1
Summer Camping begins!
V
OLUME
2010 , I
SSUE
06
JUNE 2010
TOPOGEAR NEWS
MICROSOFT
Material, articles and images contained within this Newsletter publication including subsequent pages may not be copied, reproduced, or
otherwise used for other purposes without written consent of TOPOGEAR
is carrying a new line of
We are specializing in new 925 Ster-
ling Silver and Semi precious gemstone
Jewelry. The photo above is some cur-
rent examples. We wish to offer some-
thing affordable to all. We hope to find
and offer items under the $200 retail
range, with many under the $100 mark.
We offer a selection that will be ever
changing. We are able to buy direct from
our distributor and many of our items are
individually hand selected when being
purchased.
These items will soon start showing up
on the TOPO site so check back often.
We also have large selections of used
and vintage Jewelry. This stock is also
changing constantly. Currently we have a
large stock of vintage Rhinestone jew-
elry.
If you are looking for a specific item
that we do not show, please
a list of the latest inventory.
TOPOGEAR DUTCH OVEN
RECIPE CONTEST
Our thanks to those that submitted a recipe.
Keep them coming. We are having fun with
this so we are extending the contest for our
JULY issue! Be sure to
simply send an email stating you have read
and agree to the rules. Include your recipe(s),
and photo(s) ,of your Dutch oven creation.
Our June Winner is Tanya Clark from
Roundup, Montana. Tanya is an active mem-
ber of our
See the recipe on page 5.
Bullhead City River Regatta
The big summer event in Bullhead City,
Arizona for the past four years is the
, a nine mile float down the
Colorado River. On August 13
th
and 14
th
doz-
ens of teams of inner tubes and some of the
most creative and outlandish floating vessels
ever assembled will meet to drift the river to
Rotary Park. This year, the Regatta stretches to
Davis Camp, just below the dam, where the
big floats will be assembled and launched.
Also new this year, the large vessels will be
allowed to use personal watercraft to keep
them away from docks and rocks. Landing
will be at Rotary Park where the "Ye Hafta
Afta" party will greet floaters and spectators
with a variety of vendors, music and more fun.
(Continued on Page 2 Column 1)
The delays may begin in May 2010 and go
through October 2010. A road project may
cause delays for those entering or leaving the
East Entrance on State Highway 9 between the
Entrance and route 89. Delays could be up to
3 hours.
Over 2.5 Million people visited
in 2009. If you are planning a visit
please consider an alternative route or contact
the park for updated information.
CROSSROADS OF THE WEST
Gun and Knife Show
Be sure to visit the TOPOGEAR booth at
the show being held in Las Vegas. This will
be June 12th and 13th at the Cashman Center.
We will have some awesome deals on
knives, outdoor gear, jewelry and other select
items. See one Meyerco special on page 7.
If you are in the market for a Smith and
Wesson "Magic Assist" knife, please come see
us. We have special ordered for the event.
Tanto Blades, Plain Drop Point and Serrated.
We also have a Combo Whistle, Flashlight,
Compass. Great for hikers, backpackers, kay-
akers, or for use in that lonely dark parking lot.
Great for emergency or distress signaling.
Hundreds of these went out the door during
the Boy Scout Expo, April 2010. We just
received another large shipment just for this
show. These will be going for around $4.50.
We will have lots of reasonably priced new
Jewelry, rings, necklaces, toe rings, etc. These
are new and the bulk of them are 925 Silver,
some with semi-precious gemstones.
We will also have a large lot of vintage,
costume and rhinestone jewelry, Miracle
Cleaning cloth and much more.
2
The Bullhead City River Regatta will
launch Saturday morning from Davis and
Community Parks for the 3 to 4 hour drift
under the hot August sun, past homes and
parks and cheering spectators to Rotary Park.
Whether you're a spectator or a participant be
sure to wear sunscreen, hats and bring ample
water.
April 2010 Havasupai Falls Backpacking trip
Article #2 (See May issue for the first Article)
The tent has a small vent with fly, and
screened entry. Also just enough room for your
gear. We pitched the stakes and tied on light
ropes instead, to be tied off the rocks. We also
left the carrying bag at home. Weight was
around 3lbs. I wouldn't want to sit in it during
an all day rain though. We also can not report
on how waterproof it may be. We only had the
high winds.
The Bullhead City River Regatta will kick-
off Friday night at Community Park with the
"Ye Gotta Regatta" party.
Continued from Page 1 Column 1
Regatta
Teams of tubers can assemble their inner
tube groups at the launch site then join the
party under the big Ramada for music, danc-
ing, food and beverages (alcohol and non-
alcohol).
Registration for the Bullhead City River
Regatta is now open online at
need to know about this year's regatta, whose
theme is "Rockin' The River" will be found
there. You can also see photos of the winners
and their amazing vessels from previous regat-
tas. It's also linked to the City of Bullhead
City's official website
We lacked the sponsors we had hoped for.
We really wanted to put some new ultra-light
gear to the test and give our readers some hon-
est feedback.
A big thank you to 2 companies that did
give us free samples that we can purchase for
those needing replacement parts. Both these
companies supply high quality plastic buckles,
side or quick connects, and other specialty
products for web straps.
also
both companies and the customer service peo-
ple we had contact with. Both gave us top-
notch service and follow-up.
We repaired a couple older packs with
some pretty awesome side release buckles.
Thank you ITW and Hi-Tex!
As we indicated, our initial goal was to test
and report on ultra-light gear. When we saw
that wasn't going to happen we shifted gears
and decided to see how light and how inexpen-
sive we could backpack the Havasu Falls.
We will touch on a few items in this short
article.
TENT. Some of us opted to use what they
had on hand. One had to purchase and we
explored weight verses dollars. Wal-Mart
came up the winner with a
for just under $20. Though not large, the foot
print is 5x6ft. This tent was more than ade-
quate for the trip. The person using it was 6ft
and just slept diagonally to fit. It survived
50mph+winds!
SLEEPING BAGS All of us used our existing
bags. A
ounces was the lightest of the lot. The Next
Lightest bag was a Marot Semi-Rectangle at 68
ounces....but worth the extra leg room!
MATTRESS PADS Again we used what we
had.
was used by all, but one of us.
The Termarest Prolite Plus (large) was 33
ounces. One of the group used a
9 Pump DLX at 40.9 ounces. The others were
envious of the pump feature. Comparable in
price, the Exped mat is thicker and the pump
feature makes this our TOPOGEAR Editors
Pick for gear on this trip!
STOVES We had hoped to get a sponsor for
ultra-light stoves but didn't have any takers
there so we opted to build our own. Several of
us have messed around with the soda can or
beer can stoves that burn alcohol. So we de-
cided to try those out. The internet has tons of
plans and variations.
Summer is FUN in Bullhead City, Arizona!
We will cover the basic construction steps on
following pages. This is a simple, extremely
lightweight, and unbelievably effective stove.
Check back with TOPOGEAR often to see
the latest trip info and upcoming events!
3
MARK THE CAN. Mark can. There are tricks
for marking that you can find on the internet. i.e.
stacking books and laying the marker horizontally
against the can as you turn it. Do not cut the can
in this step.
CUT OUT THE TOP A normal can opener
works fine if held at the correct angle. Be careful
that you do not cut through the side.
POKE 12 HOLES with the push pin around the
upper area of can before making any cuts.
CUT CAN AT your 2 marks, being careful to
not create a tear. Save the middle piece.
FABRICATE THE INNER wall using the tem-
plate, interlock to form the ring as shown
PUNCH out 3 half circles on what will be the
bottom of the inner wall
PRY OPEN the rolled metal at the area the can
opener made its cut and rolled the metal at the
same time. Slide the top of the inner wall between
this pried open metal. Once seated pinch shut
again with pliers to hold the inner wall to the top.
TWIST CRIMP the bottom using the pliers to
aid in inserting the bottom into the top
JOIN THE SECTIONS by placing the top
section upside down on a flat surface with inner
wall (punch-outs facing up) Gently work the
crimped bottom section into the top piece section
until the inner wall seats into the bottom.
Chance to WIN A FREE
"MAIR" Lid Lifter
MAY DUTCH OVEN RECIPE CONTEST
We have a winner for our JUNE Edition Dutch
oven RECIPE Contest. The recipe appears on
page. 5 Contest is extended to the JULY issue.
Have your entry submitted by June 15th.
Junes entry and photos were submitted by
Tanya Clark. A FREE "MAIR" Dutch Oven
Lifter was sent out to Tanya!
See the TOPOGEAR rules and submission
form at the
Also join our
if you aren't already a member.
Winner receives a Mair Dutch Oven Lid.
Lifter. Usable on most Dutch Oven Models.
An example 14 inch lifter s shown below.
Depending on the size, and with shipping these
lifters normally cost in the high 20 Dollar range.
The 14 inch lifter is great when working on a
raised surface. The 9 inch is great for those
working in your normal kitchen where counter
tops heights are normal. The most popular is the
22 inch for those cooking directly on the ground
or in a fire pit.
These lifters give great lid control and offer a
large degree of safety over the normal bent rod
type. You are able to hook and grab the lid.
Avoid steam burned arms, avoid dropping the lid
in the dirt, messing with a glove, etc.
The lifter also has a hook bent into one of its
legs to hook underneath the bail wire. With the 3
legs on the ground or table, the lifter will stand
upright, at close range, always ready and within
quick reach.
SODA CAN/BEER CAN ALCOHOL STOVE
Construction Steps (see photos on page 4)
TOPOGEAR DISCLAIMER: This article is for info
only. Construction and use is at your own risk. Alco-
hol is extremely flammable, and while burning it is
extremely difficult to see. Burns and injuries can
result. The builder/user is completely responsible for
construction and use. TOPOGEAR in no way is liable
or responsible for any damages or injuries resulting
from any stove you may construct.
The following steps are only some of the basics
to illustrate the concept. There is lots of info on
the internet on construction tips and tricks, as
well as many variations for more efficient stoves.
TOOLS: Round Hole Punch, Xacto Knife, Jew-
elers Flat Screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers, Push
Pin, Marker, Scissors and a Rule.
MATERIAL: One soda/beer can. We found
Pepsi cans work the best.
The bottom section of the
can has a ring depressed into
the aluminum. The inner
wall should be seated there.
Be careful to not crush or
ripe the cans when pushing
them together. Use dish
soap to help if needed.
Don't push together at an
angle. Keep steady straight
down force and check at
each little movement so that
you do not crush the inner
wall.
Two 2 ounces of alcohol
will normally boil 2 cups of
water. Add to the stove.
Pour a little over the outside
of the can itself and on the
ground to aid in priming.
(use of a prime pan or flat
rock is recommended) Light
the alcohol and wait a few
seconds. Place you pot
slowly directly on to the top
of the stove. If burning
correctly (primed and flames
coming out the tiny holes)
the stove will not go out.
For wind, carry and form
a wind shield from regular
aluminum foil. Form nearly
the size of your pot with
multiple layers. It can be
reused over and over.
Your weight will be the
alcohol, since the stove is
virtually weightless.
4
SODA/BEER CAN ALCOHOL STOVE
(Fabricate and use at your own risk)
Tools:Paper Punch, knife, jeweler screwdriver,
long nose pliers, felt pen, scissors, ruler, pin
Mark can 1 3/4 inch from the top and 1 3/8
inch from the bottom
Remove top with can opener
Use push pin and make 12 small holes around
the top. Mid way between top and 1st curve.
Cut off both ends with knife
Inter-lock the Inner Wall together
Paper punch 3 half cut outs on bottom
edge of the inner wall Miss the overlaps.
The punched edge goes toward the bottom.
Pry the folded edge of the top where the can
opener folded the metal. The top of the inner
wall needs to slide in here. Then fold tight
again with pliers, to crimp in the wall.
Twist crimp the bottom so that is will slide
into the top more easily.
Flip upside down so the top is on a flat
surface. Push the bottom inside the top.
Carefully work the two parts together until
the inner wall makes contact with the bot-
tom
2 ounces of Alcohol and a tall thin gauge pot
will easily boil 2 cups of water. Prime by pour
ing a small amount of Alcohol on the sides and
on the ground (or old metal lid for primer
plate) Then ignite before placing pot on stove.
Create inner wall from center section of the
can. Use the entire circumference. Cut
with scissors 1 3/4 inches wide. Make a cut
about a 1/2 inch from one end. Cut only
half the width. From that make measure
6 7/16 inches and make another half way
cut, but from the opposite edge. Then loop
Disclaimer: Alcohol is extremely flammable. Homemade stoves can be hazardous to use and cause burns. Alcohol burns so clean it is nearly impossible to
see in the daylight. TOPOGEAR is not responsible for incorrect construction, misuse, accidents, or injuries caused by construction or use of such a device.
The internet has all types of modifications that may produce better stoves. We simply wanted to pass on the general concept.
5
Contact
for Sponsor ad placement in
our Newsletters and Website
Details found on our HOME page "Advertise with Us"
We also trade FREE ad space
We want your articles, photos and events to feature in our
monthly publication. Great exposure for your photos or
writings
We now accept ads for items for sale, items wanted, etc.
There is no fee at this time. TOPOGEAR reserves the right
to publish or not, any or all submissions. Email your ad and
any image in .jpg format to
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
TOPOGEAR
June 2010 Dutch Oven Recipe
Contest Winner
Submitted by: Tanya Clark of
Roundup, Montana
Winner of a "MAIR Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
Join FACEBOOK
Dutch Oven Cooking
Your Outdoor Resource for ATVing, Backpacking,
Camping, Kayaking, Rappelling and Skiing.
In the Ohio and Pennsylvania Area
http://www.neohoutdoors.com
Located in NE Ohio.
An Easy Flat Water
paddling club. Get
involved whether you
are new to the sport or
experienced. A great
way to meet people.
Send us your recipe and photo of your prepared item to appear in this
space. Email to
On the Trail Dinner
1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
1
15 oz Can Kidney Beans
1 15 oz Can Pinto Beans
1
15 oz Can Corn (May use Green Beans in place of Corn)
1 29 oz Can Crushed Tomatoes
2
10 3/4 oz Can French Onion Soup (May use 1 onion + Beef Broth)
2 Cups Water
2 1/2 Cups Macaroni
1
tsp Cumin
2
tsp Chili Powder
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1
tsp Salt
1 Cup Pepper Jack Cheese (Optional)
1
Cup Sour Cream (Optional)
Brown Beef and onion, then drain. Dump in the rest of the ingredients. Cook for
30 minutes at 350 minutes. Should not be watery when done.
Sprinkle with Pepper Jack Cheese and Sour Cream (Optional)
Dutch Oven Heat "Three Up-Three Down Rule
It is better to place more coals or briquettes on the lid of the Dutch oven. Many
Dutch oven cooks follow a simple three up, three down rule. Measure the diame-
ter of your Dutch oven and add 3 to estimate how many briquettes to place on the
lid. Take 3 away from the diameter measurement and this is the number you need
to place under the Dutch oven.
If you have a 12 inch Dutch oven. 12 + 3 = 15. Place 15 briquettes on the lid of
your oven.
12 - 3 = 9. Place 9 briquettes underneath your oven.
This should give you an approximate oven temperature of 350° F. Each two addi-
tional coals will give you about 20° F more heat
Over 1390 Members !!
Join Us!!!!
6
TOPOGEAR
For our Newsletter readers only
Expires
6/15/2010
Once these 2 units are gone this offer expires without notice.
TOPOGEAR SPECIAL OF THE
MONTH
JETBOIL Group Cooking Systems
We have (2) Units Originally Purchased
To test market. We were unable to
Secure a JETBOIL dealership so these are
being Clearanced!
$79 per unit includes FREE Shipping
*Note we are not a Jetboil dealer and these come with no
warranty. But they are not used and come in the original
box and packing. A super bargain!!
For special ordering instructions
See Catalog at
Some items go fast - Order early - Don't miss out!
Products for Climbing, Camping, Search and Rescue, Police, Hiking,
Backpacking, Cycling, Paddling, Military. Lights, Knives, Packs,
Clothing, Consumables such as Jerky, Batteries, soaps, cleaning prod-
ucts. Some items sold in bulk for resale. We also carry a line of Jew-
elry with access to requests for special orders.
7
Desert River Outfitters is located in
Bullhead City Arizona in North-
western Arizona on the lower
Colorado River. We provide kayak
and canoe sales, rentals and guided
river trips around the tri-state area
of Arizona, Nevada and California.
Charter Fishing Trips
in NV, UT, CA and Mexico
Las Vegas
Dutch Oven Society
Boy Scouts and Leaders
Receive Special
Deep Discounts &
Bulk Order Discounts
"LODGE" Dutch Ovens
With BSA LOGO
Contact:
For Special Price Quote
Include Troop Info
Paddling Festival
Hosted by SOUTHWIND KAYAK
CENTER
Newport Dunes, California Visit
site for latest info
1-800-SOUTHWIND or
1-800-768-8494
Don't miss our
Discount Sale
.
Look for items marked with the
discount. Many items in our in-
ventory of over 8000 items are
marked down. These discounts are
for limited times, and change with-
out notice. Don't miss out. Also
take advantage of the limited time
FREE SHIPPING
on orders with
amounts over the current mini-
mum. Check the <HOME> page
for details at:
JUNE
www.camp-cook.com
Home of the REAL iron chefs !
UPCOMING EVENTS
HIKING GROUP
Join our FaceBook group.
Share photos, trail info,
and advice.
Love Hiking, Camping and
Backpacking? Join our Face-
book group. Join us and share
your photos and trip logs
Event: Las Vegas Canoe Club Java Night
Date: June 7, 2010
Locations: Las Vegas
See Group website for details
LVDOS + Las Vegas Canoe Club
Event: Camp and Dutch Oven Cooking
Date: June 11, 2010
Location: Hilltop Campground, Mt Charleston, outside
Las Vegas
See Club Website for details
CROSSROADS OF THE WEST
Event: GUN and KNIFE Show
Date: June 12 & 13
Location: Cashman Field, Las Vegas, Nevada
See TOPOGEAR at this show. Magic Assist Knives,
Camping gear, Jewelry, MAIR Dutch Oven Lifters and
much more!!
A TOPOGEAR SPECIAL
A ridiculously low price on a
MEYERCO MEDIUM G10 Tactical Folder
This is a high quality knife. See the
Ends without notice-These won't last long!
GET FREE SHIPPING on $75 + Orders
$10.50
ea
Plus Shipping
8
WEATHERED WONDERS
Creations by Artist Dave Bruce. Utilizing materials recycled from aban-
doned buildings and alleyways. One-of-a-kind birdhouses and furniture.
These creations can be found through various stores and specialty shops.
Each piece is handcrafted with pride and signed with love, from Dave's
heart to your home.
Email
Cell: 602 576-7376
Shade USA is a national distributor of comfort and conven-
ience related outdoor products that are perfect for the beach,
camp grounds, soccer field, baseball diamond, parks, and lakes
or any vacation destination (including your own back yard).
We specialize in unique and innovative products which feature
portability, comfort and value.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY
AUGUST
BULLEHEAD CITY ANNUAL REGATTA
Event: Annual Bullhead City Regatta/Birthday Party
City Wide Party-Float 11 mile stretch of the Colorado River
Kayak-Canoe-Tubes-Just about anything that floats!
Pre-party-Fun - On the water-Food and Music after
Compete for prizes! Enter your group
Location: Bullhead City, AZ across the river from Laughlin, NV
Date: August 13th and 14th
Email us your event info, meet-ups, Dutch Oven
Cooking meets, Expo's, Community events, art
fairs, craft fairs, gun shows, knife shows, etc.
We will post your info for FREE in this section!!
LVDOS Gathering and Camp Out
Location: Sawmill Picnic Area
Las Vegas, NV area
Date: 7/24/2010
Time : Dinner at 3:00 (Saturday)
Theme :All American
FU
N EV
EN
T!
!
A TOPOGEAR SPECIAL
A ridiculously low price on a
Compass w/ Light & Whistle Combo
See the
Ends without notice-These won't last long!
GET FREE SHIPPING on $75 + Orders
$4.50
ea
Plus Shipping
9
Wanted to Buy: Enclosed tandem axle trailer with side RV
style door.
Must be in excellent condition and clean/clear title. Las
Vegas Area. May consider 250 mile radius depending on price and condi-
tion. Cash buyer. Contact
call 702-203-0534 and ask for Rick
THE NEW WAY OF PRINTING
CUSTOMIZED & PROMOTIONAL WEAR
White or Dark T-shirts
Polo and Golf shirts
Tote Bags
Mouse pads
Canvas and Art Prints
Aprons
Small to Large set ups
Graphics and logos
T-SHART by Emerald-5LTD
Don & Sherry
Email
Tel:702-452-3033
Fax:702-421-1563
Cell:702-267-8461
Digital garment print-
ing uses environmen-
tally friendly, NON-
toxic water based ink.
Wash fast & Sun/UV
fast color
CUSTOM DOORS
Proudly 100% Made in the USA
Or Email requests
New 925 Sterling Silver &
Semi-Precious Gemstone
Jewelry
Join our
about our latest Events, Promo's and specials !!
JOIN
US!!
10
Enter your Dutch Oven Recipe for a chance to win
a "MAIR" Dutch Oven Lid Lifter (Shown in photo). We had a winner for the April,
May & June issues. We have extended this for the July issue too! Enter before June
15th. Details are found on the
FREE Stuff" on the left menu.
simple just email a statement that you read and agree to the rules, attach your recipe
and finished dish photo. Email to