Essentials for the Ultimate Car Camping Experience

 Hiking is great exercise and camping is the best way to soak up the great outdoors for a few days or longer. Amid this pandemic, it’s clear that car camping has become increasingly popular. And it makes sense. It is incredibly easy to pack up the car and escape for an evening for two as long as you’re well prepared. As you are checking your packing list, there are a few things you do not want to forget to ensure you have the best possible car camping experience. The best part about car camping is it’s particularly nice in the fall. If you’re heading out to enjoy some fall camping you know you’re in for some fantastically golden scenery, sunny days, and cool evenings by the camp fire. One of the benefits of car camping is that it allows you to pack extra clothing, rain gear, coats, and jackets.

Some of the essentials that will help make the ultimate car camping experience include:

Roto-molded cooler - Packing plenty of your favorite foods to cook over a fire is a nice way to keep you warm from the inside out on a chilly night. And with a good roto-molded cooler you can pack plenty of your favorite nutritious meals without worrying about food spoiling. Rotomolded coolers keep ice for multiple days longer than other traditional types of coolers. The super cooler from Cascade Mountain Tech will keep your ice for up to 10 days when prechilled.

Trekking poles for the whole family – Camping just isn’t complete for some people without getting some hiking in. Using trekking poles while hiking provides additional support and stability.  Even children and adolescents can last longer on the trails with some good trekking poles to help guide them along. Keeping trekking poles for the whole family will make it easier to go from your car right to the trails.

Quality Camp Bedding - getting a decent night’s sleep makes a big difference. When you get a full night’s sleep it allows you to enjoy your day to the fullest. Make sure you have warm, durable camp bedding like a mummy sleeping bag and sleeping pads.

Lightweight foldable camping chairs - once you get to your destination you better have a comfortable place to take a load off and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Without comfortable camping chairs your trip will be much less enjoyable. Foldable, lightweight camping chairs are ideal, easy to pack and come with many options to find the perfect chair for every camper.

Cascade Mountain Tech has a wide selection of quality, durable and comfortable camping chairs with many options such as lightweight, ultralight, packable, low-profile, and high back chairs to help you make the most of your time outdoors. If you have not experienced the comfort of these quality camping chairs, you don’t know what you’re missing. Having the ability to pop up a comfortable seat wherever you are for your outdoor adventure whether in the woods, by the fire, off a trail or down on the beach brings a whole new level of satisfaction to your camping trip.

Cascade Mountain Tech is recognized for high quality, affordable camping and hiking gear making outdoor adventure accessible to everyone. Our team is focused on helping you to make the most of your hike or camping trip with knowledgeable and friendly customer service and quality products. Contact us to learn more about packing the essentials for the ultimate camping experience.

A Good Cooler Makes a Great Christmas Gift

 If you are wondering what to get your favorite hiker, backpacker or camping enthusiast for Christmas, a good quality cooler might be just the item you’re searching for. Here are the most important things you should know when finding a cooler for long-lasting performance and durability. 

Rotomolded Cooler Construction

A high quality cooler is a must if you spend a lot of time outdoors and who doesn’t appreciate quality gear? A rotomolded cooler, which is molded as one continual product around a durable foam insulation is built to last. By gifting a rotomolded cooler, your gifting something that will just keep on giving all year round! A good rotomolded cooler can keep ice for up to 10 days. This alleviates a lot of time and trouble in finding sources of ice, draining your cooler and worrying about food spoilage.

Cooler Storage Capacity

Coolers come in all sizes which are typically measured in quarts.  Choosing the right cooler for your trip obviously depends on the number of people in your group and how long you will be outdoors. Ideally most campers have multiple coolers, although a quality rotomolded cooler can quickly become a favorite. Investing in a good, quality rotomolded cooler should start with one that suits most of your outdoor adventures and fits in your vehicle.

Bear Proof Seal

A durable cooler should include a bear proof seal certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, to ensure that all bears and critters do not raid your stash and leave you hungry. 

Drainage

Most coolers will have a drain plug so you do not need to tip or turn your cooler upside down to drain melted ice. A drain plug as well as a food basket are must haves to keep your food from getting soggy. A drain plug also helps to make your ice last longer and reduces the weight in your cooler.  

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a rotomolded cooler that keeps ice for up to 10 days and comes with a drain plug for when you need it.  Our coolers help make any camping trip and they come in sizes of 45 quart or 80 quart. They are also rated Bear Resistant and have compatible accessories available. Cooler dividers, food baskets, cupholders, strong rubber latches and cooler locks all help to make our rotomolded super coolers a favorite gift item.

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high-quality coolers, hiking and camping gear including a wide selection of trekking poles to suit the whole family. Our camping chairs are lightweight and packable yet durable and comfortable, a must-have for any outdoor occasion. Contact us to learn more about our quality camping gear and the features of our super rotomolded cooler.

Staying Safe When Camping in the Fall

 Fall camping offers some of the best weather with the most beautiful scenery that camping has to offer. Any time after Labor Day, during the months of October and November, you might enjoy warm sunny days followed by chilly evenings by a fire. Especially in November, you also might run into patches of rain, snow, and wind, depending on your location.

Here are some things you can do to improve your safety and prepare you for any weather when camping in the fall.

Prepare for wind - set up your campsite so that your tent is secure and firm in case of intense winds. Bringing extra stakes can be beneficial for this. To provide additional wind resistance and a sheltered eating area, you can hang a tarp between your tent and some nearby trees.

Invest in a good tent and camp bedding - a good three-season tent with a full rain fly is important for camping during this time of year. You will want a tarp underneath your tent as well to help prevent moisture from seeping in. That is never fun and no one wants a soggy, cold sleeping bag! For extra warmth, mummy sleeping bags and sleeping pads are a must when camping in the fall.

Be aware of wildlife fall mating rituals - practice wildlife safety and be aware that many animals become more aggressive as winter nears. Always eliminate trash from your campsite and never keep food in your tent. If you are car camping, the best place to keep your food is in a good rotomolded cooler to keep your food safe and protected. If you’re tent camping, it’s still a good idea to store your food in a rotomolded cooler, but for extra precaution keep it slightly away from your tent.

Know the risks of hypothermia - it is important to stay dry and warm when camping in lower temperatures. Make sure you have extra footwear, mittens, hats, and clothing in case your clothes get wet. Don’t forget rain gear and boots and always remember to keep yourself hydrated.  It is easier to get dehydrated in dryer, cooler temperatures so make sure to drink plenty of H2O throughout the day for strength in cooler elements. 

Pack a survival kit - you should always have a good survival kit when camping in any season. Your survival kit should include items such as:

• Flashlight, headlamp, and extra batteries

• First-aid supplies

• Pocket knife

• Duct tape

• Waterproof matches

• Aluminum foil which doubles as a reflector signal

• Water purification system

• Map of the area

• Compass and a weather radio

Remember to always let someone else know your itinerary, and when you plan to be back. This is especially important if you plan on camping alone.

Staying safe is important to enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Packing extra nutritious food in a quality rotomolded cooler is nice for warm meals by the fire. Packing a pair of lightweight, sturdy trekking poles for the whole family helps you enjoy long beautiful fall hikes together. 

Cascade Mountain Tech has everything you need for a safe and fun fall camping trip, with quality roto-molded coolers, trekking poles, camp bedding and camping chairs for the whole family.

Cascade Mountain Tech was founded on the belief that exploration belongs to everyone. Our experienced staff of outdoor enthusiasts are always available to help you prepare for your next adventure. Contact us to learn more about quality camping gear to stay safe when camping in the fall.

Foolproof Fall Camping Tips

 Some people think Labor Day is the end of the camping season, although as many fall campers know, autumn is the prime season to enjoy some of the best camping of the year. Camping in the fall is one of the most picture-perfect seasons with eye-popping foliage in beautiful colors.  Autumn campers also enjoy less insects than when camping in hot, muggy weather, although you should still pack insect repellant. 

Here are some more foolproof fall camping tips for making the most of warm days for fishing that fade into cool nights by a crackling fire. 

1)  Check the weather forecast and continue to watch the weather.  

Fall weather can fluctuate quickly, so be sure to thoroughly check the weather forecast for your trip. You can contact the Ranger station at your destination to see if they have been experiencing high winds, flooding, fires, downed trees, or any other hazards.  Since internet service can be spotty in remote locations, be sure to invest in an NOAA weather radio for a continuous, 24/7, broadcast of weather information from your nearest National Weather Service office. 

2)  Prepare for cold-weather sleeping.

Packing cold-weather camp bedding is important which includes a quality mummy sleeping bag rated for 0° and sleeping pads to have a barrier between the cold ground and your sleeping bag. A good closed-cell sleeping pad is one of the most important things you can do to keep warm at night. You can fill a water bottle with warm water from the fire and slip it in the bottom of your sleeping bag at night to help keep your toes toasty warm.

3) Pack a mix of clothing including rain and snow gear.

Packing in layers is the key to staying comfortable when camping in the fall. Synthetic, fleece and wool clothing materials will help to keep you dry and warm. Avoid cotton clothing that can hold moisture and make you chilly. Essential warm weather clothing includes:

• Wind and water resistant jackets

• Gloves or mittens 

• Sturdy, waterproof boots

• Extra shoes and plenty of dry socks

• A winter hat helps to stay warmer on a chilly day and a cold night

• Plenty of clothing to dry out wet clothes if needed

4) Use a quality molded Bear resistant cooler. 

Fall is mating season for many animals, be aware of possibly aggressive behavior as deer can be especially aggressive as they begin their breeding season. Using the quality rotomolded cooler rated as Certified Bear Resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee helps to keep your food and your campsite safe. 

5)  Don’t forget comfortable camp chairs.

Investing in some comfortable, quality camping chairs is one of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor getaway. Lightweight, packable camping chairs give you the opportunity to relax and soak in the beautiful view whenever the moment strikes and can see you through long evenings by the fire. Cascade Mountain Tech offers a nice selection of quality lightweight, and ultra lightweight packable camping chairs. You can choose high-back or low-profile or sand feet for a comfortable seat on the beach. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers quality hiking and camping gear including trekking poles for the whole family, rotomolded coolers that keep ice for up to 10 days, and the perfect outdoor camping chair for any event. Our team of outdoor enthusiasts are always available to help you choose the right gear for a perfect fall camping trip. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about quality, durable fall camping gear.

Choosing the Right Trekking Pole for You

 Trekking poles are an important piece of equipment for everyone, from the avid hiker or a novice beginner. Trekking poles come in a pair and provide much-needed support and stability to hikers, backpackers, and snowshoers. Choosing the right trekking pole with the proper length, features and accessories to match your body and your terrain is important to fully utilize all of the benefits they provide.

Here are some tips in choosing the right trekking poles for your next hike:

Adjustable length - you want to make sure that you can easily adjust the length on your trekking poles. This is important to get the proper support when trekking uphill or downhill.  You will want to slightly lengthen your pole when trekking downhill and shorten your pole when hiking uphill. You should be able to adjust the length of your poles quickly and easily.

Evaluate the features - in addition to adjustable length, you will want to evaluate all the features such as foldability, locking mechanism and shock absorption. Additionally, you will want a comfortable grip and wrist straps that promote a normal walking rhythm with the right amount of support.

Material - the type of material the poles are made of affects the total weight of your poles and the durability provided. Trekking poles are typically available in aluminum and carbon fiber, each providing different benefits when hiking in different terrains. Carbon Fiber tends to be the material of choice for backpackers who are weight conscious as they are more lightweight then aluminum poles. Aluminum poles alternately are excellent for durability and generally have longer life spans. For a more in depth description of how to pick the right material for you, check out our blog which showcases the differences between carbon fiber and aluminum.

Quality Trekking Poles, Camp Chairs, Coolers and More

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of quality trekking poles with varying materials and features. Whether you are interested in folding aluminum trekking poles, carbon fiber, ultralight or durable 3K carbon fiber, we’ve got what you need and will help you determine what is best for you.

Cascade Mountain Tech offers quality hiking and camping gear including top-rated hiking trekking poles, super rotomolded coolers and the perfect camping chairs for any outing. Our coolers keep ice for up to 10 days and are certified Bear Resistant. Our lightweight, foldable camping chairs give hikers the perfect reprieve to stop and enjoy a beautiful view or relax around the evening campfire.

Cascade Mountain Tech is dedicated to keeping outdoor adventure achievable for everyone with a wide selection of quality camping and hiking gear. Our trekking poles, coolers, camp chairs and camp bedding are built to last to see you through many adventures. Contact us for more information and for assistance in evaluating the right trekking poles for you.