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!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, January 14, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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