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We always seem to picture a major event that we need to have our disaster preparedness plan and emergency supplies.  However, a simple power outage can use some of these supplies.  The other day we had a power outage and I was fumbling around trying to find batteries.  Since then, I’ve ordered a few of the forever flashlights and radios to have around.  See what is all on an emergency kit at the FEMA website.

We just mentioned the folding canoe for your camping gear but how about an inflatable kayak.  These kayaks are becoming extremely popular, even among the die hard kayakers.  What’s great is the portability to be able to get back to the out of the way places for the best whitewater.  Also, these kayaks are tough.  There’s an add for the Sea Eagle kayak showing it being pulled across the snow by a team of dogs.  These things are a blast.

A little while ago I talked about truck bed tents as a convenient way to camp and a new addition to your camping gear.  Now, I bet you thought, that sounds like a hard surface to put down a sleeping bag.  Now, you can add to your camping equipment with an inflatable mattress made especially for your truck bed to go along with the truck bed tent.  These truck bed mattresses unit fill up the entire bed and allow for great comfort - and they are rugged. 

Well it’s not Norm but it’s a good disaster preparedness tip, just the basics on how to shut off the gas in case of a major emergency.  You’d be suprised at how many people are unfamiliar with this. That tool is a good thing to have in your emergency supplies.  Also check out the Red Cross web site for other tips.

I’m tall and there’s nothing worse than having your head or feet touch the sides of the tent when it’s cold outside.  The Eureka Wabamkimi 2 has a 7′6″ length for us tall campers.  The piece of camping gear was designed exclusively for northern climates, the Wabakimi is the ideal cold weather backpacking tent. As camping equipment goes, Eureka has done it’s job again. 

While on the subject of water filtration, it’s a good idea to have emergency water filtration as part of your camping equipment in case you regular filter fails.  I know, but what about the weight.  Check out the Aquamira Frontier filter.  This filter is literally a straw with a filter and can handle up to 20 gallons and so small and lite it won’t be noticed.  Also, due to it’s design, there’s little chance of cross comtamination since you’re filtering directly from a source.  Keep one with your emergency supplies.

Don’t you wish you could just drink from that cold running mountain stream and enjoy the taste of fresh water.  The typical chemical water treatment usually spoils the taste with a hint of chlorine or iodine taste.  There’s a two part solution water treatment that is a must for your camping gear.  Aquamira water purification drops utilize chlorine dioxide and can treat the water with no after taste.  Additionally, this approach is less suceptable to temperature and works quickly.

In our disaster preparedness talks we often talk about the typical emergency supplies of food, water and first aid.  One thing to remember is that big stack of camping gear is a vital part of your disaster preparedness and emergency needs.  During an emergency your home might be damaged to the point it’s unsafe to be in, that’s where your camping equipment comes in.  A tent, sleeping bag and stove can make a huge difference in your comfort and safety.  Be sure to have it accessable, not only for camping but in case of an emergency.  FEMA has some great resources as well.

I’ve been amazed since the Christmas rush and even into January that our top selling backpacking stove is a classic Svea. Camping gear has continually improved with new designs and lightweight materials with a lot of great new camping stoves out now. However, there is still alot of nostalgia associated with camping of things we remember growing up. I still like the smell of an musty full canvas tent and pumping up the Coleman camp stove to get that perfect blue flame for frying crisp bacon. Looks like the Optimus Svea falls into the same category.

Don’t forget the extra barbecue supplies you’ll need to go along with the rotisserie we just mentioned. A little barbecue sauce on the chicken and your good to go.  Also, make sure you practice good BBQ cooking procedures, don’t want anyone sick out camping.