I still haven't had to deal with ticks or chiggers. I know any time I go to Big Sur, I buy a bottle of permethrin and treat my clothes and gear. The insects at Antelope Island in Utah are still the worst I've ever seen. There was no escaping it. When I drove out of the park, it looked liked rain in my headlights. All bugs. I itched everywhere for days. Bushwhacking has never felt so good.
I camped on a beach a few months ago and got destroyed by sand flies in the middle of the night. That sucked pretty hard. But nothing compared to chiggers.
Does anyone have a backpacking/camping checklist they use? I'm beginning to update my (I keep it on Google Drive) since my last few hikes. Starting to bring more items, but less of them.
recently did a good hike through a jaguar sanctuary rainforest in belize to a waterfall. dont get to do much hiking in my parts, considering north texas isnt very nature-y. we have trails throughout but nothing nice to look at. i used to hike in this one spot almost every day but we had flooding like two years ago and its never been the same. i went back once after the flooding and a snake slithered right in front of me and i just stopped going after that haha. wish we had more cool outdoors stuff here.
What do you all prefer as far as shoes go? I have a pair of Merrell hiking boots that I absolutely love, but I'm finding more and more people suggest trail runners. Lightweight, easier to move around in, dry quicker, etc. One requirement that I have is that they are waterproof. I've been looking at both trail runners and hiking shoes and am torn between which to get.
My first pair was Merrill but they were too small so I never wore them. I'm on my fourth or fifth pair of Oboz Sawtooths. They're lightweight, fairly breathable, and the tread is nice and rugged. They last quote a while, too. Maybe 600 miles or so before the tread grounds down to nothing.
Finally got the pack I've always wanted. It's a little pricey, but I don't think I'll ever need to buy one again. https://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/atmos-ag-65-ATMOS65_544.html
I gotta say, in my experience, you get what you pay for when it comes to outdoor gear. Unless you're car camping, go with the good stuff.
I usually use my parents trailer but they didn't get an seasonal camp site this year. So I'm going to explore the parks of Manitoba this year in my small ass car. I have a tent but need some other gear. Any recommendations for things I must have? I would like to keep it practical but minimal.
This is my "car camping" list. Has a bit more stuff than my tradition camping list because, well, it can all fit in my car. Air Mattress Air Mattress Pump (incl. batteries) Ax/Hand Saw Batteries Bluetooth Speakers Camera Camp Chair(s) Canopy Cooler Extension Cord(s) Hammer and Stakes Ice Insect Repellant Device Lanterns Paper Towels Pillow(s) Rug for Tent Entrance Sheets Sleeping Bag Small Hand Pick/Shovel Surge Protector Tarp Tent Toilet Paper Toiletries Washcloths
My basic car camp essentials are, for the most part: Tent Sleeping pad (insulated Thermarest) Sleeping bag Backpacking pillows (not as comfortable as regular pillows, but they pack down small) Stove w/pots and utensils Stove fuel/matches Table for cooking (can't always count on picnic tables in dispersed areas) Chair Flashlight/headlamps Cooler 7 gal water jug For the love of god, keep a can opener with you Obviously it's similar to the previous list. Doesn't hurt to reiterate. I second the hammer, or some kind of mallet. Saves you from having to tap in stakes with a rock haha.
I think I'm gonna buy a tent and sleeping bag Aldi has a 4 person tent for $30 this week. But also I have $50 in Target gift cards and can buy a 2 person tent there for the same price. Trying to make up my mind
There aren't a lot of reviews for the Aldi tent, because, you know, they sell generic brands. But what I'm seeing is fairly positive on both tents
I would not trust a $30 tent in anything more than a light rain shower, but then again, it's also only $30.
I think mine was around $180-$200 at the time. Love it though. Coleman 6-Person Instant Cabin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004E4ERHA/?tag=absolutepunk-20