Geocaching - Explore Your World!

Today's post includes a Prezi presentation that previews the basics of geocaching. Geocaching is a fun simple way to enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family. For GPS reviews and more information about geocaching visit http://www.geocaching.com/.

"There and Back Again" - Basic GPS Technology

Getting to a location is important, but what about getting back? With the Bushnell Backtrack you can rest assured that you'll never get lost again.

The Backtrack utilizes GPS technology in its most basic format. The Backtrack lets you set your location and later navigate back. This allows you to set the location of your favorite fishing spot, find your parked car, or navigate back to your hotel.

The Bushnell Backtrack features include:

• Stores 3 locations
• High sensitivity GPS receiver
• Self calibrating digital compass
• Weather resistant
• Functions on 2 AAA batteries
• Compact size
• Lanyard included

If you want a GPS unit that has a simple user interface, GPS navigation, and an average price of $45, then the Bushnell Bacltrack is for you.

Here is a video that shows the features of the Backtrack in action:

Essential Wilderness Gear

Included in the gallery are items that can improve the enjoyment of your outdoor experience.

Interview with Andrew - Essential Outdoor Gear

Today's post includes an interview with Mr. Andrew Gable. Mr. Gable is a graduate student and former soldier in the United States Army. He very graciously answered a few questions that provide helpful advice for any person interested in the outdoors.

How long have you been an outdoor "enthusiast"? 

I have been hunting since I was about five years old.  I have since hunted, trapped, and fished in varying capacities. 
 
What is your favorite outdoor hobby? 

Hunting by far. 
 

Why do you enjoy the outdoors?  

The outdoors is magnificent and inspires appreciation for its beauty, but what I think keeps bringing me back is more the challenge, struggle, and wildness of being out.  One must in a way conquer both nature and its various elements to walk out successful at the end of the day.  Within that however there is a peace, a stillness that is both comforting and relaxing. 
 
How can having the right kind of outdoor equipment make a person's outdoor experience safe and enjoyable? any personal experiences? 

While equipment is not the measure of the experience it will measure the enjoyment and level of work found in the experience.  Like having the right tool for the right job in mechanics having the proper equipment can mean the difference between success and misery, between life and death.  The most important gear to the outdoor enthusiast will be the clothing/foot wear that they wear.  They must be able to stay cool, harm, dry, etc...  The second would be a GPS, compass, and or map with the ability to use them.  These two are cardinal requirements above situation specific necessities like canoes, kayaks, rifle, etc... per differing activities.   
 
What piece of equipment should a person always be sure and take with them into the woods? and why? 
Clothing appropriate to the conditions both present and possible future.  This is the one thing that will never change given the knowledge of the land or any other variable.  No matter who is going out they will equip themselves with the best they have for the environment. 

The “EDGE” of Survival

“So you have the map right? No, I thought you had it.” These are some infamous last words. You probably never want to be in a situation like this, but if you did get lost in a deep terrible forest what would you do? What gear could save your life? I would wager that most people underestimate the capabilities of a good knife.

Having a knife in the woods is like driving a Mazarati at a racetrack! The sky is the limit! You can perform many different jobs with a knife, for instance you can: construct a shelter, start a fire, obtain food and water, and protect yourself.

You might be asking, “What makes a knife a good knife?” That's a great question because not all knives are the same. They range in different sizes and shapes, from your everyday Boy Scout knives to Ranbow’s knife of death. I prefer a happy medium between those two.

From experience I’ve found Gerber Knives to be the most durable and easy to use. Gerber just came out with a new series of knives called the Survival Series. These new knives feature a five inch fixed blade, a flint (to start your fires), a blade sharpener, and a sheath to store your amazing knife. If you didn’t want to empty your wallet for a nice knife like this, you could always find a more basic model or an off-brand that will only set you back about twenty dollars.

So the next time you feel like leaving your map at home and getting lost in the woods be sure to bring your knife with you! It could save your life!