| How to Pack a Tent Inside a Backpack Posted: 03 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Whether you're going camping or hiking, chances are you'll be doing a lot of walking with a heavy backpack. In order to make those long treks easier, you should know how the ideal ways to pack one of the heaviest items you'll have, the tent. Packing your backpack the wrong way can lead to injury and back strain. Once you pack your tent the correct way, you'll find your next outdoors experience much more enjoyable. EditPacking the Tent Inside the Backpack - Choose a backpack with an internal frame. Backpacks with an internal frame have more room than backpacks with an external frame. This extra space makes packing tents inside the backpack much easier. [1]
- Take into account the size of your tent when picking the backpack. Bigger tents will need bigger backpacks and vice versa.
- If you've already bought your backpack and you're worried that your tent is too big, look into getting a compression bag. These bags will help you pack the tent as tightly as possible.
- Lay your tent on the ground in a long, flat shape. With the tent poles in their bag, line the bag up along the side of the tent, not in the center. The poles help form support for the tent as you pack it away.[2]
- Roll the tent. Make sure that the pole bag stays in line with the side it's on. This will make sure the tent is rolled up as straight as possible and the pole bag will provide support and a base for the tent.
- After a few rolls, lay the tent peg bag in a similar position. The goal here is to provide more support for the tent. Keep rolling the tent up.
- Open the tent's bag and stuff the tent into it. The pole and peg bags in the middle make this much easier by providing a central support.
- You should only pack the tent when it's dry. Packing a wet tent is very difficult and the tent weighs more, which can make walking with it a lot harder than walking with a dry tent.
- Place the heavier items at the bottom of the backpack and lighter items at the top. Hiking involves a lot of walking, so it's important to only pack around 30% of your body weight in your backpack. The lighter items should be at the top of your backpack with the heavier items further down.[3]
- Pack your tent in the middle of the backpack. Your sleeping bag should always be at the bottom of the pack as it can be quite heavy and it's always the last item to be taken out of the bag. The tent should be placed either immediately above the sleeping bag or as close to the middle as possible.[4]
- Packing the tent in the middle means one of your heaviest items is not putting too much strain on your back.
- Consider whether you want to pack the tent vertically or horizontally. Vertically can make the tent more accessible when you need to take it out, while horizontal placement may make packing other items on top of the tent easier.
EditAttaching the Tent to the Outside of the Backpack - Use a backpack with an external frame for best results. While you can definitely use an internal frame backpack, the external frame is specifically built to hold the tent and other items on the exterior.
- Understand the risks of packing the tent on the outside. While there are numerous advantages to packing the tent outside the backpack, there's also some significant downsides to it.
- The biggest disadvantage is the risk of snagging the tent. With the tent on the outside, it's much more vulnerable to damage from branches and other sharp objects. If the tent snags on a branch, the branch could cut the tent and it might ruin it.
- Another risk of packing the tent outside is it may fall off of the backpack. With the tent on the inside, you can have peace of mind knowing that it's safe. But with the tent on the outside, there's always the chance that it could become disconnected and you could be left without a tent.
- Ensure the tent is protected in case of rain. While tents are waterproof, if any water gets into the tent while it's packed up, it could spell bad news for you and your tent.
- Use a zip lock bag or another waterproof bag to store the tent for extra protection from the elements.
- Test your backpack to see if it's suitable for exterior packing. An external frame backpack or an internal frame backpack with plenty of compression straps will both be perfect for attaching the tent to the outside.
- Make sure the compression straps and/or the frame are in good working condition before attaching your tent.[5]
- Use closed loop ties on your backpack for outside packing. These loops are threaded through closed loops on both ends, so if your tent happens to slide off, it'll still be attached to your pack.
- By using this type of loop, you can at least have peace of mind that you won't lose your tent in the middle of nowhere.
- While closed loop ties work best, any secure knot should be enough to do the job.
- Attach the tent to the bottom of the backpack. It's best to pack the tent at the bottom of the pack for outside packing.
- This will reduce your chances of injuring yourself by putting less strain on your back.[6]
- Placing the tent at the bottom of the pack will make it much easier to walk with than if it was attached at the top, which would make walking and moving with the backpack very awkward.
- Practice packing the tent at home beforehand, especially if you're going to be packing it on the outside. Test the tent if it's on the outside to see if it'll stay in place.
- The tent in the pack is a great idea as it allows so much more room on the outside for other equipment such as trekking poles and water bottles among other things.
- It needs to be stressed that the tent is much more vulnerable on the outside of the tent. Rain and branches pose a much greater threat to the tent than if it were on the inside of the backpack.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Handle Failure at Work Posted: 03 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT Feeling like you failed at work can be crushing. It's important to remember, though, that failure happens to everyone, and everyone has to handle its aftermath. Understanding that failure happens, owning your mistake, and framing your failure as a chance to learn will help you not only handle your failure, but grow from it and come out stronger on the other side. EditSample Reactions to Failure EditAccepting Failure - Tell your supervisor directly. Telling your boss you didn't meet expectations or made a big mistake is nerve-racking. Letting them find out from someone else will ultimately make things much worse, though. As soon as you know something is wrong, talk to your boss directly. Briefly explain the situation, apologize to them, and assure them it will never happen again.[1]
- If other parties were involved, you may need to discuss this with your boss. Avoid throwing others under the bus, though. This makes you look afraid and unreliable.
- This ultimately shows your boss that you understand the gravity of the situation, that you aren't afraid of accountability, and that you want to work to move past problems rather than covering them up.
- Remind yourself that failure happens to everyone. Stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and say, "Everyone fails sometimes." When you first experience a failure, it can feel crushing. The truth is, though, that most people fail multiple times over the course of their careers. Understanding that can help you redirect your focus from your negative feelings.[2]
- Don't let a setback define you as a failure to yourself. You may not have succeeded at this goal or task, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to fail at everything for the rest of your life.
- If you're feeling stuck or finding it difficult to move on after a failure, talk to a mentor or a professional counselor. They may have advice about how to cope.
- Break down why the failure happened. It's easy to blame yourself, but failure is rarely personal. Whether you failed to successfully complete a project or got passed over for your dream job, there was a reason you didn't succeed. Write down the reasons you think you failed, then brainstorm any potential root causes or contributing factors for those reason.[3]
- If, for example, you got passed over for a promotion, the reason may be that the company wants someone with 5-7 years of experience, and you only have 2.
- The root cause for your company wanting someone with more experience may be because your industry has a high turnover rate, and they don't want to invest time in an employee that will leave the company soon thereafter. It's not you, it's just the nature of your industry.
- Conversely, if you were let go from your job because you were routinely late and failed to complete your job duties, the root cause is that you were not meeting the expectations of the position.
- Take a break from the task or assignment. If you can, take a little time to focus on other things. This helps refocus your attention on something constructive, and may help make dealing with a problem or mistake easier overall.[4]
- If work seems overwhelming in the immediate moment, get away from your desk. Go for a quick walk around the block, grab a cup of coffee, or take an early lunch.
- You could also excuse yourself to make a quick personal call if you feel like you need to vent. Call a friend, a family member, or anyone else that offers you emotional comfort. Just be sure not to take more than 5-10 minutes away from your workstation.
EditMoving Forward - Reframe your failure as a chance to grow. A lack of success doesn't have to be the same thing as failure. Look at a moment where you were not successful as a chance to learn and grow as an employee. Instead of saying, "I failed to write a high-quality report," tell yourself, "I learned that I need do more research into report writing and formatting for my industry."[5]
- Ask for additional training or mentorship. In some cases, hard work might be enough to move forward. In others, though, it's perfectly okay to ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for more job training in areas where you aren't as strong.[6]
- If your sense of failure is caused by struggling to break into or stay relevant in your industry, consider looking for a mentor to help you. Look into business mentoring programs and professional associations in your area to find someone who can help you break through.
- Focus on what you can control. You can't go back in time or change your actions. It's not worth your time or energy to focus on things like this that you can't control. Instead, move forward by focusing on what you can control, including how you handle the aftermath of your failure.[7]
- If a client presentation went wrong, for example, something you can control might be your follow-up to your client. Do you need to apologize? Should you try to schedule a follow-up meeting or a new presentation?
- Address your failure with your team. Whether you're a manager or an employee, your failure will impact your team as well. If you're a manager, set up a time to talk to your team about what happened, and how your project or team goals may need to shift. If you're a team member, ask your team leader about how they want you to talk to the rest of your team.[8]
- You shouldn't address your team with fear or shame. Your team members have likely experienced job failure before, too. Letting them know what happened directly, though, shows your respect for your teammates and allows you to move forward as a cohesive unit.
EditLearning from Past Failure - Commit only to what you can deliver. Pushing yourself is good, but committing to more than you can reasonably do can break your career. Use your past failures as a gauge for what you can and cannot reasonably accomplish, and only commit to what you can do completely, correctly, and on-time.[9]
- Remember that it's completely normal to not be able to do everything. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and everyone will have a different workload. If you don't have the technical skills or time available to complete a task, let your boss know before you take on that work.
- Re-evaluate your approach to new projects. As you take on new projects or challenges, ask yourself if there is anything you would do different having learned from your past failures. If you're struggling to find a job, for example, consider reviewing and re-writing your resume and cover letter, or setting up mock interviews to help you practice your interview skills.[10]
- Build on your current skills. Doing only what you're good at won't lead to any growth as a worker or leader. However, jumping unprepared into a project or activity where you don't have any background or skills won't help you, either. Instead, try to position yourself to move toward new skills or join new projects by offering up that which you can do well.[11]
- If, for example, you're a great technical writer but you want to get into the marketing side of your field, volunteer to write some copy for your ad team. This can give you exposure to other aspects of marketing while still drawing on your skills.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Clean a Hydro Flask Posted: 03 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Cleaning your Hydro Flask is super fast and easy. The main thing you will want to invest in is a bottle brush. You can use a brush specifically made for the Hydro Flask, or a standard baby bottle brush will do the trick. Daily cleanings with soap and hot water are recommended to maintain your Hydro Flask, but occasionally you will need to do a deeper cleaning to get rid of bacteria and stubborn stains. EditWashing with Dish Soap - Disassemble your Hydro Flask to clean it. Unscrew the lid and remove it from the bottle. If your Hydro Flask has a straw, separate the straw from the lid.
- It's important that you take your Hydro Flask apart before cleaning it. In order to get a good cleaning, you'll need to wash all of the components, not just the outside of the bottle and the spout.
- Wash your Hydro Flask pieces separately with hot, soapy water. Use a clean dishcloth or sponge to wash the outside of your bottle, all models of Hydro Flask lids, and the outside of the straws. Clean the inside of your bottle with a bottle brush.
- A sponge or rag won't be able to reach the bottom of your bottle, so you'll definitely want to use some type of long brush. A bottle brush from the baby section of your local department store would perfectly.
- Do not soak your lid. Submerging the lid for an extended period of time can trap water inside of it.[1]
- Pay special attention to the drinking spouts since this is where bacteria likes to collect. If you have one, use a small bottle brush or nipple brush to help clean these small spaces.[2]
- If you have pipe cleaners, use one to clean the inside of the straw. Simply insert the pipe cleaner into one end of the straw, and firmly move it up and down along the insides to remove any buildup.[3]
- Rinse all of your Hydro Flask pieces thoroughly. It's important to remove all traces of the soap. Leaving soap in any of the pieces of your Hydro Flask can lead to a build up of residue. This typically won't hurt you, but it can affect the taste of your water.[4]
- Run tap water over the top of the lid, then flip the lid over to allow the water to run through the underneath side as well. Slowly rotate the lid under the water to make sure it is completely rinsed off.
- Hold one opening end of the straw under the running tap water to rinse it out. Allow the water to flow through the straw for about 10 seconds, or until the water runs clear.
- Use a dishwasher to wash a flip lid or a wide straw lid. The Hydro Flip and Wide Straw models are the only 2 lids that can be washed in the dishwasher. Lids to all other Hydro Flask models should be washed by hand.[5]
- Note that frequent washing in the dishwasher can cause extra wear and tear on these lids. If it's possible, still wash these lids by hand during regular cleanings, and save the dishwasher for occasional deep cleanings.[6]
- Air-dry all of the pieces until they are completely dry. The lid and straw may take longer to dry than the bottle because of the threading, enclosed spaces, and small nooks. To avoid a build up of germs and bacteria, make sure all of the pieces are allowed to air dry completely before reusing them.[7]
- Thoroughly drying your flask is the most important step, so don't skip it![8]
- Try washing your Hydro Flask in the evening, that way it can dry overnight and will be ready to use the next morning.
EditUsing Vinegar to Remove Bacteria - Pour ½ cup (118 ml) of distilled white vinegar into your Hydro Flask. Gently swirl the vinegar around in a circular motion to coat the inside of your flask. Allow the vinegar to sit for 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, fill your Hydro Flask about ⅕ of the way with vinegar and the rest of the way with water. Allow the solution to sit overnight.[9]
- Using distilled white vinegar to clean your Hydro Flask is the best option for effective cleaning. Using other chemicals like bleach or chlorine can damage the outside of the bottle and cause the stainless steel to rust.[10]
- Use a bottle brush to scrub hard-to-reach places in your flask. A bottle brush will be the most effective in cleaning the inside of your bottle. It can reach the difficult places and it has a little more friction than a sponge or a dishcloth.
- Firmly press the bristles along the inside walls of the flask. Be sure to get all the way down to the bottom of the bottle, and underneath the ledge at the top of the flask.
- Rinse your Hydro Flask thoroughly with warm water. Run warm tap water into your flask. Swirl the water around a few times and then pour the water out. You may need to do this 2 or 3 times to make sure it completely rinsed.
- Allow your Hydro Flask to air dry upside down. Use a dish drying rack, or prop the bottle up at an angle against the side of the sink. Air needs to be able to circulate in order to prevent bacteria from growing.[11]
- Make sure your Hydro Flask is ready to use by washing it in the evening and allowing it to dry overnight.
EditRemoving Tough Stains with Baking Soda - Mix 2-3 tbsp (30-44mL) of baking soda with warm water to form a paste. Put the baking soda in a small a bowl and stir in a little bit of water. The consistency should be a thick paste.[12]
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out. If you put too much water and the mixture is too thin, add a little more baking soda to thicken it.
- Scrub the inside of your Hydro Flask with the paste. Dip a bottle brush into the paste, making sure to coat the bristles heavily. Use the brush to scrub the inside of your flask. Target areas that are badly stained by using small, circular motions.
- Repeat this step as needed. It may take a few times to completely remove the stain, so don't worry if the stain doesn't come out on the first go.
- Rinse your Hydro Flask thoroughly with warm water. Fill your flask with warm tap water. Use the bottle brush along the insides of the flask to loosen up the baking soda paste. Swirl the water around the bottle a few times and then pour it out.
- Try filling the bottle up about halfway with water, putting on the lid, and gently shaking the bottle up and down. Pour the water out and run fresh water through the bottle. The agitation will help clear out excess residue.
- Once there is no baking soda residue remaining on the inside of the flask, continue to run the warm water into the flask, swirl it around, then pour it out. Repeat this step 2 or 3 times, or until the water runs clear.
- Dry your Hydro Flask by allowing it to sit upside down. Place the bottle in a dish drying rack, or try propping it an angle against your kitchen wall or the side of the sink. Just make sure it has proper air circulation to prevent bacteria from growing.[13]
- To help with timing, try washing your Hydro Flask in the evening to allow it to dry overnight and be ready to use the next day.
- Wash your Hydro Flask daily, or after each use, to keep it fresh and clean.
- Do not put your Hydro Flask in the dishwasher. The heat can damage the insulation and/or the outer coating.[14]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment