I suppose that the number of calories burned walking depends on several factors. For example, walking up uneven hills of inconsistent gradients should burn more than a gentle flat walk in a town. Also, walks in the countryside or mountains tend to be a lot longer and so more a test of stamina and muscle strength, and muscle actually burns more calories than fat. Then consider that walking in windy conditions must also take more energy. So I wonder how many calories does walking burn when it’s mostly uphill, in windy conditions and for several hours. Oh, and I almost forgot, invariably I will be carrying a pack of some sort with my all-weather gear and essentials inside – that’s got to mean more burning!

Despite all of these various factors, I did a search online to see what some generic tools would calculate. My weight fluctuates, but I used 190 pounds as mine. Using this tool  I discovered that hiking for 60 minutes would burn 512 calories. Increasing this to 4 hours would mean 2050 calories. At the same time, walking at 3 mph for 1 hour would only burn 376 calories. Apparently to lose 1 pound of body weight requires burning 3500 more calories than consumed, so it would take me around 7 hours of hiking or 8 and a half hours of normal walking to lose a measly pound!

On this second tool  I put my weight as 87kg, height at 185cm, and walked at 5.6kmph and lost only 319 kilocalories in 1 hour. That’s worse; it would take me over 11 hours of normal-paced flat walking in calm weather to lose a pound!

What about the third calories burned walking calculator I tried? For this one, 1 hour of cross country hiking burns 547 calories and 1 hour of walking at 3.5 mph burns 365. I think that I prefer this one as it will take me less than 6 and half hours of hiking and less than 10 hours of standard walking to lose that pesky pound!

So, based on the best case scenario, if I walk for 2 hours every day for a week at 3.5 mph then I should lose about 1.5 pounds in that week, or about 6 pounds in a month. That’s a lot of time and walking to fit around other commitments though. Maybe it will be easier to just eat fruit and vegetables for a month! That reminds me, I haven’t worked out how many calories I would burn walking a mile and then stopping, but never mind, I’ve definitely worked out that losing body weight by burning calories means a heck of a lot of walking! How many calories do YOU burn walking a mile or more?

Rather than for specific outdoor needs, I bought it to take on my first round the world backpacking trip, thinking especially of being in New Zealand’s South Island during May and June (winter in the southern hemisphere). Twelve years later, I can honestly say that it still looks almost brand new! As somebody who too often looks at the price first, it is a real eye-opener to the longevity afforded by buying quality and therefore substantial long-term savings in money. If you are somebody who tends to buy things only when you NEED them, then this is a good lesson.

The main thing that I love about it – which might be part of the reason why it has survived so well – is the little drawstring bag that it came with and which I still have. You see, sometimes I will go off to another continent where I know that every now and then I will need something waterproof or to act as an extra layer, yet most of the time I won’t be using it. So by using the bag, I can simply pack it compactly away in the corner of my backpack somewhere behind where I put my dirty clothing! In fact, there have been 2 months long trips that I have taken where I don’t think I’ve used it even once, but it was never a liability to take it.

I also love it because although my weight has fluctuated, my faithful GoreTex waterproof coat has always seemed to fit me. Never too tight and never too loose. Admittedly, sometimes it doesn’t seem like the warmest coat in the world, but I’ve always been able to put it over other layers without looking like a bloated bear!

This coat has been in torrential dowpours the equivalent of going for a swim, but it still retains exactly the same exterior look as always. Perhaps ever so slightly worn-in, but nothing much else. No problems with the velcro, the zips, the hood, leaking – nothing. I even still love the colour that I chose. Is it a good or bad thing that my tastes haven’t changed in all of that time?!

Actually, the only thing that puts me off is that the brand seems to be really fashionable these days, but luckily for me the brand marking is quite subtle, being in just another shade of blue. Oh, and it can be a bit stinky after a lot of rain, but that’s understandable and nothing that a a quick airing outside can’t fix.

I think I paid over £150 to buy it, which seemed like a lot of money even in 1999. Other clothes (particularly fleeces!) have come and gone, but my North Face Gore-tex jacket remains to hopefully serve me for another 12 years. No doubt continuing to hide away in a little bag at the bottom of my backpack, poor thing!

8 person tents are typically assembled with one large tent-covering supported by several strategically placed tent poles. Underneath the main covering structure, several separate compartments or “rooms” are assembled for multiple sleeping arrangements. Some tent models feature additional space within their interiors that helps to establish a less restrictive environment with more freedom of movement. Most models will also include a separate awning covering the tent’s entrance, providing plenty of extra room for a small group of individuals.

There is a wide range of  models offering rooming capability for up to 8 people, and these are sold in many different styles, colours, and geometrical shapes. Additionally, there exists an assorted variety of materials used in the fabrication of these tents. Canvas is one of the more commonly used fabrics in tent design, and is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to adverse weather conditions. Other materials will include polypropylene, nylon, and other plastic-based fabrics.

Because they are designed for outdoor use, it is important that they maintain a high standard of impermeability. A typical 8 person camping tent should be designed in a way that restrictively minimizes the amount of water that can be absorbed into the surrounding area. 8 person dome tent structures are excellent because any rainwater that falls onto the roof area will effectively roll off onto the ground nearby, although if it is assembled on an uneven surface it is possible that rainwater can collect within the interior area of the tent.

Dome tents are also easier to assemble, as to erect them only a small number of tent pegs and 2-3 poles are required. However, if a camping event is going to take place over a longer time frame, a more-advanced structure might be beneficial to campers, as these are usually equipped with a number of additional features such as individual rooms and extra walking space.

Coleman is a manufacturer that offers a wide range of models. A Coleman 8 person tent would make a reasonable option for entry-level campers, as their models are usually well priced and easy to assemble. On the other hand, hikers, trail runners, and mountain climbers may prefer more advanced models that are equipped with better insulation, impermeability, and resistance to adverse weather conditions. In any case, campers who are interested in purchasing a tent that can fit up to 8 individuals should perform a thorough research and read a variety of product reviews before ultimately making a purchase decision.

Where you camp will determine what sort of tent pegs you will need.  All throughout the Midwest, folks refer to a weekend in the woods as a camping trip: and it is. However, if you are taking weekend trips for plains camping, it will not matter much what you stake your tent to the ground with. An old piece of drift wood or a heavy stone will almost always suffice. In contrast if you take a late Fall or early Spring trip to the same location you will need more. Wind and snow, that are common during the transition of seasons, necessitate a more prepared approach. Then you will need a tent peg in the ground.

Plastic tent pegs work well for almost every camping scenario. They are sturdy, easy to clean and maintain and keep your tent anchored to the ground. In rain and heavy wind, they will keep your tent where you put it and you do not have to worry about it ripping or tearing the fragile seamed anchor points. If the elements pick up too much and you do not have an extreme mountaineering tent, the advantage to plastic pegs is that they do know when to give way. But if your whole trip is going to be in the extreme, you might need a stronger tent and sturdier pegs.

For adventure camping, high altitude camping, and off season adventures, you definitely need titanium tent pegs. They are designed to be longer and of course the material is almost unbreakable. If you are taking a trip up Longs Peak in the gorgeous Colorado Rocky Mountains and setting up camp in the boulder field, you certainly want titanium pegs. If you plan on facing off with an ice camping adventure, the last thing you need to worry about is whether your tent will stay in the ground. For a set of four titanium pegs you should expect to pay over fifty dollars, and that is a small price for the peace of mind they bring.

People living on the road may invest in one of the RV (recreational vehicle) lots they park at while they are in the area, or they stay in an assortment of campgrounds. States and federal campgrounds are available at reduced rates or even free for so many nights or weeks. These nomads often plan their travels so that they can experience the south during the winter months and head north in the summer months, hence taking advantage of the beauty of all of the warmer seasons. These people get to know and experience all of the different areas of the United States, the climates, nature and diverse groups of people.

Before considering embarking on this potentially relaxing lifestyle permanently, hiring an American motorhome will allow a potential traveler to experience the luxury and convenience of having it all in a compact space that is well planned and easy to move from one location to another. These American motorhome hiring options are offered in almost every large city.  For those who have already made up there mind on this lifestyle, there are used camper vans or motorhomes for sale and many people start with one of these to make sure that this is a lifestyle that they want to indulge in for a longer period. They must not forget to take out insurance, but motorhome insurance is actually not too expensive when compared to homeowner’s insurance policy. Additional motorhome insurance can be purchased to cover breakdowns to cover emergency road repairs and trip interruptions.

These wonderful compact moving houses have storage areas underneath called basements. These are equipped with their own generator meaning that their owners do not need to care so much if the electricity grid goes out. They can be purchased with air conditioners, heaters, TV dishes, washers, dryers and microwaves. Full-sized refrigerators and ranges are standard; as well as a full bathroom with shower. Space is compact and most owners choose to be very selective in the items they pack and take with them.  Those people that own their own RV lot will construct an outdoor living area that is used most of the year.

All in all, American motorhomes are owned by some of the most energetic and enthusiastic people found anywhere in the world. These are people who love life, take what life gives them and enjoys almost every minute of it. It does take a state of mind, but anybody who has some freedom of time can potentially try it out and see if it is for them.

There are three basic types of campers: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A is what is thought of as a conventional camper. They are large (between 26 and 45 feet long), resemble buses and tend to come fully equipped. Class A campers are thought to be the most luxurious, but they can be difficult to drive. Class B motorhomes are slightly smaller (19 to 24 feet), and are good for a small group. Class B vehicles resemble vans, and are easier to drive than Class A. You can also tow a camper trailer behind a Class B, adding more space. Class C campers are in the middle as far as size goes (17 to 34 feet). They include the necessary amenities, and can also be used to tow other vehicles. It also features slide-outs (which are also available in Class A models), which move the exterior walls outward, creating more space. A distinguishing feature in Class C campers is the extra sleeping bunk (which can be used for storage) above the cab of the camper. Aside from the major classes, campers can also be pop-up or folding which makes them more compact on the road, but provide plenty of space once at full size.

Regardless of what kind of camper you choose, they all have the same basic amenities. You can expect to find the same comforts of home: a kitchen or kitchenette, dining area, bedrooms, bathrooms, furniture and carpeting. Some include extras, such as awnings, outdoor cooking tools, draperies, bike racks, outdoor hot tubs and other furnishings for both indoor and outdoor use. All campers have hookups for electricity (or gas) and water. Depending on the size, model, and extra amenities, a new camper can exceed $400,000. This is a major reason that many people wish to purchase a used camper van. There are over a million used camper vans for sale, and some sell for under $3000, which is definitely a more reasonable price. There are several guidelines for purchasing a used camper.

To the buyer’s benefit, there are a number of places to find used campers for sale. Classifieds usually have entire sections for recreational vehicles. You can also contact a local RV dealer; many sell both new and used camper vans. If you choose to go through a dealer, you will probably have more options for financing your purchase. You can also search online or try your luck at flea markets. Once you have found one that looks promising, arrange for a test drive. Pay attention to detail, as it may be easy to mistake abuse for normal wear and tear. Squealing brakes, a bouncy ride and troubled steering are all signs of major problems. Also, look for any blue smoke coming from the tailpipe, as this is usually a sign the camper needs expensive engine repairs. Check both the interior and exterior carefully, as well as the odometer. Ask as many questions as possible, and it the seller seems hesitant to answer, it could be a sign of trouble.

Once you have purchased your vehicle, you will be surprised how easy it is to make repairs and simple modifications. With a little elbow grease, your used camper can look as good as even the latest models. Be sure to put a lot of research and careful consideration before making your final purchase. Once your camper is running and insured, it is time to hit the road!

When you think about it, most people go camping or travelling as an individual, pair or small group, so the choice is skewed towards sizes like the 2 man tent for these particular people. The best 6 man tents for sale are therefore more aimed at people travelling as families, or perhaps as part of a large social group.

If you are a group who has lots of things to store inside your tent, this size may actually only be suitable to accommodate say four people comfortably. If you can imagine the space that six backpacks or large rucksacks would take, it’s common sense that sleeping six people would be rather cramped. Obviously this depends on the status of the relationship the group members have with each other. If people are camping with family members or a partner, they may be happier for it to be a little bit cosier. In this situation, there is also a chance that individuals would be carrying less equipment and therefore would have less to store in the tent. Similarly, family groups may be more likely to travel by car to the campground and hence be able to store equipment in their vehicle.

Should you decide to buy a 6 person tent, there is still a variety of choices that you can make. For example, if you are camping with children, you may want to buy one that can be split into compartments, effectively creating a couple of bedrooms. This can be a good way of creating an amount of privacy, bearing in mind that adults may want to stay up longer chatting or drinking.

Do also bear in mind that tents are made of different materials, some of which are more durable than others. If you are likely to be out camping a lot, especially at times when the weather may not be so good, it would certainly pay to buy one with durable fabric.

When you are using a larger tent, the extra size can mean that it is more difficult to erect quickly. If you are travelling with impatient children, it would be a good idea to take a tent that is easy to erect, so that you are not spending half an hour struggling in the pouring rain finding where your tent pegs go whilst the children moan and complain! Alternatively, if your family is more adventurous and likes to work as a team, perhaps you would prefer the challenge of a more complicated piece of equipment!

As with most products, you can split your search into either internet shopping, or going to a specialist store. Personally I find that the internet is great for initial research as to what brands and styles are available. However, after narrowing down the choice, I like to go to the store to actually try one out. In this way you can get a true idea of the space involved and whether it is likely to be adequate. Actually, after finding a tent that you like in the store, you could then actually go back home and buy it off the internet if you have seen it for a lower price!

In terms of the brands that you could choose, there are many manufacturers, most of which provide models of a larger size. For example, a quick browse of one internet site paged more than ten by Vango, two by Gelert, two by Outwell, four by Robens and several more by Coleman. Folks in the USA may enjoy the Ozark trail tent.

Overall, the people who are most likely to need 6 man tents are family groups.  Decide how much space you actually need for your group, and then go make a choice – why not even make it a family group project! Make sure that you are not going tbe cramped in a 4 man tent, when you can have the extra space of a larger one.

The other more obvious scenario for carrying  a 2 man tent is when it is intended to be shared by two people. Once again, this scenario is going to be a lot more comfortable if you have travelled by car and therefore can store your things inside at night. If travelling on foot as a pair, the main advantage is that there is only once piece of equipment to share between two people. Hence, whilst one person is carrying the tent, the other could be carrying the cooking equipment such as a stove, or even the food and water. However, if you are anything above an average stature, there is a very real chance that having two people sleeping in one tent could be very uncomfortable! So consider a tent for 3 persons instead!

Also bear in mind that if you are sharing, then you only have one of them to put up and can share the job. This can be really important if the outdoor weather has taken a turn for the worse and you need shelter quickly! Finally, if you are travelling in a pair, there is the question of personal privacy. If you are just friends and like your own personal space, you may prefer to sleep in your own tent. Alternatively, you may like the social aspect that sharing a space involves, being able to chat and eat together etc. If you are travelling with a romantic partner, then you may be quite happy for there to be a lack of space and hence an increase in intimacy!

Should you wish to buy a one suitable for two people, all of the major brands provide suitable models from cheap tents to deluxe ones. Such brands include Vango, Coleman, Robens, Outwell and Ozark trail amongst others. A quick internet search for online stores will provide all of the information that you require as to what you could choose. Once you’ve seen a model that you like, you could go to your local store to actually try it out. If you’re going camping or travelling with a partner, then actually lie inside it with them to see if there is enough space! Ask the store if you can place some dummy equipment such as a backpack or rucksack in the corner, so that the scenario is more realistic. You can also try carrying the tent to see if you’re happy with the weight and compactness when walking around with it in your rucksack. Even ask if you can erect it so you are comfortable with how the tent pegs and suchlike work.

A final thing to consider when choosing is the time of year that you will be camping. If you are going to be camping during winter or in cold temperatures, make sure that you choose a four season tent that is made out of material to help combat the low temperatures.

Overall therefore, if you are travelling alone, the preference of a 2 person tent is going to reflect how much you will have to store inside at night and whether an individual tent would allow you enough space to sleep comfortably. If you are travelling in a pair, the scenario is reflective of whether you like your own personal space, whether you want to share the load and again, your personal dimensions and how much you need to store within. Of course, a way to increase the space for two people without needing another tent is to consider buying a 3 person or 4 man tent! Alternatively, if you can envisage your camping trips becoming more social or family orientated in the future, you ccould begin to consider larger models such as a 6 man tent.