Where you set out the picnic can have an effect on how much you enjoy the day.  You want a place where you can spread out and everyone can enjoy themselves, but the first open spot might not be the optimal location.  Two important factors to consider are the time of day and the surroundings.

If you are picnicking at lunchtime, spreading the blanket out in the direct sun is probably not the way to go.  Even on a day when blistering heat is not an issue, there is always the danger of sunburn which is a fast way to spoil an afternoon.  Regardless of where you picnic, putting on sunscreen is a good idea, but setting out the blanket under the shade of a tree is a good idea.

Watching what kind of tree you are sitting under is also important, though.  If picnicking in the fall, it might be amusing the first few times a leaf or acorn falls on you, but after a while it gets old.  Also, knowing the location of the nearby streams and ponds can help you select a location where mosquitoes and other biting insects do not disrupt your entire day.  Taking some care with the spot you pick can help make a picnic much more enjoyable.

So you’ve decided to take up hiking, picked up gear, and are getting ready to go.  What should you wear?  Hopefully you’ve picked up and broken in a good pair of hiking boots over the past few weeks.  Even if you don’t intend to hike seriously, boots provide better ankle support and traction when on the trail than any other footwear.

Inside the boots, you should be wearing socks that are warm, comfortable, and don’t retain moisture.  Cotton is not a good choice, and while many hiking socks are made of wool, depending on the time of year synthetics might work better.  Also, put an extra pair in of socks in your backpack.

Like socks, clothing should not be cotton.  While it might seem light and comfortable, it tends to pick up and hold water—sweat included—which greatly reduces its comfort and on a cool day can lead to chills.  Most shops that carry hiking gear have a wide selection of clothing to choose from.

Taking a jacket along, even in warm weather, is a good idea.  If possible, find one with vents or made of material that allows the skin to breathe.  In the event of a rain shower or the discovery that the air is a little chillier at your destination than expected, this will help you to stay comfortable.

My friend and I took a camping trip last year and had a wonderful experience. Since it was our first time camping-out on our own we had to purchase camping equipment. After a lot of research, we found the perfect tent. While you do not spend much time in the tent, you need to make sure the tent you buy is worth the money you spend.  First, make sure that your tent is not too heavy and can fit in your vehicle. I think it is best to buy a four person tent, even if there are only two of you going. This allows for more room not only for you, but some of your other camping accessories.

It is important to purchase a tent with durable features. I would suggest buying a tent that has aluminum poles, they tend to last longer. You want to be sure your tent has double stitching and folded seems. You do not want to be soaked if it rains! It is a good idea to find a tent with a roof vent, because if there is no air flow then condensation will build up in your tent. Lastly, make sure the tent is equipped with hardwearing zippers. This will ensure that the bugs do not get in!