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Beginners Guides

Camping Out Of A Van

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Van camping is an awesome activity. It offers a distinctive approach to enjoying America’s great outdoors and natural beauty. There are various methods to camp in a van, including using the back of it as a makeshift tent, setting up an actual tent within it, or sleeping inside as if at a sleepover.

Sleeping in the back of the van like a tent is one of the most traditional ways to camp in a van. This is done by laying down some blankets and camping pads on the floor of the van and then sleeping there.

Putting up a tent inside of the van is another way to camp in it. This can be tricky, but if you have enough space, then you can do it! You would just need to have an extra strong frame for your tent.

Sleeping inside of the van like at a sleepover is probably the least typical way to camp in a van, but it is still pretty cool.

Invest in a good van

camping out of a van

Choosing the right van is a big part of camping out of a van. You want to make sure it’s built well, has enough space for you and your gear, and that it’s comfortable.

There are a number of places to find vans, both online and in-person. Online sources include eBay, Cars.com, and Amazon Vehicles. In-person sources include car dealerships and communities such as churches or universities where people may be leaving with a vehicle.

Since most vans are used vehicles, do some research on the history and worth of the van you are looking to buy. You do not want to spend a large amount of money on a junker that will not last!

Once you have found a good-quality van, have it checked out by a mechanic to make sure there are no underlying problems that will later cost you money.

Buy a good bed

camping out of a van

While sleeping in a van is possible without a mattress or sleeping bag, it is not comfortable. You can get away with using a blanket as insulation, but you will feel the hard floor underneath.

A good way to invest some money into your camping van is to buy a nice mattress and sleeping bag. Depending on the season you will use either one or both, but having quality ones makes a difference.

Other helpful tips are to get rid of the back seats in order to create more floor space and get high-quality covers for the windows to keep out moisture and heat.

Buy a enough blankets

camping out of a van

If you are going to be sleeping in your vehicle, you will want to have enough blankets to be warm. You will also want a few extra just in case.

Depending on the season you camp, you will need different warmth levels. If you camp in the winter, you will most likely need a heavy duty sleeping bag and several heavy blankets or quilts to keep warm.

If it is summer, a light sleeping bag and light weight blankets will do the trick. Of course, if you have an RV then your camping set up is complete! You have your shelter and warmth already established.

Sleeping in a vehicle is enjoyable for some people, but for others it is not enough room. If you are not a fan of tight spaces, then try camping out of a van to give you more space and entertainment options.

Purchase a heat source

camping out of a van

If you plan to camp in colder weather, you will need a way to warm yourself and your van. A good way to do this is by purchasing a portable heat source.

Portable heaters come in tripod form, where you place them on the ground or a surface and they emit heat upwards, or in wall form, where they are installed in the van walls.

Both have advantages and disadvantages- tripod ones may have trouble heating the whole van, but can be moved around to targeted areas, while wall ones will heat up the entire space but cannot be moved around easily.

Some weigh more than others, so look into the weight before buying! For the best comfort, try pairing a portable heater with extra blankets and/or a sleeping bag.

Check out some reviews before purchasing to make sure you are getting the best quality for your money.

Plan your bathroom situation

camping out of a van

Even if you are going to a campground with toilets and showers, it is still important to think about your bathroom situation.

If you are camping in a tent, you have more privacy than if you are camping in a van. In a van, you have to consider where to put your toilet and how to hide it.

You can buy special vans with built-in toilets, or you can buy portable toilets that fit into the van. For water, you can use water bottles or tap into the campground’s source.

Another thing to think about is how to clean yourself. If you are camping in a tent, then it is easy—just go down to the lake and take a swim! If you are camping in a van, then you will need to plan for some sort of shower. You could bring spray bottles and towels to dry off, or go to the campground showers.

Plan your cooking situation


If you plan to do a lot of cooking in your van, consider investing in a camping stove. These can be both portable and non-portable depending on your needs.

If you want to have the ability to cook inside the van, then get a gas camping stove. They are fairly inexpensive and work well for cooking meals. If you are looking to save money, get a portable charcoal grill!

If you are not planning to cook inside the van, then a portable gas stove or charcoal grill is sufficient. Just make sure they are in good working condition!

To save some space, pack tupperware or Ziploc bags to store food in. This also helps keep food fresh longer since they are waterproof. Invest in some heavy-duty bags too just in case there is flooding at the camp site or water spills into the van.

What about rain?

camping out of a van

If you are planning to camp in wet weather, you will need a water-proof shelter. If you have a van, awning can be attached to the side or rear windows to create a covered area.

You can also get a waterproof mattress that can be used instead of the floor, and put your sleeping bag in a waterproof cover. This way, you can sleep comfortably even if it rains.

If it is just occasional rain, then you are okay to stay in your van. You can put down plastic covers on the ground for protection against water. Just make sure they are tight fitting so water cannot get inside!

Another tip is to keep all your belongings in waterproof bags or containers. That way any water that gets in your van does not affect your things.

Are the Tips for Camping Out of a Van Similar to Camping out of a Car?

Camping in a car and camping in a van share many similarities in terms of essentials. Both require careful packing, assuring enough supplies, and considering comfort. However, while camping in a van may allow for more space and freedom, camping in a car demands strategic organization and prioritization due to limited room. Ultimately, whether in a car or a van, camping enthusiasts can still enjoy the great outdoors.

Will I have street power?

camping out of a van

A critical thing to have while camping in a van is access to power. You will want a way to charge your phone, take showers, and wash your dishes.

Depending on where you camp, these things may be hard to come by. Many public parks do not have showers or toilets, so you have to find ones that do.

Street parking can be hard to find in cities, making it difficult to get plugged in. And if you do find a spot, it may not have a strong enough A/C adapter to charge your van via the adapter port.

The best way to avoid all of this is to buy a portable solar panel. These work by collecting sunlight and transferring that energy into electricity which then charges devices or runs appliances.

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Beginners Guides

Physical Benefits Of Camping

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Camping offers an enjoyable opportunity to embrace the outdoors and appreciate the natural world. It allows you to not only immerse yourself in the great outdoors but also to gain knowledge about the environment and its various aspects. Through camping, you become familiar with meteorological trends, a variety of plant and animal life, and methods of navigating your way by relying on the sun and identifying different natural markers.

Camping can also be spiritually enlightening. When surrounded by nature’s beauty and power, one can feel very small yet incredibly appreciative.

Many people have tried camping at some point in their life, but not many continue to do it on a regular basis. Unfortunately, they are missing out on many benefits of camping.

For this article, we will discuss several physical benefits of camping that will help you feel better about yourself and your environment.

Camping helps you overcome anxiety

physical benefits of camping

Camping can help you become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Many people feel anxiety about spending time in nature, away from the comforts of modern life, like electricity and running water.

You may worry about getting enough sleep because you’re unused to the sounds of the night, or you may worry about how you’ll keep clean without access to showers and clean water.

These fears can stem from a lack of knowledge about how to camp. You may know how to camp in theory, but actually spending time out in the wild requires some hands-on experience.

Camping specialists like The Camping Specialist offer tips and tricks on how to improve your camping experience, which is why he offers a one-hour camp counseling session for only $50! This price is so affordable because he wants to help people enjoy their camping trip by feeling more comfortable and confident.

Camping makes you more mindful

physical benefits of camping

Camping forces you to be more mindful about your surroundings and how you interact with them.

You have to be aware of what wildlife is in the area, what weather is coming, and how to manage your environment.

This includes putting up a tent, knowing where clean water is, and knowing how to cook good food using a camping stove or grill.

Camping also requires you to pay attention to nature. You learn about the animals that come out at night, hear the different sounds, and notice the changes in nature.

By paying attention to all of this, you gain a greater sense of connection with it all. You become more aware of your place in the world around you.

This awareness has many mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety and enhancing mood stability.(7) Camping trips are a good way to take part in this activity.

You can get a good workout from camping

physical benefits of camping

While you are camping, you will likely be doing more than just sitting around and watching the fire. There are many activities you can do to have a good time while getting some good exercise.

Many campers spend time hiking through the woods, along trails or across fields. This can be a very fun and exciting experience, especially if you aren’t familiar with the terrain.

Others prefer to fish in the lake or river near the camp site. This requires sitting still for long periods of time, trying to reel in the big one!

Still others enjoy spending time outdoors playing soccer or another game. Whether it’s lawn games like horseshoes or more structured games like tennis or basketball, there is plenty of opportunity to move around.

You learn how to deal with difficult situations

physical benefits of camping

Camping can be a great way to spend time with your family. It is a way for you to get to know each other better as well as to get away from the everyday distractions that pull you apart.

Family camping trips are more than just laying out a blanket and sleeping under the stars. You get to learn about each other when you have to work together to set up the site, take down the site, and when you have to manage situations such as weather changes or wildlife encounters.

This is an important quality of camping- you learn how to cope with changing circumstances. When you camp, there’s a good chance you’ll experience bad weather, which can be stressful. You learn how to keep a cool head and continue with your activities despite the situation. This skill can carry over into other areas of your life.

Improves physical health

physical benefits of camping

Camping allows you to enjoy the great outdoors and all it has to offer. You are put in an environment where you are forced to be active.

You have to go on hikes to find good places to camp, you have to set up your camp, and you have to maintain your health by keeping clean and hygienic.

Besides these requirements, you are forced to get off your phone and into the nature around you. You must take in your surroundings and appreciate them, which is an added bonus.

Camping also brings a group of people together which creates a healthy social environment. You get to know people on a more personal level which has health benefits itself.

Lastly, camping brings people of all ages together which helps foster development in younger individuals.

Improve psychological well-being

physical benefits of camping

Camping has a very positive effect on your mental well-being. Spending time in nature has been linked to higher levels of happiness, lower levels of anxiety, and a more positive attitude toward life in general.

Many people spend too much time in urban environments and don’t take the time to experience nature. However, with the growing awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, more organizations are offering opportunities to experience the beauty of nature.

Camping clubs and organizations offer you the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature for yourself while also giving you the independence and freedom that you desire when camping.

You have the freedom to set up your camp however you wish, you have the freedom to explore whatever areas of nature that interest you, and you have the freedom to take as long or short a break as you wish during your camp.

All of these things help put your mind at ease and enable you to focus on yourself instead of worrying about outside distractions.

Learn to deal with difficult situations

physical benefits of camping

When you’re camping, things don’t always go as planned. You can’t just run into a store and replenish what you’ve used.

Whether it’s the food you’ve brought or the clothing on your back, everything you have is what you get. There are no refunds or exchanges!

The fact that you’re going “barefoot” in nature also adds to the difficulty. You have to learn to deal with things like bugs, thorns, and cold water- all of which can cost you your comfort, but may also help strengthen you.

Camping allows for a level of vulnerability that few other activities offer. You have to work together as a team to feel comfortable, safe, and satisfied with your experience.

Builds confidence

physical benefits of camping

Camping makes you more confident in many aspects of life. You learn to be more independent, you learn to manage your time, you learn to manage your resources (time, energy, money), and you learn to be creative with what you have.

You spend a significant amount of time alone, which gives you time to think and re-evaluate what you think you know. You get to try out new things like cooking new foods or making new items such as makeshift towels or bags.

Camping makes you feel powerful as well as connected to nature around you. You physically invest in yourself by strengthening your physical skills such as setting up a tent quickly and comfortably.

Budget camping is a great way to test out if camping is for you or not. You can do it for a night or two and see how you feel and what benefits you receive.

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Beginners Guides

How To Build An Outdoor Quail Cage

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The quail, a type of bird, is frequently seen in domestic breeding environments. They are most notably recognized for a widely domesticated variety referred to as the Coturnix quail, also identified as the Japanese quail.

These birds are not extremely popular as pets, however, they are fun to have! They are very social animals and need interaction with other quail or birds of the same species.

Quail eggs are a common food source for these birds, which is why an outdoor cage needs to be built for them. You can either purchase materials to build the cage or look up how to make one online. There are many resources for building cages so don’t worry if you do not know how to!

The most important part of building a cage for these particular birds is making it secure. This article will go into detail about some tips on how to build an outdoor quail cage.

Purchase a Cage

how to build an outdoor quail cage

Quail cages can be found in most pet stores. You can also find them online, as well as craigslist and facebook marketplace. Make sure to look for one that has enough room for the number of quail you want to raise.

Quail grow quickly, so make sure the cage is large enough to fit them as they grow. A good rule of thumb is at least 2 feet by 2 feet per quail.

The cage should have a sturdy base that cannot be tipped easily. The bars must also be strong enough to hold the weight of the quail and their droppings. Look for cages made of metal for strength and longevity.

Make sure the door is secure so that your quails cannot escape!

Several people make their own cages, using wood and wire mesh for durability and accessibility for the birds.

Build the Base for Your Cage

how to build an outdoor quail cage

Once you have all of your supplies, you can start building your quail cage. The first thing you will do is build the base for the cage. You will want to make sure that it is wide and strong enough to hold all of the inhabitants and their supplies.

You will also want to make sure that it is tall enough so that your quails can stand up straight without hitting their heads on the top of the cage. A good rule of thumb is two times the length of the quail is tall enough.

The base should have a door that closes securely so that your quails do not escape. They are small birds, so they can easily slip through small openings! Make sure yours are too big or too strong or you may end up with some escaping.

After constructing the base, put in a layer of bedding material like paper or soft grasses.

Place Grass Inside the Cage

how to build an outdoor quail cage

When you place your quail in the cage, they will appreciate having something to peck at and eat.

You can place dried grass inside the cage for them to peck at and eat. You can also add some wheat or oat seed for them to feed on. Both of these can be purchased at a local pet store or online.

It is a good idea to wash the grass before placing it in the cage. This is because it may contain pesticides or other chemicals that are not safe for the quail.

When breeding season comes around, it is a good idea to remove the grass or replace it with something else. This is because baby quails cannot eat grass until they are older.

To make your cage more comfortable, add some bedding like paper towels or toilet paper rolls.

Place Rocks Inside the Cage

Once you have built your quail cage, you will need to add a few things inside of it. The first is some sort of hiding place.

Quails like to have a sheltered area where they can retreat if they are scared. This also helps when cleaning the cage, as they will usually stay in this area while you do so.

You can use wood, grasses, or even small rocks to create a hiding place. As long as it is tall enough for them to fit in, and covers both top and bottom, it is good!

Quails like having privacy so adding some large rocks inside the cage will help them feel more comfortable. It may take them a little while to dig down into the soil under the rock but eventually they will find the soft bottom and relax.

Place Wooden Perches Inside the Cage

how to build an outdoor quail cage

Quails love to perch and walk around on wooden or wire perches. You can either make or buy a cage with built-in perches.

If you make your own quail cage, then you will need to place wooden or metal perches inside the cage. Quails like to have a place to land and strut around on.

Quails also like to have a sheltered area where they can retreat if they are scared. You can make this with netting or a door attached to the cage.

In general, one inch of perch space is required for every two quails. This way, they have enough room to strut and land without getting too close to each other.

Make sure the perch is sturdy enough so that the quail does not fall off during the night when it is sleeping. Refresh the paper every few days to keep it clean and safe.

Place Shelters Within the Cage

how to build an outdoor quail cage

Quail need a shelter to retreat to when they are cold, frightened, or otherwise need protection. You can make a simple shelter using a box with a hole in the front and back and draped with cloth.

You can also use a commercially made cage that has built-in shelters. If you choose this route, just make sure it is large enough for several birds to stand up in and turn around in.

Shelters should be cleaned and replaced periodically due to wear and tear. When replacing them, make sure the new ones are waterproof. Quail do not like wet conditions, so thin plastic or cloth material is not acceptable replacements.

Quail are very domesticated birds, so they will spend a lot of time out of the shelter when they feel safe. Make sure to give them enough space so that they do not feel confined or insecure.

Hang Molting Feeders Within the Cage

how to build an outdoor quail cage

Once you have built your quail cage, the next step is to add some feeders and supplies. You can either purchase these items or make them yourself, depending on your carpentry skills.

Quails will run out of food and starve, so it is important to provide them with enough food. They will also eat each other’s feathers, making it necessary to provide them with adequate molting feeders.

To ensure their safety and survival, it is required to give them separate cages during mating season. This is because the males are very aggressive towards each other, and one will end up killing the other.

You can either purchase two separate cages, or you can use one large cage with separators to keep the quails separated.

Install a Feeding System

Once your quail cage is complete, you will need to install a feeding system. You can choose to put in a regular bowl, however this can get messy and the quail will have to work harder to find food.

It is best to purchase a food dispenser that holds food or grain above the ground where the birds can easily access it. These are also easy to clean so that bacteria and mold does not grow inside of them.

Some feeders automatically dispense the food or grain, which is even better! Quail tend to be territorial so one bird may not want to go near the feeder until it sees the other eating, then it will too.

You will have to clean these feeders occasionally so that bacteria and mold does not grow and make your quail sick.

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Beginners Guides

How Do Outdoor Security Cameras Work

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Surveillance cameras are increasingly common in both residential and commercial settings. They come in a variety of designs and price points, ensuring that there’s an option accessible for everyone to purchase.

They are a great tool to have at your disposal. Security cameras can help you stay aware of your surroundings, let you know when someone is coming or going on your property, and can even help you should there be any property damage or theft.

Security cameras now come in a variety of forms including ceiling mounted, doorbells with camera functionality, and even wearable ones such as a wristwatch with a camera built in. The latter is becoming more popular due to the ease of use and disguise it provides.

The issue with most security cameras is that they only record what happens when they are set up correctly. Many do not have automatic recording settings or alerts which can hinder their usefulness.

They record criminal activity

how do outdoor security cameras work

Security cameras record incidents or events that take place in a particular place and time. Most security cameras are designed to record events in public places like streets, sidewalks, and parks.

They are also frequently used in businesses and homes to monitor activities like traffic in and out of the property, product production processes, and safety measures like alarm system tests.

Security cameras can be programmed to record at specific times or can do so continuously. With the advancement of technology, most security cameras are smart devices that connect to the internet. This allows users to monitor their camera footage from any device via an app or web interface.

Security cameras have different lenses that determine their field of view. Lenses can be fixed (not adjustable) or variable (able to adjust). The size of the lens determines how much light is captured, how clear the image is, and how many things are in the picture.

Provide evidence for the police

how do outdoor security cameras work

Although it is a security feature, one of the best uses for outdoor security cameras is to provide evidence to the police. If a crime occurs in your vicinity, the police can use your security footage as proof that a crime happened and who did it.

This is very useful as it can help solve cases faster and bring justice to the situation quicker. The police may even come to you for access to your footage if they need it!

Since these cameras can be set to record at specific times or when something gets triggered, like movement, the police can get pretty solid proof using your camera. It is also very easy for them to download and use the footage.

Security cameras have become so popular that some stores sell dummy ones so that potential criminals think you are protected but you actually are not.

Help identify who is doing the damaging

how do outdoor security cameras work

Security cameras are one of the most popular ways to protect your property. They are becoming more and more common as they become cheaper and easier to use.

Security cameras can be either wired or wireless. Wired cameras require you to install a security system which connects to your phone or computer via cable.

Wireless cameras have their own built-in camera and connection system so you do not need to install a security system. You simply place them where you would like security and they automatically connect to your phone or computer.

Both of these styles help identify who is doing the damaging or harassing and help police prosecute them. They can also help make you feel more secure in the area because you know what is going on, even if nothing happens.

Outdoor cameras are weatherproof

how do outdoor security cameras work

Security cameras designed for outdoor use are usually waterproof and weatherproof. This means that they can endure rain, snow, and heavy humidity. Some even have infrared filters that help them capture images in poor lighting conditions!

Most models are designed to withstand wind up to around fifty miles per hour, which is a typical wind speed for a moderate windy day. However, if a camera is not mounted properly or there is too much exposure to the elements, it may be defeated.

Security cameras with wireless connectivity are more susceptible to weather as they have openings for antennas to connect to the network. If there is too much exposure to the elements, then water could get into these openings and damage the camera or its wiring.

When buying an outdoor security camera make sure it is compatible with your needs and will withstand the environment it will be in.

They have a long battery life

how do outdoor security cameras work

Another important feature of an outdoor security camera is its battery life. Most models have a built-in battery that you charge up before using.

Some models have a rechargeable battery, while others require replaceable batteries. Some cameras can even be plugged into a wall socket for a constant power source.

Since most security breaches occur during the night, when people are sleeping, a camera with a long battery life is important. It will not need to be recharged or changed frequently, ensuring its security function.

Some cameras have very short recharge times, allowing it to continue monitoring the area continuously without having to stop to recharge.

Security cameras come in both wired and wireless versions. A wireless camera does not need to be plugged into anything for it to work, it broadcasts itself through radio signals. A wired camera requires being plugged into an outlet or a power wire.

Easy setup

Most people would agree that one of the biggest advantages of outdoor security cameras is their easy setup. You no longer need to call a technician to your house to install a security system.

Most models are equipped with an installation kit that includes a mounting bracket, Ethernet cable, and battery or power adapter. Some even have a SD card or Wi-Fi connectivity included!

All you need to do is follow the instructions in the manual and you are good to go. Some models may require you to download and install a app or software onto your phone or computer, but that is also fairly simple.

Some of the more advanced models do require some professional expertise to set them up, but for the average person, setting up an outdoor security camera is quick and simple.

Motion detection capabilities

how do outdoor security cameras work

Another feature found in the best outdoor security cameras is motion detection capabilities. These cameras can tell when a moving object enters their field of view and will begin to record.

This is very helpful as it filters out any constant background noise or permanent objects in the camera’s view. It only records when something moves, which helps save storage space and only captures events that are important.

Some cameras have very sensitive motion detection capabilities which may record too many unnecessary things. Others have more stringent requirements which may fail to record important events.

Finding the perfect balance is up to you and your needs!

Some cameras do not have built-in microphones so you will need to purchase one that does if you need hearing protection.

Remote access capabilities

how do outdoor security cameras work

Another key feature to look for in an outdoor security camera is the ability to access it remotely. Many of today’s models offer some form of remote access, usually through a mobile app.

Some cameras require you to download a separate app, while others have one universal app that works with all their cameras. This is something you should check before buying to avoid wasting money.

Some models offer direct connectivity via the Internet or via a wireless network. This allows you to view your camera feed from anywhere using a computer or smartphone.

Others require you to install a dedicated app on your phone that can connect directly to the camera for direct live viewing and recording or sending alerts. Some even have built-in WiFi capability so you can view your camera feed on your phone or computer without having to connect through the internet.

Still others only have limited wireless capability, requiring you to either view the camera on your device in the same room it’s in or take out your phone and try to find the closest open WiFi signal so you can view it online.

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About us

Since 2012, Laienhaft has been your go-to source for all things camping and outdoor. With a carefully curated selection of top-quality gear, expert advice from our passionate team led by Olivia and Jason, and a thriving community of outdoor enthusiasts, we’re here to inspire and equip you for unforgettable adventures in the great outdoors. Explore https://laienhaft.com/ and join us on this exciting journey of embracing nature and creating lasting memories.

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