How to Pack Your Backpack for Outdoor Trips
1. The bottom part of the backpack used for storing your sleeping bag is called the sleeping bag compartment. For easy access, there is usually a zipper at the bottom of the pack. In summer, it’s recommended to put your sleeping bag inside a large plastic bag before packing it. This helps protect it from rain and also gives you a large garbage bag to carry out waste after camping. Place your sleeping mat on the outside bottom of the backpack—remember to keep it waterproof.
2. The second layer should contain your spare clothes, socks, toiletries, and the like. Make sure to fold your clothes neatly to save space. For long treks, it’s best to pack them in plastic bags before putting them in your backpack to protect against rain and dust.
3. The third layer is for food, cookware sets, utensils, thermos flasks, and the like. It's important to remove food packaging and, if possible, store bottled goods in plastic bags. There’s no need to carry unnecessary heavy trash up the mountain—why make things harder than they need to be? Hehe~~
4. After packing the above, there usually isn’t much space left in your backpack. Place any extra warm clothing on top. You might get hot during the hike, but winds are often stronger at the mountaintop, so it’s good to have those warm layers accessible. Now you can tighten the drawstring at the top of your backpack.
5. The top pouch: Situated on the very top, this small pouch actually has quite a few uses. It’s typically used to store items such as a headlamp, toilet paper, rain cover, raincoat, and fragile items like a camera. Hang your tent on the outside top of the pack, making the whole setup heavier on top and lighter at the bottom.
6. The sides of the backpack: These are usually for frequently used items such as batteries, gloves, high-energy snacks, water, film, etc.
7. Hiking poles should be attached to the sides of the backpack with the handle end facing down to avoid puncturing the pack. Ice axes should hang at the front center—most outdoor backpacks have designated spots for ice axes.
8. Crampons should be attached to the outside of the backpack, next to the ice axe. Make sure the spikes point outward to prevent them from poking holes in the pack or damaging its contents. 9. Wallets and documents should go into a waterproof bag and be carried with you to avoid loss. Now that your backpack is ready, congratulations—you’re one step closer to becoming an experienced hiker.
Personal Clothing Items:
I. Clothing Section
1. Waterproof and windproof jackets and pants (essential for outdoor activities; they offer windproofing, waterproofing, breathability, and durability...)
2. Fleece jacket (including WINDSTOPPER, mainly for windproofing and warmth)
3. Moisture-wicking underwear (keeps your body dry during outdoor exercise)
4. Quick-dry shirts and pants (essential for summer trips; pants and sleeves preferably removable)
5. Down jackets and pants (must-have for winter trips or travel to high-altitude areas)
6. Other personal clothing (disposable underwear, T-shirts, etc.)
II. Footwear and Socks Section
1. Hiking shoes (durable, slip-resistant, waterproof, preferably mid to high-cut to protect ankles)
2. Lightweight sports or casual shoes (suitable for general outings or wearing while driving)
3. Sport sandals (can double as slippers, also suitable for summer hikes)
4. Moisture-wicking socks (preferably made of COOLMAX material, ideal with GORE-TEX shoes to wick sweat and protect against frostbite in winter)
5. Regular sports socks (cotton, just make sure they’re comfortable)
6. Gaiters (very useful in snowy or muddy conditions)
III. Hats, Gloves, and Eyewear
1. Sun hat (can be a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap—whatever you prefer, as long as it blocks the sun)
2. Fleece hat (mainly for warmth)
3. Thin gloves (mainly for convenience in activities, such as taking photos, etc.)
4. Thick gloves (primarily for warmth)
5. Glasses (sport-style ones are better, mainly for sun protection, and can also be used to look cool)
Personal equipment:
I. Backpacks
1. Large backpack (essential for short camping trips or long journeys, comfort and load-bearing capacity are key, ranging from 45-80L)
2. Small backpack (for short trips or as a backup on long journeys, with some load-bearing capacity, ranging from 15-30L)
3. Waist pack or sling bag (for carrying small personal items on long trips, preferably one that can hold a water bottle)
4. Camera bag (based on personal needs, a crossbody style is more convenient for lens access)
II. Camping
1. Sleeping bag (for long trips, a compact down sleeping bag is recommended to save space, and choose according to seasonal needs)
2. Sleeping bag liner (for long trips without camping, just bring a fleece or cotton liner to keep the sleeping bag clean)
3. Tent (for regular camping, a general waterproof and windproof tent is sufficient; for long-distance travel, a compact and lightweight tent is recommended)
4. Tent footprint (protects the bottom of your tent from wear and tear)
5. Sleeping mat (a basic one allows you to sit or lie down anywhere, while an inflatable mat offers more comfort)
6. Aluminum foil mat (lightweight and easy to carry, can also serve as a reflector for photography when needed)
III. Lighting
1. Headlamp (frees up your hands, very convenient)
2. Flashlight (a reliable backup light source)
3. Camp lamp (works well in the campsite or inside the tent)
4. Glow sticks (have some use, but don’t litter — not environmentally friendly)
5. Windproof lighter (very useful, great for emergency lighting)
6. Waterproof matches (also for emergencies)
IV. Cooking Gear
1. Stove (lets you cook hot meals in the wild, one of the little luxuries)
2. Gas canister (used with the stove, handle with care for safety)
3. Cookware set (you can’t cook without pots if you have a stove — for cooking rice, soup, noodles, frying eggs, etc.)
4. Small steel cup (an eco-friendly item, can be used for any drink, and as a morning washing cup)
5. Barbecue grill (a fun item to bring for road trip activities)
V. Water Gear
1. Outdoor water bottle (effective in preventing corrosion, with a cool color)
2. Military water bottle (comes with a food container, which is quite practical)
3. Hydration bladder (very useful for wilderness treks or bike trips)
4. Insulated water bottle (perfect for winter trips—sipping hot water is a real treat)
5. Water purifier (more professional, ideal for those who value high living standards)
6. Water purification tablets (easy to carry, moderately effective but sufficient for basic needs)
VI. Communication
1. Mobile phone (the most commonly used communication tool, though signal availability is key and it’s often useless in the wild)
2. Walkie-talkie (very handy for group activities, allowing team members to stay in touch; also useful for short-range communication while exploring)
3. GPS (Global Positioning System—a professional gadget that helps with location tracking, route planning, and avoiding getting lost)
4. Survival whistle (easy to carry and can also serve as one of the team communication methods)
VII. Miscellaneous
1. Climbing trekking pole (when used properly, it can save around 20% of your energy and can also double as a monopod)
2. Toiletry bag (its usefulness goes without saying—it just keeps things organized)
3. Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, towel, toothpaste, toilet paper, foot powder, earplugs, sunscreen, lip balm, heat pads, nail clippers, water purification tablets, personal medications)
4. Backpack rain cover (not only waterproof but also great for keeping dust out on long trips)
5. Backpack straps (useful for securing items on the outside of your backpack, and can be connected to form a safety rope if needed)
6. Map (essential whether you’re going on a long or short trip)
7. Small carabiner clips (convenient for hanging small items on your backpack, such as towels, hats, or trash bags)
8. Compass (a useful tool for finding direction in the wild or when you’re lost)
9. Multi-tool knife (every man should carry one—useful for everything from peeling an apple to chopping wood)
10. Outdoor watch (can measure altitude,
11. Scarf (can be used to wipe sweat, as a stylish neck wrap, or for warmth)
12. Waterproof bag (protects your clothes and belongings from getting wet and helps keep your backpack organized)
13. Document pouch (for securely carrying important documents or cash close to your body)
14. Compact telescope (extends your range of vision)
15. Needle and thread kit (useful for mending clothes if they get damaged)
16. Notebook (for jotting down travel thoughts or keeping track of expenses)
17. Spare batteries and charger (many items require batteries)
18. Inflatable pillow (the perfect companion for long bus or plane rides)
19. Medications (cold medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, sunscreen, healing ointment, berberine, hemostatic bandages, band-aids, vitamin tablets, eye drops, safflower oil... bring according to individual needs)
The Complete Guide to Hip Flasks
Currently, not many people use these small flasks, likely due to differences in lifestyle habits between Chinese and foreigners. After all, Chinese people typically drink alcohol at the dining table, and no one carries a flask around. We’ve observed that although this type of flask is an imported concept, its usage has gradually increased, especially among young people. Its portability and hygiene make it commonly used for outdoor sports, camping, travel, and similar activities. Most flasks produced domestically are OEM-manufactured for export, primarily for foreign markets. Those sold domestically are often promotional items from domestic breweries or given as gifts.
The main body of these flasks is made of stainless steel, sometimes covered with genuine leather, faux leather, natural wood, or fiber fabrics, or treated with finishes like glossy, matte, gold-plated, embossed patterns, or pressed designs to enhance their aesthetic appeal. The genuine leather used is typically cowhide or sheepskin, available in many colors, and can also be styled with patterns like snakeskin, leopard print, or crocodile skin. Fiber fabrics are usually solid-colored or feature plaid or camouflage prints. In terms of design, the classic square shape is the most traditional, but there are now also personalized options like round, heart-shaped, bulbous, or ancient wine jar shapes. Broadly speaking, flasks can be categorized into four types: wide, narrow, round, and square. Additionally, flasks can be fully handmade, fully machine-made, or semi-handmade and semi-machine-made, but the price is influenced more by the manufacturing process rather than whether it’s fully handmade. Nowadays, these flasks are more affordable, typically costing just a few dozen yuan each, whereas a few years ago the cheapest ones started at over 200 yuan. [Xiake Xuan] men’s hip flasks are all sourced from Chaozhou, Guangdong, and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, featuring high-quality steel and skilled craftsmanship, with prices ranging from under ten yuan to fifty yuan. They are sold at the lowest market prices and have received praise from many bargain hunters.
Collectible Value>>>
These small flasks typically have a capacity of 1 to 10 ounces (1 ounce = 28.5 ml), making them very convenient to carry. Many mini flasks can even be attached to keychains, small and adorable—perfect even as decorative items. Although these flasks are essentially stainless steel containers, they have gradually become collectible works of art. The vivid portraits of heroes, lifelike eagles, galloping horses, or elegant orchids on the bottles have become a form of art. Some even feature paintings by renowned artists, further enhancing their value, collectibility, and visual appeal. Additionally, modern flasks come with multiple functions, such as combining a flask with a cigarette case or a compass, offering two-in-one convenience. As for accessories, they usually include funnels, cups, leather cases, etc., which can be chosen based on personal preference.
Leisurely Taste>>>
Those who have sipped from these small flasks say the experience is unique. Whether in cold weather, by a serene body of water, or on a balcony bathed in sunset light, taking a sip of well-aged 12-year or 15-year liquor is absolutely delightful. They say that even the same liquor tastes remarkably better when enjoyed from a small flask. Perhaps this taste has been infused with the elements of leisure, enjoyment, refinement, and warmth in life, making the experience less about luxury and more about appreciation.
Primary User Groups>>>
1. Mountain climbers
2. People with slower heart rates
3. Those living in colder regions
4. People who feel cold easily in winter
Additionally, those who value fashion, enjoy life, and love drinking may also find such a flask suitable. Whether fishing or playing golf, you can always take out your exquisite little flask for a sip. However, it’s less suitable for offshore anglers to avoid overconsumption and potential safety risks.
How to Choose>>>
1. Check the welding craftsmanship for fineness.
2. Feel the bottom and mouth of the flask by hand to ensure there are no rough edges.
3. Inspect the flask’s lid for a tight seal and check for potential leaks.
4. Pay attention to the brand, as only reputable brands adhere to strict hygiene standards.
5. Learn as much as possible about the industry and its hygiene standards, as the material quality isn’t visible from the exterior alone—you can only assess it through the manufacturing process. Therefore, do some research before purchasing.
Usage Notes>>>
1. Flasks can hold foreign liquors and baijiu (Chinese liquor), but not red wine or carbonated drinks. Avoid filling them with strongly flavored liquids. Also, be cautious when using a flask for hot water, as stainless steel conducts heat and can cause burns.
2. If your stainless steel flask gets fingerprints on it, you can rub them off with an eraser and then wipe it with a dry cloth.
3. Clean the flask thoroughly the first time you use it, and clean it again before subsequent uses. Before storing, it’s best to rinse it with hot water, then let it dry before putting it away.
Part 1: Basic Knowledge
Part 2: Using Maps on Site
Part 3: Planning on the Map
Part 1: Basic Knowledge
The composition of China’s topographic map system is as follows
Large-scale topographic maps
Topographic maps with scales of 1:10,000, 1:25,000, 1:50,000, or larger
Medium-scale topographic maps
Topographic maps with scales of 1:100,000, 1:250,000
Small-scale topographic maps
Topographic maps with scales of 1:500,000, 1:1,000,000
Topographic maps with scales of 1:10,000 and 1:25,000 are surveyed maps, produced only for important areas, and contain the most detailed and specific information.
Topographic maps with a scale of 1:50,000 are generally created based on aerial photographs combined with surveyed data, though some are entirely surveyed. They are the most basic maps used in the field and serve as the foundation for compiling medium and small-scale topographic maps.
Topographic maps with a scale of 1:100,000 are usually derived from 1:50,000 maps, with very few being fully surveyed.
Maps with even smaller scales are all compiled from larger-scale topographic maps and are not very useful for field activities. The 1:1,000,000 topographic map serves as the basis for dividing map sheets.
Map projection
The shape of the Earth is approximately an ellipsoid, with an irregular curved surface
The spatial position of points on the ground is represented by their projected position on the sphere and their elevation
Elevation is the distance of a point relative to the geoid, also called altitude
The geoid is an imaginary still sea level, unaffected by tides and wind waves, extended through land to form a closed curved surface. Due to the uneven distribution of Earth’s mass, the geoid is also an irregular curved surface
China's geoid was initially based on the sea level measured by the Qingdao Tidal Station from 1950 to 1956, known as the 1956 Yellow Sea Height System. After 1987, the sea level position was recalculated using data from the Qingdao Tidal Station from 1952 to 1979, referred to as the 1985 National Height Datum. The new datum measured the sea level as 29 millimeters higher than the Yellow Sea Height System.
The spherical surface used to determine the position of a point is called the reference ellipsoid. China uses the surface of an ellipsoid with a major axis of 6,378,245 meters and a minor axis of 6,356,863 meters as the reference ellipsoid. The longitude and latitude of a point’s projection on the ellipsoid are called geographic coordinates.
Map projection is the process of mapping the reference ellipsoid onto a plane according to certain requirements and methods. Mapping a spherical surface onto a plane inevitably causes distortion, which includes angular distortion, length distortion, and area distortion.
The general requirement for topographic map projections is to eliminate angular distortion, keep meridians largely straight, and minimize length distortion.
Commonly used map projections include the Gauss projection, Mercator projection, and gnomonic projection
The Gauss projection is mainly used for topographic maps, especially large-scale maps
The Mercator projection is mainly used for nautical charts
The gnomonic projection is mainly used for various maps of polar regions
Characteristics of the Gauss projection:
The central meridian and the equator, after projection, become mutually perpendicular straight lines. Other meridians and parallels are all curves. The projection is symmetrical east-west around the central meridian and north-south around the equator.
The length of the central meridian remains unchanged after projection. The lengths of other meridians increase, with the increase becoming greater the farther they are from the central meridian.
The projected area is larger than the area on the ellipsoid.
The angle between any two directions remains unchanged after projection.
Projection zone division
Starting from the Prime Meridian, zones are divided every 6 degrees of longitude from west to east, dividing the globe into 60 zones. China is located in zones 13 to 23. For areas north of 20 degrees latitude, the length distortion near zone boundaries can reach up to 1/800.
Topographic map sheeting, numbering, and sheet names
The reference ellipsoid surface is divided into 60 vertical columns according to the Gauss projection zones, numbered from 1 to 60. The numbering method is sequential from west to east starting from the 180-degree meridian. Starting from the equator, each horizontal row is divided every 4 degrees, both northward and southward, totaling 22 rows. Each block represents the actual ground area of a 1:1,000,000 topographic map. The sheet number is prefixed with N or S to indicate the northern or southern hemisphere. Since all of China lies in the northern hemisphere, the N is omitted.
A 1:500,000 map divides the 1:1,000,000 ground area into 4 blocks
A 1:250,000 map divides the 1:1,000,000 ground area into 16 blocks
A 1:100,000 map divides the 1:1,000,000 ground area into 144 blocks based on a longitude difference of 30 minutes and a latitude difference of 20 minutes. The sheet number is the 1:1,000,000 map sheet number plus the block number. A 1:50,000 map divides the 1:100,000 topographic map ground area into 4 blocks based on a longitude difference of 15 minutes and a latitude difference of 10 minutes
Topographic map numbering
The sheet number of a 1:1,000,000 topographic map is determined by the number of horizontal rows plus the number of vertical columns within the block
For example, for a point in the Beijing area at 39 degrees 54 minutes north latitude and 116 degrees 28 minutes east longitude, the corresponding 1:1,000,000 topographic map sheet number is 10-50
The sheet number of a 1:100,000 topographic map is the 1:1,000,000 map sheet number plus the corresponding block number. The sheet number for the above point is 10-50-5
The 1:50,000 topographic map uses the 1:100,000 map sheet number plus an alphanumeric identifier for that sheet. The sheet number for the above point is 10-50-5-乙 (sometimes an English letter is used as the identifier, in which case the sheet number would be 10-50-5-B)
The 1:25,000 topographic map uses the 1:50,000 map sheet number plus a position number for that map. The sheet number for the above point is 10-50-5-乙-4
The sheet name is a prominent geographic name selected to represent the entire map. There is usually a legend or diagram showing the sheet name on the edge of the topographic map
Orientation
Coordinate orientation refers to the direction indicated by the coordinate vertical lines in a plane rectangular coordinate system
True orientation refers to the direction indicated by a meridian
Magnetic orientation refers to the direction indicated by a compass needle
Magnetic declination is the angle between magnetic orientation and true orientation
Isogonic charts are maps that show the magnitude and rate of change of magnetic declination
Topographic map symbols
Scale-dependent symbols are used to represent larger objects. Their outlines are drawn to scale, their point locations are accurate, and their areas can be measured
Semi-scale-dependent symbols are used to represent linear features such as roads, walls, and rivers. Their lengths are drawn to scale, but their widths are shown proportionally wider
Non-scale-dependent symbols are not drawn to scale in length or width, and are mainly used to represent point-like landmark features
The positioning of semi-scale-dependent and non-scale-dependent symbols
For a symbol with a single point, it is placed at that point
At the center of a geometric shape
If there is a horizontal line at the bottom, it is placed at the center of the horizontal line
If there is a right angle at the bottom, it is placed at the vertex of the right angle
For composite shapes, it is placed at the center of the main shape
For symmetrical linear symbols, it is placed along the centerline
For asymmetrical linear symbols, it is placed along the baseline or edge line
Symbols larger than 0.3*0.5 mm represent features drawn to scale.
Road symbols wider than 0.4 mm indicate that large vehicles can pass.
Road symbols 0.2 mm wide indicate that large vehicles cannot pass.
Representation and interpretation of landforms
Contour lines are lines connecting points of equal elevation on the ground; the vertical distance between adjacent contour lines is called the contour interval.
Slope is the angle between an inclined surface and the horizontal plane; the slope scale at the bottom of a topographic map can be used to calculate the slope between 2–6 contour lines.
Issues to note when interpreting landforms
Landform interpretation must be done on maps with a scale greater than 1:100,000.
Changes in landforms between two adjacent contour lines cannot be shown on the map.
In cases of extremely steep slopes, index contours may sometimes be omitted in cartography.
In some areas, contour lines may not accurately reflect the actual landforms.
Classification of landforms
Part Two: Map Use in the Field
Compass
Determining direction
Orienting the map
Using a compass to orient the map
Using linear features to orient the map
Using prominent terrain points to orient the map
Determining the location of the standing point
Resection method (triangulation from known points)
Back intersection method
Three-point intersection method
Field distance estimation
Known lateral distance
Stadiametric method (eye-blink method)
Compass-based distance estimation
Unknown lateral distance
Part Three: Route Planning on the Map
Route selection
Choose a route that is short, unobstructed, has minimal elevation changes, and has many identifiable landmarks. Pay attention to water sources, campsites, and vegetation along the way. Try to avoid walking for long periods in windy areas or on slopes prone to frontal rainfall.
Select prominent, distinctive, and unchanging landmarks.
There must be clearly visible landmarks at turning points to confirm your position.
Number the landmarks in sequence according to the direction of travel and mark them clearly on the map.
Calculation of route distance.
Measure using an odometer.
Apply empirical corrections.
Multiply the measured distance by the following correction factor.
Calculation of travel time.
The impact of slope on travel speed.
Below 2,000 meters in altitude, add one extra hour for every 300 meters of ascent and one extra hour for every 500 meters of descent.
Altitude and climbing speed.
Terrain and landforms that affect travel.
Water systems.
For swampy mud layers 0.3–0.5 meters deep, when water puddles cover less than 20% of the total area, large groups can pass; when puddles cover 20% to 50% of the area, individuals can pass; when puddles exceed 50% of the total area, passage is not possible.
The relationship between river flow speed and wading depth.
Forest canopy depth refers to the maximum distance visible from outside the forest inward.
Canopy depth = tree spacing × tree spacing / breast height diameter.
How to equip for a self-driving holiday trip.
With the long holiday approaching, for busy drivers in their daily lives, the break means hitting the road with loved ones, enjoying the dynamic scenery of new places, and savoring family joy and togetherness. But faced with the temptation of a self-driving trip, are you really prepared?
1. Prepare all necessary documents to avoid trouble.
1. Checklist: ID card, driver’s license, vehicle registration, road maintenance fee and purchase tax, vehicle use tax, route map, credit card, insurance policy, notebook and pen—don’t leave any of these behind.
2. Friendly reminders:
A. A series of documents related to the vehicle and the owner. These are crucial for out-of-province self-driving trips. The “legal proof” of the vehicle is the prerequisite for a smooth journey. Carefully check and confirm these before departure to avoid trouble on the road and to keep your travel mood unaffected. Also, find out in advance whether you need to obtain any transit permits for the regions you’ll pass through to prevent disruptions to your travel plans.
B. A detailed “road book.” This is a written plan for your self-driving trip, or you could call it the script for your road adventure. A good road book should include a day-by-day itinerary, driving routes (including stops, distances, road conditions, etc.), and ideally brief introductions to scenic spots along the way, as well as accommodation and dining arrangements.
C. Route map. Don’t underestimate the value of a map—it often serves as a guiding light when it matters most, especially when going to unfamiliar places. Preparing an up-to-date map in advance is both necessary and highly effective.
2. Everyday essentials for smooth travel.
1. Checklist: Seasonal clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, gloves, comfortable soft-soled shoes for driving, rain gear, lighting tools, insulated water bottle and utensils, photography equipment, toiletries, etc.
2. Friendly reminders:
A. Photography equipment. Before setting off, check if the battery is fully charged and if you have spare batteries and corresponding charging/discharging devices.
B. Avoid using hard-shell suitcases to pack all luggage and supplies carried in the vehicle to prevent unnecessary damage.
C. Lighting equipment. In addition to essential rechargeable camping lights, carbide lamps, and other basic lighting, you can also bring small props such as sparklers, glow rings, and candles to create atmosphere and add fun to your trip.
III. Medications for Emergencies
1. Optional items: bandages, adhesive plasters, antiseptic solution, anti-inflammatory medicine, heatstroke prevention, anti-motion sickness medication, insect repellent, etc.
2. Friendly reminders:
A. Pay attention to the expiration dates of all medications brought along, and do not carry expired drugs.
B. Liquid chemical medications such as antiseptics and insect repellents should be properly stored to prevent spills.
IV. Emergency Spare Parts to Avoid Embarrassment
1. Optional items: full set of vehicle tools, spare tire, spark plugs, wires, insulating tape, iron wire, tow rope, spare fuel drum, bucket, entrenching tool, etc.
2. Friendly reminders:
A. Check whether the spare tire is fully inflated, and it’s best to have a portable air pump and tire pressure gauge.
B. Inspect the tow rope that comes with the vehicle to ensure it’s sturdy. If you find fraying or localized cracks, it’s best to replace it promptly to avoid danger during use.
V. Adequate Equipment Enhances Driving Fun
1. Optional items: border crossing change, emergency devices, multifunctional watch, compass, communication devices, multi-tool knife, camping gear, binoculars, mountain bike, portable DVD, etc.
2. Friendly reminders: A. Border crossing change. When going on a self-driving tour, prepare extra change, especially coins of 10, 5, and 1 yuan, for tolls, parking fees, and other incidental expenses, which can also help you avoid the hassle of getting change.
B. Emergency devices. You may encounter unexpected situations while driving for leisure, so it’s best to carry emergency lights, a compass, warning signs, etc. Carry your car rescue card with you.
C. Communication devices. For self-driving trips, communication tools such as mobile phones and vehicle radios are crucial. Make sure your phone is fully charged before departure, and it’s best to have a spare battery ready.
D. Camping gear. Preparing some camping equipment can definitely enhance the fun of your self-driving trip, such as a ground mat (can be used for sitting during picnics), insulated water bottle, folding table and chairs, barbecue grill, large sun umbrella, and you can even bring a sleeping bag if heading to a more rugged area. Of course, you can also bring a compact and practical car cooler box to chill drinks or heat food—both are quite useful.
E. Binoculars. The scenery of nature is picturesque, and binoculars allow you to take in most distant views, which can greatly enhance your travel enthusiasm.
F. Mountain bike. If there’s enough space in the trunk, consider bringing a mountain bike. The feeling of speeding through green fields and fragrant grass is an enjoyable experience that those who crave true freedom will dream of.
G. Portable DVD
During holidays, by mountains and rivers, we can see colorful tents of all kinds. What an enviable outdoor activity that benefits both body and mind and stimulates intelligence. A tent is your shelter during outdoor activities. Whether it's sunny, rainy, windy, or snowy, it is your place to stay. Therefore, we must fully understand the tent itself to maximize its functionality.
A good tent has the following four qualities:
(1) Strong tension, durable
(2) Compact size, easy to carry
(3) Lightweight
(4) Waterproof, with low moisture absorption
Based on the above criteria, let’s get to know the five commonly used materials for making tents today:
(1) Nylon: Strong tension, bright and smooth color, not prone to fading, soft texture, good strength, not prone to mold or insect damage, low moisture absorption, does not harden in freezing temperatures. It is currently the most widely used material.
(2) Canvas: It has strong waterproofing and good heat insulation properties, and does not become uncomfortably hot under the sun. However, it is stiff, heavy, prone to moisture absorption, mold, and fading, making it less economical compared to nylon.
(3) TC Fabric: So-called TC fabric is a blend of T (commonly known as tetoron or polyester) and C (commonly known as cotton). The warp yarns are made of polyester, while the weft yarns are cotton, combining the characteristics of both materials. It is wear-resistant, durable, strong, breathable, and sturdy, often used in medium to large family tents.
(4) Suede Cloth: This is a blend of nylon and rayon, thus inheriting properties of both materials. The fabric surface is smooth and breathable, but it is not as durable or strong as pure nylon. It is commonly used in continental climates with cold weather—where, even when the tent door is closed tightly in cold conditions, the interior moisture must still be allowed to escape to prevent stuffiness or excessive humidity. Therefore, this type of fabric is essential.
(5) CORETEX: A product of the latest American technology, it is both breathable and waterproof, lightweight, wear-resistant, and durable, though quite expensive. In China, CORETEX raincoats and rain pants have been introduced at reasonable prices.
Additionally, there is a blended fabric woven with nylon as the warp and cotton as the weft. It is relatively soft, lightweight, and convenient, but lacks sufficient strength and durability, so it is rarely used as tent material.
(2) Structure
Depending on the intended use in a campsite, tents can be categorized into those for office work, activities, sanitation, cooking, storage, accommodation, rest, etc. Each type has a different structure and suitable setting. Taking the traditional cabin-style tent as an example, here are the names of its various parts:
(1). Cabin-Style Tent
1. Roof: The sloped upper part of the tent, primarily serving to provide shade, block wind, and drain water.
2. Tent Walls: The vertical sides of the tent that prevent the roof from sagging to the ground and encroaching on the interior space (not present in pyramid, poncho, wing, or expedition tents). Some tents have very tall walls, such as high-pole umbrella tents, beach tents, or villa-style tents.
3. Tent Door: Doors are located at the front and rear ends. For tents designed for four people or fewer, there may only be a front door, while the rear is sealed to form a tent wall with mesh windows for ventilation.
4. Groundsheet: Must be completely waterproof (such as PE fabric) to prevent ground moisture from rising, and is sewn to the tent walls (it’s best to have at least a 10 cm upward fold for better waterproofing).
5. Screen Door: During the day, the outer door can be lifted while the screen door remains closed to ensure good ventilation and keep out mosquitoes, insects, and snakes.
(2) Accessories for Single-Layer Cabin-Style Tents:
1. Poles: Mostly made of joinable aluminum tubes, aluminum alloy tubes, or fiberglass poles/tubes used in yurt-style tents. Large tents use various high-strength steel pipes.
2. Tent Stakes: Can be made of wood, metal, or ABS plastic. They are roughly divided into two types: line-type and sheet-type, about 20 cm in length. Line-types are easier to insert into the ground but offer less support, usually used at the corners of the tent walls. Sheet-types offer greater support and are used to secure the main and side guy ropes.
3. Main Guy Ropes: Used to secure the tent poles, must have a strength of over 120 kg, placed at the front and rear ends of the tent.
4. Secondary Guy Ropes: Located at the four corners of the tent, used to pitch the roof.
5. Auxiliary Guy Ropes: Positioned at the two ends (sides) of the tent, used to flatten the tent walls and enhance wind resistance.
6. Guy Rope Tensioners: Used to tighten various guy ropes, available in closed and open styles, made of wood, metal, or plastic.
7. Tent Hammer: Available in wood or plastic; metal hammers should be avoided as they can damage stakes.
8. Tent Bag, Stake Bag, and Pole Bag.
(3) Types
Based on the tent's shape (mainly determined by the pole structure), accommodation tents are divided into three systems: cabin-style, pyramid-style, and villa-style.
1. Cabin-Style Tents: Characterized by upright poles at both ends, auxiliary ropes at the four corners, and a sloped roof.
a. Poncho Tent: Made from a square or rectangular waterproof sheet with several straps or grommets (metal eyelets). Lightweight, portable, and can be set up on various terrains. It can also serve as a groundsheet or tarp.
b. Wing Tent: Features two upright poles at the front and rear, with sloped roofs on both sides resembling bird wings. No tent walls; suitable for one to two people. Setup involves securing the four corners first, then raising the front and rear poles. Side ropes can be added at the central sides if needed.
c. Exploration Tent: Taller than a wing tent, with guy lines extending only halfway along the groundsheet length. This increases interior space and reduces weight, eliminating the need for side ropes or poles (just two long sticks and a short rod, or by hanging the roof from overhanging tree branches).
2. Pyramid-Style Tents: Also called pyramid tents, they are highly wind-resistant, lightweight, but have low ceilings, making daily life inconvenient. Suitable for only 2–3 people, and come in either four-corner or multi-corner pyramids.
3. Villa-Style Tents: Currently the most common family leisure tents in Europe, America, and Japan. Comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and sturdy, but expensive. Requires a personal vehicle and a relatively spacious campsite.
What’s the best food to eat to relieve travel fatigue?
Traveling often leaves people feeling tired and physically drained. Medical experts point out that being in a constant state of fatigue can weaken the body’s resistance, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, mental tension, weakness, and memory decline.
To quickly eliminate fatigue and restore abundant energy, many people often resort to snacking or eating large amounts of chicken, duck, and fish, hoping to boost nutrition, nourish the body, and relieve tiredness. However, this approach often backfires. This is because during travel, the body extensively breaks down sugar, fat, and protein to release energy, while also producing acidic metabolic byproducts like lactic acid and phosphoric acid. These acidic substances cause feelings of muscle and joint soreness as well as mental exhaustion. Simply consuming more meat to expel these metabolic wastes can make the blood more acidic—akin to “adding fuel to the fire”—which is counterproductive for relieving fatigue.
Experts suggest that to reduce travel fatigue from a dietary perspective, it’s important to eat more alkaline foods appropriately, such as kelp, seaweed, various fresh vegetables and fruits, soy products, dairy, and animal liver rich in protein and vitamins. Once digested and absorbed, these foods can rapidly lower blood acidity, restore balance to a weakly alkaline state, and thereby eliminate fatigue. Additionally, drinking hot tea can help relieve fatigue—tea contains caffeine, which can enhance breathing frequency and depth, stimulate adrenal secretion, and thus combat tiredness. Coffee and chocolate have similar effects. Vitamins B and C help the body process accumulated metabolic byproducts more efficiently, so consuming foods rich in these vitamins can also alleviate fatigue. Drinking active water is another option—active water contains high levels of oxygen, which can quickly ease bodily fatigue. In the absence of active water, drinking purified water can have a similar effect.