Author Archives: Guest Writer

5 Tips To Learning About Outdoor Sports

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Outdoor sports are not everyone’s cup of tea, most people prefer other sports. Learning a sport may be a little difficult because most people do not engage in them regularly. However, there are easy and fun ways you can learn about sports;

 

  1.       Look out for outdoor sport events near your area

Nowadays, lots of outdoor sport events are held, mostly in sports clubs, ranches, etc. The easiest way to find out about such events is through the internet, mostly social media platforms. This can be a great way to learn about these kind of sports especially because you will participate and a lot of people attend these kind of events. What’s more, there are usually multiple sports taking place with competition and this makes it even more fun.

 

  1.       Try enclosed outdoor sports first

Hiking, rock climbing, skydiving and the other outdoor sports don’t sound fun to some people. So, instead of going for the actual rock climbing -or any of the outdoor sports- try indoor rock climbing first. Although it may not provide the same experience as the actual rock climbing, it may just ignite the interest you never knew you had. Also, it is a fun and easier way to learn about the actual outdoor sports.

 

  1.       Visit an outdoor gear store

Most of these store owners are professionals so, this way you learn about both the sport and gear from an expert. Also, you may have wanted to get gear for an outdoor activity you are interested in, for example hunting. You learn about the gear you want in depth and specificity for instance; the best rifle for squirrel hunting or the best bow for deer hunting, etc.

  1.       Suggest outdoor sports to your friends

Instead of you and your friends going out next time, suggest that you go for a forest hike or for biking. It is even a lot more fun when with friends than strangers and the more you take part in them, the more you learn about them. Also, don’t go for the same sports every time, try different ones. As long as your friends are for it, you will actually want to engage in them as compared to when you are alone.

 

  1.       Browse the internet

When trying to learn, you can never go wrong with the internet. Even though participating may be an excellent way to learn about outdoor sports, you don’t have to go that way. You can browse the internet and get all the information you require about a particular outdoor sport. You even get to know about the best places and terrains to go for the sports and the safety measures and precautions to take. Afterward, you can engage in the sport whenever you have free time.

Outdoor sports can be hectic if not well prepared for. Preparation is not only physically, but also mentally. So, if you intent to fully engage in these kind of sports then prepare well and don’t forget to get in condition.

Top 5 Exotic Survival Honeymoon Locations In India

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Most Romantic Adventure Destinations in India for a Perfect Honeymoon

A romantic trip to a beautiful place is definitely a big dream for every newlywed couple. However, if not planned well, the most beautiful memory of your life can be the worst memory ever. This includes the right kind of place, a comfortable hotel to live in, and a great plan! A great plan is possible if you take the help of a good travel company like exoticvoyages.com. India is a country that is home for diversity that is beyond anyone’s imagination, which makes it one of the best tourist spots in the world. From deserts to waterfalls, India has them all. Different people find different places as romantic since it’s widely subjective. However, I’ve got you a list of the 5 most romantic destinations in India:

  1. Goa

Goa is one of the most famous places for quick getaways from daily life and its stress. It’s a great place to have fun if you’re newlywed because it has a lot of things that you can do like surfing, partying, and romantic moonlit walks on the beach; that sounds dreamy, right?

  1. Gokarna

Gokarna is sometimes called the “Goa of poor people” because it offers you almost everything that you will get in Goa but under very cheap prices. You and your partner can take an evening stroll on the beach while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Gokarna has always been famous for temples that contribute majorly to Gokarna’s history. The famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, which is home to a huge Shiva Linga is said to play a key role in the naming the place “Gokarna”.

  1. Andaman Islands

I know I’ve been suggesting you a lot of coastal areas but beaches are bliss and I can’t help it. You can have a candlelight dinner by the sea and lie down on the cold sand under the roof of a thousand shiny stars. What makes the Andaman Islands different is that the water surrounding the island is so crystal clear that it’s a great place for scuba diving. Even if you don’t know to swim, I think you will give it a try because the underwater is beyond beautiful in Andaman.

  1. Munnar

Munnar is located in Kerala, popularly known as “God’s own country”. Kerala is well-known for its Ayurveda Shalas where you can book for healthy spa sessions. You can sit back and relax while enjoying a freshly caught fish when you’re on a houseboat in the green-lined backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. You can also visit the tea plantations in Wayanad and click a bunch of memorable photographs.

  1. Manali

From beaches to rivers and now to the hilly terrain; yes, I’m talking about the snow-filled paradise of India which is Manali. Manali is so beautiful that it will make you feel like you’ve spent your honeymoon in heaven. Imagine you’re with your partner sipping wine in front of a small campfire and you spend hours talking to each other under a cozy blanket. That sounds really romantic, isn’t it? You can go on a trekking trip with your partner and enjoy places like the Rohtang Pass and the Kullu Valley, which are known for their spotless beauty.

Even though I’ve picked the above five places, there are so many other honeymoon destinations in India. These are the ones that I’ve included in the honorable mentions category which are as awesome as the above five places: Kodaikanal, Ooty, Coorg, Udaipur, Pondicherry, Rishikesh, Shimla, Mangalore, and Mussoorie.

Explore all of your adventure options at Exotic Voyages

These 5 Items Should Be On Your Survival Kit List

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The average human can live up to three weeks sans food, but only three days without water. That said, the items that you include in your emergency survival kit, whether for venturing into the wilderness or for urban readiness, can spell life and death. Fortunately, you don’t have to be in a situation where you are left with no choice. You can increase your chances of surviving in almost any situation, provided that you have the right tools.

Ideally, the more items you have in your tactical survival gear, the easier it will be for you to survive. However, it also means that you add weight or bulk to your pack. While you obviously cannot carry your entire arsenal with you at all times (you’re not The Terminator), you can certainly select specific sets for different scenarios. There are also core tools that should also be present no matter the situation. Here are five of these essentials.

  1. Tactical knife

In a true survival situation, the chances of you needing to cut something are very high. Thus, you need a reliable knife that’s easy to handle, strong, and razor sharp. You will likely be using it for various purposes, so in place of getting a singular unit, you might want to have a multi-tool that also includes a knife feature.

READ: 8 BEST SELF-DEFENSE KNIVES : CHOOSE THE BEST BLADE TO PROTECT YOURSELF

  1. Firestarter

Fire in the wilderness or in the evenings is essential to maintaining your core body temperature (or to cook). Remember that it takes only 3 hours for the body to survive outside of its base temp. Having a trusty gadget takes the effort out of rubbing sticks together. Your kit should have three ways to start a fire. One is an automatic Firestarter, two is a regular box of matches, and three is a striker. Don’t forget to pack them in waterproof packs and separately.

  1. First aid kit

This is a critical kit that should be with you at all times. There are plenty of generic first aid kits at supermarkets, but you can expand them with pressure dressings and probably a compass, too. Study the pocket manual that came with the kit before you even head out, so you know what to do instantly and will not fumble when an actual emergency happens.

  1. Water or water filtration

No person can survive without water for more than 72 hours. Under non-threatening circumstances, an average human should also be drinking at least 1 gallon of water daily. Having a water bottle or a water filtration system ready ensures that you have access to safe drinking water at all times. It is especially helpful if you’re going on an adventure with a group because water in this setup can easily run out, and you might need to take some from an organic source.

  1. Flashlight or torch

Let there be light! Whether for venturing into an unfamiliar territory or walking at night, you will need light to navigate. Fortunately, there are many models that offer powerful illumination even with very small and lightweight bodies.

Of course, the most important tool you should have no matter where you are going is knowledge. Without knowing how to use any of these items, your chances of surviving are slim. Equip yourself with the ability to read weather signs, where to go and what to do in case of a natural disaster, what areas to avoid to secure your safety, and more.

There are plenty of online resources and books that will teach you different tactics on how to protect yourself, whether in the wild, when out in the city, or even when you’re just at home. The monthly gear from TacPack also offers the latest gadgets and innovations that can help make you feel safer everywhere you go, without being heavy on the back and on the budget.

 

Is It Safe To Use A Mattress Outdoors?

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The approaching season might have you considering using a mattress outdoors.  The idea to transform your outdoor living space with the comfort of a mattress sounds appealing.  However, there are some aspects of moving a mattress outside the home that need to be analyzed for safety’s sake.

Material

Mattresses are made up of varying materials.  Most mattresses aren’t made to be stored out in the elements.  Fabric, foam and other materials will absorb moisture.  If a mattress is stored outdoors exposed to rain, it could become home to bacteria, mildew, and mold.  This could make your mattress unsafe and could cause sickness.  If you want to keep a mattress out, be careful to examine if your mattress was especially made to be used and stored outside.  Latex mattresses, like those found at Rest Right Mattress, are more resistant to dust mites, bacteria and mildew.  These mattresses might be better options for use outdoors with proper storage.

 

Storage

While sunshine on your face feels great, sunshine on your mattress will take a toll.  The life of your mattress will be greatly reduced if it is continuously kept out in the sun and wind.  Between uses, try storing the mattress away in cool, dry storage.  If not possible, you could create your outdoor nirvana under a protective canopy or in a gazebo.

 

Using a mattress outside can provide a restful and relaxing environment.  Even so, you must take note of certain outdoor pests that could invade your mattress.  While storage and mattress make-up could limit the infestation, you might not want to bring a mattress back inside once it has been left out.

 

The Top 3 Pros and Cons to Using a Crossbow Versus a Compound Bow

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Hunters and people who love the game of archery will need a bow, obviously. The question in their head as they shop may be which one would suit them best. Is it the crossbow or the compound bow?

Archery sport helps players develop various qualities within them. For instance, since you will learn to shoot at multiple targets, you will need to have some level of focus. Therefore, these people are keen when they perform other tasks.

Today we will analyze different pros, cons of the crossbow, and the compound bow.

Crossbow

This modern bow works precisely as a rifle. It consists of distinct features that make it stand out and increase its power. The hunter will hold it in a horizontal position when aiming at specific targets.

Pros for using a crossbow

  1. Ease of use

Hunters love a tool that is quick in function. One benefit that the crossbow features is that you do not need hours to practice shooting at a target.

As mentioned earlier, it works exactly like a rifle; therefore, you only need to press the trigger to release the arrow. People with disabilities can use the bow since you do not require both hands necessarily.

  1. Power

Once you release the trigger, the shaft moves at lightning speed. Within a few milliseconds, the arrow can dig deep into the target’s surface or animal skin. The user has to use a lot of force to remove the arrow from the surface that it strikes.

  1. Accuracy

The bow has a scope fitted at the top for the user to aim the target with. This means that you do not spend a lot of time trying to point at the game or prey. The scope also assists when the light conditions are poor. For this reason, many people rely on this tool, especially when hunting.

Cons of the Crossbow

  1. The bow is heavy. It becomes a problem when you have to carry it for longer distances.
  2. The bow releases some noise once you press the trigger, which distracts preys if you are aiming at more than one.
  1. Some states limit the use of crossbows. Users need to check with their state laws to see if they need to acquire a license to use one within the state boundaries.

Compound Bows

This is also a modern bow. The user will hold it in a vertical position when aiming at a target. You will also need to pull the string to release the arrow, unlike the crossbow where you just press the trigger.

Pros of the Compound Bow

  1. It is ideal for people who are learning how to aim and shoot. While you do this, it helps to develop your focus.
  1. The bow is not noisy. This is suitable for hunters because you have the liberty of shooting at more animals without distracting other prey around it.
  1. Most love it because it is light. It has additional straps that ease the weight, especially when walking for long distances.

Cons of the compound bow

  1.  People use much time learning how to aim. This would be a significant disadvantage for beginners. You also have to learn how to focus when aiming at your target as well.
  1. They are not as powerful. Most people prefer to use the bow for the sport rather than hunting. The strength you apply on the string determines the distance that the arrow travels.
  1. Compound bows are not suitable for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, if you have an injured arm, it would be difficult to handle the bow.

Conclusion

The type of bow you choose depends on your preference. Check www.archery-den.com/best-crossbows/ to see the most suitable bow for you. You will find a variety of bows to pick depending on your budget.

 

5 Tips to Learning How to Hunt

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Hunting is a favorite pastime of many. In fact, people have been hunting for years and it is a sport that has been able to bring family members together for centuries. In addition to bringing people together, hunting provides a great deal of food for one’s family and also helps the environment with natural population control. While there will always be some that do not believe in the hunt, there are cultures that rely on it for survival and see it as a way of life. If you have never gone hunting before, this article will provide some tips to help you learn how to hunt.

 

  • Slow and steady wins the race. No matter what you are hunting for, it is important to be slow and steady in your approach. The reason for this is that animals have a keen sense of smell and can hear things from farther away than humans can. New hunters tend to find the notion of staying still and moving slow to be a hard concept to grasp at first. One of the best ways to get the hang of being still or moving slow is to use your watch. Find a place to perch or hide and stay there for at least 5 minutes before you decide to slowly creep to another area.

 

  • Stop when you hear noise. Whether you hear a deer, squirrel, or a group of ducks, when you hear a noise, it is best to stop and be still for a few minutes. When you stop and can be still, you can take in what is going on around you. If you make a sound and an animal is around, they will stand still and look around for a period of time. A duck may fly off into the distance while alerting others of the same species.

 

  • The environment can make a difference. Whether you choose to hunt during the day or in the early morning hours, the environment in which you seek animals or ducks makes a big difference. For example, if you are seeking out a duck, check to see which direction the wind is blowing. In addition, look for water holes as ducks are typically attracted to them. Setting up decoy ducks and using a good set of waders are important recommended tips for hunting ducks that should not be overlooked.

 

  • Bring proper tools. When hunting, it is important to field dress your prey right away or you will risk spoiling the meat. This is particularly true for deer meat but also for other smaller game. Make sure to bring along a pair of skinning shears as you should skin the fur off of smaller animals such as a rabbit or a squirrel as soon as you kill it. The reason for this is that the fur will come off easier when the animal is still warm. One of the most important reasons to handle this right away is that many animals carry fleas. Fleas can carry disease. When you skin the animal, you can get rid of the fleas before it has time to attach to the meat.

 

  • Dress warm and bring a canteen. It is important to dress for the weather and stay hydrated while you are out hunting. If you are out hunting for a full day you don’t want to get cold or dehydrated. Make sure you wear enough layers and bring waterproof clothing if you think there may be a chance of rain. It’s alway a good idea to workout how much fluid you need for the amount of hours you intend on hunting and pack appropriately.

 

 

Here’s A Checklist To Check Against Your Emergency Plan

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Just how prepared are you when it comes to disaster management? You may never experience a disaster, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. If not well equipped, disasters may strike, and you will be left without a contingency plan to curb them. It is highly essential that you come up with an emergency plan for your family.

One of the deadliest hurricanes in history is Hurricane Katrina which left over 1,200 people dead in August 2005. Such occurrences are quite scary. However, as rare and horrific as they might be to ponder, you need to be prepared when they occur. What you need is a disaster preparedness plan to help you get through such periods.

Before coming up with a plan, have a sit-down with your family and discuss some of the ways you can become prepare for this type of situation. Take a critical look at the possible threats to devise a comprehensive plan. Preplanning helps to bring to light some of the resources you may not have on hand. This ensures that you purchase them before anything happens.

Why should people take emergency plans seriously? They prevent possible injuries, damages and help in increasing the chances of survival after an occurrence.  Some of the things that should be in your family emergency plan are as follows.

 

  1. Create a Communication Plan

Contacts are an essential requirement. Analyze all of your relatives and decide on one your family can all share as a common emergency contact. As you choose, ensure that the relative is not likely to be affected by some of the occurrences in your area. Once completed, confirm that each of your family members has the relative’s contact information.

Ensure that your kids have the contact information as well and if possible, leave the contacts with school management. Also, ensure that there is an email attached to the contacts, so they have alternative ways to get ahold of the family member.  Also, keep your documents safe for disaster times.

 

  1. Have a Common Meeting Point

As a family, being in one place after disaster strikes will reduce stress levels and ensure that everyone is out of harm’s way. Determine a drill where you identify one common location scheduled as a meeting point when any disaster happens. Practice emergency situations and have a defined route available, especially for children.

A meeting point will help in reconnecting so that you can plan the next action as a family without the disorientation of looking for other members.  A useful tip would be for every family to note down the specific location for easier tracing.

 

  1. Have an Emergency Supply Kit

When disasters happen, it’s normal to have accidents. It could be just a regular power outage that if not well prepared for, could cause significant hiccups. In such a case, have rechargeable batteries that will provide a temporary lighting solution.  Create an emergency kit that contains a series of first aid supplies as well as other preventive measures. The FAST-ACT Chemical Decontamination products can keep you safe and prepared in the event that a chemical attack was to occur.

There should be a substantial amount of water and food in your kit for survival. Have food supplies that can last you for about a week or even more. The kit should also have enough necessary medical supplies for every member of your family.

 

  1. Include Photos of Your Family Members

Sometimes, during floods or occurrences of seismic forces, a family member may not have reached home and may be in danger. What comes to mind first? Calling them is the first option but what happens when their phone has been turned off? Have a photo of them so that you can ask nearby civilians or emergency crew for increased chances of tracing them.

 

  1. A Power Bank as a Lifesaver

In this modern age, everybody deserves to have a power bank. It does not matter if you have a 10,000 mAh; it will still go off at some point. To make sure that does not happen, always ensure that you have a power bank on hand; it will definitely come in handy to recharge a dead phone.  It will even help in contacting 911 or an emergency response team.

 

  1. Vulnerability Assessment

As much as emergencies are rapid, some events can never be predicted. Research more on the possible hazards around your region so that you have a contingency plan when they occur. This does not necessarily mean you prepare for the specific risk alone. If preferred, consult engineering experts or fire departments for a more precise picture of potential environmental hazards.

A vulnerability assessment will help you feel a level of certainty in preparation. With such an evaluation, your plan is complete as you will have tackled significant possibilities.

 

  1. Communication with Neighbors

It’s possible that due to work and family obligations, you may not often talk with your neighbors. However, it’s important to keep in touch because when a disaster strikes, you will need their help. You may introduce walkie-talkies so that you can communicate in case your phone goes off. Neighbors are an asset in the emergency plan as they are close by and if you get stranded, they may just be the most immediate help available. Contacting neighbors comes in handy when you desperately need help that can’t wait.

Communication is one of the critical essentials of an emergency plan. Keeping everyone informed is necessary so that you all are on the same page. The program devised may involve planning for evacuation in extreme situations. Put that in mind as you come up with the plan. It’s important to keep your verification documents in a waterproof safety box and if possible, make copies too.

5 Tips To Keeping Your Gun Safe At Home

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With the continued debate revolving around gun control, it is quite clear that there is a significant portion of the society that is of anti-gun sentiment. Anti-gun people have a legitimate basis for their claims, especially on issues to do with mass shootings and violent crime. However, if you are a legal gun holder, and would like to keep your second amendment rights, then you need to do everything within your power to eliminate any incidences that might increase the anti-gun sentiment. That’s why you need to always store your gun safely. To help you out with this, here are 5 tips to keep your gun safe at home.

  1.    Make use of trigger locks

A trigger lock is one of the best ways to keep your gun safe at home. It prevents unauthorized individuals from making use of your gun. The whole mechanism is to stop the trigger from manipulation.  To ensure that the trigger lock gives you maximum safety, ensure that it installed when your gun is unloaded. Most new guns come with their own safety locks, reducing the hustle of acquiring one. However, if you have an older gun, you easily purchase one from your local guns dealer.

  1.    Use a gun case

One of the risks you face as a gun holder is for your little kids to gain access to your gun and harm themselves with it. That can happen if you store your gun in drawers. To keep it safe, get a gun case. This allows you to not only lock the gun-in, but also conveniently walk around with it, away from the curious hands of minors. A gun case also allows you to leave the gun at home, with the guarantee that no one can access it. It’s one of the safest ways to handle your gun.

  1.    Purchase a storage box

A strong box is one of the best ways to keep your gun safe at home. That’s because it is not only portable, but also has sophisticated locks, that can’t be unlocked by anyone other than the gun holder. Some of the best gun storage boxes come with customizable codes as well as biometric sensors that only the owner can open. These technologically advanced features make the gun storage box one of the best ways to keep your gun safe at home.

  1.    Keep the gun unloaded

To ensure that chances of an accidental gun discharge are significantly reduced, always keep it unloaded. In fact, make sure that the only time you keep your gun loaded is when you intend to use it. By keeping it unloaded, you are sure that chances of an accident are close to zero.

  1.    Purchase a gun safeTop 10 Best Gun Safes 2018

A gun safe is probably the most effective way to keep your gun safe at home. The best gun safe comes with customized racks that not only keep the gun securely strapped, but also keeps them well maintained. On top of that, gun safes have steel exteriors, which makes it almost impossible for someone other than the owner to gain access to the gun.