The Current Buzz Newspaper One 5 | Page 18

SPORTS BUZZ Camping hacks, sacks, & must-haves By Bill Edgar TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Camping can be one of the highlights of the summer, but packing the wrong gear can turn an idyllic adventure into a miserable experience. I have many memories of waking up soaking wet after an overnight thunderstorm, or shivering all night once the heat of the day disappears with the setting sun. There are two fundamental pieces of gear utilized while camping: the tent and the sleeping bag. Choosing the right tent in combination with a proper sleeping bag can ensure a dry, comfortable night’s sleep. Tents come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges. When shopping for a tent based upon price consider how often you plan to use it. The $19 Box Store tent us usually good for four or five trips before it begins to fall apart but $500 will get you a tent that will keep you warm and dry for decades. A $100 to $150 two-man tent is usually good for three to four seasons before it needs to be replaced. first line of protection against the elements. Sleeping bags come in different shapes and temperature ratings. A mummy bag snugs up close to your body, which is usually warmer and packs smaller. Rectangular bags are roomier, which is good if you toss and turn a lot, but not generally as warm and packable. Last thing to remember is the temperature rating. It is important to remember to consider what season you Tent size can also be a factor - I have found that a two-man tent really means a one-man tent. Nothing ruins a good night sleep than being cramped, damp and hot. Yes, I said damp; one thing people do not consider is too many people breathing can cause condensation on the walls making it rain inside your tent. A good sleeping bag is your 18 | www.thecurrentbuzz.net are camping in when looking a temperature ratings. If you only camp in the summer it may not make sense to buy that high dollar zero-degree bag. If you do camp in cold weather, remember that the temperature rating is the temperature in which the bag fails to protect you, not the temperature in which it stays comfortable. So, when you go to the sporting goods store looking for that gear for your next big adventure keep these tips in mind. It will help you stay warmer, drier and happier this camping season. See you outside! Levi Parham Feat. Jesse Aycock & Lauren Barth Old Church Center Perkins, OK Wight Lighters/ Josh Abbott Band/ Casey Donahew/ Read Southall Band/ Koe Wetzel Calf Fry 2017 (Tumbleweed Dance Hall) Stillwater, OK P KALO College Bar Stillwater, OK Jim the Elephant Grady’s 66 Pub Yukon, OK M BC & the Big Rig The Hunt Club Tulsa, OK Brad Hargrove Old Mannford Saloon & Grill Mannford, OK Stevanne Bielich Rodeo Opry OKC, OK V Randy Brumley & the Distractions Soul City of Tulsa Tulsa, OK Mope Groves Soundpony Tulsa, OK Charley Pride Sugar Creek Casino Hinton, OK Rusty Grove Band Tahlequah Elks Lodge Tahlequah, OK The Motel Pines The Fur Shop Tulsa, OK Yngwie Malmsteen The State Theatre Harrah, OK Smilin’ Vic UCO Jazz Lab Performance Venue Edmond, OK The Beaten Daylights Your Mom’s Place OKC, OK May 7, 2017 Cowboy Way Fest Gene Autry OK Museum Gene Autry, OK S