Diagram of 2014 Dodge Durango - Measurements of Cargo Area - Seats Folded Down for Camping
When I travel for business or pleasure, I try to avoid spending money on motels. It's a lot more comfortable than you might think! The back of my Durango is easily converted to a comfy bedroom with a premium folding mattress. Here's a breakdown including diagrams, measurements and all of the wonderful gear you can fit for a cross country adventure.
This is how I fit my gear into the back of my 2014 Dodge Durango
A high quality tri-folding mattress is the key to avoiding misery and leaks on the road
Even if you buy the best air mattress on the market, I guarantee it will leak at some point, perhaps even when it's new! For a luxurious sleep experience that feels like home, go for a tri-folding foam mattress. This Milliard mattress is more dense and comfortable than any folding mattress promoted for camping. It doesn't flatten or lose its shape, even if you use it on a nightly basis. My first Milliard folding mattress was a Twin XL, but it took up way too much room in the back of my vehicle. I had initially worried about moving down to a 25" single mattress because the single bed is only 4" thick. It turns out that I'm just as comfortable on the smaller mattress, and it leaves a whole lot more room to stash my gear beside me. When I hit the road with my husband, we bring both of these mattresses and set them up within a tent.
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This four-season sleeping bag is rated for zero degree weather
Choosing any old sleeping bag from Walmart isn't an option for me. In my home state of Michigan, the weather can be quite unpredictable in the spring and fall. We joke about swimming one day and shoveling snow the next! It's just nice to be prepared for anything. I've used this bag in 30 degree weather without feeling cold at night. When the weather is hot, I simply sleep on top of the bag with a cool sheet for cover. The extra padding adds a nice layer of comfort to my Milliard mattress.
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This amazing shade cloth keeps my car cool on the hottest days
I stash this gem in the hidden compartment under the floorboard near the hatch. If you've never heard of aluminet shade cloth, now is the time to get acquainted! This magical reflective fabric can be draped right over your car or tent to reflect 80% of the sun's light and heat away from you and back out into the universe. It comes in a variety of sizes for large and small structures and includes a nice bungee system to secure the covering in place. It's also great for covering plants, pet cages and vehicles. Greenhouse owners attest that this fabric takes temperatures down by 20 degrees! I'd say that's about right. I don't leave home without my shade cloth in the summer. Without it, I would literally be a hot mess!
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This battery operated fan generates strong breezes within cars and tents
Sure, I could get up and run my air conditioning every time I feel hot at night, but that just drains my gas. This powerful battery operated fan is the perfect solution. I have a growing collection of battery operated cooling fans, but the adjustable base sets this one apart from the rest. It doesn't tip when I set it on top of the camp storage table near my bed. When relaxing outside the tent, I set this fan on the ground near my camp chair and tilt the head upward to create a breeze that sweeps over my entire body. In addition to cooling me down, the breeze helps blow mosquitoes away! For more mosquito control tricks, visit my page on campsite pest control.
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This locking camp chair never sags or tips because it's rated for 400 pounds
Camp chairs are known for saggy seats and the tendency to tip or wobble. With heavy duty steel construction, this camping chair locks into place and supports up to 400 pounds. Even if you weigh far less, a chair's maximum capacity indicates how long it will last and how well it will withstand abuse from children and relatives who like to plop into chairs. For trips with my husband, I stack two of these chairs on the floor behind my front seat. When I fly solo, I bring only one.
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This generously padded camp chair mimics an easy chair!
This simple $40 rain fly allows me to keep cooking and partying when it rains
Sure, I could get a $250 popup rain shelter with screens, but those shelters don't have as much air flow. I also feel safer when I'm cooking under a shelter that's not fully enclosed on all sides.
This rolling vacation bag converts to a backpack and stands up without tipping
This is the PERFECT vacation bag because you can carry it on your back when you need to and roll it behind you when you get tired. At 27.5 inches long, It's much taller than most backpacks, which is great for those of us who like to pack a whole lot of stuff! I love that the interior is one large compartment so that my clothing won't wrinkle. There's another large compartment underneath the hood, adding a perfect place to stash socks, underwear and toiletries. Above all, I love that the bag stands up straight without tipping. Most long line backpacks fall right over, leaving you to bend to the ground to look for stuff. The fabric is a thick, water resistant type of nylon, but this backpack is not totally waterproof for boating. I've used it in the rain with no issues, but I wouldn't drop it into the lake.
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This sturdy cookware storage table has telescoping legs to save my aching back
I've been carrying this cooking storage system for months now, and I still can't believe how much space it saves! I used to stuff all of my cookware and survival gear into a giant gym bag that was awkward to pack and difficult to carry. I was constantly bending to the ground to look for various items, which put incredible stress on my back! Now, I keep all of these items in my storage table year round. Sturdy handles on either side of the unit help me transport my entire camp kitchen easily. To build an instant kitchen, I simply lift the unit from my vehicle and pull out the telescoping legs! One of the storage bags has a waterproof lining so that it can function as a cooler or dish washing basin. I keep the roll top attached so that I can stack other things on top of the table in transit. At night, I set my travel fan on the table to circulate the air and keep me cool.
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This slim camp stove fits my cooking storage table perfectly
I don't mind carrying a grill will a big bag of charcoal when I'm camping with the family, but it's just too much to deal with when I'm going solo. My trusty Coleman propane stove is light and compact. I can push it right into the space below the bags on the bottom level of my Camp Chef storage table. Surprisingly, my Camp Chef Rainer series stove doesn't fit well into the Sherpa organizer table it was made for. It's so heavy and awkward that I never bring it.
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I love this lightweight grill pan with a folding handle
This lightweight grill pan with folding handle is a must. It fits perfectly into a single camp chef organizer compartment and leaves plenty of room to spare. I'm so glad my days of carrying heavy cast iron are over! Several years ago, there was a big move to cast iron when the PFOAs in Teflon pans were reported to release carcinogens into food. Luckily, many of today's nonstick pans are PFOA free. I'm back to using the light, convenient stuff on my camp stove. I love that I can wash nonstick pans with dish soap and never worry about them rusting. I generally use a spray bottle with water to mist the pan then wipe it down with a paper towel.
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A bucket grill is super compact, and it doesn't use much charcoal
This is simply the most durable nesting set for cooking over open fires
This Stansport stainless steel nesting set is simply thicker and more durable than nesting sets I've bought in the past, including the Stanley Base Camp Adventure set. In fact, this $50 set is even better than the expensive stainless steel pots I use in my home kitchen. If open fire cooking is your thing, rest assured that these pans will stand up to any cooking scenario in the home or on the trail.
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These high quality roasting sticks won't break
My new rolling cooler doesn't break my back
My shed has become a resting place where inadequate coolers go to die. This Coleman is my favorite for many reasons.
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This simple generator can charge your phone or run a sleep apnea machine all night!
We originally purchased a Suaoki generator for my husband's sleep apnea machine, but we quickly found that it didn't last the entire night and wasn't powerful enough to run other electronic devices at the same time. Most indoor generators are rated at 250 watts, but the generator pictured at left boasts a whopping 500 watt capacity. I can run just about any item I like from curling irons to blow dryers to electric blankets to cooling fans.
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This extra durable tent gave me a whole new respect for easy popup models
I don't always bring a tent when I travel, but in the summertime, there's just something magical about sleeping under the stars. I had always believed that popup tents could never be as sturdy or waterproof as traditional tents erected with fiberglass poles, but the Gazelle is different. The moment you touch the quality fabric and handle the sturdy zippers, you'll know it's heads and tails above those cheap backyard tents parents buy for their kids to play. This is a genuine family tent with plenty of space for multiple beds and ample head room for tall men to stand up straight. I'm used to sleeping in the finest tents available. For annual camping excursions with the family, I carry a four-season Alaskan Guide Model tent from Cabela's, but it takes forever to set up. What a way to suck the joy out of family adventures! When I camp solo, the last thing I want to do is struggle to erect a tent without a partner to help me on the other end. I appreciate having a nice portable shelter that lifts into place quickly. My first week out, it kept me bone dry through two rainstorms.
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Interior and exterior photos of my Gazelle popup tent
If you're going to carry a tent, you'll need to bring two heavy duty tarps. Here's why.
1.) Your first tarp will be used UNDERNEATH your tent to protect the fabric from dirt, rocks and sharp twigs. Be sure to fold the edges of the tarp under your tent. Otherwise, rain water will collect on top of the tarp and flow under the tent. 2.) Your second tarp will be spread across the interior tent floor. The extra insulation will keep your tent warm on cold nights. It will also protect the tent floor from seepage. Take it from a professional camper with 20 years of experience. Even the most expensive tent floors can become wet when it rains for days on end. Be sure that your interior tarp is LARGER than your tent floor. Fold the edges upward so that any rain seeping into the tent from the ground will collect below the tarp. Even the best tents will have a little bit of condensation under the tarp by the end of a rain filled trip. This doesn't mean that a true leak occurred. No tent is truly 100% waterproof. If tents were designed this way, air flow would be non existent, and sleepers could suffocate.
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This waterproof repair tape is absolutely the strongest for tents and boats
No matter how much or how little you spend on a tent, you should always carry insurance. I was sold on this brand of waterproof repair tape when I saw a video made by an ordinary guy who tested seven popular brands of waterproof tape in his garage, subjecting each to trials for weight resistance, water pressure and temperature stability. If tent and boat repair are important to you, I highly recommend watching the following video before spending money on a substandard product.
Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRXpfgik9XA |
When there's no room to carry a bucket toilet, this is the next best thing.
Don't forget to bring more baby wipes than you'll need!
Be sure the soap you bring is strong enough to kill germs and fungus from the river
If you're on a tight budget, it's best to get a $10 gallon of antibacterial soap to fill several travel bottles. If you're a person who enjoys using organic products, a nice bar of oregano oil soap will serve you well. Two studies from Georgetown University have shown that oregano oil appears to reduce infection as effectively as traditional antibiotics.
These shampoo bars have oils that kill parasites and germs
Conditioner tubes pack better than bottles
This portable shower pumps water from a bucket
This is how I carry five gallons of water for drinking and showers
Antibacterial hand wipes are a must!
I Never Travel Without the Following Emergency Preparedness Items
A quality car jump starter
This waterproof head lamp gives me perfect night vision in the rain
If your vehicle breaks down and you're forced to walk to the nearest gas station, you'll be happy to have a waterproof head lamp to light your way. To find the best head lamp, a research lab tested more than 100 models before subjecting the best 27 to a gauntlet of side-by-side tests. Each product was lab-tested and field-tested. Industrial light meters were used to measure brightness. An automated "light coffin" with a data-logging light meter was used to measure battery life. This head lamp was one of the three top performing lamps, second only to an insanely expensive model. At $36, I knew I couldn't pass this deal by.
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This emergency raincoat is much more durable than most
Emergency rain shoe covers are a must!
This water filter removes 99.9% of all bacteria from any questionable water source
An advanced water filter is CRUCIAL if you break down in the wilderness with no access to clean water. The Sawyer Water Filtration system is the most powerful travel filter on the market. It removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, including salmonella, cholera, and E.coli. It also removes 99.9999% of all protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium. You'll never waste money on cartridges because this single filter can purify up to 100,000 gallons. A simple flush with the included syringe will keep it clean. The kit pictured here comes with three BPA-free collapsible pouches (16-, 32-, and 64-ounce) that roll up tightly for easy packing. The squeeze bottle design is much more efficient than the tiny backpacking models that can only filter one small pouch at a time.
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These windproof, waterproof matches will never fail you
Lighters can be extremely difficult to ignite when conditions are wet or windy, and fire starters will test your patience. Don't get stuck playing boy scout when a fire is desperately needed. A nice tube of windproof, waterproof matches will serve you well on the trail or at the beach. Don't leave home without them!
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This knife meets all of my criteria for an excellent survival knife
As a knife enthusiast, I was stunned to find all of my favorite features at a price point of only $10.95! Several months later, I went back to purchase a second Tac-force knife, and the price had gone up to $25. It's still a great deal.
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This tactical hammer has 18 pullout tools!
I found this gem in the "As Seen on TV" aisle in Walmart. I had planned to store this nifty survival tool in my backpack with my other emergency supplies, but I kept taking it out for various reasons! My husband carries a Swiss Army knife, but he's more likely to go looking for my pullout tools than his own.
Included Tools: Axe, hammer, flat rip pliers, pipe grip pliers, wire cutter, straight knife, bottle opener, chisel, wrench (6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm), serrated blade, small flathead screwdriver, nail file, saw blade, fish hook remover, Phillips screwdriver. |
These gaming sheers work better than a butcher knife
From a wilderness survival standpoint, you'd need a specialized tool to butcher meat if you ever had to kill a rabbit or catch a fish. In reality, I use my gaming sheers to cut flat iron steak when I make fajitas! I tried so hard to keep them stored with my camping gear, but I kept taking them out to perform various kitchen tasks at home. The only solution was to buy a second pair of scissors for my kitchen drawer!
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This premium quality hatchet is forged in once piece
Do yourself a favor. Don't buy cheap hatchets with heads that can pop off. This premium quality hatchet is forged in one piece. At $34, it's a steal. I started my survival collection with a hatchet from my local hardware store. It was decent, but for an extra $10, I was able to order one of the most durable striking tools on the market today. The curved handle allows me to strike with more force, and the head feels far more secure.
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This tiny emergency cooking stove runs on leaves and twigs
This tiny cookware set fits nicely into my emergency kit!
This paracord features three types of life saving survival strands
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Contractor bags have many important functions
Many survivalists carry contractor bags to build emergency shelters or make raincoats. I already have an emergency tent plus rain gear, so I generally use my bags to protect items that sit outside my car for long periods. For example, when I pull my camp chef storage table out of the car, I set the telescoping legs inside a contractor bag. At the first sign of rain, I just lift the sides of the bag up over the table and tie off the top. As I take cover inside my vehicle or tent, I don't have to worry about my precious portable kitchen getting wet.
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A basic first aid kit is a good start, but...
A basic first aid kit will help you cover many bases, but there are some key life saving items you should always carry on the side. I eyed this kit for a long time, but it didn't make the cut. In the end, I decided to build my own first aid kit with quality supplies. I have a thing against dry alcohol pads, cheap Band-Aids that don't stick, plastic tweezers and thin bandage rolls! I also wanted to include some key lifesaving items to battle food poisoning and infection.
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Food grade activated charcoal can save you from food or chemical poisoning
For best results, choose activated charcoal made from coconut shells, not hardwood. Coconut shells yield a powder that's more absorptive. Beware of charcoal products that aren't labeled with clear instructions for first aid. You don't want to swallow a tooth whitening formula with added fluoride or peppermint. I like to transfer my charcoal to tall glass salt shakers. There's a shaker in my main first aid kit, my backpack, my boating bag and my medicine chest at home. Activated charcoal does not expire!
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Kaolin clay can stop you from bleeding to death
Why spend $13 on a single wound clotting sponge impregnated with kaolin clay when you can buy a whole pound of kaolin clay for $10? Simply store the clay in a clean salt shaker and sprinkle it onto wounds before applying direct pressure with a cotton pad or clean cloth. For severe traumatic wounds, use clean maxi pads. Note: Kaolin clay is normally used for facials and body purification. It's valued by salons around the world for its ability to clear acne and pull toxins from skin. Since the clay has a shelf life of three years, you can use your leftover supplies for facials or body masks. You can't do that with a wound clotting sponge!
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Super adhesive fabric bandages won't fall off when you sweat
Pray you'll never need these, but carry them just in case. They're cheap to buy online.
Don't be caught without bandage rolls for sever traumatic injuries. Bandage rolls are often overpriced at pharmacies, and you only get a few rolls per package. Don't miss this chance to grab 24 high quality rolls for $12.99. I paid $24 for this deal last year. Even at full price, it's a steal. I now have plenty of bandages for my first aid kit, my boating bag and both of my survival backpacks.
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Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful antibiotic for ear infections, UTIs and flu bugs
Grapefruit seed extract is prized as an emergency water purifying agent, but it can also be used to fight antibiotic resistant urinary tract infections and stubborn ear infections. All over the world, GSE is used for killing salmonella, E.Coli, staph, strep, parasites, viruses and fungi (including Candida). Health enthusiasts use grapefruit seed extract as a daily supplement to kill disease causing microbes. Print this guide to learn how to use GSE for various ailments
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A fully stocked waterproof pill case is a must
I'll never forget the time my medications were ruined when a bottle of alcohol spilled inside my first aid kit. Ever since then, I use waterproof pill cases. This type of pill case is also good for boating.
TRADITIONAL PILLS
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Always carry a universal splint roll
Duct tape is more valuable than medical tape
Not that you shouldn't carry medical tape, but chances are it won't be strong enough to make a sling, hold splint material or attach Maxi pads to gaping wounds. In a true traumatic emergency, duct tape won't fail you. Avoid using super strong tapes like Gorilla and T-Rex brands. The extra strong adhesives may irritate skin. Here's a link to more tips on using duct tape to handle emergencies.
Eight Genius First Aid Uses for Duct Tape: https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/duct-tape-first-aid/ |
Flexible ice packs are far superior to rigid packs
Don't get stuck holding a hard plastic ice pack on top of an injured knee, elbow or ankle. Flexible ice packs are made to hug joints and curves. Drape this ice pack over ankles, shins, knees, thighs, wrists, arms and collar bones. In many cases, you won't have to sit and hold the ice pack in place because it drapes nicely all by itself.
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My first aid bag doubles as a wilderness emergency kit
I wasn't happy with the quality of the zippers and stitching on first aid bags I'd purchased in the past, and they never seemed to have enough compartments to keep my supplies properly organized. This heavy duty cooler is made of a thick nylon material that doesn't pucker under the weight of my supplies. The cooler has five exterior pockets to provide easy access to frequently used items without opening the main compartment. This bag sits on my front passenger seat to give me immediate access to all of my first aid and emergency survival items. Here's a complete list of all the items that fit into the bag.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES: Folding Saw, Tactical Knife, Gaming Scissors, Folding Scissors, Multi Tool, Head Lamp, AA Batteries, Duct Tape, Cording, 3 Contractor Bags, 2 Mylar Blankets, Water Filter, 2 Lighters, Fire Starter, 4 Tinder Cubes, Waterproof Matches, Mini Pot, 120 Hour Candle, 3 Piece Silverware Set, Mini Tongs, Gloves. FIRST AID: Peroxide Spray, Alcohol Spray, Saline Wash, Witch Hazel, Neosporin, Anti Itch Cream, Aloe, Coconut Oil, Calamine Lotion, Splint Roll, 2 Ace Bandages, 20 XL Band-Aids, 20 Strip Band-Aids, 6 Gauze Rolls, 4 Maxi Pads, Trauma Scissors, Masking Tape, Motrin, Aleve, Allegra, Zyrtec, Activated Charcoal Powder, Charcoal Pills, Styptic Pen, Kaolin Clay, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Eye Drops, Cough Drops, Ice Pack, 2 Breathing Masks, Latex Gloves, Antibacterial Hand Wipes, Tick Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Safety Pins. |
My Favorite Non Perishable Survival Foods
Chicken pouches are great for sandwiches, tortillas and camp stews
This brand of tortillas has a very long shelf life of six months
Freeze dried stewing vegetables are much lighter to carry than canned vegetables
Dehydrated beef chunks won't spoil in the heat, and they taste better than you might think.
Don't worry. This freeze dried beef isn't loaded with preservatives. In fact, the only ingredients in this 1.15 pound can are beef and salt. When you remove the water from meat, microorganisms can't survive. Just add 1/2 cup of water to 1 cup of diced chicken. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes. The can contains about 10 cups of meat, which means it could feed one adult for a week.
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Dried scalloped potatoes add bulk to stews
Vienna sausage is great if you take the time to grill it
Velveeta mac & cheese meals are great because they don't require milk or butter
This oatmeal is so loaded with protein that you could survive solely on these packets
This delicious high protein pancake mix doesn't require milk or eggs
This freeze dried chicken has a shelf life of 25 years!
Don't worry. This freeze dried meat isn't loaded with preservatives. In fact, the only ingredient in this 1.15 pound can is chicken. When you remove the water from chicken or meat, microorganisms can't survive. Just add 1/2 cup of water to 1 cup of diced chicken. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes. The can contains about 10 cups of chicken, which means it could feed one adult for a week.
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Bear Creek soup mixes taste like you made them from scratch!
Bear Creek soup mixes are great on their own, but they're even better when you add your own special ingredients. Here are some of my favorites:
Clam Chowder: I've been known to add salmon, shrimp and real cream when a cooler is available. Minestrone: I like to add a can of tomato paste and beef chunks, sometimes fresh and sometimes freeze dried. Chicken Tortilla: I normally add chicken, stewed tomatoes and crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers. Beef Stew: Great with fresh beef chunks or freeze dried beef chunks, depending on whether or not you have access to a cooler. Cheddar Potato: Great with freshly diced ham or canned ham chunks. Creamy Wild Rice: Great with fresh or foil packed chicken. |
30 Great Camping, Survival and Pantry Food Ideas
Most of us begin camping trips by loading a cooler with fresh meats, eggs, cheeses and vegetables. As those supplies begin to disappear, it's nice to have a stash of emergency foods that don't require refrigeration. These foods can save the day when rainy conditions prevent you from grilling. They're also great for backpacking, survivalism and pantry stocking!
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This Clever Camping Toilet System will Make Your Trips to the Wilderness Fun Again!
If the lack of a comfortable place to use the bathroom is keeping you from enjoying wilderness adventures, I have great news. There's an ultra comfortable and effective system for tall people, heavy people and older people with arthritis or knee pain. Most campers know nothing about this option because it's not key worded for camping gear shoppers. Let me show you how to overcome wilderness challenges and fall in love with nature again!
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