Tag Archives: camping

Brand Spotlight: 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 Mike Vause, sporting goods manager, told 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].” (Get to the next ridge; land that next catch; bag the elk that has eluded you the last two days; etc.)

The Missouri River near Great Falls, Montana.

A view near Great Falls, MT from a hammock.

When you add the Grand Trunk® Hammocks and Klymit® sleeping pads to your gear list you’ll have the ability to set up camp anywhere there’s trees. Giving you the chance to catch the required Z’s to help you successfully “fill in YOUR blank.” Let’s take a minute now to look at my favorite bed: the hammock.

Shop our great selection of sleeping pads and air mattresses.

Time to Hang Out and Chill Out

Hammocks are a fairly 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 (you guessed it) 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.

Note: the Hammock V sleeping pad was discontinued in 2020. Check out the Static V inflatable sleeping pad as an alternative option.

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!

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Outdoorsman Gift: Klymit Static V Air Pad Review

December 16, 2015 - posted by Mike Vause

I love backpacking the Uinta Wilderness. There is something about leaving the pressure of life behind and getting away from it all.

I am sorry, but I am a gear junkie. I should never have to buy more equipment ever!! But when something new, better, even cooler comes out….. I buy it. I know that there are more of us out there, and we are good at supporting the economy via outdoor gear.

I have an expensive self-inflating sleeping pad. It is about my fifth one as they have gotten lighter and more compact over time. I have used this one for years and have been happy with it. Self-inflating pads have been the standard but in more recent times the inflatable pads have been stealing market share.

The Klymit Static V inflatable pad has intrigued me for about a year and though I promised myself not to spend money on new gear this trip, I gave in.

The Static V large air pad inflates in 10-15 breaths, weighs just over 1lb, and rolls up compact in its own sack.

It only weighs 18.1 ounces and is less than half the size of my old favorite. You can inflate it to the firmness you desire and actually get it back into the tiny stuff sack.

I slept better and warmer than ever. This turned out to be an excellent acquisition and I highly recommend it to smooth out those rainy Uinta nights. Better sleep, lighter weight, and more compact…. that’s why I am a non-recovering gear junkie.

Klymit air pads make great Christmas gifts… and they’re a local company, based in Centerville, Utah. Explore Air pads here, and come visit Smith & Edwards off I-15 at exit 351 for your last-minute gifts.

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Can SureCan…? This gas can sure can!

September 30, 2015 - posted by Jerica Parker

Now, I know what you’re thinking… another gas can?? Yes!

SureCan is a new and renovated gas can that is becoming popular in various local businesses, including here at Smith and Edwards. The SureCan is made in the USA and the company is local here in Ogden, Utah. The Standard Examiner just recently featured Brad Ouderkirk, owner of the SureCan, in an article as well. Read the article here.

Watch the SureCan in Action

We know and understand the typical issues with gas cans… they tip over and spill gas all over, they are hard to aim when pouring into your machine, and they can leak. The frustration is discouraging and totally not worth it.

That is why I wanted to tell you about this awesome, brand new product we are carrying! The SureCan gas can is guaranteed no spill, no leak, and gas-free hands after using it. But what makes it different from other gas cans? I asked Randy, our Lawn and Garden department manager, exactly what makes it unique.

“The features speak for themselves,” Randy told me as he showed me the flexible, rotating nozzle and the thumb-release trigger. No more messy tipping and aiming! After using this can, we have had people tell us just how easy it is to use.

“Lifting a 5 gallon gas can and tipping is not easy,” Randy says. But this new, renovated gas can solves that problem. So yes… SureCan sure can!

SureCan: Feed Your Machines

Get it now!


Get your 5 gallon SureCan Gas Can here!	Get your 2.2 gallon SureCan Gas Can here!

Also available in store at Smith and Edwards! Exit 351 off I-15 in Ogden, Uah – Find it in the Lawn and Garden department in the front of the store.

Emission Control Information:

This container complies with U.S. EPA emission regulations for portable fuel containers (40 CFR Part 59). The emissions warranty is valid for a minimum of one year from date of purchase.

Check out Sporting Goods!

See all Boating accessories, Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, and more.

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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.

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Make Sweet Campfire Treats with the Doughy Maker

July 25, 2014 - posted by Rose Marion

Last Saturday, Erik from DoughyMaker was generous enough to stand at the entrance of Smith & Edwards, celebrating our 67th Anniversary and handing out campfire treats!

Erik and his family have a lot of experience feeding Scout Camp and Girls Camps full of hungry mouths out in the woods here in Utah.

If you’ve been out with hungry campers, you know time is of the essence! Erik and his family came up with this amazing way to cook some sweet treats in a quick amount of time to keep the campers happy – and your family will love it, too.

A single Doughy Maker will make 10 biscuits, donut holes, or treats at a time.

Erik recommends Pillsbury dough to make campfire doughies: the baking powder in them will mean a faster cooking time and a lighter treat than others, like Rhodes.

Simply pop the biscuits in:

Then clamp the muffin tins together, and heat ’em up.

Erik’s perfected method is over a flame, 3-4 minutes, flipping from one side to the other every 5 seconds.

The DoughyMaker is designed for a campfire, and you can also use it on your gas grill, barbecue, or Camp Chef. (These summer days in Utah, you could probably use the hood of a hot car, too!)

Ok, check ’em! When the biscuits are a golden brown, they’re ready:

Here’s our favorite recipe: Cinnamon & Sugar Doughies.

Drop the hot doughies in melted butter:

Then roll them around in cinnamon & sugar:

Mmmmm! What a perfect camping treat!

Can you imagine what your family can come up with? Marshmallow s’mores, jalepeno doughies, cheese-stuffed doughies, carmel pecan, blueberry biscuits…. YUM!

Get a DoughyMaker of your very own here:

Doughy Maker at Smith & Edwards – available online and in-store!

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Scout Camp, Fishing & Camping Checklist

July 17, 2014 - posted by Rose Marion

It’s the right time of year for fishing, hiking, and camping. This time of year, we get a lot of people coming in and asking, “What gear do I need for…”

Whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing, or even sending your Cub Scout off to camp for a couple days, this checklist has everything you need to make it a great adventure here in Utah or in the mountains or lakes of our neighboring states.

If you’re camping or hiking, or sending a Scout to camp, here’s what you need:

If you’re sending a scout, remember his uniform, too!

For fishing:

Enjoy!

Click here to download a printable PDF of both lists.

Did you have fun? Make sure and send us pictures for the Bragging Board!

These lists were made after we had lots of families looking for a Scout camp checklist for their boys about to go to camp. We find them useful as a camping checklist so we’re sure we’ve got the car packed with all the gear we need. These also work great for packing your gear even for a fishing getaway on a Friday afternoon!

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The Gear You Need for a Weekend Getaway

March 15, 2014 - posted by Mike Vause

The spring is the perfect time to plan your hiking and camping, and you couldn’t ask for a better location than Utah. Take a week to enjoy the natural surroundings in comfort. Or, take off on a Friday afternoon and get away for a weekend with the family on your favorite hiking trails.

Utah Hiking and Camping Spots

Utah is rich with outdoor hiking opportunities.

I love the Uinta mountains.

The Desert Canyons of San Rafael Swell are also a good hike.

Even our own humble Ben Lomond peak.

Peak of Ben Lomond - Mike Vause, Smith and Edwards

My nephew on the peak of Ben Lomond. Over his right shoulder you can see Willard Bay.

Climb a peak! It will change how you look at things.

We have beautiful peaks in Utah. I like the view from Lewis Peak on the other side of the divide.

Utah’s tallest is Kings Peak – that’s an amazing summit right there.

For camping, I like the Logan Canyon area. There are still some fun spots at North Fork.

I love being in the Uinta mountains – there are many fun places up there you can hike to.

Now is the time to prepare a great backpack trip or day hike. Be ready now so you can grab your gear and go when the weather is right.

Capitol Reef, Utah - Mike Vause, Smith and Edwards

Capitol Reef National Park

Utah Hiking Gear & Camping Picks

Kelty day packs lasted my kids from 2nd grade through to my 20-year-old on his mission in the islands of the Pacific.

When you’re looking for hiking packs, you can’t go wrong with one from Mountainsmith, Kelty, or Jansport.

Hiking packs by Jansport, Mountainsmith, and Kelty at Smith and Edwards

These hiking packs will hold all your gear comfortably – and you won’t lose sight of your family in these bright colors, either.

Rather than trying to haul in your own water, you’ll want a water purification system: either a pump or a gravity system.

Some good purifying pump systems are the Katadyn Hiker, and the MSR Miniworks Ex Microfilter.

Water Purification pumps are great – but gravity-style purification rocks.

I love the Katadyne Base Camp system, where you draw a huge bag through the water, hang it up in camp, and then release water from it as you need it. And because of the gravity, you don’t need to pump it. The Katadyne Base Camp uses the same filters as other Katadyne systems.

A lot of these purification systems have adapters that go right on your Nalgene® bottle, reducing spillage.

Waterproof boots are a must! Danner and Merrell are good waterproof brands, and Merino wool or polypropylene blend socks complete the package.

Here are a couple good shoes: Danner 453 GTX in brown, and Merrell Moab Gore-Tex Mid with Vibram soles.