The most important factor to keep in consideration is that bears and other wildlife are as their name implies-wild. While bear sightings are very rare in the mountains in Breckenridge, you should keep in mind that the goal is to coexist with these creatures, so you should do your part to keep these animals wild and safe. Under no circumstances should bears be captured, harassed, or fed. In fact, feeding a bear will likely make them become more aggressive toward the next group of humans it comes across. Before you go out playing in the Breckenridge mountains, take these precautionary tips into consideration:

• Make noise.

Although the mountains boast a calming and relaxing environment, an unassuming bear can feel startled if snuck upon. For maximum safety, make mountain activities a group effort. The more noise you make, the less likely a bear will approach. If a bear hears you, it's unlikely that it's going to come to the noise. It would rather keep to itself and leave you alone. When bears are surprised by mountain visitors sneaking up on them, they are more likely to feel threatened. Talk, sing, or hum as you explore the mountains. Local shops in Breckenridge sell bells that you can tie around your neck, automatically making noise for you as you hike trails.


• Stay calm.

In the rare event that you do come across a bear while hiking, try to keep a cool head. Slowly lay down your pack or anything else you are carrying and back away from the animal. In most cases, the bear will either move along on its own or take interest in your pack. If the bear does approach you, make yourself look big by extending your arms above your head, and make loud noises.

• Clean up.

Bears are hungry creatures and will likely follow the smell of food the longer it lingers. After you've finished cooking, burn all excess grease and food from grills and stoves. Be sure to wipe your table or eating area clean as well. Additionally, try to situate your camping area so that your tent and sleeping bag do not smell of food. Because the clothes that you've cooked in will retain the grill's smell, store those in bear-proof containers as well.

• Store it.

Keep your food and garbage in the trunk of your car or suspended from a tree. Get all food at least ten feet off the ground and four feet from the trunk of the tree to be safe. Remember, vehicles are not bear proof-the trunk is the safest storage place if your car is nearby.

• Get it out.

Don't burn or bury your trash-a bear will just dig it up and create a mess. Pack it in bear-proof containers and pack it out with you. Many camping areas are equipped with bear-proof garbage cans for your use.

Remember, bear encounters in Breckenridge are extremely rare. Bears are solitary creatures that like to stay to themselves. Hikers and campers can continue to coexist with mountain wildlife by remembering these basic tips of hiking and camping in the Colorado high country, so get out and have a good time in Breckenridge.

By: Christine J. Cook
Chris Cook lives part time in Breckenridge, Colorado and loves to share her expertise on the mountains with visitors. If you're planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains, visit this site for your Breckenridge lodging: http://www.summitvacations.net

Many RVers are held back from the joys of boondocking by concerns about boondocking safety. Aside from wanting the amenities and full hook-ups, safety concerns are the reason most people cite for preferring developed pay-campgrounds.

If you've made up your mind to be paranoid, you probably won't even be reading this, but if you're looking for boondocking safety information and advice to put your mind at ease, read on.

Dispelling Your Fears

For me, there were 3 parts to dispelling my initial fears about boondocking safety .

Hearing about other's experiences and taking comfort in their recommendations.

Experiencing boondocking in remote locations first hand without incidence.

And most importantly, thinking rationally about my fears and what really was behind them.
That's not to say there aren't places and reasons to be cautious in this world. Not only as far as RVs and boondocking safety are concerned, but in any situation, you need to let your own common sense rule.

The Common Sense Approach To Boondocking Safety

I truly believe that everything in life, even sitting in a chair and breathing, involves some element of risk. Each of us decides for ourselves every day what risks we are willing to take. If your risk tolerance is exceptionally low, you're not likely to be travelling at all or reading this website.

When it comes to quieting our fears, nothing's more effective than knowledge and experience.

From 8 years of boondocking experience, here are my common sense conclusions, insights and boondocking safety advice.

When it comes to robberies, statistically, I am much more likely to be a victim in my house than in my RV.

Setting up camp down a dirt road on public land makes me no more a target for a thief than anyone who builds a home or cottage on a country road in a remote area

My RV is much less appealing to a thief than a permanent residence in that I don't have the same amount of valuable removable furniture or fixtures that can easily be converted to cash.

I'm often only camped in one location for a day or two...not enough time for a thief to scope the place out and get to know my routines.

Although the majority of RVers are honest nice people, even if we're camped in a "secured" campground or an LTVA area with other RVers all around us it doesn't mean there isn't a thief amongst us or that we're safe from a break-in or robbery

I admit that, like many people, at home, I don't know some of my closest neighbors and I have very little time or interest in seeing who comes in and out of their yard. Most RVers will agree that when we're traveling we're much more likely to get to know and keep an eye on our neighbor's property than when we're at home.

In most boondocking areas, the common courtesy is to leave space, a few hundred yards minimum between campers. In campgrounds, where units are closer, if someone (a stranger) is walking towards or around the immediate area of your unit, it may not be as obvious or noticeable.

We use common sense when selecting a place to stop. When it comes to boondocking safety we trust our intuition and drive on if the environment doesn't "feel" safe.

The further from civilization, the more safe it feels to be camped where we're totally alone.

There's safety in numbers. This holds true for boondocking safety. Especially when we're closer to urban areas, we want others, RVers, truckers etc. within view.

Most thieves are lazy. That's why the majority of RV break-ins occur within easy access of the cities where most thieves hang out. We avoid boondocking when we're within a short drive of the biggest cities.

Most thieves don't want to deal with any type of struggle so the easiest time to steal our possessions is when we're not in the RV. As with any parked vehicle, we don't leave cash in the RV and keep valuables out of sight.

Because we're inside our motorhome at night, our RV is much more likely to be a target in the daytime or evening while we 're parked for shopping, dining out, or going to a show in any urban location than when we're camped in an out-of-the way boondocking site.

In parking lots, truck stops or road side areas, don't look for the darkest concealed corner. Instead park in the light, and use black-out curtains or eye-wear that block the light while you sleep.

No matter where you are parked, if trouble does come to find you, driving away your vehicle can be your best defence.

Park so that you can leave by driving forward. If you need to leave in a hurry, you don't want to have to back up, or do more manoevering than necessary.

Keep your vehicle in the best possible operating condition.

Believe it or not, the only boondocking safety concern isn't burglers. No matter where you're camped, in case of a medical emergency, be sure you have enough fuel to make it to the nearest hospital or all night gas station in the middle of the night.

Don't be parnoid. Just cautious.

When you're in a community of RVs, even in a gated pay campground, make a point of getting aquainted with your neighbors before you leave your RV unattended for the day.

In small towns, if there's no signage to the contrary, ask at the grocery store or gas station or even ask the local police about using the town park or a parking lot to "spend the night". If you get a positive response, you'll have the added security of them knowing you're there and watching out for you.

Always be attentive to your surroundings.

By: Marianne Edwards
Marianne Edwards is the author of the Frugal Shunpiker's Guides to the Southwest. She has been boondocking safely for more than 8 years. Learn how to find great boondocking locations on her website http://www.frugal-rv-travel.com.

Submitted by:
Barry Arcant
Legal Resources Services

Fond childhood memories of camping with our families often bring smiles and a wash of nostalgia in us. Now that you have a family of your own, it's your turn to let your kids experience great camping time and have their own camping memories to bring home and cherish.

But making a camping trip a great family time is not all about fun and games. It's not all about great food and great hiking. Sure, you have to bring your family to a nice camping site and create exciting and wonderful camping activities and games for them, but also one of the most important aspects of camping that you should never overlook is camp safety.

Safety during camping time, including cooking time with your Coleman stoves is one of your responsibilities that you have to take care of during a camping trip. Here are some safety guidelines you can follow to ensure your family of a safe and fun camping vacation.

* Never let children especially very young ones get too near the camping stoves or grills during cooking time. Should they want to assist, they can help prepare the ingredients or make the drinks.

* Educate your family about the "stop, drop and roll" method of putting off a fire on one's clothing. Orient them about the things to do in case of scenarios where fire is involved. Make sure they know how crucial it is to remain calm to be able to respond better to emergency situations.

* It is best to store flammable liquids only in safety cans and metal containers, a good distance away from your tent, RV or any source of heat or open flame. Make sure you close the cap of the container tightly.

* Refill your stove at a safe distance away from any heat source.

* When pouring flammable liquids, use a funnel to prevent spills. Clean any spill at once.

* Use the recommended fuel for your stove. Do not improvise or use an alternative unless it is specified in the stove manual that it is permissible to use an alternative fuel. Use only what is indicated.

* Should the need for changing a compressed gas cartridge or refilling a liquid fuel container arise, let the stove cool down completely first before doing so.

* Put your Coleman stove on a level surface. If the ground is uneven or if there is snow, what you can do is place it on top of sturdy plywood to keep the stove warm and minimize the risk of it tipping over.

* Check the stove and its parts like hoses and tanks for any damage. Make sure that there are no bent valves, cracks on the hose or uncovered treads because these can cause dangerous leaks.

* It is always a smart idea to keep the fuel tank away from the camping stove.

* Never leave a lit camping stove unattended.

* Dispose empty fuel containers properly.

* Never use your Coleman stove inside your tent.

* Label fuel containers accordingly so as not to mistake it for water bottles.

* Carefully read and follow the instructions for using Coleman stoves.

Incidents of your kid getting a scald from the hot soup or you getting a burn from improperly lighting up the stove will certainly ruin a camping trip. Remember, a good camping memory consists of wonderful family bonding time, great camping site, spectacular views and a sumptuous but safe cooking fiesta.

By: Nicole Munoz
For more tips and information about Camping Stoves, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com.

No doubt about it, camping can be fun. But, if you don't pay attention to safety, your fun camping outing can turn into the camping trip from Hell. What are some of the most important camping safety tips you should know?

1. Plan Ahead. Do your research. Make sure the campground you've chosen is a safe one. Make sure there are no current fire dangers. Check out the weather. Any health alerts in the area, such as dangerous bacteria count in the water, or outbreak of any rodent-carrying viruses?

2. Pack the Emergency Kit. Be prepared for cuts, bee stings and allergic reactions. Bring antihistamines, antiseptic, bug sprays and insect repellents, pain relievers, bandages, sunscreen and if possible, a snake-bite kit.

An emergency kit should also include the following items: Whistle, flashlight, compass, a small Swiss Army knife, razor blades, tweezers, magnifying glass, sterilized water packets for cleaning wounds, emergency blanket, thermometer, cold pack, and a mirror. A mirror can be helpful when signaling for help. Some people also use a CD. If you can afford them, a pair of night-vision goggles can also be a help in an emergency.

3. Arrive at the Campsite Early. Arriving early, with ample daylight, allows you to examine the entire campsite and set up while there's still light. Be on the lookout for sharp objects, broken glass, huge ant beds, branches, poison ivy, hazardous terrain and bees.

4. Build your Tent on a Safe Spot. Make sure your tent is flame-resistant and keep it at a safe distance from the campfire. Try to pitch your tent on elevated land so it doesn't flood in case of rain. In order to keep the bugs out, make sure you close your tent immediately upon entering and leaving.

5. Go Over Safety Issues with Family Members. Make sure family members are aware of poisonous plants in the area. Be sure the children understand that they should never drink from any stream or river, regardless of how clean it may look. Finally, issue each member of your family a whistle for emergency use only.

6. Be Fire Safe. Make sure there are no current fire restrictions before building any fire, and don't build a fire if there are strong winds. When you do build a fire, keep it in the fire ring, and make sure there are no flammable items near the fire. Do not use heating devices or candles inside the tent.

Never leave your campfire unattended, and keep the area clear of leaves and twigs. Before going to bed, make sure the campfire is property put out by drowning it with water.

7. Be Aware of Wild Animals. Be sure to familiarize yourself and your family with safety concerning wild animals. Wild animals have acute senses of smell. Make sure you keep your campsite clean and free of food or garbage which might attract them. It is best to store all food, garbage and strong-smelling items (such as soap or toothpaste) in bear-resistant containers or your vehicle. Keep your sleeping bag and tent completely free of food and food odors, and set up your cooking and eating area at least 100 yards from your tent. Do not go to sleep in the same clothing you cooked in, as even the cooking smells can attract bears and other wild animals.

While it may seem like attention to safety takes the fun out of camping, in reality it helps ensure that your camping vacation is a fun time for the whole family. And, isn't having fun the point of camping?

By: Shari Hearn
Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of an RV Camping website where you can learn about such things as beach camping parks and RV rental in Alaska.

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Why do you need survival tips for winter backpacking? Because even with the most careful planning there is always a greater risk with winter camping. Of course, getting lost or having an accident is always a possibility, but cold weather makes either of these a more serious matter.

Winter Survival Tip Number One

Stay warm! This is obvious. Hypothermia is the single biggest danger for backpackers, killing far more people than accidents or wild animals. What isn't always so obvious is how poor planning and not thinking on the trail leads to getting cold.

One cold autumn day, a friend of mine fell in a stream while we were backpacking. He was soon chilled pretty severely. He naturally thought this was just an accident, but looking back on it now, it is clear that we didn't have a proper survival mind set.

Streams have to be crossed, of course, but we were crossing this one as evening approached. A better plan would have been to get the hiking done earlier in the day. Why? Because it leaves time to deal with accidents like this. It may have been sunny enough to get his clothes dried before nightfall, and it is always easier to find fuel for a fire in the daylight.

In addition, we knew the rocks were slippery, yet we crossed as we were. Seeing the potential for a fall, we could have removed our coats and put them in a plastic bag until we were across. Had we taken this simple precaution, my friend would have at least had a dry coat to put on later.

Had this happened in colder weather (it was above freezing) it could have been very serious. You have to stay warm to survive. To stay warm it helps to stay dry. To stay dry, you have to think.

Insulation

Staying warm is about staying insulated. The value of insulation is determined by the thickness of the air around you that isn't moving. This is the air trapped in your down coat, and between layers of clothing. Always think in terms of insulation thickness. In planning, this means you need more "loft"in your sleeping bag in winter, and more (or thicker) layers of clothing.

In a survival situation, this means you should immediately look for a way to create more insulation. This can mean setting your sleeping bag on a pile of leaves, or sleeping under a pile of dried grass. You might even stuff your jacket (if it is loose) with the fluff from cattail or milkweed plants, in order to increase the insulation value.

More Winter Backpacking Survival Tips

- Check the weather report before you go, and plan accordingly.

- Be careful when it is near or just above freezing. It is easier to get wet than when it is really cold.

- Drink enough fluids. Dehydration can cause a drop in body temperature.

- Down coats are great - if you can keep them dry. They are almost worthless when wet.

- Avoid sweating, to avoid getting chilled from the moisture later.

- Don't use cotton clothes in winter, because they get wet easily and then don't insulate well.

- Have more than one way to start a fire (matches, lighter, fire starter, skills).

- Learn to make a fire in cold wet conditions, and practice.

In 2006, I was trying to climb Crestone Peak here in Colorado, after an early snow. I gave up at about 13,000 in four feet of snow. I was in running shoes, and was soaked from the knees down. It would be below freezing that night, and I had just a tarp and 17-ounce sleeping bag. Does that sound risky? I was actually well prepared.

First of all, it was clear and sunny, and forecast to remain so for days. Back down near the lakes the snow was patchy, with many areas of dry grass. I quickly made a thick mattress of dry grass and thistle stalks to sleep on. I had quit early, so I had many hours to dry my shoes, socks and pants in the sun. They were completely dry long before dark.

As a back-up plan, I had a small fire laid, with a piece of bark covering it in case of rain or snow (I never needed to light it). I drank plenty of water and had fatty foods, which create heat as they digest. I also had more dry socks, and other necessary supplies, despite my 11-pound total packweight. As you can see, survival when winter backpacking is as much about planning and thinking as it is about good gear.

By: Steve Gillman
Copyright Steve Gillman. To get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com.

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