Mistakes Made in The Great Outdoors

Hiking, camping and backpacking are all excellent ways to experience the wonder of the Great Outdoors. However, it can also be a dangerous way to witness Mother Nature in all her fury. Simple common mistakes made hastily can have inconvenient and even disastrous consequences. Here we explore some common mistakes average people make when enjoying nature.

Failure to Prepare

Whether you forget to bring a map and determine your route beforehand or you make a rookie mistake like not bringing enough water, or checking the weather forecast using equipment like the ones you can find here, you could add hours or even days to your trip if you get lost — no to mention lose expensive equipment along the way. That’s why it’s crucial to sit down beforehand — even with a hike that you’ve done many times before — and map out your route, procure rations and make sure you have the proper gear.

Mistakes Made in The Great Outdoors

Ignoring Signs

You may think you can handle a bigger workout than you’re actually trained for because at the bottom of a mountain, anything seems possible. Halfway up and you may reconsider. By then it could be too late and you’re already committed to the summit run. Pay attention to marked trails and their ratings. Don’t go for an intense trail with lots of climbing and scaling if you’re just out for a casual scenic hike. Instead, pick a trail for your fitness level and gradually work your way up in ratings over time. Also, don’t go off the marked trail. Doing so could send you on a route that could get you lost in no time.

Failing to Test out New Equipment

One of the biggest mistakes in camping in particular is not testing out equipment such as grills, tents and even sleeping bags beforehand. Before you head out on your trip, make sure the grill works and that you have enough propane (which, by the way, can be sourced from firms similar to Nelson Propane Gas Incorporated) to fuel it. Nothing kills a good camping buzz faster than hungry kids huddled around the grill mad at Dad who can’t get the darn thing to work. Set up the tent in the backyard before going, too. Make sure you know exactly how to put it together to save yourself the hassle of wrestling with directions at the camp site. Pack all components of the tent with you, including rain covers and stakes, so you’re well prepared.

Mistakes Made in The Great Outdoors

Leaving out Food and Toiletries

Most people know not to leave out food at a campsite, especially at night when asleep, so that bears and other large animals don’t come a-hunting. But most people don’t realize that many critters, such as raccoons and squirrels, are attracted by the smells of toiletries like toothpaste, soap and bug repellant. Keep these securely packed away as well to avoid unwelcome visitors.

Mistakes Made in The Great Outdoors

Be careful on your next hiking or camping trip by preparing beforehand so you can have the most enjoyable time possible.

Top 3 Places to Kayak in the US

Summer is finally here and what better way to enjoy it than by spending time in the outdoors. Kayaking is a fun activity that involves moving across water using paddles. People take up the sport because it is fun, it is a great way to exercise and also allows one or a group of people to be close to nature. There are many ideal water bodies across the country for kayaking but some are top notch and have the best reviews.

The Top Best Places to Kayak in the US

Glacier Bay in Alaska is adored as a great kayaking location. It features a protected 3.28 million-acre national park that has countless fjords and bays for large scale kayaking. In 1794, the Glacier Bay was filled with ice 100 miles long and 20 miles wide. The ice was about 4,000 feet thick. The glacier has since retreated by 65 miles providing a large area for kayaking. Sea kayaking is a great way to enjoy this bay with trips starting at Bartlett Cover. Reservations should be made early and in advance because of the large influx of people wanting to visit the bay. Before attending, kayakers are required to attend an orientation class. It is intended to answer questions that the person may have, inform the kayakers of the wildlife in the area, and closures that are not accessible during the trip.

Top 3 Places to Kayak in the US

Baja in California has been praised as a must place to visit for kayaking. The sunsets in this region are beautiful and the air is warm in most months of the year. When kayaking, visitors are given the opportunity to try Stand up paddle boards. The location is beautiful with reefs and is full of sea wildlife. The water is also warm which makes kayaking fun and comfortable. There is a whale migration that happens every January and starts from the Bering Sea and head out 5,000 miles out.

Top 3 Places to Kayak in the US

The Acadia National Park in Maine is another top spot for kayaking in the US. The park features a water trail that was created in 1993. It offers visitors a chance to explore areas on the over 3,000 miles of coastlines and islands. There are campsites so people can relive their kayaking moments even the next day.

Top 3 Places to Kayak in the US

Gone Fishin’: Best Places for Flyfishing in Montana

In the back woods of Big Sky Country, sportsmen have found a flyfishing paradise in the secret nooks and crannies of Montana’s wilds. Over the years, the secret to the best fishing spots have spread, and Montana has developed a reputation for some of the best flyfishing in the country. The vast amount of blue river waters, stretching for hundreds of miles, all over the states, ensure that anglers are able to spread out and have their own piece of the water in any of the popular flows.

Big Horn River

Located near the Prior Mountains in southern Montana, the Big Horn River is known for its productive waters, given a year-round insect season which draws in the catch. During peak fishing times, the average catch is around 17 inches. In the fall and winter the crowds may wane, but the fishing lives on, with most sportsmen suggesting streamer flies suggesting minnows, which are the most successful at attracting brown trout migrating down the river. The Big Horn is well-known around the world for having the highest concentration of trout than in any other North American river.

Gone Fishin': Best Places for Flyfishing in Montana

Yellowstone River

Yellowstone, one of the greatest national parks in the U.S. is what many have argues is the epicenter of the best trout fishing on the globe. The mighty Yellowstone River, has produced some of the best catches around, with more than 100 miles of fishable river. Some fishermen have been known to use drift boats or white water rafts, equipped with fly fishing equipment. Some of the most common catches include Cuthroats, and Big Browns, many exceeding 20 inches. Pre-run off, usually March to April is one of the best times to real in these monsters. In August, it’s easy to fish up hoppers and pre-spawn Brown Trout.

Gone Fishin': Best Places for Flyfishing in Montana

Tailwater Rivers

Another great place for flyfishing runs the course of the Tailwater Rivers, which include the Missouri and Lower Madison rivers. In the Spring, anglers experience an excellent hatching of Midges and Blue Winged Olives, leading to a plentiful feast for the fish who roam these waters. On particularly cloudy days, fishermen can experience some of the best streamer catches in the area. The average catch on the Missouri is around 18-20 inches, but have commonly come in around 30 inches. The Missouri also boasts a dense population of large Brown Trout, and produces great fishing action from April to October

Gone Fishin': Best Places for Flyfishing in Montana

Summer Has Finally Arrived

Summer has finally arrived! Woohoo! Let the camping and hiking begin. If you are heading to bear country, don’t forget to bring along your UDAP Bear Spray!  Being prepared in bear country can be the difference between life and death. And now, you can stay safer than ever before!

UDAP now carries the Back Attack Pack™, which allows you to protect yourself from unexpected charges from behind, AND even when you’re pinned on the ground. Yes, you still have a line of defense!

Produced by a grizzly bear attack survivor, this product is a must-have. To be used in addition with UDAP bear sprays as a backup only.

Summer Has Finally Arrived

So go out and enjoy the summer, enjoy bear country, and be SAFE!

The Difference between a Black Bear and a Grizzly Bear

Have you ever wondered what the differences between a black bear and a grizzly bear are? One major difference is the size. Size can vary depending on the age and gender of the bear. An adult black bear can be larger than a sub-adult (juvenile) grizzly bear. Size can also vary among geographic areas, as well.
Please note that there are many physical indicators between a black bear and a grizzly bear: and they vary with sex and age, so size is also not a reliable indicator. Identifying the type of bear that you see is important for your safety and to protect bears. When you know if it’s a grizzly or a black bear, you can then decide on the best actions to take.

The Difference between a Black Bear and a Grizzly Bearbear spray

Don’t forget to always carry your UDAPBear Deterrent!

The Difference between a Black Bear and a Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Eats Families GoPro Camera

A family enjoying a day frolicking on the river, just like any normal family would. Oh yeah, but they’re Alaskan Grizzlies, and the picnic is not what you’d expect.

Don’t leave home without your UDAP Bear Deterrent!

Grizzly Eats Families GoPro Camera

Travel Safely in Bear Country

Here is a list for traveling safely in Bear Country!

  1. Where should I keep my food?
  • UDAPmakes bear electric fences for the backcountry including electric fences for food storage and camping. Keep the bears out with BearShock!
  • don’t leave pet food or garbage in areas where bears can get to it.
  • Place garbage in a heavy duty-duty, tied bag. Put the bag inside a garbage can with a bear-proof lid.
  • Beehives attract bears. If you have hives put them up high on hear-proof platforms.

Travel Safely in Bear Country

Keep your food and equipment safe In Bear Country!

  1. How should people visiting bear country behave

Bears are typically afraid and nervous around people. They will avoid humans. Bears may attack people when they feel threatened or surprised or when forced to defend themselves, their cubs, or their food. You should be careful to avoid all bears. Here are some specific tips:

  • Make noise, let bears know you’re there.
  • Travel in groups. Groups are noisier and there is safety in numbers.
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
  • Stick to worn paths and trails and hike during the day, not at night.
  • Watch for bears for signs of them, including bear tracks and droppings.
  • Avoid areas where you spot potential bear food.
  • Don’t forget to carry your UDAP BEAR SPRAY!

Bears Coming Out of Hibernation Early

Bears came out of hibernation early this winter on the west coast due to abnormal dry winter and drought. Because of these same weather conditions, black bears may come down closer and closer to where people are looking for food. Do you have your bear spray handy and/or a plan ready for a black bear encounter? To learn more about the black bears coming out of hibernation early, you can read this article published by CBS news!
Read more here…

Bears Coming Out of Hibernation Early

Hiking and Wearing Headphones

Please, help me out here, I am hiking up a jagged trail on the mountain side, enjoying the hike and the beauty of the great outdoors. I come up behind you rocking out to music or in all honesty, you may be listening to book while you are out hiking in nature. You are hiking along with headphones muffling all noise except that which is being pumped directly into your ears.

Hiking and Wearing Headphones

The problem, you don’t hear me come up behind you which means that if there is a bear or wild animal on the trail, you’re not going to hear them either. You are not fully aware of your surroundings. Wisdom is better than strength, be prepared! We all want to stay safe out there, so no headphones or at the very least, just wear one ear bud so that you can hear the sounds around you, like a charging bear!

Hiking and Wearing Headphones