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Hiking/Backpacking/Camping/David Sweet
All Reviews from Users
Column Headings: K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness
N = Nominated for Expert of the Month
| Date | User | K | C | T | P | N | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-08-18 | Bill | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | The information will be very helpfull in planning our trip. The fact that he actually has been on the trails he suggested is great, lets me know he really understands the area |
| 2009-07-18 | Claudia | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | This was extremely helpful. |
| 2009-07-15 | Lesley | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | thank you very much. This is Lesley's husband.... I just won the bet:-) |
| 2009-06-22 | linda | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thank-you very much for the answer it was VERY helpful, I have asked several people that I know this question and this is the first clear answer I have received. Linda |
| 2009-05-28 | keon | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thank you David Sweet for taking the time to answer my questions. I am very impressed by the timeliness! That was quick! I will make sure and check out the site! Thanks David! |
| 2009-05-23 | Stacy | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thanks so much David! |
| 2009-04-04 | Lauren | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | |
| 2009-03-11 | Shawn | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thank you so much, will pick up topo's tomorrow... looking ofrwrd to finding these spots and seeing this area with family, again thanks shawn |
| 2008-10-29 | DANIEL | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | THE INFORMATION THAT MR. SWEET HAS PROVIDED HAS BEEN A GREAT HELP TO ME AND MY ARTICLE, I AM VERY THANKFULL FOR THIS SERVICE, AND PLAN ON USING IT MORE OFTER FOR MY OTHER WRITINGS. AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH. DANIEL KROUSKOUPF 45599 ST. RT. 541 W. COSHOCTON, OHIO 43812 oneleg_dan@yahoo.com |
| 2008-07-22 | Steve | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thank you for the prompt response. |
| 2008-05-16 | clueless | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | |
| 2008-05-03 | Joe | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thank you. Most of what you wrote I had already intuited, and I appreciate the confirmation. There is just so much information out there, especially in regard to clothing and equipment, it sucks the joy out of even just planning a trip. "Clothes are clothes." I will remember that. |
| 2008-04-04 | Michael | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Sensible answer! |
| 2008-04-01 | Mom | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | |
| 2008-03-26 | Jarrett | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thanks! That really helps, although it still seems tough to find the shoulder straps for the pack. |
| 2007-12-13 | Angie | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | great answer!! |
| 2007-10-30 | Dimitrz | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thanks that was helpful |
| 2007-08-27 | Jeff | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thank you for your quick response, David. We had a campground "security" person tell us it was a state law (California). I'm glad to find out it's not. It was in their campground rules, though. We wish they had just said that, instead of trying to make it seem more of a "serious offense". Best to you. Jeff Cain |
| 2007-08-01 | Rich | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | David, Thanks for the prompt response. It confirmed my suspicion that there was some material/chemical breakdown taking place. Although the tent is otherwise in excellent condition, perhaps I need to suck it up and start shopping around. Again I appreciate your authoritive response. Rich |
| 2007-05-20 | Mary | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | First time user, and found the info very informative. Great service. Mary |
| 2007-04-18 | Frank | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | thank you very much. your info is most helpful |
| 2007-04-14 | Frank | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | thanks much |
| 2007-04-13 | Marc | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | Yes | David, Thanks for getting back to us. Your response was very helpful. To the extent they let people camp outside the designated campground, I can't imagine that they would make us hike back up when we'll be very tired and it will be later in the day (and turn down the additional revenue), so I think we'll probably risk it. Thanks again! |
| 2007-04-03 | Jeff | 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | |
| 2007-01-10 | Keith | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thank you David. You helped me from making a mistake that would ruin my tent. |
| 2006-10-21 | Lisa | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | |
| 2006-06-30 | Ron | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thank You David for your quick responce and useful suggestions towards camping tents. It is appreciated !!!! Ron |
| 2006-02-27 | Adam Parker | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | I really appreciate the help. Thanks alot. |
| 2005-05-23 | Larissa | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Yes | Thank you for your quick answer. I appreciate all your suggestions; you have confirmed my suspicions about membership camping being more RV oriented, which I want to stay away from. I am glad I didn't waste a weekend finding out for myself! The parks you mention sound great so I will definitely start planning my next trip. Thanks again! |
| 2005-05-14 | beau tercero | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | No | Thanks !! David Sweet for your timely fast responce. Good practical advice. Contacting the Ranger station is an excellent idea. RTM |
Answers by Expert:
David Sweet
Expertise
I`ve been an avid camper for over 40 years, I`ve worked in several National Parks, and I`ve been About`s camping guide (camping.about.com) since 1997.
Experience
Camping Experience
I've been camping since I was 9 years old, some 40+ years ago. I started out with just a sleeping bag and a lantern for 1 night sleepouts, gradually graduating to full-fledged camping with all the appropriate gear: sleeping bags, tents, pads, screen rooms, stoves, coolers, shower-bags, Dutch ovens, and more. I still have most of this gear after 20+ years of use. Along the way I also acquired backpacking gear and have done my share of backcountry adventures around the country. But now, as I've gotten older and my back has gotten stiffer, my wife and I have upgraded to a popup camper for most of our camping trips.
Where I've Camped
I grew up in Kentucky and did most of my camping as a kid on the banks of the Licking River. As a teenager and into my twenties I camped mostly in the Red River Gorge in Daniel Boone National Forest. We never camped in campgrounds, but rather in backcountry locations, preferring peace and privacy to campground amenities and crowds. In my thirties I ventured west and lived and worked in several national parks over the next ten years: Grand Canyon, Sequoia, and Mt. Rainier, to name a few. These times were my most active for backpacking, hiking and camping. All my free time in the parks was spent exploring the backcountry, and in those ten years I saw quite a lot. Now that I'm in my 50's I prefer to camp in the public campgrounds like national parks, national forests and state parks. We don't use hookups, even with our popup camper, but flush toilets and hot showers are welcome amenities that can't be found in the backcountry.
What I've Learned
After all these years I've learned some simple basics about camping: be prepared for the weather, bring whatever it takes to sleep comfortably, eat good foods, and have respect for the outdoors. I've also learned that there is no one right way to camp. If you're satisfying the basics which I mentioned, then you are doing things the right way. You don't need a lot of expensive gear or hi-tech gadgets. The whole idea is to break out of our normal lives and relax awhile in the geat outdoors.
How can I help you?
My full-time job since 1997 has been as the guide for About's Camping site. My goal is to help fellow campers find the information they need to better plan and enjoy their outdoor adventures. Whatever your questions are about camping, I can help you. If I don't know the answer to your question(s) myself, I will guide you to other Web sites that do answer your question(s).
Make it a great day, get outdoors!
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