The Day after the Day After

September 23, 2018CampingLake Mead National Recreation AreaNick Gatel

5 September

I awake to a beam of sunlight streaming under a partially closed window blind. Opposite the window, the door is open and the screen door provides a filtered view of the world outside. The early morning sun, low in the horizon throws an amber glow onto a cottonwood tree. Not completely awake, my brain signals that it is early morning. There is no need to know what time it is or what day it is. Hence there is no hurry to get up. I watch the sunlight creep up a tall eucalyptus tree and the day begins. Once I am completely awake, I get up. It’s coffee time.

Continue reading The Day after the Day After →

The Day After

September 22, 2018CampingHighway 62, Lake Mead National RecNick Gatel

4 September

Just north of Palm Springs, Interstate 10 enters the Coachella Valley skirting most of the area’s communities on its journey through the southernmost states until it ends in Jacksonville, Florida. Soon after entering the Coachella Valley from the San Gorgonio Pass, Highway 62 splits off from this major transportation artery. Heading north Hwy 62 meanders up a small canyon that travels through a gap in Little San Bernardino Mountains and then heads east. Here, for about 10 miles, the San Bernardino Mountains tower above the north side of the roadway, while the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the south complete the Morongo Basin – the beginning of a Mojave Desert drive that Hwy 62 will take travelers another 144 miles to Parker, Arizona on the Colorado River.

Early in the morning, on the best day of the year, we found ourselves on Hwy 62, camper in tow. Continue reading The Day After →

Camping List Methodology

September 3, 2018CampingCamping ChecklistNick Gatel

How I prepare for a camping trip versus a backpacking trip is much different. When backpacking I want the lightest gear possible without sacrificing safety; meaning I need to stay warm, dry, and safe. What I take on each trip is dependent upon the location, terrain, expected weather and time of year. All these variables must be considered when putting together my gear. To do this, I need a list — a checklist — because forgetting a crucial item can lead to a dangerous situation. Because I use a computer, it is easy to calculate how much weight my pack will weigh, which is important. I wrote about this in How to Excel at Backpacking.

Camping is different. You can take extra stuff you need; just in case. But one needs a routine or even a checklist to make sure the important stuff isn’t left at home. So this is how I do it. Continue reading Camping List Methodology →

Favorite Camper Gear of 2018

September 2, 2018Camper UpgradesNick Gatel

This topic is a favorite on backpacking blogs. Although it is only August, I thought I’d be the first!

Actually my favorite backpacking gear hasn’t changed in years, so there is no use posting that (again).

Since I just finished all my Christmas shopping (yes, I don’t have to worry about it or stress out like most folks do), I thought it might be helpful to share the most popular items that PopUpBackpacker readers are buying – and there isn’t anything related to backpacking – because the majority of readers here buy stuff for their campers, so all the items on this list are camper related. I approve – too many backpackers are obsessed with gear and are in a constant loop of new gear purchases.

Camping stuff, on the other hand, are usually purchases that are made for the long haul. Readers might find some of the stuff interesting or even a great Christmas gift idea. Since Christmas is several months away, might as well start thinking about it before it creeps up on you and you freak out. And to be upfront, there are product links in this post that will earn me a small commission if you purchase something. Don’t buy any of this stuff if you don’t need it! Continue reading Favorite Camper Gear of 2018 →

Get Ready to ‘Flip Your Lid’ (How to Replace an RV Vent Lid)

September 1, 2018Camper UpgradesRV Vent Lid ReplacementNick Gatel

Last week was time to wash and condition our membrane roof and to clean the solar panels. While I was on the roof getting ready and inspecting everything, I noticed a small hole in the corner of one of the plastic roof vents. The lid was falling apart due to UV exposure. Checking the other two vent lids, they were also getting brittle and needed to be replaced. So I ordered three lids and postponed the roof and solar panel cleaning.