Didn't see it stated anywhere but there's like 15 pages of text to read through--bring a handgun or some kind of easily portable weapon. So if someone goes Deliverance on you you have a means of defense. And bring lots of water. And a dog. And matches. You can survive a long ass time with those if all else goes south.

im not worried about the animals, i have camped this area many times without seeing anything, but i will still be prepared. thanks for the advice.

yes, im definately waiting for the monsoons, however, the area we're are going to be in has not been affected by the fires at all.

lol, you may know the area once i post it. Gotta love the Arizona outdoors.

Those are beautiful spots indeed, but i won't say whether you're right or not I remember reading that Arizona was one of the top rated states for beautiful outdoor spots.

THanks for your input.

I will have my S&W m&p 40. and my bolt action 30-06. I suffer from migraines, so i always have more than enough water with me at all times to keep me hydrated. I've been contemplating on whether to bring my dog or not. She goes to the lake with us all the time and does good, but she has never been on a camping trip. I know she would do good and have fun and keep us alert of dangers, but some of the climbs we will hike are mild rock climbing. I dont know how she will do in those spots.

Perhaps frivolous suggestions, but a few things I never camp without...

LED Headlamp

Hatchet

LED Lantern with hand crank

Handgun

good, I got all those items.

As far as pocket camping items goes:

- what sort of pocket saw were you looking at? Don't bother with the wire ones- I think someone mentioned a hunting bone saw, which is pretty much all I use
- have you looked into Sawyer squeeze water filters? they are the best, most compact filters, bar none.

Are you bringing a stove or cooking over the campfire?

i was looking at the wire pocket saw, but they dont look like they work.
ive never used a bone saw, but i will look into them. Will also look at the sawyer water filter. The cooking we will be doing will be over campfire. just planned on bringing a small grill grate.

Well, it's finally here, we are heading out this friday morning.
I also got a tag for mountain lion just in case, was only $15, so I might just come back with a trophy. This will be my first time i officially will be able to
make proper use of my rola roof rack. For target practice and protection purposes, i will have my S&W M&P40, our break action single barrel 20 gauge,
my new remington 783 bolt action 30-06, my daughters boyfriendwill have his .243, and of course my sons bb gun. Hopefully we will be eating rainbow trout for dinner. I'm in the middle of hunter safety and eductation classes with my son(extra bonus point for me) so it will be a good time to execute some of the fundamentals he has learned in class.

As you can tell, I'm pretty pumped and ready to roll.

Seriously?

I'm not against firearms on the trail - per say - but is this really necessary?

I mean 4 firearms and a BB gun lol. For a camping and hiking trip ....

I grew up in California, camping and backpacking all my life. I can't think of any good reason to bring 4 firearms on a family camping trip. 1 maybe but 4 is like

Are you bringing a fishing pole or just dynamite for the fish? Just kidding

Wishing you guys a safe and fun trip.

My 2 cents...

Civilization is more dangerous than the wilderness.


Tethering done properly is called "Belaying". That's how mountaineers protect each other. Rope and/or belayer are anchored while the "lead" climber attempts a perilous move. IF lead slips, rope controlled by "belayer" will catch his fall.

It may be too late now for you trip, but in the future, remember that an 11 year old can be trained how to belay. Father and son can belay each other and, therefore, protect each other.

You may not plan to go through trails where a belay is necessary, but in case you get into a bind, the technique is good to know.

Concur with Brian_SD

Lol, a closer read will explain for target practice and protection.
I'm bringing 4 rods as well. Dynamite is against the law and just not good
Sportsmanship. Jk.

Thanks for the info,i decided to not "belay", as it should not be necessary.
Most the firearms will be for target practice,but i will have my handgun on the trail and
The shotgun in the tent.

Dynamite!! That's too bad I've always wanted to fish like crocodile Dundee!

Not sure about the cell service where you are camping but there are some cool apps for locating stars and planets and such, being the desert I'm sure you will see a crap load of stars!

Have a blast!

Now thats a knife mate!!!! lol

Im pretty sure cell reception will be nonexistent, but we will definately
be doing star gazing at night. Its crazy how much more stars you can
see out in the middle of the forest in comparison to the city.

im not sure about these guys, but I don't consider 4 to be a lot.
that is fairly standard. im not sure which I will want to shoot, so I bring a few.