Tips for Evaluating Sleeping Bags

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.

How to Pack the Perfect Camp Kitchen

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:

• A large bin to store all your essentials

• A rotomolded cooler and plenty of ice

• Camp stove and fuel

• Folding table

• Lighting / lanterns

• Dishware / Tupperware

• Cleaning supplies

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.

How to Select the Right Sleeping Bag

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.

How to Buy the Best Cooler for Camping

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:

• Construction

• Durability

• Storage

• Drainage

• Critter/Bear Proof

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.

Top 7 Essential Items for Camping with Kids

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:

• Volleyballs and soccer balls

• Telescope

• Binoculars

• Magnifying glass or bug collecting kit

• Bags to collect rocks, leaves or nature

• Board games, cards or dice

• Sidewalk chalk, if there’s any concrete around

• Books, coloring books and crayons

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.

Benefits of 3K Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

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:

• hiking trekking poles

• roto-molded coolers

• camping and stadium chairs

• camp bedding including mummy bags

• portable lighting

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.