Campfire Food for Camping in Utah this Summer

May 26, 2017 - posted by EmmaLee Sessions

Spring is almost over, and summer is fast approaching. Kids will be out of school and for many of you this means vacations and adventures in the great outdoors. My favorite summer adventure includes sitting around a campsite, eating good food, and hanging out with good friends while roasting things over the campfire. I love it!

When you set out on your next family trip you’ll want to make sure that you have the essentials with you. Essentials like sleep gear, a working car, and good food. That last one is my personal favorite. Check out these great products that we carry here at Smith & Edwards! Guaranteed to make your mouth water and allow for a good time.

Make fresh Mayo, Whipped Cream, & Butter while Camping

Some of the newest items we got in are these fancy food prep items by Cookut. This France-based company delivers fun, innovative products that are simple, practical, and cool. Check out their mayonnaise, butter, and whipped cream shakers!

Each shaker is made of a glass jar with specially shaped silicone balls. These balls are shaped specifically to whip up these condiments in minutes. You have great tasting, easy to make condiment from scratch. Follow the recipe printed on the bottle or alter it slightly according to your own tastes.

These shakers are not only great for home use! Their sleek, compact design makes them perfect to use at your next family outing or camp-out. You’ll be able to make the perfect amount so none of it goes to waste. You can even use your fresh-made butter on other goodies you roast over the campfire!

Make Sweet Campfire Treats with the DoughyMaker

The Doughy Maker isn’t a new item, but it is definitely a product to get excited about. Previously marked at $19.99, we’ve got the Doughy Maker sitting at 50% off! This little tool is perfect for making delicious cinnamon sugar coated dessert balls, and our Housewares manager Vickie’s son Gabriel can tell you how good they are.

You can even use them at home over a backyard fire pit! Your possibilities for campfire desserts doesn’t end at cinnamon coated biscuits. Try your hand at using corn bread dough, cookie dough, and brownie batter. Or, make delicious meatballs and mushroom delights! All it takes is a little bit of imagination.

You’ll definitely want to add this must-have item to your camping list. Not only is is a great product, but it was also developed right here in Northern Utah. This is just the start of the delicious possibilities that Smith & Edwards has to offer.

Mountain House = Mountain Man Meals

Many outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with the Mountain House brand of freeze dried meals. For those of you who are new to the game, here is a little explanation for you.

Mountain House freeze dried meals were originally developed for the special forces troops. Freeze dried foods are lighter than traditional MREs and they retain more of their original flavor. Each meal weighs mere ounces and cooks in under 10 minutes. All you need is boiling water!

Awhile ago we asked our customers what some of their favorite flavors are. People were really passionate as they shared their favorite meal. Some of the responses we received included beef stroganoff, sweet and sour pork, and spaghetti. Smith & Edwards’ own Paul Wright said he really likes the Italian-style pepper steak. You can check out these an other great flavors by clicking right here.

I had never experienced the Mountain House freeze dried foods until this past year. On a snowshoeing excursion up the North Ogden Divide in Northern Utah I had the sweet and sour pork. It was delicious! I’m definitely looking forward to camping trips this summer so I can have more of these great meals.

We just added new flavors, including Spicy Southwest Breakfast Hash and Chicken Fajita Bowl.

No comments

Adventure is Out There! Find It with Smith & Edwards

May 6, 2017 - posted by EmmaLee Sessions

There is a change in the air. Finally, Mother Nature has melted the snow from the valleys and it looks like we are going to have a bit of a break from the winds and rain of April in Northern Utah. You’ve been cooped up in your office or at home and are reaching to scratch that itch of adventure.

Cabin Fever got you down?

New layout for the camping and marine departments.

New layout for camping and marine!

If you are like me then this itch comes every year and you’re ready to go. But before you can go anywhere you better take stock of your gear and replace anything outdated, broken, or in need of repair. What better way to scratch that itch than by coming to Smith & Edwards! We’ve been doing some of our own changing to get you out of Dodge and into the outdoors where you belong.

Paddles, Oars, and Connelly Inflatables.

Paddles and oars start at $12.99.

Come on in and check out what we’ve been up to this week! Our camping and marine sections had a little bit of a facelift so we can help you find what you need quickly. We’ve got everything you need for lounging, hiking, sleeping, camping, boating, and just plain ol’ sitting around.

We’ve even got life vests for your pooch!

Stop paddling to keep up and start paddling to get away! Whether it’s rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding, we’ve got all the equipment you’ll need at great prices. You can shop for paddles online right here!

Take Control on the Rapids of Life

Quit treading water just to survive. It’s time to kick back and relax in the water. Get a new Connelly life jacket or an inflatable lounge tube. Neoprene and nylon jacket styles are available for all ages and sizes. Click here to see the sizes and styles we carry.
We also have great prices on Connelly towables and inflatables. And, between you and me, Willard Bay is starting to look quite inviting. Did you know it’s just right around the corner from us? Check out our inventory here and get out on the water!

Say goodbye to your uncomfortable desk chair for the weekend and kick back with some good friends. Enjoy a s’more or two in a new camp chair or lounger. This camp lounger is so comfortable you won’t even notice that you’re sitting down. Shop online for camp chairs and sleeping cots.

Cool Anti-Gravity Lounger

For the last 70 years, we have been doing our part to make sure that you are outfitted with the newest, best and most reliable gear. Let us continue this tradition of excellence. We know you’ll find what you need right here and we can’t wait to help you discover something new.

What are you waiting for?

Rush in to Smith & Edwards today so you can rush out fully equipped and ready to explore this great state!

No comments

New Boots for Hiking the Bonneville Shoreline

April 20, 2017 - posted by Rose Marion

This spring, I went up to the Rainbow Gardens parking lot, and instead of taking Birdsong Trail like usual, my boyfriend and I hiked up to the Bonneville Shoreline trail!

It was breathtaking getting to see behind the water pipe that goes over 12th street as it heads up to Ogden Canyon, and we got to meet some fun dogs and watch as people made their way further up the mountains above us.

If you’re looking to hike or camp in the Uintas or Northern Utah this spring & summer, make sure & check out our HUGE selection of energy bars & meals, hiking packs, hydration packs, and more backpacking & camping gear.

For me, I’ve never once regretted the money I spent on my pair of Merrell hiking shoes. My women’s Moab mid hiking boots have helped me see Utah better than I ever imagined. I splurged for the Goretex water protection and it’s served me well. I’ve hiked through pouring rain, as well as photographed some amazing river scenes that would have otherwise left me with wet feet!

Speaking of water – we have many styles of water hikers in-stock for guys & gals.

Steve Smith, our Shoes department manager, has brought in brand-new hiking boots from Merrell for men & women, as well as Under Armour, Teva, and our local favorite Browning.

If you haven’t seen the valley from the Bonneville Shoreline yet, make this the year you make it up there! Whether your favorite views are from the North Ogden Divide, the 12th Street & Ogden Canyon area, or somewhere else like the Uintas (my goal!) along the Wasatch Front…. Let us outfit you with the shoes that will get you there.

Merrell Women's Zeolite
Teva Men's Riva
Merrell Men's Yokota Trail Ventilators
Browning Men's Glenwood Trail
Under Armour Defiance
Men's Merrell Onvoyer
Merrell Men's Everbound Mid GTX

Now, all of these boots are going to have great gripping soles and some degree of water resistance. Come in to Smith & Edwards off I-15 at exit 351 and try them on for yourself.

These are 6 men’s boots and 1 ladies’ pair in this feature, but there are MANY more styles from even more brands including Hi-Tec, Columbia, and more waiting for you here at Smith & Edwards!

New Hiking Boots for 2017 Utah Hikes

Merrell Women’s Zeolite Una

Combination suede & mesh uppers
Sticky rubber lugged outsole for all-terrane traction
Signature Merrell Air Gushion in the heel for shock absorption

Pictured color: Boulder/Celestial

Teva Men’s Riva eVent

Vibram outsole for traction
eVent waterproof membrane for keeping your feet dry while letting sweat escape – no clammy feet!
Perfect for day hikes or multi-day mountain adventures
Great fit with excellent breathability

Pictured color: Charred (brown)

Merrell Men’s Yokota

Athletic look, performs for your outdoor needs
Great for long days on the trail
Forefoot support from TrailProtect pad and M-Select GRIP outsole
Light and nimble

Browning Men’s Glenwood Trail

Breathable mesh upper
Heel & toe overlay for protection against rocks and trail debris
Welded overlay panels for added durability
Lugged sole pattern for reliable grip in many conditions
Comes with 2 pairs of laces, orange & brown!

Pictured color: A-TACS AU Camo / Mulch

UnderArmour Defiance Mid

UA Storm keeps out moisture but lets your feet breathe
Lightweight EVA midsole for cushioning & support
High-traction rubber lug outsole for traction on all kinds of terrain

Pictured color: Saddle / Cannon / Texas Orange

Merrell Men’s Onvoyer Mid Boot

Waterproof
Special makeup – this color is a limited edition you’ll find only at Smith & Edwards and select other retailers!
Durable hiking boots feature abrasion-resistant heel & toe overlays
Waterproof suede & mesh uppers
Sticky rubber outsole for reliable traction

Color: Taupe gray

Merrell Men’s Everbound Mid Boot

GORE-TEX waterproof membrane protects you from rivers & rain
Full grain and sued leather upper
Exceptional breathability
Stable without being stiff
Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock & adds stability
M Select FRESH organic odor control
Vibram TC5+ outsole

Pictured color: Dark leather brown

Come in to Smith & Edwards to Get your Gear!

You’ll find everything you need here to have a great hike, whether it’s an after-work hike before sunset or a multiple-day trip in the mountains!

Come in and explore, and also click here to see our most popular boots & shoes, online.

No comments

Hanging Out with Grand Trunk and Enjoying the Klymit

March 10, 2017 - posted by EmmaLee Sessions

Today, we are going to talk about one of my favorite things… Camping! We have two camping essentials that are going to knock your socks off and leave you wishing you could “head for the hills” right now.

Sleep… What’s That?

In a recent conversation with Mike Vause, sporting goods manager, he reminded me that sleep is an important aspect that is constantly overlooked when camping, hiking, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors. Mike said, “You may have to [fill in the blank].” You may have to get to the next ridge. You may have to land that next catch. You may have to bag that elk that has eluded you the last two days. You may have to stop and look at the scenery…

The Missouri River near Great Falls, Montana.

A view near Great Falls, MT from a hammock.

Whatever “you may have to” do, you’ll need all the energy possible in order to obtain that goal. So, you’ll want to make sure that you are getting the best night’s sleep while in the great outdoors. Let’s take a minute to look at my favorite bed, the hammock.

Click Here to shop our great selection of sleeping pads and air mattresses.

Time to Hang Out and Chill Out

Hammocks are a recent trend that everyone, especially the younger generation, is going crazy about. We carry a variety of brands and sizes, but my favorite brand that we carry is Grand Trunk. Made out of the same nylon material as parachutes, these hammocks are strong and durable. They come in a few different colors and patterns, so we are sure to have one that fits your style.

EmmaLee and her friend sitting in a hammock.

Hammocking under a bridge.

My favorite thing about hammocks is their versatility. Whether you’re going on a day trip, a 50-mile hike, a 3-day hunting weekend, or just a trip to your backyard, you always have a lightweight, portable resting place that takes minutes to set up and enjoy. The Grand Trunk double hammock weighs only 2 lbs and can hold up to 400 lbs, so it is easy to enjoy with a friend or by yourself. Plus, at 10′ 6″ long by 6′ 6″ wide, there is no way you could go wrong.

Shop our growing selection of hammocks right here, or give us a call so see what all we have to offer!

EmmaLee showing off the Grand Trunk batik hammock.

EmmaLee pictured with her hammock, the Grand Trunk Batik Hammock.

Recently I set a goal to go camping with nothing but my Grand Trunk hammock, a tarp, an emergency blanket, and my sleeping bag for shelter. I still have yet to do so and my goal changed slightly when Mike Vause showed me an evolutionary sleeping pad designed specifically for your hammock. Wow! This evolutionary sleeping pad is none other than the Klymit Hammock V inflatable sleeping pad.

What’s New for You

Like all Klymit air pads the Hammock V is made with a V-chamber design that limits air movement and provides excellent insulation. With an R-value of 1.6, it is perfect for the coming season of camping and warmer weather. The two valve system allows you to inflate the Hammock V quickly, using only 15-25 breaths, without the worry of deflating as you go.

Hammock V air pad with EmmaLee, who is 5′ 7″ tall.

One of my favorite features of this air pad is the grip zones located on both sides of the pad. Your sleeping pad will be held in place in your hammock and you won’t have to worry about your sleeping bag slipping and sliding around either. You can check out our other Klymit sleeping pads here.

One of the three (3) silicone, non-slip grip zones.

These coming months are my favorite because I get to head outdoors and do some camping and exploring. I am excited for my night’s sleep to allow me to climb to the top of the next mountain and take time to enjoy the beautiful vistas in comfort. Be sure to get a tarp and rope to keep the rain off of you. Shop online or in our store for tarps and rope.

Come On In and Check Us Out

Buy your very own Grand Trunk Hammock and Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad at Smith and Edwards! We’ve got the gear you need for all of your adventures and our helpful and fun staff will be there for you every step of the way. Let us answer your questions and help you find exactly what you need.

Come on in or give us a call today!

No comments

Your Klondike Gear List

January 6, 2017 - posted by EmmaLee Sessions

It’s time to turn our sights towards one of the most exciting “holidays” known in the Boy Scouting community. Having grown up in a family of Eagle Scouts, I heard about Klondike all my life, but for obvious reasons wasn’t allowed to attend. So, I teamed up with my dad, Scott Woodland, and Smith & Edwards employee Dennis Rasmussen to learn a little more about this exciting campout and how to prepare for it.

Klondike is the place where boys become men, or so we have been told, and prove their ability to survive through some of Mother Nature’s harshest conditions. We wanted to take a minute to talk about the basic essentials that your youth are going to need for Klondike this year, and to be better prepared for the years to come.

Scouts of Troop #494 snowshoeing at Klondike. Photo courtesy Richard Broadbent

Warm Clothing for Klondike

The clothing that your boys will need to take on this adventure will make or break their excursion. From bottom to top, it’s important to be covered properly. Dennis Rasmussen was extremely helpful in this area of expertise.

Socks

It’s important to wear two layers of socks while hiking and camping. Look for boot sock liners that are made of either polypropylene or polyester. These fabrics wick moisture and sweat away from the body, keeping you dry and warm. This will also help prevent against blisters on your feet.

Wool is the best material for your boot socks. If your feet do end up getting wet, wool will still hold your body heat and keep you warm, unlike other materials that can actually pull heat away from your body.

Take a look at the men’s merino wool hiking socks here!

Footwear

You will need to invest in a good pair of waterproof hiking boots. If you can keep your feet dry and warm, you will have a greater chance of keeping your body warm too.

Hi-Tec Altitude Lite i Waterproof Men's Hiking Boot

Hi-Tec Skamania Waterproof Men's Hiking Boot

The men’s Hi-Tec boot styles, Altitude Lite i (52103), and the Skamania (52122 regular and 52122W wide) are excellent waterproof choices.
(Hi-Tec’s women’s Hi-Tec boot styles, 9022 and 22040 are excellent equivalents for women in winter)

Klondike scouts with snow pants and snow boots - courtesy Richard Broadbent

These Troop #494 scouts are warm in hats, snow pants, coats, and snow boots while they break for food! – photo courtesy Richard Broadbent

Base Layers

It’s essential to choose the right material. Look for “long johns” made out of polypropylene or polyester. DO NOT wear cotton fabrics as a base-layer. Unlike polyester or polypropylene, cotton absorbs moisture and holds it close to your skin. This will lower your temperature and increase your risk of hypothermia. Thermax is also another perfect material to use as an insulating layer.

Take a look at our Carhartt, Columbia, and Under Armour men’s thermals and women’s thermals! These youth thermals in our army surplus department are great too, for smaller children.

Shirts & Pants

Clothing items are best when made out of synthetic materials, unless you have wool. Synthetic fabrics dry quicker and are not as heavy as wool or cotton when wet. They will also continue to wick moisture away from your body. Dennis strongly suggested materials other than cotton, but said, “cotton can be worn, but should be kept at least two layers away from your skin.”

Coats & Outerwear

Have a lightweight and warm insulator level. Fleece is a great choice because it is not heavy and it retains body heat really well. Look for thin fleece jackets to keep bulk to a minimum under your winter coat and rain gear. Be sure to have a waterproof exterior layer to protect against rain and snow. If you can stay dry, then you’ll stay warm easier.

Hats & Gloves

Keep your head and hands warm and protected. Look for water-resistant and insulated gloves to keep your hands dry and warm. Any kind of polyester/wool blend is perfect because it will wick moisture away and still keep you warm if you do get wet.

Come in to our store to check out the wool and polyester hats in our surplus department and the variety of winter gloves we carry. Or click here to see a small variety of the balaclavas and winter hats on our website.

Klondike scoutmaster setting up tent - Photo courtesy Chris Ward

Scoutmasters need gear for Klondike, too! A headlamp will let you work with your hands while you light the path. Photo courtesy Chris Ward.

Gear & Essentials for Klondike

In order to best live by the Scout Motto, “Be Prepared”, you need to have the proper clothing and gear. Some of our favorite gear that would work great for your Klondike experience and other outdoor camping and hiking trips include headlamps, survival kits, and backpacks.

Night-Ize Inova STS Headlamp in Charcoal & White

Scott Woodland, Trek Director at K-M High Adventure Base in Montana, put together a gear list with additional guidance and commentary. Click here to download the Klondike Gear Guide! (55kb PDF)

Keep in mind that each Klondike has a theme and there may be additional equipment you need. Mr. Woodland simply went over your essentials and wanted to remind everyone, “Don’t forget your survival guide!”

Prepare well and know how to use your equipment properly. If you do these things then you will never find yourself ill-prepared for Mother Nature’s harshest conditions. Good luck and happy camping!

Scouts of troop #494 in their ice cave at Klondike – photo courtesy Richard Broadbent

No comments

Lauren’s Summer Adventure: Exploring Oregon

July 27, 2016 - posted by Rose Marion

Lauren Clark wrote in with her Summer Adventure:

Adventure is in the eye of the beholder. There are many adventures around every corner. An adventure can be as simple as a picnic with the family, to something more complex, such as a vacation or a new living location. We can choose whether what we are going through is an “adventure” or something else.

This summer, my adventure included spending time with my family while in Oregon USA. We were able to go on a family trip for the first time in 3 or 4 years. It was great to reminisce about old times and build new memories together. We were able to see some beautiful sights and enjoy the surroundings of nature.

We were able to go zip lining.

I loved walking along the beach for miles and miles. It was amazing to see the vibrant green color, and the enormous size of the Redwood Trees.

The highlight of this adventure was finally being able to see Crater Lake. It was a beautiful sight that will not soon be forgotten.

Everything from seeing these beautiful sights, to having our car overheat and the AC not work, made this trip the perfect Summer Adventure.

This Oregon adventure was a well timed event, because just as life seemed to be getting settled, it threw us another adventure.

No matter where life takes us, we have to embrace the adventure. I am so happy that I got this time with my family and was able to make those memories that will last a lifetime.

No comments

Prepare with 72-Hour Kits & Bug Out Bags

April 2, 2016 - posted by Rose Marion

It’s that time of year to check your preparedness gear, make sure you have a communication/meetup plan for your family, & rotate your food storage.

One important piece of your preparedness plan is having a bag with all your necessities. Some people recommend a bug-out bag, but here in Utah a 72-hour kit is the most recommended pack to have.

What’s the difference? Mike Vause from our Sporting Goods department asked Ryan Seager, our Surplus manager, and Jean Dimick, our Preparedness manager, and here’s what he found.

What Ryan suggests for a Bug-Out Bag

A bug out bag, or go-bag, is a small bag designed to get your from Point A to Point B. Point B should have more supplies, such as your 72-hour kit or your food storage.

You might keep your bug-out bag in your car or truck, or in your desk at work; some place you can get to it easily and go.

So it’s a minimalist kit that has just the necessities to survive. You can buy a pre-made bug out bag, or create your own based on your needs & preferences:

1 quart water, a container, & water purification method
Food (preferably a high-calorie bar)
Bivvy or compact sleeping bag
Poncho
Paracord
First aid kit
Multitool with a good blade
Lighting: headlamp or area lighting
Gloves, hat, scarf, light jacket, and spare clothes (if possible)
Fire starter
Personal defense

Jean’s picks for a 72-Hour Kit:

A 72-hour kit has the supplies you need to survive for 3 days. You’ll store more food and supplies than a bug-out bag, and for this you should consider a large backpack from the camping department, rather than a slim tactical pack. See Hiking & Camping packs here.

You can download a list of suggested items for your family’s 72-hour kits Get a printable ID card and 72-hour kit ideas from Smith & Edwards, as well as ID cards for your children:

Did you know?

Save the Children has excellent resources for teachers, parents, and caretakers. Check them out here! You can even make your own ID cards for your children on their website.

No comments

Freeze-Dried Food Review: Try something new

September 2, 2015 - posted by Mike Vause

Some of us don’t like change.

I sometimes lean on tried and trusted gear for my outdoor adventures. I might be weird, but I like eating freeze-dried backpacking foods, especially the flavors from Mountain House.

I have favorite flavors like Spaghetti, Beef Stroganoff, Lasagna, and Chili Mac. These meals always go with me on backpacking and hunting trips.

This trip I wanted to try something new. (Totally out of character….just ask my wonderful wife).

I went for Biscuits & Gravy, and Granola with Blueberries.

Mike’s latest Freeze-Dried Food Review

Warm Biscuits & Gravy chase off the cold morning really well.

With dehydrated meals, sometimes you expect everything to be casserole-ish.

This Biscuits & Gravy was such a change from your typical dehydrated meal. I’d eat it for lunch here in town at 4200 feet.

Blueberries at 10,000 feet are a treat.

Some of the foods you take backpacking don’t remind you of home. This Granola with Blueberry has a good taste to it. The blueberries puffed right up; the powdered milk softens the granola and makes it a milky blueberry treat. I thought I was at home eating fresh fruit.

Sometimes at 10,000 feet, anything can taste good – but I was very impressed with this meal.

The Final Word

I’d get those flavors again for my next adventure. It was so much better than the usual breakfast bar and oatmeal style breakfast.

Try something new; it may become an old favorite.

Click here to explore Mountain House freeze-dried meals, wraps, and breakfasts.

No comments

How to Save Your Legs & Back When Hiking the Uintas

August 27, 2015 - posted by Jerica Parker

If Mike didn’t have a department to manage, he’d be in the Uintas the entire summer. This meadow’s about 6 miles in, at the fork between Ostler Lake and Amethyst Lake.

With summer at its peak, there’s still time to get your hiking trip in. The Uinta Mountains are the best Utah has to offer with all its water sources, beautiful skies, breathtaking views, and amazing stars at night.

When you’re out on the tree line taking in the beauty of the mountains, streams, and landscape, you want to be in your best shape – not wincing as you step, rubbing your back, or counting the steps back to camp. You want to enjoy your hiking or backpacking trip – every step of the way!

Not everyone is as avid of a hiker as Mike Vause, Smith and Edwards camping manager. But if you are looking into picking it up, here are some great places and helpful tips that can help you get started.

Uinta Hiking Tips & Must-See Trails

Only a couple hours from Ogden, the Uinta Mountains are great because they have trails for the beginner as well as the experienced hikers.

Some good ones to get started are any of the lower trails near the highways. But if you are looking for longer hikes, maybe a bit tougher, Mike says his favorite is the Henry’s Fork trailhead. He says, that’s the best approach to reach the highest peak in Utah: King’s Peak.

King’s Peak, the highest point in Utah

But in either case, be prepared for a change in weather. “Always expect rain, even if you don’t expect it,” Mike says.

How about a family adventure? Any of the trailheads from Mirror Lake Highway could be great for the family. The Bald Mountain trail is good, too. Although it can be a bit tough for the little ones, Mike said his 10-year-old son made it.

Stay Pain-Free on your Hike

Now, as a new hiker, or any hiker in general, getting ambitious and overdoing it happens. Here are some good things to take on your trip, whichever hiker you are.

Bring the medicine that works for you

When getting too ambitious, you may pay for it with aching legs and back. In relation to an experience he had, Mike says that there is nothing like Advil during the day and Tylenol PM at night.

Elete Electrolytes save your legs

One of the other products recently put to the test is Elete. On his last hike, Mike took it along to try it. Before his hike, he mixed it with his drink as an electrolyte replacement. As well as after exerting himself at higher altitudes, he said it helped him to sleep better that night instead of losing sleep over aching legs.

A big reason legs hurt on a hiking trip is you may be drinking water, but the hydration doesn’t reach every muscle needing it. Elete rehydrates better than water alone – even better than Gatorade! Mike mentioned how it saved his legs on that trip.

Amish Origins – USA-made joint & muscle relief

The last tip we have is about a handy pain relief cream called Amish Origins. This cream helps tremendously when sore.

Whether you’re an athlete or a hiker, it gives that much needed jump start when suffering from sore legs or back. Mike tried it after a vacation and it worked wonders and took away the soreness so he could get back to work!

Plan Your Uinta Trip

Ready to get out there? Check out the Forest Service’s guides for ideas and trails. AllTrails also has great information and reviews & tips from hikers!

And, make sure to check out Mike’s must-have gear for the Uintas, which includes some breathtaking shots of the Uintas! (We’d love to see your pictures, too!)

More about Amish Origins!

The Amish Origins recipe combines 4 essential oils (Pine, Wintergreen, Camphor, and Eucalyptus) was discovered by a member of the Amish community in Ohio.

This product stays true to the original recipe and has expanded to many products to help sore muscles, joints, and even rashes & dry skin – and it’s still made in USA.

2 comments

Backpacking Stories: Illuminating Rainy Chapters with a Little LED

August 13, 2015 - posted by Mike Vause

Mike Vause, Camping manager

My Grandpa used to say: “Too much of anything is not good.”

Is it possible to have too much gear? Too many gadgets?

I do love new stuff, but when I am in my backpacker mindset, some stuff just gets left behind. Most backpackers love convenience and comfort, but have to be choosy when it comes to weight.

For years, having a pack under 40 pounds was my goal. As I am no longer 20, my goal has changed to the low 30’s for pack weight for a 4 day or so hike.

Since I have, through the years, carried a lot of weight to get my young children into the backcountry (they are all full grown now), I try to take advantage of the payback opportunity as much as possible. If I can’t convince one of my sons to carry it, I usually leave it home.

Lightbulb Moment

The Solar-Rechargeable Luci Lantern – squishes down flat, diffuses light like a charm. You know, you really should have one of these in your pack.

On this last Uinta backcountry adventure, I found an item that I just had to try out. The Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern has been selling by the hundreds in my department.

I honestly didn’t get how, but its success made me think that I was missing out.

I bought one at the last minute (along with about $200 worth of last-minute necessities) and left the solar lantern on my dashboard to charge that afternoon. My pack was in that low 30# range, so I threw it in my pack.

Two of the nights were cold, rainy, and early-in nights. Reading was a great escape to pass the time.

The LED lights were perfect in the tent and the inflatable feature diffused the light output to perfection. It was awesome. The Luci was light enough to perch in the gear loft and do its job.

In the morning, I left it outside the tent and headed out to fish. The afternoon rains soaked it, but it still recharged without a problem and was ready for the next chapter of nighttime reading.

The Luci promotes itself as an inflatable light – and the fact that its plastic lining diffuses light in the tent is a big plus. But the more important factor for me was that this item, nearly the size of your typical lantern, collapses down smaller than the book I packed – now that’s nifty.

Waterproof, lightweight, rechargeable, and affordable. It’s worth a look.

Get yours online at SmithandEdwards.com here or come see it here at the store off the I-15 Willard Bay turnoff.