Desert Camping

[Big Geordie]

I'm currently in Nevada about to do conservation work around the desert for the next three months. We have 8 days on & 4 off. Any advice? I shall be escaping to the cool mountains whenever I have a break. Of course I have the patented Kelly sleep system with me for the trees.

Anyone around here? Also what would be good kit to buy here to bring home? I know MSR filters are good, what else?

George.

 

[torc]

If you are in northern Nevada, the Lake Tahoe area is great. I travel to Reno most years and is about 90 mins from South Lake Tahoe which is the biggest town on the lake. Winter and summer outdoor activities (and a little gambling) are the mainstay of buisness around here. The mountains around here really are quite spectacular and well used during the summer months but keep a weather eye out for bears if camping.
Down on the desert I guess you will have to watch out for scorpions and snakes and it can get cold in the small hours of the morning. September before last it snowed around Reno. Dehydration also needs no mention.
If you are looking to buy outdoor kit most large towns in the state have good gear shops and end of season bargains can be good.
Happy trails.....Torc.
p.s. if you are still there by early September you should consider attending the Burning Man festival in the Blackrock desert (remember Thrust 2) up by Gerlach.

 

[peds8045]

Regarding the evasion of bears....whilst hiking in the Rockies we were instructed to wear something that makes a constant ' chink chink' noise, in our case dog tags, but you can buy small bells (the truth honest) so that any bear can hear you coming and will move away. Generally it's when bears are startled that they will attack, so let them know you're in the area and they will leave you alone.

Also, when in camp area, any food you have and i mean 'anything', must be bagged up and stored well away from the campsite, preferably hanging in a tree. Again, bears are only after food and if they need to rip open a rucksac for a bar of chocalte they will, if said rucksac is in your tent with you then they will still do whatever it takes to get at the food.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[Big Geordie]

Thanks Guys.

I shall be taking your advice. Mountain lion spotted last week where I will be next.
Lake Tahoe trip to come on my next day off.
Picked up a Leatherman Core today for $50 at Wallmart ( God bless Asda!)
Any idea how much they are at home?

George

 

[torc]

Reno stores of interest,


Gart Sports
4813 Kietzke LN, Reno, 89509
www.gartsports.com

Twin City Surplus
www.twincitysurplus.com

www.cabelas.com


Cabelas are a chain of huge outdoor pursuits stores in the states and
are due to open in Reno in the near future.
Gart Sports is probably Reno's biggest outdoor store and
Twin City Surplus is a pretty interesting operation on the Sparks road.

Happy trails.....Torc.