Gore-tex has many advantages in a survival situation, here are my 5 top reasons to choose this material over any other.


Gore-tex is a quality, innovative and constantly advancing material which is useful in a variety of situations, especially in some forms of clothing and when looking for a high performance bivi bag that will keep you warm and dry and will last the distance whatever weather conditions you may face.

1. Gore-tex fabric is really a very durable material and will ensure that, as long as you take good care of it, it will last you longer than other fabrics you may have the option of choosing, which will in the long term save you money buying new equipment.

2. Gore-tex is, unlike many other fabrics, breathable whilst still being waterproof to give you maximum protection but still keep you comfortable. Wind protection is also provided by goretex and again allows moisture to escape, something you wont find amongst other materials.

3. Gore-tex is lightweight and compactable and will enable you to add it to your survival kit without any added frustrations of extra weight or space.

4. All seams can be hot taped, meaning that there will not be stitching in the seams, unlike other fabrics in which stitching of the seams can inflict small holes and allow heat to escape and moisture to enter.

5. Finally, Gore-tex technology is constantly advancing and new innovations are regularly coming into mainstream use. For example, the introduction of triple layer Gore-tex fabric has further optimised the breathability, durability and windproof and waterproof properties of this material.

So in the authors opinion if you are going to buy a bivi bag then i would advise that you opt for a Gore-tex model, preferably triple layer as this will provide you with every aspect of protection you can get in the present day market. Also if you think that it may be too expensive, consider that in the long term it may not only save you money but may save your life or at least ensure you get a better nights sleep. Also consider the added features of a bivi tent, or as it is often referred to, a hooped bivi bag. These bags combined with Gore-tex technology will keep you fully insulated yet allowing for increased space, meaning that you will get a far less claustrophobic feeling when zipped up for the night and also make you more visible and provide you with more room for storage.

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Learn How To Put A Tent Together

Summer time has finally made it and families are putting their heads together to figure out what form of fun they are going to have. There are loads of things that families have the power to do for the summer - but none is more fun then camping out. While camping you are able to have an adventure together that you would never be able to get at Disney World.

There are numerous supplies that must be taken with you in order to make sure that your trip is not only fun - but also dependable and cosy. You will discover that the most serious supply you call for is your tent. This will become your protection during the trip that will protect you from the bugs, wind, and even rain while you sleep.

Before you set up your tent you need to take a look around at the camping ground you are utilising and look for an open area that is flat. It is a bad idea to position yourself beneath a tree or other kind of big item because if it rains the water will incessantly be dribbling onto your tent. Plus you will wish to stay away from tree sap, needles, and the inescapable bird poop that could come your way.

When you have discovered the right spot you will be able to remove the tarp and lay it down. This is utilised to keep the floor of the tent dry if it should rain and to keep out the morning dew. After
Once the tarp is absolutely placed down you will be able to take your tent and commence putting it together.

The majority of tents that you can buy these days do not demand you to beat them into the earth with pegs. They are much simpler to assemble because they are free standing and are flexible. This permits you to easily set it up and set the front door in the easiest spot for you. When your tent is completed you need to place the topper - which is waterproof - on the top.

Now that your tent is all prepared you can blow up your air cot or mattress and place it inside of the tent. If you genuinely wish to rough it out you can lose the mattress and use the old fashioned sleeping bag without anything beneath it.

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Choosing The Right Size Tent

My husband's vacation time was fast approaching and deciding how we were going to spend the time was becoming our number one priority until I got this great idea. He was always watching a show about gold prospecting and I remembered a commercial about an outing that was going to take place the same time as our vacation, so I called and signed us up. When I told him about it he was so surprised and excited.

But, herein, lays a problem. We have never been camping before, but I was determined I wasn't going to let that stop us. First purchase was a tent. Did you know there are many different sizes and styles to choose from? There are 2, 4, 6 and 8 man tents, there are square, rectangle, a-frame and dome shaped tents, there are 1 room, 2 room tents, so many choices. Here are the things I've learned.

Tent sizes are actually determined by capacity. A four man tent will accommodate 4 adults to sleep in as long as they have no other gear in the tent but their sleeping bags. If you plan on spending time in the tent for other purposes other than sleeping and will be putting duffle bags or other items in the tent it would be best to take the number advertised and divide by 2. So, it if is advertised as a 4 man tent, divide by 2 then 2 adults or possibly 2 adults and 2 small (and I emphasize the word small) children would be comfortable in that tent.

Some tents are advertised by size. If that is the case then consider a minimum of 30 square feet per person and that's if you are keeping gear at a minimum. 32 square feet, although still not overly generous would be more comfortable. Also, be sure that you can stand up straight while inside the tent, so that you can move around and get dressed. Believe me there is nothing worse than trying to get dressed all hunched up. You should allow a 6-7ft ceiling height for adults and 4-5ft. ceiling height in a kid's tent.

Another thing to keep in mind in size is the bigger the tent the more work involved in setting it up. You also have to consider the ground area, the bigger the tent the bigger the flat area needed. Plus, the bigger the tent the heavier it is to haul around. Not comfortable with the idea of spending it on the ground? There are some great truck tents available now that are actually made so that you can stand up in them. I also recommend practicing setting up and breaking down the tent a few times at home first so that it will go up with a lot more ease and less cursing at the campsite.

Tent shapes are totally your decision. Square tents are going to give you more floor area than a round shape floor.

Tent seams should be reinforced with nylon tape that is stitched into each seam which makes the seam stronger and more weatherproof, All the seams must be waterproofed with a seam sealer that will come with the purchase of your new tent. Trust me when I say that you must use this bottle of seam sealer and be sure to get every seam. It is not fun to get up in the morning to find that the front room of your tent is now an indoor swimming pool because you thought you did that part of the tent.

Since our kids were older and liked the idea of being by themselves we purchased one big tent with 2 rooms and smaller pop-up tents for the kids. We chose the 2 room tent for us so that we could have a room with privacy for us and we used the front room as a family room. Camping should be fun and having the right tent is the first step in making sure it happens.

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Currency Issues on Pattaya Tour

Baht is the currency of Thailand comprising of 100 Satangs. Coins are minted of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht pieces. However, coins of same value are of different sizes and this could create confusion. So you should use the coins carefully.

Paper Money
Paper money is easier to use than the coins. The paper notes have Arabic as well as Thai numerals and these are also color coded. Notes of different sizes are printed for different denominations.

Money Exchange
Money exchange is 24 hour service in upscale hotels. At other establishments it is 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Ask for a receipt of your exchange transaction, for it could be a useful evidence if you later ask for a repurchase of foreign currencies. Although the exchange rate varies everyday, it approximately remains at 1$ equaling to 37 Baht. Banks offer the best rates among the money changers.

Banks
Banks are open in Pattaya from 9.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. everyday except Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.

Credit Cards
International Credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express card are widely accepted in Pattaya. You must find out with your card company whether your credit card is acceptable in Thailand. You must also take information about various facilities available with the credit cards.

Travellers’ Cheques
Travelers Cheques make your task easier. Additional exchange rates charges could be saved by using the travellers’ cheques. These cheques are readily accepted in all major establishments like banks, shops and hotels. It the travelers cheques are in major currencies like Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling, it would be better.

Restrictions on Currency
The government has placed many restrictions on the import and export of currency in Thailand including Pattaya. A Thai citizen is barred from importing and exporting local currency more than 50,000 baht. For a family, the ceiling is 100,000 baht. However, there is no restriction on the import and export of foreign currency
.

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Cheap Holidays For A South of France Getaway

The desire to visit France is not just a British or American pipe dream, but an urge felt all over the world. Whether you stay in one of the larger cities, the countryside, on the beach, close to the castle regions, or you simply focus on visiting all the glorious villages, France has something that will appeal to urbanites, city-dwellers, and even those more suited and appreciative of a slower pace.

The beautiful areas of southern France captivate and seduce travelers every year, and appeal to many who've yet to find the way over. However, trips to anywhere in Europe can be straining on the pocket book, especially in these difficult economic times.

What is a desperate traveler to do? First things first?investigate!

Take the time to find the best possible travel arrangements. On the web, sites such as South-of-France or France This Way are there to help with information on how and where to find the cheapest flights. Don't rush into a ticket, and remember that commercial airlines may not necessarily have the best deals available.

But before you can find the best travel itinerary, do your research, and determine where it is you'd like to go. If visiting the south of France, try out these excellent locations as well as these affordable suggestions for building memories that will last you a lifetime.

Aquitaine

Follow its Atlantic coastline to the Spanish frontier and discover worlds of adventure. Visit medieval villages and castles, or spend all your time surfing or lounging on the beach, during the day. At night, take in authentic French restaurants and the fast-paced nightlife of Bordeaux and other major cities in the area.

Northern Languedoc

Take a stroll through the Gard department and visit some of the ruins of Rome. Explore the cosmopolitan town of Montpellier, or, if you're a fan of French literature, check out Pezenas, a town that is a living shrine to the great writer Molieres. From Cathar castle country to the sea and mountains, this region continues a tradition common in the south of France?having something for everyone.

La Couvertoirade

One of the most beautiful villages in France, La Couvertoirade housed a chapter of the Knights Templar in the 13th Century. It boasts historical significance and natural beauty. While there, you may consider visiting the castle and its ramparts, which remain in good condition, despite hundreds of years having passed since its origin. In addition to this, there is the Saint-Christophe church, which dates back to the Knights of Saint John (14th century). If visited outside the peak of summer or early in the morning, a traveler can really get a sense of what this village was like ages ago. Highlight: a view from the watchtower gives travelers an excellent look at the community, and all its neighboring villages!

So pinpoint the south of France for your next destination. Do your research and planning. Use the tools that are available online, such as those discussed in this article, and a cheap holiday in France will be an adventure you'll never forget!

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