• 30Apr

       Camino El Diablo
    Southern Arizona
         One of the last great stretches of uninhabited wilderness remaining in the continental United States, Camino del Diablo (or Highway of the Devil) takes a minimum of two days to traverse. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required by the rangers, although the road is easily passable in a two-wheel drive with high ground clearance. There are no campgrounds and few signs of people, but camping is permitted at any point along the highway.

    Don’t miss it: On the last trip I made across Camino El Diablo, I didn’t see another person, car or airplane for four days. The scenery is tremendous; the isolation absolute. It’s good for the family that just wants to put up their tent and not worry about others.

    Directions: The highway stretches for 127 miles across the deserts of Southern Arizona.

    More info: Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge, 520-387-6438

       East Rim Overlook
    Kaibab National Forest
         I am perched high on the edge of the cliff; the vague shadow of Marble Canyon is barely visible in the distance. A goshawk swirls above me on the strong updraft rising from the lower elevations. A single bird strays unknowingly into the goshawk’s vision; I hold my breath as the hawk dives, striking its prey. From a cloud of feathers, the hawk flies into the forest to partake of his dinner.

    Don’t miss it: Goshawks live in old growth ponderosa pine, and there are plenty of pines at East Rim Overlook. The spacious, natural, campsites are situated right on the edge of Marble Canyon. This is a great place to avoid the crowds at the Grand Canyon, without settling for a view less than fantastic.

    Directions: Take SR 67 south from Jacobs Lake; turn left at the sign for the East Rim View. Turn left at FR 610, then turn right on FR 611 until it deadends at East Rim.

    More info: N. Kaibab Ranger District, 520-643-7395

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  • 29Apr

       Catalina State Park
    Tucson
         The Santa Catalina Mountains, thrust up from the floor of the Sonoran desert, culminate on Mt. Lemon at 9,157 feet. You can hike all the way to the top on trails originating at Catalina State Park. Stately saguaro cactus line the hillsides of the draws and washes, while the fabulous Santa Catalina range provides a constant backdrop. Many hiking trails provide a never-ending source of entertainment, while wildlife appears often enough to keep you alert. Awash in mountainous beauty, Catalina State Park is one of the state’s premier campgrounds.

    Don’t miss it: Appearances of big horned sheep, deer and a vast assortment of birds are all possibilities. On many nights, coyotes close in and serenade campers with their yips and howls.

    Directions: The park is on SR 77, about 10 minutes outside the City of Tucson.

    More info: Catalina State Park, 520-628-5798

    3. Toroweap (backcountry)
    Grand Canyon National Park
         This is a campground with a view! While located within the borders of the Grand Canyon National Park, its extremely remote location keeps crowds away. Breathtaking views of the Colorado River are unequaled anywhere else in the park. Those willing to go the extra mile to the backcountry campground at Toroweap will forever treasure the memory.

    Don’t miss it: Set up your tent on the edge of the Grand Canyon. The Colorado River is only 30 seconds away — a 30-second, 1,200-foot freefall, that is! Explore massive ledge boulders and discover new views of the Canyon.

    Directions: Take SR 389 west out of Fredonia, turning left onto Mt. Trumbell Road. Follow the signs for Toroweap. Although this 60-mile-long route is dirt, it’s easily passable by car except in wet weather.

    More info: Grand Canyon National Park, 520-638-7888

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  • 28Apr

         Some of the places listed ,over the next couple weeks are modern, organized campgrounds with picnic tables, RV hookups and even showers. Others are backcountry campsites without amenities; a couple are simply clearings on the side of the road. Many I have  chosen for the sheer beauty of the site itself. Some, while not beautiful at the site, are listed for their location to beautiful locations. From the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the shear highlands of the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona is a wondrous and tremendously beautiful state. These are my favorite places to camp.

       Lockett Meadow
    San Francisco Peaks
         I can’t help but consider Lockett Meadow, perched on the side of the San Francisco Peaks, to be the number one location in Arizona to put up a tent. It’s a grassy meadow as wide as a football field, surrounded by vibrant stands of quaking aspen. Elk, deer and an occasional bear or skunk make nightly visits to the tanks constructed years ago for grazing sheep.
    Located at 7,000 feet, it provides hiking access into the Inner Basin and to the highest point in Arizona, Mt. Humphreys (12,633 feet). I never tire of hiking the trails through the largest aspen stand in our state.

    Don’t miss it: During the first two weeks of October, the meadow transforms as the aspen leaves change color. The warm, gold and red hues of fall displace the cool, greens and blues of summer.

    Directions: Just north of Flagstaff, turn west off SR 89 onto FR 552. After about a mile, turn right at the sign. The road that winds up the mountain provides breathtaking views of Sunset Crater and the Painted Desert before dead-ending at the meadow.

    More info: Coconino National Forest, 520-527-3600

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  • 24Apr

    We are trying to be your all around affordable hunting gear and affordable camping gear store. We have over 40,000 products in the industries. Some are going out but we are getting more than we are losing. We get new products every month. It’s hard to try and keep up with all of them so the easiest way to do it is to just come on in and check us out yourself! Our prices are better than most and we try to make everyone happy. We do promotions here and there, just keep checking back from time to time. Some of our new items are  made by Chinook which is sleeping gear and tents. Leatherman-tools in the newest styles. Many new binoculars from Leupold, Burris, Nikon, and Bushnell. We also carry many, many affordable accessories for firearms and shooting in general. Anything that you might want or need for camping and hunting gear just look us up. www.campersmusthaves.com

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  • 22Apr
    Big-Agnes-Copper-Spur

    Big-Agnes-Copper-Spur

          Most tents now come with bathtub-like floors (that keep seams several inches above the ground), and “no-see-um” mesh to keep out the tiniest insects. Double-track door zippers let you unzip the fabric door and still have screening for insect protection. Color-coding makes setup easier, though experts still recommend practicing with a new tent at home before taking it on a trip. Reviews say to look for the following additional features when buying a tent:

    1. Full-coverage rainflies are best. Quite a few tents increase ventilation by providing only partial-coverage rainflies that include little awnings over the windows and doors. Reviews say these are adequate in a light rain, but can let in driving rain. It’s better to have a rainproof tent that increases ventilation with cleverly placed vents.
    2. Factory-taped seams are important for rain protection. However, tent experts recommend using seam sealer on a tent periodically anyway. Some inexpensive tents need seam sealing before the first use.
    3. Look for plenty of storage pockets and loops. Both owners and tent-review editors say that built-in storage makes a big difference in tent livability. Note that some tents come with plenty of interior storage, while others make gear lofts available only as an option at extra cost.
    4. Ventilation is crucial to minimize condensation. Look for mesh placed both low on a tent wall and high in the roof, for good airflow. Ideally, you can open and close vent covers from inside the tent even with the rainfly on. Tents with a rainfly, known as double-wall tents, usually provide the best combination of ventilation and storm protection. Single-wall waterproof fabric is usually used only on tents designed for ultralight backpacking, where a little condensation isn’t as important as light weight. Some hybrid backpacking tents are partly double-wall, partly single-wall, to balance these factors.
    5. Double doors are a big convenience. They add ventilation and minimize having to climb over someone else to enter or exit the tent. They also make it easier to decide how to pitch the tent to get good views, privacy and resistance to wind and rain.
    6. Two vestibules are better than one. You can store gear on one side and cook on the other if it’s raining outside. Large vestibules also let a dog sleep in protected space, yet outside the tent. Experts recommend a vestibule of at least six square feet, so you can store a pack in it as well as boots.
    7. Shock-corded poles, color-coding and quick clips make for fast setup. Shock-corded poles fold into sections for compact storage, but unfold quickly to full length. Clipping the tent to the poles is faster than having to thread the poles through sleeves. Color coding means that the pole tips are color coded to match colored tabs around the grommets where they’re supposed to go. Some tents have the setup instructions printed right on the carry sack, especially useful for large family tents with lots of pole parts.
    8. Even lifetime tent warranties don’t cover sun degradation of the fabric. To prevent sun degradation, canvas is the best tent material, polyester next. Plain nylon has the least resistance to UV rays. If a tent is used only a week or two a year, pitched mostly in the shade, this is less important.
    9. Aluminum poles are stronger but heavier than carbon-fiber poles. Some family tents use steel poles, which are heavy and eventually rust. Reviews don’t recommend tents that use fiberglass poles, since they’re prone to splintering. Variable-diameter poles are designed to minimize tent weight, putting the largest diameter where the most strength is needed.
    10. Single-wall backpacking tents are lightest. These eliminate the rainfly, making the tent body either from breathable rainproof fabric or from silicon. Most breathable fabric tents can’t be treated with fire retardant, so they can’t be shipped to some states or to Canada. Silicon fabrics have an electrostatic attraction to pollen, sand and dust.
    11. Square footage doesn’t tell the whole story. This measurement is a starting point to help you decide if a tent is big enough, but also check length — to be sure your sleeping bag or cot will fit. Total interior space (measured in cubic feet) depends on the tent’s shape. A-frame tents have the least interior space, while hoop, dome and umbrella tents have more. Within types there’s still variation in available space, so look for a design that maximizes it.
    12. Headroom is important. For a family tent, make sure the headroom allows the tallest person in the group to stand up inside. For a backpacking tent, make sure there’s space for everyone to sit up. It’s possible to get dressed without sitting up, but it’s less comfortable. Being able to sit up comfortably also makes rainy days inside the tent much more tolerable.
    13. Stakes and guy lines that are brightly colored are easier to see. Some tent stakes even have a reflective coating so you can move around the tent site with a flashlight without tripping over guy lines. Colored stakes also make it easier to avoid leaving some behind when you pack up to leave.
    14. A footprint or groundcloth protects the tent floor. Most tents have an optional footprint you can buy, that’s already shaped to fit under the tent with a margin of a few inches all around. (Counter-intuitively, the tent footprint must be a little smaller than the tent, not larger.) To save money, you can make your own out of Tyvek or 4-mil plastic.

                              You can find affordable camping tents at our store Campersmusthaves.com

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  • 16Apr

    Affordable BinocularsThe affordable Nikon 10×42 Monarch ATB binoculars are lightweight and easy to carry. The Monarch series is affordable and targeted toward hunting and birding, but it is also good for general-purpose use.

    The Monarch uses a standard roof-prism design that is highly regarded for better light transmission and brighter viewing. Even with this design, the Monarch is relatively small and lightweight, making it a good choice for children. Adults will find that the lightweight design makes focusing and viewing at 10X much easier than with heavier binoculars.

    The affordable Nikon 10×42 Monarch features an armored rubber coating that is comfortable and easy to grip. The rubber coating adds to the Monarch’s shockproof and waterproof rating, so it’s a good choice for use in inclement weather, by the seashore, or when boating.

    A smallish eye relief of 15.5mm may be awkward for some individuals who wear glasses. The central focusing wheel is ridged for no-slip control. Full focus requires only 1-1/4 turns to go from infinity to the close focusing distance of 8.2 feet. Ocular adjustment is provided, and the eyepiece that rotates is stiff enough to eliminate any worries about slippage during normal use.

    The lens and prisms are fully multi-coated to improve optical performance. The multi-coating helps with apparent brightness and also cuts down on internal reflections that can cause viewing problems. We did, however, notice a very slight blurring at the edges of the field of view, which while sometimes common, was disappointing to find in Nikon’s well-regarded optic systems.

    Bundled accessories include a case and strap, as well as lens and eyepiece covers. The lens caps rely on the texture of the rubber binocular coating to hold them in place; we found them to be very easy to dislodge. The rubber eyepiece covers, however, were held snugly in place. The strap is a simple affair that serves its purpose, although you may want to replace it with a wider, more comfortable strap.

    Through its warranty program, Nikon will repair or replace the binoculars for $10 plus shipping.

    The Nikon 10×42 Monarch are good all-around affordable binoculars that can find service with birders, hunters, boaters or just about any outdoor activity.

    Pros: Affordable, Waterproof, and shockproof, lightweight and comfortable to hold, bright viewing
    Cons: Lens cap is easily dislodged, thin strap, some blurring at fringes of viewing

     

    Warranty
    25 years against defects

    You can get a pair of affordable binoculars at our store. www.campersmusthaves.com

     

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  • 15Apr

    .

    Sierra Designs sleeping bags

    Sierra Designs sleeping bags

    1.It’s partly recycled, yes. But the Verde won this year’s award because of how it performed in the field. It’s all about the fill: The Verde’s insulation (Climashield Green) is “continuous filament,” meaning it won’t clump or shift—and create cold spots—as old-school synthetics do. It will roll out the same time and time again

     2.The insulation and shell fabric are spun from recycled soda-pop bottles. The liner fabric consists of coconut husk and recycled plastic. The drawstring cordlock is made out of recycled, reground plastic. The only things that aren’t? The zippers and velcro, for durability reasons.

    3.The Verde is lined with Cocona, a yarn made with activated carbon fibers from coconut shells, which can be used to weave fabric from recycled products and excels at wicking away moisture and fighting odor. It works. “The bag feels drier and fresher than others,” remarked one tester.

    4. There’s a chest pocket, removable leashes to keep you from sliding off your pad in the middle of the night, and a pillow sleeve. The downside is that all those features—and the bulkier insulation—add up. The Verde is nearly a pound heavier than other 20-degree synthetic bags.

    5.An efficient, athletic cut and ergonomically tailored footbox and hood reduce the need to heat up the dead air spaces. The women’s version, the Déjà Vu (as in, these materials have already been seen once before), is cut fuller in the hips and has more insulation in the footbox.

    3.6 lbs; sierradesigns.com

    We carry many affordable sleeping bags at www.campersmusthaves.com. We can help you figure out what all you might need  for your next camping trip. We carry many brand names in camping gear and hunting gear. We will be your one stop store for all your outdoors needs.

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  • 14Apr

    Home away from home, that is what a tent is. Tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, flashy colors and shiny zippers. Don’t let all this fool you, it is still a tent. Sizes are based according to how many people they sleep: 2-man, 3-man, 4-man and 6-man (no these are not sexist comments, that is the industry standard). If the tent is made by a reputable company, then it will usually be able to sleep what it says it can. Some tent companies overrate their tents and a 3 person tent ends up being a 2 person. And when you do choose a tent you should also figure on camping gear. You should figure two sizes bigger than the people that are going. If you have 4 people, then you should get a six-man tent.

     

    You may hear tents categorized as 3 season or 4 season. A three season tent is generally made for the camping in warmer months, spring through fall. A 4 season tent is made to go camping year round, even in the winter. The main difference in the two is that 4 season tents are made of  heavier materials which keeps the inside of the tent warmer. In the heat of summer in the southern US, you would much prefer a 3 season tent than a 4 season.

    The make up of a tent is quite simple, the support, the main tent and the rain fly. The support is just a bunch of poles that keep the rest of the tent up. Companies are now trying to increase the ease of putting up a tent by permanently attaching the poles to the main tent. This helps in that you don’t lose your poles, and all you have to do to set up the tent is connect the poles. The main part of the tent is what you will sleep in, so keep this part clean and dry. The rainfly is just a light piece of tent fabric that covers the tent and keeps it dry in the rain. The key to keeping the tent dry is to once you have put the rain fly on, try to stretch the fly out. This will keep the fly from touching the tent. If the fly does touch the tent, rain can seep through the fly, onto the tent, and into you bedroom.

    The last piece of information about tents is a ground cloth or footprint. This is a big piece of plastic or fabric which goes under the tent and keeps the tent dry and clean from the ground beneath it. Once you have the tent set up on top of the ground cloth, tuck the edges of the cloth that stick out underneath the tent. This will help in keeping everything dry, otherwise they can act as little water gutters and direct the rain right under your tent.

    We can help you just look us up at www.campersmusthaves.com. We can help you pick out your new affordable tent or anything else you might need for camping 101!!  We have been camping, hiking, fishing, or hunting for many years. We will make you ready for your  weekend away from home more comfortable.

     

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  • 13Apr

     

    • Determine the Purpose of the Tent

      • If being used for family camping–consider comfort, space and ventilation  

      • If back-country camping–consider weight, size and durability

    • Determine Type of Material

      • Polyester withstands extended exposure to the sun

      • Nylon is lighter weight

      • Canvas is durable but very heavy

    • Determine the Style

      • Cabin tents are big with high ceilings and large windows.  Multi-room models are available.

      • Dome tents are smaller, stable and better in varying weather conditions. They are easy to setup and take down

    • Determine the Size and Weight

      • What type of activities are you going to do

      • How many people are in your family

      • How much gear will you need to store in tent 

        • Tent sizes do not include room for gear storage. Consider purchasing a larger tent for this purpose.

        • Always purchase a tent for two extra people. If there are four going then you will need a six man tent!

    • Consider Ease of Setup

      • Color coding is helpful

      • Time to set up

      • Time to take down

      • Will it be in tight quarters 

    •  Consider the Poles

      • Quality is important

      • Fiberglass poles are durable

      • Aluminum poles are lightweight

    • Consider Quality of Other Features

      • Stitching and seams

      • Zippers

      • Window and Door mesh

      • Flooring

      • Tie Downs

      • Stakes 

    • Consider the Weather

      • Waterproof/water resistant

      • Use a full coverage rain fly

      • Where you will be setting up 

    • Consider a quality ground cloth for under your tent to protect the floor and to keep it drier and cleaner. This should be the same shape as your tent and slightly smaller.

     

     

    See Campersmusthaves for our selection of tents and tent accessories

     

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  • 11Apr

    Planning Your Camping Trip
    Once you have isolated potential camp sites, issues like weather, fire danger and road construction should be evaluated to determine your top candidates. If fishing is a major part of your plans, acquire fishing reports and determine if water level issues would impact your plans. It is worth a phone call to a bait and tackle store near your proposed camping area to get local information on how busy the camp area has been, fishing reports, road conditions and expected weather patterns. Once you make your final selection, make any necessary reservations for camp sites and get the proper fishing license and stamps. It is a good idea to select a back up camp area in the event of the unexpected. For additional information on planning your trip visit the National Forest Service outdoor and camping tips.

    Camping Trip Preparation
    Make a list of everything you intend to take. Discuss this list with all participants and mentally walk through all the activities of each activity on the trip. Be certain everything you will need is on this list. Next get out the camping gear and do an inspection to make sure there has not been damage since it’s last use. It is a good idea to test stoves, lanterns and the like to make sure they still work. If it is battery powered, check the batteries and make sure you have a backup set of batteries. If you haven’t used the tent in a while, it may be a good idea to set it up and make sure the material has not deteriorated while in storage. A first aid kit should be on every camper’s list. Make sure that it is complete for emergencies you may encounter.

    Loading Up
    Loading the vehicle should be a simple process of collecting everything on the list and placing it in the vehicle in an organized manner. Some thought should be given to the items you will need first upon arrival at the campsite. Those items should be loaded last. Use blankets and sleeping bags as padding for fragile items like lanterns. For safety reasons fuel for stoves and lanterns should be carried outside the vehicle if at all possible. Be certain that all items are secure to avoid shifting during transport. Be sure to include extra drinking water as well as water to extinguish campfires if it is not readily available at the camping area.

    Traveling To The Campsite
    Before you leave, make sure family or friends know exactly where you are going, your basic itinerary and when you plan to return. Check road conditions with the Arizona highway department before heading out. It could save you time somewhere along the way. Plan your travel with extra time for breaks and normal traffic issues. Buckle up and travel at posted speeds or below. Your vehicle is probably loaded heavier than usual and it may handle slightly different than normal, especially in a critical moment. Better safe than sorry cannot be overstated for these trips. Take your time and enjoy the scenery and the anticipation of your upcoming camping experience.

    Setting Up Camp
    Organized campsites make for a more enjoyable stay. Have everyone involved in setting up camp so they know where things are. Check with the Arizona agencies for concerns about food and garbage storage as it relates to local wildlife. Make sure all tents and sleeping areas are situated safely away from natural water drainage in the event of an unexpected storm. Be aware of others camping in close proximity and be a good neighbor. Plan your activities to leave the area as clean or cleaner than it was before you arrived.

    Campfires
    Always check fire danger levels with appropriate Arizona agencies and/or National Parks Service before starting fires of any kind. If campfires are allowed take extra caution to make sure your fire does not exceed the boundaries of it’s intended use. Check the flammable materials that may be at risk around the area before selecting the exact location for the camp fire. Keep an eye out for burning embers and sparks that could ignite unwanted areas. Follow approved methods for putting out your campfire and make 100% sure it is out before leaving the area. Visit the USDA Forest Service website for additional fire safety information.

    Meals
    Plan meals in advance to be hearty, simple and enjoyable without a great deal of effort. Extra snacks are always welcome and will come in handy to fuel the extra energy you will exert during these outdoor activities. Casseroles made up in advance and frozen help to keep other foods cool until it is time to thaw them. This reduces the amount of ice required for the entire cold storage.

    Nature Walks, Hiking & Fishing
    Camping offers you and your fellow campers to experience the outdoors. Take short walks around the camp area to see what nature has to offer. Check with the proper agencies to determine safety issues for the area you plan to traverse. Always carry more water than you think you will need and be prepared for at least minor emergencies of scrapes, cuts and the like. Before leaving camp for any extended period notify other members of your fellow campers of your plans and what to do in an emergency. Be sure that camp is secure and all recommendations for food and garbage storage has been followed. Give yourself plenty of time for your intended activity so you can relax and enjoy your time.

    Wilderness Survival
    If your camping plans include any excursions away from civilization it could save your life to know a little bit about surviving in the wild. Check with Arizona agencies, National Parks Service and/or other local experts for details on what one might expect in your area at the time of your trip. Simply knowing some basics can make all the difference in being safe until you find your way back or are rescued by others.

    Above all enjoy your camping trip in Arizona and help keep it a great place to go camping for generations to come.

    Have a great Arizona camping trip! Looking for affordable new camping gear?

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