The Camping Club

2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Start your holiday shopping early with this Holiday Gift Guide. Find hot gadgets and cool gear for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list.

Timex Expedition WS4 $199.95

Go out of bounds with confidence when the WS4 is strapped to your wrist. Watch includes altimeter, compass, weather forecast and more. 

Atlas Elektra 923 $159.95
 
These women-specific snowshoes allow you to move easily over uneven terrain.

MSR Denali Evo $169.95

The modular design makes the Denali Evo an ideal snowshoe for varying snow conditions.

First Ascent Downlight Vest $129

European 800-fill goose down vest keeps your core warm while the ripstop shell is both water- and abrasion-resistant.

Marmot Women's Flair Hoody $100

Stay warm and cozy with this zip-up fleece hoody. It works great for added warmth in the snow, or as an around-the-town jacket

Check out the complete 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for 15 more outdoor gift ideas, plus gifts for triathletes, runners, cyclists and more.

Your Complete Holiday Dinner Menu

Need ideas for your holiday dinner? From lemon rosemary turkey to butterscotch shortbread dessert, here are 11 recipes that make up a complete Thanksgiving meal. 

Lemon Rosemary Turkey

Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons fresh thyme
8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
zest of one orange
zest of one lemon
zest of one lime
2 tablespoons of citrus juice (lemon or orange)
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 (12 pound) whole turkey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325˚F. Place all ingredients in food processor container and process until blended. Wash the fresh or thawed turkey inside out removing insides. Rub the mixture under breast skin, slowly separate so you can apply mixture without ripping the skin. Apply mixture with hands under skin and all over. You can use skewer or toothpicks to secure skin over any rips. Place turkey on rack in roasting pan and add a half inch of water to pan. Roast for 3 to 4 hours depending on the size of turkey. 

Fresh Holiday Herbed Gravy

Ingredients:

• Pan drippings
• 1 cup white wine
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of flour
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning or desired herb
• 1 medium sized Vidalia onion
• 1 clove of garlic

Directions:

In a medium sized saucepan on medium low heat, sautee the thinly diced onion and garlic, be careful not to burn. Add the white wine and water and bring to a boil. Add the flour and pan drippings, and seasoning mix until thickened (add more flour to reach desired consistency).

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Camping Gear Review: Mountainsmith Tailgator Cube

Keep all your camping items organized with the Mountainsmith Tailgater Cube.  

Q: How many times did you use the Tailgater cube during the test period?
A: I used the cube about three times during day trips to parks.

Q: Did the haul handles provide an easy carrying option?
A: We packed some heavy items in the cooler cube and I found that the handle helped me a lot. Users should be wary that the cooler side can be heavier, so they may need to hold it on the bottom as well.

Q: Do you believe this would be a useful item to have on a camping trip or other outdoor trip?
A: Yes, I was able to leave the hauler in my vehicle during day trips and pulled things out as I needed them.

Q: What did you pack in the cooler cube?
A: I packed drinks, ice, and a variety of cheeses which remained cool throughout the day.

Q: Is it easy to store contents in the cooler cube?
A: Yes, there is a lot of room in the cube making it easy to neatly pile items.

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Tips to Use on Your Next RV Trip

Next time you plan a cross-country RV trip, try these helpful tips from experienced RVers.

Use a Timer for Your Lights
We have heard complaints about people who leave their awning lights on all night and how it disrupts those around them. We realized that if we use an outdoor timer, we can set it and forget it. Now no one is disturbed by our lights at night. Submitted By: Roger & Brenda Hagan

Solar Lights
Purchase a couple of solar lights and place them by your RV steps. They will give off enough light for you to see, but they aren't so bright that they disturb your neighbors or other RVers nearby. Submitted By: Warren Brelsford

Calculate Your RV Solar Power Needs

It requires only a little math and a realistic assessment of how much power you actually use. The formula for computing amp hours is the number of hours multiplied by the number of amps used per hour. For example, one light uses 1.5 amps x 6 hours which equals 9 amps per hour. Your television uses 1.4 amps x 3 hours which equals 4.2 amps per hour. Submitted By: Robert Flasken

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