Happy National Parks Day!

National Parks Edition-Made in the USA Fits Socks are knitted with soft Merino Wool.

Monday, August 25th 2014 is the 98th anniversary of the institution of our National Park Service.

If you've not had the chance to get outdoors this summer, Monday could be your day. In celebration of 98 continuous years, the National Park Service is waiving fees to all 401 locations for the day. To date there are 59 protected areas known as national parks. These are in fact all under the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior and include our national monuments as well. 

The first national park was Yellowstone and was designated as such by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. The Organic Act of 1916 officially endowed the National Park System to oversee this work and to "conserve the scenery the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

Tent Camping is a great way to enjoy our National Parks

Personally, I've had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Everglades via air boat which was a wonderful adventure. Seeing alligators, turtles, pelican and flamingos living in the wild is something I'll never forget. I've also camped overnight  in the Great Smokey Mountains which extends from North Carolina to Tennessee. I've likewise stayed outdoors at Hot Springs Arkansas National Park.

My Trangia CookSet and Primus Gas Burner

So whether you can make it to your nearest National Park on the 25th or not, see if you can make plans to enjoy these national treasures before the end of fall. It will enrich your appreciation of nature and wildlife and is one of the best ways I know to completely unplug and relax. I've done cabin camping for about a week at a time and I can't tell you how much it renewed my spirit and senses.

Hiking in one of our State Parks

If you plan to hike out, remember Merino Wool socks are amazing for keeping your feet warm and dry. I will be wearing FITS Light Hiker Rocky Mountain National Park Crew socks this season as we transition into fall. I like them for both the wool content and proper fit due to their Heel Lock and Dynamic Toe Cup. A perfect fit like this means less movement and therefore reduced chaffing of the foot area. Made in the USA, visit www.FITSSOCK.com for more styles for both men and women.

To find out more about the National Parks in your area, visit the National Park Service Official Website at WWW.nps.gov

Fall Camping: Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent

Cozy Camping for two! Easy to carry, compact & quick to set up, the Morrison 2 from Mountiansmith

I just love this time of year! No bugs, the ground is dry and the trees are losing their leaves. I've been looking for a compact tent that I could carry along for a bicycle tour. Something portable that would ride on the bicycle itself. I was so happy to find that one of my favorite backpack makers also has a line of well made camping tents to fit in them!

The Morrison 2 packs down to fit in this women's day pack! Trail weight is only 4lbs 11 ozs or 2.3 kgs

The Morrison 2 - Setting it Up
Since my intended use for this tent is for a day camp or at the most, overnight stay-over along a bicycle tour, I wanted something quick and easy to set up. Bringing a tarp or footprint along would take up more space but there are very thin pads I would recommend putting down before you set up. Other than that, the Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent is VERY simple and easy to "pitch" as my friends from Mountainsmith will demonstrate below:




How It Worked for Us
I looked at this video at least a couple of times before setting it up but even for me, it was intuitively simple. The printed directions on the stuff-sack were equally genius. The only thing we didn't do is secure the guyouts to make the tent fly (cover) nice and taunt like the video. All the same it didn't cause any real problems. This tent has been updated for 2013 with increased space at two vestibules so each person has their own entryway. The bathtub floor design and fine mesh screens are extra comforts along with little storage areas within the tent. We added a Sea to Summit Mosquito Net because there were still quite a few mosquitoes out but the fine window screens did their job.

Weight Watchers
As a woman cyclist and hiker, weight was a major factor in choosing just the right tent for both applications. I was pleased to find the Morrison 2's trail weight is only 4lbs 11oz (2.3 kgs) and the compact pack down size makes it a perfect fit. By the time you add your mess kit, food, clothing and camping supplies you're pressing your maximum trail limit but the lightness of the Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent gives you a bit of leeway.
Here are more of the Morrison 2's features:

• Two door / Two vestibule layout
• Two person layout
• Three season, free standing tent
• Tent fly ventilation windows
• Bathtub floor construction
• Taped floor seams
• No-see-um mesh wall panels
• Detachable ceiling loft pocket
• Interior mesh storage pockets
• Clip-pole attachment for lighter weight and better breathability
• Reflective guy lines with tension lock cord adjustment

Details:

• YKK® Zippers
• 3M™ Reflective Cord
• Set-up instructions printed on stuffsack (once again-GENIUS!)

Stretching out in the Morrison 2

Sizing Matters
With inner dimensions for the floor area coming in at 35 ft² / 3.25 m², this tent may prove to be a snug fit, I think for two medium to large men. We two women fit fine but we're both about a size 5 and 6. However, that may be a minor trade off considering its ability to fit in your daysack with room to spare.
This tent is PACKED with features and you can't beat it for the price. So for the outdoorsy boyfriends and husbands on your Christmas list, I've included the Morrison 2 in my Lucky Gift Guide this year.  Camping is for Lovers and here's a gift you BOTH will love to get cozy with.

Hot tea on a cool fall day in the outback. Trangia 27/5 Non-Stick Cookset