cancer.
A lot of people ask “Does the UV protection of sunglasses wear out?”. Yes, it does. Exposure to the sun can deteriorate the protective coating in the lenses over time and reduce their full protection. According to studies, the protective UV layers in sunglass lenses do fade over time, as well as the tint in them. That being said, it’s recommended to change the sunglass lenses every couple of years.
Nowadays you can find cheap replacement lenses for about every sunglass brand and model. This means you can just change the lenses of your favourite pair of shades instead of having to buy new ones.
Water
If you are going to be on the beach the whole day, you are going to get thirsty. Water is a thing that people forget and it’s not always easy to find at the beach. And even though some beaches have plenty of eateries right off the boardwalk that are willing to sell you a cool drink, ti can be a pain in the neck having to walk back and forth. So, you may just think “Who needs water anyway?”.
While you may get away with that sort of thinking in the city, at the beach you’ll be sweating in the sun. And since your skin is wet, you might not even notice the signs of dehydration. That being said, it’s important to carry an insulated water bottle with you and take regular water breaks.
When looking for an insulated water bottle Klean Kanteen is a name to keep in mind. Klean Kanteen insulated water bottles come with lots of great features like food-grade stainless steel construction combined with double-wall insulation, which can keep drinks cool for up to 50 hours. The water bottle Klean Kanteen range is also known for its versatility. The brand’s classic model is compatible with different caps and lids, which means it can be transformed to fit almost every need.
The Loop cap makes it easy to transport your water without the risk of drops – just clip it anywhere. The spill-proof, high-flow Sport cap has a soft silicone spout and valve for easy drinking This makes it the perfect option for small children. And if you want to avoid plastic in every way, Kleen Kanteen bottles are also compatible with a bamboo cap, which is a stainless-steel cap topped with sustainably harvested bamboo.
And you get all of that with a durable finish, easy-to-fill and pour mouth, and a lifetime warranty. Kleen Kanteen water bottles are available in different sizes and in a variety of colours to match your bathing suit and beach bag. The brand also offers stainless steel food canisters that you can use to bring snacks to the beach, like fruit salad, muesli and yoghurt.
In my opinion, it’s worth investing extra money to get something once rather than buy one product multiple times in a lifetime, which has no end value and can’t be easily recycled and will ultimately end up in our food chain. A reusable bottle will benefit both you and the environment.
Flashlight and Headlamps: Distinct Characteristics & Advantages
While all light sources serve the same purpose of providing brightness where it’s scarce, the question of ‘what’s the best type of lighting’ hinges on its intended purpose. Flashlights and headlamps have been the two most popular options for quite some time now, and even within each range, there are thousands of options suitable for different tasks and different people. So whether you’re a camper, hiker, part of a search and rescue team, law enforcement, security, military or just an average Joe needing a reliable lighting source to locate things in their basement, you’ll find a product that fits your specific needs. Understanding the basics of flashlights and headlamps will enable you to make the right choice.
But before I get into the specifics of flashlights versus headlamps, let’s talk about lumens and beam distance. These two measurements represent how strong the light illuminated by the source is, and the type of beam it produces. Obviously, the more lumens a product has, the brighter it will be. Beam distance, on the other hand, as the name implies, refers to how far the light will reach. There are long distance torch light models that can illuminate hundreds of metres in front of you, while there are also models that only illuminate the immediate area in front of you, but with a wider beam. So whether you need a 2000 lumen long distance torch light or a 150 one with a wider beam, your choice will depend on your needs and how you intend to use the light.
Flashlights and Their Characteristics
Having a quality flashlight is like having a good knife – spending a bit more money will get you a product that performs great and will serve you for many years. Most high-performance flashlights use LED bulbs, and unless you’re looking for a spotlight for search and rescue missions that has a long, bright beam, you should look for something in the range of 50-500 lumens. The best flashlights will be made of metal, but there are some plastic models that are quite durable and resistant to the elements as well.
You’ll also want the flashlight to be reliable, adjustable (feature multiple modes) and be completely waterproof. You don’t want the flashlight to be too heavy, because after all, you’ll be carrying it in one of your hands, so you want to reduce strain as much as possible. Also, you want to consider whether the on/off switch is a push-button, rotating part or slider. Since flashlights are larger in size than headlamps, they can hold bigger, more powerful batteries. Rechargeable batteries are the way to go, as they’re usually more powerful, last longer and better for the environment. The main features to look for in flashlights are adjustable beams, multiple power settings, single-button use.
Headlamps and Their Characteristics
If you’re performing a physical activity that requires the use of both your hands, then headlamps are probably the better solution for your needs. A good headlamp should be comfortable, lightweight, durable, and it should produce enough light for your needs. For most people, the ideal range is between 100-200 lumens, but some activities, such as route-finding and scrambling require a light with at least 300 lumens. Just like flashlights, headlamps for outdoor use should be waterproof. The waterproof rating of headlamps and flashlights is measured with an IPX rating ranging from 1 to 8.
You want at least an IPX rating of 4. As far as batteries go, headlamps don’t have the room to house larger, powerful batteries, so you’ll have to do with AA or AAA batteries. There are some USB headlamp models that are lighter, but they have a shorter run time. The features of headlamps can vary greatly. One of the most useful ones a headlamp can have is the red-light mode, which helps you read maps, cook over stoves, something which campers can really appreciate. This mode will also help keep the light alive for longer. Another useful feature is the emergency mode which works as a strobe light to alert nearby rescuers. Most LED models feature low and high modes, adjustable beams and adjustable power levels.
Conclusion
No matter whether you decide to go for a headlamp or a flashlight, you get what you pay for. The price range of these tools can vary greatly – from basic models costing $20 to high-performance models costing over $300. Some of the best brands that produce both quality flashlights and headlamps are Olight, NiteCore, TruNite and LED Lenser. That being said, decide what your budget is before you start looking, then decide which features you want from all the different products to pick accordingly. Remember, having a huge range of features is only great if you intend on using them frequently. Otherwise, you’re paying for something that you don’t really need.
Wood Chip Mulch: Benefits & How to Use It in Your Garden
If you have ever taken care of plants, you probably know how TLC they need. To keep your plants and soil healthy and thriving you need to apply a layer of mulch. When properly selected and correctly applied, mulch provides many benefits for plants. Wood chip mulch is one of the best choices for this purpose. Just take a look at the trees growing in the forest and you can spot chipped wood mulch on their bottom.
Wood chip mulch, especially pine bark and eucalyptus mulch, is the best option for native plants as they promote microorganism activity and enhance nutrients in the soil. As they decompose, they release nutrients into the soil, boosting the health of your plants. According to Australian arborists, wood chip mulch helps stop weed growth and provides superior water penetration. It also helps with moisture retention and stabilizes the soil’s temperature. All these qualities make wood chip mulch, such as pine bark and eucalyptus mulch, ideal for supporting the health of native trees, shrubs and flowers.
Source: gardencenternaples.com
Building a Model Car: Choosing the Right Kit & the Tools You’ll Need
Having a hobby you can focus on is important since we all live in times when most of our attention goes to our phones or computers. A hobby you love and can get lost in can have the same effects as meditation on your mind. Maybe you have considered diving into the world of model cars where you can use your hands, imagination and creativity to build a unique scale car?
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How to Find the Best Terminal Tackle for Fishing
Fishing terminal tackle can be incredibly specific and it mostly depends on two variables: your fishing tactics and the species you target. This will further determine, or simply narrow down your choices. You can find tackles made from lead, wood, plastic, stainless steel, tungsten, tin, foam, etc. The material and the size of the terminal tackle depends on the rig you will use.
Hooks
Even the scantest of rigs can’t go without a fishing hook. They are the most basic fishing terminal tackle you will buy. They keep the bait attached to the line, and once the fish bites, they keep the fish on the line. Keep in mind the type of fishing you plan on doing when buying fishing hooks. If you fish in blue waters, go for hooks with good saltwater resistance. And don’t forget the underwater flora too. Lightly curled hooks, in general, snag less on weeds. You want to have a hook that will be impossible for fish to get rid of, but at the same time, its design should make it less prone to getting entangled in rocks. Double-check if it comes with or without baits. You need this info to plan the configuration for the rest of the fishing gear. Hooks are part of every rig and they are used to catch almost all species.
Floats and Indicators
Equally essential, bobbers and indicators show the location and depth of the bait. Experienced anglers can fish without them, but if you are new in this hobby, then it is a recommended piece of gear. When your fish decides to bite, the indicator will show it.
Swivels
When left unchecked, the baits can twist the line in some tricky ways. Use snaps and swivels to prevent this from happening. They not only facilitate the movement of baits but they also make changing them faster and easier Rigs can be made from various materials, but brass, plastic and steel are the most common ones. They are used to create rigs for catching bigger fish, especially if you include more than one three-way swivels.
Sinkers and Weights
Add weights to your rig to make sure it stays in deep water. Lead sinkers are the most common weights on a rig, however, they can also be made from tungsten and tin. There are different ways to add the weights to the rig. You can tie them, or pinch and clip them to the line. Sinkers are used in trolling, fly fishing, floating and bottom fishing (with a bait).
Split Rings
These are the part of the rig that allows you to change segments. Split rings can also affect the motion of lures. Since they are the connecting part in your rig, split rings should be made from a durable material that can withstand being immersed in water for longer periods of time. This is why stainless steel split rings are the most common choice today. They are an essential part of your fishing arsenal if you go for panfish, muskie, pike or walleye.
Configure Your Terminal Fishing Tackle
It is one thing to be familiar with each element that goes into a fishing rig, but making it on your own is a totally different thing. If you are new to the fishing world, assemble your rigs following detailed instructions.
Using classic rigs that are designed for specific species is the best way to dip your toes in fishing. Do your research and learn which kinds of fish can be found in different waters. Having a clear idea of the type of fish you are after can greatly improve your fishing experience. For staters, follow the advice of other anglers who have had success with the fish that you’re trying to catch.