Upcoming Camping Shows

Come and see us at the following Exhibition

Farm Fantastic, Caboolture                                              16th, 17th, 18th July 2010  

Tent  Maintenance

• Prior to using your tent, it is important to "season" the canvas. Seasoning will swell the canvas stitching, thereby clogging the needle holes, making your canvas weatherproof. To season your tent, hose it down well, particularly on the seams. This may need to be done 2 or 3 times to ensure complete saturation.
• Never pack up the tent when it is wet or soiled as it can become covered in mould, mildew or corrosion within a few days. If it is wet when you are packing up, then unpack and set it up to dry as soon as you get home or reach your next destination.
• To remove mould or mildew, use a mould and mildew remover specifically designed for canvas. Once cleaned we recommend applying a canvas waterproofing agent, available from most camping stores.
• Clean dirt, tree sap, leaves, bird poop, and other such things from your canvas as soon as you can. Vegetation can harm the canvas and may cause dry rotting or stains therefore keep the tent away from bushes and branches.
• To clean the canvas, when dry regularly brush with a soft brush, both inside and out. Hose down occasionally with clear, cold water. Never scrub the canvas as this can reduce the waterproofing of the canvas.
• Never expose the canvas to petrol, solvents, kerosene and other similar fluids.
• Also avoid hairsprays, deodorants or insect sprays on the canvas, as they can cause staining and maybe reduce water and fire repellence.
• When removing pegs, use another peg, a peg remover or the claw of a hammer - Do not use the webbing or corner of the tent as your handle.
• Reduce the risk of jamming fabric in the zip by holding the zip pull tab between your thumb and forefinger with your thumb facing you. As you are closing the zip, clear the way in front and under the zip slider.
• If fabric gets caught in the zip, pull out the fabric bit by bit. Do not try and pull it out in one go, force the slider or use pliers

Camping Safety

 Fire

• The canvas may burn if left in continuous contact with flame from any source.
• Do not erect camper near a camp fire or any other flame source
• Do not use candles, matches, stoves, cooking equipment, lighting or any other flame source in or near the camper
• Do not spray the camper with insecticides

Poisoning

• Do not use fuel burning, oxygen consuming equipment inside the camper.
• Do not use gas appliances of any kind inside the camper.

Electricity

• Only use 12volt lighting. Use care when using electricity and electric lighting in or near the camper.

Other Safety Measures

• Do not camp where it may flood
• Do not camp near cliffs in case of collapse or rock fall
• Do not leave the camper erected in very strong winds. Collapse the tent onto the ground and sleep in your car.
• Do not camp under tree with dead branches or under trees known to drop branches.
• During rain, lower the awnings to avoid water pooling and collapsing the awning. If water pools for a period of time, canvas being a breathable material, seepage will occur.

Leave No Trace*  Principles

• Plan ahead and prepare. Research what facilities and activities are provided at your destination. Make sure you have the correct gear accordingly. Take responsibility and educate your family on how to be safe and sensible in the bush.
• Travel and camp on Durable Surfaces. Set up on a level and durable surface. Stay on paths and try not to trample fragile vegetation. Ensure your campsite is at least 70 metres from any water source.
• Dispose of Waste Properly. Bring enough bags to collect all rubbish, including food. If there are no toilets, deposit human waste into a hole about 20cm deep and cover thoroughly, at least 100 metres from any water source. Also wash dishes at least 100 metres from any water source.
• Minimise campfire impacts. Observe total fire ban days. Consider if you really need a fire and use a portable stove or established BBQ instead. If you need a fire, use an established fire ring with only dead and downed wood.
• Leave what you find. Educate the kids to leave natural objects like shells, rocks and feathers undisturbed as they are the homes for sea creatures and other small animals. Admire them in their natural environment and take photos as the souvenir.
• Respect Wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance and do not startle them. Do not feed birds and other wildlife as it can cause them to become reliant on human food and could cause serious illness. Store food in containers animals cannot access.
• Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors. It may be necessary to obtain a permit to some parks or traditional lands. Respect the story and customs of these sites. Think about other visitors that are enjoying the peace and solitude, by trying to keep noise to a minimum.

 *Outdoor Ethics - www.LNT.org.au

Oztrail products

We supply Oztrail products - camping gear - tents, backpacks, camping stoves, lights, chairs, etc. Call in for a brochure and price, or check out their website.  We can deliver  to your door.