Interesting timing. There is an article in today’s AZ Republic (Oct. 8, 2003)by Laurie Roberts (sec. B, page 2) that covers this issue. She nails Cave Creek and Carefree city planners when she asks how they plan to allow hiking if there is no access to the existing trail and there pledge to build no...

Good thread especially for this time of year. I have read that for people who are really sweating over an extended period of time need more than just Gatorade. I’ve heard that really salty food like some potato chips help more. If you think about it, that could be why you crave junk food when you’re...

Here’s what I’ve found useful over the years. Start out buying through Popular, Kmart and Wal-Mart. This way you get started on the cheap and decide if you really want to continue without a big investment. Also subscribe to Sierra Trading Post, Campmor catalogs and Backpacking magazine. This will he...

OK – this is too late to affect your April trip but I have to set the record straight. I hiked there in March and found that they had a chlorinating system at Fern Springs right in the middle of the campground. Water tasted like bleach but it appears to have been safe. No ill effects 1 ½ months later.

Three day backpack trip to Tucson sounds like heaven. My 16 year old son and I hiked from Sabino Canyon (take tram to the last stop and start there) to West Sabino Canyon up the Lemon Rock Trail and then across the Wilderness of Rocks Trail to Summerhaven. We took 3 days to hike the 16 miles and cli...

When you say “centrally located” what do you mean? Are you referring to geographically or as a jumping off point to other locations? Yes, Phoenix is centrally located but Tucson has easy access to mountains, pine trees, snow, etc. I live in Phoenix but I love hiking the Santa Catalina’s, Rincons and...

Reply to Matt Gilbert I stopped using the open cell foam for 2 reasons. It soaks up water like a sponge (sounds like you’ve covered this) and it doesn’t insulate as well. The other prohibitive feature is cost of Thermarest sleep pads. That’s why I bought the Campmor knock-off for $25 (still availabl...

While I got back into backpacking recently (<4 years ago) I have already bought 2 different stoves. The first stove I had was a SVEA 123 (sold through Optimus). This thing is a rugged white gas stove that has been sold for years. The only problem was weight and I was never too good at starting it. W...

Usually I wear contacts so I take some saline and a small contact case but I also take my glasses just in case. I like contacts but I have had some problems and now I use reading glasses (!) so I am contemplating Lasik surgery. Last hike, I did take out the contacts at night but you have to have cle...

I use either a Z-Rest or a Campmor knock-off of a Thermarest. Both are full length (I'm 6" 3"). The Campmor is 2 1/2 pounds vs Z-Rest at 15oz so it's a trade-off between comfort and weight. My trip last week-end to Havasu had me packing the heavier Campmor since I knew I would be hurt'n by...

I used to have an inflatable that was 11 feet long with 4 chambers and could hold 6 passengers. We used it for crossing the Verde River during high flows to get to the Verde Hot Springs. That meant the springs were all ours until the river flow dropped. We also used it to float down the Salt. As for...

I use a 2 AAA batterywith 1 LED (Princeton Tec; Blast) that is very bright. I also just bought my son a Petzl Tikka which uses 3 AAA and has 3 LEDs. Very bright and weights <3 oz with batteries. For the weight, brightness and durability it can't be beat.

When backpacking I only take a small LED flashlight (3-4oz). When car camping I have a lantern (propane) but rarely us it. Too much light! I also have a candle lantern but I haven't used that yet.

I also should mention the Mountain Lion I startled (never a good idea) while hiking just north of my house in Deems (sp?) Hills. They're west of I-17, north of Happy Valley Road (near 43rd Ave) and south of the CAP. I hiked to the top of the second highest peak, ate lunch there, and then started to ...

Sometimes the best things are right in your own backyard. Over the Memorial Day weekend I spotted a Western Tanager. To quote "Western Tanager - The brilliantly colored Western Tanager, the symbol of the Northwest Shade Campaign, was first recorded on the Lewis and Clark expedition (1803-1806)....

I have the Coleman Inyo 2 man 3 season tent. It is very small but: it weighs 4lb the fly goes all the way to the ground (unlike dome tents) has 2 doors has 2 small vestibules, 4.5 sq ft I'm 6' 3" and I fit! along with my son whose 5' 10" cost is under $100 I do find that the ventilation is...