What Are the 10 Essentials to Pack When Hiking?

 According to the American Hiking Society, there are 10 essential items that you should pack on every single hike whether you plan a short day hike for a couple of hours or you plan on trekking through the backcountry for a couple of months. You should pack the following items and know how to use them.

1)  Navigation – Map and Compass: GPS and a smart phone are very handy devices, although they require batteries and a signal and do not always work in the backcountry.  You should always carry a paper map and a compass and be sure that you know how to correctly use them. Consider an altimeter and know how to read a topographic map on complex mountain hikes. 

2) Appropriate footwear: well-fitting hiking boots or shoes are a must; happy feet make for happy hiking. Look for support, protection and traction when selecting footwear. Always pack extra socks and consider a change of clothes beyond what you think you would normally need, depending on your packing weight restrictions.

3)  Food: pack calorie dense foods that do not require cooking like nuts, jerky, dried fruits and energy bars. You should always pack an extra day’s worth of food just in case something extends your trip like bad weather or an injury.

4) Water: most people require about a half a liter of water every hour during moderate activity and temperatures. Start off with at least a water bottle and know where you will fill your bottle or reservoir and how to treat water while you’re on the trail, whether with chemical treatment, a purifier/filter or using a camp stove to melt snow.

5) Rain gear and dry-fast clothing:  always be prepared for wet weather by wearing moisture wicking items, dressing in layers and be sure to have a synthetic jacket and a warm hat.

6) First-Aid kit: it is critical to have a first-aid kit and know how to use it. You can find pre-assembled kits and modify them to suit your needs and the number of people in your group. Every kit should include disinfecting ointment, various bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, over-the-counter pain medication and nitrile gloves. Anyone hitting the trail should take a first-aid and CPR class, many online courses are available through the Red Cross.

7) Safety Items including Fire: Be sure you have a way to start an emergency fire, to signal for help, to cook food or for much-needed heat. Keep some durable matches in a waterproof container along with a butane lighter and carry some form of Firestarter. If hiking in the winter and snow where firewood is not available, be sure to have a stove for a source of heat and water.  In addition to fire you should always have a whistle to signal for help if needed and a light such as a headlamp with extra batteries if you need to see your map and the trail in the dark.

8) Knife or multi-tool: a knife or a multi tool is mandatory and can be used for many purposes such as repairing your gear, preparing food, making kindling or for first-aid. A multi tool includes some other convenient features like a pullout screwdriver, fold out scissors, or a can opener. If you need help or need to repair your gear in the backcountry you should also include some zip ties, duct tape, fabric repair tape and parts to repair your water filter.

9) Sun protection: protection from the sun is critically important, you should always have sunscreen, sun protective clothing and quality sunglasses. You should wear quality sunglasses regardless of cloud cover and temperature. Your sunglasses should block 100% of UV light especially if traveling on snow or ice to prevent snow blindness or cataracts from developing with long-term exposure.

10) Shelter: emergency shelter includes more than just your tent. You will need protection from the elements when hiking away from your tent especially if you are injured or stranded. Carry a lightweight blanket or a bivy sack when leaving your campsite.

These items, along with following the basic principles of Leave no Trace and carrying a trash bag with you to clean up your mess, will get you through your hike safely and prepared. Make the most of your hike with quality gear from Cascade Mountain Tech, such as our wide selection of hiking trekking poles, lightweight packable camp chairs, camp bedding and more.

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high-quality camping and hiking gear to make the most of your next adventure. We believe that outdoor adventure should be accessible to everyone. Contact us to check out our wide selection of quality gear to get prepared for your next hike.

Selecting and Setting up Your Campsite

 Selecting the perfect campsite takes a bit more thought than noticing a pretty area to pitch your tent.  Without considering all of the important factors of setting up your campsite, you may find yourself in a dangerous environment or you could cause damage to the environment.  Exercising a little precaution when choosing and setting up camp will ensure a peaceful campsite that provides the right amount of shelter and convenience.

Evaluate Your Surroundings

Before deciding on the place to pitch your tent, take a careful evaluation of your surroundings. Look around the entire area where you are thinking of placing your tent, look above to be sure a gust of wind won’t bring any tree limbs down into your tent.  Consider where you would set up your cooking area and a safe place to organize your gear. 

Check for uneven ground, dirt hills, ant hills or wasp nests which could quickly ruin your camping trip. It is best to set up your tent on a vegetation-free, flat area of land that offers some shade and buffer from the wind.  Think about drainage in case it rains to avoid a soaked campsite. 

Keep Essential Supplies Close

Once you determine the best place to set up your tent for shelter, unpack your gear systematically and keep your essential items close by. It is a good idea to have a flashlight or headlamps in a pocket near your tent entrance for late night bathroom breaks.  If you are camping with children, giving each child a headlamp helps them to feel some level of control and gives them an important job to keep track of their light source.  You can even hand out color coded lamps so each person has their own and keeps it handy. 

Make sure you can quickly access your rain gear, insect repellant, dry clothes or insulative layers.  Make sure everyone knows where the first-aid kit is as well as food and water supplies.  You will want to keep your cooler a safe distance from the tent to drain water without soaking your camping area. 

Leave No Trace

Be mindful of vegetation and follow the guidelines of Leave No Trace to reduce any impact to the environment.  Be respectful of others when camping in public areas and allow enough distance from other campsites and trails. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high-quality camping and hiking gear to make your camping trip a total success.  Packing a quality roto-molded cooler will help to keep your ice for up to 10 days, greatly reducing your need to trek back and forth for supplies of ice.  Check out our quality trekking poles, with something for the whole family.  We’ll show you how to select the right hiking trekking pole for you and offer tips to use your trekking poles correctly for the most benefit.  Top it off with comfortable camping chairs and you are set to enjoy a camping trip to remember. 

Cascade Mountain Tech provides quality hiking and camping gear that is built to last.  We offer a wide selection of quality trekking poles, camping chairs, super coolers, camp bedding and more. Contact us with any questions on setting up your camp and for quality gear that will be a part of your camping memories for decades to come.

How to Maintain Your Hiking Fitness Over the Winter

 When winter sets in and the days get shorter, the nights get longer and mountain caps in the Pacific Northwest are covered in snow, many of us choose to hibernate a bit.  Winter is a good time for snuggling up by a fire, enjoying a good movie and some holiday meals.  A little rest and relaxation is good for everyone, although taking too much time away from hiking can make for a rough transition in the spring. 

The best that you can do to maintain the stamina you have built up over the past year is to stay active. With a little effort and self-care, you can be ready to hit your highest summit when the weather breaks and explore more destinations. Here are some training tips to help you stay fit over the winter for a pain-free return to the trails. 

Stay Active to Maintain Hiking Strength

Just because you may not be able to get outdoors as frequently in the winter does not mean that you cannot find creative ways to stay active and maintain your strength.  One of the best ways to maintain your hiking strength is to, well, hike.  If you have not hiked in the winter, you might see if you can get a friend to go with you and follow these tips for Cold Weather Hiking from the American Hiking Society.  

Snowshoeing is a lot of fun but may not be for everyone. If you would prefer to hike on dry land there are many options for winter hiking in the Northwest without snow. You can find some snow-free trails in the Puget Sound lowlands most of the year except during extreme storms. Many other options exist to keep hiking down the coast and there is nothing wrong with heading south to keep exploring. 

Hit the Gym if You Can’t Hit the Trails

When you absolutely cannot get outdoors to hit the trails, make time to hit the gym, even if it’s in your living room.  Without keeping up with regular hikes, your muscle mass and stamina can decline quicker than you may realize.  Stay in shape with regular cardiovascular exercise, lift weights to maintain muscle strength, and stretch to maintain flexibility.  It might be easier to maintain a schedule with some classes at a gym combined with some home workout videos.  

Take the Stairs

Go beyond just taking the stairs when you have an option and seek out buildings with stairways that you can trek regularly.  This is not only great cardio but will keep your quads in shape with the next best thing to hiking up a mountain trail. 

Stay active during the winter months and you will thank yourself from the mountaintop come warmer weather.  Before you know it, you’ll be grabbing your trekking poles and hiking your favorite trails on warm, sunny days.  Get ready with high-quality hiking and camping gear from Cascade Mountain Tech.  

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of trekking poles with ultralight and 3k carbon fiber, camping chairs, camp bedding and more.  Our experienced team is ready to help you choose the right trekking poles for you with pro tips to get the most benefit.  Contact us for more tips on maintaining your hiking strength and to be ready to hit the trails with quality hiking gear.

Turn Your Trekking Poles into Snowshoe Poles

 Hiking in the winter can be exhilarating and give you a whole new view of your favorite trails. Hiking in the snow is quite different, however, then hiking on dry land conditions. Hiking sticks provide critical support like adding stability and preventing a slip or fall. Using trekking poles with snowshoe baskets in the winter gives you the same benefit and helps you glide across snowy terrain a little easier.

Benefits of Snow Baskets on Trekking Poles

Snow baskets are a must have any time you are hiking on snowy terrain. These large powder baskets keep you afloat just like snowshoes keep the deep winter snow from swallowing you up. If you do take a spill in the snow, your pole can help you right yourself quickly. Using a set of trekking poles with interchangeable accessories like snow baskets, mud baskets, boots and tips allows you to adapt your hiking poles to any environment. 

You gain the most benefit from a good set of trekking poles that come with interchangeable accessories.  You may see some snowshoe poles that come with snow baskets although they may be designed with just two collapsible sections. A three-section collapsible pole is less cumbersome to pack and carry when not in use.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles Come with Snow Baskets

Cascade Mountain Tech offers one of the widest selections of high-quality trekking poles that come with interchangeable baskets for use in a variety of terrains and weather conditions. Our 3K carbon fiber trekking pole features a quick locking mechanism for easy height adjustment, is durable and super lightweight. Replacement pole sections and parts are available to save you money and all trekking poles come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

Cascade Mountain Tech helps you to enjoy the outdoors all year round, safely and with comfortable, high-quality gear.  We offer a wide selection of durable camping and hiking gear including lightweight, foldable camping chairs, camp bedding, coolers, accessories and more. Contact us to learn more about staying safe when hiking in the winter with quality hiking gear such as trekking poles with snow baskets.

5 Important Tips for Hiking in the Winter

 Hiking in the winter can be fun, although hikers should venture out into a winter wonderland with both the beauty of snow-covered trees and the challenges of cold-weather hiking in mind. There does not have to be deep snow on the ground in the middle of winter for cold weather to be a real threat and danger to hikers. To have a more pleasant cold-weather hike, follow these most important tips for maximum enjoyment and safety. 

1) Wear and Pack Proper Cold-Weather Clothing and Gear

You should always dress in multiple layers when hiking in the winter, with your base layer being a wicking fabric that will pull sweat away from the skin and help to keep you dry. You will still sweat when hiking in the winter and moisture that cannot escape can freeze and cause hypothermia. Heat management is important because you want to stay dry and not sweat as wet clothes will make you feel cold. 

Follow the 3-layer principle of having at least 3 layers with your base layer in a wicking fabric, avoid cotton clothing as it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet and it can leave you feeling cold, wet and miserable. This first layer transports moisture away from your skin and helps to regulate your body temperature to keep your base layer dry. 

The mid-layer should have insulating properties like fleece or a down jacket.  Make sure the top-layer provides protection against wind and rain like a light windbreaker or a water-resistant outer shell.  Always pack some emergency jackets and layers in case some layers get wet. 

Always wear a hat when outdoors in the winter, as you lose a lot of precious body heat when you do not keep your head covered.  While it is important to keep your head warm, it is critical to protect your feet when hiking in the snow.  Make sure that your hiking boots have sufficient insulation and are rated for -40°F.  Some good wool socks should help to keep your feet dry and be sure to pack an extra pair. Cover your mouth, nose and ears and use hand warmers and toe warmers to keep your digits toasty especially if you frequently have cold hands and feet. 

2) Keep Your Water Warm

You can boil your water in the morning, put it in a water bottle with a Koozie or foam sleeve wrapped around it to take with you on your hike.  Keeping your sealed water bottle inside your jacket should keep it from freezing.

3) Break Trail with Caution 

When you are the first person on the trail after a snowfall, creating a path through the snow is called breaking trail. You should have an idea of how much snow is on the trail before you set out to hike and keep in mind that forging through deep snow can slow you down.  Make sure you have the proper footwear accessories like snowshoes and trekking poles with snow baskets. 

4) Protection – Eyes and Skin

Just because it is not summertime, don’t think the sun’s rays cannot be harmful. Do not forget to pack the sunscreen as the sun’s glare reflects off of the shiny white snow. You should also protect your eyes from the sun and the wind, with a good pair of sunglasses or goggles. 

5) Prepare for Shorter Days and Colder Nights

Keep in mind that the days are shorter and night fall will be upon you much quicker than in the summer months. Always be aware of the usable daylight hours and carry a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. If camping overnight in the winter, warm camp bedding is critical. Always use a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag and go with a mummy sleeping bag rated for 10° colder than what you expect needing. 

Be sure to pack according to your trip specifics and how long you will be gone. Follow these tips for a safer hike in winter months, always pack your essential emergency kits and be sure to let someone know where you are hiking and when you plan to return.

Cascade Mountain Tech for All Your Camping Gear 

Cascade Mountain Tech cares about your safety when hiking anytime of the year.  We offer camp bedding including mummy sleeping bags, sleeping pads and the Adventure Blanket.  We carry foldable, packable lightweight camping chairs made with quality materials for durability and a wide selection of hiking trekking poles and accessories. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high-quality hiking and camping gear built to last in any season. We believe in helping everyone to achieve outdoor adventure. Contact us with any questions about your hiking gear for more information on how to stay safe when hiking in the winter.

How to Find the Best Camping Chair for Your Trip

 It is not too late to get another camping trip in, as long as you pack enough gear to keep you warm on a chilly night like a quality mummy sleeping bag and plenty of warm clothes. If the overnight temperature is a little too chilly for you, maybe you just want to take a day trip hiking part of your favorite trail. Whether you are planning for a short day trip outing or an overnight adventure, you are going to need a place to sit down and relax and take a load off. Also, try our adventure pack blanket for extra warmth.

One thing you do not want to forget are comfortable camping chairs so you can stop to take in a beautiful view, give your muscles a rest or relax around a nice, warm fire.  When planning for your next camping or hiking trip, remember to pack some lightweight, comfortable camping chairs to enjoy your outing to the fullest. 

Choosing the Camping Chairs Fit for Your Outing

With so many choices of portable camping chairs, you can choose the chairs with the right style and features to suit your outing.  If you are hiking the trails and weight is an issue, pack light with lightweight, foldable, backpacking camping chairs.  If you are going to be camping on the beach or somewhere in the sand, you want to get a camping chair with sand feet so you do not keep sinking into the sand.  

Cascade Mountain Tech offers some great quality, lightweight camp chairs perfect for backpacking or camping in any environment.  Known for high quality products, Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of lightweight camping chairs with many styles and features to choose from. 

Lightweight Backpacking Camp Chair - for the weight conscience backpacker, this collapsible chair weighs under 2.5 lbs., holds up to 250 lbs., and fits into a convenient carry case. 

Ultralight Packable High-Back Camp Chair – the perfect chair for many occasions, the high-back camp chair is comfortable, lightweight, and easily collapses to fit in a convenient carry case.  This chair weighs only 3 lbs., 4 oz. and holds up to 250 lbs. 

Low Profile Camp Chair – a low-profile chair is great for outdoor concerts, the beach or camping trips. With the carrying weight of 7 pounds, this is a nice chair to take from your car to your destination but isn’t something you want to go backpacking with. 

Ultralight Packable High-Back Camp Chair with Sand Feet – this lightweight and durable camp chair is perfect for the beach, outdoor concerts, camping trips and more. Weighing only 3 lbs. 4 oz., this comfortable, high-back chair is built with durable aluminum holding up to 250 pounds.

You can have confidence in the name Cascade Mountain Tech and the one-year manufacturer’s warranty that comes with every camp chair. Whether you need low-profile, high-back, or super lightweight, we’ve got the camping chairs for any outdoor adventure.  Check out all our products for quality camp bedding including mummy sleeping bags, a wide selection of hiking trekking poles, super coolers and more.

Cascade Mountain Tech has high quality, comfortable camping chairs, trekking poles and durable gear for any hiking or camping adventure.  Our quality gear is perfect for the experienced outdoor enthusiast or the beginning hiker. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about our lightweight, packable camping chairs.

How to Get the Most Benefit from Your Trekking Poles

 If you are somewhat new to hiking you may be wondering if it would benefit you to use a hiking stick or a pair of trekking poles. Even experienced hikers accustomed to hiking without trekking poles will be convinced of the benefits when they are used correctly. Unfortunately, many hikers on the trails may not be fully utilizing the features of their trekking poles to realize the maximum benefit provided. 

When used correctly, trekking poles significantly alleviate the strain to your legs and back, shifting weight load from your legs to your upper body. This takes a lot of strain off your knees and ankles and is especially beneficial when trekking downhill. The most obvious benefit of using trekking poles is the increased support and balance when crossing rugged terrain, streams and rivers or when carrying a heavy backpack.  

By using your arms during your hike you will burn more calories, use your core muscles and improve your workout. In order to realize all these benefits, trekking poles must be used correctly.

How to Use Trekking Poles Correctly

Using trekking poles properly will offer the right amount of support to you and alleviate unnecessary stress to your body. Using your trekking poles properly will alleviate strain on your body and should give you added endurance, allowing you to hike further than without the support of your poles. 

Here are a few tips to get the most benefit from your trekking poles:

1)  Properly adjust the pole to your height - a proper height adjustment is with the tip on the ground and your elbows at your side with your arms bent at a 90° angle. You will want to shorten the pole length to give more leverage when hiking uphill and lengthen your poles to support a downhill descent somewhere between 5 to 10 cm or whatever feels best and most comfortable for your needs. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of hiking trekking poles with quick lock or twist lock to easily adjust your pole height.  We recommend using the markers on your pole to help recall the most comfortable height position. 

2) Correctly use the wrist straps - to properly use your wrist straps, insert your hand through the wrist strap so that the bottom of the strap is loosely and comfortably hugging the bottom of your wrist.  Incorrectly using the wrist straps is a common problem even for some experienced hikers. When used correctly, your wrist strap should provide support without needing a firm grip on the handle. 

3) Learn to swing your poles with a rhythm - swinging your arms naturally as you do when you walk is the best way to get in a natural swing cadence. Most people walk asymmetrically, the left arm comes forward when stepping with the right foot and vice versa. You’ll find that once you get into the rhythm you can use your trekking poles to actually propel you forward.

You might be surprised how much more ground you can cover when correctly using your hiking trekking poles. You may save enough time to take more breaks and enjoy the view.  Packing a foldable, lightweight camping chair will add to a comfortable hike and alleviate stress on your joints when you find a spot to rest. 

Cascade Mountain Tech offers high quality camping gear that will last, with a wide selection of hiking trekking poles in aluminum and carbon fiber, including ultralight carbon fiber and 3K carbon fiber for added durability.  Our lightweight camping chairs are durable with a sturdy base and come with a full one-year warranty. Contact us with any questions on getting the most from your trekking poles and for all of your hiking and camping needs.

How Do Trekking Poles Protect My Knees and Joints?

 Hiking is a popular recreational activity for both beginning and experienced hikers and provides many known health benefits. Hiking downhill, however, has been shown to increase the risk of injury and musculoskeletal pain.  Trekking poles are known to provide stability and balance when hiking on uneven terrain or especially when crossing streams and rivers.  

In addition to increased stability and balance, using trekking poles redistributes some of your weight load from your legs to your upper body which is extremely beneficial when walking downhill.  By transferring some weight off of your legs to your arms, shoulders and back, you significantly reduce lower body fatigue and the stress placed on your lower extremities. 

Trekking Poles Reduce Loading on the Joints

Several studies have been conducted to measure the effects of hiking with trekking poles such as the study documented by the National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Effects of Hiking Downhill Using Trekking Poles While Carrying External Loads. This study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of using trekking poles when hiking downhill, both with and without carrying an external load.

The study featured experienced fifteen male hikers and measured the net joint forces at the knee and ankle, without a backpack, with a day pack weighing 15% of body weight and with a large pack weighing 30% of body weight.  Results of the study showed that using trekking poles significantly reduced peak power absorption at the knee and ankle. The larger pack weight resulted in larger power generation at the hip. 

All conditions were tested with hikers aiming for a 90° bend at the elbow with pole length adjusted for the downhill slope.  The results of this study are consistent with others that show a reduced load to the lower body could decrease muscle injury and soreness. Trekking poles are especially helpful if you have several days of back-to-back hikes planned.

Cascade Mountain Tech Has the Trekking Pole for You

Cascade Mountain Tech offers a wide selection of trekking poles, manufactured with quality materials and subjected to rigorous quality audits and testing. We have the perfect set of trekking poles whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker. You can choose from aluminum, or carbon fiber trekking poles including ultralight and 3K carbon fiber.  

We offer many trekking pole accessories such as replacement pole sections which are great when you only need to replace one section and do not have to purchase a new pole. Our tip accessories include rubber tips, boot tips, sand, mud and snow baskets. Padded adjustable wrist straps and cork or EVA grips provide added comfort and help you walk with a natural rhythm.

Cascade Mountain Tech is an industry leader offering high-quality camping and hiking gear including trekking poles, camping chairs, camp bedding, durable rotomolded coolers and more. We believe that outdoor adventure should be achievable to everyone. Contact us with any questions on choosing the right trekking pole for you and how to best use your trekking poles to alleviate joint stress and pain.

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.