Ultimate Camping Thread

This is a trip I've had on my short list for years

 

It was really cool. The hikes were great and all the people I met were really interesting and friendly since I went alone. On the way back to Phoenix I did a little of Glen Canyon. I bought the Annual Pass for the national parks so I plan on going out more now.

Two Favorite pictures from this week.

Top of Angel's Landing




Horseshoe Bend

 

What's a nice camping box that ya'll would recommend? I bought a large $40 cheapy Wal-Mart box to store some gear that I want to keep organized in the bed of the truck but it's falling apart after only 2 camping trips. It has plastic hinges that have mostly broke now so I'm willing to spend some money on a box that'll last me a long time. Any suggestions?

 

Zion and the entire region around is stunningly beautiful. Worthy of any bucket list. I had no idea what I was in for when the old man suggested we check it out, but I'll never forget that trip so long as I live.

Mount Whitney is another incredible camping experience, if you're a fit specimen. Tallest mountain in the lower 48, but you can walk to the summit. The view from the summit is breathtaking.

I love camping, and being outdoors in general. I've done it just about every way imagineable, from sleeping on the ground in improvised bedrolls while cooking canned food over stripped bark and twigs, to playing Yahtzee in an RV with a shower and toilet.

The only real constant for me, over the years, has been a stout 3 1/2" folding knife. For many years it was a Buck, but a few years ago, I got a commemorative Bear. Really nice; Sequoia on one side of the handle, a lovely brass relief on the other side, and Bear quality throughout.

For anything less civilized than vehicle camping, I prefer a bivy sack on a cot to just about any other method of sleeping outdoors, although hammocks are a very close second. My current is a 14 year old OR bivy, and it's still in great shape. Preferred cot: Army surplus.

My truck bed is a perfect spot for sleeping, and I have a feather bed inside of an old Coleman sleeping bag that I use regularly. Exceedingly comfortable.

Only in the past year have I developed anything like a permanent mess kit. I've eaten alot of meals off my knife over the years, but it is nice to have proper cookware and dishes, so I've been slowly accumulating everything I need. One 8" cast iron skillet: enameled pot with lid, plates, and cups; cutting board; stainless steel utensils. I even carry a few spices with me now.

But the big leap forward just happened last night. I calculated how much money I was spending on pre-cooked food and pre-heated coffee (actually tea) each month. As much as I've always enjoyed making and using hobo stoves, local authorities often frown on their use, so it was time to get something that wouldn't offend The Man if I used it in the local parks, and allow me to cook proper meals economically, regardless of my location.

I'm totally stoked. Found a great deal on the Coleman Dual-Fuel 2 burner stove at Walmart. It'll be here in about a week.

 

Speaking of disposal, you are supposed to puncture them-JetBoil has a tool to do allow you to bleed any remaining fuel and do the can opener thing.

Bryce, Zion, Arches, ... Such a gorgeous area. I think you would enjoy it. If you do go, the hike out to Delicate Arch or Mesa Arch for sunset and sunrise is amazing. Mesa gets so many photographers-it's a lineup but well worth the sunrise.

 

What is the best time of the year to camp in Zion/Canyonlands area?

 

I've been in the summer and late fall. And to Bryce in the winter. I prefer September/October time frame although you do run the risk of winter weather, the crowds have thinned out.

 

i use rubbermaid roughneck containers....
they are cheap and work great....
i can leave them out in the rain and they are water tight.....
and they double as a camp table

 

I was there Sun - Wed this week and it was perfect! Didn't have to reserve a camp spot. The trails only had a few people on them for the most part. Weather was in the mid to high 60's during the day and the lowest it got in the morning was 35*

 

If you are ever in Utah, try and get over to Buckskin Gulch. Stopped over there for a day while doing a long hiking trip with my Dad and brothers to Rainbow Bridge. Awesome little slot canyon and a good day hike.

 

Sounds great Thanks for the info!

 

Good place to store your phone at night too.

 

http://www.gottagosurplus.com/military_containers_army_navy_surplus_shipping_boxes_louisville_ky.htm
or a pelican case if you can find one on cl for cheap.

 

Did you make it down to the Paria river?

I got trapped by a flash flood in Buckskin back in the 90's, sat on a ledge for 2 days waiting for the water to go down. Before we started the hike the rangers said that we were good to go for weather too
I think I have some pics on film somewhere in the house, I'll try to find them. Nothing like a wall of water coming at you with nowhere to go.

 

We didn't make it down to Paria - scenery is unbelievable in that area though. The day passes to see the wave go quicker than anything; little disappointed we couldn't get to it. Definitely always have that thought in the back of my head when in a slot canyon. The tributary areas out there are quite large and it doesn't take much rain for the canyons to fill up. You can see the water level in my photos were about head level (+6') so I would imagine if the water came in you would be SOL real quick.

 

I think the ticket is to try and see a few of of the popular spots. In Zion, The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Kolob Arch are great starts. I would try and get one of the canyon overlook hikes in as well.

Bryce is pretty much a jaw dropping experience. Queen's Garden, Peekaboo, and Mossy Cave (winter). Almost all the overlooks offer great views. Sunrise Point.

Arches has a number of hikes well worth the time. Delicate Arch, Mesa Arch, The Windows, Park Ave, Double Arch, and False Kiva.

Two or three days in each place seems hardly enough. Especially since some spots are sunset or sunrise only.

Islands in the Sky, Cedar Breaks, and Grand Canyon are all places you should visit too. I've driven through Cedar Breaks and a quick look Islands in the Sky. Grand Canyon is a place to spend a week-especially to watch a T-storm across the canyon.

You could easily keep yourself busy for a couple of weeks