| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Grand Canyon | 8/18/2009 |
Q: I am beginning to moderate backpacker, i have several small weeknd treks to my name and (2) 50+ mile ...
A: Here are 2 choices: 1. Havasupai: the ultimate Grand Canyon hiking destination. I've told others ...
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| Backpacking in Harriman State Park | 7/24/2009 |
Q: Me and my fiance are going camping tomorrow in Harriman state park, and we are planning to spend the ...
A: Not knowing whether health departments consider Pine Meadow Lake potable, and what kind of filter ...
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| wilderness camping near rhinebeck, ny | 7/23/2009 |
Q: First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer my question! I am a New Yorker currently ...
A: Just west of Rhinebeck are the Catskill Mountains, Catskill State Park and Catskill State Forest. ...
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| tent camping in california | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I am trying to find campgrounds in northern or central California. I don't have any clue where to ...
A: Mammoth Lake is good. So are Bear Lake and Lake Shasta. Check out these areas on Google (search for ...
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| Camping Trivia | 7/15/2009 |
Q: What's the most popular month for camping?
A: Lesley, I see the most camping inquiries on my site during June and July. The summer is most ...
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| Camping Tent: Confusion | 6/30/2009 |
Q: I am a first time camper and after some reading, I decided to spend around $200 for my first tent ...
A: Both tents are good tents. You can't go wrong with either. I own a Kelty Trail Dome, which I like a ...
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| Backpacking Locations | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I am a beginning backpacker. I recently got back from my first big backpacking experience in Zion ...
A: Jason, Have you considered the Appalachian Trail? You have multiple entry and exit points, so you ...
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| camp sites | 6/20/2009 |
Q: Is there a certain terminology to distingish if a backpacking trail allows hikers to set up camp ...
A: The term you are looking for is "dispersed" camping. It means you can camp anywhere so long as you ...
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| How to keep stuff dry. | 6/2/2009 |
Q: I realize that this isn't exactley your area of expertise, but the canoeing section had 'no ...
A: Well, I don't know how much cheaper than $25 I can get, but you could buy a cheap tarp ($10) and tie ...
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| Canoes and kayaks | 5/29/2009 |
Q: My friend and I grew up in scouting and take yearly backpacking trips. Since we're both located in ...
A: , I'm no canoe expert, and I've only been canoeing a few times in my life, and never on a ...
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| Havasu Falls | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I am planning a trip to Havasu Falls {when ever} with in this year. What are the necessary ...
A: Supai is, in my opinion, the ultimate Grand Canyon backpacking destination. You'll need good hiking ...
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| cooking gear | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I received the griddle described below as a gift. I want to know if I can use it camping on our ...
A: I contacted Nordicware, and here is their reply: "It's okay to use the reversible grill/griddle on ...
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| Backpacking Location | 4/4/2009 |
Q: What is the best place to go backpacking on the Blue Ridge Parkway or nearby? I am going with a ...
A: Head to mile marker 314 in North Carolina where you can turn onto US 221, which leads to Linville ...
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| Backpacks on wheels | 3/24/2009 |
Q: My wife can no longer carry a backpack, but can hike. Are there backpacks on wheel(s) that could be ...
A: Backpack on wheels? I doubt it very much. I too can no longer carry a backpack, consequently I gave ...
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| Backpacking: red River Gorge | 3/10/2009 |
Q: Hey David, My wife and I with our two kids 14 & 16 are wanting to go back packing in Kentucky. We ...
A: Hey Shawn, Great place to camp and hike. I've been there dozens of times. I always did primitive ...
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| National Park and PCT | 3/1/2009 |
Q: How many miles of national park does the pacific crest trail travel through?
A: I don't know the mileage through the parks, but here are a few facts about the Pacific Crest Trail ...
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| Radio contact | 12/20/2008 |
Q: Well i love going into the back country and enjoy the time there nice and quite and "alone"! The ...
A: When I go into the backcountry, I do several things. 1. Check in at the local ranger station, get a ...
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| FIRST TIME CAMPING | 10/28/2008 |
Q: MR. D. SWEET, i AM WRITING AN ARTICLE FOR CHILDREN AGE GROUP ( 8-14 ) THAT ARE GOING CAMPING FOR THE ...
A: My first concern would be making sure they are adequately prepared in the clothes department. ...
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| souther california camping | 10/27/2008 |
Q: Any help you can provide is appreciated. I am planning on flying out to LA for a camping trip. I ...
A: I don't think any LA County beaches allow camping. You might find beach camping in San Diego, Santa ...
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| Smoky Mt. backpacking trip | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I am taking my first solo backpacking trip in a few weeks in the Smoky Mt. State park. While ...
A: There are lots of great trails in the Smokies but you'll have to do some research to decide on a ...
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| Backingpacking from Philadelphia | 8/6/2008 |
Q: My boyfriend and I just moved to Philadelphia from Central New Jersey, where we have done several ...
A: There is a great Web site called trails.com. I found the following info there that may be useful to ...
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| tying a clothesline | 7/21/2008 |
Q: I have gone camping with friends a few times, but will be going on my own soon. I was wondering how ...
A: I would use a round turn and two half hitches. See illustration: ...
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| starcraft pop up camper | 6/19/2008 |
Q: but every 10 - 20 seconds can you help
A: Check the battery in the alarm. They are like your house smoke alarms, you need to put fresh ...
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| Backpacking campsite | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I am looking for remote campsite in Sequoia national forest. I want to hike at least 4-5 miles with ...
A: For backcountry camping you need to check with Park Service and obtain permits. Everything to get ...
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| how to paddle a canoe | 5/16/2008 |
Q: I am utterly confounded by what looks to be a simple action when paddling a canoe down a tranquil ...
A: This question is outside my expertise, but here is what I would do. The paddler in the back only ...
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| Camping & rafting around VA | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Our group mainly has new parents with infants ages from 12-18months and 2-3 toddlers of ages around ...
A: Sounds like you will have your hands full. You didn't give many details, so let me cut to the chase. ...
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| First Timer | 4/24/2008 |
Q: David, I am living in the Los Angeles area and as you could imagine, the city begins to wear on ...
A: To get you started, check out Camping for Beginners http://camping.about.com/c/ec/1.htm ...
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| Getting lost in wilderness | 4/3/2008 |
Q: I recently saw a piece in the local press about a snowmobiler who became disoriented,and then ran ...
A: I don't think it will work. 1. Laser light can blind you, so you wouldn't want to shine a laser ...
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| Is Caving Safe? | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I am wondering if it is safe for people, exspecially children to enter caves where bats are? I have ...
A: People cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano (feces), blood or urine, or from ...
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| Military Issue External Frame Backpack | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I was recently given a military issue external frame backpack (not US, I think it's Swiss). It is ...
A: If it is as versatile as you say, you can fit it with any accessory you like. Here are a few links ...
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| Fitting an external frame backpack | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I recently got (it was regifted) an older model external frame backpack made by American Camper (I ...
A: You want your pack to feel comfortable while fully loaded. Make sure that you secure the waist belt ...
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| Wall tents | 12/31/2007 |
Q: I have recently been looking at wall tents for use between 3 hunters. we plan on camping for 9 days ...
A: I would suggest a tent from Kodiak Canvas. They are located in Utah and they make an excellent tent ...
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| Camping and working year round | 12/13/2007 |
Q: Someone told me there are beautiful campsites....year round....that...if you JOIN this assocaition ...
A: Sounds like the "Volunteers in Parks" program. You can find more info here: ...
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| Camping Ages | 11/11/2007 |
Q: I am 17 years old and living in Arkansas, and I was wondering if it is possible for me to camp ...
A: You can camp without an adult so long as you don't camp at a campground that requires you to ...
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| sleeping bags | 10/24/2007 |
Q: Ive been in the market for a winter sleeping bag for a few months and have finally decided on the ...
A: I'm going to assume that you are purchasing the bag online, so you can't try it out before buying. ...
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| Camping with a truck mounted camper | 8/20/2007 |
Q: Is it illegal to remove a truck mounted camper with permanent jacks from a truck when camping, to ...
A: It is definitely not illegal, but it may be against campground rules. Call the campground ahead of ...
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| Rafting,tubing, | 8/13/2007 |
Q: We are staying at the Four Seasons Campground in Pilesgrove, NJ. We are trying to find a place close ...
A: You know Jersey better than me. Here's a site with all the river outfitters in New Jersey. See ...
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| camping sleep equipment | 8/7/2007 |
Q: I hate to ask this, but my husband and I (age late fifties) are avid tent campers. Lately though, ...
A: I hear you. I'm sixty and still tent camp. My wife and I bought a pair of Kirkham oversized foam ...
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| Tacky camp tent fly | 7/31/2007 |
Q: I have a Eureka geo-dome tent (about 15 yrs. old) that has been packed away for several years. When ...
A: Sounds like you have a tent probably made out of nylon or polyester that had a weatherproof coating. ...
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| Camping and water rafting in NY, NJ or PA area | 7/17/2007 |
Q: My friends and I live in NY area, we would like to go camping and water rafting for a weekend in ...
A: I think you'll find everything you need here: http://www.delawareriver.net/campground.php Regards, ...
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| mosquitos | 6/12/2007 |
Q: What is the best way to deter mosquitos? Do you know if garlic sprays work? Thanks, Kevin
A: I have not had good results with garlic sprays. I vacation every September on the Outer Banks where ...
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| camping ny/nj | 6/4/2007 |
Q: My group and i hike a lot. We are not all experts but have done rock climbing water rafting, and ...
A: I have only ever camped one place where you could hike, climb, camp and raft: the New River in WV. ...
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| Solar juice. | 5/25/2007 |
Q: Can i charge a 24rv deep cycle Nautlus battery with a 500w 1A solar panel... or do i need a specific ...
A: If the charger has a 24 volt setting, sure. If it only has 6 or 12 volt settings, then no. You ...
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| waterproofing canvas | 5/17/2007 |
Q: What is the best way to waterproof canvas - Tent, boat tarp, etc. Have heard something about using ...
A: There are various types of canvas. If you have ordinary cotton canvas, it requires no waterproofing. ...
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| ice | 4/14/2007 |
Q: I'm not sure if this question is with-in your forte though I would reckon that it is second nature ...
A: There's an art to packing a cooler efficiently, but anyone can master the technique with a little ...
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| Havasu Camping Question | 4/11/2007 |
Q: My wife and I are thinking about doing the Havasu hike in late May, but there are no camping ...
A: This I know because I worked at the Gransd Canyon and I've been to Havasu. They only allow so many ...
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| Find a Buddy | 4/3/2007 |
Q: Do you know of any websites where you could find a buddy or so or hook up with groups for ...
A: Hey Jeff, The site I suggest is The American Hiking Society. http://www.americanhiking.org/ Check ...
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| rain gear | 2/24/2007 |
Q: is cabela's dry-plus material the same as gortex? if it is not, is it as good as gortex? is it ...
A: Dry-Plus and Gore-Tex are comparable products. Both offer excellent rain protection and use the same ...
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| USA camping | 1/12/2007 |
Q: I am Canadian, my husband and I are interested in taking a 2-3 week camping trip in June to the US. ...
A: Sequoia National Park. There are several campgrounds that offer great views, hiking, swimming, and ...
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| guide service are there any | 12/13/2006 |
Q: I am trying to plan an outdoors kind of a vacation and i was wondering if there are any guide ...
A: Sorry, I don't know any off hand. A Google search returns everything but what you want. You might ...
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| solar charger 12 v | 11/14/2006 |
Q: ever use any solar chargers for 12 v battery? if so can ya tell me how many watss i should get .. or ...
A: Solar battery chargers can come in different watts. Many that I've seen have been 4, 5 or 7 watt ...
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| Storing lanterns & stoves | 8/24/2006 |
Q: I have a Coleman Lantern and Stove and heard that there is a procedure to store it. i.e. emty the ...
A: Coleman answers it better than I can. The following is an extract from ...
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| water sources | 8/14/2006 |
Q: While there are innumerable articles detailing protozoa/bacteria/viral contamination of water ...
A: S. You raise a growing concern of our shrinking planet. Who in the fifties would have thought ...
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| camping on the beach | 7/23/2006 |
Q: thank you very much
A: I checked with the folks at the Department of California State Parks. Here is what they say: "Due to ...
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| Backpacking Food | 7/15/2006 |
Q: I am planning a 4 days backpacking trip in the high Peaks of the Adirondack. I was wondering some ...
A: When I was backpacking, I took a single burner propane stove and stainless cookware. I would pack ...
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| Tent's ? | 6/28/2006 |
Q: My wife and I have not been tent camping since we were in our late thirties. We are now in our 50's ...
A: Coleman makes a couple of 2-room tents, and Wenzel makes a nice one too. Check them out at Campmor: ...
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| 40 days | 2/26/2006 |
Q: Mr. Sweet, I'm a 19 year old college student, and next summer my best friend and I are wanting to ...
A: Sounds like you're heading into uncharted country. The best advice I can give is to make sure you ...
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| I recently retired from the... | 2/2/2006 |
Q: I recently retired from the cruise industry and find myself wandering in circles. I want to do some ...
A: Nice name.:-) David, you don't need a teacher. You already know how to walk. Like camping, it's all ...
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| campfires | 9/6/2005 |
Q: when camping in a campground and its time to sleep should you always put yor fire out. if so whats ...
A: Yes, you should always extinguish campfires before going to bed. Here's how: 1. After most of the ...
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| Water Issues | 7/26/2005 |
Q: I just recently went backpacking and had a couple questions concerning clean water. First is related ...
A: Boiling water is the surest way to kill harmful bacteria. It's also true that the higher you go the ...
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| emergency contacts | 5/12/2005 |
Q: Mr. Sweet, There Have been two occasions where I needed help while camping. I like to camp in the ...
A: Yes, cell phones don't work everywhere, but it wouldn't hurt to carry one with you anyway. They are ...
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| GPS | 5/5/2005 |
Q: How are you? Thanks for taking questions from people. My question is about GPS. Do you have much ...
A: No, I do not own a GPS, but I am looking to buy one this summer just so I can go geocaching. I've ...
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| Food List | 10/21/2004 |
Q: My brother and I are heading to the Grand Canyon November for 6 days. We've never been out for that ...
A: Hopefully you've backpacked before. Why not just take foods that you've used before? If you've never ...
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| Hamocks and trash | 8/30/2004 |
Q: I have two questions: 1. How do you tie a hammock to two trees? I have use a bowline on one end ...
A: How do you tie a hammock to two trees? Position your hammock so the ring is about five feet above ...
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| camping tents | 8/16/2004 |
Q: I have a four person family. We went camping and borrowed a tent, but will now be purchasaing one. ...
A: I've reviewed seven different family tents ( ...
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| mildew on canvas | 7/8/2004 |
Q: i was wondering if you can tell me how to get mildew off canvas without discoloring or damaging the ...
A: Mildew, a dark residue left by mold, can leave a stubborn stain. If mold or mildew has invaded your ...
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| popup camper info | 4/14/2004 |
Q: We have quite a bit of tent camping experience, some from our childhoods and some as adults. We're ...
A: I'd suggest attending an RV show (even if it's a few hours drive). This way you can hear all the ...
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| Hiking/backpacking | 11/15/2003 |
Q: Greetings! I am so glad I found you! I have a serious problem. I have been trying to get my friend ...
A: Since this is your friend's first time, I would pick someplace closer to home. Have you considered ...
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