Outdoor

Outdoor

Shred and Spruce: The Ultimate Guide to Garden Mulchers

May 2, 2023 — by Richard Dawson

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Are you tired of countless hours raking leaves, trimming branches, and hauling away yard waste? Say goodbye to the hassle and hello to a beautiful garden with the power of a garden wood chipper! Not only can this machine reduce waste and save money on buying mulch, but it can also improve soil health and promote healthy plant growth. Get ready to transform your gardening game with the ultimate tool every green thumb needs – a wood chipper.

What Does a Garden Mulcher Do?

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source: titan-pro.co.uk

A garden shredder mulcher, also known as a wood chipper, is a machine that chops, shreds, and grinds organic yard waste into small pieces. You can then use these pieces as mulch to cover soil, retain moisture and weed growth, or add them to a compost pile to create nutrient-rich soil. In short, a woodchipper helps reduce yard waste, improves soil health, and enhances the overall appearance of your garden.

What Are the Benefits of Garden Shredder?

Mulchers or chippers offer a range of benefits for gardeners. Buying a heavy-duty garden mulcher can:

  • Help reduce yard waste by turning branches, leaves, and other organic materials into small, easily manageable pieces, which means less time hauling trash to the curb and more time spent enjoying your garden.
  • Help create nutrient-rich mulch, leading to healthier plants and improved soil quality.
  • Save money on buying mulch from a store. Instead, you can create your mulch using materials from their yards. That not only saves money but also promotes sustainability and reduces waste.

Types of Garden Mulchers

Choosing a suitable garden mulcher for your needs can quickly and silently process yard trash without becoming clogged. Picking the right type that’s now powerful enough with trouble mulching even the flimsiest of branches and is easily stuck can make removing garden debris a noisy ordeal.

Regarding the source of power, there are two main types of wood chippers:

  1. Petrol
  2. Electric

Regarding the type of cutting system, there are:

  1. Impact Mulchers
  2. Roller Shredders

Here’s an overview of each type, so you can get an idea of which one’s best for you and your garden.

Impact Garden Shredders

source: viivilla.no

Impact garden shredders, known as rapid shredders, are economical but are noisier than other garden shredder types. They use a blade mechanism to slice garden materials into small pieces and are less prone to blockage. Impact shredders are more suitable for processing leaves and lighter garden debris and are typically lighter than roller models.

When choosing an impact shredder, opt for one with multiple blades, as they’ll wear out less quickly. Also, selecting a machine with a regularly shaped hopper makes it easier to feed material into the shredder and complete the job faster.

The advantages of impact garden shredders include affordability, lightweight design, and their ability to avoid frequent blockages. However, they can be noisy while in use.

Roller Garden Shredders

Roller garden shredders, commonly referred to as quiet shredders, employ a ridged roller to chop and crush garden waste. The roller’s motion pulls the material through the machine, making it effortless to shred a large amount of waste. However, these shredders are prone to blockages caused by green and fibrous materials and are usually more costly than other wood mulcher types.

It’s crucial to ensure that the roller shredder is easily movable before purchasing one, as it can be reasonably heavy. Additionally, adjusting the gap between the roller and the plate is essential as it could affect the shredding efficiency.

The advantages of roller garden shredders include their ability to shred a large amount of waste. However, they are more likely to get blocked and are more expensive.

Petrol vs Electric

The majority of gardeners will choose an electric yard shredder. However, ensuring the cable’s length is adequate for your garden is crucial. Because some brands shorten the cable length, you might need an outdoor extension cord.

A petrol wood chipper might be better if you don’t have an outdoor power source in your yard. Typically more powerful, these models will cost more and require frequent maintenance. That’s why many gardeners choose electric models with an onboard battery for working in remote areas of their property.

Features to Look for When Buying a Garden Wood Chipper

Garden Wood Chipper
source: psdgroundscare.co.uk

Ease of Use

When looking for a shredder, assess the ease of use by testing how easy it is to lift and maneuver. Heavy or bulky models may be challenging to use over rough terrain or at a distance. Additionally, check how easily you can access the blades for adjustment, and consider choosing a model with a reverse function to facilitate clearing blockages.

Plunger

The small paddle with a handle used to push the material into the shredder, known as a plunger, can prevent finger injuries. If the model you prefer doesn’t have a plunger, you can use a durable stick as a substitute.

Collection Bag

If the shredder doesn’t come with a collection bag, you can use a robust garbage bag as a suitable alternative. This is basically a large bag attached to the machine that catches the wood chips when the material is shredded. Be sure to place it correctly, with the opening facing away from the blade. Avoid using plastic or lightweight bags, as they may tear and become a hazard.

Branch Thickness

When evaluating various shredder models, it’s essential to consider the maximum branch thickness that needs shredding and ensure that the shredder can accommodate that size. The way in which the machine handles thicker branches can vary significantly, with some being able to chip material up to 10 cm thick, while some models can only accept branches up to 4 cm in thickness.

Outdoor

Step up Your Hunting Game: Hunting Gear Checklist to make your Trip a Success

August 4, 2022 — by Richard Dawson

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Hunting isn’t for everyone. It’s an activity that requires precision, tranquillity and focus. Hunters oftentimes release their built-up stress and anxiety while hunting and get an incredible adrenaline rush that can’t be replaced by anything else. 

Over the last few years, we’ve learned that anything can happen and we need to be prepared for the worst possible scenario. So, learning how to shoot can’t be that bad. You’ll need the basic equipment, and of course, someone to show you how to use it properly.

Outdoor

Camping With the Family: Steps to Choosing Sleeping Bags for Your Kids

April 4, 2022 — by Valeriya Vimon

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Have you ever tried camping with kids? It can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. If you already have a big enough tent, you only need to get adequate sleeping bags for your kids and you’re good to go. That being said, bags for toddlers and young teenagers don’t have to have the top of the range sleeping bags you would use yourself – they just need to be comfortable and safe enough.

Outdoor

Camping Essentials: What to Bring When Camping

March 31, 2022 — by Valeriya Vimon

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Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors, have fun with the family, and get exercise. If you are planning a camping trip, it’s smart to consider which supplies you need to bring. Depending on the length of your camping, where you’re going, as well as your level of experience, you might need more than just basics like water and snacks. Making sure you have all the essentials is vital for a safe and successful camping trip.

Make Up a Cosy Sleep Kit

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Source: thermarest.com/

Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is one of the biggest investments you’ll make for your camping kit. It’s important to think about where and when you’ll be using it as this will help you decide which temperature rating you’ll need. A 3-season sleeping bag is suitable for spring, summer, and autumn, but if you’re planning on winter camping or wild camping in particularly cold weather, then a 4-season sleeping bag is a better fit for the job.

Sleeping bags are normally made from synthetic materials or down. Down fillings are light and compressible and keep you warm. Synthetic fillings are more affordable, they don’t compress as well as down but they perform better when wet – so if you’re out in heavy rain or snow it’s worth considering a synthetic fill sleeping bag. Though, for added comfort, you might consider equipping both choices with a comfy camping sleeping mat too.

If you’re a side sleeper, or like to move around while you sleep, then you should consider a mummy-style sleeping bag which has been designed with added room at the foot end. Some sleeping bags also have extra insulation at the base which helps to keep the warmth in.

Down-filled sleeping bags are considered to be ideal as they offer a high warmth to weight ratio. They are also more compact than synthetic-filled bags and pack down small. However, in damp conditions, the down will lose its insulating properties, so synthetic-filled bags should be considered if this is likely to be a concern.

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Source: seatosummit.com

Sleeping Mat

As well as keeping you warm, a sleeping mat will provide insulation from the cold ground and can be used in conjunction with your sleeping bag to provide extra comfort. The size of your mat should correspond with your height. Though, if you want to avoid getting one that leaves your feet hanging off of the end, it may be better to get a design that’s at least a few inches longer.

As for the shape, a mummy-shaped camping sleeping mat is ideal for saving weight and space as it only insulates where it’s needed around the torso, head, and feet. There are designs that can even accommodate two people, created to fit comfortably in wide 2-person tents, so be sure to consider this when you search for the ideal model for your needs.

Other factors you should bear in mind are the level of support and insulation. For the first, you require a thicker mat, with the minimum acceptable thickness being at least 7cm for air and self-inflating mats. For the insulation, models with PU foam will do the job. And, last but not least, don’t forget to consider the weight of the model you choose. This is necessary especially if you want to keep things lightweight!

A tent is your home away from home when camping. You’ll want to make sure to find a durable one that’s the right size and is easy to assemble. Some tents are specifically made for one person, while others are best for a couple or family.

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Source: cleverhiker.com/

Choose the Right Tent

You’ll also want to think about what season you’re going camping in, because some tents aren’t made for extreme temperatures. Most tents also have a weight limit so if you’re planning on backpacking, look for one that’s lightweight, as well. This is especially important if you’re also going to be carrying a quality camping sleeping mat and sleeping bag.

Pack Up a First Aid Kit

A good first aid kit is a must-have when heading out into the wilderness. If you are planning a camping trip, the following items will help you be prepared for any small injuries that may occur:

  • Bandages: You will need bandages of several shapes and sizes. Some of the most common ones include butterfly or Steri-strips, which are used to close larger wounds. You should also have smaller bandages for minor cuts and scrapes. You may want to get a few waterproof bandages if you plan on swimming or will be in moist conditions.
  • Gauze pads and rolled gauze: These items can be used to cover wounds or as compression bandaging for sprains or swelling.
  • Antibacterial ointment: You need to clean wounds when they occur but having some ointment on hand can help prevent infection.
  • Alcohol wipes and/or sterile pads: These can be used to clean wounds before applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage. If you are planning on going into more remote areas, you may want to pack some iodine tablets in case you need to purify water from natural sources.

Think of Water Treatment

When you’re planning your next camping trip, don’t forget to bring along a water filter, tablets or pump. It’s important to be able to treat your water if you run out, or you find yourself in an emergency situation.

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Source: freshoffthegrid.com/

Take Care of Food Storage

No matter what type of food you plan on bringing on your camping trip, it’s important that it is stored properly. If you are planning on bringing fish or meat, make sure it is packed in coolers with ice packs or dry ice for optimal freshness.

Protect Your Skin

Protect your skin. Slather on the sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy and cool. The sun’s rays can still penetrate the clouds, and you can get burned. And don’t forget the bug spray to ward off those mosquitoes!

Do Your Research Before You Go

Remember to always do your research before you set out. This means knowing where you are going and how difficult the hike will be. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where the hike is too challenging for you. Or too dark for that matter!

That’s why you should always carry and use a good flashlight. You never know when you might need it. It’s also a good idea to get a flashlight that has multiple settings so that you can conserve the battery.

To Sum Up

Camping can bring out the adventurer in anyone. You will not just be getting exercise, but you will be able to enjoy some time outdoors with a nice campfire and a good night’s sleep. Be sure that you have your camping essentials in order and be safe!

Outdoor

How to Choose the Right Beach Chair: Have a Relaxing Day at the Beach (and Keep Your Drink Sand-Free)

February 1, 2022 — by Richard Dawson

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Summer is finally here and with it so is the desire to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re going to the beach at least several times per week or you’re planning to use the weekends to go hiking and camping, you’ll definitely benefit from having a portable beach chair. As the name implies, a chair of this kind is also foldable which makes it easy to carry with you. Since there are lots of chair models available on the market, you should certainly take into account some important things in order to find the right chair for your needs.

Summer is finally here and with it so is the desire to spend more time outdoors. Whether you're going to the beach at least several times per week or you’re planning to use the weekends to go hiking and camping, you'll definitely benefit from having a portable beach chair. As the name implies, a chair of this kind is also foldable which makes it easy to carry with you. Since there are lots of chair models available on the market, you should certainly take into account some important things in order to find the right chair for your needs.
source:peligochairs.com
Outdoor

Camping Gear Essentials to Step Up Your Camping Trip Comfort

January 12, 2022 — by Valeriya Vimon

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It is no secret that camping has been on the rise and can be said to be one of the most popular hobbies in recent years. With so many benefits, such as spending time with loved ones, reconnecting with nature, or just having more adventure in your life, who wouldn’t want to go camping?

It can bring so many new adventures and life lessons that will enlighten you on what’s important, plus it brings so many health benefits that you’ll wonder why you haven’t started earlier. Sure, it can be hard work, but it’s also fun!

Outdoor

Top 5 Flashlight Brands: Bright and Durable

December 31, 2021 — by Richard Dawson

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You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a high-quality flashlight. You can’t rely on just any flashlight while you’re camping, hiking or hunting – it has to be a flashlight built to last and one that you can use in the roughest of conditions. For that reason, it is always better to invest in a flashlight from a renowned brand than settle for a cheap version that’s prone to malfunction.

Outdoor

Boating: Everything You Need to Know about Trim Tabs

December 7, 2021 — by Richard Dawson

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Steering a boat and applying the throttle are things that new boaters master pretty quickly. What takes more experience is levelling the length of the boat to the angle of the water, or what is known as boat trim. Either the bow is too high, and disrupts visibility, and makes it difficult in picking up speed, or too low leading to possible swamping. Angle adjustment can be done through the propeller, in power trimming, but won’t be as effective or fast as a pair of separate boat parts called trim tabs.

Outdoor

Steps to Picking the Right Knife

August 13, 2021 — by Richard Dawson

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Carbon steel and stainless steel blades
Source: hiconsumption.com

The evolution of one the most universal and utilised tools in human history, the knife, has produced a wide array of utensils in as many fields. There are hunting, fishing, camping, tactical, survival, chef’s, kitchen, military, butcher knives and as many similar tools like cleavers, scalpels, machetes, and multi-tools all used for different cutting applications. What sets each knife apart is the type of cut. How blades are shaped will ultimately affect how easy, deep or clean the cut is. Also, the blade materials play a significant role in this aspect, with most knives featuring steel alloys, with metals and other materials in varying concentrations to produce the properties that are most sought-after.

Outdoor

3 Steps to Recognising a Good Torch

April 15, 2021 — by Richard Dawson

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Humans have always looked for ways to bring light into darkness in every sense of the word. This is what essentially flashlights are – a way to lighten your way even in the darkest places, regardless of the situation. An artificial light that can guide you through the night can offer saving grace in many different scenarios, even some life-threatening ones. In other words, whether you are hiking through rough terrain, night hunting, repairing your vehicle on the side of the road or simply looking for the fuse box, working a search and rescue job, most people can benefit from owning a good quality torch.

Outdoor

Step Up Your Hiking Game With the Best Hiking Boots

December 7, 2020 — by Valeriya Vimon

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If you’re a person who loves chilling outside and hitting the trails, you already know that nothing can be more annoying than uncomfortable hiking boots. Wearing the wrong boots can cause a number of problems that can cut your hike short, from blisters to sprained ankles and even hypothermia. That being said, good hiking footwear is crucial if you want to successfully explore a vast amount of terrain.