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Hiking/Backpacking/Camping/Questions Answered by Expert David Sweet
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Vegetarian survival food | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I doubt you will be able to answer this, but I'm looking for a good resource for food that I can ... A: You're right, I can't answer your question, but I can point you to some resources that may help you. ... | |
| pack weight for children | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: My daughter's school runs a 4 week above-the-snowline trek (Australia) for yr 9 (14 -15 yo) girls, ... A: I'm no doctor or physical therapist, but other sites on the Web mention that "most doctors and ... | |
| Outdoor activities | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Do you know of any outdoor activities that are kind of uncommon, or that not very many people know ... A: A couple come to mind: spelunking and noodling. How about snow caving? or skydiving on a surfboard? ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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: ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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: ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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: ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ( ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
Hiking/Backpacking/Camping
David Sweet
Top Expert on this page
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).
Make it a great day, get outdoors!
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