AboutDavid Sweet Expertise I`ve been an avid camper for over 40 years, I`ve worked in several National Parks, and I`ve been About`s camping guide (camping.about.com) since 1997.
Experience
Camping Experience I've been camping since I was 9 years old, some 40+ years ago. I started out with just a sleeping bag and a lantern for 1 night sleepouts, gradually graduating to full-fledged camping with all the appropriate gear: sleeping bags, tents, pads, screen rooms, stoves, coolers, shower-bags, Dutch ovens, and more. I still have most of this gear after 20+ years of use. Along the way I also acquired backpacking gear and have done my share of backcountry adventures around the country. But now, as I've gotten older and my back has gotten stiffer, my wife and I have upgraded to a popup camper for most of our camping trips.
Where I've Camped I grew up in Kentucky and did most of my camping as a kid on the banks of the Licking River. As a teenager and into my twenties I camped mostly in the Red River Gorge in Daniel Boone National Forest. We never camped in campgrounds, but rather in backcountry locations, preferring peace and privacy to campground amenities and crowds. In my thirties I ventured west and lived and worked in several national parks over the next ten years: Grand Canyon, Sequoia, and Mt. Rainier, to name a few. These times were my most active for backpacking, hiking and camping. All my free time in the parks was spent exploring the backcountry, and in those ten years I saw quite a lot. Now that I'm in my 50's I prefer to camp in the public campgrounds like national parks, national forests and state parks. We don't use hookups, even with our popup camper, but flush toilets and hot showers are welcome amenities that can't be found in the backcountry.
What I've Learned After all these years I've learned some simple basics about camping: be prepared for the weather, bring whatever it takes to sleep comfortably, eat good foods, and have respect for the outdoors. I've also learned that there is no one right way to camp. If you're satisfying the basics which I mentioned, then you are doing things the right way. You don't need a lot of expensive gear or hi-tech gadgets. The whole idea is to break out of our normal lives and relax awhile in the geat outdoors.
How can I help you? My full-time job since 1997 has been as the guide for About's Camping site. My goal is to help fellow campers find the information they need to better plan and enjoy their outdoor adventures. Whatever your questions are about camping, I can help you. If I don't know the answer to your question(s) myself, I will guide you to other Web sites that do answer your question(s).
Question Hello! My friend and I grew up in scouting and take yearly backpacking trips. Since we're both located in the upper midwest, We'd like to expand into water-based trips. We both have casual experience with canoes and kayaks, but are lost when it comes to serious back country stuff. Most things I've found are 70 lb behemoths, with the lone exception being http://www.hornbeckboats.com/ , which would fit the need but are 2 grand each before shipping.
What would you recommend if we were looking for a canoe (or two!) for two guys over 240 lbs and about a week's worth of gear?
Also, just how important is the weight? I'd imagine portaging goes easier with lighter boats! Thanks.
Answer Hi Jon P.,
I'm no canoe expert, and I've only been canoeing a few times in my life, and never on a backcountry excursion. My first instinct would be to shop around the local canoe liveries in or near your area and rent some canoes for some day outings just to get a feel for the canoe and see which one you like. Sometimes boating and sporting goods retailers will rent canoes too. If this is all new to you, don't rush in and buy what somebody else recommends. Decide for yourself what canoe fits your needs best by trying them out for a day.
Another resource is the Internet. Check out sites that have canoe reviews and see what others recommend, for example: http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/
Also, see what canoes the outfitters are renting. Ely Minnesota is a very popular canoeing destination. Here's another site to check out: http://www.boundarywaters.com/
Also, most outfitters have used canoes for sale. Why pay full price, if you can get a good used canoe much cheaper.
And yes, you understand the weight criteria. The lighter the better when it comes to portaging, but consider other things too: durability, steering, etc.
