As temperatures rise, so will public land visitation. This means bigger crowds and bigger impacts on trails and campsites. Now more than ever, it is important to proactively work to leaving public land better than you found it. There are many ways to minimize your impact.
#LeaveItBetter: Help Keep Trails Trash-Free
Probably everyone has encountered trash on the trail, at a campsite from the previous users or on a lakeshore. Not only does trash ruin a beautiful scene, it also had negative impacts on the flora and fauna that live in these places. By committing to leaving it better and doing your part, you can protect these places you love. An easy way to start is to always keep trash bags and gloves at your campsite, in your pack or in your vehicle and simply clean up as you go.
Be Wildfire Aware:
In many regions of the country, wildfire season comes earlier and earlier each year. It is estimated that around 90% of wildfires are human caused. There are several ways to minimize fire risk when getting outside.
When camping, it’s important that you make sure your campfire is completely out every time you leave the site. By using the drown, stir, feel method you can assure that the fire is not a threat to the area when you leave. Simply drown the fire out with water, stir the dirt and water and use the back of your hand to feel if the area is still hot. If so, repeat these steps until cool.
Another way to prevent active wildfires from spreading if by leaving drones grounded. Drones can hinder aerial firefighting efforts causing fire to spread and putting pilots at risk. Remember, if you fly, they can’t.
One final way to prevent wildfires is by making sure there are no dragging chains on your vehicle. If chains hit the pavement, this can cause a spark and any dry brush nearby can catch fire. Make sure everything is tied down before hitting the road.
A mother and her son enjoy the warmth of a campfire at an overlanding campsite near Moab, Utah.
Don’t Spread Invasive Species:
Whether on land or water, invasive species can have a big impact. When off-roading or mountain biking, try to handwash your vehicle before taking it to a new area. This helps stop the spread of invasive plant species to new areas. Mussels and other aquatic invasive species can hitch a ride in the livewell of a boat, so always make sure it’s drained before taking your boat into a new body of water.
Get involved:
Stewardship projects don’t have to be big to-dos. Sometimes it’s as simple as finding a problem and taking time to fix it. If you know of an area that has been trashed, gather a small group of friends or volunteers to meet up and help clean up the area. If the problem is bigger and you need more hands-on deck, reach out to the local land management agency to see how you can help address the issue.
Plan Ahead:
Finally, you can help minimize your impact on public land by being prepared for anything. Pack extra trash and wag bags, bring supplies to clean your vehicle and plenty of water to drown out a campfire. Find more tips on how to visit respectfully by checking out Tread Lightly!’s responsible recreation tips.
The Kelty Trash Pak – Since the pandemic started last year, we’ve all seen increased participation in the outdoors and the extra burden this has placed on the all the areas we love to camp and recreate in. It’s never been more important to Tread Lightly and adopt the principles of Pack in and Pack out. That said, it’s great to see a traditional outdoor camping brand like Kelty, stepping into the Overlanding space, with a product that supports this concept.
Here at TAP, we received the Kelty Trash Pak several months ago and have been testing and using it on one of our rigs 24/7, to see how quickly the elements break it down. To date we’ve taken it on 3 trips, one in freezing temps in the High Sierra and also to dry desert environments in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. The bag has already taken a beating, but shows no signs of degradation of stitching or fabric. Of course it’s still early days.
Initial thoughts:
Fabric and construction: It’s made of 600D poly and vinyl for UV and water resistance. The fabric appears to be a good choice as it has been easy to wash off dirt and grime after a trip, without it becoming too engrained in the fabric. Overall, the bag has a high quality construction with taped internal seams for strength and longevity.
Attachment straps and buckles: I like that there are 6 attachment straps to support and keep the bag rigid on the tire. We set ours up months ago and even after heavy use, I have not had to adjust it. Regarding straps, I was doubtful they’d be long enough to fit over my 35″ spare and AEV Fuel Caddy. It was tight, but they did when fully extended. Although I’ve not had an issue, I would have liked to have seen the top straps made of wider fabric. Maybe it’s unnecessary, but it would seem like extra strength wouldn’t be a bad option, as they take most of the weight. The 4 side and bottom straps simply keep the bag from moving around. Buckles have always been a problem in every utility bag I’ve ever used. They eventually harden from the sun and crack. These look solid, but again time will tell.
Overall design: The Kelty Trash Pak is the right size and easily held everything I packed out after 6 days of trail time on each of my trip. It synchs down tight when empty, without flapping around at highway speed and expands to a large bag, when full. I like the added feature of internal loops to tie trash bags and I especially like the extra hardware provided to attach the bag to the back of van doors. Well done Kelty!
Things I’d change: Although a useful idea, I’m not keen on the zippered small outside pocket. My concern is that the amount of dirt this bag will endure, will ultimately render the zipper inoperable. The bag also has a foam padded back to protect the vehicle; I think this is unnecessary, as most of these bags will likely be used on a spare tire. Perhaps, offer two renditions, a padded one for vans and a less expensive unpadded version for spare tires use? Finally, as previously mentioned, I’d like to see beefed up load bearing top straps for added security.
To conclude this short review, I think Kelty have a winner on their hands here and I applaud this product introduction into the overlanding market. It’s obvious that they have researched the category and listened to people who actually use this type of product. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
We love it when brands like 10 Barrel Brewing make a stand and support protecting our land and the playground we all love. That being said, under no circumstances do we support DRINKING AND DRIVING and we simply encourage you to DRINK RESPONSIBLY around the campfire at the end of the day on National Trails Day – June 5th
Nature Calls, a ‘Mountain IPA’ that benefits the Conservation Alliance. It’s a merger of two prominent IPA styles: West Coast IPA and East Coast Hazy IPA, Nature Calls delivers a smooth profile that consists of mango, tangerine, and grapefruit. The brewers mixed the tropical fruitiness of their hazy with the piney juicy citrus of a traditional IPA, yielding 6.5% ABV and 55 IBUs.
Not to be out done by the ‘Mountain IPA’ 10 Barrel Brewing partneredHazy Trailwith the Outdoor Alliance and donates a portion of the proceeds from sales of this beer to protect the places we ski, hike, climb, paddle, and bike. The beer’s inspiration came from our brewer’s trip to the Northeast where they went on a deep dive into the haze craze. Hazy Trail was the result and is a beer with a soft malt backbone and tropical hop profile, this beer will satisfy your cravings on your next epic adventure! Hazy Trail IPA hits at 6.2% ABV with 50 IBUs.
Helinox Camp Furniture has the perfect mix of durability, comfort and packability. Their products are an ideal choice for overlanding and the outdoors. Each chair, table, cot and accessory made by the company is designed to last, with durable and ultralight DAC alloy, strong fabrics, and resin hubs that provide stability and easy packing.
Whenever space and weight are a factor, Helinox has you covered with a wide range of different options, from its ultralight range including the 1lb Chair Zero to the super comfortable Cot Max Convertible (which still weighs in at just 6lbs, 8oz).
Based in South Korea and known across the globe, Helinox created the category of portable, outdoor furniture, and since 2009 has been developing innovative, premium products to bring comfort along on any adventure.
TAP has been using the Helinox Sunset Chairand Table One Hard Top for almost a year. In our opinion there’s no perfect product, but these are inching close for us. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Pros:
Space is tight for us in our Jeep’s, so we’re constantly trying to refine our gear to be as space efficient as possible. This product range hits the mark. Our Jeep’s have the Goose Gear 60% seat delete and we can actually fit two Helinox chairs and the table, in the middle cubby locker, saving a ton of space. There’s no way we could come close to that with any of the other systems we’ve tried.
Lightweight and durable. They are definitely lightweight and sometimes that comes at the expense of durability. So far, this simply hasn’t been the case. We camp a lot and probably cram 2 years of average use into 1 year. To date, we’ve had zero issues and the chairs and table are still in great shape.
Sunset Chair: 320 lb capacity with packed weight 3lb 4 oz
Table One: 110 lb capacity with packed weight 3 lb 8 oz
Storage bags are the right size: This is a small thing but a pet peeve of mine with many products failing miserable here. The Helinox storage bags are actually the right size and the product is easy to get back in after use. It sounds a small thing, but when you’re out in the backcountry and it’s blowing 40 mph’s, this take on significance.
They look tech: Okay, this is perhaps subjective and not that important, but I love the Black/Blue combo.
The chairs are comfortable for extended periods around the fire. They support your back well.
Multiple sizes and designs within the collection.
Cons:
Since they are light weight they blow over easily. There is an inexpensive Chair Anchor to solve this. I’ve had to chase ours across the campsite when the winds started up and almost lost one over the cliff at Alstom Point. To be fair, it was blowing so hard, I thought the Jeep might blow off too.
The design doesn’t come standard with a place to hold your beer. There is however an inexpensive Cup Holder accessory to take care of this and of course a table.
The accessories are great and inexpensive, however when you’re already spending $150 per chair it starts to add up fast.
For further information on the full range of Camp Furniture by Helinox click HERE
As is the case for most overlanding enthusiasts, I have a “quiver” of sleeping bags to choose from, however lately this has been my “go-to” bag. Whether I am packing for a “Going High” trip to do some “Snoverlanding” or snow shoe camping, but also I take it with me when heading out to the desert (Fall/Winter/Spring).
This Sea to Summit bag has all the details (except for pair of pliers;) in one bag, that I have found separately in other bags, but never found all together in one unit.
My favorite feature is the “shoulder to waist” zipper on the opposite side of the main zipper. By unzipping this (and the main zipper half way), it gives complete freedom to move the top half of your body around for changing or cooling off, while keeping the lower half still “contained”. This makes it so much easier to cool off or actually sit up in your bag, without it clinging to the one side of your body and constantly getting in the way. That few extra ounces of zipper weight are easily excused for the added comfort.
My next favorite and “must have” detail in this Sea to Summit bag, is the foot zipper. This feature is commonly found in the higher end bags, but along with the ability to vent the top half of your body, makes this bag extremely versatile in the temperature ranges that it can be used in.
Another feature that I have found that I enjoy over my other 0 degree bags, is the slightly relaxed hood. My other mummy style sleeping bags often have a close fitting head to hood ratio. I suppose they may keep you slightly warmer in the freezing mid-winter cold, but ultimately can make for an uncomfortable nights sleep, while trying to deal with the “squeeze” between your pillow, head and hood.
Of course a “dry down” is another “must have” feature, whether your in the Arctic or the desert, where a leaky water bottle could really ruin your nights sleep! And who goes camping without their phone so having a little pocket to keep your phone in a “known” spot, keep the battery warm, is a nice little detail that I occasionally use in those chillier adventures.
To finish, yeah, I suppose there will someday be another bag in my future, but for the moment, the Sea to Summit Ascent 0 Degree is a “Must Have”!
Todd Rogers – Owner Four Points Adventures: Todd has 25+ years of backpacking and overlanding experience, including 10+ years volunteering with the Sheriffs Mountain Search and Rescue (a portion of which he was the Snow and Ice Sergeant), 2 years as a backpacking guide in Yosemite NP. In addition he has 8 years experience as an overlanding guide in the deserts and mountains of the American West from the cold of the High Sierra to heat of Death Valley NP.
TAP DISCLAIMER: TAP is provided products to review for free, however we are not paid for reviews and do not earn any financial remuneration for any sales generated. Todd Rogers is an occasional in-field contributor to the TAP platform.
Over the years somehow we seem to have missed overlanding the Parashant National Monument, so I was stoked to be asked to join a recent Four Wheel Campers Owners offroad Tour through this area. The tour was lead by our good friend Bob Wohlers, owner of Off-Road Safety Academy, who has years of experience in this region. We were in good hands. The plan was to head south and camp at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and then east to visit Nampaweap up in the Mount Trumbull Wilderness area.
DAY 1: Ride To The Rim
The day started at 7.30 am in the Denny’s parking lot in St George with a safety briefing, general instruction and introductions. The tour group included returning participants alongside adventurers new to the scene. Bob has about a 60% participant return rate, which is obviously pretty high and this speaks volumes about his excellent guiding.
After an hour or so, the wagons rolled and our convoy snaked it’s way out of St George and off the pavement onto BLM land that borders the Parashant National Monument. Fairly quickly we all come to a stop to air down ready for the 3 day adventure ahead. The style and temperament of any group is the purview of the Trail Leader and it soon becomes apparent that this was going to be relaxed with an emphasis on enjoying the scenery and the journey. Quite frankly, if you’re the type of overlander that wishes to put the pedal down, this type of Vehicle Supported Adventure Tour isn’t for you.
Although the off road terrain was a mild dirt road, unfortunately the level of dust kicked up by our multiple vehicles was “impressive”. As the Tail Gunner, I was glad my Jeep had an AEV snorkel with pre-filter to keep the engine breathing healthily.
Time passed quietly as we made our way along Mainstreet Valley and 49 miles later we reached our lunch time destination, The Mount Trumbull School house.
The school house was originally multi-functional and was built as a school, church, dance hall, and a town meeting place. People came from miles around to attend dances and listen to music played by local musicians. Looking around this iconic piece of American West history, I couldn’t help but think of the early overlanders and the tough lives they led. These settlers built the American West and it’s an impressive feat. Their lives were simple and hard. Ours are complicated and easy in comparison!
To this point, we’d been driving on BLM land and as we proceeded on from the school house, we finally crossed into the Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument. We had lost cell service many miles ago and as we gained elevation, a sense of remoteness prevailed. When traveling into these type of regions, it’s of course essential to be prepared. In simple terms this means, don’t travel alone, tell someone you trust, your itinerary before leaving, carry a satellite communication device and finally, enough water and food for many days.
After another 10 off-road miles, we passed by the famous Bar 10 Ranch. This is not only a working cattle ranch, but also a resort for the discerning adventurer. They have a full service bar and restaurant, coupled with chuck wagon style accommodations. Most impressive is that they offer rafting tours along the Colorado River, where they’ll pick you up off the river via helicopter and return you to the ranch for your final night. The next day they’ll also fly you back to Vegas! I can see this in my future.
Our ultimate destination for the day and this overland trip, was Whitmore Canyon Overlook where we planned to camp for two nights. The trail down to the canyon rim and camp area is reasonably steep (use 4 low to save your brakes) and the views of the Colorado River 1000 feet below are impressive.
After a fairly long day in the saddle, setting up camp was fast and most people (myself included) hit the hay early. I had, however, done my research and the moon was setting at 1:30 a.m with the Galactic Core beautifully positioned above the canyon. My alarm rang out at 2:00 a.m and the astro photography games commenced.
DAY 2: Hanging around camp
Day two consisted of hanging out at camp, catching some zz’s and for many of my fellow adventurers, a fairly moderate hike down to soak in the refreshingly cold river. I personally caught up on sleep, watched the Bar Ten helicopters and the rafts drifting along far below.
The weather had changed and the day time temps had risen into the late 90’s and the winds were blowing fairly significantly. This continued for the rest of the trip. To be honest, this is very typical for the Parashant National Monument region and time of year. The second night, it became so windy that astro photography was impossible. I was pleased that I had taken the opportunity to shoot the first night.
That evening we gathered as a group to listen to a talk from Bob on all the various communication device options and their use in the backcountry. Good stuff!
Day 3: Up Into Elevation
Our third and final day of the tour, the plan was to leave the North Rim and head east to Nampaweap. The desert winds were still blowing as we retraced our path to the school house before turning east and heading up the Mount Trumbull Trail. It was good to get some relief from the heat as we climbed to our destination at 6200 feet.
Again, the trail was dry, dusty and easy going. However Bob let’s us know, these trails can become treacherous in wet conditions. Once wet, the trail can quickly turn to vehicle sucking mud, so watch the forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
It’s not a real adventure until something goes wrong! Unfortunately, as we wound our way up the trail, we encounter a couple of problems. Over comms I heard our Tacoma friends in the convoy telling Bob that their check engine light has just come on. The group pulled over and we tested out the code. It appeared to be nothing too drastic, but out of a sense of safety, the owners decided to head back to St George to get their vehicle checked. Bob monitored their progress through his communication system and I volunteer to head back to them if it proved necessary. Thankfully it didn’t.
Back on the trail, next up was the very narrow uphill section of Hurricane Cliffs. It was not a section of the trail you’d want to encounter a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, as the drop-off will ruin your day! You guessed it. Although technically the full size Ram descending had right of way, it was simply not possible for our convoy to back up. Forty minutes later, we cleared the situation and continued on our way.
The terrain has changed with Ponderosa Pines in abundance and eventually we reached our destination, Nampaweap. The area is known for a large collection of Petroglyths etched into the black basalt rock. The trailhead is easy to find and the trail itself is a mild 1.5 mile round trip with only a 200 foot elevation change.
After the hike and lunch, it was finally time for me to leave the group and make my way back to Southern California. It had been a fun, rewarding and relaxing trip and the enthusiastic company was great. If you’re a Four Wheel Camper owner, I highly recommend this adventure and Bob Wohlers leads a stellar tour. The rigs on the trip were capable and quite honestly I was envious of the comfort and convenience they provided their owners.
With regard to the Parashant National Monument, it’s a beautiful and remote wilderness region with a dark sky status, that’s perfect for dispersed camping and astro photography. I’ll be back for sure in 2022.
