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Following 9/11, camping sales surged, as Americans were reluctant to take vacations abroad. Then, as the sense of the imminent threat of terrorism declined, camping sales leveled off. Today, spurred by a faltering economy, sales of camping supplies are growing again.
"The upswing in sales bears out our long standing theory that when the economy is weak, people stay close to home and go backpacking," said Garreth Martins of Osprey Packs.
Camping is usually divided into two categories: car camping and backpacking. The weight and bulk and amount of equipment is much less a problem in the former, and car camping is an excellent way to introduce children to the camping experience, said Doc Dowidat, of Miller's Surplus in Tucson, Arizona.
"Car camping teaches them what camping is all about and how much fun it is and when they grow older they will go backpacking," said Dowidat.
Miller's sells a huge variety of camping supplies geared mainly to the backpacker. Among essentials, said Dowidat, are cookware, stoves, compasses, freeze dried food, hydration systems and first aid kit. Useful miscellaneous items include pocket knives, sunscreen, lip balm, bandannas and hats.
One of Miller's most popular camping stoves is the dutch oven with legs.
"It is very versatile and works right over a coal-fueled fire," said Dowidat, who also does well with Coleman backpacking stoves, including two lightweight models fueled by butane canisters.
A compass is an essential and potentially lifesaving tool. Unlike a GPS device, a compass does not require batteries and does not depend on satellites. Even when the backpacker is equipped with a GPS, he or she should also carry a compass as a back up.
Among Miller's most popular models is the Trecker by Silva, a basic easy to use compass, which retails for about $25.
Although some campers carry MREs, which have the advantage of not requiring any preparation, they take up room in a backpack. More popular at Miller's is Mountain House freeze-dried food, which Dowidat describes as very lightweight and needing only hot water to prepare.
Energy bars are a useful snack as a quick source of energy. However, Dowidat observes, many campers prefer making their own mix, combining such ingredients as coconut, peanuts and M&Ms. Gatorade and ERG are energy drinks that supplement the snacks, replacing salt and potassium.
Water bottles have largely replaced military style canteens at Millers, and are competing with hydration packs in popularity.
"The problem with canteens is that they were not leak proof, and the plastic material inside gave a plasticky taste to the water," said Dowidat. "In contrast, you can turn a Nalgene bottle upside down and it will not leak and the Lexan material eliminates the bad taste."
There are a variety of ways to purify water, and iodine tablets remain the simplest and one of the most effective. Two tablets will purify a full quart of water.
A first aid kit is a basic but also a highly individual item, and many campers prefer to make up their own. Bandages, four by four gauze pads and moleskin are essential items, as is a first aid manual. But what a camper adds to the kit depends much on his individual needs. Dowidat recommends that anyone on medications take an extra supply. When planning a five-day trip, a camper should take enough for at least eight days.
If a camper becomes the victim of a poisonous snake, the best move is to wait and call for help on a cell phone. Cutting the wound and sucking out the poison is no longer recommended, said Dowidat. If the injury occurs outside of a cell phone range, a constriction band should be applied above the bite to control the flow of poison with the leg elevated above the heart. The victim should remain as quiet as possible. A healthy person rarely dies from a rattlesnake bite, said Dowidat, noting that Sawyer manufacturers an extractor with various types of suction cups to pull out the poison or stinger from snakes, scorpions and bees, wasps and hornets.
Cell phones can be life saving and a portable battery operated charger is available. However, cell phones should be used only for emergencies.
"The reason you go camping is to get away," said Dowidat.
All the comforts of home
Elie Markin, of Ledmark Industries wholesales a variety of basic backpacking equipment. One of his most popular items is a six-piece non-stick mess kit.
"It is the modern day answer to the traditional mess kit," said Markin. "The pots and pans are Teflon-coated and come with a mesh bag and a lightweight gripper that can be used on the fry pan and one quart pot."
He carries aluminum military canteens, which remain popular, as the aluminum interior eliminates the plastic taste.
His compass inventory consists of more than 15 items, ranging from military lensatic models to a basic easy-to-use compass with an attached thermometer.
"It is a great emergency item that is easy to merchandise near coats and jackets," said Markin of the latter.
One of the joys of going outdoors is the ability to observe the fullness of nature. A good pair of binoculars enhances the outdoor experience. Markin recommends his Water Sport, an 8x25 waterproof, fog proof and rubber armored model. The nitrogen fill protects the instrument from moisture.
Camping business has also been strong at Rothco.
"We have been surprised at our sales. People are opting for less expensive vacations," said spokesman Hans Blechschmidt
Rothco specializes in basic equipment for the backpacker as opposed to the family camper.
Insect repellents have been a top seller since the outbreak of the West Nile Virus. Backpackers today are diligent about using DEET based repellents.
Rothco's mosquito repellents contain DEET in concentration sas high as 30 percent. Higher concentrations are available, said Blechschmidt, but he noted that studies have shown that concentrations higher than 30 percent are no more effective, although they provide protection for a longer period.
Rothco also sells a pyrethrum based tick killer, Unlike DEET based repellents, pyrethrum should be applied only to clothing and never directly to the skin.
For water purification, Rothco offers standard iodine tablets and slightly better tasting Chlorine tablets, as well as a two-step P.A. Plus system, consisting of iodine tablets to clean the water and a second tablet to remove the iodine taste.
For now, Rothco does not sell water filtration systems.
The government has done extensive testing and has yet to recommend a system, said Blechschmidt.
"The GIs is are buying their own. If the government came out with a recommendation, we would have an easier time selecting one," he added.
Other basic items that Blechschmidt suggests include the GI survival knife in either the original or copy, the GI magnesium fire starter and a basic compass.
In the latter category Rothco has enjoyed success with Silva and the military Cammenga compasses, as well as with it s own less imported line.
Proper clothing is as important to survival as carrying the right accessories
For hiking in colder climates and at higher altitudes, Blechschmidt recommends moisture wicking polypropylene fleece underwear.
"They are water proof and breathable and keep the camper warm and dry," he said.
author: by Howard Prosnitz