Dust Storms

[waterguytony]

What does everyone think would be the best form of protection against the Arizona dust storms.. They can move in fast and get blowing fast..

[FLRider]

A large tarp with doors, a lightweight nylon sock, a pair of motorcycle goggles, and a painter's mask. You have three-stage protection: the tarp will cut the majority of the big particles, the sock will get most of the ambient floating crap, and the mask and goggles will take care of everything else.

Still, seems like a bit of weight to be carrying. How often do these happen, and how bad are they when they do? My experience with dust storms is academic: I assume they're not as bad as Dune makes 'em out to be, seeing as how folks actually go out into the desert to camp, but I've also seen footage from the North African theater in the second world war that makes things look pretty bad...

[Cali]

If it is anything like the dust storms I experienced in Iraq, you will get dust in everything no matter what. I agree with FLRider, definitely wear a mask and goggles. I also used a buff to cover my mouth and nose since those masks don't totally cover. Good luck to you. I hate those dust storms. When you get home, make sure you pull everything out and get the dust off of all your gear.

[ataris121]

+1 to dust everywhere. ive seen these storms on two continents and dust everywhere is an understatment. in a good dust storm a tarp has a good chance to go bye-bye so id sock it, shouldnt be raining anyway. the big thing is something to completly cover you in your hammock like a coccoon. and then the mask and goggles. Me personally i would drop my hammock and hide behind a rock in a storm, that would be a bumpy ride.

[c0wb0y_hubs]

These aren't the norm. but here's a doozie in the Phoenix area



Definitely don't want to be out in this!!!

[The J Meister]

I agree with ataris121, I would drop the hammock and likely put it and my quilts back in their bags and then hunker down with a mask/bandana covering nose and mouth. I wouldn't likely be carrying goggles or eye protection other than shades, so I'd sit with my eyes shut. The Haboobs are a pain, I remember the one in Phoenix--my home town.
The biggest thing is that the dust does get everywhere, so I'd try and keep my gear as packed as possible when having to deal with it.
The nice thing about the Haboobs is that they usually only occur in the desert floor, and there's usually not enough trees to hang my hammock from, so I don't take my hammock if I'm desert camping. Trees and mountains tend to kill the power of the dust storms.

[hawkerev]

Go Home!

Seriously, I'm not fighting that junk to prove something? I mean if you happen to get stuck in it, steak the tarp down to the ground with some slack, crawl in the middle and hold a wet towel over your face!

[Cannibal]

Stupid question, but how long do these storms usually last?

Is it like any other storm in that it varies? I've always thought (thank you TV and movies) that dust storms were a bit like a tornado in the fact that they move in and wreck the place, then leave just as quick. Is this a false assumption on my part?

If that's the case, just hunker down for a bit.
If it isn't the case, there are some lovely states that don't have dust storms.

[The J Meister]

They are usually pretty quick. They seem like they last a lot longer because you can see the wall of dust coming your way for miles. I don't think that I've been in the meat of one for more than 30-45 minutes.

[Likeapuma]

I'm not sure how long they last in the states (so glad I don't live anywhere near where they happen!) but in Iraq they can last for a day or so.

Pack your gear away tight & be prepared for a bit of misery! Lol