what are the easiest camping tents to build?

Q. i want to buy a tent.

Answer
First are pop ups. But these don't stand against the wind well
http://www.camptents.com/SpecPages/PopUpTents/PopUpTentVoyager/PopUpTentVoyager.htm

Next are free standing domes. In the smaller size getting the poles arched can be difficult but these are well suited for expedition use the larger sizes in the low price range are like the pop up and don't handle the wind well.
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/kelty/trail-dome-6/
vs
http://www.rei.com/product/739349

last are frame tents with complicated assemblies and and staking. However in the toughest of winter camping these can handle snow and cold temps better then any other. However weight makes them suitable only for car camping or packed in by horse.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/guide-gear-10x12-canvas-walls-and-roof.aspx?a=686904

Does anyone have any tips for simple camping?

Stacy

What I mean is, my family really likes to camp, but I do find the whole process exhausting. There is so much to pack and haul with us in order to cook, etc. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing something wrong. Does anyone have any ideas about how to simplify the process so that we can enjoy it that much more?

Answer
WE like to try and camp 1-2 nights a week in the winter, but it really cuts into time.
Here are some things I do at home:

I have an action packer that is our 'camp kitchen' a trip to the local second hand store for some pots, pans and utensils, and such. I keep them packed together with the camp coffee pot, fire starting gear, tool kit for the camp stove (which is packed separate) small sewing / repair kit, candle lantern, and first aid kit. I can replace items like TP as it gets low. You will know what your family regularly uses, but basically the idea is if I grab that one box I have everything I need to set up a camp for the night. Plus if you store your camping gear in the cases you travel with them then you just cut out one whole step of packing.

When I make big dinners I try to seal-a-meal some leftovers to use for our camping trips later. We camp in winter and can take frozen food, but the idea here is to see how you can streamline foods for camping. If your making baked goods you could make an extra batch and freeze half to take on a a trip, it doesn't matter if things like that freeze.

You can pre-package tin foil bundles to just throw on a campfire, potato slices with online and cheese are my favorite. make... wrap... pack... and when you get there throw on the fire. the kids could even each make there own.

And in general simpler menus mean less effort and gear. Heck your camping it is supposed to be different, so don;t worry about big traditional meals. Skip lunch (sandwiches are a total pain to make when camping, and require you to pack way to much junk) and spend the whole day munching on dried fruits, trail mix, jerky, and other healthy snacks. Pick foods people can cook themselves around a camp fire, tin foil packets and things you can cook on a stick are all good. Plus jiffy-pop, I love that stuff on camping trips.

Regular gear that doesn't fit in the 'camp kitchen' like sleeping bags, BBQ, tent, all get stored together. And when we get home from one trip I take a minute and go through our gear putting things back, fixing / washing what needs it, then we are ready to go for next time.
You can use larger action packers or big hockey duffles to store these things. And again the idea is the same. If you know you have what you need packed and ready to go then you can grab it and go.

I don;' have kids. But my girlfriend who camps with hers made all her kids little pre-camping checklists, so each kid can get their own gear together.

Also whenever I feel overwhelmed by anything in life, I know it is a cue to cut something....
SO the next few times your camping be really aware of your gear, are you packing things you don't end up using? dump it (except for first aid and survival gear just be glad you don't use it) Are you choosing complicated options over simple ones? If you need more then one pot to make dinner, its complicated. Find easier choices.


In with these articles are some great ones with ideas for easy food:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/column/column_feature.asp?sid=122

Meals without pots of pans
http://www.thecampingguy.com/no_pots.html

One pot meals
http://camping.about.com/od/recipes/a/onepotmeals.htm

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wild camping in Australia?

Me and my friends want to do a holiday together next summer holidays, and were thinking of going camping in australia. Not the crappy camping in campsites with takeout food, but proper 'massive bagpacks and tents, hiking and sleeping in the wild' kind of camping. i know in the summer it would be winter there so how cold would it get? also is campig and hiking in the wild actualy allowed or is it dangerous and not recommended. Also if anyone esle has any good alternate places to go hiking/camping that are good, please do tell me. Thanks :)

Answer
Camping in the wild is perfectly OK in Australia, but there are a few things you should know first.

Number one, some areas (such as national parks) require you to apply for a permit to camp there. See this website for more information, it also lists some other regulations (such as those relating to camp fires and wood gathering).

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/activities_in_parks_and_forests/camping/index.html

Second, many area's around Australia are very dry and so fires are banned. Check whether a fire ban is in force in the area if your planning to be using open fires for cooking. You' also have to bring your own wood since collecting it in the bush is prohibited.

In regards to the cold, it varies depending on how far south and how far west you go. See this page and compare it to a map for a breakdown of the temperatures state by state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Australia

As for dangers, there are a few dangerous animals , mostly poisonous reptiles. You can avoid these by wearing thick leather shoes which they cant bite through if you should happen to stand on one. As long as you do that, keep and eye out and dont stick your hand were you cant see, you should be right.

Another main danger is crocodiles around waterways.Dont swim in water you cant see into and take extra care when collecting water. Since we dont have any large mammalian predators (such as bears or large wild cats) you dont have to worry about them, though packs of dingo's (wild dogs) have been known to raid campsites. Over all though, the biggest killers are wildfires, storms and intense heat.

What are some tips for desert camping at the Grand Canyon?

whaleskull

Ok, a friend and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon for early June. We are staying in a tent for a week or maybe a little more, probably at Mather Campground. What are some good camping tips for that area? What is the wildlife situation? We are on a tight budget so does anyone know fun, cheap things to do within hiking distance? (We wont have a car as we are arriving by train.) We can only take so much on the train so is food cheap at the local store? ANY info, especially from people who previously stayed at Mather would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer
First off, if you are camping at Mather campground on the rim, than you will not really be camping in the desert. The South Rim is at an elevation of 7,000 feet (a half-mile higher than Denver Colorado) and so has very cold and snowy winters and mild summers. The area is covered with pine trees and high temperatures on the South Rim rarely top 90 degrees during the summer.

Mather Camground is a nice drive-up style developed campground with designated spots that each have a place to pull in your vehicle, a picnic table and fire pit. There is a bathhouse with showers and toilets. It is a large campground and spots are fairly close together, so you won't exactly feel like you are out in the solitude of the wilderness, but it is a nice area (lots of trees) and generally does not feel too crowded given its size. The South Rim is pretty developed (there is a whole little community there called 'Grand Canyon Village') and there is a free shuttle that runs in a loop and connects all the lodges, the visitor center, the shopping plaza and the campground and RV parks, so getting around the village area without a car is pretty easy.

Wildlife-wise... even though Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is pretty developed, it is not uncommon for deer and elk and sometimes coyotes to wander about amoungst the buildings, but none of those generally cause trouble unless people deliberately try to approach them. Squirrels and chipmunks and ravens are also quite common. You don't need to worry about bears or mountain lions around the campground area, but you should not leave food out unattended as ravens, squirrels and chipmunks might take an interest in it.

There is a small shopping plaza area near Yavapai lodge that is a short walk from Mather campround (or you can ride the free shuttle) and it has a small grocery store. The prices are perhaps slightly higher than a grocery store in a big city, but it is definitely cheaper than eating at any of the South Rim restuarants (remember the South Rim is off the major supply lines and businesses have to provide employees with housing). If you do feel like a cooked meal while you are there, the cafeterias at Maswik Lodge and Yavapai Lodge are the cheapest.

As far as things to do... once you are in the park there are lots of things to do and most are free. Of course, hiking the big thing and you should try to do at least a short hike while you are there since being 'in' the canyon is a much different and deeper experience than just looking from the rim. My favorite short-n-easy day hike, is going the 1.4 miles down the South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge rest stop which has stunning views and a good chance to see condors and perhaps big horn sheep. Bright Angel and Hermit trails are also good for day hikes. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and a broad-brim hat, carry plenty of water and remember it is twice as much effort coming back up as it is going down. You should be careful how far down you go for a day hike - especially in summer - because temperatures get much warmer as you deeper into the canyon and at the bottom temps can easily break 110 degrees in summer (don't ever try to go to the bottom and back in a day).

Other fun and cheap activities include taking the free shuttle out to Hermit Rest and back (you can get on and off at various stops and overlooks along the way), listening to the ranger talks (which are usually pretty good) that are held along the rim and at the Shrine of Ages (near Yavapai Lodge), vegging out along the rim (especially at sunrise and sunset when the canyon looks most dramatic) and checking out the many historic buildings like the famous 1905 grand El Tovar lodge, the 1905 Hopi House curio shop (made to look like an indian pueblo) and the Lookout Studio (which often has free art exhibits). There is also a nice little geology museum and overlook at Yavapai Point (which can be reached via either the rim trail or by the free shuttle).

Lastly, keep in mind that Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak tourist season at the canyon and it can get crowded. You can make reservations for Mather campground (see link below) and it is highly recommended that you do so long before you leave as the odds of just showing up and finding an open spot in June are small.

Have fun!

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camping in yosemite?

T0o

Going camping in yosemite (in tent), is there toilets or showers we can use?!?

Answer
There are numerous camping opportunities both within and surrounding Yosemite National Park. Brief descriptions of individual campgrounds follow.

It's important to remember that when camping in this area, proper food storage (bear-proof canisters or lockers) is required for the sake of the black bears in the parks, as well as for your safety. See local bulletin boards for instructions.

Inside the Park

First, the bad news: Yosemite Valley lost half of its roughly 800 campsites during a flood in early 1997. The lost campsites will eventually be replaced somewhere outside of the Merced's floodplain, but no one knows exactly when or where this will happen. Therefore, campsite reservations are a really good idea. Reservations are accepted beginning on the 15th of each month and can be made up to 5 months in advance; make your reservations (tel. 800/436-7275; http://reservations.nps.gov) as soon as possible, especially for sites in the valley. Unless noted otherwise, pets are accepted in all of the following campgrounds. Additional campground information is available by touch-tone phone at tel. 209/372-0200.

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips in the park, whether you decide to use an established campsite or pick out your own camping area. No wilderness camping is allowed in the valley.

The busiest campgrounds in the park are in Yosemite Valley. All four of the following campgrounds are in Yosemite Valley and have flush toilets and access to the showers nearby at Camp Curry ($2). Upper, Lower, and North Pines campgrounds require reservations. Upper Pines is pretty and shady, but you won't find peace and quiet here in the summer. Parking is available or you can take the shuttle bus to stop no. 15 or 19. Lower Pines Campground is wide open with lots of shade but limited privacy. Still, it's a nice place with clean bathrooms, and it's bordered on the north by a picturesque meadow. Parking is available, or take the shuttle bus to stop no. 19. North Pines is beautifully situated beneath a grove of pine trees that offers lots of shade but little privacy. The campground is near the river, roughly a mile from Mirror Lake. Parking is available, or take the shuttle bus to stop no. 18. Camp 4 (also called Sunnyside Walk-In) has tent sites only. It's a small campground that's become a magnet for hikers and climbers taking off or returning from trips. It's situated behind Yosemite Lodge, near the trailhead for Yosemite Falls, and close to rocks frequently used by novice rock climbers. Pets are not permitted. Parking is available about 50 yards away, or take the shuttle bus to stop no. 7.

Elsewhere in the park, Bridalveil Creek Campground at Glacier Point is set along Bridalveil Creek, which flows to Bridalveil Fall, a beauty of a waterfall, especially after a snowy winter or wet spring. Near beautiful Glacier Point, and featuring flush toilets, this campground is away from the valley crowds but within a moderate drive to the valley sights. The campground can accommodate some pack animals; call for information. Take CA 41 (from either direction) to Glacier Point Road. The campground is about 8 miles down the road.

Several campgrounds are located in the vicinity of the Big Oak Flat Entrance, roughly 20 to 25 miles from Yosemite Valley. Hodgdon Meadow, which has RV and tent sites, including some walk-in sites, requires reservations May through September but is first-come, first-served the rest of the year. It has flush toilets and is located about 1 mile inside the entrance along North Crane Creek and near the Tuolumne River's south fork. The Big Trees are 3 miles southeast. Crane Flat, a large, pleasant campground with flush toilets, is located on Big Oak Flat Road near the Tioga Road turnoff. Tamarack Flat Campground is a bit off the beaten path and therefore more secluded than most, which means fewer folks rest their heads here. Equidistant from Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, it has pit toilets, does not allow pets, and is not suitable for large RVs or trailers. Take Tioga Road east from Big Oak Flat Road about 3 miles and turn right onto the access road. The campground is another 3 miles down the road.

Campgrounds in the White Wolf area include Porcupine Flat, which offers lots of shade, shrubs, and trees, although facilities are pretty much limited to pit toilets. Located near Yosemite Creek, you have a chance of finding a spot here if you're in a pinch. Pets are not permitted. It's along Tioga Road, 16 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows and 38 miles east of Yosemite Valley. The White Wolf Campground, secluded in a forest, is a generally delightful campground where you might want to spend several days. It has flush toilets and offers easy access to nearby hiking, with trails that lead to several lakes, including Grant Lake and Lukens Lake. On the down side, mosquitoes make their presence felt here in summer. From Big Oak Flat Road, turn east onto Tioga Road, drive 15 miles to White Wolf Road, and turn left. The road dead-ends at the campground.

Among Yosemite's other campgrounds is Tuolumne Meadows, the biggest campground in the park and, amazingly, often the least crowded. Its location in the high country makes it a good spot from which to head off with a backpack. The site is also near the Tuolumne River, making it a good choice for anglers. In addition to standard RV/tent sites, the campground has 25 walk-in spaces for backpackers and eight group sites; half of the sites require reservations. There are flush toilets, and showers can be bought nearby at Tuolumne Lodge for a fee. From Big Oak Flat Road, head east on Tioga Road for about 45 miles to Tuolumne Meadows.

Wawona Campground, which requires reservations May through September (but is open year-round), has flush toilets and can accommodate pack animals; call for information. There's not much seclusion here, but the location, shaded beneath towering trees, is beautiful. The campground is near the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias and is also close to the Merced River, which offers some of the better fishing in the park. The campground is about 1 mile north of Wawona. The Yosemite Creek Campground, in a pretty setting along Yosemite Creek, has pit toilets and little else in terms of facilities, but sometimes has sites available when the park's other campgrounds are full. From Big Oak Flat Road, head east on Tioga Road for about 30 miles and turn right on the access road. The campground is 5 miles down the road.

Outside the Park

Yosemite is surrounded by national forests that offer campgrounds that are comparable to the ones in the park, although often less developed and less crowded. There are also private campgrounds, which usually provide level sites, complete RV hookups, hot showers, coin-operated laundries, convenience stores, and other amenities.

West Along California 120

The following campgrounds, located along CA 120 west of the park, are all in the Stanislaus National Forest's Groveland Ranger District, 24545 CA 120, Groveland, CA 95321 (tel. 209/962-7825; www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/groveland). They all have vault toilets and can accommodate rigs up to 22 feet long.

Lumsden Campground is located along the Tuolumne River, on a scenic stretch between the Hetch Hetchy and Don Pedro reservoirs. The campground offers fishing in a primitive setting but can get unbelievably hot in the summer. From Groveland, take CA 120 about 9 miles east to Ferretti Road, turn left and drive about 1 mile to Lumsden Road, turn right at Lumsden Road, and travel about 5 miles on a steep, narrow, dirt road to the campground. Lumsden Bridge Campground is about 1 1/2 miles past Lumsden Campground (on Lumsden Rd.). Set in a pine and oak forest along the Tuolumne River, it is a favorite of rafters because the location is close to some of the Tuolumne River's best (and most scenic) stretches of whitewater. The South Fork Campground, also located along Lumsden Road, near Lumsden and Lumsden Bridge campgrounds, is a pretty spot near the Tuolumne River. It is recommended that trailers or vehicles with low ground clearance not be taken to any of the above three campgrounds.

The Pines Campground is located about 9 miles east of Groveland via CA 120, and although it's in a mixed conifer forest, it can get hot in the summer. Drinking water is available only in the summer. Lost Claim Campground, located about 12 miles east of Groveland via CA 120, offers easy access on a paved road. There are some trees and the river is nearby. Drinking water is supplied by a hand pump. Trailers are not recommended. Pretty Sweetwater Campground, located 15 miles east of Groveland on CA 120, is in a mixed conifer forest with shady sites, but it also gets hot in summer.

Along California

Jerseydale Campground, located in the Sierra National Forest, 1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA 93611-0532 (tel. 559/297-0706; www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra), is a great base for exploring the area, and provides refuge from the crowds. There are vault toilets and hiking trails, and you can get to the Merced River via a nearby trailhead. From Mariposa, drive about 12 miles northwest on CA 49 to Jerseydale Road, which leads to the campground and adjacent Jerseydale Ranger Station.

A good choice for those who want all the amenities of a top-notch commercial campground is the Yosemite-Mariposa KOA, 7 miles northeast of Mariposa at 6323 CA 140; mailing address P.O. Box 545, Midpines, CA 95345 (tel. 800/562-9391 for reservations, or 209/966-2201; www.koa.com). Located 23 miles from the park entrance, this KOA has pines and oaks that shade many of the sites, a catch-and-release fishing pond, pedal boats in the summer, a swimming pool, and a playground. There's also a convenience store and propane for sale. A kids' favorite is the train caboose containing video games. There are also a dozen camping cabins (you share the bathhouse with campers), with rates from $52 to $65.

Along California 41

Two Sierra National Forest campgrounds offer pleasant camping, with vault toilets, in a woodsy atmosphere along CA 41, southwest of Yosemite. Summerdale Campground is about a mile north of Fish Camp via CA 41, on the south fork of the Merced River, and is often full by noon Friday; reservations are available through www.reserveusa.com. Summit Campground, in the Chowchilla Mountains, about 5 miles west of Fish Camp via a Forest Service road, is a little campground that's often overlooked.

East Along California 120

The Inyo National Forest operates a number of small, attractive campgrounds along CA 120, east of the National Park. These include Big Bend Campground, offering flush toilets, 7 miles west of Lee Vining via CA 120. Located on the eastern Sierra along Lee Vining Creek, this campground is sparse but breathtaking. Ellery Lake Campground, which also has flush toilets, is at scenic Ellery Lake, about 9 miles west of Lee Vining via CA 120. Junction Campground is near Ellery and Tioga lakes, with easy access to the Tioga Tarns Nature Trail. It has vault toilets and is 10 miles west of Lee Vining along CA 120.

At 10,000 feet, Saddlebag Lake Campground is the highest-elevation drive-to campground in the state. The campground is situated along Saddlebag Lake and near Lee Vining Creek. It's beautiful and is worth staying and exploring for a while. It's also a great base for those who want to head out into the wilderness with a backpack. It has flush toilets. From Lee Vining, drive 10 miles west on CA 120, then turn north on Saddlebag Lake Road and go about 2 miles to the campground. Tioga Lake Campground, another high-elevation campground, is a pretty place to camp and has flush toilets. From Lee Vining, drive 10 miles west on CA 120.

Information on these U.S. Forest Service campgrounds is available from the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, located on the west shore of Mono Lake (P.O. Box 429, Lee Vining, CA 93541; tel. 760/647-3044), and the Inyo National Forest, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, Bishop, CA 93514 (tel. 760/873-2400; www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo).

wild camping in Australia?

Dimi

Me and my friends want to do a holiday together next summer holidays, and were thinking of going camping in australia. Not the crappy camping in campsites with takeout food, but proper 'massive bagpacks and tents, hiking and sleeping in the wild' kind of camping. i know in the summer it would be winter there so how cold would it get? also is campig and hiking in the wild actualy allowed or is it dangerous and not recommended. Also if anyone esle has any good alternate places to go hiking/camping that are good, please do tell me. Thanks :)

Answer
Camping in the wild is perfectly OK in Australia, but there are a few things you should know first.

Number one, some areas (such as national parks) require you to apply for a permit to camp there. See this website for more information, it also lists some other regulations (such as those relating to camp fires and wood gathering).

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/activities_in_parks_and_forests/camping/index.html

Second, many area's around Australia are very dry and so fires are banned. Check whether a fire ban is in force in the area if your planning to be using open fires for cooking. You' also have to bring your own wood since collecting it in the bush is prohibited.

In regards to the cold, it varies depending on how far south and how far west you go. See this page and compare it to a map for a breakdown of the temperatures state by state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Australia

As for dangers, there are a few dangerous animals , mostly poisonous reptiles. You can avoid these by wearing thick leather shoes which they cant bite through if you should happen to stand on one. As long as you do that, keep and eye out and dont stick your hand were you cant see, you should be right.

Another main danger is crocodiles around waterways.Dont swim in water you cant see into and take extra care when collecting water. Since we dont have any large mammalian predators (such as bears or large wild cats) you dont have to worry about them, though packs of dingo's (wild dogs) have been known to raid campsites. Over all though, the biggest killers are wildfires, storms and intense heat.

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What hiking and camping gear should I buy?

large winter camping tents image

djinvincea

Ok here's the scoop...
I want to get into hiking and camping with my wife. I currently have no gear. What should I buy? I have about $800 to work with. I am planning on camping through 3 seasons, spring, summer, and fall (a little in the winter perhaps). I am going to need a two person tent, his and hers sleeping bags, and his and hers backpacks. I am looking for gear that would take me on 2-4 day hikes. Should go with internal or external backpacks. What's the difference? Is there a good rain resistant tent within my price range? I'm thinking I would want a mummy type sleeping bag. Again, not sure though. Brand names with reasons for purchasing would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Go to www.cabelas.com and browse around, or better yet request a catalog. It's the best outdoors outfitter I've ever used. First off, since you're talking about backpacking, you need to think lightweight. Interior/Exterior just has to do with whether the frame is inside or outside the "pack" on a backpack. To decide on which type is better fo you, go to a good sporting goods store in your area and look at them/try them on. Sleeping backs should definately be the "mummy" style bags. They are around $100 each, but are very lightweight and can handle moderately cold weather (sleeping bags will have a rating in degrees to how cold it can get and you can still rely on the sleeping bag). They can also be compacted better than classic sleeping bags. Any brand in Cabela's would be a good brand, including its own brand. Also buy you and your wife sleeping pads... they are light, compact, and your back is worth it. I like the self-inflating type, but you can also get foam ones. Again any brand in Cabela's (this goes for all their products) is usually a good brand.

Tents are usually rated by seasons they can be used in (summer, 3-season, or all weather are popular ratings). Definately go for a dome-style tent rather than the boxier tents. Dome style tents are usually more sturdy, deflect water better, and are usually lighter. Also you'll want one with a good rain cover that goes close to the base of the tent, and a high waterproof rating (in mms)... 1,500mm waterproof ratings are pretty good. Also, pay attention to weight. Aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, but costs more also. A two person tent probably weighs around 15 lbs, and you and your wife can split this weight (she takes tent, you poles) or you can pack it yourself, but weight is the largest factor (besides neccesities) when hiking.

Alright, now that we have the major equipment out of the way, here are some neccessities.

-First Aid Kit and maps or knowledge of area, or GPs
-Flashlight w/extra batteries and lantern would be nice
-Good all-purpose knife/survival knife
-water purification pump AND purification pills... start out with at least 1/2 gallon of water each
-Waterproof matches AND waterproof lighter (just in case)
-Lightweight stove. Sporting good store can recommend good ones for backpacking.
-Food: lightweight, non-perishables, such as top ramen, energy bars, canned food, chocolate. Fatty foods are good to have in the woods since you will be burning a lot of calaries. They say one of the best things you can eat if your lost is butter. You may burn 3,000 or more calaries a day, so don't try to go on a diet right then. I recommend some type of powder flavoring for water... it doesn't always taste great when used with purification pills.
-Dish soap, eating utensils and backpacking pots. They usually come in a nice kit that doesn't take up much space. Look on Cabela's or at a sporting goods store.
-TOILET PAPER
-Permits. You usually have to get permits to camp in public parks/Forest Service land. You go to the closest Forestry office to pick these up. These are important if for no other reason than if you don't come back when your family expects you, they know where to start looking.
-Bear spray
-Clothes that can be layered, gloves, beanies, good hiking boots and tennis shoes if you dont mind the extra weight (for camp).

Recommended Supplies:

-Cell phone or handheld CB at least
-Camera (for obvious reasons)
-Rope(hang your food away from camp so predators dont get into it).
-Insect repellant/sunblock


There's probably more that I am missing, but those are the most important. The most important thing to do when going camping is to tell at least two responsible people you know where you're going, and give them a timeframe for coming back. Also I recommend you both take a First Aid Course... they are usually free and something could go wrong quickly (although unlikely) in the forests... snake bite, broken leg, heat stroke, hyperthermia, bear attack, drinking bad water (always purify or boil for five minutes... & retrieve from running water source. If impossible to purify, find area where water is "falling"... it's usually cleanest there).

I'm not trying to scare you away and you guys will probably have a blast, but definately be prepared.

What is it like camping at the bottom of the grand canyon?

april_hwth

I am determined to get to the bottom of the grand canyon. What is it like carrying all that stuff down there? Does the duffel service carry tents? There is no lodging available at Phantom Ranch for hikers until next October. We want to go this Spring. My husband is not crazy about camping. Should we just do some day hikes and not worry about getting to the bottom?

Answer
It is definitely worth trying to get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon as it is a very different (and in my opinion) much more rewarding experience than just staying on the top. There is no feeling on earth like standing beside the muddy waters of the Colorado River with the dark rough walls of the Inner Gorge towering above you. I have been to the bottom over a dozen times and it still makes my heart skip a beat each visit.

Bright Angel campground (the one at the bottom by Phantom Ranch) is about as civilized a backcountry camp site as you are going to find. They have a facet with drinking water and real bathrooms with flush toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table with ammo cans and poles for storing food away from critters. Although it is a large camp area and all the sites are close together, the lush vegitation and the pleasant background noise of nearby Bright Angel creek make it feel very peaceful and not crowded.

As far as how tough it is to backpack down... well, I would say that if you consider yourself fit enough to hike it without a pack than you can probably handle it with one (unless perhaps, you have significant knee or lower back problems). As long as your pack fits correctly, you take your time and stop for rests when you need them than you should not have any problems - especially since you have several months to prepare. I have a couple of friends who are over 40 and a bit over-weight (certainly not athletes) who I have done it with and they did not have problems - they just took it slow at their own pace.

Mr. Danger above has a lot of good tips and suggestions. As he notes, you will want to make sure that you get ready both physically and mentally. Start with going on regular hikes around your home with a small day pack and then try renting or borrowing a pack, load it up with the weight you expect to carry, and try doing some long day hikes with that (doing at least one easy overnight practice trip would be ideal). You are going to want to be building up your leg muscles, increasing your cardio-vascular endurance, and also building up stomach and lower back muscles. Note - it is not training for the olympics - just that if you don't do regular cardio exercise than you should start and make sure that you get a day or two experience carrying a full pack.

As Mr. Danger notes you could try buying stuff on eBay or rent from several places near the canyon. A couple of additional suggestions about packing the canyon for the first time:

1) While it does not have to be the ultra-ligh high-end stuff, make sure that you get true backpacking equipment. You do not want to be carrying an 10lb 'car camping' tent or other much heavier equipment. If your entire pack - including water - is over 30lbs than something is wrong.

2) Fit is everything. Regardless of if it is bought, borrowed or rented find somebody knowledgeable to guide you in loading and fitting your pack. I will take a well-balanced well-fit heavy pack over a poorly packed, ill-fitting light pack any day. Remember that the weight should ride on your hips, not your shoulders.

3) Invest in some trekking poles (look like ski poles). These make a huge difference by taking strain off your back and knees and improving your balance. Having a pair of trekking poles is like taking 10lbs off your pack.

4) Be warned that the South Rim is at 7000 feet and does experience snow and freezing temps in winter. Icy patches can be quite common on the upper stretches of trails well into April. Check with the backcountry office before you go - if they are really icy, you will want to have instep crampons.

5) See about getting your meals at the Phantom Ranch canteen. Even if you are not staying in the dorms/cabins, they always have extra dinners and breakfast seats that backpackers can reserve (you MUST have reservations - made through Xanterra). Although a bit pricy, the food is good and it means you don't have to carry food or cooking supplies. Bag lunches (as well as individual snack items) can be bought at the canteen without reservation.

6) Backcountry camping permits are selected 4 months in advance. Spring is a popular time for backpacking in the canyon, so permits get picked quickly. If for instance, you want to go in April, than you should have your permit request sent in well before January 1 (see link below).

As far as duffel service goes... yes, (for most of the year anyways) you can hire a mule to carry your gear. The gear must fit in a space of 36x20x13 inches, which could prove a challenge for two people's gear. It costs about $60 per duffel per trip (ie: one trip down and one trip up) and you can only drop-off and pick-up your gear at certain times during the day. You are still going to have to carry a day pack with water, snacks and probably some bad weather gear. Considering the hassle and expense of the duffels, I would say just backpack it - it is a great experience and the feeling of accomplishment and independence that you get when you come out of the canyon carrying your own gear is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

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