Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Tavis J Cooper

Whether alone or with friends, backpacking can be a fun and adventurous way to spend a weekend. It gives you a chance to escape the madness of the city, explore a natural surrounding and get some great exercise to boot.

One should never go unprepared, however. Take it from me, not having the right gear or equipment can make a backpacking trip go from an exciting weekend to a frightening two day disaster with no end in sight. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a mountain in a sudden and unexpected rainstorm, without the right water resistant protection. One of the most very important items a backpacker should bring to avoid such a watery suffering is a good backpacking tent.

Though important, backpacking tents are a tricky commodity it can be difficult to pin down exactly the kind you should get. If you are planning on going backing soon and are in the market for a tent, here are some simple tips that may give you a place to start.

First of all, the kind of environment you plan to be mountain climbing through is important to keep in mind as you choose your tent. Even if it is suspect to rain, it is a good idea to purchase a tent that is completely water resistant and closed on all sides.

Even though a ‘lean to’ or cover like tent with open sides is an well organized and simple form of shelter, these kinds of tents can only protect from the mildest of weather conditions. Additionally, most wilderness areas popular for backpackings are safe places for insects, such as mosquitoes, and an open tent will offer no protection against these pests.

Secondly, you should consider the length of your trip when looking for a backpacking tent. Also, what kind of land are you going to pass through? Are you going for a rough and nearly vertical thirty mile plus climb, or a pleasant and easy five mile trip through the woods? If the latter is the case, weight is not an issue and you can purchase as large a tent as you please. The larger the better; you can house all your equipment inside to avoid damage from morning dew or from night animals with a sufficiently large tent. If you are taking a more arduous journey, you’ll want the lightest possible tent you can get that offers adequate protection.

Lastly, choose a good brand name. Ask for advice at the store you visit, or if you are ordering one online, choose a name that you are familiar with. Backpacking tents are important, and not an area to hold back on on financially speaking. If you are pressed for cash, bring cheaper food items. I’d rather eat freeze dried sauce while warm and dry in a nice, functional tent, than eat bone mignon while soaking wet in a heap of junk that fell apart as soon as it started really pouring.

Personally I prefer to sleep under the stars while backpacking, if the weather permits. A good insect disgusting can reduce the mosquito problem and there is something refreshing about waking up covered in dew. However, it only took one bad and very wet experience for me to learn that you should always bring a tent on a backpacking trip, whether or not you plan to use it.

Tavis J. Cooper provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for travel, leisure and other related issues.

By Sumit Sharma

Joy, friendliness and tradition pervade throughout the atmosphere of Chapel Hill. A part of North Carolina, city of Chapel Hill is famous amongst academicians and tourists. The renowned North Carolina University exists here. It is considered to be the oldest university of United States. Stuffed with natural beauty and modern resources, this catches the attention of everyone. It not only comprises of modern downtown amenities but also consists of some rural areas. This city shows great promises for living and business.

City’s tradition is full of cultural, entertainment and eating spots. Clubs, pubs, taverns and restaurants are found in every corner of the city. Entire city seems to be in a different mood, color and flavors. It proves to be a nice place for acquiring a quality education. Numerous reputed schools and colleges in the city have helped in inspiring people for both primary and higher education. If you explore, you will notice the fact that this city has produced many world famous music bands and singers. One of them is Cat’s Cradle. Other names in the list are Squirrel Nut Zippers, Super chunk, Archers of Loaf.

Morehead Planetarium is one of the most important landmarks in the city. This planetarium has been used to train astronauts during Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. Shopping opportunities are also in abundance in Chapel Hill. Some famous shopping destinations in the list are: East and West Franklin St, and East and West Rosemary St, Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill doe not give any reason to you to complain about any aspect as a tourist.