While getting ready for my next backpacking trip, I came across a Campmor zipper pull, the last of a couple dozen I bought in the ‘80s. Campmor may not be a household name for many backpackers, so I thought I would share some history. The hit single Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), was released by the British duo Eurythmics in 1983. 1983 was also the year Colin Fletcher’s The Complete Walker III was written. Walker III, along with Backpacker Magazine, put the mail order company Campmor on the map and in the minds of backpackers. A journey into the past. Sometimes we need to visit the past to understand the present and even predict the future. Continue reading Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) and the Campmor Catalog
Category Archives: Backpacking Gear
Canisters, Ursacks and Bears, Oh My!!
More and more, land management agencies are requiring backpackers to store their food in “approved” bear-resistant equipment. A common question is, “What is the lightest bear-resistant food container I can buy?”
Many, many years ago I was shopping at a well-known backpacking outfitter for a sleeping bag. In those days, retailers like this one, had special areas or rooms with all their sleeping bags on display. This store had several inflated air mattresses and foam pads available so shoppers could try the fit of sleeping bags in the store. Additionally, the store had experienced employees that could answer all questions and ensure customers bought the correct size bag.
In conversations with a couple employees they showed me a new product — a bear canister — recommending it to protect my food.
But it isn’t that simple. Continue reading Canisters, Ursacks and Bears, Oh My!!
Is Fleece Obsolete?
Fleece insulation has been a staple for backpacking and other outdoor pursuits since Patagonia introduced synthetic pile and then Synchilla fleece decades ago.
Over the past few years I have seen more and more articles comparing fleece to synthetic polyester batting material such as Polarguard, Climashield and similar materials as a better option to fleece.
These batten materials are lighter than fleece with an equal insulation rating, are more compact when packed, and the manufacturers state the material insulates when wet.
Sounds like a winner to me!
Or is it just hype?
The Problem with Product Reviews
With the advent of the Internet and online shopping, the potential to become more informed buyers has lost its promise.
Instead, product reviews have mostly become a for-profit enterprise that only benefits manufacturers and those who make a living reviewing products.
How Accurate is a Cammenga Lensatic Compass?
In my last post I discussed the inaccuracy of an iPhone compass, and I promised to share the results of my Cammenga compass. The task, if you read the previous post, was to align my telescope mount to true North.
The challenge is the top of the mount is angled upward about 34 degrees, so I can’t place the compass on the top of the mount. So, I had to take a different approach.
Continue reading How Accurate is a Cammenga Lensatic Compass?