Camping Noire Magazine

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As the leaves get ready to put on their spectacular fall show and the breeze takes on that familiar chill, let's chat about a must-know topic for your next hiking or camping escapade: the art of layering. Getting your layers right not only keeps you comfy but also ensures your safety in the great outdoors. So, grab your backpack, gear up, and let's dive into the essentials of layering for your upcoming adventure! Layer #1. Let's Start with the Base Layer: Cotton's Comfy Vibe, But Watch Out! First off, your base layer is the unsung hero in regulating your body temperature when you're out in the wild. Now, we all love the coziness of cotton. It's soft and breathable, and it feels like a second skin, right? But here's the thing – when you're in nature, cotton doesn't play nice with moisture. It doesn't pull sweat away from your skin, which can be a real problem if your clothes get wet. It could even up the risk of hypothermia. So, instead of all-cot...

Imagine this: You've just returned from an epic four-week back-to-back camping adventure, surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness. But hold on, the adventure doesn't quite stop there. Somewhere along the way, you unknowingly crossed paths with poison ivy, and now you're dealing with the notorious itch and discomfort. Fear not, because though I am scratching my skin away, I'm going to use it as a teachable moment to share some super friendly and natural ways that I have learned to help manage this irritating rash. So, the first rule of the nature-lovers handbook is to know your plants! Poison ivy loves to play a sneaky game, so getting familiar with its telltale "leaves of three" can help you avoid it in the future. Also, consider suiting up in long clothes and gloves to give you a friendly barrier against potential plant encounters. If you're like me and have already noticed that itchy red patch, the first thing you'll want to do is head straight to...

If you love the outdoors, it's important to take steps to protect yourself from ticks. These tiny bugs are typically active between April - July and can carry serious diseases, but there are simple things you can do to minimize your risk of getting bitten. 1. Use Insect Repellent. Insect repellent can also be very effective in warding off ticks. Look for products that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it to your skin and clothing before heading outside, and be sure to follow the instructions carefully. 2. Wear Proper Clothing. Cover up as much skin as possible with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks. Light-colored clothing will allow you to see ticks better, and tucking your pants into your boots or socks prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. Don't forget to wear a hat to protect your head and neck! 3. Skip the Bushwacking Adventure. In case you've never heard that term before, "bushwhacking" is another phrase for hiking ...