Snugpak Community Blog

The Snugpak 1-2-3-4® Wild Camp System

by Snugpak June 24, 2015 in Articles 0 comments
The Snugpak 1-2-3-4® Wild Camp System: Wild camping in the UK is both incredibly satisfying and an essential skill when moving into remote environments in a variety of difficult and dangerous terrain, regardless of weather or time of year. Lightweight wild-camping is a stalwart skill for alpine mountaineering, adventure racing or any venture where the threat of benightment is considered possible. Developed by Snugpak® as an easy reminder for wild campers, the 1-2-3-4 System will help you with a good nights sleep. Remember: One Good Nights Sleep requires; Two points of access… Three working areas… Four dimensional safety.   1, Good Nights Sleep requires Whether intentionally wild-camping, enduring a forced bivouac or doing the best you can for an emergency benightment, being prepared and planning ahead ensures that you can achieve a good nights sleep regardless of environment, terrain and weather. Consider what equipment you need, including the following components of a conventional sleeping system: Shelter/Tarp/Tent Insulating Sleeping Mat Appropriate Sleeping Bag Bivvy Bag, if required   A good night’s sleep consists of you being warm, dry and comfortable! 2, Two points of access When setting up camp, ensure that you haven’t backed yourself into a corner or area from which you can’t escape in an emergency. Have two […] 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!

12×12 Mountain Challenge

by Snugpak March 02, 2015 in Events 0 comments tags: 12x12mountainchallenge, charity, pennines, Yorkshire
Many people do many crazy things to raise money for charity. So, a group of Yorkshire businessmen are no exception to this rule, as they challenge themselves to scale 12 UK & Ireland mountains in 12 months to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. This included Snugpak’s very own marketing manager Stewart Anderson (kitted out in the best gear obviously). First up in January was Skiddaw in the Lake District – the 4th highest peak in England – in temperatures of minus 10 degrees centigrade and a narrow icy ridge between them and the objective. The team battled the elements to climb, crawl and hang on for dear life to some questionable parts of the route. Said Rob Lewis: “Last year our daughter was airlifted to hospital by The Yorkshire Air Ambulance and so we will eternally owe them a debt of gratitude. So when Steve approached us and asked us if we’d participate and support the cause, of course we jumped at the chance. Life is both a fleeting and fragile thing and so whenever the opportunity arises to help others, we should all do our bit’.” Said Stewart: “Working for Snugpak, the great outdoors is obviously something […] Read more!

The Value of The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA)‏ – Protecting The Great Outdoors

by Snugpak February 23, 2015 in Snugpak 0 comments tags: conservation
People may not have heard of the European Outdoor Conservation Association, or EOCA. However, this organisation performs a valuable service “contributing to the conservation of wild places and ecosystems for future generations.” What the EOCA do is to raise money to promote care and respect for wild places. There are over 120 members of this not for profit organisation and the membership stretches from Norway to Spain and from the UK to the Czech Republic. EOCA directly funds projects with conservation bodies that have been nominated and voted on by the association members . The funds can be for up to 30,000 Euros per project and those that have been, and will be funded, are as wide ranging as the members (from giant multi-nationals to small enterprises). Further, the locations are not restricted to the European boundaries and projects have been performed in Nepal and Kyrgyzstan. Membership is open to any company operating within the outdoor industry and we, at Snugpak, are very proud to be members of EOCA. 100% of the membership fees go directly to the conservation project that have been nominated by and voted for by the members. This democratic process should ensure that the most deserving […] 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!
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