How To's Archives - Snugpak Community
© Copyright Snugpak Ltd 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Create a ‘Manta’ with the All-weather Shelter…

by Snugpak September 14, 2015 in How To's 2 comments
Using a Tarp, the Snugpak All Weather Shelter, for wild camping and other ventures can provide you with constructed shelter designs to protect you from various elements. One design for use in severe weather, particularly wind and heavy rain, is the low profile ‘Manta’ Design… Follow the 5 Steps below, & you can construct a low-profile sleeping area, protecting you from wind & rain… 1. Layout the whole of the AWS in a diamond shape… Peg one corner of the AWS into the wind – so that the wind and rain is blowing over the direction you are making the shelter. 2. Now Place a Walking Pole 1/3 back from the front, creating a small flap.. Tension this with a guy line, but not too tight just yet, until you have completed the other side. Place the poles next to each other, one third back. 3. Do the same on the other side… You will see the distinctive triangle from between the poles and the peg at the back of the shelter, creating a low-profile design. Tension the guy-lines as tight as possible, in-line with shelter direction. 4. Peg Out the Sides of the AWS… Now you can peg-out the […] Read more!

How to build an enclosed sleeping area with the All Weather Shelter in 10 Easy Steps…

by Snugpak September 08, 2015 in How To's 0 comments
Using a Tarp, the Snugpak All Weather Shelter, for wild camping or just in case of emergencies, is a unique way to enjoy the great outdoors; you are only limited to your imagination and ingenuity when the time comes to create your shelter. Many tarp designs require the use of well-placed trees to construct sturdy designs, however free-standing shelters can be made just as quickly with the addition of a couple of walking poles. One of the most basic designs, the A-Shelter, normally requires the addition of two well placed trees to suspend your AWS from; but this design, more akin to a figure 4, can create an almost enclosed area like a tent. Remember, your shelter protects you from the elements, including Sunshine when making a stop along the trails. With time and practise, you can construct some elaborate designs in only a couple of minutes, protecting you and your friends from inclement weather. Follow the 10 Steps below, and you can construct a enclosed sleeping area for use in less than ideal conditions… 1. Layout the Shelter… Lay the AWS Flat, looking for the tabs along the edges. Peg down one third of the shelter, which will become your […] Read more!

Snugpak’s Top Tips For Wild Camping

by Snugpak April 09, 2015 in How To's 0 comments tags: Camping, Survival, Wild camping
First and foremost: prepare shelter before it gets dark. Here is what our outdoor survival expert Sgt Fruitcake says:     If you’re going to get a good night’s sleep, you need to be prepared with an appropriate seasonal sleeping bag. Temperature has a major effect on our sleep so if it’s set to be cold/freezing, then you need to ensure you have a sleeping bag geared to dealing with that. Same goes for heat. As specialists in sleeping bags we’ve developed a wide range of products that will suit any expedition or outdoor activity. Have a look at our sleeping bag range and see what will suit you best. Having a sleeping mat is crucial to a comfortable and warm night’s sleep and can be rolled up, making them easy to carry. This would bring us onto clothing. Again, ensure you’re prepared for all eventualities but you need to have a good idea of what the weather is likely going to be like where you’re heading. Our SJ9 is perfect for extreme cold conditions but if you’re heading to warmer climes, layering is key Food and drink: the main rule is bring only the necessities and always lots of […] Read more!

What Outdoor Activities Can I Do With The Kids This Easter?

by Snugpak March 27, 2015 in How To's, News 0 comments
Egg-citing! The Easter Holidays are nearly here (how fast is this year going?). One thing we hear a lot of these days is parents saying they’d love to get their kids away from the computer games and outside more. Studies have also show that the more active kids are outdoors, the better they sleep and the better they perform at school! So we’re just as passionate about getting kids outdoors as you are. We’ve put together some ideas on what you can do this Easter… Affordable and easy things to do: If you have really young children then chocolate is always a winner. The Woodland Trust has come up with some great Easter egg hunt ideas that you can prepare yourself. If you don’t fancy the hyperactive sugar rush that chocolate can create, then spend some time with the kids decorating hard-boiled eggs or round stones beforehand. Why not turn it into a social event with friends and family? Get creative in the garden: All you need is flour, a sieve, home-made stencils and away you go! Why not use the garden to teach your children about wildlife – there are lots of ways to make bird feeders and you […] Read more!

How Do I Prepare For Winter Camping?

by Snugpak January 22, 2015 in How To's 0 comments tags: shelters, thermal insulation, winter camping
Winter ventures can provide some of the most amazing journeys, with fantastic views, clear skylines and the wonderful sound of snow and ice crunching under your feet. However, winter travel, and camping, whilst great fun, can also be life threatening. The critical issue for anyone moving outside in the winter months, is to plan your route carefully, ensure you have the correct equipment for the environment, terrain and weather, and always ensure you have enough food and water, including hot drinks. In terms of pre-venture planning, it covers a lot of areas: What is your objective? What environment are you travelling into? What will the terrain be like? How high are you going to travel? Have you anticipated the weather? How many are in your group and what is their ability? All of these factors will determine the type of route you want to take, as well as the length of time you want to spend outdoors. Remember that in the winter months, days are getting longer after the Solstice in December, but days are still relatively short, and temperatures can drop considerably when you are in the hills, and it is a lot colder, even if you are only […] Read more!

Layering: How to dress for winter outdoor activities and expeditions

by Snugpak November 12, 2014 in How To's 0 comments tags: layering, temperature control, waterproof
Most people know that layering your clothes keeps you warm in most adverse conditions but how does it work and what’s the best strategy? Simply put, layering your clothes in the right way can create a microclimate that surrounds your body and can protect you from rain and varying temperatures. We usually say three layers is the right strategy – not too many to take off if warm and not to bulky either. These include a base layer, middle layer and outer layer. Base layer: The most important layer is the innermost layer, or base layer. The inner-most layer is key because it’s in direct contact with your skin. Base layers should transport moisture away from the skin and disperse it to the air or outer layers where it can evaporate. Water is a good heat conductor and damp garments draw precious heat away from your body. The base layer should be snug but not constrict your movement. Base layers are available in light, medium, and heavy weights. Light layers suit aerobic activity where sweat dispersal is paramount. Mid weight provides moisture control and insulation for stop-and-go activities. Heavy layers are best in very cold conditions, or when you’re relatively […] Read more!

How do I put up a tent?

by Snugpak October 27, 2014 in How To's 0 comments tags: shelter, tent
Choosing the tent is one thing. Putting it up without causing amusement to other, more experienced campers at the site, is another thing. So to avoid embarrassment, or tension in the first hours of your “relaxing break”, by following these simple tips: – when you’ve bought the tent it’s a good idea to ask the sales person to show you how to put it up. A good way to learn is watching someone do it. If that’s not possible then see if the manufacturer has a video on their website demonstrating how to put it up – the next step is to practice at home. Have a go at putting your tent up and, if you struggle guys, it’s not a show of weakness to read the manual! – Before you set off double check that you’re taking all the parts that make up the tent with you. Being 300 miles from home and missing the bag of tent pegs is not the start to the holiday you are looking for! – Once you get to the campsite choose the spot that right for you to pitch your tent – if it’s possible. Being near the toilets can be great […] Read more!

How to get a good night’s sleep when camping

by Snugpak June 22, 2014 in How To's 0 comments
Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors and freeing yourself of everyday living constraints. It’s also a great holiday with the kids as it gets them away from their computer games and into the fresh air. But this all sounds great as long as you get a good night’s sleep! Being tired can massively effect the enjoyment of your trip so here are our top tips on ensuring you get quality shut eye while camping: • Ensure you have a tent that is large enough to comfortably fit the number of people in it. Being cramped can mean disturbing each other when you move in the night, or go to the toilet and the tent may get too stuffy during the night. • Good bedding is essential! Outdoor sleeping equipment has come a long way over the years so with the right gear, you should have a great night’s sleep. As experts in sleeping bags, we have a wide range to accommodate all sizes, weather conditions, temperatures, tastes and price points! Have a browse here. • Temperatures at night can vary and if you have children with you, they are more prone to these changes. Make sure you have suitable […] Read more!

Getting started with Geocaching…

by Snugpak May 14, 2014 in How To's 0 comments tags: Geocaching
Geocaching is our activity of the month. Why? Because it’s fun, active, and it gets you and the whole family outdoors. So what is geocaching? It’s a worldwide activity in which participants hit the great outdoors and use a GPS receiver to find and hide ‘cache’ containers. It’s an activity that can be enjoyed by all, no matter what your age or fitness level is and is great to do as a family, with friends, for fitness or a bit of fun. Geocaching also has an avid following in the UK, so you’ll instantly become part of a friendly community. So if you’ve never done it before, we have a few starter tips to get you on the way. And now, over the Easter holidays is a great time to start and get the kids outside. What gear do I need to start geocaching? As a beginner, we’ll keep it simple. • Comfortable footwear and clothing as you’ll be walking about • A GPS device. Most smart phones have these now • Compass – again, most smart phones have one • Writing equipment (notepad and pen/pencil) • Backpack or ‘cache bag’. Here’s some great day packs for ideas http://www.snugpak.com/outdoor/snugpak/news/rucksacks-and-travel/ • […] Read more!
Archives
Recent Comments
Categories
Tags
12x12mountainchallenge Camping charity Climbing conservation Easter Equipment events Geocaching heat loss hypothermia insulation Kilimanjaro layering News Peak District pennines philanthropy shelter shelters Snugpak Survival temperature control tent thermal insulation Tips waterproof Wild camping Winter winter camping Yorkshire