What is some good, new music?

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Q. I've been overseas most of this year and have returned home feeling like an alien. I'm not particularly interested in top 40 stuff, more indie music. So, Australia specific, like what's going to be in the Hottest 100 this year? Or more broadly, what artists have released new albums this year. I know Ben Folds, Florence + The Machine, Flume, Of Monsters and Men, Ed Sheeran, Crystal Castles, Mumford and Sons.

Answer
Paste Magazine will draw a treasure map to the musical jewels of 2012 for you.

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2012/12/the-20-best-new-bands-of-2012.html

Pitchfork is also a great tool to keep in your listening shed: http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9017-the-top-50-albums-of-2012/

You already are aware of the epic artists who make me hold onto my socks when I listen to their albums. I saw Mumford & Sons and Florence at the Hollywood Bowl this year and they were blissgasmic. If you haven't yet heard Kate Earl's "Stronger" which made its beautiful entrance into the world last month, you should most definitely check it out. I've been grooving to her for like six weeks now. It was recorded with the wonderful Brett Dennen, Blake Mills, and other musicians popular amongst the Hotel Cafe / Molly Malone LA indie music scene, but I think it will catch on in Australia as well.

I also recommend:
~ Bruno Mars' "Unorthodox Jukebox"
~ Lykke Li's "Wounded Rhymes"
~ Meiko's "The Bright Side"
~ Laura Jansen's "Bells." (Released in 2011, but became more actively listened to this year)
~ Greg Laswell's "Landline"
~ Girls' "Breakup"
~ Boy & Bear's "Moonfire" came out in 2011, but has been gathering momentum and plays this year on the stations that are popular amongst my fellow indie-loving friends.
~ Morgan Page's "In the Air" (featuring Tegan & Sara!)
~ Joshua James' "From the Top of Wilamette Mountain"
~ Fleet Foxes' "The Helplessness Blues" - also from 2011
~ Imagine Dragon's "Night Vision"
~ Reina Del Cid and the Cidizens "Blueprint, Plans"
~ Lana Del Rey's "Paradise"

I'm the most excited about Rilo Kiley's new album! It's not actually going to have freshly baked songs, but it will be comprised of songs that were never released.

Check out Paste, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork for more suggestions. I haven't been back to Australia since thieving bastards broke into our rental car and stole my backpack with things I loved in Sydney when I was a kid, so I haven't kept my finger on the pulse of the indie music scene there, but those sites will help you out.

Tell your sister I said G'day.

~ skylark : )

Edit - check this out: my Australian friend just told me about it:
http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/12/toptens/

Can this jansport backpack be unisex?

Q. I got a jansport backpack for the school year because it fits all of my things. Can this backpack be used for both boys and girls? I really like it. Please no hate

http://www.jansport.com/shop/en/jansport-us/backpacks/hauler-tyz8

Answer
ABSOLUTELY!! My friend has the fugliest backpack in the world, but she wears it because it holds everything---and I mean everything she can fit! She's in college for over 8 hours a day, sometimes from 7 am to 7 pm and she lives in that backpack. This backpack is gorgeous compared to hers and if it fits everything, then go for it! I actually would rock this backpack in a heartbeat! It's grey and neon yellowish, those are super colors for summer collections. I actually saw a bag that was like a grey with neon yellowish platexy trim, I almost bought it ((bites knuckles)) but it was still 140 on sale ((boo :'( )). So, here's a site I found that shows all the females colors for summer. The colors you chose are really in right now!

http://www.lamodedujour.com/2012/06/summer-handbags/


good luck and i hoped this helped. Cute backpack!

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How to plan a backpacking/hiking trip?

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Nick

A few friends and i plan to go backpacking/hiking/surviving in the wilderness in a remote location in North Carolina in the fall of this year. How do I go about setting the location and knowing exactly what to bring? How do I plan this?

Answer
backpacking / hiking are pretty straight forward.
determine how long you'll be gone, how far you want to go, and the range of possible weather conditions.
You want to keep your packs light, but not give up on safety.
3-5 people can share some things, for instance
share 2 stoves (ultralight alcohol stove - see below) or Jet Boil are good options
share 1 or 2 water purification systems (can also boil with stove)
share 2 tents
bring lightweight backpacking sleeping bags.
try to keep your clothing either wool or synthetic. Cotton is comfortable when dry - but kills when wet.
Will you camp near water? if not, you'll need to keep water - so more water bottles or water bladders.
bring a wool cap, some glove liners,
bring an extra set of clothing and At least two pair of wool socks - clean 1 while wearing the other.

then apply for any permits you may need, get some maps - and talk to some folks who've traveled there before.

sounds like fun.

How much do I need to spend on a hiking/backpacking setup for the AT?!?!?

Bro

I live in North Carolina and I want to hike parts of the Appalachian trail 1 to 14 day hikes and I wanna know what amount ill have to save up for a backpack tent fire supply's food water basically the essentials very lightweight .

Answer
getting new quality in all gear
tent $200-400 or variant get a hammock $150
10* all season sleeping bag $200-300
Insulated ground pad $150
Water filter $100- $150
Cook stove $100
GPS $300 with preloaded maps
Multi tool $75
Fire strike tool $5
Flash light $25
hand crank charger $15 charges your cell phone and batteries for GPS
food x $10 a day $140
pots and pan $50
spork $5
clothes, boots $500

That is a guesstimate of around $2000 give or take a few hundred not including transportation, permits Use a checklist for a complete run down on all the camping gear you need,
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

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Motorcycle(street bike) backpack for my bf!!! Help!!!?

best backpack reviews 2012 image

Jasmine

So my boyfriend just got his motorcycle(street bike) (2012 Yamaha) I want I surprise him by getting him a backpack so he can carry his stuff, as he did stop riding for a year, he sold almost all his things and I don't know much about brands and dont want to seem dumb and give him something crapy. He's been riding since he was 14 so he's a pro at all motorcycle things. Please help I want to surprise him and get him something nice. He's 23. To specify what he will carry, he would carry little things such as his hat, some extra clothes(maybe), water bottles.

Answer
Get him anything by Kriega (they only make packs for bikers - I personally really dig the R25) and he'll love you forever.

Trust me on that.

Or just Google 'Kriega' and check out the reviews.

UK site is www.kriega.com. US is www.kriega.us

Shopping list for freshman in high school?

Lola Clis

Shopping list for freshman in high school?

I am starting high on August 24th, 2012 and I super nervous
I was needing some help making a shopping list
I am not made of money so I will not spend more than 40 bucks on one piece of clothing
I do not wear fancy/stylish clothes too often but I like to look nice
I am a country girl so I am often found in jeans boots and a tee
I would like to be a little better dressed this year
I love American Eagle!!
The mall I plan to go to has Aeropostale, Hollister, American Eagle, Finish Line, Sears JCPenny, Body Central, Old Navy, Wet Seal, Victoria Secret, The Shoe Department, New York & Company, Lady Footlocker, Hot Topic, Gap, Express
Thanks for all the help
I am also going to walmart and staples
I would like a list of clothes an supplies
Thank you in advance

Answer
Classroom Supplies
The Classic Pencil(s) #2
Hand Held Pencil Sharpener
A large pink eraser
Pen (red)
Pens (blue/black)
Highlighter
12" Ruler
Pocket Folders
Single-subject Spiral Notebooks
POST-IT notes
POST-IT flags
Loose leaf paper (wide ruled or 3-hole punched if preferred)
Tabbed Dividers
Book Covers/Book Sox
3-Ring Binder
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Paper Clips
Index Cards
Graph paper
Glue Stick
Safety Scissors
School Supply Box
Whiteout
Portable 3-hole punch
Small Stapler
Printer paper

Clothing and Accessories
Umbrella
Gloves
Scarves
Calculator watch
School Uniform
Gym shorts
Breathable athletic shirt
Hair brush or hair comb
Rain Coat
Girls
Tights and Leg Warmers
Flat Shoes
Boots
Winter hat (Bucket Hat)
Jeans (Juicy Couture and Gap are hot brands this season)
Fall Jacket â denim or fleece
Dress â Trendy dresses
Bracelets
Jewelry
Purse
Designer Tops



Travel and Playground
Gym bag
Lunch box/bags
Backpack/Messenger â A bag that is suitable for your child
Gym/running Shoes
Reusable bag
Hygiene product â Deodorant perfume
Lip Balm â Chap Stick
Bandages â Band aids

Books
Dictionary
Thesaurus atlas Encyclopedia almanac
Calendar
Weekly planner
Textbooks
Time management book
Various books for $.99
Magazine subscription â Teen or favorite topic/hobby
Translation books â Spanish to English (Substitute your Childs language)
Bookmark
Flashcards or other learning aids

Electronics(SOME ARE ONLY FOR HOME USE)
USB Flash Drives (minimum size: 256MB)
Calculator â Review math course requirements before purchasing
Headphones
MP3 Player â Many inexpensive alternatives
All in One Printer â Scan, copy and print
Digital Voice Recorder â Simple and could be combined with many MP3 players
Alarm Clock
Digital Camera
Portable or car charger for electronics
Music â CDâs or iTunes Gift Card

Everything Else
Facial Tissue
Surface wipes
Closable baggies
Bicycle
Nail clipper
Lock â Combination or pad lock
Trapper Keeper
Locker stand
Poster board
New glasses â eye exam recommended
Hand Lotion
Clear tape
Batteries
Cough drops
Reusable water bottle
To go Snacks: Bars, Gum

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How much money would you need for?

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Johnstein

2 months of backpacking around europe
The cheapest possible and staying in only a few hotels (planning not to stay up in places like amsterdam so no hostel or hotel needed.

Answer
Cheapest possible means taking a tent and sleeping bag and staying on camping sites or arranging a place to sleep through couchsurfing.org or similar websites. It means avoiding hostels because they are too expensive - and you talk about staying in a few hotels?!?!?

Cheapest possible also means cooking all your own food, not eating out once and primarily getting around not by train, bus or plane but by bicycle.

That way you can more or less plan on a budget of roughly 40 EUR per day and person.

If however you travel by train, plane, bus and eat out and stay in hotels you need approx. 80 EUR per day and person - minimum.

Most people who are backpacking (public transport, hostels, no eating out) plan on taking 60-70 EUR per day and person, with 50 EUR per day being the ultimate minimum.

Hope this helps.

What kind of hobbies could I do with my dog?

vincents.s

Is there any games I could play with my pup?

Answer
Well Duh...

*Agility - in, out, over and through this sport is all about working as a team
# Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy - the warm head of a friendly pet can soothe a lonely heart
# Bikejoring - some dogs love to run. Adding the responsibility of teamwork adds to the fun.
# Canicross - dog powered running for those who want to share their running goals with their best friend
# Carting - channel the desire to pull into harness work that lets the dog feel useful and skilled
# Coursing and racing - root instinct drives the joy of running with purpose in coursing and racing
# Disc Dog or Flying Disc - if there was ever meaning to jump for joy this is it, jumping with achievement
# Dock Jumping or Dock Diving - dogs who excel in this sport are love to show they can do it further and better
# Dog Camps - Activity Sampler - too many choices? take a vacation with your dog and sample a variety
*Dog Scootering - some dogs love to run. Adding the responsibility of teamwork adds to the fun.
*Earthdog Trials - instinct, drive, and flying dirt - what more could an earthdog want
*Flyball - excitement, speed, and focus, a sport for dogs driven to do it faster
*Flygility - racing and teamwork to build confidence and a sense of belonging
*Herding - it's all about the dog's instinct and desire to control and direct movement for the pack leader
*Hiking, Backpacking and Dog Walks - sharing our quiet moments, our contemplations is the essence of being a pack
*Hunt and Field Trials - working as a team is what drives these dogs
*Mushing - for dogs who love to pull and people who want to let them
*Musical Freestyle - the ultimate in teamwork is working with rhythm and coordination
*Obedience - precision, focus and a great activity for perfectionist dogs, those who love to get it exactly right
*Performance Art (Tricks) - curiosity and a willingness to try new things makes this fun
*Pet Facilitated Therapy - for the dog who loves attention what better way to get it than visiting people in need
*Precision Drill Teams - the excitement of success, of meeting a challenge and being a part of the team
*Pulling - great for dogs who love to pull, and people who want to let them
*Racing - for the dogs who love not just running but being faster than the next one
*Rally Obedience - more focus on teamwork, less focus on precision, fun and relaxed for human and dog
*Ring Sport - a sport that says "I can be a contributing member of the family" Some dogs thrive on responsibility
*Rollerblade - a fun way for dogs and humans to share exercise and fresh air
*Schutzhund - tracking, obedience, protection, schutzhund is all about what a well rounded dog is all about
*Search and Rescue - for some making a difference is important, that includes dogs, they know it matters
*Skijoring
*Sledding
*Sniffer Dog
*Stock Dog Trials
*Tracking
*Visiting Pets
*Water Work
*Weight Pulling

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Does anyone know of some good hiking or backpacking magazines?

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Marlene

I am looking for a good trail magazine. I know of some out there but they are mainly about gear and advertisement. Maybe one that reviews and talks about different trails around the world. Even the not so popular and kind of out there ones, something adventurous. Any information would be helpful.

Answer
The main backpacking magazine is Backpacker. Each monthly issue has a main focus in addition to regular trail reports, training suggestions and stories from hikers. They do have a big gear review issue each spring, but other issues focus on things like the best National Parks, survival skills or a focus on a specific region. The current issue (March 09) is a review of the best hikes around the world. While I have found the main articles and trail reviews to be pretty good, the magazine has also become somewhat formulaic in the last few years and their gear reviewers have never seen a piece of equipment they weren't thrilled about.

Outside magazine is another one that is pretty popular with hikers and backpackers. Outside covers all sorts of outside recreations including running, biking, skiing, boating and extreme sports. They frequently have hiking and backpacking articles as well as more generic articles that apply to multiple activities (ie: basic training tips, etc).

If you are mostly interested in looking for recommendations on finding specific trails, than I would recommend the large Falcon Publishing series of trail guide books which cover most states as well as books focused on specific parks or regions. The books give good descriptions of trails, key mile points, descriptions of camp spots and often a rating system for finding hikes based on certain criteria. Most popular hiking areas will also have additional trail guides published by local authors. You may want to consider doing a search on the Amazon website for the areas you are interested in hiking.

If you want to get a good cross section of hike reviews and trail guides without having to buy a lot of books, then you may want to consider getting a subscription to Trails.com which has most of the Falcon books (and trail guides from other books) online where you can view and even download single trails from a variety of the books without having to view or buy the whole book each time.

And lastly, if you are interested in reviews of hikes from around the world, than you might want to check out the book "Classic Hikes of the World" by Peter Potterfield. Potterfield provides detailed descriptions and photos of 23 the world's best hikes.

How to avoid camera tripod moving when shutter is triggering?

dragalin o

When doing long time exposure photos on high focal lengths, the simple shutter triggering is moving the tripod. How shall I avoid this?
Hey guys, thanks for answers - problem is the internal movement of shutter and as it seems the mirror, is sufficient to blur the image at the beginning an and of exposure, especially when the tripod is raised to it's top height, but also to the lower position.
Hey guys, thanks for answers - problem is the internal movement of shutter, and as it seems the mirror, is sufficient to blur the image at the beginning an end of exposure, especially when the tripod is raised to it's top height, but also to the lower position at a lesser extent. Camera is Nikon D90 18-105 VR lens. Just bought it, my first DSLR indeed.

Answer
Many tripods have a hook between the legs which allows to but some weight on it to keep it more steady. You can e.g. use a container of water in backpack etc.
Use a cable release (or similar remote release) - not touching the camera when releasing the shutter is also helpful to avoid movement.

Also using a different kind of camera could be helpful - leaf shutters produce less shake than focal plane shutters but I have to agree there are very little leaf shutter cameras that allow to change lenses which are available at an affordable price.

Also a camera with a lock-up mirror can be helpful. With those the mirror goes up before the shutter opens thus reducing shake. This feature is often found also with not so expensive cameras.

You might also look at sites about astro-photographry - it's a common problem with them and you should be able to find a lot of helpful tips and tricks there.

EDIT:
Just googled your camera: To avoid shaking from the mirror you can use the exposure delay mode. You find the setting in the custom menu under shooting/display d10. Have a look here:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/nikon/d90-slr/nikon-d90-slr-review-16.html
This delays the time the shutter is opening by about 1 sec. after the mirror goes up. This will help to prevent shake from the mirror and reduce blur. Shake from the shutter cannot be avoided to a certain extent. (What is called mirror lock-up with the D90 is only used to flip up the mirror so you can access the sensor for cleaning).
Anyway I believe that the mirror causes more shake than the shutter.

Some longer lenses also have a tripod mount so that you can mount the camera with the lens tripod mount instead of the camera mount which gives better balance or allows the use of a second tripod but I fear your lens just is not long enough to have it.
The more moveable parts a tripod has the more shake is likely - especially with the center extension that you can move up and down. So try to get the required height with the three legs and keep the center extension as short as possible. Tighten all screws carefully.

If you don't have a remote release you can also use the self timer to avoid man made shake.

Also take care on which ground you position the tripod. E.g. a bridge with traffic passing over it will swing to a certain extent. Also buildings can vibrate if heavy traffic is passing by. Higher buildings also show certain movement due to various reason. While we might not feel it the camera on the tripod does.
Try to borrow a different tripod which is steadier to see if it helps.

EDIT 2:
An old "trick" just came to my mind. It works easiest with really long exposure times and the "B" setting. I would like to call it the "Black T-Shirt Shutter". The idea is the following: You set up the camera as usual and hold a black T-shirt in front of the lens so that no light can pass. THen you release the shutter - the shutter is now open but the sensor does not get any light. After a second or two when the camera is steady again you lift the T-shirt. After the required exposure time you put the shirt back and close the shutter. The shirt must be light enough not to move the camera when holding it in front of the lens but thick enough to block light. Don't press the shirt agains the lens - just hold it in front of it (as if hanging it from a cloth hanger) so that it just touches the lens and bulges a little. Works best at night of course. Does not work with automatic exposure and autofocus I think. So manual settings are required. No idea if your camera allows that.

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What type of items are your kids required to purchase for school?

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db2437

My children are expected to bring 1-3 boxes of Kleenex. Then depending on the kid several of following items: dry erase markers, hand sanitizer, clorox wipes, headphones and/or liquid hand soap. I know that school budgets are tight but so is my budget at home. These items add up quickly - we have four children.

In addition to these janitoral items that we are expected to supply, the two middle school age children are required to have a seperate, new pair of shoes for gym class. Yes, I mean in addition to the new shoes that they bought with their back to school apparel.

All of this expense seems excessive to me. Is this typical of all school districts or do I have reason to be upset by this?
It is public school. I think if the janitoral list was a request instead a demand, I would be okay with sending some supplies. I just think it is crazy that I have sent almost $40 in janitoral supplies to school in the last two days and my kindergartener hasn't even gone yet! Of course that is in addition to the shoe thing. We did by inexpensive shoes but even $20 or $30 multiplied times for four is a lot. I'm just really aggravated with the whole thing.

Answer
I wish I lived in some of the places in the other answers! For Pre K last yr my son had to have (among other things) 2 pkgs safety pins (he used about 7 the whole year) EXPO markers (yes, big emphasis on expo) 2 bxs of baby wipes, 1 box gallon bags, (girls had to bring 1 box quart bags) 6 glue sticks, and 1 bttl shaving cream. (girls brought zip lock bags)

This yr for Kindergarten--(again, among other crap) 1 box 8 jumbo crayons, 1 box 16 regular crayons, 2 md size elmers glue, 10 lg glue sticks (are they sticking each other to the wall?) watercolors, 1 box quart zipper bags, 1 box gallon zipper bags, 2 boxes of 10 ct CLASSIC CRAYOLA (must, must, must) markers, 2 pkgs baby wipes, 1 bttl hand sanitizer (which Micah can only use sparingly, bc he has excema, and the alcohol drys his skin dreadfully) 1 pkg EXPO ONLY THIN TIP markers, and a backpack, plus we had to BUY a 5.00 book bag at the school. (fits one book, for their library days...wtf?) And of course some damn paper towels. Last yr he only needed 1 box of Kleenex, this year he needs 3. Most kids in Kindergarten just wipe their nose on their sleeves.

I would understand if SOME of these supplies were needed for the kids in the state programs such as Headstart, (Pre K for lower income families) but hell, they're not required to buy ANYTHING. And there's no such program after PreK. So what the fu*k are all these supplies being used for? OK, OK, maybe some of these outrageous demands are for the kids in his class that can't afford ALL their supplies--but there are lots of school drives around our area where they give out FREE supplies. And with 20 kids in a class, even if only half bring all the things on the list, we're still looking at 100 damn glue sticks. Give me a break.

Some friends in different states said that Micah's list sounded about like their kids' lists. So I guess it's normal in a lot of places. (I live in TX, btw) But I still think it's over the top and ridiculous. Plus, who knows how much money I'm going to be sending to school for the various events (field trips) and book fairs and parties this year?

I think that they should let you have back the supplies you bought that your child didn't use at the end of the year.

What do you get a five year old boy going off to kindergarten?

Kasey D

My 2 1/2 year daughter's "surrogate" brother from daycare is going to kindergarten this fall. I would like to get him a small gift for my daughter to give to him for school. I was thinking a watch with a spiderman or batman theme. I know he can't tell time yet, but I am sure he will be learning soon. Any other ideas? He has tons of cute lunch bags, so that's out.

Answer
I think a backpack would be perfect! Check out kid's backpacks here:

http://www.worldofbags.com/kids-baby/Kids-Backpacks

Or, if he already has that, get him an educational toy that help him continue his learning outside the classroom:

http://www.arsatoys.com/Shop-By-Category/Learning-Toys

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When is the best time of the year to camp in Western North Carolina?

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Mike

i will be going backpacking in the back-country, near Highlands, NC...i was thinking sometime in April or May. i want to avoid the tourist season, but i don't want to go there when its freezing, either.

Answer
My senior year in Boone it snowed Apr 11. The first snowfall is usually fall break in October. So basically check the weather. www.booneweather.com is the best site for weather.

May-Sept is the best time to camp. The weather is gorgeous. The tourist season in the high country is more October for fall than camping times. Are you going to the Highland Games? http://www.gmhg.org/ That would be an awesome thing to check out.

I'd wait til May though.

What are the best places in the Eastern U.S. to backpack or hike for multiple days?

k-y

See me and a couple of friends want to go backpacking in the woods, away from society, and see some pretty sites along the way. We want to enjoy it so I was looking more for a multiple day trip. Also, we would like to stay around Ky, Tn, Nc, Sc, Va, and some surrounding states. We want to camp but not the modern kind where you stay in a log cabin or even pay to stay somewhere, we want to just pitch a tent sorta thing.

Answer
How about the Appalachian Trail, it starts in I believe Tennessee, and ends in Maine.
It has "shelters" every so often that are actually 3 sides of a cabin with the front wide open..they also have a wood floor. There are no bathroom's in them but usually there is one near by, they are also usually near water of some kind..lake..stream and are on a first come first serve basis.

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What brand/model of camera bag or backpack do you use?

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Raj

Looking for a good camera bag or backpack, has to be able to hold at least 3 lenses and two camera bodies as well as some other pockets for other camera goodies. Thanks!

Answer
Think tank and Gura Gear make the best camera bags.

Gura Gear is probably out of your price range, but you can by a Think Tank backpack such as a Streetwalker Pro for about the same price as most of the other backpacks. The Streetwalker Pro will hold the items you have:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OOKFJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001OOKFJM&linkCode=as2&tag=boatprojcom-20

And here is a review of the Streetwalker Pro:

http://www.althephoto.com/gear/streetwalker.php

Kata also makes some very good backpacks.

Tamrac, Lowepro, and similar in my view are not as good - they have a tendency to fall apart after a couple of years of heavy use.

Domke bags are old-school - made in the USA, and traditionally have been good bags - and for a bag, they have a very loyal following - which is surprising for a bag. But they are not the best in my view. Some models lack much protection for your gear (some have no padding). They are also made with old-school materials such as canvas that may not be the best materials these days.

Here is a rather tongue-and-cheek video about the ruggedness of 4 different brand camera bags. To be sure, the extreme tests these characters do on the camera bags won't be anything you will probably ever encounter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0wLqStdXNw

When you look for a camera bag, look for those brands that offer a lifetime warranty (Gura Gear, Think Tank, Kata, etc). They are no more expensive than some of the other brands that only offer a 5yr or less guarantee.

How Much Will Backpacking Through Mexico Cost?

johnnyblue

I am planning on trying to backpack through Mexico for 8 weeks. I am just wondering if anyone has ever done this and how much it cost them roughly Thanks

Answer
I assume you aren't talking about hiking/backpacking through the wilds. You expect to be staying in hostels, traveling by bus, etc? The word in Spanish for those types of travelers is "mochilero".

You can find hostels throughout Mexico, even Mexico City, for less than $10 to $15 a night. Bus travel is relatively cheap. Public transportation in cities is very inexpensive, especially the metro in Mexico City. Restaurants can be very inexpensive. The cost will depend on where you go, how much bus travel (travel night buses and beat a hotel cost). How frugal you are. You can "get by" on as little as $10 to $20 a day.

The Bible for mochileros is the "Let's Go" series. I recommend you buy it or at least review it and other guidebooks (The Rough Guide, Footprint, Lonely Planet) to plan your trip.

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How do I go "real camping?"?

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Michael

I dont want to go camping when you have a specific place to set up, showers, electricity, ECT...
I want to go camping like on a trail that is rugged, is more than 10 miles and you will not meet alot of people.
1- what should i bring? and 2-I live in New York city. what place should i go to?

Answer
Harriman State Park is 45 mins outside NYC and is a good place to start. they have a few leanto`s if you dont want to carry a tent and there are plenty of areas to just pitch a tent. There are no amenities, so pack it in pack it out. You can go to EMS (theres one downtown) or Paragon (also downtown) and pick up the map set for Harriman ($20) There are trails there for everyone, from easy fire roads to trails where you have to scramble up rock and pass your pack up to the next person and then everything in between. If you want specifics feel free to email me for recommendations on spots.

Be sure to bring the 10 backpacking essentials, you`ll need them. (Just google it if you dont know what they are, its a laundry list of essential items) Bring a backpacking stove if you plan on boiling water for you meals or for drinking. I`d recommend bringing a water filter to pump your water from the streams and lakes. Nothing like having fresh cold water, rather than warm flat water that was just boiled. Then a tent or tarp to sleep under (I use a Hennessy Hammock- no need to worry about level ground, sticks, roots, rocks etc) Be sure to bring rain gear and warm clothing, the weather changes quick as you pass through valleys and over the ridges.

There is also the Delaware Water Gap and the Catskills not too far away either. The AT is pretty disappointing near NYC as it passes through peoples backyards and you can hear the highway traffic not too far off. My favorite nearby portion is the Delaware Water Gap to Port Jervis- about 62 miles. I think Harriman is the most suitable for you on one of your first "real backpacking" trips
I'm just curious but how old are you?
If you have any specific questions feel free to email me.

Any NYC transportation that will take me near a campsite?

hell0iamsy

Basically, a bunch of girls are trying to planning on a camping trip yet none of us have a car so I'm trying to find a NYC transportation (port authority bus/LIRR/NJ Transit) that'll take me a near a camping site.

Much appreciated! Thanks

Answer
You could take Metro North up to Suffern, etc http://www.nynjtc.org/park/harriman-bear-mountain-state-park

Or you could take the LIRR out to the Fire Island ferries and ferry over or take the LIRR out to Mastic and take a cab down to either the Fire Island Wilderness or Smith Point Park. The Fire Island Otis Pike Wilderness is excellent but there are no campgrounds, you will be backpacking. Smith Point Park has a campground and there are camp grounds on Fire Island.

http://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm
http://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/camping.htm
http://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping.htm
http://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/smith-point-county-park.htm

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I want to go backpack camping either in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine where I can hike on little or no trai?

backpack camping massachusetts image

Michael

Answer
The Green Mountain National Forest hugs the ridge tops from the Massachusetts border to Bristol, Vermont and makes up about six percent of the landmass in Vermont. It has 900 miles of trails and eight wilderness areas; Aiken, Big Branch, Breadloaf, Bristol Cliffs, Joseph Battell, Glastenbury, Lye Brook, and Peru Peak.


Vermont

Big Branch Wilderness
Breadloaf Wilderness
Bristol Cliffs Wilderness
George D. Aiken Wilderness

Glastenbury Wilderness
Joseph Battell Wilderness
Lye Brook Wilderness
Peru Peak Wilderness

New Hampshire

Great Gulf Wilderness
Pemigewasset Wilderness
Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness
Sandwich Range Wilderness
Wild River Wilderness

Maine

Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness
Moosehorn (Baring Unit) Wilderness
Moosehorn Wilderness

Use caution going off-trail in wilderness areas. Make sure that you have adequate awareness of your surroundings and landmarks to avoid becoming disoriented. Carry sufficient survival gear to respond to emergency situations.

Looking for a place to backpack.?

Nick

I live in north-east Massachusetts and I'm looking for a place to go backpacking for a weekend. Kind of a hike for a day, set up camp at night then head back in the morning deal. Can anyone help?

Answer
http://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/2005/longtrails.cfm
check this link for backpack trails

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Does anyone know how I could start an outdoor club?

camping backpack repair image

Laura

I live in a small in town in Southwest Georgia and I am always trying to find people around here who enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking,etc. I thought an outdoor club would be a good idea. How should I go about it?

Answer
1) Pick a regular time to meet. But also post trips on the web so busy people can check what is happening.

2) Offer trips! This sounds obivous, but you want people who want to hike/canoe/backpack, not people who just attend meetings (although meeting a pub or pizza joint can be fun too).

3) Post your schedule (i.e. Meeting 6 pm Tuesday; 8-mile day hike meeting 9 am at the Xxxx trailhead on Saturday the 23rd; Top roping at The Crags, 2 pm Saturday the 30th, etc.)

4) You lead trips. A lot at first. People don't join to organize, they want to join a group that is already going. Other people will see how to do it and will start taking others to the spots they know well.

5) Think about the tone you want to set. You could emphasize service trips like litter pick-up and trail repair. Or end all trips at a brew-pub. Or in someone's hot tub. Do you want young families? Or college-age people? Or older singles? Do you teach first aid, review equipment and skills at meetings? Or just plan trips while dripping pizza sauce on the AAA maps?

6) Advertise accordingly. With local pro-environment groups, on a college campus and/or at backpacking/outdoor stores (more people taking trips helps their sales - you could maybe even meet there). Many small town newspapers and radio stations are generous with PSAs - public service announcements.

7) consider your policies and write them up. So people know what to expect and how to behave. Some examples are: non-drivers pay for the gas. No alcohol until everyone's off the trail. Max party size of 6, 8, or 10. A trip leaves within 10 minutes of announced time, you can't keep others waiting.

What gear do you use most often to make repairs while backpacking and camping?

Pastor Ket

What items have proved most helpful to you in making repairs of your gear in the field?

Answer
Duct tape, a multi-tool and some kind of cord is all I ever needed.

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How do I get in shape for backpacking?

backpack camping equipment list image

katie L

I'm relatively out of shape- I only really walk. My boyfriend wants me to go on a backpacking trip with him in about a month and a half. It's going to be easier because I'm not the only first time backpacker going. I grew up in the mountains, so I'm used to higher elevations and hiking. What else can I do to get into shape?

Answer
Besides finding some local trails and begin hiking, preferably with a backpack, building up the weight.. make sure you have a decent pair of hiking boots.. not sneakers and you should break them in..before the first backpacking trip. Assuming your boyfriend has a list of equipment and clothes to take, I suggest a headlamp with a spare pair of batteries... you'll appreciate it more than a handheld flashlight! I am the camping committee chair for my Scout Troop. But back to getting in shape.. any aerobic exercise will go a long way for the backpacking.. and pack light.. that extra pound can feel like 10 when your carrying it on you back! Practice a few times with a pack loaded with everything you plan to take.

What handgun to carry while backpacking?

Carlosp

I backpack about 12-18 weeks out of the year between Colorado and Alaska as a guide. I have always carried a .25 auto, my grandfather gave me one from WW2, which he gave to me years ago. (Shot it a few times so it works) Every year though, we keep having more encounters with wildlife, moose and bears. I don't think the .25 would have any affect, any suggestions would be helpful. Looking for something light, loud and deterring.
Not a hunter,
Carl

Answer
I am curious what kind of guide. I used to be a hunting guide here in Alaska and can assure you none of the guides here (including photography) carry anything less than a 44 magnum revolver and most carry a larger handgun, shot gun or magnum rifle.
If the idea is to scare off animals, with a small handgun, you are risking your life and the lives of your clients.
You must carry a gun capable of killing large bears in Alaska or you are just kidding yourself.

I carried (and still do) a 44 magnum super Redhawk loaded with 320 gr bear loads PLUS a 12 ga shotgun loaded with 1 ½ oz slugs, when I was a guide. Many time I carried a 45/70 rifle or a 338 win mag rifle.

Our bears get big, its not uncommon to run into several bears at once weighing over 800 lbs along a river. That small pistol would only get you killed.

I suggest you carry the largest handgun you can be accurate with. The 44 magnum is the minimum, the .454. .460 and .500 are better yet. But handguns are only a back up to a shotgun with slugs or a magnum rifle.

As for Colorado a .357 magnum revolver would work. Simply because there are no 1000 lb brown bears there.

You need to learn about bears and itâs obvious you donât. Or you wouldnât be asking this question. Contact Alaska Department of Fish and Game for more information.

Itâs your responsibility to keep your clients safe as well as entertained. This means wilderness first aid skills, being prepared for emergencies, having the right equipment and knowledge. All it takes is for a client to get hurt because of your lack of being prepared and they (or their family) can sue your pants off.

Remember this; NO gun can replace the importance of knowing how to live, hike and camp in bear country safely. By understanding bears you reduce the chance of a bad bear encounter by 98%.

You might read this true story about a bear âexpertâ who thought you didnât need a gun, or needed to kill a bear. The bear not only killed him and his girlfriend, it also ate them;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Treadwell

More information for U;
Bear attacks here in Alaska;

http://www.kxmc.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=259071
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/features/outdoors/1752-the-people-who-love-bears-too-much-

Bears ignore bells;
http://www.alaska.com/bears/story/1944.html


List of people killed by bears;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America

Rules of bear country;
http://usparks.about.com/cs/natlparkbasics/a/beartips.htm
http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.bearsafety

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Tent Question #1: Coleman's "Keeps You Dry, Guaranteed™"?

camping backpack comparison image

Mark M

Every time there's a discussion of tents on Answers, invariably someone parades this Coleman "guarantee" as the trump card by which one should judge Coleman tents superior to all others. Please don't take this as a personal attack or an impeachment of Coleman's products, but I can find no such guarantee anywhere on Coleman's website, and neither can Coleman's own customer support staff. The only consumer protection appears to be Coleman's standard one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or manufacturing, which is actually rather weak by comparison to other major tent manufacturers.

So what exactly is the Coleman's "Keeps You Dry, Guaranteedâ¢" promise mean, how does it make Coleman tents superior to all others, and what are the terms and conditions regarding this guarantee? The _best_ answer should have a link to the guarantee description on Coleman's (or Jarden's) website or some other reasonably definitive evidence aside from conjecture or empirical evidence.
Perhaps I have poked the hornet's nest a little. I'm not trying to rumple feathers, but just correct a misnomer about this so-called guarantee so that novice campers can make a more objective and unbiased comparison. We all have personal experience that form the basis of our answers, and the sharing of this experience is one of the benefits of Yahoo Answers. So I have no issue with anyone sharing their personal experience or even making objective recommendations for untested products that are in-line with these experiences. It is also hard to fault a person for referring to a manufacturer's guarantee of performance, at least if there's any thing behind that guarantee.

And that's where I have an issue, because Coleman's "Keeps You Dry, Guaranteedâ¢" statement does not appear to be a guarantee, (in other words, a promise, but with legal/contractual obligations, particularly as described in US Law, such as Magnuson-Moss and similar), but rather a trademarked marketing slogan. I have
Ahhh, got cut off. What I was saying that I have not found anything on Coleman's website or in talking to Coleman representatives to support a guarantee in the common-use or legal sense, but I am still waiting for their legal department to respond.
Note: Coleman's "Keeps You Dry" guarantee does not distinguish between their Sundome and Hooligan models. Accordingly, notwithstanding limitations yet to be discovered, both should be be equally capable of keeping you dry insofar as the guarantee is concerned.
@MM: Indeed, the plaintiff is responsible for mitigating the damages, but barring any liability disclaimer, the manufacturer may be liable for reimbursing the plaintiff the remediation costs and other incidental damages such as lost vacation time and travel/incidental expenses associated with an interrupted vacation, plus punitive damages for breach of contract and/or tort, false and deceptive advertising, etc...

Answer
Yes, that has been bugging me too. I used to sell high-end backpacking tents and worked for outfitters and trekking companies that used and rented a lot of tents. And I have owned everything from Coleman (my first tent), Diamond, Jansport and Eureka, to North Face, Sierra Designs, Marmot, Cannondale and Moss. And I have camped out with buddies in virtually every marque of US and European tent in production in the past 40 years.

The idea that Coleman tents could be somehow more waterproof than (or even AS waterproof as) better tents is ridiculous. And I can't believe any reasonable tent company would make such a ludicrous claim, since there are so many factors of use and situation that can cause leakage. SO many rookie campers don;t know how to set up tents and so frequently mistake condensation for "leakage" that any company making such a claim would probably go bankrupt dealing with complaints and warranty issues.

In fact, in my experience, both Coleman and Eureka tents tend to have earlier failures in waterproofing coating and in construction (seams, pole breakage) than more costly tents. And their designs tend not to be as weather proof in high rain and storm conditions. This is not such a big deal when you figure in the cost -- they are fine for people with tight budgets and for beginners or light users in moderate conditions.

I have no gripe with Coleman and have suggested their products to many family members and friends as preferable to discount store junk, but these are not tents that will perform as well or as long as higher end ones with heavy use and in extreme weather. If my life depended on staying dry and out of the wind in a remote area, I would not be taking any Coleman with me.

I'll be interested to see what the wash brings up on this question.

Language Arts Quick 3 Questions! ~ Please help!?

Shane

Identify the signal words for a comparison and contrast article.

A. like, similarly, on the other hand
B. because, as a result, so
C. first, then, finally

Identify the run-on sentence?

A. Last summer Claire and Eric spent three weeks camping and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
B. They tried to pack as little as possible so their backpacks would not slow them down.
C. Claire carried the most, she brought snacks, water, maps, and her sleeping bag.

Read the sentence, then decide which of the following it contains:

Bacon and eggs are the first foods that I learned to cook by myself.

A. compound subject
B. compound predicate
C. both compound subject and compound predicate

Answer
The first one is very simple think about comparison = similarity the answer is A.
The second answer is C. because it continues and ect.
The third is C. because it has a compound subject and compound predicate

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i need help planning my trip to disneyworld in the summer with my family for 3 days we are 2 parents 3 kids ;)?

childrens disney backpacks image

naamanaamm

help! help! help! disney trouble.. desperate need for advice ;(

Answer
Three days is not a long time to see Disney World - the good news it will leave more for the next trip. I suspect this may be your first trip so start with a good guide book, they are worth the money especially when you are learning the ropes.
Visit the Disney web site as well as others such as All Ears for menus, reviews and restaurants.
If it is in the budget, stay on site. This allows you to use Disney transportation to get around and takes some of the pressure and parking fees off of the "getting there" - this will be important on a short trip. Several locations offer accomadations for 5 (you don't mention the childrens ages.)
As for meals, this will be a major expense espcially eating in park. The good news is that many of the counter service and definitely the sit down locations offer large enough portions to share. If you want to try a sit down location, try to do at least one such as Liberty Tree Tavern Character meal for the experience, make ADR's or advance seating with Disney directly. Have a few choices and times as some fill up quickly.
Pack lightly but spares in case someone gets wet - mole skin and very comfortable shoes. You will be walking a lot! Sunscreen, umbrellas as it rains in the afternoons, hats and sun glasses are a must. A good back pack for the parks - freeze water bottles to carry and get portable personal fans before you leave. They are expensive there. Keep spare socks if wearing them in the backpack and nothing is more miserable than soaked feet from a water ride.
Choose your priorities - we allow each family member to select the one thing they most want to do or restaurant they want the most and then branch out from there. For me it's Soarin, my son Tower of Terror, Breakfast at Boma and so forth are always high on our list. If we get to 3 or 4 things on each list great. But start with Number one for each family member. Remember - you can't do everything in all 4 parks in 3 days - you will be very very tired as it is. Enjoy some shows for a break - Nemo in Animal Kingdom, Stunt Cars In HS, are just a couple of great examples.
Most of all, don't sweat the small stuff, prepare for lines but have fun!

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What color backpack should i get for college?

kids backpacks jansport image

whoa_monst

Should i go for a colorful or just stick to black or white?
I dont wanna look dumb and i dont really know what kind of backpacks college kids usually wear. I know im getting a jansport, though.

Answer
I realize you said you're getting a Jansport, but there's a new company called Jatalo that's selling backpacks with a good cause. The backpacks are built like Jansports with a hipster, older vibe. Plus, they're marketed towards college kids, so they'll have everything you need. (Big pocket for textbooks/laptop, front pockets for school I.D. and dorm keys, side zipper to steal from the dining hall...)

For every backpack they sell, they're donating a year's worth of textbooks to a child in a developing country. This way - instead of just having a Jansport or something - you'll have a backpack with a cause and can start a new trend.
(The coupon code books71 is a launch promo that will get you 10% off.)

What kind of backpacks are cool for junior high girls?

Am

My daughter is going into 7th grade. We will be going out looking for backpacks soon. ANy suggestions? DO junior highers use lunchboxes? Or is it cooler to just buy your lunch or what?

Answer
definitely not the roller suitcase type backpacks. even though they are better for the back its just not cool. majority of junior high kids buy their lunch at school in the cafeteria. a simple packback like jansport or something with a cute color that your kid likes would be good.

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Hiking with kids? What about camping and multi day walking? Any advice would be great. Ours is now 4 months.?

kids kelty backpack carrier image

metasimon

Answer
Little, important stuff: Be prepared for bugs, sun, rain, cold, and heat. Not so much for you, you can just suck it up, but for the 4 month old.

You're right at the cusp between a Baby Bjorn front carrier and a child carrier backpack (Kelty is good, REI has them). Depends a little on your own child's neck strength. We've done both. 2 months through Europe with 2-3 month old in a Baby Bjorn (great for public transit) and BP trips in CA, AK, and HI with him in a Kelty child carrier backpack when he was 6 to 24 months.

2 to 4 years old was a time for closer stuff - more camping, less BPing. By 5, he could do 3 miles in a morning OR an afternoon and then we'd make camp.

In some ways, it is as easy as it will get for the next 5 years. Mom has everything the baby wants, baby has a semi-regular sleep schedule now, but stays where you put him/her. We've got a friend who followed her husband on the fricking Iditarod Sled Dog race (1100 miles) with a little one like that so it can be done.

Note that if you are carrying baby, someone else needs to carry all the baby STUFF. And your stuff. And their own stuff. That gets to be a lot of stuff. Sometimes I (dad) make two trips to haul it in (I get a peaceful round trip as a sherpa). Or we book a remote cabin (in AK or HI) with beds, stove, pots, roof, wood stove already there. It cuts your weight a lot and lets you do it in one trip. As does going during mild weather - you pack less clothes for everyone.

Just accept that the grownups will wear the same outer clothes everyday and the baby's outfit is just fine if there's drool on it. It's a BP trip, not a fashion show.

Attitude: While on a road trip or a BPing trip or riding in a pressurized metal tube at 31,000 feet I try to think of a pioneer family taking 6 months to cross the plains in a covered wagon. Hard tack, salt pork and bad water every day. Hot and dry or too cold all the time. One kid was born on the way, one died. Makes $5 for a hot meal and another $5 for a cold beer from the stewardess seem like a bargain. Or Mac&Cheese (4 years from now on a family BP trip) seem not so bad.

As others have said, don't get too ambitious - you'll do a lot less distance than you did on adult-only trips. Keep it simple, keep it fun, test and fine-tune the concept slowly. At 3 to 6 months, we found we could do most anything (hike the Black Forest, the Louvre, a glacier hike, subways, etc) for 2.5 hours. And then get somewhere comfortable (cafe, mountain hut, tent) for another nursing session and a diaper change.

Remember - the spectacular destinations are for your sake, not theirs until they're 5 or so. They'd be just as happy with the sticks and rocks in your backyard as at 10,000 feet in the mountains. Or on a playground in any city.

And accept that it will be more of a test of your flexibility as a parent than as a stud-muffin hiker. Modelling an active, adventurous lifestyle is important to us (trying to combat the TV/supersize me culture) and we are starting to see the fruits of that now.

Suggestions for a baby/toddler backpack?

Silly Momm

My husband and I are planning on doing some camping/backpacking once the weather warms up (it's still snowing where we live and we're beginning to wonder what Spring is) and we are in need of a baby/toddler backpack. My son is 10 months old and weighs in at a nice, healthy 35 pounds so an INFANT carrier is out of the question. He is much to heavy for those. I am referring to the ones with a large frame that carry ~50 pounds or more. I have no idea what names are good and reliable and research I've done hasn't turned up very good answers. Anyone with a suggestion, please let me hear it! Thanks!

Answer
We have a Kelty Kids backpack. It is wonderful. It is quite comfortable to wear, easy to put on and my son loves being in it (he's 14 months and around 25-30lbs). We camp and it is a lifesaver --- we bought it to use in place of our Ergo carrier on long hikes/camping.

It is like this one:
http://www.kelty.com/p-283-fc-10.aspx


We managed to find a gently used one on craiglist for about half of the new price.

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What is the Song on the Dell Commercial?

kids backpacks girls image

Nickname

There is a Dell commercial on TV and I want to know what song they use. It's the commercial when the kids have large backpacks and in the end a girl has a laptop.

Answer
version #1 Minnutes - Pack up your troubles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm86M2TKFDk

Comercial version is PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES BY JAMES MANN . i cant find a link sorry :(

What type of items are your kids required to purchase for school?

db2437

My children are expected to bring 1-3 boxes of Kleenex. Then depending on the kid several of following items: dry erase markers, hand sanitizer, clorox wipes, headphones and/or liquid hand soap. I know that school budgets are tight but so is my budget at home. These items add up quickly - we have four children.

In addition to these janitoral items that we are expected to supply, the two middle school age children are required to have a seperate, new pair of shoes for gym class. Yes, I mean in addition to the new shoes that they bought with their back to school apparel.

All of this expense seems excessive to me. Is this typical of all school districts or do I have reason to be upset by this?
It is public school. I think if the janitoral list was a request instead a demand, I would be okay with sending some supplies. I just think it is crazy that I have sent almost $40 in janitoral supplies to school in the last two days and my kindergartener hasn't even gone yet! Of course that is in addition to the shoe thing. We did by inexpensive shoes but even $20 or $30 multiplied times for four is a lot. I'm just really aggravated with the whole thing.

Answer
I wish I lived in some of the places in the other answers! For Pre K last yr my son had to have (among other things) 2 pkgs safety pins (he used about 7 the whole year) EXPO markers (yes, big emphasis on expo) 2 bxs of baby wipes, 1 box gallon bags, (girls had to bring 1 box quart bags) 6 glue sticks, and 1 bttl shaving cream. (girls brought zip lock bags)

This yr for Kindergarten--(again, among other crap) 1 box 8 jumbo crayons, 1 box 16 regular crayons, 2 md size elmers glue, 10 lg glue sticks (are they sticking each other to the wall?) watercolors, 1 box quart zipper bags, 1 box gallon zipper bags, 2 boxes of 10 ct CLASSIC CRAYOLA (must, must, must) markers, 2 pkgs baby wipes, 1 bttl hand sanitizer (which Micah can only use sparingly, bc he has excema, and the alcohol drys his skin dreadfully) 1 pkg EXPO ONLY THIN TIP markers, and a backpack, plus we had to BUY a 5.00 book bag at the school. (fits one book, for their library days...wtf?) And of course some damn paper towels. Last yr he only needed 1 box of Kleenex, this year he needs 3. Most kids in Kindergarten just wipe their nose on their sleeves.

I would understand if SOME of these supplies were needed for the kids in the state programs such as Headstart, (Pre K for lower income families) but hell, they're not required to buy ANYTHING. And there's no such program after PreK. So what the fu*k are all these supplies being used for? OK, OK, maybe some of these outrageous demands are for the kids in his class that can't afford ALL their supplies--but there are lots of school drives around our area where they give out FREE supplies. And with 20 kids in a class, even if only half bring all the things on the list, we're still looking at 100 damn glue sticks. Give me a break.

Some friends in different states said that Micah's list sounded about like their kids' lists. So I guess it's normal in a lot of places. (I live in TX, btw) But I still think it's over the top and ridiculous. Plus, who knows how much money I'm going to be sending to school for the various events (field trips) and book fairs and parties this year?

I think that they should let you have back the supplies you bought that your child didn't use at the end of the year.

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where can i get a reliable camping bag?

camping backpack packing image

Michael

I live in astoria queens NY and i was wondering where i can get a reliable camping backpack that can withstand a beating and possibly water proof for cheap. all the bags ive looked at cost between 150-400 dollars.

Answer
Mountain Equipment Cascade 700 Goosedown Sleeping Bag; This sleeping bag is designed for versatility. It uses high quality goosedown to give maximum loft and warmth while being compact and easy to fit in a pack. ... Please check out my other listings as I stock a full range of Camping Equipment including, Tents,

What is the best tent and backpack for backpacking for someone who is new to the whole hiking/camping?

ajmcg

I have a north face back pack that is pretty large - but is not for backpacking/camping really. I also have a tent but it is pretty bulky. What would be something good for girl who is just now getting into the hiking thing? Any other tips on gear would be great!

Answer
Best is an opinion which reviews of products tell you. You pay for what you get is a starting point.

Here is an article on how to choose a tent
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-tent.html

read some reviews
http://www.rei.com/search?query=tents

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