As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I occasionally get the opportunity to test gear in the field. During our 14-day road trip around the US, I was lucky enough to try out the GO camper from SylvanSport.
After having camped in the GO for about a week now, we are still finding new things that impress us. One of the things we really like is how easy it is to crank the tent into place. I’ve used other pop-up style campers before and I love how much smoother the GO’s cranking system is!
On our eighth night on the road, we stayed at Bridger Bay Campground and I was able to test out some freeze dried meals from Mountain House. From here, we’ll head to Yellowstone National Park where I’ll continue to camp and test gear for 14 straight days.
Day 8 of 14: Road Trip Around the US
Campground: Bridger Bay Campground
The eighth night we stayed in the GO was at Bridger Bay Campground on Antelope Island State Park, Utah.
We stayed at Bridger Bay for two nights and had two different experiences. Not particularly bad experiences, but different nonetheless. When we were driving from the “main land” to the island, there was a distinct smell coming from the lake. And, although I knew there was going to be a smell, I wasn’t 100% prepared. The first night at the campsite we didn’t smell anything, but the second night, we did.
The Verdict: With no hookups and vault only toilets, the campsite itself was primitive. But, there were flush toilets and pay showers about a mile down the road near the public access center. The thing I loved about the island was the abundance of wildlife, and how frequently you saw it. Of course, there are antelope, but they also have a herd of buffalo, deer, coyotes, and big horn sheep. It was such a neat experience camping on the Great Salt Lake, but I think I’d like it more during fall or winter.
Gear: Mountain House
At this stop, I tried out some freeze dried meals from Mountain House. Now, I’m not a huge backpacking food prep person. I know a ton of campers who love to create their own recipes, throw them in a dehydrator and have them ready for the backcountry. I’d rather buy pre-made meals that I know are going to work, especially after a long day of hiking.
The Verdict: I have had Mountain House in the past, but this experience allowed me to try some recipes that I hadn’t had before. Even though I do have my reliable meals that are awesome, the new ones that I’ve tried have been just as good. The one that surprised me the most was the breakfast skillet which is now part of my go-to list!
Next Stop: Lewis Lake, Yellowstone National Park for Day 10 of 14
Camping on the Great Salt Lake has been a fantastic experience! Next up, we’ve targeted Yellow Stone National Park to camp and test some gear. Click here to see what it’s like to camp at Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park!
Read day six here and day ten here.
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Related Campgrounds:
- Cowboy Camp, UT
