Types of sleeping bags

I have to admit something. About two months ago, my husband and I went camping near Mormon Lake in Arizona, and I did not bring a sleeping bag. I figured since it is almost summer, I could get away with just bringing a blanket to sleep in. To my dismay, I froze my butt off. It got down to 40 degrees that night, and I could hardly regain any comfort. I have to express how important it is to bring a sleeping bag camping no matter what. In doing my research over the years, I have learned that there are basically two styles of sleeping bags, the rectangular, and the mummy.
The rectangle sleeping bag, is an older style bag which provides a lot of leg room and cushion. The good news with this style of bag is, that it can be zipped with an equal style bag to fit two people inside. The bad news is, that no matter how you roll it up, it takes up a lot of space. This style of bag is not as warm as the mummy bag.
The mummy sleeping bag is the most popular bag used especially for colder climates. Because of its cocoon shape, it allows you to maintain an equal body temperature throughout the night. Once you are in this style of bag, you can use the drawn sting to close the bag around your head only exposing your nose and mouth. I would not recommend this type of sleeping bag to someone who is claustrophobic. The best thing to do is when you are looking to purchase the right type of sleeping bag, make sure you follow these few principles:
-Check the weather ahead of time, so you have an idea what the temperature will be at night. If you purchase a sleeping bag that is expected to keep you warm at zero degree temperatures, and it’s only 70 degrees at night, you will probably wake up sweating and miserable.
-Look for good filling material. Currently there is synthetic fill and down fill. Synthetic is more cost effective, but down is warmer but more expensive.
-Look for the temperature rating on the tag affixed to the bag. Best thing to do is plan for an extra ten degrees to be on the safe side
-Look for tuck stitching on the bag. This is where the fabric is folded inward and the stitch is on the inside. This will make for better insulation.
-Make sure the bag you purchase will be long enough for you to fit comfortably in.
-Always check with a camping specialist if you visit a sporting goods store, as they tend to provide some good advice. If you purchase online, make sure you do your research first. As always, Happy Camping America.

Campgrounds and Cabins along Highway 260 in Arizona

I had the opportunity this past weekend to take notice of some wonderful places situated along highway 260 from Payson to Heber, AZ. Although I did not have a chance to visit all places, I did do a little research on the ones I passed. I hope that you find some of this information useful. The stretch from Payson to Heber along highway 260, is absolutely breath taking. The abundance of pine trees and fabulous weather are very popular among all types of motorists. More often than none, your sure to see elk crossing the highway. Just watch your speed as you drive along the winding stretch of highway. There are several passing lanes to allow for faster motorists.
A few miles up, and approx 17 miles from Payson, is Kohl's Ranch. This is a fabulous getaway for both children, adults, and pet's, Yes pet's. Here you will find creek side cabins, ranch lodge rooms, horseback riding, swimming, hot tubs, tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, steakhouse and saloon, and much much more. One nice thing is, this is also a pet friendly lodge. Only special rooms are available though. For more information on this great getaway, call them at 800-331-KOHL or locally at 928-478-4211. or visit http://www.ilxresorts.com/
Just up aways, we came upon Ponderosa Campground. Although I have never camped here, I took a drive through the campsite today. This is a great campground for many reasons. the first thing you will notice is the tall beautiful ponderosa pine trees. They tower above. There are 61 campsites available. Here are the amenities you will get. The site itself comes with a fire ring and table. There are bathrooms facilities and water spigots throughout. You will also find trash receptacles as well. I noticed when we first drove in, there was firewood for sale. Although I didn't take note of the fee, I did notice the fee for camping which is $16 per night. It may seem expensive at first, but after you look at how clean and spacious the campsites are, you will most likely think to yourself, it sure beats paying for a cabin which can run anywhere from $130-$280 a night. This campground said FULL when we arrived. It is first come first serve. If you click this link http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rec-camping-index.shtml, this will give you some helpful info on fees, passes, etc. Tonto National Forest may require you to purchase a pass before you camp. It appears that Ponderosa Campground, collects it's fee on the spot. Also check out group campsites there as well.
Traveling on, I came across Tonto Creek. This is a place I have camped, hiked, and had picnics at growing up. This creek flows year round. Although you cannot camp right on the creek, you can camp pretty close. The sound of the flowing water is so relaxing, and the abundance of surrounding wildlife is breath taking If you stay on the same main road along the creek, you will end up at the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. Although this facility is closed to fishing, you can learn a thing or two about fish production. Here they raise several species of trout. One of the many creeks they stock, is the very own Tonto Creek. If your into bird watching and photography, here is the area to notice. For more information on Tonto Creek or the hatchery, contact the Payson ranger station at 928-474-7900.
Not far from Tonto Creek, is small town called Christopher Creek. My husband and I have stayed at Christopher Creek lodge. This was an awesome trip. They have individual cabins nestled right along the creek. The quiet atmosphere, along with the sound of the creek, was great. You can take nature walks as well as sit on your porch and watch birds and squirrels. Not far from there, is Christopher Creek Campground. This campground sign is visible from the highway 260. It is a first come, first serve campground, which means it is likely you will see a full sign come Saturdays during the summer months. There are 43 units which include, Picnic tables, toilets, grill, fire ring, trash service, and water. You can also fish for trout in the creek that runs through the campground. Fees are $15 and $7 for additional vehicles. For more information contact the ranger station at 928-474-7999. http://www.christophercreeklodge.com/
Another great campground is Canyon Point Campground. It is situated in the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest about 14 miles west of Heber. They have 88 units ,of which 32 have electricity. Tents, trailers and motor homes are welcome, as long as you don't exceed 75 feet. Here you will find group sites, amphitheatre, grills, picnic tables, water, shower facilities, flushing toilets, RV sanitary facility, paved road, and a wonderful camp host. To get a copy of the fee schedule checkout this link . I would advise you vist this site regarding group reservations. http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/campgrounds/devcamp/devcamp_canyon.shtml

Sharp Creek Campground is located about 23 miles northeast of Payson just off highway 260. Here you will find 28 campsites to include, toilet, water, picnic tables, grill, fire ring, lantern holder, and firewood for sale at $6.00 a bundle. $20 for the first vehicle and then $10 for the second. This is usually open between Mid April -End of October. For more info on this campground contact the ranger station at 928-474-7900 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

Rustic Rim Hideaway Cabins located near Woods Canyon Lake in a town called Forrest Lakes, which is about 36 miles east of Payson. This is a great getaway place for summer, spring, fall, or winter. They have fully stocked cabins They are kid and pet friendly, but you must bring your own blanket for Fido. For more information on this location call them at 888-801-9030 or 928-535-9030 or on the web at http://www.rim-hideaway.com/

Black Canyon Lake is situated amongst the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest about 15 miles southwest of Heber. It was built by the game and fish dept. back in the 60's to provide recreation to the public. With the devastation of the Rodeo-Chedeski fire back in 2002, it is only a day use picnic and fishing area. There are some amenities you will find such as parking area, restrooms, and boat ramp. If you plan on boating, they will allow 10 hp gas motor, or single electric motor only, There is camping nearby at Black Canyon Rim Campground which has 21 sites, toilets, water and gravel road access. Just a couple miles down is Gentry Camprgound, which has only 6 sites, toilet, water, and gravel road access. Both are a fee use area, and no reservations are needed.

As always, please obey all fire restrictions. Just a few years back, the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest and Tonto National Forest, suffered a devastating human made fire, which burned thousands of precious acres of land. We want to keep this beautiful land for years and years to come.

Before traveling to any of these places, be sure to check ahead of time for any restrictions and fee schedule changes. The internet or the rangers stations can provide all the information you need. Happy traveling everyone.