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Modern Day Conveniences Make Camping More Enjoyable
(ARA) - Camping is one of those time-honored traditions that,
like a lot of things, has matured with age. Not so long ago,
serious campers would secure their bulkier supplies -- like the
tent, portable stove and sleeping bags -- to their horse's
saddle, then put the rest in backpacks they struggled to carry
into the wilderness.
When they reached their destination, they had to deal with
tired, aching muscles, sore backs and fatigue even though the
horse was supposed to be doing most of the work. Not exactly
modern day man's idea of fun; but these days, camping is more
popular than ever. What has changed? The way people get in and
out of the woods.
Rather than attempting to hike into camp carrying more than they
can handle, some of today's smart campers are loading their
supplies onto all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) they either own or
rent and driving them there. ATVs have added a new element to
the camping industry. They allow people to spend more time
enjoying the experience and less on worrying about how they're
going to reach their destination.
With the aid of an ATV, you can easily carry everything you need
into the woods without straining your back. Some people use
bungee cords and rope to secure items to their vehicles, and
that works to a point, but Arctic Cat (a Minnesota-based company
that manufactures ATVs and snowmobiles) has come up with an
easier method of transporting your gear safely.
Arctic Cat's SpeedRack system, which is standard equipment on
most Arctic Cat models, is capable of carrying a wide assortment
of attachments that slide into the front or rear rack for a
precision fit similar to that of a receiver hitch system on an
automobile. Add a pin for security and away you go with no
rattles, shimmy or shakes. You can use the rack and its
attachments to tote tents, sleeping bags, portable stoves,
coolers, shovels, guns, and even canoes. Some people even add
cargo boxes and fender bags to hold food, water and clothing
they're bringing into the woods.
Once you reach your destination, all the supplies are easily
unloaded and set up at the campsite. You could even use some of
Arctic Cat's SpeedRack attachments to transform your ATV into a
portable cooking station with fold-out work tables and portable
Coleman stove attachments. Campers are bringing more than you
may think on these modern day camping trips: Here's a checklist
put together by the National Parks Service.
* Shelter -- tent with a waterproof floor, rain-fly and bug
netting, stakes and cord to secure it to the ground, axe or
hammer, mat for tent entrance.
* Bedding -- sleeping bag, sheets/blanket, pillow.
* Cooking -- large water jug , coolers, ice, thermos, gas or
propane stove and fuel, matches/lighter, pots and frying pans
with lids, plates, eating utensils, cooking oil, measuring cups,
aluminum foil, paper towels, dish soap, containers and Ziploc
bags for food storage, potholders/over mitts, canned food, can
opener, seasoning, condiments.
* Clothes -- shoes, boots, pants, shorts, t-shirts, socks, hat,
bandana, sweatshirt, underwear, sleep clothes, rain gear, swim
suit/towel, laundry bag.
* Personal items -- Shower shoes/flip flops, towel/washcloth,
soap in plastic case, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste,
deodorant, comb, razor, feminine products, toilet paper,
medications.
* Miscellaneous -- sunscreen, bug repellant, lantern with fuel,
flashlight, extra batteries, compass, whistle, water
purification system, candles, maps, pocket knife, binoculars,
bungee cords/straps, reading material, cell phone/charger, small
shovel, travel alarm clock,
scissors, etc.
Packing all these things will help ensure a great trip; loading
them onto an ATV instead of carrying them on your back will give
you the energy to concentrate on having fun rather than soothing
your aching muscles. Please check local laws and riding
regulations when operating an ATV in certain areas for remote
camping use.
For more information about Arctic Cat ATV's and accessories, log
on to
www.arcticcat.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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