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Tips for Camping with Pets

We’re taking the time to write a quick post about camping with pets. Some of these tips are general for all kinds of pets, but others are specific to dogs. If you’re considering taking your pet camping with you, you’ll need to weigh the costs and benefits of doing so before you leave. It might seem like a fun idea at first, but there’s a lot to think about when introducing a domesticated animal into a wild setting.

Before you leave
Bringing along a pet to the campsite should involve more than just throwing some pet food and a leash into the backseat. Many state and national parks have strict rules that prohibit pets in certain areas of the park. For example, Glacier National Park allows pets to be in the drive-in campgrounds, along park roads and in the picnic areas, but they are not permitted on any trails. Before you leave, check the campground’s website to see if your pet will be permitted in the park and where you’re allowed to take it.


Your pet can benefit from your safety planning just as much as you will, so take a few minutes and think of what they may need. If you’ll be camping for an extended period of time, look online for a veterinarian close to the campground and add their number to your cell phone. Make sure your pet is up to date on all shots, particularly rabies, and bring along any necessary documentation in case a trip to the vet is needed. If you don’t already have it, an ID tag with your name and phone number is also a good idea.

While there
Your idea of a good time with your pet may not necessarily be the same as the campers around you. If your dog is an excessive barker, easily excitable, or has any other traits that may not go over so well in an outdoor setting, you may want to leave them at home. There will most likely be other campers around you and you can’t assume they’re all animal lovers.

Many parks and private campgrounds have rules about pets being on leash at all times and require them to be in a pen when they aren’t. The possibility of your dog roaming free and guiding you along the trail most likely isn’t going to happen. If you’re planning on leaving you pet back at the site while you’re on the trails, keep in mind most sites do not allow pets to be unattended.


If you do bring your pet with you, do some research about the local wildlife and how they interact with your type of pet. For instance, barking dogs may aggravate wild animals and your pet’s food will most likely attract them as well, so you need to be aware of how your pet fits into the local nature setting. Pet food should be stored just as securely as your food is; food left sitting out will attract animals. Aside from their interaction with wild animals, make sure to treat your pet for ticks and fleas before your leave and check them during and after the trip.

If you’re unsure how your pet will react at a campsite, take them to local picnic area, park or public setting and see how they interact. You may get a good feel for how they might act at the campground. First and foremost, think of your safety and the safety of others around you before you bring your pet.

Tips For Camping In The Heat

With the start of summer, backpacking and tent camping are already in full swing. Depending on where you live, the temperatures may already be at levels that require lots of hydration and rest, during moderate activity like hiking trips or even during low activity like hanging around the campsite. In order to stay cool while you’re having fun this summer, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind.

Hydrate Frequently
Yeah, maybe we sound a little like your mom, but remembering to drink plenty of water cannot be overstated. You’re going to lose valuable fluids, so keep that reusable water bottle with you and use it frequently. Sports drinks with electrolytes are also good to help your body process the water effectively. A quick check of the color of your urine will show you how well you’re keeping up. Make sure it’s clear or only slightly colored and avoid caffeinated drinks.


Let Your Clothes Breathe
Wear clothes that are light and airy, and keep the colors on the lighter side. Find blends that not only let air through them, but will also dry quickly. In humid parts of the country, your clothes will take longer to dry out (if at all) so wear clothing that’s made for active use.

Fight the Sun

Bring along a hat to protect your head and face from the sun. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, mixed with lack of water, can bring on heatstroke. Apply sunscreen regularly. SPFs of 15 or higher are usually recommended, and sun block that protects against both UVA and UVB is best. Some obvious tips: stay in the shade when possible and do your most strenuous activity during the cooler parts of the day, the morning and late evening. Keep in mind that this may also be active times for dangerous wildlife.

Eat It

Eating isn’t the most enjoyable experience when you’re hot and tired, but your body should still have some nourishment. Nuts are always a good choice if you’re not allergic. They provide quick sustenance and are easy to pack away. The sun will sap a lot of your strength, so keep some food on hand to battle the fatigue.


Be Aware of the Warning Signs

Here are some warning signs of heatstroke from the Mayo Clinic:

• Rapid heartbeat or rapid and shallow breathing
• Cessation of sweating
• Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Headache or nausea
• Fainting

If you or someone you know encounters some of these symptoms, get into the shade, hydrate with a non-caffeinated drink, cool the person with damp cloths and seek medical help if needed.


Camping in the sun can be enjoyable, but be smart about staying hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade. Don’t overexert yourself and make sure everyone in your group is properly taken care of. Have fun out there!

Using a GPS on the Trails

GPS has become a friend to the backcountry hiker and all those venturing on unmarked trails. There are still a few purists who are slow to jump on to the technology train, and they have their place, but GPS for hikers has been constantly progressing over the past few years and is great addition to any extreme hiking excursion.

Before we delve into some of the great features offered on GPS units, I do have to say that general know-how of using topographical maps and a compass can go a long way when navigating your way in the woods. If you’re looking to get serious about your camping trips and will be hiking in the deep woods or unmarked trails, you should spend some time learning how to properly use maps and a compass.


Mapping Waypoints
GPS can come in handy when driving, and just as much so when hiking in the middle of nowhere. There are a number of units out on the market, and we’re not here to recommend any, but there are some features you should be looking for. Many hiking GPS units offer an altimeter and compass and even come preloaded with maps, although it may be necessary to add additional maps depending on the area you’ll be hiking.

One of the perks of having a GPS on your trip is the ability to track waypoints along the trail. Let’s say you’re a half a day into your hike and you’ve already managed some rough terrain and have made some changes to your plotted course; GPS can help you remember where you’ve made those changes. Most units will give you more waypoints that you could need and allow you leave comments for yourself about what you’re seeing at that location and then mark it on the map. If you have this, it’ll help you get back to that location on your way back, or if you need to come back. Think of it like a mental picture, but on a map. If you have several people on your hike with you with GPS as well, some units will allow you to exchange waypoints wirelessly. This may be helpful if you get separated, or if you want to share your course with other hikers.


Features of GPS
Aside from the waypoints, different companies offer varying features on their units, but if you’re thinking about purchasing one, check its durability and make sure it has the features you want. Some units float when dropped in water, most offer an SD card slot to expand memory for additional maps, and others can keep statistics like your average hiking pace and length of time you’ve been hiking. If you’re in to geocaching, you can also use your GPS to find clues and hidden treasures left by others. It’ll give you some extra fun on your hike and allow you to use your GPS maps for some added adventure.

If you’re considering buying a unit, check to see what type of software you can use with it to plan out trips ahead of time. There are programs available that will let you set up your hike before you go so you can view the maps and trails, and go into the hike well prepared. Remember to check you batteries before you head out and make sure the unit has a good signal in dense areas, or even get one that has a slot for an extra antenna. Whether you venture out with some old school maps and a compass, or hike 21st Century style with a GPS, always map out your trip and let others know where you’re going. And have fun out there!

-Chris Neiger

Top 10 Events to Experience During Glacier’s Centennial Celebration

In honor of Glacier’s 100^th anniversary as a national park, we thought it fitting to mention some of the great events the park has going to celebrate its centennial year. We’ve come up with a list of 10 events that jumped out at us. Each has their take on celebrating the event and we sure there’s something for everyone in the list.

1. Centennial Rededication

The festivities officially begin on May 11 at the rededication ceremony, although there are several other events before this one. You’ll hear from Glacier’s Park Superintendent as well as other speakers during the rededication; not to mention band performances, tours to the historic headquarters of the park and even a little celebration cake. During the tour you’ll take stops at Belton Ridge, West Glacier Mercantile, West Glacier Post Office and the West Glacier Depot.

2. Glacier Film Festival

It may not be Cannes, but starting in May and running for seven months straight, the park will show movies that were filmed in Glacier. Some are archived films from the park and others are movies. Check the calendar of events, because some of the films will be shown at locations other than the park.

3. Traveling Art Exhibit

If you’re visiting Glacier and have some extra time during your trip, be sure to check out the Glacier traveling art exhibit at the Museum at Central School in Kalispell. The exhibit is called the “Land of Many Stories: The People and Histories of Glacier National Park” and it focuses on the land of Glacier, how people have used it from pre-European explorers to present time.  The exhibit is comprised of historic photographs, text from varying times and graphics.

4. 100 Years of Bears Tour

This one sounds funny, but a tour that is intended to get you to see a bear has got to be pretty exciting. This tour will teach you about the Glacier habitat for bears and is lead by an expert naturalist.

5. Artists on Display

This is a self-tour that supplies you with a map of several artists throughout the park. The artists have been asked to create works at locations throughout the park and the public can see the art being made right on the trails. The artwork will then be on display at Glacier until the end of the year.

6. Traversing the International Peace Park

This tour, held periodically throughout the Centennial, focuses on the international agreement between to Canada and the U.S. for park management. You’ll learn about how the two adjoining parks are managed from both counties, and how they work together for resource protection, search and rescue, scientific research and more.

7. Glacier Centennial: A Summit Celebration

One of the more exciting ways to celebrate the Centennial is climbing the peaks of Glacier. This is a mountaineering adventure that is still being planned out, but is officially on the schedule. Check the official Glacier calendar for updates.

8. Centennial Hootenanny

Music at the park’s hotels has played an integral role since the 1960s. This performance will bring past and present hotel employees together with a total of ten groups of musicians. If you’re looking to catch the performance, make sure to be at the Many Glacier Hotel on July 30, for the one-day event.

9. Astronomy and Night Sky Awareness

Preservation runs deep at Glacier National Park, and that includes preserving the dark skies at night. Participants in this all-day course will learn astronomical features visible at the park, sources of light pollution that limit visibility of the night sky, and will use telescopes and the naked-eye to observe the astronomy above the park.

10. A Study of Sperry Glacier

It’s difficult to talk about land and animal preservation at Glacier without talking about climate change. This course will teach participants the effects of climate change on Glacier by incorporating hiking trips to various areas of the park for observation and discussion. You’ll delve into geology and geography of the park and learn about glacial terminology while you hike to Sperry Chalet and Sperry Glacier.

We’ve compiled this short list of the exciting things going on this year at Glacier, but you can check out all the tours, events and outdoor courses here or visit the official Glacier National Park webpage. Registration is required for some events and most of the festivities start dying down in October, so be sure to check the calendar beforehand. But most of all, don’t forget to visit the park and join in on the celebration.

Glacier National Park – 100 Years of Uniqueness

All national parks have their own attributes and uniqueness that make them special, but Glacier National Park combines so many outdoor adventures that it’s hard to compare it with other parks. Imagine over 700 miles of hiking trails, six mountain peaks over 10,000 ft and hundreds of lakes all accessible in the same place. It’s a backcountry camper’s wildest dream come true. George Bird Grinnell called Glacier the “Crown of the Continent” and the National Park Service has been working hard since 1910 to keep it that way.

NPS has made it their goal to preserve the wildlife of all the parks and protect vegetation and animals in their original habitats as much as possible. Their dedication is what makes Glacier one of the most unique places to visit not only in the United States, but in the world. The park has been able to preserve almost all of the original plant life and animals that existed during the time of the early European explorers, including over 1132 species of plants.

Wildlife in the park is an assortment of diverse animals including grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, hundreds of bird species, and wolverines. Backcountry campers need to take extra precaution when hiking and camping in Glacier. NPS has put out several safety videos highlighting tips for camping in Glacier. You can view them here:

• Bear safety
• Winter Backcountry camping tips
• Summer Backcountry camping tips

In addition to hiking over 700 miles of trails, many visitors enjoy fishing or boating in Glacier’s pristine lakes, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, canoeing, bicycling and horseback riding. There are also numerous walking tours lead by the Park Service and even boat tours across some of the lakes in vintage wooden boats.

Another unique aspect of Glacier, and one that can be enjoyed by everyone who visits, no matter what their outdoor skill level, is the Red Jammer bus tours. The retrofitted 1930s buses use propane engine for power to reduce their environmental impact and take visitors along the 53-mile highway built straight through the heart of the park. The highway was named “Going to the Sun Road” after the mountain is passes by, and was completed in 1932. The road was such an engineering marvel, that it has been made an official National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Before the road was built, it took visitors two or three days to drive through the park on rough terrain, now they can easily view some of the most remote areas of the park. The road is closed during the winter months and takes up to 10 weeks to plow in early spring. Parts of the road can have up to 80 feet of snow piled up from over the winter.

Glacier National Park’s beautiful wilderness is still home to a few glaciers, about 25 total, but changes in the earth’s environment has depleted the amount by over 100 in the past two hundred years. The National Park Service strives to keep the park as original as it can be, while still providing access to those who want to visit its beauty. In the next post, we’ll take a look at some of the special events NPS has going on for the 100^th anniversary of Glacier.

Glacier National Park – Celebrating 100 Years

National parks are a staple of the American landscape, and one of our greatest recreational resources. Through them, we not only experience our land the way it was years ago, but they allow us to take a step back from our daily lives and enjoy the simplicity of the outdoors. Next month, one of America’s greatest parks, Glacier National Park, will celebrate 100 years of being an official national park.

To commemorate that celebration, the next few blog posts (including this one) will highlight some of the history, anniversary events and special aspects of Glacier. We’re excited to spend just a little time focusing on one of the most beautiful parks in the world.

For those of you who don’t know much about Glacier, it’s located in Northwestern Montana, almost on the forehead of the state, for those who learned that Montana was the state that looked like a face.

Glacier is America’s 10^th National Park and consists of over 1 million acres of land, 762 lakes and 175 mountains. Obviously the land existed long before it became a park; archeological surveys have found evidence that humans have used the area for thousands of years. Before European settlement, many Native American tribes occupied the land, including the Blackfeet, Salish and Kootenai. Today, the Blackfeet Reservation lies on the east side of the park and the Salish and Kootenai reservation is located on the southwest side.

The park was first established as a Forest Preserve in 1900, but many people were still mining and homesteading in the park during that time. One of the early explorers of Montana, George Bird Grinnell, was instrumental in getting the park established as a forest preserve, and 10 years later President William Taft signed the bill to establish Glacier as a national park.

Even before the park was official, people were flocking there by train and taking boat rides up the lakes to stay at hotels and chalets on the land. The explosion of tourism and the land’s official establishment as a national park encouraged more roads and trails to be built. Today, around 2 million people visit the park annually.

Our next post will focus a little more on some of the natural traits that make this park so special, as well as some of the human ingenuity that has helped the park increase its exposure. In the meantime, check out some of these great pics of Glacier on Flickr.

How to Stay Warm While Still Packing Light

With winter creeping just around the corner, we thought we’d take a look at how to keep your backpack light, without freezing your buns off. Check out these quick tips when preparing for your winter camping trip.

It’s all about the layers. This is an obvious one, and something your mom probably told you more times than you can remember. Multiple, lightweight layers allow you to adjust easily to the temperatures. You need a breathable layer against your skin (i.e. long-johns), at least one insulation layer (long sleeve shirt) and then a then a weatherproof shell. If you get an unusually warm day while camping or if you work up a sweat while hiking, you’ll be able to take off your top layer, stick it in your backpack, without adding a bulky jacket to your backpack. Lighter layers also help trap the heat more efficiently against your body and help with mobility as well.

Don’t bring the oversized coat. Bring something that will easily go over your multiple layers and that has some water resistance to it. Be smart about what you need; if you’re not coming across any snow, then you can bring along a lighter jacket that only weighs a few ounces. Make sure it protects against wind and rain though; you need something that will be versatile enough to take the changing weather conditions.

Add a pad. Bring along an extra sleeping pad for those cold nights. Yes, it adds weight and we’re talking about packing light, but the extra pad may keep you from having to pile more layers on night, and will help keep you a bit warmer. One shell layer and one inflatable will provide a good barrier between you and the cold ground. It’ll be easier to stay warm if you have a barrier from the ground than if you try to fight it with more clothes.

Keep your meals light. No, we’re not talking about counting calories. Plan ahead for lightweight, one-pot meals that just need water. Rice, pasta and beans can all be used for lightweight meals that are also easy to cook. Keeping the meal simple will keep you from bringing too many pots and will allow you to cook quickly when your body needs a warm meal. Also, bring along some lightweight snacks like dried fruit, energy bars, granola, etc. to eat throughout the day. Eating regularly will help keep your body’s temperature up.

Staying warm while trying to pack light can be a bit of a compromise either way, so always err on the side of warmth and make sure you bring along enough clothes and gear to make it through the trip safely.

- Chris Neiger

How To Stay Safe Around Wild Animals

Enjoying wildlife is part of the camping experience, but keeping a safe distance and staying alert will help keep that experience safe for everyone. Check out some of these tips on staying safe while hiking and at the campsite.

When Hiking:

Make some noise. Obviously you aren’t going to be yelling the entire time you’re on the hike, but it’s a good idea to periodically yell, talk loudly, sing, clap, etc. Most wild animals are afraid of people and will run away when they hear you. Bears are more apt to attack when they are surprised, so never sneak up on them or other wild animals. Stick to larger groups of people and never venture out ahead or fall behind the group.

Keep the smells away. This includes the smells on you and the areas you go in to. Smells from dead animals or carcass attract bears and other wild animals so steer clear of them. Spending time around their food source can be seen as threatening. Don’t wear strong-smelling deodorants or perfumes and don’t bring along potent food that could attract animals.

Walk on the path. It sounds like a Sunday sermon, but you’ll be a whole lot safer if you’re not venturing into areas of the forest where hikers don’t usually go. Not only will the wild animals be more unfamiliar with seeing humans in certain areas but you’ll be less likely to be helped by someone else if you’re not on the trail.

Don’t hike at night. Some wild animals, like bears and cougars, are most active in the morning, dusk, and at night so you can stumble upon them at any time, but at night you won’t be able to avoid them as easily. Walking during the day also helps you to avoid coming across an animal’s sleeping area.

At the Site:

Keep a distance. Dividing up your site into sleeping, eating and supply areas can help reduce your contact with wild animals. If you’re out in the deep woods, some people recommend setting up your tent 100 yards away from both your food supplies and the campfire eating area.

Keep the smells away (again). Keeping food, deodorants, garbage and another other smells away from your tent will help prevent animals from being attracted to that area. Never keep food directly in your tent and stay away from berry patches or other areas that might be considered a food source. If you’re at a campsite, put your garbage in specially marked containers that are designed to keep wild animals at bay.

Stay alert. Some wildlife, like snakes and scorpions, can hide in small areas. When you’re looking for firewood or picking up your gear, be aware that some wildlife may consider this their new home. If a bear or other wild animal comes into your campsite, they are acting as a predator, so stay close to others and move to a safe area away from the animal. Bear and other wildlife spray repellants can help keep them away, so determine what kind you may need before your trip.

Find out ahead of time what types of local wildlife you may encounter in your camping areas, and how to enjoy them from a safe distance. Be safe and happy camping!

- Chris Neiger

How to Go Green When Tent Camping

Over the summer a traveling “green” campsite was set up at Pennsylvania state parks to give tent campers tips on how to go green while camping. With all the talk of going green, mixed with the fact that tent camping is already pretty environmentally friendly, we thought we’d mention a few tips of our own.

Look for campsites that are already established. Settling into an established campsite is not only more environmentally friendly, it’s also easier. Using a current site allows animals and surrounding vegetation to be disturbed the least. Keep in mind that the site should also be at least 200 feet away from any water source, to ensure that you don’t accidentally pollute the water. Don’t cut down any trees and stay on the trail when hiking. Disturbing the wild as least as possible helps preserve it for years to come.

If you brought it in, take it out. Some parks have strict rules about waste, and we mean all types of waste. Most parks allow you bury solid waste, so bring along a folding shovel and bury everything at least six inches down. When on the trail, put your trash in a bag, and then stick it in your pack. Bringing along various size bags will help to condense the trash. Check out recycling areas where you’re camping (if there are any) and dispose of the trash in the designated bins.

Building a green fire. Down branches can be great for firewood, but when those branches decompose, they send nutrients back into the ground that other tress and plants use to survive. This isn’t always the easiest to do, but if you’re already planning on packing a lot of stuff, make sure to throw your own firewood in as well. While you’re at it, make sure you don’t burn any plastics or aluminum and build the fire in a pit or use the camp site rings that are already set up.

Wash it all. Bring reusable dishes and wash them, and yourself, in non-toxic, biodegradable soap that’s free of any phosphates. Dump your water in areas that are away from water sources or vegetation. Some biodegradable soap can still harm fish so be careful when using these in water sources.

Other tips for making your tent camping trip more enviro-friendly are to use crank flashlights and radios when you can. Other great alternative light sources are LED flashlights and lanterns that provide brighter light with less power, just make sure to use rechargeable batteries. There are lots of recycled tents available and other gear so be sure to check out them out. Or you can always find some second-hand gear.

Keep in mind that you’re the best way to keep campsites pristine, so leave it better than when you came and we’ll all be enjoying it for years to come.

-Chris Neiger