Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

They added the footprint to the tent order! Not sure if they even charged me for it... we shall see!

 

Not sure if other states have this type of program... but I signed up to see about being a Texas State Park Ambassador
http://tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/programs/state_parks_ambassador/

I also did the $30 License plate that supports the Texas State Parks as well!

 

I'm not sure there is a place in NC that I can sign up to be a Texas State Park Ambassador. The commute would be a tough one.

 

Hardy Har Har... I mean for other states may have the same type of program...

 

Sub'd

 

I know. I kept that part of your post out of my quote.

 

I'm a Makers Mark Ambassador.

And I preach Yosemite every chance I get.

 

I had the TPWD one with the Western Diamondback on it before, like this:



I will either get that one, the Horned Toad one (prob not), or the Big Bend one (most likely) to put on the TT FJC. Here is the BIBE one, it is kind of ugly, but it does go to Big Bend Conservancy:

Holler.

 

I didn't mean for my humor to minimize the good of the ambassador.

 

There were no spots for the North region, but I signed up to be on a list. It says you have to be 18-30. I just turned 28 so I only have 2 years left!

 

I think the big push is to get younger folks (millennials) into the outdoors. Their presence has been lacking at the national park level for a bit. (Hence the big campaigns of Find Your Park and the NPS birthday)
Ever notice how many volunteers are older folk? They have the time to do it... but getting younger involvement keeps the interest in the forefront.

 

My parents took me outdoors. My dad wanted to be a ranger, but became a pastor.
First backpack at 10. Lake Gilmore in Desolation Wilderness. It changed my life.

 

I completely agree.

 

Well kids... The hammock ridgeline was mentioned a few pages back and since the Colorado front range forgot that is winter... i set up the hammock and going to give her a try tonight.

As long as the mountain lions leave me alone, hopefully it'll be a nice peaceful nights sleep.

This is 83% length, seems a bit short, but it is comfortable to lie in.

 

Very nice. Hope you have an under-quilt if it's still relatively cold out!

 

Low should be around 40. This hammock is great at blocking wind/cold, first time i used it was in Moab, lows of 30 and windy without an issue.

My Mountainsmith 0 degree bag should be up for the challenge. Last time i didn't even zip it up.

 

I guess that weather station was down, lows will be near 30.

I think I'll survive.

 

Think it depends on the area. Volunteer vise not so much as I agree with it being mostly older folk. But least for getting out, in wa at least, it's a good mix of all ages. I've camped places where the oldest age was probably 30-35 but other times been with folk in their 70s.

But when I was in CA (southern mind you) outside of the pct it did seem to primarily be older folk.

 

I have liked developed campsites less and less as the times of young people being crazy loud till early morning, long after late night, and drunk campers wandering into the site (lost). That is a rude awakening!!
Sometimes I think they think a campground is a cheap place to party away from their parents. And those parents didn't teach them about camping, or courtesy. It is becoming less and less.
I grew up camping. I was camping in Yosemite as far back as I can remember. We used to wait in anticipation for The Firefall.

 

Arriving Today!