Camping and Hiking Blog

A Stylish Pop-up Camper?

MountainMan — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:40:00 +0000

I don’t know about you but I’ve always thought pop-up campers were a little, er, ugly. Of course I’m no RV enthusiast but the idea of a pop-up camper is mildly appealing - it is, after all, sorta halfway between a tent and a RV. The Opera is a new pop-up camper design that’s turning heads in Europe and is scheduled to begin production in 2010. Even the logo is pretty sweet if you ask me

As you might have guessed the Opera takes its name from its design inspiration, the Sydney Opera house. The arched canvas cover keeps the sun and rain off the wine cabinet and espresso bar inside (no kidding). The post I read mentions that this pop-up camper will be targeted to the high end of the market so don’t expect to get one of these on the cheap anytime soon. Let’s just hope other manufacturers get the hint and start giving camping enthusiasts more stylish choices!

October Contest Winners

MountainMan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:22:15 +0000

Just a quick shout out to our October contest winners, SCguide1 and Asfyxiate. Both guys will receive $25 gift certificates to REI for their contributions, start adding your campground and hiking trail reviews and photos now and you could be a winner next month!

Stay tuned to the blog for upcoming outdoor product reviews and info about our trip to visit the Gore-Tex folks last month.

September Winners & Campground Map

MountainMan — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:14:05 +0000

Congratulations to our September content contest winners, SCguide1 and Mountain Rest Cabins. SCguide1 is a two time winner and he’s already out in front for October. Mountain Rest Cabins snuck into second place with just 4 photo uploads last month - and they were of their own property - how great is that? As you can see it’s easy to get your $25 REI gift card - just add your reviews and photos and you just might win this month! Read details here.

In other site news, we launched the a Google map showing the locations (exact and approximate) of thousands of campgrounds across the US. We still need your help zeroing in on exact locations for many campgrounds - hit up the white pin points and let us know where they belong.

Campground & Hiking Trailhead Maps

MountainMan — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:18:38 +0000

We just added a new feature to Tripleblaze last week that we’re super stoked to share with everyone: campground and trailhead maps. Select campground and trail pages include a map showing the vicinity and an icon to mark the campground or trailhead. You can even click the “Directions” link (indicated with the blue arrow above) to get driving directions from your house. We already have maps and coordinates for nearly 700 trails but we need your help to fill in the rest!

Trail and campground listings that have not been located yet have a small link in a yellow box just above the trail/campground title that says “Help us locate this trail/campground.” Click the link and you’ll see a Google Map with an approximate location. Zoom around until you find the right spot and click the map to add a marker. Submit the location and you’re done!

Once we get more coordinates we’ll post a US map showing all the hiking trails and campgrounds and we’ll even add features to help you find trails close to campgrounds and vice versa. Questions? Hit us up via email: info@tripleblaze.com.

Still No Showers for Smoky Mtns. Nat’l Park Campers

MountainMan — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:10:00 +0000

On the road to Clingman’s Dome in GSMNP.

If you’ve ever camped in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) you know there aren’t showers at park campgrounds - but have you ever wondered why? Is this an idea no one has considered before? The Chattanooga Times Free Press has some answers.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and it’s still the most visited of all the National Parks (9.3 million visitors in 2006 alone!). Despite offering primative (by some standards) camping facilities, it can still be tough to snag a campsite in summer. So are hot showers being withheld to keep the crowds down?

It turns out the real reason has to do with cost and environmental concerns. Park managers want to keep fees low (GSMNP is still one of the few large National Parks that doesn’t charge a gate fee) and building showers would add to the cost of campsite rentals. Then there’s also the issue of what to do with all that extra wastewater in such a beautiful and natural area. Unfortunately GSMNP already has the distinction of being one of the most polluted parks in the NP system due to all the vehicles driving through each year and adding more pollution isn’t good for anyone.

The cool thing is that many of the facilities and campgrounds are just as they were nearly 75 years ago when the park was first designated and visitors get to experience a little history along with the nature beauty. Like someone once said: you don’t mess with a good thing!

Camping by Numbers

MountainMan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:00:40 +0000

The Outdoor Federation recently released the results of its survey on camping participation in the US and there are some pretty interesting trends to talk about. The big number that everyone is focusing on is the annual increase in camping in 2008 over 2007: 7.4% in the US. That’s a pretty good jump and the authors (along with sponsor Coleman) think this may be a reflection on the economy.

The report found that 33.7 million Americans went camping in 2008 and each camper spent an average of 14 days in the great outdoors. That seems a little high to me but I guess there are some really dedicated camping enthusiasts who are bringing the average up for everyone else.

What areas of the country boast the most campers? According to the report the Pacific region (CA, OR, and WA) had the most campers followed by the Southeast (GA, NC, SC, FL, VA, WV, and MD). From what I could tell the report didn’t adjust for population numbers so this could be a little skewed toward high population states like California. Even so, the Pacific coast boasts some of the best weather and most scenic locales making it a great place to camp.

The most popular activities to participate in while camping are hiking and swimming (no surprise here). And RV campers are more likely to choose public campgrounds than tent campers (also no big surprise).

August Contest Winners

MountainMan — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:19:57 +0000

Wow, can you believe it’s already September? Many of you are probably planning Labor Day camping trips before summer is over but here at Tripleblaze we’re just getting started. We camp and hike all year long!

For those who don’t know, we’re running a contest each month to reward our top hiking and campground reviewers with $25 REI gift cards. This month we even created a contest standings page so members can see how they’re doing during the contest - check it out and see who’s in the lead this month!

In August we had two clear winners: Mongoose and SCguide1. Mongoose racked up an impressive 284 points while SCguide1 wasn’t too far behind with 172 points. Start snapping camping and hiking pics and adding reviews now - the end of September will be here before you know it!

“Yogi Bear” Absconds w/ Picnic Basket in Yosemite (video)

MountainMan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:42:33 +0000

I saw this video on CNN.com last week and it reminded me of a Yogi Bear cartoon:

Of course this was a real bear and I’m not sure the campers were treating it with the fear and respect they should have. Is it really worth risking your life over some food in a cooler? Next time, let the bear take the food and keep as far away from him as possible!

An Air Mattress with Built-in Speakers

MountainMan — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:40:54 +0000

We love new camping gadgets as much as the next person but sometimes manufacturers take things a little too far. Case in point: the Coleman Quickbed with built-in MP3 speakers. I personally have no problem with the integrated battery powered pump (who wants to blow up such a huge air mattress?) but MP3 speakers cross the line. And these aren’t just over-sized headphones we’re talking about either - these babies include a built in amplifier which we assume is powered by the same batteries used in the QuickPump. With that extra power you can certainly annoy your camping neighbors all night long!

According to Coleman this air mattress supports up to 600 pounds which is almost as ridiculous as the MP3 speakers themselves. I suppose two 300-pound campers might want to use this mattress but I’m thinking they may have a hard time fitting on the same mattress and in the same tent in the first place

The queen sized version will set you back less than $60 on Amazon.com which is about the same price you’d pay for a decent self-inflating Therm-A-Rest air matress. Of course the Therm-A-Rest is only wide enough for one and is less than 2 inches thick inflated but it also doesn’t weigh 14.4 pounds like the Coleman Quickbed.

What’s next? A camping stove with a built-in internet browser? A tent with a digital thermostat? We’ll keep you posted…

Via GadgetGrid.

Tent Camping in a Local Eugene, OR Park

MountainMan — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:19:07 +0000

There’s been a lot of talk here and on other websites about the cost effectiveness of camping in a slow economy but the fact is that camping still requires gassing up the family truckster and hitting the road. In Eugene, OR, however, the local parks department has a better idea: open up city parks to campers!

For just 5 bucks per person, residents were allowed to pitch tents in Sladden Park this month and were provided meals, recreation, and entertainment. I imagine some urban campers didn’t even need to get in the car at all to go on this camping trip!

Activities organized by the parks department included tree climbing, African drumming, and even rafting on the Willamette River. The final city park camp out will take place this weekend, August 22 at Peterson Park Barn. Hopefully we’ll see this concept popping up elsewhere around the country in the next year or so…

X-Bowl Collapsable Camping Bowl Review

TrailAgent — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:34:48 +0000

It is not every day that new gear catches me by surprise for its usefulness and simplicity, but that is exactly what happened when I started using the X-Bowl, manufactured by Sea to Summit.

The X-Bowl, and its companions — the X-Plate and X-Cup — are collapsible food-grade bowls and plates made out of a hard, cut-resistant nylon base and a flexible silicon wall. This innovative design allows the X-Bowl to collapse from about 2″ to about a ½” thick.

I have been using the X-Bowl for about four weeks now, and I have to admit that I like it so much that its found its way into my backpack (and briefcase) along side my spork.

Here’s what I like about the X-Bowl. When extended, the sides of the X-Bowl are high enough to create a very functional bowl. When collapsed, the X-Bowl is super easy to pack. You can use a sharp knife against the bottom without causing damage, which make it easy to cut up your meal including meat, fruits, and veggies. The sides can handle hot food (up to 300 degrees according to the manufacturer), and you can compress the walls to make it easy to pour liquids. This makes it perfect for pasta, soup or cereal. You can toss it into the microwave to heat up leftovers and its easy to clean by hand or in a dishwasher. There are easy-to-read measurements on the inside walls so you can use the X-Bowl to mix freeze-dried food. The nylon base and silicon walls are BPA-free. In other words, it does it ALL!

I like gear that is simple and useful and there’s nothing worse than trying to eat cereal or soup out of a cup or pot. For backpacking, I’ve always wanted a “real” bowl that didn’t take up a lot of space. The X-Bowl and X-Plate are no-brainers. They’re easy to pack, lightweight and functional. I have to hand it to Sea and Summit. I think their “X” products are real winners. I’ll be getting the X-Plate and X-Cup.

July Contest Winners. Prizes Continue to Roll in August!

MountainMan — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:56:10 +0000

Another month, another REI gift card giveaway. Once again Mongoose is on top after outdoing himself with 196 points! Virgo Fabulous took the second REI gift card with a very respectable 58 points during the month of July. Thanks to everyone who participated!

The good news is that we’re renewing the contest once again in August. Post your hiking, camping, and gear reviews and photos in August if you earn the most points we’ll send you a $25 REI gift card. Get out there and explore - then come back and tell us about it!

Fastpacking

MountainMan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:33:19 +0000

What do you get when you combine backpacking with trail running? If you read the title of this post you know it’s Fastpacking - and here’s what you need to know about the latest outdoor recreation mashup.

If you’re a long distance runner you’ve probably seen the hydration belts and backpacks that some folks use to carry water and nutrition on long runs. Technically, carrying only food and water is not fastpacking - unless, that is, you spend the night out on the trail! Fastpackers carry everything they need with them to survive overnight and unsupported fastpackers have been known to cover nearly 600 miles at a stretch.

Fastpackers working with support teams have accomplished some pretty amazing stuff as well. In 2005 Andrew Thompson hiked/ran the entire 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail in just 47 days, 13 hours. In 2001 Ted Keizer summited all 55 of Colorado’s Fourteeners (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet high) in just 10 days, 20 hours with the help of a dedicated support team. Now that’s fast packing!

Over on the Serious Running trail running blog they have some tips for what to pack in a fastpack and they suggest keeping the whole thing under 3 pounds (not including water of course). The next time you’re strapped for vacation days, cram it all in with a fastpacking trip!

Doing #2 Outdoors

MountainMan — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:04:21 +0000

Over on Examiner.com Jay Werth shares his tips for pooping outdoors - a must read for anyone planning on a “primitive” camping trip this summer. To be honest I’ve camped in very few places that didn’t at least have a vault-style toilet with the exception of backpacking along the Appalachian Trail. Even then, many shelters along the trail have privys for hikers’ convenience.

Anyway, the #1 tip offered by Mr. Werth seems to be to poop as far away from streams and lakes as possible. Werth also mentions a good tip for setting up a simple folding toilet seat and talks about strategies for burying waste.

In some highly trafficked and desert areas like the Grand Canyon, hikers and campers are required to pack toilet paper out with them to protect the environment. A friend told me a story about hiking in the Grand Canyon with an inexperienced backpacker who misunderstood and carried her toilet paper and waste out with her. Needless to say her backpack was a little smelly on the way up

For some the question of pooping outdoors may be keeping them from giving camping a try but it’s really not rocket science. Just keep the basics in mind and the rest will come naturally!

Check out our tips for saving space in your bag when packing toilet paper.

Texas Backpackers Receive Rude Welcome in Ireland

MountainMan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:41:08 +0000

This story is getting picked up all over the place so apologies if you already read it elsewhere. Last week three young guys from Texas were sent back to the Lone Star state after arriving in Dublin, Ireland for a backpacking trip. Their offense? No address for the place where they planned to stay and no demonstrable money on hand (apparently immigration officials wanted to see bank statements).

Anyway, the whole incident resulted in major media coverage in Ireland and now the guys are being showered with offers for free hotel stays, interviews, and even an ad campaign on the Emerald Isle. Apparently those in the tourism biz are a little upset that their potential “customers” were treated so rudely and they’re trying to make up for it.

Admittedly the 3 men hadn’t done a lot of planning for their trip:

We learned it the hard way. We recognize now that we were less prepared than we should have been.

Then again, I suppose I’ve been guilty of this myself too. A few years back my brother and I planned to meet in Europe for an epic trip through Germany, Italy, and France. The only hotel we booked ahead of time was for our first night in Mainz and beyond that we basically winged it (which, in hindsight, was pretty stressful). To top it off my brother didn’t even have a passport with him which meant our transportation options were pretty limited. Fortunately we didn’t run into any snags but that’s probably just because we were lucky.

But what if these guys had planned to spend their nights outdoors as they truly “backpacked” across Western Europe. Is that allowed? Judging by immigration officials’ response, it isn’t - unless you have a fat bank account

June Contest Winners

MountainMan — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:05:41 +0000

Another month, another set of winners! Apparently tripleblaze members are paying attention this time around and we saw about a dozen members contribute during the month of June - much better than the handful we saw in May. In the end though, a familiar name came out on top: Mongoose. In June Mongoose racked up 276 points while our second prize winner NC Hiker slid in with 8 points.

What did it take to earn 8 points and a $25 gift cerficate to REI? In NC Hiker’s case it was just 2 new hiking trails and a single photo for the entire month - not a bad paycheck for a few minutes’ work! Contest is happening again this month - get your campground listings, hiking trail info, reviews and photos in for a chance to win! Top two point grabbers will take home a $25 REI gift certificate…

Farm Camping

MountainMan — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:16:34 +0000

Photo courtesy Feather Down Farm Days.

Here’s yet another new camping trend: farm camping. While farm camping is a pretty far cry from glamping, it’s certainly something that more and more families may consider as gardening and urban farming trends continue to sweep the US. Campers stay in rustic, furnished “tent cottages” that feature a stove, bedroom(s), and in some cases, even flush toilets (though most do not have electricity). Depending on the farm and location, campers may find themselves collecting eggs from the chicken coop, milking cows, or harvesting fruits and vegetables.

Die hard campers may not view farm camping the same as a trip to the local state park but it’s similar in many ways. Camping is all about simplicity and farm camping allows families to reconnect with common activities from simpler times. For many of us, camping isn’t about a tent or sleeping bag - it’s about being outdoors and spending time with the family. Farm camping certainly makes that possible.

The idea for farm camping got started in the UK but there are already a few farm camps set up here in the US from Iowa to New York state. A four-night stay for a family starts around $800 and includes fresh linens and firewood. While that may be a little pricier than a typical camping trip it’s a steal when you consider the price of a stay at a ranch or hotel. Besides, the experience of milking your own cow is priceless!

Via Springwise.

9-year Old Survives Using Tips from Man vs. Wild TV Show

MountainMan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:46:36 +0000

Listen up kids! Don’t let your parents tell you there’s nothing educational on television…

Last week 9-year-old Grayson Wynne became separated from his parents on a hike in Northern Utah and spent survived 18 hours alone in the forest. Wynne credits tips he learned from watching Bear Grylls’ Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel with his survival.

The young outdoorsman tore up his yellow rain jacket and tied the pieces to trees as he hiked toward safety, hoping that rescuers could find his path. He also remembered Grylls’ advice to follow a stream down to a larger body of water where there is a greater chance of finding civilization. Ultimately searchers on horseback spotted the child in a meadow where he was rescued. Fortunately he didn’t have to resort to eating bugs or drinking swamp water like Grylls often does

Trailgating

MountainMan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:33:46 +0000

Now I’m not sure if REI invented the concept of “trailgating” but admittedly it’s the first I’ve heard of it and I gotta say trailgating sounds kinda cool. Just think: instead of setting up the grill and chairs in a hard, flat, asphalt parking lot you could “trailgate” in the great oudoors, just steps from your favorite trailhead or fishing site. Trailgating is a much smaller committment than, say, overnight camping but with many of the same benefits (grilled foods, cold beverages, and a social atmosphere).

I’m a big fan of the hiking day trip - driving a couple hours to an unfamiliar scenic trail and eating a picnic lunch on the trail or grabbing a bite in town nearby. But, with just a little extra planning I could be trailgating! The concept of trailgating also adds a social dimension that’s often missing from my hikes - enjoying the day with friends and other hikers is much easier when there is food and comfy chairs are set up.

Of course REI has plenty of trailgating products to get you all prepped but in reality you don’t need much. Just be sure to check local regulations wherever you decide to trailgate - many parks and forest areas don’t allow alcohol, for example. Happy trailgating!

Creaky Knees Guide: 100 Best Easy Hikes in Washington

MountainMan — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:26:29 +0000

Regular readers know I’m a bit of an outdoor guidebook junkie so I was stoked to get my hands on a copy of The Creaky Knees Guide: 100 Best Easy Hikes in Washington by Seabury Blair Jr. Although I haven’t hiked in Washington (yet), from what I can tell this book is a valuable resource for anyone who is looking for fun, scenic, and low-impact hikes in the state.

First of all, don’t let the name fool you: these hikes aren’t just for your grandparents. In fact many of the hikes in this book are entirely appropriate for families with young children and even four legged companions (dogs, though I suppose you could bring your cat along on a hike ). At the front of the book you’ll find a quick guide to the 100 trails with check marks next to hikes that are recommended for families and/or pets. Nice!

Some hiking guides I’ve used include very basic, almost cartoonish trail maps but the Creaky Knees Guide is different: it shows trails overlaid on topographic maps. The maps also include elevation profiles for those who aren’t well versed in reading topo lines, though in some cases you may need to get out the magnifying glass to see the details.

Each hike in the book includes the length, total elevation gain, estimated time to complete, an “effort index” to describe difficulty, and a recommendation for the best season to hit the trail. Of course you’ll also get a description of the hike along with directions to the trailhead. Trail descriptions are grouped by location and each book section features a photo from a trail in that group to give you a feeling for what the scenery is like.

Seabury Blair, the author of the book, has been described as “the Willie Nelson of the outdoors set” and has written several other hiking guide books covering the Pacific Northwest. Judging by the picture on the cover I see the resemblance to Mr. Nelson but I can’t help but wonder if that’s where the similarities end…

If you’re a beginning hiker or even an experienced hiker looking for the best easy trails to take your kids or pets hiking, pick up the Creaky Knees Guide to Washington. A quick read will make you want to get “On the Road Again” to hit the trails!

Free Canon Photography Classes in National Parks

MountainMan — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:56:32 +0000

Photo of El Capitan I took a few years back using a simple Canon Powershot S45.

This summer Canon will be hosting free photography classes in select National Parks where visitors can even test the latest and greatest photography equipment. Along with the classes, Canon is also holding a photography contest with prizes including photography equipment (natch) and free trips to National Parks.

Photography sessions are held twice daily at the parks with an evening presentation as well. In June Canon will be at Yosemite; Grand Canyon in July; and Yellowstone and Acadia in August. Even if you can’t make it out to one of the free sessions, Canon has some photo tips posted online, along with more information about the program.

Princeton Tec Fuel Headlamp Review

TrailAgent — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:15:11 +0000

I recently had a chance to try out the Princeton Tec FUEL headlamp and I have to say… headlamps have come a long way since the old days. I remember winning a headlamp in Boy Scouts in the ’80s and back then it was pretty uncool to strap what looked like a car headlight to your head unless you were exploring a cave. Of course I was a cool kid so I only used my headlamp for spelunking trips Anyway, all of Princeton Tec’s headlamps have a cool factor that their bulkier predecessors didn’t have plus the FUEL is much more than a headlamp.

Princeton Tec Fuel

The Princeton Tec FUEL light retails for $19.95 to $24.95. It comes in three colors – pink, grey and green. According to Princeton Tec, the FUEL weighs 78g, emits 35 lumens of brightness and can last up to 160 hours on three AAA batteries. The light has three brightness settings and a strobe setting, allowing the light to be used for general outdoor hiking, reading in your tent, or as a beacon in case you want to attract attention in an emergency.

The three ultra-bright LEDs give off plenty of light. The most noticeable feature is the wide field of view or what Princeton calls “Focused Wide Beams.” The light uses three bright LED bulbs to send a beam in front of you and a beam to your left and right. Unlike a light with a single bulb pointed in one direction and a reflector that diffuses the light, the FUEL’s three LED bulbs produce a wide swath of bright light that fills your peripheral vision. As a result, I didn’t feel like I was walking down a tunnel.

You can easily adjust the direction of the light by rotating the base up or down. The head strap seems comfortable and is easy to adjust. Most importantly, the strap kept the light in place while walking. I didn’t try running with it, but I suspect it would stay put even while jogging.

Aside from the basic functionality of the FUEL, the one feature that really makes the FUEL more than a headlamp is the fact that you can easily remove the light from the elastic head strap and attach it to any 1″ webbing.

I was able to attach the light to the sternum strap of my backpack and illuminate the trail in front of me without wearing the FUEL on my head. I also attached the FUEL to some gear with Molle webbing, which kept the light out of the way but immediately accessible when needed. With its long battery life, compact shape, excellent wide illumination and overall versatility the FUEL light is a great addition to your kit. I anticipate using it in place of a regular handheld flashlight. Overall, I give the light two thumbs up!

Teva Elixer 5 Review

MountainMan — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:05:42 +0000

I gotta admit it: I’m a big fan of flip-flops. They’re super convenient, take up very little space when packing, and are generally pretty comfortable. For these very reasons I probably wear them many times when I shouldn’t, like when walking in the woods or to formal occasions. Anyway, this spring I got myself a pair of Teva Elixer 5 flip-flops and they really improve on the advantages of the classic flip-flop while adding some impressive outdoorsy features.

I’m a form follows function kinda guy so I’ll start by talking about the features you’ll find on the Elixer 5 flip flops. The soles truly feel like they came right off a trail running shoe and provide great traction even in wet conditions. Speaking of wet conditions, you know how your foot slips off most flip-flops when you try to walk with them in the rain or across dewey grass? Not an issue with the Elixer 5s - the foot bed is extra grippy and comfortable. Teva knows how to design wet footwear and it shows.

I’ve been wearing my Elixer 5 flip flops on frequent hikes in the local nature preserve and I’ve found that sticks and rocks aren’t even noticeable underfoot. The toe area is also curled up slightly which is great at protecting toes from stubs and sticks on the trail. The uppers on these flops are constructed from suede and neoprene, making them feel solid and dependable - I’m sure I’ll be wearing these for years to come. The foot bed (or topsole in industry terms) is treated with Microban to control foot odor - too bad I can’t just douse my feet in the stuff

In terms of style, you won’t find a better, more outdoorsy looking flip flop. The suede leather almost gives these a sandal look and I’m almost tempted to wear my Elixer 5s to church this summer. These flip flops look so good I actually feel guilty for having such ugly feet - maybe a pedicure is in order

If you love flip flops but are looking for a more solid footwear choice for the campground or the river, do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of Teva Elixer 5s. Just don’t email me when your boss says you can’t wear them to work.

National Camping Month: June 2009

MountainMan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Okay, so I’m not sure how official this is since I couldn’t find anything about it on the Google but according to a press release I read, the North Face is promoting National Camping Month in June with free events and sweepstakes. The idea is to encourage and inspire Americans to get outdoors and camping is a certainly great way to immerse oneself in nature. Plus camping also requires finding and purchasing the right gear which seems to be right up North Face’s alley . Just looking for a place to camp? Check out our campground reviews.

Excerpts from the press release:

To kick off National Camping Month, The North Face and Travelocity are presenting the Explore Moab sweepstakes, which gives people a chance to win a grand prize trip for two to Moab, Utah, including airfare, lodging, meals, and guided hikes and tours, as well as a $2,000 The North Face gift card. Ten Runner-Up prizes include coveted national park passes and The North Face gift cards. Details are available at www.thenorthface.com. In addition, those who enter Explore Moab in June 2009 will receive free shipping for online orders of $125 or more at www.thenorthface.com.

“We are dedicated to fueling passion for the outdoors and encouraging appreciation of outdoor activities among individuals of all ages and abilities,” said Aaron Carpenter, vice president of marketing for The North Face. “The North Face sends expeditions to the world’s highest peaks and most remote locations, but the goal of National Camping Month is to get people outside anywhere - a summer-long backpacking adventure, a week-long camping trip, a one-night campground outing, or simply a backyard tent.”

“This is a great opportunity to teach others about the importance of respecting nature and proper outdoor ethics while having a great time,” said Carpenter. “Programs like National Camping Month are vital for life-long outdoor commitment and enjoyment.”

National Trails Day at Sope Creek, GA

MountainMan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:41:46 +0000

On Saturday morning I went out to Sope Creek to volunteer for National Trails day and I was blown away to see nearly 200 volunteers ready to work! For those who don’t know, Sope Creek is just a few miles outside Atlanta, GA and is part of the National Park Service Chattahoochee River Recreation Area. Thousands of trail users run, walk, hike, and bike the trails every week but unfortunately the trails weren’t designed for that kind of abuse. In fact, many of the park’s trails are old roads used more than 100 years ago to access various mills that operated on the river and have seen serious erosion over time.

Early stages of adding sticks and logs to a closed trail.

Where’d the trail go? Trail closure complete.

The local mountain bike club (SORBA Atlanta) organized groups of volunteers, many of whom registered through REI, to help complete trail re-routes and close down old trails. My group was picked for trail destruction and it’s pretty incredible what we were able to accomplish in just a few hours. The new trails were cut using a machine several weeks before and volunteers worked hard to put the finishing touches before the trails were officially opened Saturday.

New trail opened just in time for National Trails Day!

Volunteering at the local trails always feels good and it’s a great chance to meet and interact with other trail users. Contact your local hiking or biking club to get involved!

National Trails Day Tomorrow (June 6, 2009)

MountainMan — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:22:48 +0000

The American Hiking Society is promoting National Trails Day tomorrow and they’ve set up a website to help you find hiking events in your area. Even if you aren’t able to make it out to an official event, here are a couple ideas for celebrating trails tomorrow:

1. Volunteer at your local trail. Local hiking and biking groups around the country are hosting trail work parties this weekend but you can also help out just by clearing deadfall on the trails as you hike. Of course check applicable regulations and never remove anything living from the trail.

2. Take a child or beginning hiker on a trail. Getting more folks interested in hiking leads to stronger advocacy for new and improved natural areas for recreation. Way more fun that doing trail work but just as important

What are your plans for National Trails Day?

May Contest Winners & New Contest in June

MountainMan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:14:53 +0000

Last month we held a contest to see who could add the most new campgrounds, hiking trails, reviews, and photos by May 31 and although we were pretty underwhelmed by the response, we were still able to pick the first and second place winners.

HannaD715 added one campground and two reviews and won (!) a $50 gift certificate to Cabelas.com (thanks again to OutsideHub and Cabela’s). Now, don’t you wish you had added just a few more reviews to get the $50 prize?

Second place was actually a tie so we had to look at lifetime contributions to determine the winner: Mongoose from Melbourne, FL. Mongoose squeaked in on the 31st with a single campground and review but it was enough to win a $25 REI gift card.

So… we’re holding another contest this month (June) and hopefully this time you’ll be paying attention! Same rules as before, same point values - just add your information, reviews, and photos to Tripleblaze for a shot at one of two $25 REI gift cards this month! Contest ends @ midnight, June 30.

National Parks Announce 3 Free Weekends This Summer!

jbarber — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:32:39 +0000

As if US National Parks weren’t already one of the best outdoor recreation values around, this summer the Department of the Interior is waiving entry fees at 147 parks one weekend each month. The idea is to boost local tourism and economies near the National Parks which are already preparing for a busy season as travelers look to spend less this year.

Of the National Parks that charge entry fees, prices range from $3 to $25 at popular destinations like the Grand Canyon. Each National Park I’ve visited has been worth every penny of the entrance fee so even if you can’t make it one of the free weekends this summer, know that you’re getting a tremendous value. The dates for free entry are as follows:

June 20-21
July 18-19
August 15-16

Fees for things like campsites, concessions, rentals, etc. will still be charged during fee free weekends - only entry fees to parks will be waived. Where will you go on your free weekend?

Western NC Mountains Trip Report

MountainMan — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:21:18 +0000

First off, my apologies for the lack of news this week - where did the time go? I do have an excuse though, and it’s part of my report on my Memorial Day trip to Western North Carolina. Here it is:

On Friday afternoon we left Atlanta in the rain but were happy to find the skies mostly clear in Andrews, NC where we’d be spending the night. On Saturday morning we went mining at Sheffield Ruby Mine near Franklin, NC where Leah found a “honker” of a ruby - 38 carats! Before you start drooling, let me tell you it doesn’t look like much and I suspect most of those carats are dirt.

On the way back from the mine we drove by the Nantahala River and saw plenty of catch-and-release trout fishermen and even got out and hiked a bit along the river. After grilling out for dinner we hiked around a bit and enjoyed the cool weather.

After returning, sometime around Sunday night / Monday morning I came down with a nasty stomach virus. By Thursday the virus was still around and although I felt better today I went to the doctor just to be sure. According to the doc, there’s a good chance I may have been infected by giardia, a parasite that likes to hang out in the water, particularly in mountainous areas. Let’s just say that next time I stick my hands in a dirty mine flume I’ll wash my hands thoroughly before digging into a footlong sub. Lesson learned

Be safe outdoors this Memorial Day weekend

MountainMan — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:03:53 +0000

Death Valley National Park photo courtesy NPS/US Department of the Interior

This week an Ohio man was found dead in Death Valley National Park on a day when the high temperature was 112 degrees. Authorities say the man may have been lost and it’s unclear if he had water with him but it’s a cautionary tale about knowing your limits at the beginning of the outdoor season. Whether you’re hiking, camping, mountain biking, canoeing, or all of the above this weekend, just remember to take it easy so you don’t injure yourself - there’s plenty of summer left to enjoy!

One of the biggest dangers many campers and boaters will face this weekend involves alcohol and it’s always important to know your limits. If you’re heading out on the lake know your limits and always designate a driver. Even if you and your family aren’t drinking be on the lookout for those who are - it just might save your life!

I’ll be doing some hiking this weekend in Western NC and perhaps a little lake relaxin’ as well. Where are you headed for Memorial Day?

Nevada Camping Skills Program

MountainMan — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:25:42 +0000

The Nevada Division of State Parks is holding two family camping programs at state parks this summer where families will learn basic outdoor skills. Registration is open through June 3 but just 5 families will be selected for each program which will include hiking, fishing, and “great food.” No word on whether there is any cost to the program but since it’s so limited I’m guessing it will be free to participants (though don’t quote me on that). Trips will take place June 27-28 at Washoe Lake State Park and July 18-19 at Fort Churchill State Park. More details here.

This definitely sounds like a great program for introducing families to camping and the great outdoors, though it’s a shame that participation is so limited. Either way, it does seem to be a good way to get people thinking about state parks and gearing up for a camping adventure this summer! Let us know if your family gets selected - we’d love to hear how it goes…

Adventurous Escape – Hiking the Eagle Trail at Peninsula State Park in Door County Wisconsin

TrailAgent — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:56:07 +0000

On the map, the Eagle Trail at Peninsula State Park in Door County Wisconsin looks like a short loop of little consequence. But, this rugged and challenging trail is nothing short of an adventure. For those of you locked in weekly office politics and paper pushing, the Eagle Trail offers a fantastic opportunity to escape.

The trail itself is only 2 miles long but the adventure starts within minutes as you begin to wind your way along rocky outcroppings, steep cliffs and quiet pine needle trails down to the Eagle Harbor shore. When I first hiked this trail, I planned to take just 1 hour. However, because of the rugged terrain, you should plan at least 2 hours to hike and up to 3 hours if you stop to explore the caves, Eagle Terrace, numerous geological formations, 500-year-old cedars and animal hideouts along the path.

Halfway, you will find yourself hiking along a narrow rocky path between the quiet shores of Eagle Harbor, a large bay fed by Lake Michigan, and along sheer cliffs that jut 150 feet skyward. This is the perfect opportunity to have a snack, explore a few caves, and watch sail boats pass by in the distance. If you are lucky, you may see an eagle skimming the surface of Eagle Harbor, catching a meal and then taking refuge among the rocky outcroppings of the Eagle Bluff cliffs. The second half of the trail will provide a great workout as you ascend the rocky terrain to the top of the bluff overlooking Eagle Harbor. Depending on which end you start from, you can spend some time on the Eagle Terrace, a large terrace cut out of the cliffs by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. In the end, the Eagle Trail will leave you satisfied, both mentally and physically.

The trail is well marked, but it can be treacherous after rainfall. I recommend bringing plenty of water, a snack, first aid kit, cell phone, sturdy hiking boots and several layers of clothing. You will build up a sweat on the ascent back to the top of the bluff, but the weather can get chilly among the tall pine trees and along the Eagle Harbor shore.

100 Favorite Hikes in Texas

jbarber — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:20:11 +0000

If you’re thinking about exploring the hiking trails of Texas, take a look at E. Dan Klepper’s new book, 100 Classic Hikes in Texas. Klepper says he hiked 98% of the trails in the book (guess that means there are 2 trails he didn’t hike) and logged more than 500 miles along the way. That’s a low average (5 miles each), especially since some hikes included like Caprock Canyons State Park trailway are more than 50 miles long. The good news is there are plenty of short to moderate hikes perfect for families.

This article on DallasNews.com talks about the book and lists some of Klepper’s favorite hikes in Texas. Klepper even offers some basic hiking tips for those venturing out for the first time this summer. Hike on!

Dangerous Travel Itineraries

MountainMan — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:56:19 +0000

I read an article on CNN.com last week about folks who are choosing to travel to dangerous areas despite government warnings. I’m always up for an adventure myself but I’m not so sure I’d enjoy vacationing in a war zone as one author claims to have done 36 times. (!) Sure, other places with travel warnings like Tijuana, Mexico seem harmless enough but I still wouldn’t plan a trip there just for the adrenaline rush you get from ignoring a travel warning.

In fact whenever you travel you face uncertain circumstances even if no warnings exist. My uncle was on a Central American cruise recently and while taking a stroll along a beach at one of the ports he was robbed at knifepoint. After refusing to hand over a bag containing his passport and some money a scuffle ensued and he was slightly injured. Even cruising isn’t completely safe.

Government travel warnings typically exist to keep travelers out of harm’s way and generally they should be followed. In some cases, though, the warnings seem to go too far. A friend was on a cruise to Mexico a couple weeks ago for his honeymoon when the CDC turned the boat around due to Swine flu fears. Despite the fact flights into Mexico hadn’t been canceled and most of the flu cases seem to be centered far from the Gulf Coast tourist spots, my friend spent his days at sea instead of in port.

Following travel warnings really comes down to common sense and it’s up to the traveler to decide if a trip is worth the risk. What risky spots have you visited?

Win Cabela’s or REI Gift Card For Adding Reviews in May

MountainMan — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:56:57 +0000

We’re holding our first contest of 2009 this month to see who can rack up the most points on Tripleblaze in May! It’s really quite simple: add any new campground or hiking trail, review, or photo* to Tripleblaze.com and you’ll earn points (see chart below for specific point values). The member with the most points at the end of May will receive a $50 gift certificate to Cabela’s (thanks to Cabela’s and Outside Hub) and the second place point-grabber will receive a $25 gift card to REI.

Remember, you need to be logged in when you make your submissions (guest posts won’t count) and submissions made earlier this month will count toward the contest. The current frontrunner is teamfreak16 but with 19 days to go it’s still anyone’s game!

Contribution	Points Earned
Campgrounds Listing	3
Campgrounds Photo	2
Campgrounds Review	1
Hiking Trails Listing	3
Hiking Trails Photo	2
Hiking Trails Review	1
Outdoor Gear Reviews Review	2

* All submissions are subject to approval.

Blogging While Hiking

MountainMan — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:10:59 +0000

Many long distance and through hikers tell themselves that they’ll blog about their trip in real time so friends and family back home can keep track of their progress - but often fail to deliver. Sure, updates come pretty regularly the first few weeks but then they typically trail off as the hike goes on. Mike McCollum is actually doing a pretty good job so far, though it looks like he’s posting his daily journal once every two weeks or so (not exactly real time). Mike did manage to invest in a Spot Messenger which shows his location on a map using GPS and he’s even posting videos along they way. Still, no one has figured out how to do a trailside version of Justin.tv…

Even in this hyper-connected age there are still places you can’t get wi-fi or even a cell phone signal (like much of the Appalachian trail) so live-blogging your hike is difficult if not nearly impossible. Here are some tips for providing frequent, nearly real-time online updates on your hike:

1. Get a Spot Messenger. This device actually uses satellites to pinpoint your location and beam it to a website where others can track your progress (no cell signal required). The Spot is great in emergencies but it also provides passive real-time location updates without having to touch a keyboard.

2. Keep your journal old school using paper and pen. Keeping a written journal each day will help you write your blog much faster during the times when you do have access to the internet. In the old days folks used to mail journal updates to friends and family so consider having one of your peeps type up and post your notes online for you. Or map out wi-fi hotspots before your hike and blast out the updates when you head into town for resupply. If you must bring your own laptop, get an inexpensive and lightweight netbook.

3. Apple iPhones are great tools because you can use them to access the internet and email but good luck getting a signal in wild areas. Still, bring your phone (along with a way to charge the battery) and consider using your phone to beam pics, journal entries, and even your location (using the built-in GPS) whenever you can.

4. Bring extra memory cards for your camera. Most digital cameras include features that allow you to capture audio and video which can be great for a trail blog. Just remember that audio and video eat up memory fast and also that you’ll need a fast internet connection to send the files to the web.

With a little planning you can provide frequent updates from the trail on your next backpacking adventure!

Tripleblaze News & Updates

MountainMan — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:41:39 +0000

Over the past couple weeks we’ve been adding some new features to Tripleblaze.com that we’re pretty excited to share with you:

New Campground & Hiking pages: The campground and hiking pages are still your staring point for finding outdoor destinations in your state and we’ve added previews of the best campgrounds and hiking trails in the US plus links to some of the top rated camping and hiking gear in our review database.

Blog account integration: Some members may have noticed that you needed two different logins to comment on the blog and to review campgrounds or trails but we’ve integrated things so you only need to login once. Last week we crossed the 4,000 member mark - let’s hit 10,000 by the end of the summer!

Upcoming contest: Shhhh… it’s a secret. We’re planning on announcing a contest next week with great prizes but you can get a head start by adding photos, reviews, and new listings for your favorite campgrounds and trails right now. The contest will cover submissions during the month of May with more details to come next week.

Get outside the weekend and enjoy the weather!

Happy Ending to Springtime Camping Rescue

MountainMan — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:34:55 +0000

It seems like there have been a number of stories about lost or stranded hikers in the past month and I suppose as the weather warms up we’ll be seeing even more. Springtime, in particular, can be more dangerous than other times of the year for a few reasons:

Weather changes quickly in the spring. I find it funny that almost everyone, no matter where they live, thinks their area has the craziest weather in the country. Yep, in the springtime you may have a hot day followed by a cool one or a sunny day followed by thunderstorms or even snow showers. That’s spring - the weather is changing.
For many of us who skip camping and hiking trips in the cold winter months our outdoor skills tend to be dulled a little while after living indoors. The same goes for physical stamina as well - spring may not be the best time to attempt that summit you couldn’t quite reach at the end of last summer due to exhaustion. Get a few moderate hikes under your belt before you attempt the tough stuff this year.
Trails and campgrounds may still be wet even if it hasn’t rained in days. Snow melt and general spring sogginess can happen well into June so be prepared.

That last tip is particularly applicable to the group of friends who found themselves stranded in a flooded Beegam Gorge near Platina, CA. After the guys realized they were stuck they did all the right things and a helicopter found them just one day after they failed to return from their trip.

My favorite part of the story comes at the end when the helicopter pilot offers the group a choice: be airlifted to safety but leave their dog behind OR take a GPS to help them navigate out of the gorge themselves. The dog’s owner decides they’ll take their chances with the GPS (bravo!) but in the end they are able to give the dog a sedative so he too can take the helicopter ride out.

Now that’s a happy ending

Appalachian Trail News

jbarber — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:24:47 +0000

Two Appalachian Trail news items of interest this week:

Mike Caetano of Pensacola, FL is hoping to become the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and he’s already on his way into the record books. The 86-year-old man started his hike this spring and hopes to complete the journey in November. Caetano is planning a “flip-flop” hike where he’ll skip some southern sections of the trail this summer and will return to them in the fall to complete the hike. This is not Caetano’s first time on the trail as he’s “section-hiked” the entire Appalachian trail in the past. The current record holder, 81-year-old Lee Barry, completed his thru-hike in 2004. We’ll try to keep you posted on Caetano’s progress as we hear more…

A legally blind hiker was rescued after becoming lost on the Appalachian Trail last week where he spent 6 days alone in Amherst County, VA. Ken Knight became separated from his group while hiking on the trail and it took rescuers three days of searching to locate the man (he wasn’t reported missing until three days after he disappeared). After lighting a signal fire that turned into a 2-acre brush fire, Knight was found by rescuers mostly unharmed.

Knight says he’ll consider hiking with a satellite beacon or a cell phone next time but points out that the most important things hikers should bring along are survival skills. Technology can fail he says and survival skills may be the only thing that keep you alive until help arrives. Amen to that.

Free Night of Camping at KOA This Weekend

MountainMan — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:23:52 +0000

Ok, so it’s not actually camping - KOA prefers to call it “kamping” which is fine by me because I don’t usually associate KOA with the great outdoors. In any event, this weekend only kampers who pay for a site Friday, May 8 will get to kamp for free Saturday, May 9. It’s all part of the Kamp & Care Weekend fundraising event to help kids with cancer at KOA Care Camps (or should it be Kare Kamps?). More details below and at KOA.com where you can make your reservation for this weekend.

Join us for KOA’s special Come Kamp & Care With Us Weekend, May 8 & 9, 2009. Pay for Friday, May 8 and kamp Saturday May 9 at the same kampground for FREE! KOA’s Come Kamp & Care With Us Weekend has become a favorite way for many families to kick off their summer camping season.

For the sixth year, kampgrounds will be collecting donations and holding fundraising events to benefit KOA Care Camps for children with cancer, the official charity of the KOA Owners Association. This network of 35 specialized summer camps gives children with cancer, and their siblings, a chance to experience the joys of camping while continuing their treatments.

Last year, KOA kampers contributed to a record $250,000 in KOA donations for this truly special charity. To find out more about KOA Care Camps, or to make a donation, go to www.koacarecamps.com.
Make your reservations today!

1. View the full list of participating KOA Kampgrounds.
2. Click on the kampground where you’d like to stay, and make your reservations!

Don’t wait! There is a limited supply of kampsites and kabins available for this very special weekend. Remember stay and pay for Friday, May 8 and kamp Saturday, May 9 for free!

Tripleblaze is Looking for Camping & Hiking Gear Reviewers

jbarber — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:57:35 +0000

Note: We’re re-posting this article in case you missed it - get your writing sample in today! As a blog contributor you’ll get a byline, free gear, and valuable outdoor industry exposure.

Looking for an excuse to get outdoors this summer while testing the latest camping and hiking equipment? We’re looking for two enthusiastic writers to contribute to the TripleBlaze blog on a weekly basis with product reviews, trip reports, and commentary on camping and hiking in the US. Aside from being featured on the #1 Camping & Hiking Blog we’ll also hook you up with brand new outdoor products to test and keep.

We’ll be taking applications through the end of April and all you need to do to apply is submit a written review of a piece of outdoor equipment you own. Read the Tripleblaze blog archives and our mountain biking blog to get an idea of the tone we’re looking for and follow these tips to optimize your submission:

Product reviews and outdoor trip reports should be between 350-500 words.
Include great photos of yourself on the trip or the product in use outdoors. We like to include about 1 photo for every 150 words.
For product reviews, it is helpful to organize your article around the pros and cons while providing an overall recommendation to sum things up.
Trip reports are usually best written chronologically and should focus on the unique aspects of the trip and/or location.
Don’t be too serious - people read blogs to get information but also to be entertained.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Writing must be original and photos must be your own.

So what do you have to lose? Submit an article to info@tripleblaze.com along with a brief bio and if we like your style we’ll publish your article on the blog and set you up with more review assignments and free gear. Get outdoors this spring and tell us about it!

Teen Hiker Rescued on Mt. Washington

MountainMan — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:14:11 +0000

As an engineering student I was always taught that failure is much more instructive than success and I think the same is true in the outdoors. When a hiker gets lost that’s really a navigation failure and it’s a great time to reflect on outdoor knowledge and awareness. I wrote about my experience being lost and how it taught me about my own stubborness but also confirmed some things I learned as a Boy Scout like following a stream to safety.

Anyway, this week a teenager in New Hampshire got lost while hiking alone on Mt. Washington. The teen did a lot of things right (he is, after all, an Eagle Scout) but he also made some critical mistakes we can all learn from.

Never hike alone. This is probably the biggest lesson this teen learned but I’m still not sure he gets it (after his rescue he said “I would never hike alone again in snow conditions“). I suggest not hiking alone in any conditions because you never know what might happen (weather, injuries, etc.).
Head down to safety. After a couple days on the mountain the teenager decided to hike up the mountain to get help but the rescuers were looking for him at lower elevations. Following water downstream is a good strategy as is getting out of cold/windy conditions at higher elevations.
Don’t take shortcuts. This is where I got into trouble during my own “lost experience” and it’s a pretty easy trap to fall into. Stay on the trail because it makes it easier for rescuers to find you plus the conditions on the trail are generally better than off trail.

In the end we’re glad the teen made it back safely - hopefully his story can teach us a few lessons about staying safe on the trail.

Backpacking Colorado Canyon Country

jbarber — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:24:21 +0000

The trail near Fruita, CO.

While it’s still way too early to backpack in the Colorado high country, right now is the perfect time to hit the lower elevation trails in canyon country. The western part of the state near Grand Junction and Fruita is dry and quite pleasant this time of year and offers up some incredible desert scenery.

Joe Wiggins posted his take on backpacking Colorado canyon country on Examiner.com and it’s a good read if you’re serious about finding a good spot to hike and camp. Wiggins points out this time of year offers up great weather plus water sources are more readily available now than in the summer. Even if you plan on getting in high country trips later this year an early season trip to western Colorado can help you shake down your gear and get acclimated for climbs about 12,000 feet. Ain’t Colorado great?

Hiking Popularity Increases in China

jbarber — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:55:49 +0000

Map credit: TravelChinaGuide.com

According to a recent article in Backpacker Magazine, the popularity of hiking and backpacking is growing in China and that could be good news for the environment. The author reasons that increasing prosperity gives citizens more time to pursue recreational activities which should in turn increase appreciation for nature and the environment. Of course the article starts off with a story about one backpacker who simply tosses his garbage by the trailside as he hikes but it’s still early in the Chinese environmental movement…

The article also makes an interesting point that the environmental movement in the US really got started in the 1960s as hiking became more popular here. But what about the impact of millions of new hikers exploring previously untouched wilderness in China? Isn’t a robust national park system and supportive non-profit network critical to preserving what’s left? Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?

Either way, in the end I think increased outdoor recreation is a good thing for the environment because it means people place a value on natural beauty. And once a society values something it will want to take care of it. Although much damage has already been done to the environment around the world, the good news is that mother nature is pretty good at healing herself, given time. The sooner folks start respecting nature, the sooner she’ll be able to give back.

Food for Hiking

jbarber — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:33:45 +0000

The other day I came across this blog about hiking food and it made me realize we often talk about camping food but rarely discuss food geared specifically toward hiking. To me there’s even a difference between hiking food and backpacking food since backpacking implies an overnight stay whereas hiking is usually a daytime activity. So, what are some good hiking foods that don’t require any cooking or trailside prep?

The first key to choosing good hiking food is to look for things that will keep in a day pack. If it’s cold out, lunchmeat and cheese will do just fine but if you’re hiking Death Valley in June you may want to skip things that melt and/or spoil. Also consider how you’ll be packing your food. I love sandwiches just as much as the next person but flattened sandwiches are a bummer so if my pack is tight I’ll skip the bread.

Dried foods (like beef jerky, banana chips, etc.) work great for hiking snacks and meals because they’re lightweight and won’t spoil no matter the conditions outside. Serious hikers have their own dehydrating machines to create amazing treats like “cinnamon pears” and venison jerky but you can usually find pre-dehydrated snacks at the local supermarket.

Hiking burns carbs and I usually like to bring crackers and sugary drinks to replenish the carbs I burn on the way out. Just don’t overdo the sports drinks on your trip - always bring along plenty of water since good old H2O hydrates better than anything else. Candy bars make a nice day-hike desert - though keeping them from melting on hot days can be a challenge (consider freezing beforehand).

Hiking food doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to nourish you until you can get back to your car or basecamp where you can eat a real meal!

Great Hikes Outside Payson, AZ

jbarber — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:22:18 +0000

If you’re planning a business trip or a visit with relatives out of state and are looking for a short day hike to kill some time, local newspaper articles can often be a great resource for finding the perfect spot. Most local papers publish an online edition these days so local day hikes are often just a Google search away.

Case in point: AZCentral.com posted an article by John Stanley of the Arizona Republic profiling 3 great hikes near Payson, AZ which is about halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff. The hikes range in length from 1.5 miles to 8 miles which means you can pick the one that best fits your schedule. I’d personally choose the Tunnel Trail which is the shortest of the hikes but takes hikers to the entrance of an abandoned and incomplete railroad tunnel started in the 1800s.

In the old days finding local hikes meant knowing local hikers but today great hikes are just a click away!

Camping in yurts

jbarber — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:01:43 +0000

Camping yurt in Colorado. From Wikipedia.

Want to camp old-school like an ancient nomadic Asian herdsman? Consider staying in a yurt for your next camping trip. The Everett, WA HeraldNet posted an article that explains what yurt camping is about and offers details on a new “yurt village” in River Meadows County Park. Some of the yurts in the park are big - 20 feet across (or 300+ square feet) - and are permanently installed at the campground.

Yurts seem to be gaining popularity within the US and abroad, particularly out west where permanent, rugged camping structures allow campers to get outdoors all year long. Yurts are strong enough to withstand serious snow and wind loads, are insulated to keep campers warm in winter, and are a low impact alternative to sites where campers constantly erect and tear down their own tents.

It’s hard to imagine nomads setting up and taking down their yurts more than once or twice a year because the structures are generally quite substantial. Modern camping tents are probably more akin to the Native American tipi (or tepee) consisting of poles and a canvas shell that is lightweight and can be moved each night if necessary.

Yurt camping can be a fun alternative to staying in tents or cabins this summer (or even winter!). Check your local state park website to see where you can experience the yurt.

Top 10 Hikes Outside Asheville, NC

jbarber — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:02:05 +0000

Dupont State Forest photo posted by Tripleblaze member Yosef Mudslogger

RomanticAsheville.com has selected the top 10 Asheville, NC area hiking trails and the list is a pretty good one (though I don’t know how romantic any of these treks are ).

1. Gorges State Park
2. Mt. Mitchell
3. Craggy Gardens
4. Point Lookout Trail
5. Dupont State Forest
6. Max Patch
7. Cold Mountain
8. Graveyard Fields
9. Black Balsam Knob
10. Urban Trail

I’ve hiked a few of these trails so I thought I’d add my 2 cents. Mount Mitchell is, of course, the highest point east of the Mississippi River and is a must-hike for any serious east-coast hiker.

Dupont State Forest west of Asheville is a unique hiking spot due to the exposed granite surface along many of the trails. Dupont also offers some great waterfall views and well marked trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

Max Patch is accessible via the Appalachian trail and it’s really not a far hike from I-40 as I recall. This area is a rare “bald” which means there are no trees on top to obstruct your views of the surrounding mountains.

If you’re heading up to western North Carolina this summer, take this list along and check out these great hikes!

A challenging hike in Virginia: Old Rag

jbarber — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:06:55 +0000

Some hiking trails, like this one, require hikers to get vertical.

Fredericksburg.com published an article by Bill Freehling about a recent hike to the summit of Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park. Old Rag is a popular hike (I’ve heard of it and I live 400 miles away) but it’s not exactly a walk in the park.

Freehling tells us the most challenging part of the hike is a an area known as the “rock scramble” where upper body strength is a must to pull oneself up the trail. To me if a hike involves more than just a little upper body strength it ceases to be hiking and morphs into mountaineering or rock climbing but that’s another story…

The Old Rag hike is a loop where the way up (the part with the rock scramble) is twice as long as the way down which begs the question: why not just go up and down the less steep way if it’s so tough? The answer, I’m sure, is that it’s the challenge that makes it such a great hike. Isn’t that what hiking is all about?

Camping at the Zoo

jbarber — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:40:51 +0000

We’re always looking for new camping experiences to share and the Denver Zoo has a cool one for families: Bunk with the Beasts CampOUTS. For $65 kids can spend the night at the zoo and enjoy campfire stories, a picnic dinner, and of course, tours of the zoo. Guests spend the night under the stars in provided “safari tents” on the zoo grounds. Everything is included from food to tents - all kids need to bring is a sleeping bag!

CamOUTS will take place select Thursday - Sunday nights at the Denver zoo this summer. Check out the website for more details on this unique camping experience.

American Hiking Society Supports 10 Favorite Hiking Trails

jbarber — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:52:06 +0000

Well, it’s not really a top 10 list per se but it’s interesting nonetheless: The American Hiking Society and Nature Valley revealed America’s 10 favorite hiking trail grant projects for 2009. Basically the program had 70 nominations which were narrowed down to 20 finalists and online readers voted for the top 10 of those 20. Not nearly as exhaustive as our own best hiking trails list but it will do Each winning project will receive a $5,000 grant bringing the total commitment to $50,000 for trail preservation. Not too shabby.

Here are the top 10 hiking trail project winners: (more individual project details at wheresyoursat.com)

* Forest Park Conservancy (Portland, Ore.): Wildwood Trail Day of Stewardship
* Grand Trunk Trail Blazers (Sturbridge, Mass.): Camp Robinson Crusoe Trail
* Louisville Metro Parks Foundation (Louisville, Ky.): Eastern Gateway Trail
* Lula Lake Land Trust (Lookout Mountain, Ga.): Cloudland Connector Trail
* Mahanoy Creek Watershed Association (Pottsville, Pa.): Bolich Hiking Trail Project
* Nacimiento Medical Foundation (Cuba, N.M.): St. Francis Park Nature Trail
* Palmetto Conservation Foundation (Columbia, S.C.): Peak to Prosperity Passage, Palmetto Trail
* Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition (Asheville, N.C.): Fires Creek Trail System
* Southern Conservation Trust (Peachtree City, Ga.): Line Creek Nature Area Trail Signage
* Volunteers for Outdoor California (Redwood City, Calif.): Fernandez Ranch Trail Project

Two of the ten projects are right here in Georgia (where we’re based) and half the projects are in the southeast (that is, if you count Kentucky as part of the southeast). Congrats to all the winners, we’re stoked to see how the money is used to improve our hiking trails!

Desert Camping in Dubai

jbarber — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:55:52 +0000

Photo from Time Out Dubai.

Quick - what do you think of when you hear about Dubai? Ridiculously large sky scrapers? Luxury shopping and resorts? Oil? Better add camping to the list because according to Time Out Dubai there are some amazing opportunities for desert camping just outside the city.

Desert camping outside Dubai sounds pretty awesome to me: spots where there is no light or noise pollution and no tire tracks (probably because they were erased by the wind the night before). There is plenty to see as well: sand monitor lizards, sand cats, and desert gazelle (if you’re lucky). Driving and hiking are some of the more popular pastimes for desert campers.

However, this warning from the article makes me think desert camping in the UAE may not be for everyone:

You should never journey into the desert without another vehicle – or another two if you’re going into Liwa. You must also be a competent desert driver and equipped with GPS. Be sure to check all fluid levels, tyres and the weather forecast before setting out.

It’s not really clear why you need multiple vehicles - breakdowns? hijackers? Clearly the tip on checking fluid levels and weather conditions is a good one for any type of desert camping or hiking excursion.

Finally, I want to share a camping tip this article reminded me of about staking a tent in the sand. While I was in the Air Force we often set up large canvas tents (called GP Mediums) in the sandy soil in Colorado and Florida and my NCOs taught me this trick: instead of pushing tent stakes straight into the sand, angle the stakes AWAY from the tent at a 45 degree angle. Of course this seems counterintuitive but it turns out the friction (or suction as some claimed) is what keeps your stakes secure from lateral movements caused by wind. A vertical tent stake will quickly be rocked back and forth until the hole is enlarged and releases your tent stake.

Now you’re ready to pitch your tent in the desert outside Dubai!

ATV riders damage hiking and biking trails

jbarber — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:44:08 +0000

A popular hiking and mountain biking trail in Oregon was damaged by ATV riders last month and the Forest Service is asking the public to help find the culprits. Four-wheel ATVs were ridden on the singletrack trail near Sisters causing severe damage and leaving muddy ruts about a mile into the woods. ATVs are allowed to ride on roads in National Forest areas but are prohibited from driving off road - the fine for doing so is up to $5,000 and six months in jail.

Often hikers and mountain bikers disagree about trail use but both groups can surely agree that ATVs do not belong on narrow hiking trails. If you see off-road vehicles damaging a hiking trail this summer be sure to report the culprits to the Forest Service - save the trails for everyone!

Without Electricity, Everything Slows Down

jbarber — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:29:42 +0000

This thought just occurred to me as I’m sitting in my office waiting for the power to come back on. It’s cliché to talk about how much we depend on electricity these days, much less the internet, but when you’re without power for more than an hour or so it really becomes clear how much electricity is a part of our daily lives.

I guess that’s why people still enjoy tent camping. Did you ever notice how time seems to slow down on a camping trip? By 9pm most campers will swear it feels midnight without the primetime television lineup reminding us what time it really is. Camping days seem longer and I suspect it’s because electricity isn’t speeding things along.

Now that the initial panic and frustration about being without power has passed I’m actually kinda enjoying it. There’s no email, no music, and no phone calls (my cell phone battery just ran out) to worry about is pretty relaxing, even though I know once the power is back I’ll have a lot of catching up to do. It’s the same with a camping trip: often the hardest part is pulling yourself away and getting in the car. Once you’re outdoors thoughts of all those electrical devices will fade away.

It may sound impossible in this day and age to take an electricity-free vacation but if you’re willing to give it a try for a day or two you’ll certainly be rewarded. I just my internet access will come back soon so you’ll actually get a chance to read this article

Update: It’s been more than 24 hours and I’m still without electricity at home. Fortunately my brother lives close by and his power is fine. Back to work!

Hiking the peaks of California

jbarber — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:24:39 +0000

The view on a hike near Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

If you’re looking for a hiking to-do list this summer, check out this article SFGate.com posted last month on hiking 5 prominent California peaks. The hikes stretch from Mount Lassen in the Cascades to Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the continental US, in southern California. If you’re hoping to make the trek up Mt. Whitney reserve your permit now - spots for the summer fill quickly!

The SFGate list also includes some family favorites like Mount Tallac in the Tahoe area and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. If you’ve haven’t been to Yosemite yet move it to the top of your hiking and camping wishlist - it’s easily one of the most scenic places in America.

California has so many great mountains it’s tough to pick the top 5 peaks to hike. What are some of your favorites the SFGate list left off?

Camping Increases in West Virginia

jbarber — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:46:50 +0000

It’s happening in West Virginia too - campground reservations are up 2-3% this year over last year (which was also up 2-3%). State Park officials chalk it up to the economy as more families are choosing less expensive summer vacation alternatives like camping. Of course a 2-3% increase isn’t all that much given the poor state of the economy - instead we suspect population growth and the ease of telephone reservations may also be contributing to the increase. If West Viginia added internet reservations the increase would probably be more like 5%.

Either way, the good news is that the state of West Virginia is responding to the growth in camping interest by adding more capacity including a new 75 site campground near Beckley. The new campground will be in addition to the 26 state campgrounds in the state.

If you haven’t already made your reservations yet, don’t worry - only half of the campsites in each campground may be reserved in advance meaning there are still plenty of good old fashioned “first come, first served” sites available. Planning ahead is overrated anyway

Snake Safety for Hikers

jbarber — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:03:08 +0000

A harmless (?) snake at Buffalo Creek trail in Colorado.

The Capistrano Dispatch says San Juan Capistrano officials have alerted the public to recent rattlesnake sightings on area hiking trails and the article I read offers some tips for what to do if you encounter a snake on the trail. The best tip of all is also the simplest: if you see a snake on the trail, LEAVE IT ALONE. Seems simple enough…

The article also mentions it’s a good idea to carry a walking stick but doesn’t mention what the stick is for. I recommend NOT using the stick to poke the snake - this usually makes them more upset and more likely to strike.

I’ve encountered snakes many times hiking and mountain biking and I can tell you it’s always a startling experience but usually that’s about it. On a backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail my dad and I encountered a rattlesnake sunning right in the middle of the trail. We tossed rocks at the snake to get it to move (bad idea, I know) and obviously this upset the snake because it started rattling viciously. Clearly the snake wasn’t going to move so we took a wide berth off trail and around the snake and were on our way.

On a hike at West Monument Creek Trail in Colorado Springs my wife and I encountered a rattlesnake sunning on the pavement outside the Tesla power plant. It was easy enough for us to walk around the snake except this time we had our dog Jackson with us and he didn’t know what to make of the rattling, slithering thing. I yelled as loud as I could to get him away from the snake (he was off leash) and eventually Jackson got the picture. Good thing too - we were at least a mile or two from the car and I didn’t feel like carrying our 95 pound dog.

Yep, dealing with snakes on a hike is just part of the outdoor experience - leave them alone and they’ll do the same to you.

Improvising While Camping

jbarber — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:25:37 +0000

The Camping Blogger posted a great article on preparing for the unexpected when camping and it’s a good place to start if you’re getting your gear prepped for the summer. It’s a fact that on most camping trips you’ll forget and/or break at least one item but if you’re prepared with some versatile emergency supplies it won’t ruin your trip. In fact, after you MacGuyver a solution to your problem you’ll probably feel pretty smart - and there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned sense of accomplishment. Some of the versatile camping items mentioned on Camping Blogger (and in the comments):

Duct dape. ‘Nough said.
Aluminum foil: great substitute for pots and pans
Zip lock bags: I like to use these to keep clothes organized and dry but there are hundreds of other camping uses.
Rope/twine: Roy mentions packing parachute cord specifically but at least having some type of rope or string around can get you out of a pickle. A sewing kit with thread can be helpful as well for mending ripped equipment or clothing or even fishing if you forget your tackle!
Seam grip: I don’t pack this myself but believe me, I’m adding it to my list right now.

In addition to the things mentioned I also like to bring along an extra tarp just in case I find myself in a huge downpour and need to keep things dry. A plastic tarp can also be helpful if you forget a sleeping bag (like one of the Camping Blogger commenters did). I also bring paper towels which can be used for everything from cleaning to fire-starting to writing notes.

Camping is really just improvised living in the great outdoors - as long as you have a few of these versatile items there isn’t any problem you can’t solve!

Win a Free Camping & Hiking Trip to Havasu Falls

jbarber — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:09:59 +0000

Photo courtesy Hydros Adventures.

Hydros Adventures is filling empty seats on trips this summer in a pretty novel way: they’re giving them away for free! You can register to win a free trip to Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon at HydrosAdventures.com and the winner(s) will be notified via email at some point in the future (details are pretty sparse despite the website and press release I read). The trip normally costs about $800 per person (minimum) so a free trip is one heck of a deal!

I hadn’t heard of Havasu Falls before but from the pics and videos I saw this morning it looks truly amazing. The Hydros Adventures trip is 3 days and involves hiking 10 miles each way to the falls and back. Fortunately pack mules do most of the heavy lifting and that’s a good thing since the elevation change is about 2200′ over the route.

It seems like free camping and hiking opportunities are popping up everywhere this summer - we’ll keep letting you know about the deals we find!

Tripleblaze Introduces World’s First Titanium Dome Tent

jbarber — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:00:01 +0000

We’ve been working for several months on the latest innovation in camping tent technology: the titanium dome tent. Of course tent manufacturers have been integrating titanium into tent poles for years but Tripleblaze has created the first tent completely covered in titanium! No more worries about bear attacks while you’re sleeping - the titanium tent has you covered.

Of course to create a titanium tent we needed to make some modifications to the typical dome tent design. Instead of rolling the tent up for storage you’ll need to fold the titanium tent along the included hinge connectors. While titanium is one of the most lightweight metals we could find, our 4-person dome tent is a bit heavier than your typical canvas or nylon tent - about 55 pounds when packed.

The titanium dome tent is *mostly* waterproof (except at the hinges of course) and in a rain storm the pitter patter of rain will lull you to sleep. Lightning safety has not yet been tested so we recommend avoiding this tent if thunderstorms are in the forecast.

Titanium is not a cheap building material and so the Tripleblaze titanium tent is a little pricey - MSRP is set at $3,800 for the 2-man version. Reserve your titanium dome tent today - now accepting pre-orders through April 1, 2009.

Happy April Fool’s Day.

Hiking is inexpensive family outing

jbarber — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:09:30 +0000

This fellow hiking Camelback at dusk may have been in trouble.

In an article about increased mountain rescue calls at Phoenix-area hiking trails, hiking experts speculated the increase in rescues was due to an overall increase in foot traffic. Increased foot traffic, the thinking goes, is due to the fact that hiking is an inexpensive and accessible family activity (that is, until hikers get in over their heads). Unfortunately emergency responders are facing budget cuts at the same time calls for help are increasing.

All of this got me thinking that despite pitching camping as a budget-friendly family outing, we forgot to talk about hiking in the same light! Yep, hiking is even more inexpensive than camping - in fact it’s usually free - and it’s a great alternative to schlepping the kids to the amusement park or the mall. Hiking can be educational and it’s a fun way to get exercise. Springtime is one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and fortunately most of us live within a short driving distance of parks and trails.

Hiking is also a great budget-friendly activity because it doesn’t require any special equipment other than a sturdy pair of shoes (I prefer running shoes myself). Taking the family on a hiking trip is pretty low commitment as well - you can make the trip as short or as long as you like. I often like to bring a picnic lunch along in a backpack when I go hiking - any excuse to spend more time outdoors

Research the best places to hike near you right here on Tripleblaze.com. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have for free!

Camping in Sydney Harbor

jbarber — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:03:34 +0000

Here’s an idea for a dream camping vacation: spend the night in a tent in the middle of Sydney Harbor. Cockatoo Island sits smack dab in the middle of Australia’s largest city about 3 miles from the world famous Sydney Harbor bridge and offers a unique camping experience you won’t get anywhere else. Imagine a campground on Ellis Island in New York City or on Alcatraz in San Francisco - how cool would that be? Read travel writer Tom Adair’s report on his recent camping trip to Cockatoo.

Cockatoo Island, like Alcatraz, once hosted a prison and over the years has housed a girl’s reform school and a shipyard, among other things. These days you can take the ferry (less than $5 US per person) and pitch your tent for around $30 US per night. If you don’t feel like lugging you tent halfway around the world, you can rent a tent for an extra $20 US a night or so. There are even grills for rent and meat available for purchase so you can enjoy your shrimp on the barbie during your camping trip.

Camping on Cockatoo Island isn’t exactly a trip into the Outback (the interior of Australia - not the restaurant). The Island boasts restrooms and even a café on site - now that’s what I call roughing it in style!

Reservations for Cockatoo Island campsites can be made up to 6 months in advance - see the official website for more details.

Camping & Hiking Apps for iPhone

jbarber — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:26:30 +0000

Backcountry.com included a humorous comparison between the outdoor utility of an iPhone and a stick in their latest newsletter and it’s worth a read if you’re looking for a Friday morning chuckle. The pics are a little cheesy but it’s nice to see someone poking fun at the Jesus phone for once. Oddly enough the article sounded pretty similar in tone to our own article comparing the iPhone to the Garmin Edge 705 GPS.

But seriously though, it’s crazy how many applications are available for the iPhone these days and you might be surprised to know there are a few that might actually be helpful for camping and hiking. Here’s a sampling:

Knot Time ($0.99): Both a learning tool and field guide for tying knots. Tying knots is a time honored camping tradition and this app adds a high tech twist (no pun intended). Rated 3 stars.

Scat and Animal Tracks ($0.99 each): Two different apps for helping you identify scat and animal tracks in the great outdoors. Who needs field guides anymore when your phone knows more than Bear Grylls?

TopoPoint USA ($9.99): TopoPoint gives you access to USGS topographic maps on your iPhone to help you on your next hike. Although we’re not big fans of USGS topos in general (most were hand drawn in the 1960s) this could be a helpful tool - just remember to download the necessary map tiles before you get out of cell range!

Mosquito Device ($0.99): According to the developer, “Mosquito Device uses high pitch sound waves to keep away mosquitos. Almost silent, you won’t notice it working.” I’m pretty sure that last bit is right: you won’t notice it working (and it only received 2 and a half stars to prove it). Believe it or not there are at least two other iPhone apps that promise to do do the same.

GPS Compass ($4.99): This little app does way more than make your iPhone into a compass (though it does do that) - it also lets you use your iPhone as a full blown GPS. There are a number of apps out there that do the same thing but the great thing is you don’t even need a cell signal to get your current location coordinates, altitude, and distance hiked.

Yep, the iPhone could come in pretty handy on your next camping or hiking trip. Now if there were only a good way to re-charge your phone outdoors…

Egg-shaped camping kitchen

jbarber — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:43:19 +0000

It’s not often that you see one of the techie gadget blogs covering camping gear but this week Gizmodo introduced us to the EGGo, a mobile kitchen concept that’s made for the outdoors. The egg-shaped pod includes a heating surface and a sink plus the water and fuel you need to get cooking.

It’s certainly a beautiful concept but it seems impractical in just about every way I can imagine. First: eggs aren’t good at standing on end (if you hadn’t noticed). It’s pretty obvious from the drawing below that strapping the EGGo to the roof of a car is awkward in every sense of the word.

The mirrored finish is certainly striking and in theory it reflects the natural beauty around you, making it fit nicely into the great outdoors. But consider this: camping (and especially outdoor cooking) can be messy and keeping the EGGo sparkling will be a losing battle. In fact I avoid the trendy stainless steel outdoor gas grills for this very reason. Black grills don’t show grease spots or soot

EGGo storage space seems to be minimal since the fuel and water need to be stored below the cooking surface and the egg shape tapers toward the bottom leaving little room for utensils.

Finally, I have to assume that integrating the sink is a huge technical challenge. How is the water pressurized such that it comes out of the faucet? Where does the waste water go?

Of course this is just a concept but I’m guessing we won’t be seeing the EGGo at a campground anytime soon (in this form anyway). I’ll stick to the Big Green Egg for my outdoor cooking needs.

Win a free camping trip in Oregon

jbarber — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:32:27 +0000

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a photo contest starting this week and the photographer with the best shot will receive a free 14-day stay at any Oregon state park campground. No word on whether they’ll also arrange for your boss to give you the time off to enjoy your prize

Two honorable mentions award winners will receive 2-year day passes good at any Oregon State Park - a much more valuable prize in my opinion. All you gotta do is get out and snap pics at any of Oregon’s amazing state parks and submit your (digital) photos before August 1, 2009. The submission process is completely automated - just hit the website and upload your pics.

Many of the best photographs from the Oregon contest will end up in promotional materials marketing the state’s parks. If you have a chance to get to an Oregon state park this summer, don’t forget your camera - you might just capture a winning shot!

Urban Exploration

jbarber — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:22:36 +0000

In keeping with our themes on extreme and urban hiking, here’s something you may not have heard of before (officially anyway): Urban Exploration. No, this isn’t what you do when you vacation in NYC and it’s not a sport you’ll see REI sponsoring anytime soon. However, urban exploration is a fun way to explore the environment and it uses some of the tools you rely on when camping and hiking the great outdoors.

Growing up I was always into suburban exploration: finding old rusty cars in the woods, diving into culverts and big stormwater pipes, exploring construction sites, etc. Although *technically* tresspassing, urban exploration is generally a victimless crime and the fact that it is illegal in many cases actually adds to the excitement. (note: it is also potentially dangerous and did I mention illegal? if you get injured or arrested, don’t blame me!)

In college a friend and I explored the steam tunnels underneath Duke University (is there a statute of limitations on this?). We always geared up with all our best outdoor stuff: headlamps, hiking boots, canvas pants and sweatshirts - the whole nine. Our favorite route started beneath a ventilation grate outside the Social Sciences building, went through a machine shop and a lighted corridor through the hospital, and eventually put us out underneath a dining facility across the quad more than a quarter mile away. We probably inhaled an unhealthy amount of asbestos and rat feces (is there a healthy amount?) as we low crawled through some tight spots but it didn’t matter - we felt like Magellan finding a new route around the world!

As an adult I’m still curious but these days I do much of my urban exploration vicariously through the writers at Infiltration.org (the site is down today - I hope it’s not permanent). The writers at Infiltration have explored abandoned missle silos in New Mexico, crumbling factories in Canada, and catacombs in France, just to name a few spots. Cool stuff.

If you’re never heard about Urban Exploration definitely read up on it - it may just scratch an itch you didn’t realize you had. Of course I don’t condone it myself - I’m just an admirer

Redneck Camping Video

jbarber — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:33:28 +0000

Kotula’s put together a pretty funny “redneck camping” video starring Rusty Barefoot and Larnold Jernigan, Jr. with some “tips” for making camping more enjoyable. The boys show off some pretty ridiculous camping products like the Off Road Commode (a knock-off of the Bumper Dumper if I’ve ever seen one) and a gasoline powered “portable” blender. The boys also have an interesting take on skeet shooting, using chicken breasts for target practice before dinner. Anyway, good video if you’re looking for a laugh this Monday morning.

Restricted hikes

jbarber — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:49:44 +0000

A “paid hike” on the Daniel Boone Scout trail, part of Grandfather Mountain.

If you’re looking for new or relatively unused hiking trails, here’s an insider tip: go on a restricted hike. Restricted hikes take place in areas that require a permit (paid or free) or a guide to enter and many times they offer some of the most amazing outdoor experiences you’ll encounter as a hiker. The PressDemocrat.com, for example, recently published a good article about undiscovered hikes in Sonoma County, CA that mentions a few “restricted hikes” that sound incredible.

Restricted hikes exist for a number of reasons. In some cases permits or guide requirements may be in place to limit access and ultimately environmental impact. In 8th grade my class took a field trip to a place called “Heggie’s Rock” in rural Columbia County, GA where granite dish gardens support two endangered plant species. Restricted access helps protect the ecosystem and makes hikers aware of the uniqueness of Heggie’s Rock.

In other cases hikes may be restricted for safety reasons. At Tallulah Gorge State Park in north Georgia, hikers are required to get free day use permits to enter the gorge. The hike down is steep and rocky while the hike back out of the gorge can be a real physical challenge. At the bottom of the gorge the river creates slippery surfaces and many have been injured sliding down the rocks and swimming in the shallow pools. Permits allow park personnel to keep track of who goes into the gorge and, more importantly, who comes out. There are limits to the number of permits given out each day and park personnel enforce a “no flip flop/crocs” rule at the time of application.

Finally, hiking permit or guide systems may be in place for revenue reasons. It takes money to support and preserve recreation and wilderness areas and permits help agencies recoup costs. In some places in Europe guides are required when entering wilderness areas and are intended to sustain employment for a specific class of workers. In other cases like at privately owned Grandfather Mountain, permits are a source of revenue. The upshot: fewer hikers on the “paid trails” means more solitude.

At first glance permit or guide requirements may seem unfair or unnatural but in many cases they serve an important purpose. With a little advance planning and a willingness to spend a few dollars you can get special access to some amazing hiking spots - reserve your hike now!

Hiking on the edge

jbarber — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:51:56 +0000

A hiking and biking trail skirts the cliff edge at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs, CO.

On Sunday a group of 5 children accidentally fell 75 feet while hiking the Rachael Carson Trail in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Some of the children remained in the hospital on Tuesday while undergoing treatment for their injuries.

According to officials the cliff where the children fell is located at least 15 feet away from the main trail and it appears the kids slipped on some leaves while getting too close to the edge. Asked whether it would be a good idea to install a fence at the bluff one official said “I don’t think we are going to put a fence up. There is a lot of liability connected with that, and it would spoil the view.”

View from the Broad Mountain Loop near Jim Thorpe, PA.

Hiking can certainly be dangerous at times and we’ve profiled some of the world’s most dangerous hiking trails here on the blog in the past. It’s not unusual for hiking trails to approach cliff edges and steep drops - that is, after all, where the best views are usually found. As a hiker it’s important to make sure your footing is steady as you approach vistas like the ones pictured above. Sometimes I like to use the “3-points of contact” approach, making sure that I have at least 3 parts of my body in contact with the ground as I move across a ledge. Sure, sometimes that means getting down on all fours but you can never be too careful!

More ways to save money camping

jbarber — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:00:35 +0000

We’ve been saying it week after week: camping is an inexpensive way to enjoy a family vacation. Today we found two more ways to make camping even more affordable:

The Polk County (Iowa) Recreation Department is selling camping coupon booklets with savings worth about 30% over regular rates. Seven day electric campsite coupon booklets sell for $100 (a $133 value) and non-electric campsite booklets are just $70 (a $28 saving). Coupons don’t have to be used on consecutive nights and they’re valid at all 4 county recreation areas and campgrounds. Now that’s a value!

Last chance for free camping in Stanislaus National Forest in California! Five popular campgrounds in Sanislaus National Forest - located between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe - will begin charging fees for camping starting next year. In the meantime, get out and enjoy the great outdoors at Union, Utica, Pacific Valley, Lumsden and South Fork campgrounds without spending a dime.

No more excuses - get out and camp this summer!

More night hiking tips

jbarber — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:57:50 +0000

We wrote about night hiking back in January and this month Backpacker.com posted an article with some more tips for getting started. While we can’t recommend ditching the headlamp and flashlight entirely, Backpacker tells us how to maximize night vision using the moon and stars plus our own rods ‘n cones.

With days getting longer night hikes are becoming less of a necessity and more of a new way to experience familiar trails. In some areas like Death Valley, backpacking at night and sleeping during the hotest part of the day is a valid strategy - plus you get a chance to see wildlife that isn’t otherwise active.

Hiking at night can be dangerous but it can also be pretty fun and exciting, provided you are prepared and know what you’re getting into. Too bad you won’t be able to work on your tan at the same time

Camping Reservations Up in New York

jbarber — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:18:32 +0000

Meadowbrook Campground - Lake Placid, NY

Campground reservations are up 6% in New York state so far this year and campsites and cabins can be reserved up to 9 months in advance. Some more popular campgrounds like Moreau Lake, Thompson’s Lake, and Cherry Plain have seen increases around 13% - pretty impressive for sure.

The article I read didn’t offer any reasons for the increase and it’s surprising given that the state of New York has recently closed several parks due to funding issues. Apparently bookings have been rising for the past year or so and I have a few ideas about why:

It’s the economy, stupid. Yep, we’ve been saying it for months - families looking to save money on their summer vacation will be opting for the great outdoors instead of Disney or Vegas. Even frequent campers are sticking closer to home and New York state is a convenient destination to millions of folks in the northeast.
Campground reservations are becoming easier to make. Thanks to modern technology it’s as easy as pulling up a website to find and reserve the perfect campsite. Savvy campers are realizing that popular holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day fill up fast so it pays to reserve as early as possible. Kinda like when Outback Steakhouse introduced us to call-ahead seating
Fewer unspoiled campgrounds means higher demand. Since New York state closed several recreation areas recently this could be driving more folks to reserve the dwindling number of remaining spots. This is the “musical chairs effect” - everyone is dashing to get the last campsite before the music stops!

I predict we’ll see campground reservations continue to grow in the long term based on these factors. Make sure you get your campground reservation in today before it’s too late!

Hiking Trail “To-do” List

jbarber — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:02:45 +0000

Examiner.com has a good article by Deb Stanley about keeping a list of hikes she’d like to do “someday.” It’s a great idea to keep a list of dream hikes - everybody needs goals - and we make it easy for you right here on Tripleblaze.com. We call it our “hiking wishlist” and with your free account you can start adding some of the nearly 1,000 hiking trails listed on the site already.

Here’s how it works: just search for a trail you’d like to add to your list using the search box at the top of this page. Let’s say you want to hike the North Rim of the Grand Canyon - find the trail listing and click the “Hiking Wishlist” link just above the trail title near the top of the page. That’s it! After adding a trail to your wishlist you can view and mange your list, removing any trails you’ve already hiked or added by mistake. Other members can view your list (here’s mine) and you can get ideas about other hikes to add based on what others have on their lists.

If you can’t find a trail on Tripleblaze.com but you’d like to add it to your wishlist, you can simply add the trail by filling out this form. Once the trail has been added you can put it on your list. Simple.

On Tripleblaze.com you can also keep wishlists of campgrounds you’d like to visit and outdoor equipment you’d like to own. Campground and equipment wishlists work the same way - just click to add!

Tripleblaze makes it easy to organize and plan all your outdoor adventures. Start building your wishlist today - that way when spring arrives you’ll know where to go!

Hikers vs. Bikers: Trail Use Conflicts

jbarber — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:36:43 +0000

Trail 401 in Crested Butte, CO is open to hikers and bikers

Trail use conflicts between hikers and mountain bikers have been around almost since the birth of mountain biking in the 1970s and although relations seem to be improving there are still those on either side who just can’t seem to get along. As a hiking mountain biker I can see both sides and I’m hopeful that both hikers and mountain bikers can continue to coexist on popular trails.

Some hiking enthusiasts argue that mountain bikes cause excessive erosion but studies have shown this is simply not the case. Mountain bikes do cause some erosion but it’s comparable to the erosion cased by foot traffic and less impactful than equestrian traffic. In fact mountain bikers are giving back to the trails in record numbers to improve and maintain existing multi-use routes. In my area mountain bikers are better organized than hiking groups and contribute the majority of the work to local trail systems enjoyed by everyone.

Admittedly encountering a mountain biker screaming down the trail can be a jarring and annoying experience when you’re hiking and I honestly think twice before hiking a trail where I know mountain bikes are ridden. When I’m on the mountain bike I try to be mindful of this and slow to approach hikers and look them in the eye with a pleasant greeting. We’re all on the trail for the same reason - to enjoy the great outdoors - and when you’ve seen both sides you can be much more empathetic. As a hiker I try to step off the trail if possible when I hear a mountain biker approaching, even though bikes should technically yield to hikers. A little consideration on both sides goes a long way.

Many trails are designated hiking or biking only and while this eliminates potential conflicts it seems to reinforce the idea that hikers and mountain bikers can’t coexist. As I hiker I prefer trails that are closed to bikes just because it makes them seem more exclusive but is that what we really want - to rope off parts of the outdoors to certain user groups? Let’s all just get along.

Finding the Best Hiking Trail Guidebooks

jbarber — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:17:26 +0000

The Southern Oregon Mail Tribune posted an article online about some of the best hiking guidebooks covering Oregon trails. The author mentions that there is no such thing as a “perfect” hiking guidebook but there are several factors that make some guidebooks more useful than others. Most of us expect to find directions to the trailhead, the length and difficulty of the hike, a description of the route, and a map in any good hiking guidebook and there are few (if any) I’ve used that don’t at least have these features.

One thing the Mail Tribune author looks for in a hiking guide book is photos and frankly this is where most hiking guidebooks fall flat in my experience. In general hiking guides are in black and white and are printed on dull, lightweight paper leading to underwhelming photos that tell you very little about the scenery along the trail. Guidebooks are also inherently limited in the number of photos they can show for any given trail, especially when a book has dozens of trail listings.

These days my guidebook of choice isn’t a guidebook at all - it’s the internet. Full color photos, unlimited space for maps, route info, directions, etc. and even space for reviews of the trail by multiple hikers. It’s great to get the perspective of an experienced hiker (i.e. the guidebook writer) but it’s always helpful to get a second and/or third opinion from regular hikers. Plus internet trail listings are often more up-to-date than books that are revised only every few years. Instant updates on trail closures, reroutes, etc. are possible online.

Some may argue that internet hiking guides are limited because they’re not portable and that’s true to a degree. But with new devices like the iPhone you can take your trail information with you (just download the info before you’re out of cell phone range!). You can even keep it old-school and print out hiking guides you find online and SAVE paper compared to a book that includes dozens of printed trail listings you’ll never use. Plus most websites (like this one) offer free trail info - not many free books out there!

Obviously we’re pretty big believers in putting hiking trail information online and we’re working on adding trail maps in addition to the photos, directions, descriptions, and reviews already on tripleblaze.com. Check out our online catalog of hiking trails and add or review your reviews!

Training for a big hike

jbarber — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:19:29 +0000

Camelback Mountain is a popular hiking destination in Phoenix.

Over at Fit Sugar a reader wrote in asking about fitness training for hiking. Specifically the reader was completely exhausted after a weekend hike at Camelback Mountain in Phoenix and wanted some tips for becoming a better hiker.

If you’ve hiked Camelback you know it’s a steep climb but not all that long (less than a mile or so as I recall). Fit Sugar offered some good tips about doing shorter hikes to build up strength and endurance and general fitness stuff like working on quads and glutes at the gym. But training for hiking doesn’t have to be a boring fitness routine - there are fun things you can do outdoors to get ready for a big hike.

Hiking is, for the most part, all about aerobic endurance and leg strength (especially if you’re heading to the mountains). I run on the road during the week but an even better choice for getting in shape for hiking is cycling (or mountain biking if you’re into that). Bicycling builds the leg muscles you need for mountain hikes (quads and glutes) plus it’s a low impact, aerobic workout similar to hiking.

If it’s a backpacking trip you’re training for it’s a good idea to include a weighted pack as a part of your fitness routine. Even if you live in a place where hills are few and far between, head to the local high school and trek up and down the football stadium stands with your pack on - you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll sweat after just a few minutes. The point is that the closer your workout to the thing you’re training for, the better your preparation will be.

Hiking isn’t a competitive sport so getting in shape to hit the trail should just be about making your next trek more enjoyable!

The Celebrity Camping Experience

jbarber — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:24:43 +0000

Photo from The List.

No, we’re not talking about glamping this time. It’s not every day the celebrity and camping news worlds collide but then again it’s not every day that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes decide to take a “low budget” family camping vacation. The celebs say they want to give their daughter Suri many of the same experiences the two of them had growing up - you know, sleeping in a tent under the stars, campfires, and cooking over a camp stove.

At first glance this seems like a down to earth and refreshing celebrity perspective but here’s where the camping trip plans get a little strange: A security team will be posted near the family’s camp to keep them safe AND a member of the Church of Scientology will accompany Tom, Katie, and Suri on their adventure because “Tom never likes to be too far away from his religion.” Hmmm… interesting. Isn’t being outdoors in itself as close to a religious experience as many folks will have in life?

Keep you eyes peeled this spring and summer - you just might be sharing a campground with the Cruise - Holmes family

Camping in the Amazon Rainforest

jbarber — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:37:57 +0000

The Pacaya-Samiria Amazon Lodge (photo from GreenTracks.com)

If you’ve exhausted all the local camping options and are flush with green this summer, why not head down to the Amazon rainforest for a few days in the jungle? Green Tracks offers a 7 day, 6 night camping trip in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve that is sure to be the trip of a lifetime for any outdoor enthusiast.

The first part of the trip is spent in a lodge at the edge of the rainforest and gives guests a chance to hike around the surrounding forest. By day 3 the real camping begins and you’ll spend time on the water in canoes while sleeping in tents at night. The final night is spent back at the lodge before it’s time to head to the airport and the “real” world

A trip like this sounds great for anyone interested in photography, nature, or just getting away to an incredible environment and isn’t afraid to rough it a little bit. As such the price is actually pretty reasonable (just over $100 per person per day for a family of 4 inclusive of meals and lodging) and your adventure can start any day of the week you like.

Camping and hiking are all about adventure and exploring new places. What part of the world will you explore this year?

Note: Tripleblaze.com has not evaluated this travel offering and as such cannot provide any type of recommendation - do your research before you book!

40 Best Hikes in California Podcasts

jbarber — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:39:05 +0000

In an effort to step up conservation efforts (and perhaps boost state tourism along the way), the California State Parks Foundation is releasing 40 free podcasts each featuring a different state park hike. The website already has two podcasts posted including one by legendary rocker Sammy Hagar of Van Halen fame. Each podcast is narrated by a different California resident and includes ambient sounds recorded inside the parks themselves. The website also features video and articles to celebrate state parks and the foundation’s 40th anniversary.

The nice thing about the content being produced by the California State Parks Foundation is that you can get a feel for some of the state’s natural beauty no matter where you live! I know I’ve been talking about technology and the outdoors a lot lately and this is just another example of how the two are converging - in a good way if you ask me. Podcasts can help raise awareness of our natural resources while allowing a wider audience to view (or hear!) them without over-running the parks with vehicles and campfires.

We have our own list of the best hikes in California here on Tripleblaze.com and while the list isn’t perfect yet, it keeps getting better as more folks review and rate their favorite trails. Check the list to see if your faves are there!

Canine Camping Problems?

jbarber — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:44:55 +0000

The Reporter-Times out of Indiana posted a humor column by Gordon Grindstaff titled “Camping and Canines Don’t Mix” recounting a recent Florida camping trip with a barking dog. I’m guessing the experience wasn’t too humorous for the other campers staying at the campground that night and if your dog is a barker he or she may not be well suited to campground livin’.

A barking dog isn’t just annoying to other campers - it’s also annoying to the wildlife around you. Nature lovers may not appreciate your dog scaring off the birds they’re trying to watch and a dog chasing a squirrel through a field of tents is just an accident waiting to happen.

I’m sure I’ve shared this story on the blog before but for some reason I couldn’t find where (or if) I did. Anyway, we took our dog Jackson on a backpacking trip to the Appalachian Trail in Virginia a few years back and after finding a small, secluded campground along the trail we settled in for the night. At some point after we all fell asleep in the tent, Jackson woke us up with a low, guttural growl that raised the hairs on the back of my neck. What was out there? I didn’t hear anything but apparently he did.

My mind raced - what could it be? A bear? A person? Just a raccoon? If it was a bear I didn’t want Jackson attracting or provoking the animal somehow so I tried to quiet him. He continued to growl and crane his neck to look out the mesh tent window for a little while longer but eventually went back to sleep.

I, on the other hand, could not get back to sleep the rest of the night for fear of what could have been outside. I’ve been camping for decades and I’ve never been fearful outdoors - except this time - even though I’m sure it was nothing. Stupid dog.

Anyway, camping with your dog can be a fun experience but just remember that you will be forced to take the good with the bad. Read our tips for camping with your dog to make your next canine camping experience a good one.

Hiking for computers

jbarber — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:54:37 +0000

Ahh, two of my favorite subjects: hiking and computers (well, the internet). Yep, underprivileged teenage students in the Seattle area got the chance to earn themselves a free computer by taking part in an overnight backpacking trip to Mt. Ranier thanks to the generosity of a computer entrepreneur back in the late 1990s (though for some reason the Seattle News Tribune decided to republish the article this week). The 100 computers were donated by the US Department of Energy and part of the deal was that the students agreed to help their classmates with computer support once they get their machines.

I’m always excited to see technology being used to get people outdoors, even if that means bribing folks a little bit. Some may see computers and the internet as an end unto themselves but websites like this one seek to motivate people to log off and explore the great outdoors. Just think: in the old days we had to rely on word of mouth to find new hiking trails or secluded campgrounds but today the internet is bristling with information about the best places to experience nature.

Technology and nature can indeed coexist and one day computers may just help us save our environment in more ways than one…

Hiking without the crowds

jbarber — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:15:04 +0000

Over at the Watching the World Wake Up blog “Watcher” writes about a recent hiking and camping trip in the Sonoran desert. The blog post itself is pretty interesting and touches on everything from cacti identification in the field to photosynthesis but what I find most interesting is the fact that this group was the first to summit Sheep Mountain in 365 days (though it’s not clear how they verified this).

These days it’s tough to find a place on the planet where no one else has been for months - apparently even the summit of Everest sees many more visitors each year than Sheep Mountain. Of course that could be due to the fact that Sheep Mountain is littered with exploded and unexploded ordinance from Luke AFB fighters but I suppose that’s a small price to pay for solitude.

With the rise of the internet it’s becoming even harder to keep secluded spots secret any more. Websites like Geocaching.com lead GPS hiking enthusiasts off trail to find secret spots and swimmingholes.info spills the beans on places to take a dip in the summer. One of our favorite swimming holes in Durham, NC is a beautiful and secluded former quarry and the guy who first gave us directions warned that we shouldn’t post anything about it online for fear the place would become overrun. We hear the same thing from time to time on our mountain bike website as well - that somehow certain trails should remain “secret stashes” accessible only to those in the know.

I guess I fall somewhere in between wanting to keep less-traveled outdoor spots that way and sharing them with others. Besides, some spots like Sheep Mountain are so remote and rugged that they’ll always stay relatively untraveled, even with the most enthusiastic online endorsement. So feel free to share - just be prepared to go further and deeper outdoors to find solitude next time…

Proof that winter camping can be fun

jbarber — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:17:33 +0000

If you’re looking for more proof that winter camping is not only possible but can even be enjoyable, look no further than Chris Rodriguez’s blog. Rodriguez and friends camped out on Mount Mitchell in western NC recently (this highest point east of the Mississippi) and had a blast despite cold and snowy conditions. If you need motivation for getting out and camping before spring this is a good post to read.

Whether it’s hiking, biking, or camping in the winter, for me the hardest part is stepping out of the car. But once I’m outside and moving around the cold doesn’t seem as bad as I had thought it would be. And when I’m back in my car or back indoors the sense of accomplishment I get from winter hiking and camping is much greater than it is in the summer. Chris Rodriguez mentions in his post that winter camping feels a little extreme and I totally agree - that’s what makes it fun!

As a new Boy Scout I used to hate rainy camping trips (as I’m sure most people do) until I got proper rain gear. Once I had a set of rain pants, rain jacket, and waterproof boots I actually kinda hoped it would rain so I could show off my gear. And as an older Scout I also appreciated the challenge that camping in the rain added to what had become mostly routine for me (setting up the tent, making a fire, etc.).

It may seem a little masochistic but camping in adverse conditions can be kinda fun - especially when you make it back in one piece.

Camping on a budget?

jbarber — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:30:39 +0000

I came across a ridiculous article recently titled “How to Camp on a Budget” (link withheld as a courtesy ) and it got me thinking: Isn’t camping already vacationing on a budget?

I suppose there are ways to make camping even more inexpensive to the point of it being nearly free. Here are some ideas:

Borrow equipment or buy used. Many families own camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, a stove, etc.) but rarely get to use it more than a couple times a year. Ask around your neighborhood or church and you should be able to outfit your whole crew for a weekend trip. Also check garage sales or craigslist for used camping gear for sale if you feel uncomfortable borrowing.
Stay close to home. Nearly every person in the US probably lives within 25 miles of a campground and with gas prices back to reasonable levels anyone can afford to get outdoors. Splurge a little and drive further to your closest National Park.
Find a no frills campground. Sure some privately owned campgrounds have wi-fi and video arcades but you can often find FREE campgrounds in National Forest areas. Amenities are usually sparse but if you can find a campground with running water and a restroom that’s really all you need for a short trip. Otherwise, even the most expensive state and national parks rarely charge more than $20 a night for a family campsite.

Yep, I’m pretty sure if someone tried hard enough they could find a way to go on a weekend camping trip for zero dollars and zero cents. But why do it? Compared to the cost of a trip to Disney or the beach camping is cheap enough - even on a $0 budget.

Hiking trails to attract tourists

jbarber — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:44:11 +0000

During tough economic times everyone is looking for new ways to generate extra income, and that includes local governments. At the Nanaimo Daily News (British Columbia) one writer suggests developing world-class hiking trails would attract tourists who could in turn pump up the local economy (and tax receipts as well).

There seems to be a growing sense that recreational travel can be a savior and even a lifeblood for struggling local economies. In the past year we’ve read countless articles about municipalities developing mountain bike trails and hosting marathons, all in the name of developing a local tourism economy where none previously existed. This is the first time we’ve heard of trails for hiking being specifically pitched to revive an economy but we’re sure it won’t be the last.

Most hikers do generally travel to scenic locations to hike but in my experience most prefer to stick to National Parks and government-owned recreation and wilderness areas. Runners travel to big city marathons to see new places and run with the crowds while mountain bikers will ride just about anywhere with trails, though many prefer lift-serviced terrain The point is, these types of trips generally require overnight accommodations, meals in restaurants, and ground transportation while many overnight hiking trips involve sleeping in tents, cooking under the stars, and keeping car trips to a minimum. So how much impact do hikers really have on a local economy?

It’s an interesting question and I’m anxious to see how things work out in communities that choose to develop hiking trails to attract tourists. Perhaps these planners should at least hedge their bets and keep the new trails open to mountain bikers and trail runners too

TopoFusion Mapping Software Review

jbarber — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:02:27 +0000

If you’re a serious hiker or backpacker and you use a GPS, you know it can be frustrating to manage your trail and map data using the free software included with your GPS. We’ve tested half a dozen GPS and mapping software packages and our favorite is still TopoFusion. In fact, TopoFusion is really three products in one: mapping software, photo management & publishing software, and activity logging/training software. The crazy thing: it does all three better than virtually any other product we’ve seen.

Mapping

Of course TopoFusion is first and foremost an outdoor mapping program and it includes all the features you’d expect like support for GPX files, USGS topo maps, and elevation profile charts of your GPS tracks. But TopoFusion goes way beyond what you’d expect, starting with the inclusion of black and white or color aerial photos, satellite imagery, GIS data from TIGER, and even maps and imagery covering Mexico and Canada. My personal favorite is the “Combo” map setting that blends USGS topo maps with aerial photos - an amazing feature I haven’t seen anywhere else.

TopoFusion also features tools for visualizing trails and routes in 3D to give you a totally new perspective on familiar trails. The best part is you can view any map in 3D - topographic, aerial photo, satellite, even Combo! Simple and intuitive tools allow you to rotate, zoom, and flip 3D maps and the latest version is super responsive even on my slow 3-year old eMachines desktop.

Hiking and backpacking are all about motion along a trail and TopoFusion includes powerful tools for dynamically visualizing GPS tracks. Plug in a GPS track from your latest adventure and TopoFusion adds arrows to the map showing the direction of travel - a helpful and seemingly obvious feature that’s missing from other mapping programs I’ve used. Even cooler than that: you can play back tracks as they were hiked. TopoFusion calls this ‘multi-track playback’ and you can use the feature to show the progression of multiple hikers along the same trail or even play back hikes of the same trail on different days to see how your pace compares (see video below). I can seriously sit and stare at replays of my own hikes in TopoFusion for hours…

Trail Photo Management

Topofusion includes a feature called ‘PhotoFusion’ that dynamically places photos onto your maps. Now I’ve been hesitant to try this myself for a while - geo-tagging photos just seems too geeky and time consuming. Topofusion actually makes the process dead simple: open a GPS track, click on PhotoFusion and point to a directory with photos taken on your hike. TopoFusion then matches the timestamps on your photos with track point timestamps and places the photos where they belong on your route. Even if your GPS and camera times don’t match up, Topofusion attempts to help you resolve differences using time offsets - incredible! Photo thumbnails appear on the map as waypoints and can be moved around plus you can zoom in on pics with a click of the mouse.

Building photo maps on your computer is cool but what good is a slick photo map if you can’t share it with your friends? TopoFusion understands this and allows you to export your photos and maps to post on the web and even writes the complex HTML for you at the click of a button. Here’s my interactive photo map from a mountain bike ride at Heritage Park last month. Amazing!

Endurance Training / Activity Tracker

If you’re preparing for a big backpacking or multi-day hiking trip, TopoFusion has some great features to keep track of your training data. ‘Log Book’ is a feature that saves your hiking, running, or riding data to a calendar summarizing your workouts: clicking on a date reveals distance, time, total climb, and speed data PLUS it includes difficulty and effort scores that allow you to compare workouts of varying length, elevation, and intensity. Log Book also computes summary statistics based on a date range so you can see, for instance, how many miles you hiked last week.

TopoFusion activity tracking tools also work great with data from other sports like running. I imported runs from my Forerunner and using the Run Analysis tool was able to compute a GOVSS Score, Lactate Adjustment Power, Average Power, and calories expended. TopoFusion also allows you to switch units from miles per hour to more runner-friendly minutes per mile.

The current version of TopoFusion includes support for direct connection to the most popular Garmin GPS units including the GPSMap series, Edge series, and of course the Forerunner series. With this support, TopoFusion also includes the ability to view heart rate, cadence, and power data, depending on your GPS unit’s capabilities. With support for multiple file formats including GPX, TCX, KML, and even ESRI ShapeFiles you can be sure that no matter what brand or model GPS you own you can use TopoFusion to view, edit, and catalog your data.

Power User Tools and Functions

Beyond the features most users will find helpful, TopoFusion also includes a few power-user functions that map geeks will find especially cool. The ‘Make Network’ tool transforms messy GPS trail data full of backtracks and dead ends into clean, easy to follow trail segments. TopoFusion also includes a tool to fix elevation profile data from GPS units with unreliable or even non-existent elevation tracking - a feature that honestly borders on voodoo magic. You can even use TopoFusion to move or delete waypoints and trackpoints to clean up errant GPS data points before sharing with friends.

Bottom Line

TopoFusion is the best GPS mapping software we’ve used - hands down - and perhaps this is why:

TopoFusion is written by Alan and Scott Morris. Brothers, outdoor enthusiasts, mountain bikers and former wilderness rangers. Both hold Master’s degrees in Computer Science. (Scott Morris) logs his adventures at topofusion.com/diary.

There are two versions of TopoFusion available for sale and immediate download at TopoFusion.com - the Basic and Pro version - but take it from us: the Pro version is well worth the additional investment. Many of the features mentioned in this review are only available in the Pro version and at less than $70 it’s still much cheaper than software from Garmin, DeLorme, and National Georgraphic - with way more features!

Even if you don’t own a GPS yet, TopoFusion is a great tool for viewing topographic and trail maps created by others and posted online. Get it today and start planning your next trail adventure!

Keeping your gear safe while backpacking

jbarber — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:12:27 +0000

Last week I read a story on a forum thread about a guy who had his backpack stolen while camping out on the trail one night. Apparently the pack wasn’t *technically* stolen - it was just traded. When the unsuspecting camper awoke in the morning his backpack containing all his food and cooking gear was gone, replaced with a worn and broken backpack containing just a poncho and a can of Dinty Moore stew. Nice. The camper turned the trip into an ultralight / survival mission and fortunately made it out ok after a few more days on the trail.

Most of us (myself included) give little thought to what we do with our backpacks when we camp on the trail but this story got me thinking. It’s always a good idea to place backpacks containing food off the ground to make it tougher for critters to get at your stuff and if rain is in the forecast I usually try to fit my pack inside the tent with me. But what if the real threat to your stuff isn’t animal or precipitation but rather other hikers?

I suppose we could all start carrying bike locks with us on the trail to lock our packs to trees but if you’ve ever used a bike lock you know those suckers are heavy. Even then, most of us use internal frame packs with few solid surfaces to lock to - nylon straps are pretty easy to cut after all.

Fortunately in the case of the ripped-off backpacker the thief didn’t get away with two big ticket camping items - his sleeping bag and tent. Perhaps the best way to keep your backpack safe is to empty it out and use it as a pillow inside your tent

Smoky Mountains National Park turns 75

jbarber — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:01:44 +0000

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Smoky Mountains National Park and there are dozens of events scheduled to celebrate. Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular National Park in the US with nearly 8-10 million visitors each year and is easily accessible to most east coasters. The list below showcases just some of the events taking place in 2009 - check out greatsmokies75th.org for more details!

Seventy Five Miles of Hikes in Knoxville
Music of the Mountains
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Gatlinburg
National Junior Ranger Day
Cosby in the Park
DLIA Citizen Science Event
International Day for Biodiversity A Celebration in Gatlinburg
Fern Foray
Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary: Cades Cove in Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary: Park Headquarters in GRSM Park Headquarters
Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary: Oconaluftee in Oconaluftee
Biodiversity Days in the Smokies
Women’s Work Festival in Oconaluftee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary: Park ‘Rededication’
Fern Foray
Mountain Life Festival in Cherokee
DLIA Citizen Science Appreciation Potluck in Cosby Campground
Festival of Christmas Past
Holiday Homecoming in Cherokee

Getting lost on a hike

jbarber — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:33:18 +0000

I’m one of those people who rarely get lost. I have a fairly innate sense of direction and whether I’m hiking, biking, driving, or running, I usually have a GPS with me plotting my course. Perhaps it’s my confidence in my ability to navigate that got me into trouble during a hike two summers ago along the Appalachian Trail at Siler Bald (Nantahala National Forest, NC) in the summer of 2007.

My wife and I decided to take a short hike (2 miles or so) up the AT with our dog Jackson to the top of Siler Bald before lunchtime. We had been completely rained out on a backpacking trip the previous day and ended up spending the night in a motel in Franklin so we were anxious to get back on the trail. The hike up was beautiful and along the way we passed families with small children and dogs - the perfect day for a hike. The views from the bald were incredible and after hanging out for a bit we decided to descend to a picnic lunch.

I had a basic GPS with me and a topographic map of the area and noticed there was a trail shelter just off a spur trail on the way down. On the map it appeared there was an old forest road or perhaps a trail that led from the shelter to the car and, not being one to walk the same trail twice, I decided we should go back via the shelter to switch things up a bit. The descent to the shelter was steeper than the trail we walked up but we made it there quickly and poked around a bit before finishing the hike.

If you’ve ever been camping on the AT you know the area around a shelter is usually riddled with dozens of “rat trails” created by folks looking for water, a place to dispose of “waste,” or out of the way spots to pitch a tent. This shelter was no exception and so we had a hard time finding the right trail back to the car. After going down a couple dead-end trails we finally hit upon what we thought was the trail. According to the GPS we were less than half a mile from our car and I figured even if we had to bushwack our way back we would be there in less than 15 minutes.

As we walked down the old trail/road bed the sapplings started becoming thicker and eventually the trail disappeared altogether. Now at this point we had two options: turn around and head back up the mountain to rejoin the AT or continue through the woods using the GPS as a guide. Being the man that I am, I decided on the second option and we walked further into the forest.

You may be imagining a lovely jaunt through the woods at this point but I can tell you it was not lovely at all. The forest undergrowth seemed to be entirely made up of thorn bushes and briars and we had to carefully pick every step along the way. At this point I was worried we were really lost but I didn’t let on to my wife (though the dog probably knew ). I heard a small stream in the distance and I asked my wife and our dog to stay put for a moment while I scouted the other side of the stream but the brush and undergrowth was even thicker on the other side so I came up with a new plan: follow the stream down to the paved road.

Following a stream is classic survival advice because the thinking is that a stream will eventually lead to a river which will eventually lead to civilization. In this case we were thousands of feet above sea level and I’m pretty sure we could follow this stream for weeks without ever getting to a river. Anyway, I still had my sense of direction and I knew Wayah Rd. was to our north, though I didn’t know how far.

We followed the stream for a couple hundred yards or so until the stream turned into a slick, rock-strewn and rhododendron-covered trickle of a waterfall. We slowly picked our way down the rocks and tried to stick to the sides of the waterfall where we could cling to roots and bushes. At this point Jackson was having the hardest time because he’s not good at walking slowly and picking his lines. I tried to slow him down but he just wanted to run down the hill so I let him go, crashing through bushes and scrambling over rocks until he reached a relatively flat spot.

After about an hour my wife and I finally made it to the dog and realized we had made it to the paved road! I snapped the photo at the top of this post to show where we had come from and we quickly hiked up the road about a half mile or so to our car. It had taken us about 2 hours to travel a quarter to half mile and we were both famished when we finally got to our picnic lunch.

For me the lesson here is that even with a map and a GPS you can get lost, especially if you’re stubborn and unwilling to retrace your steps. Having a good sense of direction can sometimes get you into trouble but as long as you stay calm you’ll make it through in the end. The feeling of being lost is not a good one but I’m glad for the experience every once in a while to get the adrenaline flowing!

Packing a pulk for winter camping

jbarber — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:12:54 +0000

The Nashua Telegraph posted a great article about winter camping in snowy New Hampshire and I gotta say I learned alot about what it takes to camp in the snow. Aside from the fact that all your gear is much bulkier than in summer (thicker jackets and sleeping bags, sturdier tent for snow loads, etc.) there is also the fact that winter camping gear is much heavier than summer equipment. Yet, it’s still possible to go backcountry camping in winter with the help of a little something called a pulk.

If you’ve been downhill skiing you’ve probably seen ski patrol members practicing with pulks used to carry injured skiers off the slopes. The concept for winter backpacking/cross-country ski-camping is the same except the pulk is used to carry your gear instead of a person (gear which, hopefully, should be lighter than an adult!). From what I’ve read it’s best to use a pulk with rigid poles to help you keep your balance, though I imagine poles can also help with traction on tricky ascents. Unfortunately if you’re going somewhere without decent snow covering the ground you’re out of luck - pulks are only meant to glide across snow and ice.

You can purchase a pulk online or get instructions for building your own - a basic pulk can be constructed from a child’s sled and some rope. Many pulk-packers (is that a real term?) choose to carry some gear (like things that can’t get wet or frozen) on their backs while towing a pulk behind.

It’s pretty incredible the things people are willing do to get outside and camp this time of year - kinda makes me feel wimpy for complaining about the “cold” weather down here in Georgia!

Hike up, bike down

jbarber — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:59:41 +0000

Have you ever noticed how sometimes hiking downhill can often be more painful than going up? The stress on your knees and quads can really add up on a long downhill hike but fortunately this little invention can help out: a bike in a backpack.

The Mountain Monk is a foldable, full-suspension mountain bike that you can carry on your back while hiking up a mountain. The bike doesn’t actually have pedals (just foot pegs) so you can’t ride it uphill or even on flat sections but it looks like a very fun way to get back down the hill after a summit attempt.

The bike itself weighs about 21 pounds which isn’t bad for a full suspension mountain bike and it even comes standard with disc brakes for slowing down on steep descents. Although the Mountain Monk is just a prototype, the inventor is currently looking for a manufacturing partner so hopefully we’ll see something in the next year or two. Sweet!

Via Singletracks Mountain Bike Blog via Wired Blog.

The Pacific Northwest Trail

jbarber — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:28:13 +0000

Map by Jon Knechtel, Pacific Northwest Trail Association

The Pacific Northwest Trail is set to receive official National Scenic Trail designation in an upcoming US House bill, the same designation currently enjoyed by better known trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails. Admittedly I had never heard of the trail which runs from Glacier National Park in Montana to the Pacific coast of Washington. The 1,200 mile trail sticks close to the Canadian border and currently only about 30 through hikers make the entire trek each year.

The Seattle Times has a great article about the trail and what a National Scenic Trail designation could mean. Various hiking groups seem to be supportive of the idea since it guarantees there will be no logging or development within 1,000 feet (about 0.2 miles) of the trail throughout its entire length.

Based on the map above it *seems* like it should be possible to link up the Pacific Northwest Trail with the Pacific Crest Trail which runs up and down the west coast. Of course the Continental Divide trail runs north and south through the Rockies so perhaps that could be linked to the other end of the Pacific Northwest Trail? Now we just need a southern route across New Mexico and Arizona and hikers could make one 5,000 mile loop! Just plan it so you’re hiking the northern section in summer and the southern section in winter

Extreme hiking: Dunes

jbarber — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:28:45 +0000

The author at White Sands National Monument in March, 2006

We’ve been talking about hiking in extreme environments over the past few weeks and one of my favorite hikes over the years was at White Sands National Monument in south-central New Mexico. Sand dune hiking is like nothing I had ever done before (or since) and in my book that makes it extreme.

First of all, hiking at White Sands is extremely difficult since the ground beneath your feet is constantly shifting. If you’ve ever attempted to jog in the sand at the beach you know this can be a difficult proposition and the fineness of the sand at White Sands makes even walking particularly challenging. Some dune slopes at White Sands can be steep, especially on the leeward sides.

Hiking sand dunes can be disorienting as well as there are few landmarks to orient yourself. In fact, since the winds are constantly shaping the sand, footprints are quickly erased and dune profiles change constantly. Sand storms are always possible as well meaning low (or no) visibility in windy conditions. Most sand dunes are located in areas with little rainfall and therefore there is little surface water to quench your thirst.

White Sands National Monument is an incredible place to experience dune hiking. Also check out Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado where the dunes are so large and the sand so fine that many folks bring their skis and snowboards to ride down the sand!

Jetboil Recalls Certain Personal and Group Cooking Systems

jbarber — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:15:29 +0000

Jetboil announced a recall for its Personal and Group Cooking System camp stoves that utilize the “B-style” fuel valve. According to the company some users have reported valve failures that caused fuel to leak and, in some cases, ignite. Read the full release below or check out Jetboil.com to find out how to identify if your stove is affected by the recall.

I once had a similar problem with a Coleman Peak 1 stove. The Peak 1 has an integrated fuel tank for white gas and a hand pump for pressurizing the fuel. After owning the stove for many years I took it on a trip and began pressurizing the tank to cook some soup. Just as I was adding the last few strokes (with the stove already pre-lit) I heard a violent hissing sound and noticed fuel shooting out the bottom. I quickly put out the flame and prayed the fuel leaking out the bottom wouldn’t ignite (fortunately it didn’t). Needless to say I had to throw the stove away after that incident.

I’m not sure what the problem was with my Peak 1 but it seemed to have something to do with rust and/or corrosion of the fuel tank. Just goes to show you should always inspect your camp stove before using it on a trip!

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Jetboil has announced a voluntary recall of certain Jetboil Personal and Group Cooking Systems (click here for joint U.S. CPSC and Jetboil, Inc. press release)

Jetboil has utilized three different gas valves (the “A”, “B” and “C” style valves) in the production of its Personal Cooking System (PCS) and Group Cooking System (GCS). PCS and GCS units utilizing the B style valve were shipped to US retailers between July 10 and September 9, 2008, and sold through retail since July 10, 2008.

Jetboil is undertaking a consumer recall of all PCS and GCS systems utilizing this B style valve, working in cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov).

We have determined independently to undertake this process after receiving reports and returned units from a very limited number of end users who have experienced leaking gas and subsequent ignition of the gas leak. No injuries or property damage have been reported by these users.

PCS and GCS systems utilizing the A and C style valves continue to be fully safe and functional. No Helios systems are affected by the recall.

Becoming a campground host

jbarber — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:37:54 +0000

Ever wonder what exactly a camp host does? If you’ve been camping before you’ve probably seen a camp host at your campground - you know, they’re the ones with the campsite that looks like it’s been set up all season long for permanent residence. That’s because it has - and camp hosting is a real job with a paycheck. With many Americans between jobs right now it’s the perfect chance to give camp hosting a try for a fun way to make a little cash.

Camp hosting basically works like this: individuals or couples are hired to live and work at a particular campground for the season - generally May through October - and in return are given a free campsite plus wages. Camp hosting tasks generally include greeting campers, collecting fees, and cleaning and light maintenance. Some camp hosting jobs may even entail managing camp stores, restaurants, or other on-site facilities.

Obviously one of the best parts of camp hosting is the opportunity to spend months living in a scenic corner of the great outdoors. I’ve never been a camp host myself and I imagine there are good days and bad days - like cleaning the showers and toilets after a rain storm - but in the end it’s probably an experience many people would kill to have. Camp hosts are needed across the country so check your local, state, and federal organizations to find out about opportunities or check out CampHost.org to view open positions.

Indoor hiking?

jbarber — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:55:51 +0000

Backpacker Magazine posted an interesting poll on their website: If indoor hiking were possible, would you be interested? Apparently the answer was a pretty clear NO with about 80% of respondents saying it was a horrible idea. Indoor hiking may sound far fetched but in fact there are indoor analogs for most other outdoor sports including mountain biking, rock climbing, and even kayaking and golf.

Mountain bikers have embraced the idea of indoor riding, naming Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park an International Mountain Bike Association “Epic Ride.” Of course mountain biking requires both skill and stamina but indoor tracks are mostly geared toward building only the skill side of the equation.

Rock climbers have long used indoor climbing walls to hone both skills and strength but I’m sure if you asked them most would agree they prefer climbing natural rocks outdoors. Parents recognize that indoor rock climbing surfaces are much safer than shifting natural rocks so for many young climbers indoors is the only option.

Kayakers also use indoor facilities to practice their water moves but I’m sure most kayak enthusiasts would agree outdoor kayaking is much more interesting. After all, kayaking is all about getting where you’re going and in a pool, that’s no where.

Golfers do hit balls at indoor screens showing virtual courses though you don’t see too many outdoor course owners worried about the competitive threat

All of this leads back to the original question: does indoor hiking make sense? Is it even possible to capture some part of the hiking experience with an indoor facility? What would it look like? Here are three ideas:

Most REI stores have small faux rock ramps in their shoe departments for customers to test new hiking boots. Although I wouldn’t call this indoor hiking, it does replicate a small part of the hiking experience. Although skills are not overly important in hiking, an indoor course could teach the basics or allow buyers to put products through their paces.
Virtual reality. Indoor mountain biking and rock climbing are pretty low tech affairs where participants stare at the walls and ceiling while doing their thing. But what if, instead, indoor hikers were treated to full wrap around, moving outdoor scenes? Hook up a treadmill with a bumpy tread and vary the incline, blow a little air and/or mist and watch the screens to be transported to say, Kilimanjaro or the Amazonian rain forest. This vision would be more like a ride than an outdoor experience so perhaps this is would be better suited to theme parks…
Caving is hiking in 3D but it’s also basically hiking indoors, especially in caverns with commercial tours, snack bars, and artificial lights. Most commercial caves do in fact have doors on their entrances so *technically* spelunkers are hiking in-doors

Now, back to the original question: would I try indoor hiking? I’d probably say no to the idea of virtual reality hiking and hiking skills courses but then again I never say never!

Custom Camping Vehicle

jbarber — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:43:13 +0000

Here’s a fun video to start off your Monday:

Apparently some folks in Japan created this two-story camping truck with traditional Japanese sleeping quarters, a high end bath tub with a view, and cooking space for whipping up bento boxes and stir fry. The camper appears to use a standard box truck body which means passenger space is limited to the front cab.

No word on how the cost of this conversion compares to the cost of a regular RV but I would imagine this project was not cheap. In the end I’m sure it was a labor of love and it’s a pretty amazing concept for camping - though I think I’ll stick to a tent myself

Dri Duck Women’s Wildfire Hoodie Review

leah — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:38:05 +0000

It was about time to upgrade my six year old hooded sweatshirt and I decided to give Dri Duck’s heavyweight Wildfire hoodie a try. The Dri Duck Wildfire beefs up the traditional sportswear piece with 11 oz heavyweight powerfleece to create the optimal cold weather work wear and play wear.

The Wildfire’s inner thermal lining gave me extra warmth while doing yard work outside and also on an early morning hike. I can zip this roomy hoodie all the way up and cinch the hood in place without feeling constricted. Thanks to the gusseted elbows I still feel like I have a full range of motion through my arms - an unexpected feature for such a thick hoodie.

The Wildfire fleece hoodie is roomy and warm, without the bulkiness of wearing an oversized men’s sweatshirt or heavy jacket. The women’s sizing provides a smaller fit in the arms and in overall length. Plus, the Wildfire comes in a happy Sunset pink color or neutral colors that can be layered with almost anything.

The Wildfire hoodie is perfect for staying warm on the trail or hanging out at the campground. For hiking and lounging, I found this hoodie to be both cozy and functional. The front pockets are softly lined and large enough to hold outdoor essentials like your wallet, GPS, or a snack. There is also a hidden pocket inside the hoodie’s liner to carry your cell phone or ipod.

For outdoor work and play I’ve ditched my old sweatshirt and heavy winter jacket for the warmth and freedom of the Dri Duck Wildfire hoodie. Dri Duck has an extensive line of outdoor workwear and lifewear for men and women. From anti-static nano-fleece pullovers to teflon-coated waterproof jackets, you’ll definitely find a piece that matches your outdoor lifestyle.

Green camping tips

jbarber — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:07:44 +0000

I just read a laughable article from the Edmonton Sun titled “Camping Green Is Easy To Do.” Judging by the title you’d think it would be a helpful primer on limiting your environmental impact when camping but instead the main tip is: don’t drive your RV too far - that wastes gasoline. Yep, if that’s the jist of green camping then I suppose it is easy to do… But what about the chemical toilets in RVs - are those eco-friendly?

Fortunately for tent-campers camping green isn’t difficult and there are ways you can decrease your environmental impact. For starters, practice “leave no trace” camping whenever possible - if you’re not sure what that means, read our tips for low impact camping we posted back in October. Leave no trace camping addresses everything from where to place your tent to how you interact with plant and animal life.

At first glance camping may appear to have a tiny carbon footprint but there is always room for improvement. Wood-burning campfires produce about 2.8 pounds of greenhouse gasses for every 1 pound of wood burned (don’t ask me how that works) which is a good endorsement for putting out the campfire during the day at the very least. Campfires also put particulate matter (soot) into the air and anyone who has accidentally inhaled smoke from a fire knows it doesn’t feel good in the lungs. Instead of cooking over a fire, consider using a gas stove which produces fewer emissions (though the production side of “white gas” is a whole other story…).

If you want to be completely carbon neutral in your camp cooking, consider eating raw (I’ll skip this one myself) OR use a solar powered stove to heat your meals. That’s right, solar power is alive and well at the campground and you can read this article to find out how to get started.

If you’re using a portable generator on your camping trip, consider this: the gasoline engines that power portable generators can produce up to 50 times as much CO2 as an automobile running for the same amount of time. Clearly generators aren’t compatible with green camping for both emissions and noise reasons - leave them at home.

Finally, the Edmonton article did get one thing right about green camping: driving to and from the campground can be be the largest greenhouse gas contributor of an entire trip. Carpool with your friends and limit vehicle use once you’re at your destination. Good planning will ensure that you’re not constantly jumping in the car to pick up ice, paper plates, etc. because you forgot them.

If you’re like me you enjoy camping because it’s a chance to connect with natural, wild environments and we can all agree that these places deserve to be protected. Consider how you can green your next camping trip!

DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 GPS Review

jbarber — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:10:09 +0000

I’m a bit of a fanatic when it comes to outdoor GPS units and over the past 7 years I’ve owned nearly a dozen different models. I recently got a chance to use the Earthmate PN-40 from DeLorme and I have to say it’s one of my top 2 choices for camping and hiking.

The PN-40 is a color-screen, palm-sized GPS that uses 2-AA batteries. At first I was hoping for the unit to use a rechargeable battery but it turns out serious trekkers prefer the portability of replaceable batteries (no where to charge up on the trail!). The PN-40 has a rugged, rubberized case and it’s waterproof to IPX 7 standard meaning you can dunk it under 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and it will still work. The screen is readable in all but the brightest sunlight though some map images were harder to read than others (more on that later). The buttons on the PN-40 give you quick access to the most commonly used functions like marking waypoints and searching for points of interest but can be difficult to press with gloved hands.

Since the PN-40 was designed for hikers and bikers it comes with an incredible set of topographic maps via the DeLorme Topo USA software. I’ve been a fan of Topo USA for a while now - well before I tried the PN-40 - because it includes some of the clearest, most detailed outdoor maps available. You can transfer detailed topographic maps to the PN-40 to take on the trail, though unfortunately the process can be a bit tiresome using the slow serial-USB connection. The PN-40 comes with plenty of memory to fit detailed map coverage and you can add up to 32GB of additional memory though the SDHC slot.

Once you’ve loaded detailed maps on your PN-40 you can start using it as soon as you walk out your door thanks to its ability to provide driving directions. It won’t talk to you like your Nuvi or Tom Tom but it will help you navigate to an unfamiliar trailhead. Once you’re at the trailhead you can queue up a downloaded GPS track of the trail (Topo USA and the PN-40 support GPX formatted files) and follow it just as you would a road. The PN-40 even chirps like a bird when it’s time to turn - pretty outdoorsy if you ask me.

The PN-40 also has the (fairly) unique ability to view satellite and aerial imagery on the GPS itself. You’ll need to download the imagery before you head out and the imagery isn’t free (about $30 a year last I checked) but once you’ve loaded the images it’s like having Google Earth in the palm of your hand! Some satellite images were hard to read in direct sunlight and the images aren’t nearly as clear or detailed as some online services like Google Maps. Satellite images can certainly come in handy but at times I at times felt like it ruined some of the suspense and adventure of hiking. Instead of being surprised to find that the top of the mountain is bald, now I can see it before I’m out of the trees…

Of course the PN-40 also includes all the functions you’ve come to expect from an outdoor GPS - time, distance, speed, etc. but it also includes some helpful functions like a digital compass, barometric altimeter, and fishing and hunting functions. If you’re looking for a good all-around GPS to use in the great outdoors and you’re tired of paying for extras like detailed maps (ahem, Garmin) the DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 is a good choice that won’t break the bank. Just don’t forget to bring extra batteries