Camping can be a bonding experience with your friends, family, and Mother Nature. It can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time, and it will certainly be a pleasant experience if you learn some tricks before you go. If you are new to camping but eager to try it, we are happy to share some tips and tricks, things that you should know before you go. The experts at the Wandering Privateer are happy to help as well, especially with selecting the right tent, so you should visit their website before you go. Until then, here are some of the most important things to know before you go camping.

• Gear up. Figure out what you need to bring in your camping trip. Make the decision based on how much room you have, how long you will be gone, and your mode of transportation. If you want to try a backpacking experience, the tent is a must, so the best choice is a lightweight tent. As mentioned above, the experts at Wandering Privateer can help you select the right one.
• Pick the right pack. You should always choose the backpack following two guidelines: the length of your spine, and the length of the track.
• Make sure that you sleep well. The tent is not enough to have a good outdoor sleeping experience. If you want to have a comfortable sleep, you should also bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad.
• Fire up. Of course that you can bring cold meals prepped at home, but it is wise to eat a hot meal a day, especially in the evenings. You can easily prepare grilled vegetables and meats, or hot dogs and sausages. Make sure that you have some charcoal, fire starters, some newspapers, matches, and wood.
• Since you will need a lot of extra energy for the daily tracks, bring lots of granola bars, peanut butter, beef jerky, and drink powders. You can also opt for canned beans and soups, as well as trail mix.
• Select the right clothes. Even though the weather forecast shows that it will be sunny, the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Make sure that you have a sun hat, rain gear, hiking boots, and even a swimming suit. You might come across some beautiful lakes that will invite you to a good, relaxing swim.
• Stay safe. Safety is no joke when you are in a remote area. Dont leave the house without a first-aid kit, creams for blisters, sunscreen, some allergy medication, and your regular medications if you take any.
• Pick the right camping place. If you plan to stay in the same place, you can use specialized websites for detailed reviews. If you plan to sleep in a different location every night, do some research before you go and find out about wildlife in the area and whether or not you can find campgrounds at high altitudes.

Camping can be a pleasant, fun experience. You only need to learn how to do this right, and there are plenty of experts who are ready to teach you.

Are you curious about dry brushing? Ever wonder how it works? If you are planning to try dry brushing, you should start to get useful information and find out if it works for you.

Dry body brushing has existed in several cultures for centuries. However, the reason why it has become one of the unpopular beauty regimens, several years after it had become known to the public, is due to the people’s enthusiasm and skepticism towards dry brushing.

What exactly is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is another method of skin exfoliation. It uses a brush with a firm, natural bristle. It helps unclogs the pores and remove dead skin cells. Also, it can increase blood circulation and aids in lymphatic drainage.

How to dry brush?

Random brushing all over your skin will never work. Effective skin brushing process involves proper steps;

• Dry brush after taking a bath; this helps loosen up the dead skin cells on the skin and down deep in the pores.
• Make sure to completely dry yourself up before dry brushing; take it from its name ‘dry brushing’.
• Start dry brushing at the lower extremities (feet and legs), going up to the midsection, and then towards the heart.
• Brush your skin in a long, circular motion towards the direction of the heart; this encourages blood circulation.
• Always maintain a slightly firm pressure when dry brushing.
• Rinse using cool water; this will ease possible irritation, as well as, close the pores.
• Apply skin moisturizer to bring back the moisture on the skin.

Are there risks in dry brushing?

Yes and no.

Yes, there risks in dry brushing; 

• If you have sensitive skin or suffering from skin problems including, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and more. Dry brushing with a skin condition can cause further skin irritation and other issues.
• If you are brushing too hard, causing skin irritation.
• If you have an open wound. Dry brushing near the open wound can cause bacterial infection.

No, there no risks in dry brushing for individuals who aren’t suffering from skin problems. Rather, it is beneficial to practice dry brushing.

How often should you dry brush?

Experts highly recommend dry brushes once or twice a week. And if you have sensitive skin but still want to practice dry brushing, you should look for a brush that is right for your skin.

Always be gentle when dry brushing. As mentioned, a dry brush can cause skin irritation if you firmly brush your skin using a brush with coarse bristles.

Can you use any brush for dry brushing?

No.

Never use just any dry brush you find online. Purchase a dry brush that fits your skin’s sensitivity rate. Also, some dry brushes are graded; thus, if you are planning to purchase a dry brush online, make sure that it is well-graded.

Final Tip

Always keep your dry brush clean to make the method effective. Clean the brush with soap and warm water to easily remove the dirt. Finally, make sure to read other similar articles and posts that can help you understand more about dry brushing.

If you love your Adirondack chairs, but they dont look good anymore, you can bring them back to life. Adirondack chairs are among the most popular pieces of outdoor furniture, and for a good reason: they are comfortable and have an attractive design. Although Adirondack chairs are easy to maintain, it still is a good idea to refresh them every few years by repainting and refinishing them. If you are willing to refresh your Adirondack chairs to prepare them for this summer season, the experts at The Patio Chair are happy to teach you everything you need to know. We gathered some of their tips together, so check them in the list below.

• What paint to use. I am sure that you are looking for quality, durable work. It is the reason why you should opt for oil-based paint. It is more expensive than other types of paint, but it is worth the extra penny. If you are an eco-friendly type of person, then you should avoid oil-based paint and go with tung oil. Water-based paints are easy to clean, but they are not as durable as oil-based paints.
• Clean before repainting. Numerous people commit the same mistake: they apply the paint directly on the chair that has been unused for several months without first cleaning it. It is a big mistake because the final result will not be balanced. The paint wont look the same all over the chair, so you will have darker and lighter spots. Painting requires some prep work, so clean the chairs before you repaint them.
• The repainting step. If the chair is clean and has dried out after you used soap and water on it, check it out for parts that need tightening. Check the arms, the back, and the seat, and make sure that they havent gone loose. Retightening is easy to do. You only need a screwdriver, and you dont have to be much of a handy person to do it. If you are looking for long-lasting effects, apply one coat of paint, wait for it to dry out, and apply another coat of paint.
• If you are looking to extend durability for your Adirondack chairs, then you should pay attention to these tips. If you live in an area with heavy wet weather, you can protect the wood with a coat of polyurethane. Also, dont get cheap on the paint and the brushes that you use to repaint the chairs. You can save money short-term, but they can damage the wood. Of course, this can turn into a costly mistake, as it is expensive to refresh damaged wood. In some cases, your Adirondack chairs might only be good to be thrown away, so buying new ones requests an extra budget.

Use the tips mentioned above, and your Adirondack chairs will have a long life. Adirondack chairs are of top quality, which means that you can maintain them in a good shape for a long time. You only need to learn a few tips and tricks.

Beam distance is one of the terminologies you’ll frequently encounter about flashlights. It is also an essential factor to consider when looking for a tactical flashlight. But what is beam distance? Why is it so important?

Light sources are one of the basic survival tools besides pocketknives. Of course, all lighting devices share the same function – to provide illumination in dimly lighted and dark places. It allows you to look for objects and work in the dark.

While flashlights are a common light source, looking for the best flashlight is not easy. Flashlights come in a myriad of options and each one differ in style, size, lumens, durability, and beam distance. These factors affect the performance and functionality of a flashlight. For example, regular flashlights feature at least 50 lumens, which is enough for a person to look for objects in places without light. Meanwhile, tactical flashlights lumens can reach up to 1000 and above. The reason why tactical flashlights tend to have higher lumens is due to their functions. This type of flashlight is utilized specially for security, search and rescue, emergencies, and many more.

As indicated above, beam distance is one of the fundamental and essential aspects of lighting devices. However, how does it affect the flashlight’s performance? And what is the best beam distance a flashlight should have?

A Close-up on Beam Distance

Beam distance refers to how far a light will reach. A shorter beam distance means the flashlight’s coverage is minimal. On the other hand, a longer beam distance can illuminate farther allowing you to see objects from afar. For instance, a tactical flashlight with 100m of beam distance enables you to see as far as 100m. Whereas, flashlights with a 150m beam distance allow you to illuminate the area 150m away.

Which Statistic is Best? 

Most people would go for a tactical flashlight with a farther throw or beam distance. But when it comes to beam distance, statistics don’t matter. It all depends on the purpose of using the flashlight.

For household use, a tactical flashlight with a shorter beam distance is sufficient. You don’t need a lighting device with a long beam distance only to illuminate your way down the stairs or when looking for something in the garage. Most flashlights with longer beam distances tend to have more intense light. The last thing you’ll want is blinding one of your family members or neighbors by using a tactical flashlight with high lumens and beam distance.

If your work in the security and law sector, a tactical flashlight with far beam distance is the best option. It is likewise suitable for jobs involving search and rescue. Fishermen, farmers, factory workers, and sailors can also benefit from tactical flashlights with high beam distance. If your job belongs to one of these sectors, you can check out this review to learn about the latest top-seller tactical flashlights.

More Advice

Beam distance is only one of the factors you have to consider when looking for a tactical flashlight. You also have to check the durability, lumens, and power source of the device to name a few. And lastly, always take into account your purpose in buying a tactical flashlight. It will serve as your guide in determining which option is the best one for your needs.

What is cozier this cold season than a pair of fuzzy socks and slippers, and a hot drink recipe? There is nothing more soothing than wrapping your fingers around a piping hot mug of mulled wine or hot cocoa. If you are looking for ideas for a new, favorite hot drink recipe, we are here to help. Check out the list below, try some of the recipes that we happily share, and choose your new favorite beverage for this cold season.

1. Easy Chai Tea. You might have never tried the Chai Tea recipe at home, having the impression that it is a difficult one to make. Chai Tea is easier to make than you think. You only need to combine crushed spices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, milk, and tea bags. Boil all these together and let steep for 10 minutes. If you enjoy an extra kick of caffeine, then add a shot of espresso. You will obtain a DIY dirty chai.
2. Spicy mulled wine. You probably know how to make mulled wine, but we have a new recipe that you will love. If you host a party and have a big crowd to satisfy, mulled wine is the perfect hot beverage to prepare as a big batch. You can obtain a balanced cocktail instead of a sticky sweet one if you simply add peppercorns and spicy fresh ginger.
3. Creamy caramel latte. You might think that you need fancy ingredients for this luscious latte. You might also think that you need a good espresso machine and a milk frother. The truth is that you can make an extra-strong coffee in a French press, and you can froth the milk in a mason jar.
4. Warm mulled cider. Have you ever tried mulled cider? You probably tried mulled wine but mulled cider is even better in our opinion. What you need is a good apple cider, ginger, and orange zest. You will love both the smell and the taste.
5. Spiced hot cocoa. I am sure that you already know how to prepare hot cocoa. Just follow your regular recipe and add ground chipotle and cinnamon. You will thank me later.
6. Blender eggnog. You probably love egg nog, but you rarely prepare it because it takes a lot of time. What if we tell you that you can simply blend all the ingredients and enjoy the same taste? Try it, and egg nog will surely be part of your cold season routine from now on.
7. Minty hot cocoa float. How can you transform the delicious, traditional hot cocoa into a dessert-like treat? It is easier than you think: you add a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream. It tastes as delicious as it sounds.

Lots of people don’t like winter because it is cold and dirty. You might be one of them, but we are sure that winter will slowly but surely become one of your favorite seasons if you try the hot drink recipes mentioned above.

To make your home theater system speakers work, you need a receiver to connect them to the television. But what if you do not want to use one? 

The purpose of a receiver is to receive the audio and video signals coming from several sources, including the speakers. But what if you do not want to use one? How do you connect external speakers without using a receiver?

There are several ways to connect external speakers to TV without using a receiver; these include the following:

#1: Using a 2-channel amplifier

A 2-channel amplifier is one of the best substitutes for a receiver; it can work similarly to a receiver. To connect, use a compatible connection cable and hook it up to the TV’s Audio Output or HDMI port. And then, use the amplifier’s speaker output to connect the speakers to the TV. Lastly, to decrease your television’s internal speakers to avoid audio conflict between your external speakers and the TV’s internal speakers.

Take note; use an amplifier that is compatible with the speakers and the television model.

#2: Using a Hub

Another great substitute for a receiver is using a hub.

A hub is a type of repeater that has two ports, used to connect devices. Technically, it is used to conned computers to create a LAN network, but you can also use it for speakers-TV connection.

Take note; there are two types of hubs: the active and the passive hub. The active hub is used to regenerate weak signals, while a passive hub is simply used to transmit signals. And for a TV-speaker connection, you should choose a passive hub.

Lastly, a hub is in similar size with receivers and runs cheap too.

#3: Using a wireless connection

If your television is Bluetooth enabled, why not use a wireless speaker?

However, take note that the compatibility between the speakers and the television is critical to make the Bluetooth connection work.

#4: Using a decoder

Although using a decoder is not ideal for connecting speakers and television, they can still come in handy if you do not want to use a receiver.

A decoder is capable of converting audio or video signals into another form. However, using a decoder to connect your speakers to your television must be your last choice. And if it is your only choice, you need to make sure that the decoder, speakers, and the television are compatible with each other.

#5: Direct connection

Using a direct connection is the easiest option for everyone. However, it is not always the best option because, sometimes, it is not as effective as it sounds. Your television speakers may sound better than this option. Nevertheless, if this is the option you currently have, you need to look behind your television and look for audio output. And then, using a compatible cable, connect your speakers to your television.

Final Thoughts

To make your home theater system speakers work, you need a receiver. But if you do not want to use one, you can always rely upon using other options.

Are you thinking about getting a camping knife? Why not choose the Mora knife?

There are several camping knives that you can find in the market today, but one of the most popular is the Mora knives. However, most of the Mora knives are designed with a simplistic, practical, and ordinary look. And it appears it does not highlight any special features, unlike expensive camping knives. So, why are these knives popular?

If you try to look beyond the knives’ simplistic looks, you will find several good reasons to own one now.

Reason #1: It holds sharp edges for a long time

All Mora knives are known to have sharp edges. And while the knives are easy to sharpen, you do not need to sharpen them more often because it can hold their sharpness for several weeks. However, the period of its sharpness will depend on the Mora knife’s materials. For instance, carbon steel blade-made Mora can hold its sharpness 1-2 weeks, while a rust-resistant stainless steel knife may require frequent sharpening but not too often compared to other knives.

Reason #2: Versatile

Mora camping knives are highly versatile. These knives can perform a wide variety of bushcraft tasks, including carving, digging, animal skinning, rope trimming, and more. Also, the Mora knife is easy to use and maneuver, allowing you to complete delicate tasks. Moreover, since the camping knives are designed with a firm-grip handle, it is easy to work on intricate carving tasks. If you check this review of the best mora knife by Wandering Privateer, you will understand more how versatile the knives are.

Reason #3: Durable

With proper use and maintenance, Mora camping knives are nearly indestructible. The knives can be used on several materials, including tough ones.

Reason #4: Lightweight

Mora camping knives are known lightweight and easy to carry. In fact, a standard Mora knife can have an average weight of 5.568 ounces, which makes it easy to maneuver compared to other brands of camping knives. Also, despite their weight, the Mora camping knives are surprisingly durable when it comes to performing several bushcraft tasks.

Reason #5: Several to choose from

Another great thing about Mora knives is their diverse models, which are classified into three: the basic, advanced, and the specialized.

• Basic Mora camping knives are ideal for beginners, but professionals can use them too. Also, these knives are multipurpose.
• If you want a more durable Mora camping knife, you should look for an advanced type. Advanced Mora camping knives are perfect for tough and taxing tasks.
• Although most Mora camping knives are versatile, specialized Mora knives are designed for specific uses.

To choose between several options of Mora camping knives, you should consider your bushcrafting and camping skills.

Reason #6: Affordable

All Mora knives are surprisingly inexpensive. In fact, it is one of the reasons why Mora knives are appealing to a lot of campers. So, if you are looking for a high-quality made, durable, easy to maintain, easy to use, versatile, and affordable camping knife, you should choose a Mora camping knife.

HVLP spray gun is a very useful tool, but not everyone thinks so. Check this post and find out why you should choose the HVLP spray gun over the conventional sprayer.

What is HVLP spray gun? And why it is different from the conventional?

A High Volume Low Pressure or HVLP spray gun is similar to a conventional sprayer; both use compressor to supply the air to make the gun work. However, the HVLP uses lower pressure than the conventional sprayer. Also, the HVLP uses a higher volume of air to aerosolize and force the paint out from the gun at lower air pressure.

So, why choose the HVLP spray gun over the conventional? There are a lot of reasons why hvlp spray guns are better than conventional ones;

Reason #1: Less overspray

As mentioned, the air pressure between the conventional spray guns and the HVLP spray gun is different. The conventional sprayers use high pressure to propel the paint out but at a relatively low volume of paint. The HVLP spray gun, on the other hand, uses low pressure to force the paint out, which is at about 10 PSI at the outlet. Thus, with a high volume of air at a lower pressure, this limits overspray.

Reason #2: Higher transfer efficiency

Due to the high volume of air to aerosolize and propel the paint out, the HVLP spray guns have higher transfer efficiency where more paint sticks to the surface of your project, resulting in less overspray, less waste, fewer clean-up, and faster spray painting. In fact, according to the experts, 65 percent of the transfer efficiency rate an HVLP spray gun can produce versus the 25 percent for conventional sprayers.

Reason #3: Better for health

Since conventional sprayers are prone to overspray, these are not good for the environment and your health. These sprayers release a more volatile compound, and when breathed in, it can cause health problems. The HVLP spray guns, on the other hand, shoot less paint into the air, cutting down overspray and the risk of inhaling the volatile compounds. Plus, with less to no overspray, few pollutants are released into the air; thus, making it better for the environment.

Reason #4: Cost-efficient

Since the HVLP sprayers are known to cause fewer to no overspray, you are reducing the cost of paint by 30 to 50 percent than the conventional sprayers at 25 to 35 percent. However, always keep in mind that one of the disadvantages of using an HVLP sprayer is its thicker coat, where it can cause large droplets and uneven application. Before applying the paint, try to do a quick spray practice to ensure you are doing it right, especially if you are new to spray paint.

Final Thoughts

Both the conventional and the HVLP spray guns are very useful. However, when it comes to efficiency, cost, and quality finish, the HVLP sprayers are on top compared to the conventional ones. So, if you are confused about whether to purchase conventional spray guns or an HVLP sprayer, you should consider the latter over the former.

Your car’s tire needs enough pressure to guarantee smooth balance and support. If the tire is under-inflated, it can affect the car’s performance. It also forces the engine to work, thereby resulting in damage and costly auto repairs. Furthermore, it causes premature damage to tires.

Low tire pressure directly affects the car’s fuel consumption. If you are trying to save on fuel money, make sure your tire contains the right amount of pressure.

Indeed, all of these show the significance of having correct tire pressure. Then, how can you determine when your car’s tire needs more air? Here are some clues that will help you figure out if your tires are lacking in pressure.

#1 TPMS Reading

Recent car models have built-in TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). It is a system that alerts you when the tire pressure is too low. If your car’s TPMS shows an exclamation point or warning signal, immediately check your tire’s condition. Add air on the tire until the warning light turns off.

#2 Flat Tire

If you heard flapping noise when driving, chances are you have a flat tire. Underinflated tires slap the pavement, which results in flapping noise when driving. If this happens, pull over and check your car’s tire pressure.

#3 Low-Pressure Reading

You have to check tire pressure regularly. Monitoring tire pressure reduces the risk of underinflated tires. You can monitor tire pressure by using a tire pressure gauge.

A tire pressure gauge is a fundamental tool every car owner should have. Owning a tire pressure gauge assures your tires contain enough pressure when traveling and lessens your chances of having a flat tire. If the gauge displays a low-pressure reading, add more air on your tires.

When it comes to tire pressure gauges, make sure to buy a high-quality and robust device, like the JACO Elite Tire Pressure Gauge. You can check out this JACO elite tire pressure review to learn more about this tool.

#4 Consumes More Fuel

When the car is underinflated, it forces the engine to operate, which results in more fuel consumption. Therefore, you use more fuel despite traveling in the same mileage.

If you refuel more than usual, try to check your car’s tire. Add more air to it if the tires are underinflated.

#5 Steering Issues

Underinflated tires cause you to lose control over the car. You will experience steering problems. The vehicle sways into turns and takes too long to turn than usual. Likewise, it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop. If the vehicle is more difficult to maneuver and break, check the tire pressure for it could be the problem.

Conclusion                                                          

The moment you notice the above signs of low tire pressure, take action fast. If you let the vehicle run while experiencing these issues, it might cause damage to your engine and could lead to accidents.

Always remember that your vehicle’s condition is crucial to safe driving. Thus, learn to monitor your car daily and fix any issues.

Do you need more details about tire pressure? You can go to My Automotive Zone to find out the basics about monitoring tire pressure.

Testosterone in the male body is primarily the hormone that is responsible for the manliness. Be it facial hair, muscle strength, strong bones, or sexual drive, testosterone is the reason behind it. Testosterone is found at different levels among two persons of the same age group and different levels among men in different age groups. It is a well-known fact that testosterone starts receding with age and the low level of testosterone can be undone with medical treatment, nutrition supplement, and some home remedies. Health products that boost testosterone can bring great improvement to the low T level, but the selection can be tricky if you don’t have good knowledge of it. You can read some great reviews on some trusted review sites like knowyourhealthproducts.com to know better about the product before you pay for it.

Medication can help boost testosterone level, but if research findings are to be believed if once you start taking medication or supplements for testosterone boosting, the body starts to cease the natural production of testosterone. Hence it is better to consult a good doctor before you start taking the supplements. With this, we are left with the safest choice to deal with the testosterone issue, i.e. the natural remedies. In natural remedies to regain testosterone, the food constitutes a major part. Here we will discuss in brief about the foods that aid us in boosting testosterone naturally;

Fishes: Tuna, sardines, and salmon are a great source of vitamin D along with protein. Vitamin D is well known to be immensely helpful for testosterone improvement. Eating these fish rich in vitamin D twice every week will be good enough.

Oysters: Zinc is one of the three major contributors to boost the testosterone level in the male body as well as improves sperm health. Oysters are probably the richest source of Zinc in foods among all the foods we find around us. Zinc can also be obtained from nuts, red meat, and shellfish, etc.

Pomegranate: It not only increases the level of testosterone but also improves the blood pressure and lightens your mood. This food is considered to be good for the heart and has elements that help us in busting stress.

Eggs: Especially egg yolks, which are usually thrown away by the health-conscious people helps in improving the low testosterone level in men. Egg yolks are packed with vitamin D and in reality have more nutrients to aid testosterone than egg whites. Although there is still the fear of increasing the cholesterol level n your body in the process, still you can take two to three eggs a week.

Beef: Beef is known to be a great source of testosterone. The liver and ground beef are also is a rich source of zinc.

Honey: It has a mineral called Boron, that helps us in improving the T level and helps improve the blood flow in our body. We can shed the artificial sugar whenever we can and add honey to our diet plan.

Fight against low T level can be own if we stick to a proper diet plan and regular workout with quality sleep will help us win the battle sooner than we have ever imagined.