Northwest Trek

We had more or less worn out our second camper. Having gone through two we had some pretty definite ideas about what we wanted for our next one. It needed to be equipped for all season use, have a propane generator, fit comfortably (weight wise) on the Dodge 2500 Diesel pickup we owned, and have quality construction. So we shopped and shopped. We found a number that met many but never all of our basic requirements until we investigated the Eagle Cap Campers that are made right here in Oregon.

We selected the 9 1/2 foot version. It weighs 2900 pounds loaded, has a heated false floor for the plumbing components, and has an onboard Onan propane generator.

It has a fiberglass shower/toilet stall that utilizes the space very efficiently and is super easy to clean. Plus it is a great place to stow stuff when traveling. The exterior is all fiberglass giving a slick attractive finish and making it a snap to clean. There are a number of storage compartments both in the interior and exterior for storing all our camping, fishing or hunting gear. We never run out of propane because of the dual tank capacity permitting us to carry 20 gallons.

We purchased ours new in 2005 so we have given the thing a real life torture test. It has traveled about sixty thousand miles a good share of those being off pavement. It has withstood the pounding we’ve put it through very well which speaks well of the materials and workmanship of its construction.

Were we faced with having to replace our Eagle Cap we wouldn’t hesitate to buy another just like it. We would also recommend this camper to our friends and family.

Go to www.eaglecapcampers.com for more info.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Several years ago I received the unwelcome news that I suffered from Profound Vestibular Malfunction. The vestibular nerves in both ears had ceased to function. My eyes and my joints are now the only things that tell me which way is up. Uneven or soft ground really confuses the message from my joints. After some trial and error, I discovered that a walking stick was of real benefit in telling my brain how stable I was.

Now I use a walking stick any time I am on a surface any rougher than a lawn. I like the REI Walking Stick because:
- of its overall strength (it resists bending even after falling on it)
- it is readily adjustable in length
- it has a durable shock absorbent tip
- it is light weight
- the cork/foam grip is still comfortable even after hours of walking
- it works well for beating the dog and the wife (just kidding )


My walking stick was a gift from my son and daughter-in-law who purchased it from the online REI store.
This is a quality made product that will give years of service providing you don’t forget and leave it laying somewhere on the trail.

Popularity: 17% [?]

I recently purchased a .22 caliber Ruger, semi-auto rifle, model 10/22. I wanted an inexpensive, reliable 22 mostly for targets and some occasional ground squirrel population reduction. I’ve fired a couple thousand rounds through it . At a hundred feet it shoots a group of five at about 2″ using long rifle rounds. at 200 feet the same group is about 4″. Pretty much like you would expect. I’ve experienced some occasional jamming from both the stock 10 round clip and from the after-market Butler Creek 25 round clip. It usually occurs on the first or second round of a full clip. The jam is easily cleared by pulling back on the bolt. It doesn’t do it often enough to get me excited about the problem. I mounted a 4 power Bushnell scope which is a very good match for this gun. I would recommend this little, light weight .22 for anyone who wants to get by cheap with performance that is more than satisfactory for the investment. My eight year old grandson is a dead eye with the gun. It serves well for a youth starter gun. I paid $175.00 for the rifle (new).

Popularity: 100% [?]

Polaris no longer makes the trail Boss. We bought ours new the last year they were produced. They have been outstanding. I would buy another Polaris product. These machines are super easy to ride and handle. I use mine to haul firewood, pack out elk cross country and sight see on all the open public land we have here in the northwest. Local Polaris shop thinks these bikes are really space craft and charge accordingly for doing routine maintenance.

Pro’s:
reliability – 5 stars
ease of use – 4 stars
power – 4 stars
fun factor – 5 stars
ride-ability – 5 stars
con’s:
cost of maintenance –
the belts need replacing annually, which is a sixty dollars cost other than that the other costs are in keeping with a gear driven machine.

Popularity: 53% [?]