For light mountaineering trips and go-light backpacking, the Osprey Aether 60 backpack offers a high performance suspension system typically reserved for larger packs. Two aluminum rods attached to the periphery of the backpanel evenly transfer the weight to the IsoForm custom moldable hipbelt. From there, the weight can be further distributed to the shoulders, where the IsoForm contoured shoulder harness contributes to a comfortable carry. Both the IsoForm hipbelt and shoulder harness are available in four sizes, although most people find that the size included with the pack matches their needs. Osprey pays attention to the details here and everywhere, making sure that all pack surfaces that touch the body do not have seams. This greatly reduces the chances of annoying pressure points developing as the day wears on. The Osprey Aether 60 backpack also offers a number of useful features, especially suited for carrying climbing equipment and camping gear that is usually awkward to carry. Good examples are the durable Stretch Woven front pocket, perfect for carrying a climbing rope, and the sleeping pad straps, removable if the plan is to cut ounces. The Osprey Aether 60 backpack also takes hydration seriously. The external dual entry side pockets accommodate one liter bottles for easy access and an internal backpanel hydration sleeve with exit ports over each shoulder provide hydration customization. The Osprey Aether 60 backpack is designed to comfortably carry loads of 35 to 45 lbs. For larger loads, and the added benefit of a zippered sleeping bag compartment, be sure to check out the Osprey Aether 70 and Aether 85 backpacks.

Norway, Sweden and the surrounding countries must have been where the idea of using wooden planks to walk on snow originally came from. Rock sketches discovered in the Scandinavian Peninsular demonstrate the use of skis by nomadic people way back in history. They have been dated as four thousand years B. C.

Travel for the group is by car to various destinations and then a sleep over in a rustic wooden cabin before tackling the first adventure. The air is crispy clear as a tourist dons his black helmet and ski gloves which makes for a picturesque scene at the foot of the glacier. This is a very hard trip and a person must be physically fit to endure it.

Winter clothing is not always necessary, but be forewarned, out in the snow fields the ice is cold but the sun’s heat is still a major influence on what should be worn. It is advisable for people to have sun protection in the form of goggles or sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat is optional. A warm leather jacket is advisable in case of spills on the icy snow.

Following in the footsteps of female cross country skiers, a classic skating style is used to make a way across the snow. Putting on a giro ski helmet, ski pants and boots, the group glides their way from point A to B. The sport has been part of the winter Olympics since nineteen twenty four.

A small group of six or seven will walk and climb all over the Folgefonna glacier near Bergen, a world renowned city in Norway. Then into town for some traditional sight seeing. Bergen has two museums to boast of and several other attractions in the city.

A real adventure consists of more than just a chance to ski the slopes and discover the natural beauty of the glaciers and fjords. Kayaking down a river with rapids and rocks looming is an activity not for the feint hearted. Women take note – if you are ever in a big rubber raft built for eight people, make sure to sit at the back of the raft. This angle sees a lot more heights than the persons sitting at the front, who will end up saturated and have a scarier time of it all.

Adventurers who love to be physically challenged may opt for a mountain biking experience before returning to the cabin for some well earned rest in front of the delonghi space heater. For days that have little or no physical exertion, the nightlife is spent in one of the famous Norwegian cities. Relaxing with a drink in one hand and a story of the day’s adventure to tell, the nights may well be as adventuresome as the days.

I do most of my camping these days with North Texas Adventures which is not a hard core camping group. These days even those who appreciate their comforts in life can enjoy camping.  If you bring an inflatable air mattress with sheets, a comforter, and pillows you’ll forget you’re not in your own bed at home!Given how big tents are these days even a queen size mattress does not need to take up the whole tent. 

If you are at a campsite with electricity, consider bringing a fan to plug in which helps beat the heat in your tent.  This comes in handy in the brutal Texas heat.For colder weather camping, bring some good sleeping bags for added warmth. 

With today’s amenities there is no need to “rough it” on a camping trip.  Keep this in mind when you develop your guest list.Even folks that insist they don’t like to camp may enjoy modern day camping that can have much of the comforts of home.

Some of my happiest camping memories are sitting around the fire at night.This is a great time to relax and tell stories of your adventures from that day, like the time I ran over a rattlesnake on my mountain bike, and my mate, to avoid the rattlesnake ran his bike straight into a cactus!  Ouch!  Meanwhile you can roast some marshmallows or enjoy a few beers. 

Make sure to bring lots of firewood to burn, as there is nothing worse than having the fire burn out just as the party is getting started.  Fires are so much fun that most campers will even enjoy them in warm weather.I remember waiting for the sun to go down after a 93 degree day so we could light a fire!
One of our favorite night time activities is a good game of Texas Hold’em poker, this is very popular in our DFW Outdoors Club

This can be great for beginners who sometimes are lucky enough to bring the pot home.  This happened with my girlfriend and I was so embarrassed when she won and waved the money around in the air singing “I am the winner!” at the top of her big lungs.  Fortunately for all of us, her beginner’s luck soon ran out and it was much quieter at the next game. 

So make sure to bring some games or items for entertainment that appeal to your group. Some of the other items I bring for fun are a football, bean bag toss game, frisbee, fishing poles, a bicycle and of course a deck of cards.

Don’t forget a lanten.You may need it to find your way to your tent after a beginner takes your money at poker!Finally it is important to remember, Don’t mess with Texas!  We take looking after the camp area seriously, what ever state you are in, as we do with our Dallas Fort Worth Hiking Club. Do a good deed and leave the camp site cleaner than you found it.Do a good walk through to make sure we minimize our foot print on our great state parks and camping area’s.  We all will appreciate you doing your part.

Thank you for reading this article and I hope these tips help you make a more successful and fun camping trip!   

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Keep your refreshment cool for hours with an insulated CamelBak® Better Bottle Stainless – Insulated (.5L).

The Giro Talon Helmet is timeless alpine-inspired design combined with a classic fit that covers the whole mountain with confidence. Couple this with removable vent covers and you have the choice of skiers who like it steep and deep