Snake boots are great pieces of hunting or hiking gear that protects the wearer from the worst case scenario of a bite from a venomous snake. While turkey hunters in the swamps of the South are probably already familiar with this footwear, many others are not. In fact, it’s not out of line to suggest that the average person doesn’t even know that there is footwear specifically designed to protect your feet and lower legs from venomous reptiles.

Snake proof boots might only be common to hunters and hikers at the moment, but they are made in styles that also make them attractive to other crowds. In fact, some snake boots look down right stylish while still offering the all important protection.

There are far more than three good reasons that consumers should look at snake boots. But if this article was going to list every single reason, you could end up sitting here and reading all day!

Out of all the reasons to get snake boots, the first one should be obvious. This footwear protects you from snake bites – whether they are rattlers, cottonmouths, coral snakes, or copperheads. If you live in an area with even a few of these slithery little guys, then you might want something extra to keep them away from your ingredient.

The second great reason for consumers to look at wearing snake boots is to financially protect yourself. These specialty boots might be a little more expensive than regular footwear, but look at the alternatives. If you have to go to the emergency room in the United States then you might be surprised to find that the treatment can cost $15,000 to $20,000. And that’s the cheap price that you only get if there are no complications, or you can wear the snake boots and avoid them altogether.

The third reason to wear snake proof boots is the peace of mind. Even people who are terrified of snakes can rest easy when they know beyond a doubt that they are protected all the way from the knees down. The far majority of snake proof boots cover from the knee down, and almost 95% of all snake bites happen in that same area.

There is a wide variety of good reasons for wearing snake proof boots. As this article shows, these reasons can cover a wide array of topics, but the end result is the same no matter what line of reasoning you take to get there. This footwear is worth the small extra cost for the protection provided.

In the end, the decision on whether or not to wear snake boots is up to you. At least with this article you now know that there are some great options in footwear when it comes to defending yourself from snake strikes.

Because of the influence of John Muir, an early conservationist who was the first president of the Sierra Club, Marin County had many early environmentalists who ensured that the County would have many Parks and Open Spaces. Almost all of them are ideal for all kinds of kids’ activities.

The County Parks

If you’re into skateboarding, or softball, soccer, golf or tennis, the John F. McInnis Park on Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael is for you. This is the site of the largest skateboarding park in Marin County, and naturally, skateboarders must wear helmets and pads.

According to a video on YouTube, McInnis is 25,000 sq. ft. of carveable concrete that welcomes skaters of all abilities, that is old schoolers and young rats, with a 2 to 5 ft. washboard, a 3 to 5 ft. cloverbowl, keyhole bowl, and the incredible 7 to 11 ft. pool.

Only three miles west of Novato is a 139-acre park that offers lake fishing, a nature trail, and picnic areas with barbecue facilities. At Stafford Lake County Park, kids can enjoy a popular play structure, a softball field, volleyball courts, a disc golf course and horseshoe courts.

A great place for family barbecues that also features Bay and Pool swimming and nice lawns is McNear’s Beach and Park, located on San Pablo Bay in San Rafael. Fees are $8 to park and $4 for the pool. Note: McNear’s Beach County Park’s fishing pier is closed for repairs until further notice.

Located along the east shore of the Tiburon Peninsula, on Paradise Drive, Paradise Beach Park is a 19-acre park with family and group picnic sites, lawn areas, a horseshoe court, sandy beach and a fishing pier. A 24-acre wooded upland preserve is also located on Paradise Drive, south of Paradise Beach Park. A loop trail that provides a variety of native plants and animals and excellent bay views are the Park’s main features.

Marin County Parks Department maintains paved pathways throughout the County for use by bicyclists and pedestrians. Among the most popular are the Mill Valley-Sausalito Path, the Novato-Stafford Lake Path, and the Corte Madera Creek Path.

State and Federal Parks

Both the John Muir State Park and the National Golden Gate National Park have Junior Ranger programs and the Muir Park has Questing, a great kids’ program that provides Word search for clues to discover the hidden secrets during your visit.

County Open Spaces

Throughout Marin County, there are 34 named Open Spaces and each of them has its own special features. A few of these include the Bolinas Lagoon, located just north of the town of Stinson Beach. The lagoon is a protected estuary and a haven for birds, seals and other wildlife. The wild and rugged Gary Giacomini is a windswept ridge that feels very high in altitude. That feel is accentuated by the presence of a forest of dwarf Sargent Cypress trees.

Ring Mountain, a wind-swept ridge high atop the Tiburon Peninsula is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate on this planet. The unique geology and microclimate of this location provide a home for a number of rare plants. Santa Margarita Island and Santa Venetia Marsh are popular for walkers and joggers seeking a clear, level path. Birders also enjoy this area because of waterfowl that cruise the channels at high tide and shorebirds and rails at low tide.

For those of you that are thinking of going on camping trips in the near future, you should be aware of the fact that there is a lot of things you have to remember. The planning process might be just as important as the trip itself.

There are a few things that you cannot be without on your trip. In this article I will tell you just what those things are. You can forget a lot, but if forget these things your trip will be hard to finish.

When I pack there is one thing I always make sure of first. That thing is the cooking equipment. There are a few alternatives to choose from that can range from only a box of matches to a big grill. Whatever you choose to bring, it is important that you don’t forget it.

If you don’t want to sleep outside in the rain, a camping tent is also very important to bring. The tents that you buy today can usually be compressed into a very small package that will not be very hard to carry. Be sure that you get a tent that is big enough so that you feel comfortable in it.

A lot can be said about bringing a sleeping bag to camping trips. A lot of people feel that it is not required, especially in the summer. For me personally, I think that a sleeping bag is very important. I sleep a lot better when i can wrap myself in something. If I also bring a mattress, I will definitely have trip that will be successful.

A map of the region that you are camping is very handy to have. A GPS device will also do just perfect.

All the things we have covered here are very important. There is still one thing that is probably more important than all of them. That thing is food. For most people, bringing food when camping is very important, as they are not able to catch any food them selves. Bring food, a camping chair and a camping table and you can enjoy your meals like you do at home.

Whether you will be dayhiking or doing a multi-day backpacking trip, these items will insure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

One of the most important things is having a map of the trail you will explore. Get one at the park visitor center or find one online that you can download. This will keep you from getting lost, help you identify new trails to check out and possibly help rescuers locate you if you’re in trouble.

A map reading compass will help you find your bearings and keep you from getting lost. Using the map and compass together will keep you correctly oriented to know which direction you’re heading.

Always carry two, one liter water bottles. Two liters is the minimum daily intake but chances are you will require more. Hiking is a physical activity and through perspiration, exposure and climate you can become dehydrated quickly. Bring some type of water purifier with you. For personal use, I take liquid treatment with me. Although you can survive a month without food, you will only last a few days without water.

Have extra food with you. Enough so that you could get through another day if necessary. Some companies produce compressed whole food bars that serve as complete meal replacements. My favorite is called the Pro Bar. Taking a few of these with will extend your energy levels if you need them.

Bring a couple more layers of clothing. These will serve to keep you warm and dry should the temperature drop unexpectedly, you somehow become wet or both. Choose layers that are synthetic. Most of them will still retain some insulative quality even if they are wet and they tend to dry a lot faster.

Take a flashlight with you. You may want to purchase a headlamp so that you can be hands-free. Every once in a while, you will be out a bit later than expected. Negotiating a hiking trail in the dark is dangerous.

Having an accident or injury in the backcountry is no fun. Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can create one out of household supplies but don’t forget hiking needs like moleskin or blister treatment. I recommend taking a basic wilderness medicine course.

Matches, a lighter and or candle as firestarters. Be certain to keep them in a waterproof container. Only light a fire in the wilderness if it is a matter of survival, not just simply staying warm if an additional layer of clothing will do. Prevent wildfires, use caution!

Carry a knife with you. Mine has come in handy so many times. If you use a folding knife, make sure that it has a locking blade. Non-locking knives have closed on fingers!

Last but not least, UV protection. Bring a hat with a brim, sunblock and a pair of sunglasses if you will be out in the sun for an extended period. Your eyes and skin will thank you.

Given the many outdoor-related television shows and You Tube videos available it becomes clear how important outdoor survival skills are to surviving the wilderness. Because there is so much to consider, what are the 5 most important survival skills to know and apply?

While all these presentations help, it is still the time you take to answer the following 5 questions that can make or break your level of preparation and prevention for your next adventure.

Therefore, can you answer yes to each of these questions? And is your answer a resounding yes! More important, can you prove you know and can apply the answers.

Remember it is one thing to understand wilderness survival skills; it is yet another to be skilled in the skills.

1) Can you build a shelter in less than an hour to minimize effort and conserve energy “for the seasonal activity?” Take into consideration the equipment you have available and the surroundings in which you find yourself. And you have to decide when is enough, enough? The balance of shelter versus effort needs your attention.

2) How do you stay found along your trip if assistance is needed? Unless it is dangerous where you are, stay put, stay found! When you read the stories of people who are lost and they keep moving only to experience worse conditions, it makes sense to learn the importance of staying found. Then build a base of operations around you, knowing help will arrive because your family and friends will start a call out when you don’t report in.

3) What signalling devices work best along the trip should you need help? The whistle is a great start. However, what device will work to signal an aircraft? What signal can you use at night? What signal can you use on a cloudy day? With all signally devices, take time to practice with each one.

4) Can you start a fire in 30 minutes or less for the conditions you will encounter along your trip? It seems, quickly lightening a fire is a rare skill. It is amusing what people will try, when around them is everything they need to start a fire. And there are some neat and nifty supplies available in your home that can be packaged and brought along like cotton balls, petroleum jelly and lint.

5) What is the best way to obtain clean water along your trip, if the water you are carrying was consumed? There are many ways in which to collect water. Break out your survival books and scan the ones linked to where you are going. Copy the ideas and carry them with you. And don’t underestimate the importance of water. Considering the conditions and your effort you will need to replenish your body to keep you alert to what is happening within you and around you.

In answering these questions, if you wavered in any way, and you are about to leave on your next adventure get yourself to the next available wilderness survival workshop and practice and learn, and learn and practice.

Prevention is Queen, Preparation is King!

There are times when a person wants to go boating, and they want to have a fun experience, and that means they are going to need some sort of boat. The best thing that you can do is purchase a good inflatable raft. Sea Eagle make some great inflatable rafts which can be used for many different applications. Some of these are fly fishing, rafting, floating off into oblivion, or whatever it is that you happen to want. These rafts usually hold three people, and they are extremely durable. There are several different types of inflatable rafts from Sea Eagle, and below we have listed a few of them for you to read about.

The first on the list is the Sea Eagle 6 (SE6). This little beauty is designed to handle 650 pounds. It can comfortable for two people with not much gear so in reality it was designed for one person with not a lot of gear to haul. It is able to use a motor up to 2hp with using the motor mount option. This boat inflatable is extremely light weighing at only 25 pounds.

The Sea Eagle 8 (SE8) is the most popular of the inflatable rafts that are offered. This boat inflatable is designed for a single person, highly maneuverable, rugged and durable. This makes for an excellent raft for both fishing and floating down the river, however this inflatable raft is not to be confused with the Sea Eagle (r)8.

The Sea Eagle r(8) has a set of oars, rowing seat, foot pump, FHS fisherman seat, repair kit, and a set of instructions for those who will actually read them. This raft is built with a two compartment floor which can be inflated, and there is a safety chamber of the main chamber. This really is a great piece of equipment, and it can hold three adults or roughly nine hundred and fifty pounds. Deflated the raft measures 24x21x8, and inflated it can take a 3 horsepower gas engine. This really is a great boat as far as inflatable rafts go, and if you are into some heavy duty lake-faring adventures, then you should definitely look into this one as it w ill not disappoint.

The next size up in Sea Eagle’s boat inflatables is the Sea Eagle 9 Inflatable Raft. This Sea Eagle like the Sea Eagle (r)8 is the preferred choice for river floating and fly fishing but at the same time it is rated for Class III whitewater rafting. The following are what makes this boat inflatable different from the smaller sizes is it capable of holding 5 adults or the weight of 1200 pounds. The exterior measurement is 11′x 4’8″, interior measurement is 7’6″ x 2’4″, weighs 38 pounds, the fabric is 33 mil of Polykrylar, manual air pump time 10 to 15 minutes, the motor option is 4 hp.

You can also purchase a sun canopy, a windshield, bench seats, and even floor boards for this great inflatable boat.

The next on the list of Sea Eagles boat inflatables is the “Sea Eagle(r) 14-ft Sailcat Deluxe inflatable raft package.” This package features a Sailcat boat, oars, a nylon storage bag, two cushions, a carry bag, instructions, repair kit,3 aluminum cross benches and of course the sail rig. The sail rig contains the aluminum mast, the mast step, tiller/rudder system and lateen rig. What is also unique about this 4 person set up is that the frame folds. The deflated dimensions of this boat inflatable are 60″ x 14″ x 12″, the inflated measurements are 9’6″ x 4′, and the exterior size is 14′ x 5′. The sail area covers 45 sg ftQ4-ft, the tube diameter is 16″, weighs 97 pounds and is rated for winds 0-25 mph.

If you are looking for a boat inflatable then look no further then the Sea Eagle. This line of boat inflatables has it all, no matter what you desire to do. From fly fishing to lake fishing, from whitewater rafting to a lazy day of just floating; there is the right inflatable boat available for you.

There are various issues you need to understand when you are a first time tent buyer, before you buy your tent and then take it camping. You will enjoy a rewarding and relaxing adventure while tent camping this summer.

When you go camping for the first time, you will need a tent that will stand up to any weather condition you are faced with. All family tents come with a 3-season and 4-season rating. Which means the 3-season tent is good for spring, summer, and fall and the 4-season is good for year round camping.

When you have decided what season tent is right for your camping adventure, you will then have to choose how big of a family tent you will need. Tents are also rated for how many persons that intend to be staying in the tent. You can find tents from a one person tent to as many as a twelve person tent.

You should know what season of tent you would need as well as the size family tent you need. You will then have to determine the type of material that you want your tent made of since they come in two different types of materials.

Nylon is the newest and most popular material that tents are made with today. This strong and lightweight nylon material gives you great portability and easy care. A nylon tent will keep you dry and comfortable if you are camping deep in the backcountry or at your favorite camp ground.

The other material tents are made with is a cotton canvas. Cotton canvas tents are very waterproof and provide great insulation from the elements of nature. The cotton canvas is a much heavier material and would not be the best choice if you want a tent that is more portable.

You will also need to consider the style of family tent you prefer. Most tents of the past were A-frame tents, however today; the most popular style of family tent is a dome style tent. Dome tents provide plenty of headroom to optimize relaxation and comfort and they are so easy to assemble. If you enjoy sleeping on cots, you may prefer the cabin tent. Cabin tents are ideal tents for sleeping on cots since their walls are straight much like a cabin.

One of the best ways to find the family tent that is perfect for you; you should search for them online. While shopping online you can view the various sizes, styles and seasonal ratings of each tent you find interesting. Companies that build their reputation on providing you with the highest quality family tents that any outdoor enthusiast will find impressive.

It’s chilling to think that simple drinking water can contain the virus or bacteria that could make one incredibly sick. This is especially true on camping trips, where access to purified water is going to be extremely limited. Thankfully there are ultraviolet water purifiers for those who like to stay safe on their vacation.

Ultraviolet light works based on the principle that a virus or bacteria isn’t going to function very well if their DNA is scrambled. Ultraviolet light is going to essentially penetrate the weak membrane of the organisms, alter their DNA in ways that will render them useless, and keep the purified water around 99.9% free of harmful organisms.

Water purification is commonly done through chemicals and tablets, as can be seen with many survival kits supplied to different armies of the world. But these tablets and chemicals can be harmful if not mixed correctly, and they can also be more expensive in the long run. Thus, consumers are recommended to stick with UV water purification.

Another downfall to the chemical alternative is the fact that chemicals will often take longer to work. This may be a poor prospect for those who are dehyrdated and need water quickly. The ultraviolet purification process, however, is seen as very quick- usually not taking more than a couple of minutes. This will depend on the specific model being obtained, however, and one should look around for the best solution if possible. Don’t be scared to spend extra money for a better product!

Some models of the ultraviolet water purification products can run off of solar power. Obviously they will run on batteries in case of a storm or on a cloudy day, but this can help keep the device working longer on a camping trip simply because it is more energy efficient. And when stores that carry batteries can be miles away, this can be a potentially life-saving option. As such, consumers are urged to obtain models that carry this featured.

The average ultraviolet water purification kit is going to cost around $100, depending on the model one is looking at in particular. Extra add-ons such as the solar power attachment may cost more, but for buying a device that is so important to one’s health or even their very life, spending a few extra dollars in this area is almost mandatory. Luckily the selection of such models is pretty wide, so consumers can get what they need and fast.

Closing Comments

Water purification has come a long way. Many are still stuck on using strips and chemical tablets, but as technology shows the clear winner, we’ll see ultraviolet models take the lead on the consumer market. Many models can be found online if not through local retailers, so be sure to have one before going on the next camping trip.

Getting out to enjoy nature and the outdoors can be a great way to relax and escape the demands of day-to-day life, whether a hiking trip during the day or a weekend getaway. For the person planning to camp and sleep on a tent floor, purchasing the right camping tent is an important part of an enjoyable outdoor excursion. It takes a little research. You will want to find the best tent for the type of area you will camp in and one that, generally, meets your camping needs.

When purchasing a camping tent, you will want to check the climate in the area you will pitch the tent in. Also, it is important to determine if there is a danger from wildlife in the area and what recreational facilities are available.

Tents are a great alternative for those who do not want to sleep outside in sleeping bags. The size of the tent is important, though, or you may very well find yourself sleeping outside the tent while others sleep inside. The tent should comfortable hold the number of people using it. With this in mind, though, be sure the larger tents can be pitched where you will be camping. If you will mountain climbing, while the mountain is ideal for climbing it is not when it comes to setting up camp and pitching your tent.

It has been mentioned, but let me reiterate. Your camping destination is something that must be considered closely when purchasing a tent. For example, a trip to the Mojave Desert requires a completely different tent than a trip to Alaska. For a holiday camping trip to Alaska, you will want camping tents that are durable, thick and strong enough to stand up against the elements and climate. On the contrary, a camping excursion to the Mojave Desert requires a tent with proper ventilation due to the hot temperatures. Check with the area’s tourist information center for more information.

Of course, you will want to look at cost when deciding which tent to choose. Tents range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the quality, strength, manufacturer and size. You can always purchase the larger ones on credit, which is a possibility, though maybe not the best financial move. But, anyone who has purchased camping tents will agree that they will definitely help alleviate your fears of wildlife and other dangers of the outdoors.

Most of all, finding the right tent is about comfort and ensuring you have an enjoyable time living outdoors. There are many accessories available to add to your comfort, all of which could make the trip even more enjoyable. Take some time to find the best tent for you and your fellow travelers. You will be glad you did!