Reviews about Camping & Outdoors

Jo says "New Green Acres RV Park, SC: A great overnight stay" about New Green Acres RV Park, Walterboro, South Carolina

Jo — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:59:27 GMT

We left Massachusetts several days ago heading south. The first campground in which we stayed one night was New Green Acres RV Park in Walterboro, SC.

Information you may want:

www.newgreenacres.com
396 Campground Road, Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 538-3450
The longest and widest pull-thru sites east of the Missisippi. That is according to the website; however, the sites were very long and although we are used to backing, in most of the sites were pull-throughs so we went with that.
Electric hook-up (30 and 50 amp)
Water and sewer
Cable- but note: it is an additional $2.00.
Laundry
Swimming Pool
Children's Playground - Note: I wan't all that impressed with the playground. All in all I consider New Acres a great place to stay for a night of two but it is not a destination campground- especially since it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere!
Dog Playground
Wireless Internet Service though we didn't use it so it either wasn't available or it was to hard to use.
Restrooms...

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LisaCarey says "There is light at the end of my tire " about Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:41:41 GMT

While I may be a "techie" when it comes to cars and repairs I admit to being at the mercy of a repairman. My idea of checking the air in the tires is eye balling them - since I have children in my car and also had a driving trip coming up this is something I worry about a lot (I got a flat on the interstate once in 100 degree heat and was pregnant so this is one of my biggest fears). Instead of eye balling or having to borrow one at a station my husband decided to make my life and his a little easier with the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light.

What I like about the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

everything!
the ergonomically correct curve to the handle makes it easy to hold into place to measure tire pressure
light display
big easy to read numbers
programmable - I don't have to remember what the pressure in the front and back tires is supposed to be

If like me you don't have a DIYer when it comes to the car the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable...

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jps246 says "A handy small flashlight - Mini-Mag Lite" about Mag Lite Mini AA Holster Pack

jps246 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:41:40 GMT

I have had several Mini-Mag Lites over the years and it doesn't really matter what color they are since they all work the same. The only difference with this package is that the Mini-Mag Lite comes along with two AA batteries and a holster that you can use to carry the flashlight.

For me, the holster is just something I've never had a use for, since I keep the mini-mag lite in my pocket or just somewhere accessible. I suppose if you had to carry it around a lot and use it often, the holster would come in handy.

For me though, I keep my Mini-Mag in the kitchen for the most part. If the power goes out, I know where to grab it and if I need more light on something, I can use it. I also throw it in my backpack when I'm going camping and want to have a small, but bright light for around the campsite.

Mini-Mag Lite is about nine inches long and around six ounces or so in weight. So it is heavier than your average headlamp, but it is small and I find it to be easy enough to carry in a pocket...

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mcg404 says "Benadryl Spray definitely relieves the itch!" about Benadryl Itch Relief Spray

mcg404 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:00:33 GMT

Benadryl spray is a nice alternative to creams that just won't rub in or just don't seem to work. The spray gives a sort of cooling sensation that is nice to feel on a bug bite or other itch. Also, because you do not have to rub it in, there is no risk of reirritating it with the rubbing. You can just spray it on and let it be! There are a couple of downsides to the product, though. First of all, it is a liquid, so it tends to drip/run. One spray is usually more than enough liquid to coat your tiny bugbite, so if you spray too close to your body, you end up with a drip running down your leg/arm. Secondly, after the liquid dries, it can sometimes leave a sticky spot where you sprayed it. This is especially true if you sprayed too close to your body, like I mentioned before. Both of these, however, are fine with me in exchange for the relief the spray provides. I have been a camp counselor for years and have always kept this with me in my backpack. It is always the first...

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jps246 says "Good for car camping - Coleman Camper's Tool" about Coleman Campers Tool

jps246 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:47:52 GMT

I do not think that the Coleman Camper's Tool is the best multi-purpose tool out there for camping, but considering its price, you could do a lot worse. My biggest problem with the Camper's Tool is that it is somewhat bulky and heavy. It is just under eight ounces in weight and it is big enough that even if you slip it in your pocket it is going to weigh you down and feel a bit awkward. On the plus side, you will have just about every tool you will need with the tool. There are both regular pliers and needle nose pliers, two knives, a can opener, wire cutter, screwdrivers, and a file to name just a few. The Camper's Tool has a heavy duty plastic handle that makes it easy to hold. It folds up into a single "brick" when you are not using it and there is a carrying case for the tool.

The Camper's Tool does not going on camping trips very often, unless we are camping with our car or we are on a canoe trip where weight is not such a big deal. In those cases, the tool does come in handy....

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CopperFlowers says "Lightweight, very bright, no batteries required!" about Garrity LED Hand-charged flashlight

CopperFlowers — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:51:22 GMT

Garrity has produced a truly excellent product with the LED hand-crank-charged flashlight. It offers two light settings, LED light for long life, no batteries, of course, and super-bright bluish-white light in a nice, spread-out beam. The hand crank folds out from the back of the light and is extremely easy to turn for recharging. It also features rubber grips on each side of the ergonomically-designed body. The lower light setting helps the charge last even longer and is nearly as bright as the higher setting!

We bought two for our boys and they seem to be able to handle these busy teenagers needs and lifestyles just fine. Despite being dropped several times and from different heights, not a scratch was found on the case or the light cover. A pleasant green metallic finish makes the flashlight easy to find and since it is not exactly round, it doesn't roll away if it is placed on a ladder or table. Very handy and worth every penny, which totalled $8.

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lerasmussen says "Could be stronger" about PEtzl Tikka Plus Headlamp

lerasmussen — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:49:54 GMT

I'm reviewing the Petzl Tikka Plus head lamp. it is pretty good but has some flaws. i tried using it for ice climbing but it wasn't bright enough for my comfort. it worked really well for almost everything else i was using it for in the dark such as hiking and everything else but it wasn't quite bright enough when i was in a cave. i also had a hard time making it tight enough for my head. petzl is a really good company and i wish all of my equipment could be from them however perhaps this isn't a powerful enough head band for that. so it may be that it is my fault for not getting the right one. i also wish that this projected light more periferally. the fabric for this head lamp is also very comfortable it dosen't get itchy and it has a smooth texture, it dosen't feel like it is cutting off the cerculation to my head. overall this is a very good product of petzl i would recommend it but perhaps not for ice climbing but it would be very good for many other things.

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johnneboy12345 says "convenient and helpful" about Leatherman Blast Multi-Tool

johnneboy12345 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:36:12 GMT

the leatherman company has been a reliable one. it has quality products that i use regularly. the tools that come in it are wide and variable.

the seraded blade is nice for sawing through a stick or stump and the file is nice for filing your nails. it is stainless steel and wont rust easily.

it comes with attachable and reattachable tools that slip in and out.

the safety locks are easy to unlock which reduces cut fingers and palms.

the wire cutters work great

the scissors are super good

it even has a ruler that measures up to 9 inches

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lizziezhou says "Ultra Bright 24 LED UFO Portable Camping Light Lamp Torch Flashl" about ZERO light

lizziezhou — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:19:19 GMT

Camping Light , led lamp, Flashlight, Headlight, Torch
This portable camping light has 24 LED’s and runs on 4 AA batteries
With fresh batteries it can be used continuously for nearly 30 hours and the life of the LED’s is more than 100,000 hours
With its round design you get light in all directions
This light is perfect for camping, outdoors, or even to light up a dark closet
It comes with a built in hanger so you can easily place it wherever light is needed
It is easy to use with a simple on and off push button

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ylivings says "Easy to use itch relief" about Benadryl Itch Relief Spray

ylivings — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:50 GMT

I love being outside and doing work in the yard. We have a couple spots along our fence row that has poison ivy so it never fails, several times during the summer I break out in an itchy rash from being in contact with it. I often use benadryl extra strengh itch cream. It doesn't get rid of the itchy rash but it gives me temporary relief from the itch. In the summer I always carry some in my purse to have on hand when I need it. My boys also break out with the rash easily so I keep some in their camps bags as well. It is a great product to use for a poison ivy itch. It doesn't last as long as I would like but I constantly reapply it as needed. Easy to use on the go with no applying necessary. Just spray it on and your done!

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lilsquibb says "Nalgene Narrow Mouth is by Far my Favorite Water Bottle" about Nalgene 16oz Narrow Mouth TRITAN Water Bottle - Filter For Good

lilsquibb — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:48:19 GMT

In partnership with Brita, Nalgene has developed a line of water bottles to express one's commitment cutting down on personal waste by using re-usable sources, such as Brita water filters and Nalgene water bottles. Not too long ago, I received two new water bottles in a houseparty.com party pack. One of the included bottles was the 16 oz. Nalgene Narrow Mouth Tritan water bottle, in the Filter-for-Good décor. The timing couldn't have been better as I need to drink as much water as possible and the Tritan Narrow Mouth makes that just a touch easier.

Although the Tritan Bottle is recommended for extreme adventure, I pretty much use it while I'm at work. (That is an extreme adventure I'm sure it's not what Nalgene had in mind.) This BPA-Free water bottle holds 16 oz. of fluid and is green with a personal commitment statement as a going-green reminder. The bottle has printed graduations which are bright and easy to read for those wanting to know how much water they have had. ...

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ML2007 says "Charmin To Go roll is a must" about Proctor & Gamble Company Charmin To Go

ML2007 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:07:14 GMT

The Charmin Basic To Go roll of toilet paper is a must have for travelers or non travelers as well. I say this because even at nice fancy hotels and airports you will probably come across one of those restrooms where every stall is out or close to being out of toilet paper. Not to mention when you travel to foreign countries where hygiene and cleansiness in the bathroom is not top priority, especially public bathrooms. You can even put this tissue as a seat cover, if there's even a seat to put it on. Seriously though, the first time I used a restroom where there was no toilet paper, I was so relieved that I had stashed a roll in my purse just in case. And, not only did it get me out of a touchy situation, it was enough for one more person in my group to use it as well. The point is that this small 55 sheet roll goes a long way. Thank goodness for travel size toilet paper. Pop one in your luggage and one in your purse and you'll be glad.

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hurrytimer says " Dakine Element Pack is the most sufficient backpack for kids!" about Da Kine Dakine Element Pack

hurrytimer — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:22:15 GMT

Dakine Element Pack is very essential for kids in high school. I was looking for a backpack for my daughter because she always has tons of books to carry and I found the Dakine Element Pack was perfect. It has a insulated front pocket for their drinks, it has a large space insisde the backpack for carrying tons of books and other stuff. She really has gotten great use out of this backpack. Also, it has thick, padded straps on it so she has a easier time carrying the heavy backpack. The colors are so nice and she has slung it around on the gorund quite a few times and I never see any dirt, grime or scuff marks, which is great! It has smaller extra pockets inside and on the side of the backpack. And, on the back side it has a neat design that I was happy with. The price is unbeatable, also. I have paid more for the pricier brands of backpacks and they did not hold up , as well as, this one has so far this school season.

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sapphire959 says "The Dora the Explorer Jr. Air Bed is a WASTE of money!!" about Dora the Explorer Dora Jr. Ready Bed w/ Pump

sapphire959 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:19:13 GMT

I purchased the Dora Ready Bed for my 3 year old daughter and had a few negative experiences with it. As some others have said, I woke up a few times with my daughter in the sleeping bag and the air mattress on top of her or standing on it's side. However, that is most likely due to the fact that my daughter can move around quite a bit in her sleep.

I purchased the ready bed in hopes of getting much use from it. We are staying with my Dad and I needed beds for my children to sleep in, so opted for this one for my 3 year old. After her sleeping in it for just a few nights the bed started losing air through the night and then I found a small hole in the seam so it didn't matter how I patched it or how many times air was put in it was not staying in.

If you only plan to ise the bed occasionally than it may be worth it, but I was very disappointed and my 3 year old was even more disappointed. I would say save your money and avoid this bed.

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oesllc says "A great family tent" about Coleman 3 Room tent

oesllc — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:33:06 GMT

We had gotten this 3-room tent by Coleman. This happend soley by accident. Our new tent that we had purchased through Coleman was broken before we went camping and did not know this till after we arrived at our camping site. Let this be a lession to always test your tent out before you take it camping. It took me five hours to fix it while we were there and it leaked. So when I called Coleman, they replaced it with any model I choose. Of couse, they wouldn't let me do it over a certain dollar amount. Even though the one I chose was not the most expensive, the reviews I had researched had certainly said it was one of the better ones. And they were right about that. There are two rooms, each with it's own flap. Then there is a middle common area. This is the best because when the kids want to play a game inside the tent, they can do so without stepping on everyones sleeping bag, pillows, and clothes.

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becklomax says "Learn to build a fire instead of relying on this stuff" about Coghlan's Fire Sticks

becklomax — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:09:16 GMT

If you buy this and other fire starter gimmicks with the intent to using them for camp fires, what you really need is a good lesson in building a fire outdoors. Using this stuff might get you off an running, but a good fire requires progression from spark to tinder to kindling to heavier wood as the heat builds. Just carry a Bic lighter. If you're in the woods, you'll find plenty of little light things to burn. After a while, add some bigger thing, and eventually you'll have a nice fire and you will have saved yourself the $3.98 that these dumb doo-dads cost.

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becklomax says "Just too darn thin" about Therma Rest Trail Comfort Sleeping Pad

becklomax — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:59:38 GMT

Maybe I am getting old, but this pad and most other Therma Rests are just way to thin for my tastes. Even with a bit of air blown in for good measure, the pad doesn't provide enough comfort unless you happen to be lucky enough to be sleeping on a thick, well-manicured lawn in the first place. These days, I prefer a pad with multiple insulated chambers. Yes, you have to blow it up yourself, but if you're outdoors in the first place, what's the real problem with a few deep breaths?? I should add as well that this thing takes up a lot of room and is normally tied to the outside of a pack which can be a nuisance.

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becklomax says "Superb material and design." about Nalgene Wide Mouth Lexan 16 oz. Bottle

becklomax — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:50:23 GMT

I use this bottle as a back up to my hydration pack. Once I drain the pack, I know I've got water to keep me going until my next refill. This bottle is indispensable and made of a quality that will last your life short of it being subjected to deliberate damage. What's more, unlike similar items by Camleback, Nalgene is made in the USA. Also a plus is the fact that the wide mouth mates perfectly with the MSR water filtration system. Simply twist the Nalgene bottle into the base of the MSR unit and you can pump pure water from most any source right into your bottle.

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LisaCarey says "More photos less battery changes but is it worth it?" about Duracell Power Pix AA Batteries 4 Pack

LisaCarey — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:02:32 GMT

There is nothing more frustrating at a special event than to run out of power with the batteries in your digital camera. Thanks to this situation happening at a children's concert and me missing quite a few photos ops I thought I would give Duracell Power Pix AA Batteries 4 Pack a try to see if maybe I could spend more time taking photos and less time changing the batteries in my digital camera. Duracell Power Pix AA Batteries 4 Pack

How does the Duracell Power Pix AA Batteries 4 Pack work? This battery is the same amount of "power" as any other 1.5 volt AA battery. The difference is in the construction which is designed specifically for the harder use on a battery that a digital camera does. These batteries shouldn't be used in any other product than a digital camera or it could burn it up.

After using the Duracell Power Pix AA Batteries 4 Pack a few times in my HP digital camera I realized that I would get about 15-20 more photos than I did using regular AA batteries. Also,...

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Bryan-Carey says "Eco-I-Lite Lights the Way to Safety" about Eco Lite Eco-I-Lite

Bryan-Carey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:14:31 GMT

<p style="margin-left: .25in;">Are you prepared for a power failure? Most people would answer “yes” to that question and they would point out that they have candles, matches, and flashlights in one of the kitchen drawers, just waiting to be grabbed when the house goes dark. This is a good idea, but there are other means to improve these safety measures and one of them is Eco-I-Lite, a power failure light.

Safety Light Commentary:

Eco-I-Lite is a small flashlight that charges itself by plugging its base into a standard wall outlet. This flashlight is about six inches in length with a lightweight construction and a metallic finish. The small flashlight is stored and charged by placing it on its base, which is plugged directly into an electrical outlet. Eco-I-Lite includes a rechargeable lithium battery and it charges via induction. The light automatically turns itself on if power is lost and it lights up the moment it is lifted from the base. It includes three different settings:......