How to Build a Campfire

A campfire is part of the outdoor experience when you’re camping, backpacking, or hunting and plan on spending the night in the wilderness. Having a campfire is one of those experiences that make an overnight stay in the woods memorable. It’s disappointing if you’re at a campground that has signs in the fire pit that says No Campfires. That means it’s too dry to have a fire. Please don’t ignore these warnings for your own convenience. Forest fires are terrible events that are usually avoidable, since many are man-made.



Although most campgrounds have fire pits, you may find a place to camp while you’re backpacking that does not. If it’s been dry you’ll need to be extremely careful where you build your campfire.



The first thing to do is pick your spot for the campfire. Make sure it’s away from anything that burns easily like dry grass and tree limbs from nearby trees. Clear an area twice the size as your fire ring will be. An errant spark from a breeze could cause a fire in a nearby field of dry grass or trees.



The next thing to do is to collect rocks for your fire ring and build it approximately a foot high and 3 feet in diameter. If you’re near a stream, creek, or river you’ll be sure to find good rocks to build your fire ring. If rocks aren’t available, pass on having a fire. The fire ring will prevent the ashes from spreading and keep the fire concentrated in a safe place.



If you have not brought any fire wood or are not in a campground that sells it, you’ll need to search the forest floor for dead tree branches and pine cones. If you’re in a forested area you’ll be sure to find plenty for your needs. An axe, hatchet or folding saw are tools you’ll need in this endeavor. You’ll want to cut the branches and limbs you find to fit the parameters or your fire ring.



Start small when you first build your fire! To start the fire you’ll need tender; small sticks, dry leaves twisted newspaper, pine needles or anything that will easily catch fire. Bring a couple of different methods to start a fire – camp lighters, cigarette lighters, water proof matches, or fire starters that emit sparks by rubbing flint against steel are ideas to think about. When you have a small flickering fire, then it's time to gradually add larger sticks of wood. As the fire gets larger and hotter you can add even larger chunks of wood. You can lay the wood on the fire any way you like as long as there is enough air flow from the bottom of the coals to the top of the fire, to keep the logs burning.



Building a fire is mainly common sense. If you have a small fire, add enough wood, any way you like, to make it into a larger fire.



Try not to build your fire too big. Raging fires are not cool. There's too much of a chance that a spark will get away and set fire to someone's tent or the nearby fields and forests. Keep the fire at a reasonable level and have a safe, happy stay in God’s great outdoors!

How to Select a Good Camping Tent

Before you head out on your next trip to the great outdoors you will need to check whether you have all the right camping gear to make the occasion a memorable one. Camping is a wonderful experience and one that is enjoyed by people of all ages if you’re properly outfitted and have all camping gear you’ll need.

Whether you are heading into the wilderness or planning to tent camp at an organized camp ground, having the correct equipment will ensure you are ready for any eventuality and situation. A quality tent should be at the top of the list. These are available in a dizzying array of shapes, designs, and sizes. It’s imperative you choose a tent that can accommodate the number of people who will be accompanying you on the trip or have more than one tent depending on the situation and how many people want to sleep under one roof.

Before you start looking for a camping tent, decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Types of Camping Tents:

Camping tents are classified using three ratings: 3 season, 4 season, and all season. The 3 season tent works well except for cold weather conditions, the 4 season tent is designed for extreme cold temperatures, and the all season tent is generally thought of as a family or car tent. Most cabin tents are all season tents.

Besides the seasonal classification, there are also backpacking tents and regular tents. Backpacking tents are light-weight and are fast and easy to set-up. The largest backpacking tent I would recommend would be a 3 man tent. This would give 2 people plenty of room and not be too heavy to carry in your backpack. Regular tents are used for car/truck camping where you drive to a campground and don’t have far to set-up your campsite.

What’s the right size of camping tent (not a backpacking tent)?

The size and weight of a tent doesn’t matter, just as long as you’re able to carry it from you car or truck to the campsite and it fits in your vehicle along will all your other camping gear.

Tent capacity is base on the number of people who can sleep in one. For example, a 2 man tent will accommodate 2 people and have very little storage space. A good rule is to buy a camping tent that has a capacity rating of 2 people more than the number who will be using it. This will provide enough space to spread out a little and store your gear, too. If you’re doing family camping, the multi-room tents work great. Multi-room tents come in 2-room styles, where the rooms are separated by an inside tent wall with a zippered door. The 3-room design has the 2 room, plus an added screen room, which is great for storage and for changing clothes, playing games, etc.

Other features to look for are:

A rainfly to keep the rain out

Folded seams and double stitching to help keep rain out

A one piece waterproof tub floor keeps water out

Noseeum meshing to keep insects out

Heavy duty zippers that hold up with frequent use

If it rains while you’re camping or your tent is damp when you strike camp, you’ll want to set-up the tent in your yard to air it out when you get home. This helps prevent mildew and mold.

How to Make Camping S'mores

Before you head out on your next trip to the great outdoors you will need to check whether you have all the right camping gear to make the occasion a memorable one. Camping can be a wonderful experience and one that is enjoyed by people of all ages.



Whether you are heading into the wilderness or planning to pitch a tent at an organized camp ground, having the correct equipment would ensure you are ready for any eventuality and situation.



Although there is always the option of cooking on an open fire it is usually easier and somewhat safer to take a stove with you on your camping trips. We use two different types of stoves – the single burner propane stove, which we mainly use for heating water for hot drinks and dish washing and the double burner stove, which we use for cooking food in a skillet or pot. The size of the stove would depend upon how many people you will need to cook for. If there are only two people then a portable butane burner should suffice. Remember to choose suitable utensils, pots, and pans. You can buy special outdoor cooking equipment that is easy to carry and clean.



One of the highlights of camping are meal times, especially when you cook over the campfire. We always prepare our meals together as a family, so everyone has ownership of part of the meal. This really helps to quell any complaining. It’s also a great family bonding time. After the main meal is over and the clean-up is done, its time to think about a great treat. One camping dessert that has been around for generations is s’mores. Although this dessert takes some time to prepare, the process to get your marshmallows just right is half the fun. When your family has their sticks with marshmallows on the end hanging over the coals, there's always competition to see who can roast the perfect marshmallow. The goal to roast it slowly and get it golden brown evenly all the way around the marshmallow, then it will be the perfect temperature to melt the chocolate sandwiched between the graham crackers.



How to make camping s’mores:



Ingredients: graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate squares, sticks or skewers, and a campfire with good cooking coals.



The process:



Prepare your s’more sandwich makings first: break off 2 squares of graham cracker for the top and bottom of your s’more, then break off a square of chocolate and lay it on the bottom square graham cracker.



Stick a marshmallow on the end of your stick or skewer and roast it over the coals of the campfire. Try not to char the marshmallow by rotating the stick in your hand to roast the marshmallow evenly all the way around. If it flames up, blow it out and continue or eat it and start over.

Once you have the marshmallow roasted the way you want it, place it on top of the chocolate square and sandwich it between the 2 squares of graham crackers – let the chocolate melt a few seconds and enjoy.

Backpack Packing Tips

First of all, the type of backpack you are using determines how you will pack. An external frame pack distributes the weight differently than an internal frame pack. You’ll want the bulk of the weight low with the external pack, since this helps your balance as you’re hiking. With internal frame packs, you’ll want the heaviest items placed in the middle of your back close to your body. This method of packing keeps the weight close to your center of gravity and allows you to turn around without the backpack pulling you off-balance.



Usually, the two bulkiest items you’ll pack are a tent and sleeping bag. Sleeping bags designed to be lightweight for backpacking come with a stuff sack with straps to cinch down the size. You can use these straps to tie them to the frame on the external frame pack. For internal frame packs you can pack them in the bottom quite easily. If you’re packing for a solo trip the bivy sack (all in one sleeping bag and tent) is very practical. If there are others in your party, it’s a good idea to distribute the different tent parts (tent body, poles and rain fly) among three people to spread the weight. You can stuff the tent body and rain fly into the top of a pack and tie the poles to the outside of a pack. Another reason to have the tent at the top of your pack is for easy access. Most people set-up their tent when they first get into camp. With the tent on top, you’re all set and will not need to unload your pack to get at it. Also, if it’s raining, you’ll be able to get out of the rain that much sooner.



I’ve found it’s best to roll your clothes and put the bulkier items (pants, shirts, sweat shirts, jackets) in a stuff sack. Small items like underwear and socks fit into zip lock bags and fit well in the outside pickets. It’s always a good idea to have your socks and foot powder accessible when you’re hiking. Also, don’t forget to have a folding shovel and toilet paper handy. A zip lock bag to store the TP is very important.



Other items to pack are water, raingear, and food. A hydration system is crucial while you’re hiking. Most packs have these configured inside the pack, if not; a camelback system will work underneath the backpack. A poncho that fits over your backpack is a good idea to consider. This can be stored in an outside pocket. If you plan on a sit-down lunch during your hike, you can pack this pretty close to the top of your pack. Energy bars work well, too. These take up much less space. Other food items and cooking gear are personal choice depending on how long you’ll be camping and what you prefer eating.



These are just a few tips to think about when you’re packing your backpack. You’ll come up with your own list before long and you’ll have a routine that fits you.

How the Select the Right Camping Stove

When it's time to purchase camping gear there are many things to consider, one of which is how often do you plan on upgrading your equipment or replacing it? If you're like me, I like to buy quality, knowing that what I buy will last a few years. When you buy camping stoves the same applies. You can either buy the cheaper ones and expect to replace them every couple of years or decide to buy one of the best camping stoves (which will last for many years) to meet your needs. I use two types of stoves for tent camping when you're able to drive close to your campsite. I use another type of stove for backpack camping, where you're more interested in a small and lightweight stove for heating things up. We often bring prepared food that just needs to be cooked in a pot or on the campfire, rather than meals that require a lot of ingredients and preparation.
Important considerations in choosing the right camping stove for your use are where you'll be camping and how many people you'll be cooking for? For tent camping in a campground area, the two-burner propane or white gas stoves work well. I use a two-burner stove that uses white gas and a single burner propane stove. This set-up works well for a family of 4 or 5. The two-burner white gas stove works great for cooking, since it is easier to control the flame and does not burn as hot. The single burner propane stove works great for heating water for hot drinks and for washing water - both for personal hygiene and washing/rinsing dishes.
Many camping stoves come with a push button ignition. However, always bring water-proof matches and a camping lighter as a back-up.
Most lightweight stoves come with a carrying case to protect them when they're being stored and packed.
Each type of stove has its own fuel needs. Make sure you bring enough of the right kind of fuel for your usage needs. The types of fuels are: propane, butane, isobutene, and white gas.
Most fuel types can be used for lanterns as well as for stoves. Make sure you get stoves and lanterns that use the same type of fuel to make life easier.
Having the right camping stoves for your situation will definitely add to your camping enjoyment, but if you don't have the right cooking equipment it could ruin what should be a fantastic time. Make sure you have quality gear that will last many years. We've had our current camping gear for over 15 years. Remember there are some sporting good stores that will rent camping equipment. If you're new to camping, that's a good way to go. You can actually use the equipment you're interested in to make sure it will meet your expectations before you purchase it.
When you're ready to buy, do your homework by checking several camping gear retail websites. They often have quality gear at very discounted prices – much better deals than the local sporting goods stores.
I've been tent camping for over 35 years and as a retired Airborne Ranger, have experience in wilderness survival. For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out!

How to Prepare a Cooking and Clean-up Kit for Camping

Camping is a wonderful time to relax and enjoy being in the outdoors. It’s a great family bonding time to do things together without all the distractions we’re used to around the home. When you’re camping you want to be organized to make sure you have everything you’ll need for your outing. One area you’ll want a list for is your cooking and clean-up equipment. To make any meal preparation easy it's good to have a cooking and clean-up kit as part of your camping gear. You want to ensure your campsite has the essentials for cooking your campout meals. Time around the campfire during meal preparation and cooking is a real family bonding experience. Here are some tips to help you organize your camp kitchen. A couple of large plastic boxes with fold-over lids from the local Walmart will do nicely to store your cooking and clean-up accessories. After a camping adventure, we replenish what we use and then store out cooking/clean-up it in the garage. All we need to do for our next camping trip is to get our boxes and check to make sure everything on our list is included.

This is what to pack in one box:
Pots and pans that fit inside of each other to save space
A non-stick frying pan
A metal and a plastic spatula/flipper
Cutting board, knife and fork
Can opener
A mixing wisk
Aluminum foil
Eating Utensils - the hard plastic washable kind and of course lots of disposable ones
Lots of cups - the hard plastic washable kind and disposable ones too
Matches and a couple camping lighters
Paper towels and plastic bags (for leftovers and to wrap food in)
Spices (salt, pepper, garlic salt, etc.)
Instant coffee and hot chocolate
Some spare food - like a couple of packages of Macaroni and Cheese and a can of Ravioli, just in case you run out of food or for emergencies
Plates and bowls (hard plastic and paper)

Pack these items in the second box:
Camping gear for cooking over a fire:
Old newspaper
Kindling or fire starters
Campfire tripod or grill to place over the fire
Barbecue cleaning equipment

To keep your campsite clean and your cooking materials sanitary, these clean-up items are essential:
2 buckets (that fit inside each other) or 2 plastic tubs (that fit inside each other) for washing and rinsing dishes
Dish Rags and towels
Scouring pads
Disposable wipes
Detergent
Plastic storage bags
Trash bags

These are many of the camping gear essential items you might need for your Campsite Cooking and Clean-up Kit. There will be additional items you may wish to have. Fee free to expand on this list, but try to keep your list to essential items only. Keep your list updated and know where you keep it, so you can find it when it’s time to pack for your next camping trip.

Remember lists are very important for camping, especially a list of your essential items for your camp kitchen. You don’t want to forget anything that could be a show stopper – like forgetting the spatula for your morning pancakes.

I've been tent camping for over 35 years and as a retired Airborne Ranger, have experience in wilderness survival. For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out!

Water Filters for Camping

Consider the options of either carrying enough water for your adventure, or carrying a portable water filter to make use of water sources along your trail. If you have experience hiking longer routes the decision will be an easy one.

It’s always important to be and stay hydrated when you’re in the outdoors. If you’re hiking with any type of a load on your back, you’ll need that much more water. If elevation is involved and warmer temperatures, your need for water will be that much greater. If you plan on backpacking into a campsite you’ll need to carry your water with you. If you carry enough water with you to last the length of time you’ll be on your adventure, you won’t be able to carry other items you may need. A solution to this problem is to have a camping water filter. A portable water filter will provide you with clean water as long as you have a source of water. If you’re not prepared when you’re in the wilderness, you may be forced to drink water from a stream or river. If that water is not clean, you may get major stomach problems, diarrhea, and sickness. If this occurs you may find yourself in a desperate situation. Years ago the Army issued iodine tablets to add to your canteens when you were forced to drink water from rivers, streams, ponds, and even mud holes. Most of us had some type of stomach problems over time. The portable water filter solves this problem!

Searching the internet is a good way to see what’s available, how they work, and what other people are saying about it. This will help you determine the best brands and what the range of prices is. Look for ones that are small enough to carry in your backpack. Also check out your local outdoor sporting goods stores. Check the prices with what out you find on the internet and always check the return policies. You’ll want to have the flexibility to return it if it does not meet your needs.

Make sure the portable filter you’re planning on buying is easy to clean and replacement filters are readily available. Do your homework by reading reviews to find the water filter that will meet your needs. You don’t want to find yourself out in the boonies with a water filter that’s not equipped to handle the type of water you’re trying to purify.

It’s important to have the right equipment when you’re camping, so do your research before buying. If you have a local camping store where you can rent equipment, it may be best to try a couple water filters out before buying. Staying hydrated when you’re hiking and camping is so important. You’ll be able to cover a lot more distance and feel much better if you’re drinking water on a regular basis than if you’re trying to conserve the water you’re carrying. If you become dehydrated you’re much more susceptible to heat stroke and accidents from being sluggish both mentally and physically. If you’re prepared, your camping experience will be much more enjoyable.

Selecting the Right Sleeping Bag for Camping

When it comes to selecting the right sleeping bag for your camping needs where does one start? Since there are so many different sleeping bags to choose from, finding the right one for your needs seems daunting. These tips will help you sort through the pertinent information to make the selection process much easier.

Besides your budget, comfort is the main factor in selecting sleeping bags for tent camping (also known as car camping), while weight is the most important aspect for hiking (backpacking). This is what to consider when looking for sleeping bags.

Find the right temperature rating:

A sleeping bag's temperature rating identifies the lowest temperature that will keep the average person warm. A bag described as a "20 degree bag," means that most people should remain comfortable if the air temperature drops no lower than 20°F. These ratings factor in that the sleeper is wearing a layer of long underwear and using a sleeping pad with the bag. Temperature ratings vary from one manufacturer to the next. Use these ratings as a guide only.

What other factors affect how warm you are inside the sleeping bag?

The sleeping pad or air mattress adds warmth, since you're not lying directly on the ground. Your tent also warms you up by approximately 10 degrees.

What you wear inside the sleeping bag also makes a difference. Sleeping in long underwear and clean socks will help insulate your body. A stocking cap will help you retain body heat as well.

The general rule on temperature ratings:

Summer Season bag has a temperature rating of +35 degrees and higher

3-Season Bag has a temperature rating of +10 to +35 degrees

Cold Weather Bag has a temperature rating of -10 to +10 degrees

Winter/Extreme Bag has a temperature rating of -10 degrees and lower

Most family tent sleeping bags are rectangular for maximum comfort. You can usually zip two together if they have compatible zippers and create a double bed. This configuration fits well on a queen size air mattress for maximum sleeping comfort.

The mummy-shaped bags are normally used for backpack camping. They are lightweight and more efficient at keeping the body warm. Some people find the mummy sleeping bag too constrictive.

Semi-rectangular bag is a good compromise between the rectangular and mummy shapes. This type of bag offers more room than a mummy bag and less bulk and weight than a rectangular bag.

Sleeping bags are available in three standard sizes: the junior (or child size), standard, and extra long. Although small children fit well in the junior bags, a standard sized bag will accommodate them as they grow without the need to buy a larger bag later on. It's good to have some extra room at the bottom of the bag to allow you to put items you want to keep warm like clothes or water bottles if it's freezing outside, as well as an extra blanket to keep your feet warm.

Insulation choices for sleeping bags include goose down and synthetic fibers. Goose down is mainly used to insulate top of the line mountaineering bags for extremely cold conditions, while the synthetic materials are just right for most camping conditions.