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I’m amazed at all the things this GPS does.  Just to check out my GPS, thought I’d try it close to home so I spent Christamas Eve day in the Sunol Regional Park and it worked great (it even told me when I missed the trail I was supposed to take and got off on another one).  This new gadget is going to be my 11th item in my camping gear for my 10 essentials.  By the way, there’s a great place to get your ten essentials kit all pre-done - go to Tacoma Mountain Rescue and you can order one.  I also went alone on this trip so it’s important to be ever more cautious and overly prepare and be sure to tell folks where you’re going.  For this area, it’s also good to take a hydration pack as there’s not many sources of water.

Well the technological nerd in me finally hit and I got a GPS for my birthday.  At the same time I received this great guide to survival in the wilderness and it reminded me to always know the basics and have the good ol’ compass around as part of your camping gear.  Along with that, don’t forget your orienteering skills.  Technology is great but don’t forget the basics.

Well I finally did it.  I had been wanting to change the look of our Camping Gear web site for a better shopping experience and it now has a new look and feel.  We will soon be adding a new line of canoe and kayak trailers plus other exciting products.  The holidays have been busy with everyone getting prepared for the next camping season.  Also, don’t forget to get some camping supplies for your disaster preparedness needs - you can use it for camping and to be prepared for the Big One.  Happy Holidays.

I never believed the part about loosing body heat through the top of your head until I went snow camping.  I woke up in the middle of the night shivering.  I relented and put on the fleece hat and what a difference, now a part of my camping gear.  A sleeping pad with a few blankets underneath also made all the difference.  Snow camping can be a great  twist on traditional camping but don’t forget the hat!

My kids are always acusing me of being Mr. Safety but if you’re miles from the trailhead, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.  There a great addition to your camping gear that can also be part of your emergeny supplies - the “forever” or “wind up” technology of flashlights and emergency radios.  These can be invaluable out on the trail especially if your stranded for a period of time and can also double as emergency gear at home.  It also doesn’t hurt to go a little “green” with these.

With all the latest news about MRSA one important preventative is frequent hand washing. A portable wash station not only help in an emergency kit they can also be a great asset to school athletic programs out on the training field. As Scrub Jug Pro can be just the ticket and an important part of a schools athletic equipment.

Ah yes, it’s time for the favorite American tradition, the football tailgate.  While Cousin Joe is painted in the team colors and freezing to death, there another way to go over the top with NCAA Team Tailgate Supplies - bbq sauce, hot sauces and more with your teams logo on the lable.  Not quite as out there as a cheese head hat but it ads to the festivities with your barbecue supplies.

Who said you can’t take it with you? I love to canoe but the thought of lugging the old canoe up on top of the truck causes me to keep it stored more often than I would like. Yes, a canoe is part of my favorite camping gear so I bought a sports trailer to haul it along. We can also mix and match these trailers so add on a few bicycles and kayaks and everyone can bring their toys.

Some of it tastes like cardboard or a preservative casserole but it doesn’t have to !!!  I like to eat well out on the trail but some of what most people think of backpacking food is that it’s just fair.  You like to have good camping gear so why not get good backpacking food?  There’s a secret source known as Cache Lake Camping Foods and the tastes are incredible - especially their specialty, fry bread.  Yes, this is a blatant commercial for the stuff, but it’s great.

I know the weather is getting a little cooler but there’s nothing like a backyard hammock as part of your barbecue supplies arsenal.  If your really lazy, get one of those transmitting meat thermometers to let you know when the meat is done - it will also wake you up when you fall asleep in that hammock.