Essentials for Comfort in the Great Outdoors

As the crisp days of fall beckon bringing cooler evenings and autumn leaves, we strive for maximum enjoyment from the outdoors. Whether you are a serious outdoor enthusiast or a casual weekend adventurer, camping, hiking, canoeing and picnicking are all more enjoyable when you remember a few tips that can enhance your outing.    

Comfort is key for outdoor frolicking so go prepared - pack the essentials and leave the rest behind.  First and foremost, pack light. A bag weighing more than 8 lbs can turn into a burden after only 30 minutes on the trail, so choose your contents wisely. Remember to hydrate before you depart - fluids are heavy and will add extra weight, but you must bring water with you. Also pack a few healthy snacks for nourishment, as you can burn a lot of energy when you are on the go. A good rule of thumb is to bring only what you will eat, since you don't want any leftovers for the return journey. Also bring a back-up battery for your cell phone, just in case. Depending on how long you are planning to be out, take along some sunscreen for a second application and a sensible hat for sun protection and warmth in the cooler evenings.

Here are a few other tips that will add to your enjoyment:

• Make sure your guests do not include biting pests. Choose an area mosquito repellent by ThermaCELL to avoid DEET and messy sprays and lotions. They are 98% effective in fighting mosquitoes, black flies and no see-ums, according to tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense. Both the lanterns and appliances are portable and create a 15ftx15ft comfort zone from biting insects. They are great not only for you but the people with you.
• When nature calls, be prepared.  Include a couple of P-Paks in your backpack. These portable urine absorbent pouches contain a material that turns any fluid into an odorless, spill-proof gel. It is biodegradable, nontoxic, and waste disposal safe. This unisex urinal is puncture resistant and has a spill guard, making it easy for all members of the family to use.
• Don't forget your shades. Sun glasses with 100 percent UV protection protect your eyelids from skin cancer and prevent wrinkling around the eyes. Wearing shades can also prevent damage that leads to cataracts and macular degeneration. Children should wear sunglasses too as their eyes are most at risk of absorbing UV light, which harms the retina.
• Bring your camera.  Capture the image for a lifetime of enjoyment and sharing.  Digital cameras are slim, lightweight, and easy to pack. If you don't want to worry about your expensive camera, bring a disposable version as they will take surprisingly good pictures.
• Watch for ticks! -- More prevalent in the Northeast and Midwest, Lyme Disease is caused by deer ticks and usually shows up in the form of a rash that looks like a bull's eye. If you're going to spend time outside, remember to tuck your pants into your socks, wear long sleeve shirts and do a thorough nightly tick check, including the scalp and creased areas like the back of the knee, where ticks like to feed. 
• Protect your lovely locks. -- The seasonal mix of chlorine, sea salt, wind and sun exposure can cause a bad-hair day. Prevent damage to your strands by applying a water-resistant, moisturizing spray containing palm oil or shea butter. After a swim, use a clarifying shampoo, or try a three-minute hair mask made of almond oil if your hair needs to be repaired. 

Tips provided by ThermaCELL, leaders in providing comfort in the outdoors. Visit www.thermacell.com to learn more about their product selection including ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent products.

CONTACT:
Pauline O'Keeffe
The Schawbel Corporation
781-541-6900
pauline@thermacell.net