Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies for Boats

Everyone has an easy time finding cleaning supplies for their kitchen, grills, floors, and furniture, but sometimes it can be difficult finding the right kind of supplies for your boats. So many companies claim to have the "best" cleaners or they promote the fact that they're "green". How do we know who to believe?

The BoatUS Foundation decided to test different boat cleaners to see which ones live up to their environmentally friendly testimony. During testing they looked for toxicity as well as how well they biodegraded. Some people like to think that "green" cleaners aren't as strong, but the researchers found that they in fact outperformed most conventional cleaners.

The best cleaners were fully biodegradable in as little as two weeks which is important since cleaners that break down slowly have a more harmful effect on aquatic life according to BoatUS Foundation Director Susan Shingledecker.

The cleaners that performed the best (and ones that you should purchase for your own boat) are:

*Thetford Marine Boat Wash
*ConcrobiumXT EcoWash
*Shurhold's Yacht Bright Bright Wash
*Simple Green All-Purpose
*4U Concentrated Cleaner
*3M Marine Boat Soap

For more information on this study go to: http://www.boatus.com/news/PR_Full.asp?ID=438

Basic Kitchen Utensils Every Household Needs

If you've decided to start cooking at home to save money, make sure you invest in the most basic essentials for your kitchen. The key to successful home cooking is having the right utensils for every type of dish you will create. We have put a list together of the common kitchen items you will need to get started:

Knives - at least one of each: serrated knife, chef's knife, and paring knife

Measuring Cups/Spoons - one of each, either metal or plastic

Spoons - slotted spoon, wooden spoon, soup ladle, mixing spoon

Mixing Utensils - electric mixer, wire whisks, eggbeater

Spatulas - straight spatula, rubber spatula

Sieve/Colander - stainless steel will work well for flour sifters, plastic for pasta

Pots and Pans - different quart saucepans with covers, 6" and 12" skillet with cover, roasting pan, 9" round and square cake pans, 9" x 13" baking pan, 9" x 5" loaf pan, 9" pie pan, muffin tin, cooling rack, cookie sheets

Miscellaneous - vegetable peeler, grater, rolling pin, can opener, kitchen timer, kitchen shears, corkscrew, meat thermometer, cutting board (check out GasWatch Antimicrobial Cutting Boards at www.gaswatch.com)

Start Your Weekend with Grilled Parmesan Vegetables

Now that the work week is finally coming to a close, it's time to sit back and start your weekend with a bang!

This Tuesday marked the first day of Fall which means cooler weather and more opportunities to spend your weekends enjoying the outdoors. Tonight, grab some of your favorite vegetables for a new twist on ways to grill. Here is a recipe for Grilled Parmesan Vegetables:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini and squash, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
• 2 medium red, yellow, green peppers, cut into 1 1/2 inch thick slices
• 1/3 cup italian dressing
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

• First, make sure you have enough gas in your propane tank (if not, you might want to invest in a GasWatch Propane Level Indicator so you'll know the amount in the future)
• Soak the cut vegetables in the italian dressing, letting them sit for 8-10 minutes
• Turn on your grill to medium heat and place the vegetables on the grates
• Grill on one side for 5 minutes, then turn and sprinkle with parmesan cheese, grill on this side for another 5 minutes or until cheese has melted and vegetables are crisp

Grab yourself a frosty beverage and pair this with grilled chicken or steak for a zesty twist to your vegetable sides. Enjoy!

10 Best Places to Boat in the US

In keeping with our countdown of the best of the best for grilling and BBQ, here are the best places to boat in the US. We looked at the different states and determined which lakes, oceans, and rivers had the most satisfying accommodations for you boaters out there.

We grabbed some information from BoatingLife.com and found these top 10 places:

#1: Seattle, Washington
This is one of the best places to live and boat. Surrounded by green forests and and expanse of secluded oceanfronts, no wonder it's the ideal spot for tourists and locals alike.

#2: Benton County, Arkansas
This city had been undiscovered for the longest time, but now it is one of the fastest growing communities. They have smooth lakes with over 30,000 acres of water perfect for all types of boat enthusiasts. Beaver Lake is the top spot for locals stretching 90 miles.

#3: Tampa Bay, Florida
The farther south you travel, the more ocean you come upon. This city has over 100 tributaries in its bay and has become renowned for sightseeing and recreational boating. You can even park you boat in a slip near downtown as you browse shops and restaurants nearby.

#4: Knoxville, Tennessee
Most people question boating in TN, but what they don't think about is the expansive Tennessee River which flows right through downtown. It is a popular place for camping and fishing as well as tailgating on boats during football season.

#5: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale has over 165 miles of canals and waterways making it the Venice of the US. So many people practically live on the water, there's even a water bus system. People can travel around the town without ever setting foot on land.

#6: Otter Tail County, Minnesota
We all know Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but what you don't know is the Otter Tail County itself has 1,048 lakes all self-contained. Though they don't have much of a summer, people in this county still spend at least one day a week on the water year round.

#7: Finger Lakes, New York
One of the prettiest lakes up north, Finger Lakes gives way to so many activities during the summer including trout derbies, day cruises, and picnics. It has one of the largest surges in lakefront development making it one of the top places to live.

#8: Austin, Texas
The Highland Lakes region of Texas is a string of six lakes best known for it's fishing, boating, and retirement living. The two big lakes Lake Austin and Lake Travis give way to water skiing, wakeboarding, and big boating through the year.

#9: Oconee County, South Carolina
Many lakes surround this county creating a rise in a more affluent crowd purchasing summer homes and college students utilizing the waters for recreation. Though it is mostly quiet, more communities are being built to draw more permanent living arrangements for people wanting to spend more time on the water.

#10: San Diego, California
San Diego is well known for it's warm weather and sunny skies which isn't too far off the map. Locals enjoy floating cookouts, day cruises, and parking their boats to watch concerts at the amphitheater. It has become extremely popular to boat around the town, but has also become increasingly difficult to find housing on San Diego's waterfront.

Best Barbecue Restaurants in the US

We've looked at the best BBQ gas grills and some great BBQ recipes for you to become the Master of the Grill, so now we're going to look at some of the best BBQ restaurants around the US. This is only a short list so if you know of any BBQ joints in your area, feel free to share!

Some of these restaurants will ship barbecue so you can enjoy the taste without making the mess. The list includes:

Armadillo Willy's Real Texas Barbecue
They use Texas style barbecue with huge portions. This restaurant can be found in California.

Arthur Bryant's Barbecue Restaurant
Great barbecue found in the one and only Kansas City, Missouri

Authentic Texas BBQ
Locations are across Texas and they also do mail order takeout!

Baker's Ribs
Offer variety of BBQ dishes in Minnesota and Texas

Bandana's Bar-B-Q
They are famous for their HUGE platters located in St. Louis, Missouri

Ben's Longbranch BBQ
This restaurant has a variety of meats including mutton. They are found in Texas.

Big City BBQ
They serve traditional style meats and BBQ with some amazing sides including black eyed peas, cole slaw, and candied yams. They are found in Arizona.

Big Jim's Old South Bar-B-Q
Big Jim's has a wide array of beef and pork rib dishes and are located in San Diego, California.

Black Eyed Sally's BBQ and Blues
Not only do they serve BBQ, but also jambalaya out in Hartford, Connecticut.

Black's BBQ
Having been around in since 1932 this is one restaurant to visit in Lockhart, Texas.

Brickyard BBQ
Tons of different styles of meats including the burnt ends in their signature sauce. This restaurant can be found in Denver, Colorado.

Brother Jimmy's BBQ
With a fun slogan like "Put the South in Yo Mouth" who can resist this BBQ joint in New York?

Bubbalous Bodacious Bar-B-Q
So many different types of pulled pork and ribs, so little time! They are found in Orlando, Florida.

Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue
Great barbecue with awesome sides found in Richmond, Virginia.

Campbell's Bar-B-Q
Serving large portions of slow cooked meat, homemade pies, and fresh bread in Portland, Oregon.

Clay's Smokehouse Grill
Another great BBQ join in Portland, Oregon.

Corky's Bar-B-Q
Great restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee and you can also order online having it sent directly to your home.

Daddy D'z BBQ Joynt
Variety of specials Monday-Friday for the typical Southerner in Georgia.

Daisy May's BBQ USA
Perfect BBQ stop in New York City.

Dreamland Bar-B-Q
Accessible to anyone with three locations in Alabama and delivery anywhere in the US.

Eat at Joe's Barbecue
Delicious mesquite barbecue cooked by a husband and wife team in Wikieup, Arizona.

Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ
Looking for traditional Carolina BBQ? Look no further with two locations in South Carolina.

Hole In the Wall BBQ
Serves traditional St. Louis style ribs in Eugene, Oregon.

Joe Morley's Smoked Beef & Bar-B-Q
Their meats are slow cooked with fruit woods giving them a unique flavor found only in Midvale, Utah.

KT's Real Good BBQ
Offering meats with their signature Memphis and Texas style sauces located in Colorado.

Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
Traditional Southern style cooking and grilling only found in California.

Memphis Minnie's Barbecue Joint
The perfect mix of smoked meats found in San Francisco, California.

Moe's Original Bar-B-Que
Bringing traditional Alabama barbecue to nine different locations in Alabama and Colorado.

Oklahoma Joe's Barbeque
They serve the popular Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich in Stillwater, Oklahoma and Kansas City, Kansas.

Old Glory BBQ
Serving traditional BBQ in the big city of Washington, DC.

Pok-e-Joe's Smokehouse
Variety of barbecue items for dinner and special events in Austin, Texas.

Q4U
With a name like this, you know they must have great BBQ. Their famous pulled pork piled high on sandwiches can only be found in West Valley City, Utah.

Red River Barbeque and Grill
This restaurant can be found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania featuring their Brisket Enchilada.

Rendezvous Ribs
Renowned for their ribs, this joint can be found in Memphis, Tennessee.

Robin's Wood Fire B-B-Q Grill
Serving traditional bbq with signature sauces you need to visit this restaurant in Pasadena, California.

Ruby's BBQ
Located in Texas, this joint serves cajun and St. Louis style ribs and meats.

Smokin' Joe's True Blue Texas Barbecue
Real Texas barbecue without going to Texas located in New York.

Stamey's Barbecue
Traditional North Carolina BBQ with two locations in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Sugar House Barbecue Company
Check out this restaurant voted Best BBQ in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Texas West Bar-B-Que
Traditional Texas style barbecue, chicken, and other meats in Sacramento, California.

The Brick Pit
Voted one of the five best BBQ restaurants of the south located in Mobile, Alabama.

The County Line
Great barbecue and they will also ship you ribs! Found in Texas.

Wes' Rib House
Their menu is changed up a bit with Missouri-style barbeque in Providence, Rhode Island.

Wolfe's Barbeque
Traditional bbq as well as bbq tofu for the vegetarian located in Denver, Colorado.

More information found here

Top 5 Gas Grills

We've looked at the best camping/hiking products, so now we'll look at the top five gas grills according to Consumer Search. As the weather becomes more enjoyable and the holiday season approaches, it's time to start looking for the perfect gas grill. Based on different consumer reviews, we will look into the five grills that work for every type of griller.

Best Budget Gas Grill:
Brinkmann 810-8410-S

• This grill has a lot of features including four stainless-steel burners, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, 502 square inches of cooking space, 48,00BTU output, and electric ignition. Though it is fairly inexpensive, many reviewers questioned the durability and convenience of this grill. Price: $200

Best Value Gas Grill: Blue Ember FGF50069-U403

• Sold exclusively at Lowe's, it has solid construction and durability. It has the main features of four stainless-steel burners, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, 675 square inches of cooking space, a side burner, and optional rotisserie. It even includes a bottle opener and LED lights in the lid. Price: $450

Best All-Around Gas Grill: Weber Genesis E-320

• Consumers are constantly picking this grill as the best of the best. It features a porcelain enameled shroud, three adjustable stainless steel burners, a side burner, and porcelain enameled cast-iron cooking grates. Also includes a stainless steel work surface and utility tool bar. This grill is built for durability and will last. Price: $750

Best Portable Gas Grill: Weber Q-200

• This grill brings the quality of the bigger grills to campgrounds and tailgating. You can fit nine burgers on the grates which also comes with two flip-out side tables and 14 pound propane canister. Price: $200

Best Luxury Grill: Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet 450HT Freestanding Hybrid Gas Grill

• As far as high end grills go, this is one of the best. This grill holds up to 400 pounds of food and cooks using gas, charcoal, and wood. Features include an infrared rotisserie cradle, stainless steel cooking grates with customizable grilling patterns, smoker box, sauce rack, and wine/champagne bucket. The body, frame, and hardware are made of stainless steel. Price: $8,100

Man Cave Provides "Meatings" For Men

A fairly new startup company Man Cave Worldwide provides home parties for men selling products ranging from grill tools to spices to fun apparel for men. What Pampered Chef does for women, Man Cave does for men.

A Man Cave demonstrator will gather around 10 men for an event demonstrating grilling techniques and offering products for purchase.

Many men claim this to be a great social networking opportunity giving them a chance to hang out with their buddies, drink a few beers, and learn more about grilling.

For such a new company, they have done extremely well in sales this past year. Only time will tell how far they can go with their approach to these "meatings" for men.

More information about Man Cave can be found here: www.mancaveworldwide.com

Tarragon Pork Tenderloins with Grilled Grapes

Want to make something new for dinner? When you mix meat with fruit, it creates a tasty flavor that is perfect for any meal. We've included a great recipe that will transform the way you view food.

Tarragon Pork Tenderloins with Grilled Grapes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 small shallot halved
• 3 tablespoons chopped tarragon leaves
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper and salt
• 2 whole pork tenderloins
• 1 bunch seedless red grapes

Directions:

• Turn on grill to medium heat
• Press shallot through garlic press into a cup, then mix with tarragon, Dijon mustard, pepper, and salt. Spread the mixture over the pork tenderloin.
• Place the tenderloins on the grill, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes (if you have a meat thermometer, make sure the inner temp reaches 155 degrees F).
• After tenderloins have cooked for 15 minutes, add grapes to the grill, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they're brown in spots and slightly softened.
• Let tenderloins sit for 5 minutes before slicing and add the grilled grapes to the platter.

Good luck and have a delectable weekend!

New Boating Regulations Will Require Educational Requirements

We all know that operating a boat can be difficult at times what with the wide range of circumstances that can occur at any moment. Bad weather, rocky waters, too many boats on the water, and failing boat parts can cause immediate problems in the blink of an eye.

Therefore it is necessary that before heading out on the water, every boat operator should be cognizant of the issues that could potentially come up and how to handle those situations. It makes sense that the National Boating Safety Advisory Council would require that any recreational boat operator provide a certificate showing the completion of an education course.

They are asking the US Coast Guard to put together a draft of the "minimum proposed mandatory educational requirements that meet current educational standards".

The reason the NBSAC would be so concerned with this issue is because every year, approximately 700 people will die from a recreational boating accident. If the recreational boaters were given safety boating instruction, it could save a lot of lives.

Before you get too worried, this regulation has not been put in place just yet, so if you don't have any sort of certificate you're still in the clear.

Even though it may be awhile before the regulation comes into effect, make sure you go over some basic safety instructions before enjoying your weekend on the family boat. You never know, it could save your life.

For more information regarding this new regulation, you can visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/articles/boatingview.aspx?id=113

Your Most Important RV Essentials

Before packing up and heading out for the open road, you need to make a checklist of all the items you'll need in your RV. Some are pretty obvious, but others will cause you to think twice.

First of all, you need to figure out how long you'll be on your trip. Just the weekend? A whole week? 3 months? Either way, the amount of disposable items will need to be much greater depending on the length of your excursion.

Let's break them up into categories.

Category #1: Kitchen Items
-Aluminum Foil
-Coffee Grinds, Coffee Cups, Coffee Pot
-Can Opener
-Cooking Utensils
-Dish Drainer/Pan
-Knives
-Measuring Cups
-Mixing/Serving Bowls
-Napkins
-Paper Plates
-Paper Towels
-Plastic Wrap
-Plates
-Pot Holders
-Pots & Pans
-Salt & Pepper
-Silverware
-Sugar
-Toaster
-Glasses/disposable cups
-Ziplock Bags

Category #2: Cleaning Supplies
-Bar soap/dishwashing detergent
-Broom & Dust pan
-Toilet Paper
-Rags
-Rubber Gloves
-Sponges
-Trash can & bags
-Vacuum Cleaner

Category #3: Tools
-Black Water Chemicals
-Channel Locks
-Electrical Adaptors
-Extension Cords
-Extra fuses
-Fire extinguisher
-Flashlight & batteries
-Fresh Water Hose
-Fuse Puller
-Hammer
-In-line Water Filter
-Level/Leveling Blocks
-Light Bulbs
-Needle-Nose Pliers/Regular Pliers
-Sewer Hose/Fittings
-Tire Gauge
-Water Pressure Regulator
-Wheel Chocks
-Wrenches

Category #4: BBQ/Grilling Accessories
-Full Propane Bottles
-GasWatch Propane Level Indicator
-Grill & Grill Cover
-Matches & Lighter
-Oven Mitt
-Skewers
-Utensils (spatula, fork, tongs)

Category #5: Miscellaneous
-Aspirin/Medications
-Bath towels/wash cloths
-Beach towels
-Bed Spreads
-Blankets
-Bug Spray
-First Aid Kit
-Folding chairs & table
-Jackets/Hats
-Kitchen Towels
-Kleenex
-Non-slip cabinet linings
-Pens/Pencils
-Pillows, Sheets, Pillow Cases
-Playing Cards/Games
-Radio
-Suntan Lotion
-Table cloth
-Travel Clock
-Umbrella

Now that you know the major RV essentials, you are well on your way to the greatest adventure of your life. Remember to always pack extra in case you run out! So get to packing and head out to the open road!!

How to Make Grilled Pizza

We've all heard of using our grills for steaks, ribs, chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs, but have you ever tried grilling pizza? Sounds complicated, I know, but in fact is quite easy and changes the way you'll ever view pizza again.

Start off with finding pizza dough at your local grocery store, any will do. Then figure out what kind of ingredients you want to top your pizza. Don't forget cheese and tomato sauce.

Roll out the dough so it is in a circular form. Fire up your grill (let it warm for a little bit) then brush olive oil on the grates (to add the extra flavor and help brown the crust). When the bottom of the crust is browned, flip it over, then quickly brush on the tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings.

Close the lid and wait until the cheese has melted. Now you have grilled pizza! This is an easy and tasty recipe that will add a lot of flavor to your next meal.

BBQ Events for the Weekend of September 12-14

Not sure what to do this weekend? Well we have some ideas for you. All over the US there are some exciting BBQ events that will get you out and about. Clearly, this is the perfect time to enjoy some good food, music, and the pleasant fall weather. The events are listed below:

*Alaska - Fraternity Cup Challenge, Moose Lodge, Fairbanks, contact David Pruhs (davidpruhs@yahoo.com) for more info

*Texas - Little River Catfish Association, Academy, contact Phil Grouss (254.718.6047)
Grillin in the Park, Groves, contact Larry Perio (409-962-6060)
Crossroads BBQ, Goliad, contact Debbie Foster (361-564-2086)
Colorado City Fair, Columbus, contact Rhonda Schneider (979-732-2579)
Alice Hispanic Heritage Fair, Alice, contact Rojelio Cuellar (361-701-6865)
Washington County Fair King of Coals, Brenham, contact Lance Jahnke (979-251-2569)

*Florida - Star Spangled BBQ & Bands, Daytona Beach, contact Kathleen Guy-Reed (386-451-5302)

*Georgia - 4th Annual Hambone Jam, Fort Valley, visit: www.hambonejam.com
Inaugural Atlanta BBQ Festival, Turner Field, Atlanta, visit www.AtlantaBBQFestival.com.

*Lousiana - Roastin with Rosie BBQ Festival, Grand Marais Courtyard, Jennings, contact Joy (337-824-3215)

*Arizona - 1st Annual Prescott BBQ Festival, Prescott, contact Michael Reimann (michael@azbarbeque.com)

*Missouri - Blue Springs Barbeque Blaze-Off, Blue Springs, contact Pam Buck (pbuck@bluespringsblazeoff.com)

*Pennsylvania - Southern York County BBQ Cookoff, Glen Rock, contact Melvin Stoltzfus (717-354-7533)

*Kansas - Smoke in the Air, Park City, contact John Goyette (johng4@cox.net)

*Connecticut - The Bar-B-Q Pit at the Oyster Festival, Norwalk Exchange Club, Norwalk, contact Greg Bernson (greg@norwalkbbq.com)

*West Virginia - Pickin' in the Panhandle, Hedgesville, contact Andrea Ball (andrea@travelwv.com)

*Illinois - Wabash Ribberfest Barbecue Championship, Mount Carmel, contact Collette Grigsby (gcysmith@shawneelink.net)

*Tennessee - Cookeville Cookoff, Cookeville, contact Tony Stone (tony@stonesteel.net)

*South Dakota - Ribs, Rods & Rock'n Roll - South Dakota BBQ Championship, Vermillion, contact Jody Harnois (sdbbqchampionship@yahoo.com.)

*Michigan - Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival, Mear (Silver Lake), contact Jeff Clark (jeff@sands-restaurant.com)

*North Carolina - Blues, Brews, & BBQ, Charlotte, visit: www.bluesbrewsandbbq.com

*Nevada - Wheels of Fortunes Celebrity Judged BBQ Cook-Off, Red Rock Harley Davidson, Las Vegas, visit: www.marqueeventures.com.


Or if you just want to stay in this weekend, break out your grill, slap on some nice juicy steaks, and create your own BBQ for your friends and family. Don't forget your GasWatch so you don't run out of gas in the middle of cooking!

Why You Should Fish in September

Many people feel that with the close of the summer, it's time to get back to reality and spend those weekends preparing for the winter season. Actually, this is the time where you should be pushing to do everything you can before it gets cold and that includes none other than the greatest activity which allows you to sit all day by the water doing nothing: fishing.

Much to people's disbelief, September is actually one of the best months to maintain your fishing status. For one, as it gets cooler at night, fish will aggressively swim in shallow water to feed before the nighttime weather changes their daily activity. More fish towards the water's surface = more success in bites.

Another plus is now that Labor Day has come and gone, there are less boats in the water. The less boats to create disturbance = more fish making their way to shore.

Also, take a step outside. What does it feel like? If you're closer to the north, chances are there's less humidity in the air. This can bring a nice breeze during the day even when the sun is out and temperatures creep into the upper 70's. Most people find it unbearable to spend an entire day on the water in the middle of summer when the heat index can reach anywhere between 90-100 degrees.

Now that the peak of summer is over, the air is starting to cool but will still allow for a more comfortable day in the outdoors. With the decrease in humid air, it makes sitting on a boat more pleasant and enjoyable.

So get out your gear and head to the water to take in as much time as you can bringing home the bacon (or fish)!

Best Backpacks for Your Camping Trip

Now that the weather is starting to cool, a lot of people are heading outdoors to enjoy their weekend downtime. Whether that be camping, hiking, or simply picnicking, you need to make sure you have the appropriate gear. One of the most important items is. . . the backpack.

This simple item is necessary for anyone expecting to spend a significant amount of time away from technology. Backpacks are able to withstand the most extreme weather and can carry an indefinite amount of objects. They can lug jackets, bug spray, water bottles, food, compass, camera, and even sleeping bags (only those that can be rolled up extremely tight!).

Before you embark on your next quest, make sure you have the right backpack for your excursion. We took a look at ConsumerSearch to find out what are the best backpacks for your specific needs. They winners are:

*Best Hiking Backpack:

• Gregory Baltoro 70 - this product is comfortable, durable, versatile, and is perfect for weekends or long hiking trips. This backpack also has great pivot suspension and ventillation. Price: $270

*Best Budget Backpack:

• Teton Sports Wilderness 55 - has plenty of pockets and storage for sleeping bag and built-in rain cover. It is smaller than the normal camping backpack, but is still perfect for weekend getaways. Price: $75

*Best Women's Backpack:

• Osprey Ariel 65 - this isn't necessary for short trips, but for women who are smaller and for heavier loads, this backpack is much more comfortable with its heat moldable foam padding and nice airflow. Price: $240

*Weekend Backpack:

• Mountainsmith Treklight Eclipse 55 - this smaller backpack has a pivoting hip belt, heat moldable foam padding, and great ventillation making it very comfortable. It works best for long weekend trips in warmer weather. Price: $200

*Lightweight Backpack:

• Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet - this backpack only weighs 6 ounces, yet it can carry up to 20 pounds perfect summer picnics and short weekend trips. Since it is made of lightweight material, it doesn't withstand snagging branches and doesn't have as many pockets. Price: $130

So there you have it, the top 5 backpacks for your camping experience. For more information and lists of other backpacks, you can visit: http://www.consumersearch.com/hiking-backpacks

Celebrate Labor Day with Beer Lime Chicken

Before you pack your bags for the upcoming extended weekend, make sure you have everything you need to enjoy this warm, relaxing holiday. For one, think about if your meals are planned yet. Everyone knows it's not Labor Day without deliciously grilled food.

Here is a fun and tasty recipe to include in your list when going out to the store for ingredients:

Beer Lime Chicken
allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 can of your favorite beer
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons cilantro
• salt and pepper
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions:

• In a bowl, mix the lime juice, honey, beer, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper until the honey dissolves
• Pour the mixture over the chicken, cover, and let it marinate for 30 minutes
• Preheat your grill to medium heat
• Take out the chicken, place on the grill, and cook until the meat is tender (about 7 minutes on each side)

Enjoy this tasty treat and have a safe weekend!

Boating Fun for Labor Day Weekend

As the last long weekend of summer approaches, many people are trying to figure out what to do for Labor Day this year. Of course there's always the typical BBQ in the backyard or tailgating at your team's football game. So this year, let's try something a little different. Why not head out to the water and enjoy a little one on one time with nature.

If you check in your local newspaper, many cities have special Labor Events at their nearest lakes, rivers, and beaches. Florida, for instance, has boating events going on in Miami, Pompano Beach, Tampa, Bonita Springs, and Sarasota. North Carolina has some in Wrightsville Beach and you can be sure to find plenty in Michigan near the Great Lakes.

Each event will be different, but look for ones that include some kind of cookout, fireworks, or even a guided tour around the water. This will make it more exciting and give you options once you're out on the water.

If you don't own a boat, think about going to the waterfront and bring your own fun! Pack a tasty picnic, a few chairs, blankets, and set up shop near the shore. You can even find a restaurant that is located on the water, make reservations, and enjoy the view as you celebrate the holiday weekend.
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For more information about local events, check out: Marine Max, Great Lakes, Maine

Tailgating 101

Now that we're in the throes of football season, it's time to start preparing our grills for the big games! This is the time of the year when we grab our favorite brews, set up shop outside the packed stadium, and enjoy the excitement of the greatest game ever played.

Here's what you need to get started:

*A big truck or SUV. Make sure you have a car big enough to transport chairs, gas grills, food, and all your friends/family.

*There are always specials going on at local grocery stores. Find out when steaks, hamburgers, chips, beer, soda, and other assorted foods are on sale. Your weekly newspaper might also include coupons that will provide a sweet deal.

*Invest in a comfy collapsible chair. Most football games last well over 3 hours (that doesn't include the hours before and after you set up). You will definitely need a chair that can withstand the heat, rain, and any unexpected guest that makes room in your seat.

*Portable necessities. You will need a table to put the food on, tablecloth, disposable napkins/plates/silverware, trash bags, and most importantly a cooler.

*Don't forget the most important tool: your gas grill. A tailgate wouldn't be complete without the appliance needed most to cook your food. Just make sure you have enough propane left in the tank before heading out to the event. You don't want to be caught without it!