<![CDATA[Camping FYI - Blog]]>Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:07:46 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Prone to Wander]]>Mon, 01 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/prone-to-wanderLess Krakauer, More Bryson
Written by Christian De Vries
 
Unless you're disposed to picking up hitchhikers, you typically know your traveling companions when starting a road trip.
 
I usually don’t have this luxury. Most of my trips involve me traveling thousands of miles with complete strangers to areas of the globe where I don’t speak the language. As my wife can attest, I’m prone to wander. When I was invited to join a 3,000-mile road trip into some of the most remote areas in the USA knowing only one of the six people, I didn’t blink at the opportunity.
 
It didn’t occur to me at the time, but I had never traveled with these guys and didn’t know what to expect. After all, I’ve swum in piranha-filled lakes, showered in the mist of Victoria Falls, eaten animals which don’t belong on ANY menu, watched Russian tanks move through Georgia, and seen workers clear landmines in Cambodia.
 
Certainly, not everyone is as casual about this sort of thing as I am. A friend brought this to my attention, and I told him I wasn’t worried. “This trip is going to be less Jon Krakauer and more Bill Bryson.” This statement would come to define so much of this trip.
 
Our first campsite was along the Canadian River in Oklahoma, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we had cell reception, something we had very little of during the remainder of our Ramble. It was late, or rather extremely early, but we took the time to re-check the weather forecast. Seeing no storm advisories anywhere upstream, up went the tents, and we were all asleep in minutes. I loved the almost instant set-up that the roof mounted pop-up/fold out tents allowed.
 
We spent the next few days venturing down random dirt roads in the Kit Carson National Forest in New Mexico. We spent rainy late afternoon huddled together under an awning on top of a mountain and with the help of a laptop, we enjoyed a movie night. Although it was cold and damp, it was a great bonding experience, and the amazing view between rain storms was beyond picturesque. The rolling meadow, craggy bluffs, and tall pines were a feast for the eyes and heart. I was slow to pack in the morning because I didn’t want to leave. How could I know that things were only going to get better?
 
Imogene Pass was our next adventure, and it is literally breath-taking.  Seriously, it is 13,114 feet or 2½ miles up! We found a great place to set-up camp in the valley next to a small stream and a beautiful waterfall. I spent the night in a comfy hammock, and the next morning we made our way down into Telluride.
 
We left Telluride on the easy but still lovely Last Dollar Road and made our way to Grand Junction. After some hot showers, the group decided to reroute and visit Moab, Utah. We hadn’t locked ourselves into a set schedule. This flexibility allowed us to listen to suggestions, from within our group and from others we met along the way. It was exciting and spontaneous. I recommend that on your next trip you keep an open mind and leave some room in your itinerary for an unplanned excursion.
 
The next day was incredible! Our first stop was Poison Spider Trail where we did some awesome rock crawling. I loved every minute of this and walked most of the trail, so I could get photos of our vehicles as they climbed one ridiculously steep ledge after another. There were a lot of high fives, excited yells, and a few expletives. When we eventually stopped for a late lunch, it was a weird moment to realize that through some strange twist of fate we all had cell reception. I assume solar flares or other unearthly phenomena were responsible. We were all too easily sucked back into the world of emails, texts and status updates. It was no surprise to me when at dinner that night we made a rule to stack all our phones in the middle of the table and not look at them, choosing instead to talk to each other.
 
At Dead Horse State Park, there was a great overlook of the Colorado River. On this trip we were determined never to take the easy road, so from the park, we made our way down the decidedly twisty Shafer Trail. The late afternoon sun made the brick red mesas glow. Each turn and each hill brought us something new and marvelous. We turned a corner and found ourselves right above Horseshoe Bend. I was speechless. We were all speechless. Then someone spoke, and their echo ran off through the canyonland reverberating thousands of times. We yelled until we were all laughing.
 
As the light faded and a storm rolled in, we headed back to Moab. The rain was intense, and dry little washouts quickly became raging streams, it was all too surreal. Seeing waterfalls develop and plunge hundreds of feet from the tops of mesas in the desert was a special treat.
 
The next day we slowly drifted through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, then across the gorgeous Paradox valley, and up the Dolores River Canyon. It was here we stumbled upon an amazing ruined flume, called Hanging Flume. You have to see this to believe it. Most of the wooden structure has disappeared, but there are bits and pieces still clinging to the rock which allow you to appreciate the complex engineering and radical construction even after 125 years. When it was operational, it must have been amazing.
 
A quick dash through Uncompahgre National Forest brought us back to Grand Junction. Most people would have said, “We’ve done enough,” but not this wolf pack. We had a taste for thin air and wanted more. In his book, Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe, Bill Bryson says, “There is something about the momentum of travel that makes you want to just keep moving, to never stop.” That is how we felt, so after sleeping in Breckenridge, we decided to go over Mosquito Pass (officially 13,185 feet). It was a peaceful day and a fun way to wrap-up the off-road section of our trip.  Eventually, we came out at Leadville, drove towards Denver, and from there we headed home. 
 
That was the end of this Ramble. I made some great new friends and saw the USA in all its’ colorful splendor. In a lifetime spent wandering this was a small but meaningful part, and the rest of the world is still out there calling. There is so much to see and enjoy. Maybe you’ll go, alone, with friends, or even a group of strangers. Go wander.
]]><![CDATA[Osprey’s Updated Exos 58 Backpack]]>Mon, 06 Aug 2018 16:56:54 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/ospreys-updated-exos-58-backpackAs we’ve said before, finding the right backpack is important. Spend time researching and get the one that fits you and your hiking style. You’ll appreciate the time investment after several hours of carrying a good pack.
 
FYI – Since 2015, we have mostly used the Osprey Exos 58. We love it and we aren’t alone. It was the Top Backpack of 2017 on the Appalachian Trail. It is light (not ultra) and adaptable. It carries loads of 15 to 35 lbs. with ease. We can be tough on our gear, so Osprey’s lifetime warranty is another point in their favor.
Recently, they updated the Exos 58 and we thought you should know the details. Jim Rahtz covered these updates in a good review over at The Trek.
 
Summary
  • Weight: 2.75 lbs. FYI – Our version is 2.6 with the brain and only 2.35 without the lid. Osprey has somehow increased the weight while losing pockets. Probably because this pack utilizes more durable fabrics.
  • Fully loaded at 30 lbs. the tester said the pack felt comfortable.
  • “Osprey has taken a winning design and fine-tuned it for simplicity and durability. Despite the loss of pockets and the addition of four ounces, the Osprey Exos 58 remains a great option for either overnights or thru-hiking.”
 
Click below to read the full article.

Gear Review: Osprey's Updated Exos 58 Backpack - The Trek

Osprey Exos 58 Actual Capacity: Small: 55L, Medium: 58L, Large: 61L Weight: 2.75 pounds (L) Load Range: 20-40 lbs. MSRP: $220 Lifetime warranty I have used an Osprey Exos 58 for years and believe it has been a great all around choice for backpacking. Apparently, I'm not alone in that thinking.

]]><![CDATA[Directory of “Cottage Industry” Backpacking Gear Companies]]>Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:02:08 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/directory-of-cottage-industry-backpacking-gear-companiesAs backpackers, we are always looking to shave weight and save money? If you are too, then you should check out this list of small businesses we found on Erik the Black’s Hiking Blog.
 
FYI – We haven’t bought gear from most of the businesses on this list, but we have bought from Simply Light Designs. They did a great job and we can recommend them wholeheartedly.

You can also find the list and a few more that we’ve added HERE.

Click below to read the full article.

Directory of "Cottage Industry" Backpacking Gear Companies

Some of the best ultralight backpacking gear on the market is not made by the big gear companies (and it isn't even available in most stores). It comes from small, hiker-owned businesses who design, manufacture and sell their own gear on the internet and at small shows and hiker gatherings.

]]><![CDATA[Review: Chaco Z/1 Classic]]>Wed, 11 Jul 2018 17:00:00 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/review-chaco-z1-classicA simple review, but this is such an amazing shoe. We had to feature it. We have Chacos, and they are as good as advertised.
 
FYI – Be forewarned, Chacos take additional time to break in, so make sure you have put them through their paces.
 
Click below to read the full article.

Review: Chaco Z/1 Classic

For almost a decade, the Z/1 served one tester as a true do-it-all shoe: sea kayaking in Baja, backpacking in Arizona, river running in California, and even a wedding in Glacier National Park. ("I've used it for everything but snow hikes," he boasts.)

]]><![CDATA[Garmin inReach Mini review]]>Thu, 05 Jul 2018 17:00:00 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/garmin-inreach-mini-reviewGarmin inReach Mini 2-way GPS satellite communicator review
 
In Arkansas, as in many states, there are many places where cell phones don’t get reception. We have spouses and children that worry about us when we can’t communicate, so when we go camping, backpacking, fishing, etc. in rural Arkansas, this is a super convenient piece of tech to carry. FYI – We have used the older full-size Garmin inReach and liked it a lot.
 
Philip Werner from the Section Hiker website wrote a good review for anyone interested in this GPS unit.
 
Summary
  • The tester gave it 5 stars.
  • He wrote, “The Garmin inReach Mini is a GPS tracker, 2-way satellite messenger and SOS device all in one. If you need a reliable way to send and receive text messages anywhere worldwide, the 100 gram inReach Mini has no equal.
Why do we like this article?
  • They include a rating chart which covers: Ease of Use, Messaging, GPS Tracking, Search and Rescue, Satellite Network Coverage, and Battery Life.
  • They include screenshots from their phone (iOS).
  • They share clear photos of the unit from various angles and compared to an older model.
 
Click below to read the full article.

Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way GPS Satellite Communicator Review - Section Hikers Backpacking Blog

The Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator is a reliable and easy-to-use GPS-enabled satellite communicator that can send SOS messages to rescuers in an emergency, email or text your friends and relatives, track your route, mark GPS waypoints and help you navigate in the backcountry.

]]><![CDATA[Go swimming!]]>Wed, 04 Jul 2018 15:33:21 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/go-swimming
Happy 4th of July!
 
It is hot outside and the best place to be in Arkansas is at the swimming hole. Here are two good links to places where you can escape the heat.

We have been swimming at many of these locations and some even have campsites available.

Have fun!
Picture
Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas
Photo by Christian De Vries
Holed Up
Prettiest (and Most Accessible) Waterfall: 
Falling Water Falls
Pope County, near Smyrna Township
In the middle of the Ozark National Forest, a dramatic 10-foot-high waterfall from Falling Water Creek spills into a pool of inky, blue-green water—which you can see from your car. (Make no mistake. There’s a reason why this stretch has been dubbed Upper Falling Water Road.) But don’t settle for just a drive-by. Even if you’re not up for a swim, get out of the car, and enjoy the view for a spell. One thing to keep in mind, though: Waterfalls are most impressive during the rainy season, so while a dip in August might be just the thing for cooling-off purposes, for maximum waterfall action, dropping by during the spring or winter months is your best bet.
15 Incredible Arkansas Swimming Holes
Looking for a great place to dive into cool, refreshing clear water in Arkansas? With more than 600,000 acres of lakes and over 9700 miles of rivers and streams, there are so many places to enjoy an afternoon of floating, fishing and wading in The Natural State.
 
Check out this list of 15 incredible places to swim in The Natural State.
These gorgeous spots to swim are close enough to access from major highways all over the state. Click on the name of each swimming hole and connect to a Google map to guide you there.
Click below to read the full articles.

Holed Up - Arkansas Life

BACK TO MAIN Prettiest (and Most Accessible) Waterfall: Falling Water Falls Pope County, near Smyrna Township In the middle of the Ozark National Forest, a dramatic 10-foot-high waterfall from Falling Water Creek spills into a pool of inky, blue-green water-which you can see from your car. (Make no mistake.

15 Incredible Arkansas Swimming Holes.

Looking for a great place to dive into cool, refreshing clear water in Arkansas? With more than 600,000 acres of lakes and over 9700 miles of rivers and streams, there are so many places to enjoy an afternoon of floating, fishing and wading in The Natural State.

]]><![CDATA[5 Tips For Creating The Ultimate Camping Kitchen]]>Wed, 04 Jul 2018 02:40:39 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/5-tips-for-creating-the-ultimate-camping-kitchen​FYI – If you want to camp more, then put together a camp kitchen. Most of this article is for car camping, but the same principles apply if you’re a backpacker. Keep your gear clean and organized so that you’re ready for anything.
 
Matthew Eaton wrote a good article over at The Outbound Collective on putting together a camp kitchen or chuck box.
Why do we like this article?
  • Organization is Key and Ready for Anything. This sounds simple, but if you do it, then you’ll go on more camping (or backpacking) trips.
  • FYI – Currently, we are using a large (40 gallon) plastic tote with wheels and a pull handle. It is large enough to hold everything easily, including our two-burner propane stove.
  • Good, clear photos for the visual learners among us.
  • FYI – Be sure to restock your kitchen when you get home.
  • We liked that the writer included his Top 5 Foil Packet Recipes.
 
Click below to read the full article.

5 Tips For Creating The Ultimate Camping Kitchen

Anyone who loves to cook knows the importance of a good kitchen and inevitably has drawers and cabinets full of the perfect gadgets for zesting lemons, slicing avocado, peeling, scooping, coring and .

]]><![CDATA[How to Pack and Hoist a Backpack]]>Mon, 02 Jul 2018 15:37:11 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/how-to-pack-and-hoist-a-backpack
A good article from REI for beginner backpackers.
 
FYI – This article is part of their series: Intro to Backpacking. Knowing how to organize your pack is critical. If your pack is unbalanced, you’ll get hotspots that will turn into blisters. We are visual learners, so we also like the videos.
 
Click below to read the full article.

How to Pack and Hoist a Backpack

Learn tips and tricks for packing your backpack, including ways to balance the load, organize gear and ensure essentials are handy when you need them. Also learn the proper way to hoist your fully loaded pack onto your back.

]]><![CDATA[89 camping tips to elevate any campsite]]>Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:19:54 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/89-camping-tips-to-elevate-any-campsite​A good article from trailsherpa.com.
 
FYI – This article is oriented more toward car camping, but it has lots of good information and tips that everyone can benefit from. We also like the copious amount of links to suggested products and articles for further reading. Unfortunately, some of those links are no longer active.

Click below to read the full article.

89 Camping Tips to Camp like a Champ

Most people hit their favorite campground for a 3 day weekend. A smaller percentage camp for a week or more at a time. But you don't have to sacrifice comfort for adventure in the great outdoors if you know how to camp like a champ.

]]><![CDATA[Camping Checklist (REI)]]>Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:19:41 GMThttps://www.campingfyi.com/blog/camping-checklist-reiThis is a good article from REI for beginners and is part of their series: Intro to Camping.

FYI – you won't need everything on their list, but remember to always bring the Ten Essentials.
  1. Navigation (map and compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter

Camping is a great way to get outside with family and friends or even by yourself. You can go camping in many state and national parks, at private campgrounds, in the backcountry or even in your own backyard.

Most campsites include a picnic table, a place to park your car and a spot to pitch your tent. Many also have shared bathrooms and running water.

What to Bring Camping
If it’s your first-time camping, it might be best to borrow or rent some of these things. 
  1. Tent
  2. Sleeping Bags
  3. Sleeping Pads
  4. Plenty of Food
  5. Weather-appropriate Clothing
  6. Hygiene & Medical Essentials

​Click below to read the full article.

Camping Checklist

Our camping checklist includes: tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, air mattresses, repair kits, camp kitchen supplies, the ten essential & more.

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