Trekking poles help to increase stability and speed for avid hikers whether hiking across flat lands, uphill or downhill. They can come in very handy at times when you know how to use them properly. Here are some of the most important tips by avid hikers on how to get the most out of your trekking poles:
1) Secure poles with locks – make sure you use the pole locks when hiking and test them before you hit the trail. Whether you prefer a quick lock or a twist lock, make sure that it is easy for you to adjust. 2) Adjust the height properly – When hiking, your elbows should be at your side with your arms bent at a 90° angle when the tip of the pole is touching the ground. You’ll want to be able to make quick and easy adjustments when trekking downhill or uphill. 3) Use the wrist straps the right way – many people do not get the benefit of the wrist straps as they are designed to provide. When used correctly, you should not have to exert much energy to grip onto the handle, let the straps help to support your weight. 4) Find your rhythm – once you get used to using the poles it will become as natural as swinging your arms. You may feel like you are floating as you glide through the trails with your poles helping you to propel forward. 5) Choose the right trekking pole material – Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of trekking poles in various materials such as carbon fiber, 3k carbon fiber and aluminum. Once you find the perfect hiking trekking pole for you, you will realize the maximum benefits and come to love your poles on every hike. Cascade Mountain Tech believes in providing affordable adventure to everyone. We offer a wide range of trekking poles, super rotomolded coolers, camp bedding including mummy bags and many other products to make your outing enjoyable and safe. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about choosing and using the right trekking pole for you. The desert provides a unique experience for any outdoor adventurist from an amazing view of the stars to wondrous landscapes and wildlife. The desert also comes with challenges and risks for campers and hikers as this dynamic environment can change quickly from blazing sun to chilly nights, dangerous sandstorms and access to water. Here are some tips to have a safe and enjoyable camping experience in a desert area.
Prepare for temperature change – it’s not always hot in the desert as we might assume. Temperatures can change quickly from hot blazing days to nights below freezing. Be prepared with the right type of mummy sleeping bag and camp bedding. Make sure your sleeping bag has a temperature rating low enough to keep you warm at night. You’ll need sunscreen during the day, and possibly warm socks and thermal layers in the evening. Have a plan for hydration – deserts are dry by nature and it is literally a matter of life or death to be sure that you have access to water. Make sure you know of any water sources along the route and know what type of water treatment filter you will be using. You should plan to have at least 3 to 5 quarts of water per day, per person. Sipping throughout the day is recommended rather than drinking a lot when you feel thirsty. It’s nice if you can keep a good rotomolded cooler in a car to have access to cold drinks. Cascade Mountain Tech offers super rotomolded coolers proven to keep ice for up to 10 days. As there probably is no access to ice anywhere nearby, packing enough in a good cooler is mandatory. Hone your navigation skills - when camping or hiking a desert in a national park, you are likely to see signs on trails and landmarks to help guide your way. If you do happen to take a wrong turn, usually it is just an inconvenience that will add extra miles to your hike. Make sure you study your route thoroughly and take a compass and a map along with you. Leave no trace - while the desert landscape may seem harsh to many, it is actually a delicate ecosystem. Plan, prepare and take extra care to avoid disturbing fauna and flora. Protect your tent - a desert windstorm can be brutal on your tent as grains of sand carried through the wind can wreak havoc on tent fabrics. Think about setting up your tent in a shady spot with a lightweight tarp in a lighter color of fabric to prevent overheating. Cascade Mountain Tech offers these tips for surviving a desert camping trip along with high-quality gear to make your trip enjoyable and safe. We offer a wide selection of trekking poles, camp chairs, camp bedding, super coolers and more. Contact us to learn more about our products and with any questions on your next outdoor adventure. Camping alone requires additional preparation and skill level than is required when camping with a group. Backpacking alone can be a challenging although rewarding experience. You can go at your own pace and free your mind without worrying about someone else slowing you down, although no one is there to help you out if you run into any trouble. You should not attempt a solo backpacking trip without at least taking a few outings with a group to make sure you are comfortable with your gear and navigation skills. A basic first aid skills course is also a good idea and is available in most areas by the Red Cross.
Here are some important tips to consider when planning a solo camping trip: Do your research and stay close to home - proper planning and preparation can make or break any camping trip, especially a solo adventure. Start with a few areas that you’re familiar with and trails that match your skill level. Start with a well-traveled area that isn’t too crowded so you can have the comfort of knowing that other campers may be nearby. Contact the Rangers office - the Rangers office can give you the latest information on camping restrictions and necessary permits. Park rangers are helpful in suggesting routes and campsites that will match your goals. Plan your route - you can research your route online and also by reviewing topographic maps of the area. Gaia GPS is a great place to start as well as CalTopo. Make sure you understand how to read these types of maps, noting major landmarks and trail junctions. Share your trip and route details - sharing your plans is important when heading out on any adventure but is absolutely critical when venturing out alone. If something should go wrong, sharing your itinerary with a close friend or family member could be what leads to a rescue. Be sure to let someone know where you are going, the map of your route, the timeline and identifiable information such as the colors of your tent, backpack and clothing. Pack all essential items - make sure to pack the essentials for any camping trip, especially when going solo:
You want to pack as light as possible but make sure you have what you need when you need it. Instead of packing too much water you can pack lighter by taking a small water filter and know the areas where you will be able to replenish along the way. Cascade Mountain Tech offers these tips for solo backpacking and high-quality gear to get you through any camping adventure. We offer a wide selection of quality trekking poles to help you glide through your long hikes, mummy sleeping bags to keep you toasty warm at night and rotomolded coolers proven to keep ice for up to 10 days. We offer additional items such as foldable camping chairs or stadium seating and our experienced staff is always here to help you choose the right gear and with pro tips for a successful adventure. Cascade Mountain Tech was founded by avid outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. We are dedicated to providing affordable adventure for all with high-quality gear and exceptional customer service. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about solo backpacking in the backcountry. The second principle in Leave No Trace is to Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. The goal of traveling in the outdoors is to avoid damage to waterways and land while moving through natural areas. To accomplish this goal you must understand how travel can damage surface vegetation and organisms, leaving soil erosion and barren lands.
Traveling on Trails Trails are constructed by land management agencies to give hikers identifiable routes and to concentrate foot traffic. Hiking groups should work together to minimize environmental impact and stay within the width of the trail. A hiker should have the right type of trekking pole and know how to properly use them to minimize environmental impact and provide the best assistance to the hiker. Hiking groups should avoid loud conversation while hiking and take breaks off the trail to stop and talk. Off Trail Travel There are two main factors that affect the land with hiking off trail, the size of your group and frequency of travel along with the durability of hiking surfaces and vegetation. The frequency and size of your group can indicate the likelihood of trampling vegetation and the durability of surfaces refers to the ability of vegetation to withstand wear and remain stable. Camping on Durable Surfaces One of the most important aspects of low impact camping is to select the appropriate campsite. Choosing the right location should be based on the likelihood of disturbing wildlife, the condition of soil and vegetation and the potential impact to the environment. The goal should be to confine impact to areas which already show signs of use and avoid disturbing any larger area. Be sure to clean your area when breaking down your campsite and take time to naturalize the area. Whether camping in high-traffic areas or remote locations, choosing the right type of sleeping bag with a sleeping pad will provide a more comfortable night’s rest. Cascade Mountain Tech offers high-quality mummy sleeping bags, sleeping pads and camp bedding. By using a high quality, rotomolded cooler you can cut down on foot traffic going back and forth to fill up ice as the best super coolers will keep ice for up to 10 days. Depending on your campsite location, you may want a cooler that is Certified Bear Resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Cascade Mountain Tech offers these tips to minimize your impact to the environment when traveling, hiking or camping. We offer a wide selection of quality outdoor gear to make your trip more enjoyable and safer for your group as well as outdoor areas. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about our products such as quality trekking poles, super coolers, camp bedding and chairs. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is dedicated to a mission of protecting the outdoors. This is accomplished by inspiring people and teaching everyone how to be responsible when enjoying the outdoors. The Leave No Trace Center conducts research and delivers leading edge educational material annually to millions of people.
There are seven principles of Leave No Trace: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Leave What You Find 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors By following these principles, we can all enjoy our world, and leave no trace or impact to the environment. These principles can be applied anywhere, from local community parks to remote wilderness areas and even in your own backyard. These principles are continually being evaluated and the Center provides detailed information on their role in reducing impact to the outdoors. The first principle, Plan Ahead and Prepare, details the importance of planning and how to enjoy the outdoors with minimal impact. How to Plan Ahead and Prepare to Reduce Impact Proper planning and preparation is key to accomplishing your goals safely while minimizing impact to the environment. Before you grab your sleeping bags and pack your cooler, get the most out of your trip by learning the seven elements of planning your outdoor adventure. Seven Elements of Plan and Prepare Consider the following seven elements when planning your next outdoor trip: 1. Identify your goals and expectations of your trip 2. Identify the ability and skill level of all trip participants 3. Learn the area you plan to visit including maps, literature and land managers 4. Choose the clothing and equipment for comfort and safety with Leave No Trace qualities 5. Plan your trip activities in line with your goals, abilities and skills 6. Evaluate your trip afterwards to note improvements you can make the next time In addition to these seven elements, always consider the terrain, the weather, any land boundaries and restrictions. Know the average hiking speed of your group and make sure everyone has the right kind of trekking poles and knows how to use them for your hiking adventures. Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of trekking poles including carbon fiber, 3K carbon fiber, ultralight, aluminum and folding options. Cascade Mountain Tech Helps You Plan and Prepare Cascade Mountain Tech offers high quality hiking and camping gear and tips for the most enjoyable outdoor adventure. Our rotomolded coolers keep ice for up to 10 days and our mummy sleeping bags are rated 0° and 30° to keep you warm in most any environment. Cascade Mountain Tech was founded by avid outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. We believe that outdoor adventure should be affordable and available to everyone. Contact us with any questions on planning and preparing for your next hike or outdoor trip. Hikers love to be outdoors and are therefore key players in environmental protection efforts. It is clear that hikers must take the responsibility of natural leaders, caring for nature seriously along with enjoying their recreational hobby. In order to take responsible, positive action, hikers and backpackers need to understand their direct impact on the environment.
How Hiking Affects the Environment Hiking is considered to be one of the most eco-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking the trails gives us the opportunity to connect with incredible ecosystems and animal species. There are many additional considerations, however, to hike with environmentally friendly practices. Hikers can leave their footprint with very little effort, oftentimes unintentionally. Just venturing off the path can disrupt ecosystems and degrade soil. Destruction of plant and animal wildlife can occur from mere ignorance, which is more common than intentional destruction. For the most part, every hiker I know would do the right thing for the environment if they knew exactly what that was. Following the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles should be mandatory for all hikers to understand before grabbing the trekking poles and hitting the trail. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace Hikers that follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, the golden rules of hiking, help to protect vegetation, air, water, soil and animals. The main goal of LNT is to do no harm on the trail. The 7 principles of Leave No Trace: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Leave What You Find 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Follow these guidelines when hiking to reduce your impact on the environment. Some examples of things you can do to make a difference while hiking are to use only biodegradable soaps and properly dispose of trash. Biodegradable Soaps and Body Products Dilute soaps and toothpaste when backpacking and carefully choose your body products like bug spray and sunscreen. Be careful to not contaminate water sources. Pick Up and Pack Out No one wants to see trash on the trail. Keep a trash bag in your pack so you can pick up your waste. If no other option, burying your waste to an appropriate level can make a difference. Let’s all model these environmentally friendly hiking etiquette principles and respect the natural world we all enjoy. Cascade Mountain Tech for All Your Hiking Gear Cascade Mountain Tech is your source for hiking and camping gear for the outdoor enthusiast. We offer high quality camping and hiking gear including:
Cascade Mountain Tech is your one stop for camping and hiking gear for the avid outdoor enthusiast. We offer high quality gear and expert assistance in selecting the right gear for you. Contact us to learn more about our products and the principles of environmentally friendly hiking. With spring in the air and a yearning to get outdoors, we head to the trails with big plans to absorb nature and the fresh air. If you are car camping and can pack your favorite roto-molded super cooler with plenty of good food and beverages, you can plan some awesome meals with a little preparation. Giving up the kitchen does not diminish the possibilities to cook a good, home-cooked meal as long as you have fresh food and a quality roto-molded cooler.
Grab your trekking poles and work up an appetite for some delicious campfire recipes. You can eat like a king in the great outdoors with nothing more than a campfire and a few essentials:
Here are a few favorite campfire recipes to share with family and friends the next time you find yourself gathered around a fire: Campfire Kabobs – Meat or Veggie You can make your kabob with whatever meats you like such as chicken, steak or shrimp. Veggies used in a kabob include bell pepper, mushrooms, zucchini and onion but you can create your own favorite combo or veggie kabob delight. Ingredients:
The night before:
Make ahead before leaving:
Enjoy! Campfire kabobs are easy to prepare, healthy and delicious. Add some green beans for a delicious and easy side dish: Green Beans on the Grill Fresh green beans wrapped in foil over a campfire beat cooking indoors on the stove any day. Ingredients:
Just place your fresh cut green beans inside an aluminum foil packet with some olive oil and onion slices. Crimp the packet shut and cook on the grate over hot coals turning every few minutes until cooked, about 20 minutes. Before you turn in for the night in your warm and cozy mummy sleeping bag, try some campfire dessert. This simple recipe is quick, easy and delicious: Campfire Cobbler: Ingredients:
Campfire cobbler is quick and easy to make, similar to a dump cake recipe.
Campfire cobbler is a classic favorite that you can mix up with any combination of fruit and cake mix that you like such as blueberry filling with lemon cake, raspberry filling with chocolate cake or apple filling with spice cake, for some examples. We hope you enjoy these recipes and your time outdoors. Camping and hiking is great for the mind and body, and even better when you plan ahead for some delicious meals. Cascade Mountain Tech offers high quality hiking and camping gear for any outdoor enthusiast. Our roto-molded coolers keep ice for up to 10 days, ensuring a healthy and delicious meal while camping. Contact us for all your hiking gear and to learn more about the roto-molded super cooler. Whether you are hiking for adventure with close friends or camping in the backyard with the family, letting loose and having some fun should be part of the plan. After having some good campfire food and plenty of cold beverages from your roto-molded cooler, there’s nothing better than relaxing around the fire.
If your troops get a little restless from star gazing, here are a few campfire game ideas to liven it up a bit and make some fun memories. 1) Campfire stories – the old campfire stories are still a hit for every generation, whether your group prefers funny adventures or scary ghost stories. If you want to incorporate some modern technology into this classic campfire activity, use your phone to download an audiobook or podcast to share over a Bluetooth speaker. 2) Good and Bad – this activity makes a great conversation starter and helps the group bond over sharing something personal. Ask each person to say one good and one bad thing that they have experienced in the last week. You will be surprised at some of the things you can learn about close friends and family. 3) Board games, cards and dice – it might be difficult to pull your kids away from technology when connected to the internet. One of the biggest advantages of camping is being unplugged. This is a great time to teach new card games or play some dice, making memories they will not forget. 4) Charades – what is more fun than acting out a phrase for your friends to guess what you’re trying to say? This is a great game to liven up any party and get a lot of laughs. 5) Flashlight tag – this fun game has to be played away from the firelight and is a fun activity for people of all ages. The person holding the flashlight tags other players by shining the light on them when found, like a combination of hide-and-seek and tag. This is a fun game for all or a great way to entertain the kids while the adults relax around the fire. No matter what you enjoy most when adventuring outdoors, we hope that you make time to have some fun and enjoy nature with your loved ones. If laughter is the best medicine, it must be even more healing when combined with the great outdoors. Cascade Mountain Tech offers everything you need for an awesome outdoor adventure with hiking poles, super coolers and quality rated camp bedding including mummy sleeping bags to keep you warm at night. Contact us with any questions on hiking or camping gear and for more tips for an awesome outdoor adventure. Social distancing guidelines are still in place in many areas of the country with stay at home restrictions loosening up in some states. Conflicting messages can make it difficult for people to know if it is safe for them to get outside and visit parks, national parks or trails. The warmer weather on the way makes us anxious to grab our trekking poles, stretch our legs and hit the trail.
Most medical experts agree that hiking is safe if hiking with someone from your household and the trail is not crowded. Some parks may ask hikers to postpone their trip while others may be open with social distancing guidelines and limited use of facilities. Be sure that your park is open to hikers before heading out and know the proper etiquette to hike safely during the pandemic. Follow these tips to hike safely with social distancing: 1) Stay six feet apart from other hikers We keep hearing about staying six feet apart to practice social distancing. To help you understand this distance, extend your trekking poles on each side of you and this should be your personal space. 2) Stay home if you or a household member is sick While this might be obvious, before the pandemic we may have gone for a hike if we thought we just had a little cold. During this time, you should absolutely stay home if you feel sick or have any fever, or anyone in your household is ill. Since the incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days, you could easily put others at risk even if you have no symptoms at all. Those that are experiencing even very mild symptoms should stay home until the entire household is feeling well. 3) Do not take any unnecessary risks With the added strain on medical staff from coast to coast, an injury or incident requiring a rescue will further stretch the resources of emergency responders. You should try to avoid a potential hospital visit if at all possible. Be smart, hike locally and with members of your household while maintaining a safe, six foot distance on the trail. Cascade Mountain Tech for All Your Hiking Gear We are all itching to get outside and the fresh mountain air may be the best medicine of all. Just be sure to respect the rules of social distancing to protect yourself and your fellow hikers. Cascade Mountain Tech offers everything you need for an awesome outdoor adventure including:
Cascade Mountain Tech cares about your health and safety and we encourage you to continue to flatten the curve. We offer a wide selection of high quality hiking and camping gear for every outdoor adventure. We are here for you and urge you to contact us with any questions about hiking safely in any environment. Avid campers and hikers understand the importance of preparedness. We usually have an essential survival kit ready before we grab our trekking poles and hit the trails.
Packing all the essentials for your camping trip is part of the planning and organization that is mandatory for a great trip experience. All of the usual camping gear comes to mind; cooler, tent, sleeping bags. While running through the list, don’t forget to pack your camping chairs so you have comfortable seating around the campfire.
Lightweight, foldable camping chairs are easy to pack and quick to fold up and put away. There are a few things you want to look for in your camping chairs, such as weight capacity and durability. Choosing the Perfect Camping Chair Choosing the perfect camping chair depends on exactly how you’re going to use it, and pack it. This usually comes down to whether you’re car camping or backpacking. If you’re throwing all the essentials in the car and camping with the family, you might have room for some larger chairs. If you’re backpacking, however, you’ll absolutely need the lightest weight, foldable camping chairs you can find. Cascade Mountain Tech has a wide selection of lightweight, foldable camping chairs as well as stadium seating with high back support and hooks for stability. Camping chairs are available with weight limits up to 250 lbs., available in a chair that weighs no more that 2.5 lbs. and folds for convenient portability. Foldable camping chairs include high-back options with sand feet for comfort and stability on soft ground, ultralight backpacking chairs for optimum portability, and low-profile camp chairs that sit low to the ground and double as ideal options for beaches and concerts. You can choose from stadium seating with regular or extra wide seats, ultra-light or ultra-strong construction. No matter where you’re headed, take along your foldable seating from Cascade Mountain Tech and never worry about having a comfortable place to sit down and relax. Choose the perfect hiking trekking poles for you and enjoy a nice hike before you relax by the fire. Don’t forget your quality camp bedding for a good night’s sleep and a rotomolded cooler to keep ice for up to 10 days. Cascade Mountain Tech offers all your quality camping and hiking gear including seating, camp bedding, super coolers and more. We were founded by outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest and are committed to providing affordable adventure to everyone. Contact us with any questions on selecting the right outdoor gear for your adventure including comfortable and durable camping chairs. It’s easy to sleep like a baby in the backcountry if you know how to evaluate the right camp bedding gear. Choosing the right sleeping bag is a big decision and the most important one for getting a good night’s sleep, which is critical to being on your toes and aware while hiking. Here are some of the most important tips for choosing a sleeping bag.
1) Use a Sleeping Pad Using a sleeping pad is key to realizing the most benefit from your sleeping bag. Make sure that your bag attaches easily to your pad and that it won’t detach easily. You don’t want to roll off your pad when moving an inch during the night. Your sleeping pad provides a nice layer of insulation between your bag and the cold ground, make sure the material is water resistant for long lasting durability. 2) Temperature Ratings All sleeping bags should have temperature ratings, err on the side of caution and select a bag that can give you at least 10° of leeway should the weather shift. Remember that temperature ratings are best used as guidelines and not absolutes. For example it doesn't take in account whether you are a cold or a hot sleeper or the type of clothes worn when sleeping. Another fun fact that many people forget is that extra layers don’t necessarily keep you warmer at night in your bag. Your sleeping bag is insulated to keep a warm body warm but can also keep cool temps cool. Some backpackers even do some jumping jacks to warm up before jumping in their bag, and strip down to few light layers so the bag does it’s job at keeping them warm. 3) Style and Cut The mummy style of sleeping bag keeps you much warmer than the rectangle cut and is lighter to pack. Unless you’re going to a sleepover, choose the mummy back for all outdoor camping or hiking. 4) Testing Test out your bag before your trip and make sure you stay put on your sleeping pad and have plenty of room for your legs and feet. You don’t want your feet pushing against the end, it’s worth going with a longer bag to keep your feet nice and dry. 5) Storage Never store your sleeping bag in the compressed bag until you’re ready for your hike. Insulation tends to pack down over time and storing in your stuff sack will speed up the process. Cascade Mountain Tech for More Camp Bedding Tips Cascade Mountain Tech has all your outdoor camping, hiking and bedding products with tips from avid outdoor enthusiasts. We carry a wide selection of hiking poles, camp seating, super coolers and camp bedding. Our mummy sleeping bags come with camp pillows with matching sleeping pads available. Cascade Mountain Tech was founded by outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. We are dedicated to providing affordable outdoor adventure to all. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about our camp bedding and mummy sleeping bags. Camping does not mean you have to sacrifice delicious, home-cooked meals. Cooking away from home can be just as enjoyable and even more so when enjoying some fabulous cuisine in the great outdoors. With a little organization and preparation, you won’t miss anything from your home kitchen. Here’s how to plan for a splendid camp kitchen that will leave you coming back for seconds.
Organization Start by organizing the fundamentals and basic needs. For starters, you’ll need:
Essentials Don’t forget to pack the basic kitchen gadgets like a can-opener, bottle opener, serving spoons, spatulas for flipping burgers, cutting knife, cutting board, pots and pans. Usually, just one skillet and one saucepan will do the trick. Depending on your taste, you don’t want to forget the usual spices you cook with; salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil (you’ll want to pack a condensed, sealed container of whatever possible rather than take a large container from home). Dishware For the right dishware, plan to pack 1 set per person of plates, bowls, cups, mugs & utensils. Have some Tupperware on hand for leftovers, you can re-use Tupperware that you packed prepared items in. Cleaning Supplies Be sure to pack cleaning supplies such as biodegradable dish soap, rags or a sponge, some trash bags and water for cleaning. Food Preparation Plan ahead with a menu and prepare your food as much as possible prior to leaving for your trip. If you want some grilled onions and peppers with your steak, cut them up ahead of time so you can just pull out your container of sliced veggies ready to cook. You can put all your veggies in a sealed baggie with some seasoning so they’re marinating the whole time and ready when you want them. Pack up all your essentials for your camp kitchen in your large, clear bin which makes it easy to find things and keep all your food prep easy to access in your super cooler. It’s a good idea to throw some emergency food like instant oatmeal packs, beans or rice in your kitchen box in case you want a few more late-night snacks. If you enjoy a cup of joe in the morning, don’t forget your coffee and condiments to start your day out right. Cascade Mountain Tech offers super, rotomolded coolers that keep your ice for up to 10 days, as well as comfortable camp seating and camp bedding. Check out our hiking trekking poles for an exhilarating adventure before you come back to relax at camp. Cascade Mountain Tech was founded in the Pacific Northwest by outdoor enthusiasts with the goal of providing affordable adventure to everyone. Contact us with any questions on packing or preparing the perfect camp kitchen. Selecting the perfect sleeping bag for your camping adventure is an important decision. Whether camping with the family or backpacking across the country, there are many considerations that could make or break your adventure. The most important considerations are warmth, weight, comfort and packability.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Checking the temperature ratings is one of the most important features to examine prior to purchasing a sleeping bag. The temperature rating represents the lowest outdoor temps tolerable for the bag to still keep you warm. Remember that temperature ratings are best used as guidelines and not absolutes. For example it doesn't take in account whether you are a cold or a hot sleeper or the type of clothes worn when sleeping. Always err on the side of caution and assume a 10° swing in temps to be sure that your bag will keep you warm at night. A mummy sleeping bag is great in cooler temps as the form fitting design maintains a more constant body temperature. Weight Choosing your sleeping bag is one of the top three critical choices in packing your gear. Your overall pack weight is primarily determined by your camp bedding, shelter and your pack itself. A mummy sleeping bag is definitely the choice for weight conscience backpacking and easier to pack than any rectangle bag. Comfort Comfort is a personal choice, although rectangle camping sleeping bags might be more comfortable to some, they are less comfortable to carry when hiking. Your activity has a lot to do with what will be the most comfortable sleeping bag. Using a sleeping pad and pillow add a great deal of comfort no matter what sleeping bag you choose. Packability As stated above, the mummy bag is the best for packability when balancing weight with compressibility. Cascade Mountain Tech Offers Camp Bedding & Essentials Cascade Mountain Tech offers camp bedding including classic and adventure mummy bags with various temperature ratings. Our mummy sleeping bags come with 0° or 30° temperature ratings, with a pillow, full draft collar and compression sack. We offer a wide selection of gear including hiking trekking poles, high quality rotomolded coolers and lightweight camping chairs. Cascade Mountain Tech offers all your outdoor adventure gear, including camp bedding, camp and stadium seating chairs and rotomolded coolers. We believe that adventure should be affordable to everyone. Contact us with any questions on how to choose the right sleeping bag. Packing a cooler with cold beverages and snacks makes every activity better, whether camping with the family or just taking a day trip adventure. For extended camping trips, having fresh food is critical. You’ve got to be able to rely on your cooler for keeping your food fresh to enjoy regular meals.
If you’re searching for the best cooler for camping or for any outdoor activity, there are a few very important features you should consider:
Rotomolded Cooler Construction A rotomolded cooler is constructed with a process called rotational molding, which means the entire cooler is poured as one continuous structure around a thick foam insulation. This type of construction provides maximum ice retention, up to 7-10 days for high quality rotomolded coolers. Durability A durable cooler should last for many years. The rotomolded coolers are the most durable types of coolers available but must also contain durable parts such as handles, latches and wheels. Thick, rubber latches and heavy-duty woven rope handles will outlast other types of materials and are qualities of a cooler designed with long lasting, durable features. Storage Select the cooler with the right amount of storage for your most common types of outings. The size of your family, friends and even your vehicle might dictate the size of cooler you’re looking for. Rotomolded coolers typically come measured in quarts, with 45 Qt. and 80 Qt. sizes typical to handle most small or larger gatherings. Packing your cooler is essential to realize maximum ice retention. Be sure you have enough room for ice and that you chill your cooler ahead of time, packing with chilled food and beverages. Drainage Look for a good drain plug which allows you to release any water from the cooler. This helps to remove extra weight, keeps your food from getting soggy and makes your ice last longer. You never want to have to turn a cooler upside down to drain water from it. Critter/Bear Proof Bears and other forest creatures can be quite resourceful when looking for food. Make sure that your cooler is critter proof and depending on where you camp, use a padlock to secure it closed. A durable, rotomolded cooler with a lock should be certified bear-resistant from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Cascade Mountain Tech Rotomolded Coolers Cascade Mountain Tech offers high quality, rotomolded coolers with durable construction, parts and features. Our super coolers are grizzly bear proof and keep ice for up to 10 days. You can find all your outdoor adventure gear at Cascade Mountain Tech, including super coolers, mummy sleeping bags, hiking poles and comfortable camping chairs. Contact Cascade Mountain Tech to learn more about the many features of our super coolers such as food baskets and cup holders available with our rotomolded coolers. Camping as children is often one of our most treasured memories, even when things don’t go as planned. I smile fondly when remembering the year it rained so hard the logs were floating in the fire pit, we couldn’t get the tent to stand up just right and of course snipe hunting with my dad. I doubt my parents had a real detailed list they followed on what to pack, minimizing was the key.
There are some items and tips to follow, however, that can sure make your camping trip much more enjoyable and memorable if you plan ahead. Here are the most essential items we recommend for creating an epic adventure your kids are sure to remember: 1) Tent Of course the main concern should be where you’ll be laying your head for a few days or weeks, however long you plan to rough it with the kiddos. Maybe you’ve got a pop-up and they’ve got the tent? However you arrange it, be sure that your tent is built for the number of bodies you plan to put in it. Find one with durable material and rigid construction, an extra rain fly might not be a bad idea either. You can even go an extra step and buy a waterproof sealant in a bottle to add after assembly. Here’s a tip from experience – get one with a sealed entryway, a zip up/down area before the zipper entrance to the main room in the tent. This gives you a good place to take off the shoes before entering the tent and most of all, keeps the mosquitos out of your living area. You might still want to take an old doormat to set outside. 2) Sleeping bags and blankets Of course you’ll need sleeping bags and pillows, choose your sleeping bag based on the coldest temperature at night. Then add a few more degrees to account for fluctuation so that you are prepared for an unusually cold evening. A mummy sleeping bag is great for cold weather, although you should choose the sleeping bag most appropriate for the season. Don’t forget any special blankets or pillows your kids are attached to, that can make for a stressful night if their security blanket is left home alone. 3) Flashlights, lanterns and headlamps Don’t forget to pack the right lighting, headlamps are great for collecting kindling and managing a fire hands free. Kids love playing with flashlights and they’re a prerequisite for a good ghost story. 4) First aid kit, hygiene and bug spray Hopefully you won’t need any band-aids, but you’d better be prepared if you do. Pack a basic first aid kit with anti-bacterial hand wipes and don’t forget the toothbrushes. Please don’t forget your favorite bug spray of choice, many organic remedies exist that work pretty well too as long as you are protected from pesky mosquitoes. 5) Entertainment One of the best parts about camping is no electricity, no Wi-Fi and no phones. Show your kids how to have fun without these things and keep them busy with things like:
6) A good cooler, plenty of food and water Coolers have come a long way since the old $20 Rubbermaids, a nice roto-molded cooler will keep your ice cold for up to 10 days. Now that’s living. Don’t forget enough nutrition, kids often get hungrier when they are running around all day. Plan to pack more water than what you think you’ll need, that’s a necessity you don’t want to run out of. 7) Good camping chairs What good is camping if you can’t sit around the fire? Make sure everyone has a place to sit and enjoy the firelight and warmth on a nice evening under the stars. Choose a good camping chair that fits your needs, foldable, packable for taking on hikes, sturdy material and easy to set up. With the right preparation, your camping trip is going to go down in history as the best ever, every year. Keep making memories and congrats to you for getting your young ones outside in nature. Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of camping and hiking gear with easy setup for parents and the durability to take the abuse of children. We offer many trekking poles for the avid hikers, plenty of comfortable chairs and stadium seats so everyone has a spot and the best coolers on the market. Contact us with any questions and here’s to wishing you many happy trails. Carbon fiber is known for providing strength and durability in a lightweight material, with varying levels of “filaments per tow”. This simply means that in 3k carbon fiber, there are 3,000 filaments per tow, 12k carbon fiber has 12,000 filaments per tow, and so on, with 3k being a popular choice for lightweight durability; with “tow” being the amount of carbon conveniently unwound from the reel for use in manufacturing. 3k is a workhorse in the carbon fiber category among 6k, 9k and 12k options.
Uni-directional (UD), weaves are frequently used to make carbon fiber products with the weave arranged in one direction only. 3k carbon fiber provides added strength combined with malleability by providing a weave in both horizontal and vertical directions. This allows the trekking pole to absorb more force from both directions and are less likely to bend, snap or twist. Cascade Mountain Tech Offers Tips for 3k Carbon Fiber Poles Cascade Mountain Tech was founded by outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, with firsthand knowledge of the most appealing features and benefits from outdoor camping and hiking gear. We offer wide selection of:
Cascade Mountain Tech offers all the basics for an awesome adventure with quality gear tested by experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Our 3k trekking poles are lightweight with a tungsten carbide tip and come with additional tip covers so you don’t have to worry about buying boots, mud or snow baskets separately. This 3k carbon fiber with a 2 x 2 weave gives added durability, available to anyone with adjustable poles from 26” to 54”. Cascade Mountain Tech believes in providing affordable adventure to everyone, with quality gear and accessibility for all. We offer trekking poles to suit any hiking style with fully adjustable poles for any avid hiker. Contact us with any questions about our carbon fiber or 3k carbon fiber trekking poles. Trekking poles, hiking poles, walking sticks – these handy poles go by a few different names. Most hikers would agree, however, once you’ve hiked with them, you’d rather not go without. Trekking poles provide a lot of support whether trekking uphill, downhill or on a steady hike, increasing speed and stability. They are especially handy when you have to steady yourself over fallen trees or when crossing streams.
Even the avid backpackers who weigh every last gram of dehydrated food – will make room for their trekking poles. Here’s some of the best advice we have for using your hiking poles properly, to get the most benefit and make you a firm believer: 1) Properly adjust the height – this is an important one to get the most comfort and support. Your arms should be bent at a 90° angle with the tip on the ground and your elbow at your side. This makes the top of the pole right about waist height as a good starting point. You’ll want to adjust your poles when hiking uphill or downhill, shortening them for uphill hiking and lengthening when going downhill, about 5-10 cm to get the right support. 2) Use the pole locks – make sure your poles are secure, test them on the ground to make sure the height doesn’t adjust before using them. Whether you prefer a twist lock or a quick lock, make sure it’s quick and easy for simple adjustments. Some twist lock and quick lock poles provide some added shock absorption. You should store your poles unlocked to preserve the longevity of the locks. 3) Learn how to properly use the wrist straps – too often we see people not really getting the right benefit out of the wrist straps. When used properly, you shouldn’t have to exert as much energy to grip the handle, the straps will help support your weight. 4) Evaluate the trekking pole material for your hike – trekking poles come in various materials such as
Depending on your weight limits, select the right pole that offers a lightweight and collapsible option to stow when you want to walk with your hands free. 5) Get in the rhythm – swinging your arms while walking is natural, the use of poles can be just as natural once you get used to the rhythm. You might even feel like you’re floating on air a bit as you get into it and feel the assistance propelling you forward. This is not only great for support but is also a little bit fun. Once you get used to using your trekking poles we’re sure you’ll be a firm believer and set off with your best foot forward on every hike. You can find everything you need for your next trip at Cascade Mountain Tech, such as roto-molded coolers, comfortable camping chairs and foldable, stadium seats. The outdoor explorers at Cascade Mountain Tech offer many options of trekking poles and help you find the right pole with the right material and accessories for you. We are committed to making exploration available to everyone. Contact us with any questions on selecting the best hiking trekking poles for your next adventure. Now that you’ve made the smart decision and upgraded to a roto molded cooler, following some simple guidelines in food preparation and packing will make sure you have plenty of good food for your adventure. Follow these tips from the pros that know the best way to:
Preparing Your Food Planning ahead is key to prepare all the food you’ll need to make some excellent campfire meals. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a great marinated steak, potatoes and veggies fit for a king. Plan ahead the day before with these tips for food preparation and packaging:
Selecting Your Ice Ice is ice, right? Well to some degree, yes, but there are different types of ice you may consider depending on where you’ll be and for how long.
Packing Your Cooler Whatever you do, don’t wait for the last minute and just throw in your food and throw ice on top of it, this might be how our parents took us to the beach but there’s a better way. Here are some time tested best practices for packing the perfect cooler:
While just using a cooler divider might do the trick for a family vacation, if you are camping with a large group of people, using one cooler for food and one for beverages can make the ice in your food cooler last longer as the beverage cooler is typically opened more frequently. And finally – make sure the cooler is the last thing to go in the car. Pack everything else first and then load your cooler up last as you head out to your destination. Follow these tips from Cascade Mountain Tech to get the most out of your roto molded Super cooler. Cascade Mountain Tech offers quality made hiking and camping gear, with many styles of trekking poles and stadium seats with back support for your continual comfort. We believe in providing affordable exploration to everyone. Contact us with any questions and for more tips on selecting and packing the perfect cooler for a perfectly chill adventure. Selecting the right cooler for your hiking adventure is just as important as planning out your hiking and camping gear, the location and trails you plan to pursue. Without plenty of cool water and nutrition, your trip could turn from a fantastic, epic adventure to one that stays in your memory bank for all the wrong reasons. Keeping your hydration up and keeping your food from spoiling is key to an enjoyable expedition no matter where you set up camp.
Roto molded coolers have taken over as the best super coolers on the market and for good reason. Roto molded coolers are rotationally molded as one continuous thick wall around a thick layer of insulation, with little to no imperfections. This barrier keeps ice for several days and provides protection against forest creatures. High end roto molded coolers are designed to last a lifetime, holding up to high degrees of abuse and are even rated bear resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. (using a lock on these coolers is still the key to keeping bears from ravaging through your food rations) One or Two Cooler Systems Some people prefer to use two coolers to keep types of food perishables and beverages separated. This of course depends on the adventure you have planned, the amount of food you need to pack and number of days you’ll need to access your food and drinks. Cascade Mountain Tech offers a Super Cooler in a 45 Qt. or 80 Qt. size, with a divider just for this very reason. It’s like two coolers in one! You can keep your perishables on one side and drinks on the other, that way you don’t have to constantly move Tupperware out of the way to get to your beverages on the bottom. The cooler divider combined with the cooler basket alleviates the need to pack, and carry, two different coolers. Roto molded coolers by Cascade Mountain Tech are popular for any outdoor adventure such as:
Pro Tips to Prepare Your Super Cooler The key to keeping your food, beverages and ice lasting for days is to pre-chill your cooler before packing. The day before you plan to pack your cooler, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and always PRE-CHILL. Pre-chill your cooler by placing a bag or two of ice inside your cooler the day before your big trip. Getting your cooler’s core temperature as cold as possible will make a big difference in how long your ice lasts. Be sure to bring your cooler inside if it’s sitting in a hot garage or attic and place a bag of ice or at least some cold tap water inside to lower the core temperature the day before you plan to pack it. Cascade Mountain Tech for Roto Molded Coolers and all Your Camping Gear Cascade Mountain Tech offers super coolers, a wide selection of hiking gear such as lightweight, super lightweight and aluminum hiking trekking poles and stadium seats with back support for your ultimate comfort. Our gear is tested by outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, aimed to make enjoyable adventures accessible to everyone. High end roto molded coolers by Cascade Mountain Tech are proven in the wilderness to keep ice for 7 to 10 days. Our experienced hikers have put it to the test and offer these tips and many others to make your journey an epic one, with fond memories of fun, excitement and good food. Contact us with any questions about our coolers and for help in choosing the best cooler and the right accessories for you. |
AuthorCascade Mountain Tech is founded on the belief that exploration belongs to everyone. We are dedicated to providing achievable adventure to all and to make your time outdoors more enjoyable. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |