READERS COMMENTS

My car looks like that on most days of the week, even when Im not camping :( It should be noted, however, that due to enviromental events beyond my control that have resulted being stranded due to road closures... all passengers were fed and kept warm thanks to the surplus of outdoor gear stowed in my trunk!
Posted: Jul 06, 2011 Amber

Laser, in Alaska campgrounds are usually in the middle of nowhere.....litterally. I have camped in some very remote sites that there might be one or two other campers in the campground and thats it. I really suggest you go visit sometime and stay away from the tourist traps. Fly up, rent a car, and do some camping/backpacking and you might realize what I am talking about
Posted: Jan 11, 2011 Orion

Jesus Rock! That's what I'm talkin about! Nothin like enjoying the great outdoors in which He created and listening to some rockin praises, woop woop!
Posted: Sep 14, 2010 Anonymous

For those commenting on carcamping and picnic benches, Howe does say that it is "a little demonstration." It's not like he is going to bring full camera gear into the wild and film survival for 7 days, or anything. Regardless of picnic benches, I am sure that this is further than most get out.
Posted: Mar 28, 2010 Anonymous

Aha! So it is not just me. I thought all you people camped like the pics in Backpacker. Give us the full version of that video, it was great!
Posted: Mar 28, 2010 Charles

ditto on the 30 years of experience....my truck looks the same. The best and REAL stuff I have seen from you guys since you started this magazine. Keep it real.
Posted: Mar 23, 2010 joeall14ers

Great piece! Laughed out loud at the ugly truth. There is, however, merit in keeping order in the midst of chaos. Years of military experience "camping" in some really ugly conditions have taught me that if your gear is adrift, you are not fully in control. Separates us from the animals, as well as a good discipline.
Posted: Mar 21, 2010 Ted

Loved the video keeping it real with the junk food & equip. scatterd all over the place now just imagine adding kids to the mix???? The children well embrace the chaos well enjoy and never forget.
Posted: Mar 19, 2010 Goldman

"Jesus rock is the only thing on the radio?"

In that part of the state, there's no other radio to be had because the towns are small and remote. Delta Junction and McCarthy just happen to be two outposts of religious freakiness. It's not like that everywhere. You're right that Alaskan mentality can be really stupid though.
Posted: Mar 18, 2010 Alaskan

Middle of Nowhere??

How come I can see multiple Picnic tables
tables in the background??? LOL!

Laser


Posted: Mar 12, 2010 Laser

Love the video! The real, behind the scenes, of camp life. Have you ever camped with Boy Scouts? The car scene rivals the boys' tents :)
Posted: Mar 12, 2010 Brian C

Personal experience: Bears aren't the only critters to worry about in the North Woods, or Alaska. Anywhere people camp there are mice and chipmunks that will destroy your packs and eat your food. That can bring a hiking trip to an early close if you're food is gone. And then there are porcupines...
The only time I backpacked around bears was in the Cranberry Backcountry in WV. The bears stayed away from us, but had damaged all the trail signs. We had maps and compasses, so no worries.
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Pat

I hereby name you an honorary member of Troop 11!
It looks like you have capture the essence of our campouts!!
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Mr. O

Slobs!
Organization is the key to success
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 No-kiddin

Embrace the Chaos. That should be the name of all my campouts....along with the 25 Boy Scouts that I take on camping trips. No matter how much planning we do or skills training I teach it always winds up being like your vehicle. It takes me two days to clean up whenever e return from our outdoor adventures! lol!
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Dave W

Sweet! Been their done that (a lot of times) and will be doing it again. The truth will set us free :)
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Dan Ralston

Thanks for a glimpse into "reality" camping, especially car chaos. I suggest a series of camping clips with a "keeping it real" emphasis. After 45 years of camping, I can relate!
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Rich McRae

Steve-

Thanks for a little truth! As a Southbound Thru-Hiker, I've scoffed at a number of "perfect" campsites seen photographed in Backpacker. Excellent magazine, but sometimes you can't taste the grit through all the gloss. Embracing the chaos is a necessary step in learning to love outdoor activity! Thanks again for the great vid.

Bill
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Bill

Ok! Honestly, I think this is one of the most basic and honest videos I've seen. Sure, the vehcle is a mess, gear everywhere,& an open bag of chips (I loved that shot). The goal of backpacking is to go minimal, pare down, shed the extras -- but getting to that point makes me look like I'm having a yard sale. But that is the process of learning what to take & what not to take. Every backpacker, or those married to a backpacker, should see this. Happy trails!
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Steve Cash

That was just plain stupid.
Posted: Mar 11, 2010 Tim

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