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
2021 Thanksgiving Camping Trip and a Milestone
As we do most years, we went camping over Thanksgiving. Eight days of camping. Our campground was in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area and close enough to travel to a family dinner on the holiday.
Continue reading 2021 Thanksgiving Camping Trip and a Milestone
How to Find a GREAT Remote Campsite
Back in 2013 I wrote about finding remote campsites in this article, Boondocking.
My methodology hasn’t changed much. In this post I’ll share some of the tools I use and a few tips.
My Remote Kit For Astrophotography
Yes, this site is supposed to be focused on backpacking and camping. When camping I often bring a telescope and nowadays I image deep sky objects with it. You may not be interested in telescopes, but this post is really about finding solutions to a “problem,” researching, planning, and the final product. Continue reading My Remote Kit For Astrophotography
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!!