Outdoor Camping Survival

Tips for a Successful Camping Trip

2010-01-14T01:46:00.001+08:00

Camping is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, whether as a romantic weekend or a family vacation. Although some may consider camping easier than planning a traditional hotel vacation, much work goes into ensuring a successful outdoor excursion.

Research. Although wandering aimlessly in the woods can lead to exciting adventures, research of the area where you plan to camp will help you to prepare an outline of the activities you’d like to do. Find out where nearby lakes and hiking trails are located. Maybe there are natural wonders or fossil excavation sites nearby. Are fees or licenses necessary? If you become familiar with the area before you go, you can be sure not to miss any of the available sights and sounds.

Plan your menu. Nothing is worse than being out in the wilderness without a pan to cook all the food you brought. Or even worse – missing a key ingredient to a favorite dish. Before embarking on your camping trip, create a detailed menu of the meals you plan to prepare each day. Go through your cabinets and pull the ingredients you already have, and then make a shopping list of the items you need to pick up. Drill down your menu even further to include the utensils and cookware necessary to prepare each of the meals.

Prepare for the worst. When staying outdoors, Mother Nature has full influence on your activities and comfort. Even if the weather forecast doesn’t call for it, be sure to bring necessities such as a first aid kit, extra batteries, raincoats, a tarp and extra blankets. You may even want to bring extra dry firewood instead of buying at the campsite or finding your own in the woods. Damp wood will certainly put a damper on warmth and campfire fun.

Get creative. Camping doesn’t have to be limited to pitching a tent in a forest campsite. There are thousands of locations in National Parks across the country where you can set up camp virtually anywhere. Camp on a beach, in the desert or on a mountaintop. Find somewhere secluded where you can enjoy nature’s beauty without the distractions of other campers. Forget the tent and sleep out under the stars!

Careful planning and preparation are essential to a successful camping trip. If the work is done in advance, worries will disappear and you can truly relax and enjoy your outdoor vacation

How To Split Firewood

2009-11-23T01:34:00.001+08:00

For anyone who lives in the countryside and has a wood burning fire or stove, knowing how to split firewood is an essential skill.

Whether you get the wood delivered or fell it yourself you need to know how to split it into a usable size.

Any task that involves a tool as dangerous as an axe should be approached with caution, but more importantly also with the knowledge of how to do the task safely and easily.

Follow this simple guide and you'll soon know how to split firewood and have a full woodshed ready for winter.

Step 1.

Select a level block or stand, such as a tree stump, on which to split the firewood.

It is extremely important that the stand be around knee height.

This ensures that there is something to absorb the blow of the axe as it passes through the firewood and that the down swing doesn't continue towards your legs.

Making sure you don't swing the axe towards your legs is the most important aspect of how to split firewood safely.

Also an added bonus is that having a block around this height will stop you bending over to far and exerting too much strain on the back muscles.

Splitting firewood is a physical task, but need not be an overly strenuous one.

Step 2.

Position your feet hip width apart and slightly staggered, one in front of the other.

This gives a good strong stance from which to swing the axe.

Make sure the area you are working in is even floored and has no trip hazards, such as previously split firewood lying around.

The last thing that you want to do with a tool as dangerous as an axe is trip over on top of it.

You may also wish to consider wearing safety goggles in case of flying wood splinters and gloves in case of blisters.

It's a fact that most injuries occurring while splitting firewood result from the user being careless with the axe, not from the act of splitting the wood itself.

Step 3.

Hold the axe, which should be the length of your arm, by the bottom of the handle with both hands.

Swing the axe above the head and then downwards, letting the weight of the axe do the work and the arms acting to guide rather than propel it.

Aim for nice even and easy strokes.

Splitting firewood is a repetitive task and the action needs to be fluid if you intend to spend much time doing it.

Step 4.

If cutting large rounds of wood then try and aim just outside the core of the wood for an easy split.

Aim to cut even sections for maximum burning time and ease of stacking.

Ensure you stack the split wood neatly, keeping the splitting area tidy and safe.

If you start feeling tired take a break, it's never a good idea to be swinging an axe if you're too tired to aim properly or if your grip is uncertain.

After following this simple guide you should be able to get out there and know how to split firewood safely and easily.

Go get some practice in.

Image By Ollie Crafoord

Know How to Build a Campfire for Cooking Campfire Recipes

2009-11-05T18:55:00.001+08:00

When it’s your turn to be the camp cook, knowing how to build a campfire, and the right layout to use for your campfire recipes is critical.

Veteran campfire cooks will tell you that a fire built for cooking is more than a pile of flaming firewood.

If you are going to be doing more than just roasting hot dogs or marshmallows, you will need more than just an open flame fire.

Most campfire recipes call for using some cooking techniques that use the even heat of hot coals too.

When you are not restricted to a contained fire ring or other pre-made fire enclosure, and have flexibility in deciding how to build a campfire for cooking, the key-hole layout gives you the best of both kinds of camp cooking.

With just a little thought about how to build a campfire, picking the right campfire layout in the beginning will give you great cooking results later.

Since most campfire recipes will call for both open flame, and hot-coals cooking, a campfire layout that gives you both options will make the cook’s job a lot easier.

The key-hole campfire layout will do just that.

It is shaped just like the name implies.

There is a main circular fire area, usually about 3 feet across, and a smaller “nub” that will be the hot-coals cooking area, usually about 18 inches across.

Combined, these two areas form the “key-hole” layout and allow you to have direct flame heat, and a more controlled heat over the hot coals.

Because there will be a lot of activity around a cooking campfire, it is recommended that you have a border around the fire, either rocks, logs, or large pieces of firewood.

This will keep tumbling embers from rolling out of the fire, and stray boot toes from getting too close.

You can use a camping tripod to suspend your cooking pot over the open flames of the main campfire, and use the smaller hot coals area for cast iron Dutch oven or griddle and skillet cooking.

The larger circular area will be the main campfire and will be used to supply coals and embers to the hot-coals cooking area, so it is best to start with a good-sized flaming campfire.

Unlike trying to build a campfire just to sit around and enjoy, where you typically start with a small tee-pee of tinder and slowly add bigger pieces of firewood to build the fire to the size you want, with a cooking campfire you know you want a larger fire for both flames and hot coals.

So for a key-hole campfire layout start with a larger tee-pee of tinder and a lot of firewood to get a good “roaring” flame going, this will make the hot coals as the fire settles down and you are ready to start cooking that secret campfire recipe.

When the coals and hot embers are ready, rake them out of the main fire into the smaller hot-coals area.

It is important to spread these coals evenly in the smaller hot-coals cooking area to avoid having hot-spots under your camp griddle or cast iron skillet.

The amount of coals needed will depend on the cooking methods used for the campfire recipe you are making, particularly if you will be doing any cast iron Dutch oven cooking.

The bed of hot coals can be continually replenished from the main campfire as you cook.

The key-hole campfire layout is a good design for cooking because it gives you both open-flame and hot-coals heat sources, but it has an added benefit.

When all the camp cooking and clean-up is done, just toss some more wood into your main campfire circle and you will have the perfect campfire to sit around enjoying a good cup of coffee, as your camping buddies rave about how delicious that secret campfire recipe was.

Indoor Campfire Prop for Scouting Ceremonies

USA Top Hiking Trails

2009-05-26T10:40:00.004+08:00

Besides camping, hiking is a great pastime for Americans but where to find the top USA hiking trails.

There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of excellent hiking tracks in the USA, but which are the top of the list?

This article dives in to show you five of the very top hiking trails in the US.

Please note that these are MY personal favorites.

Your hiking style may differ from mine but I can assure you that if its quality scenery and a great hike you're after, you won’t be disappointed with these locations.

Hiking Trail 1 - Breakneck Ridge Trail

This trail is located in Hudson Highlands State Park in NY. It is 9.6 miles at full length and starts at river level and ascends along a knobby ridge until you reach a beautiful lookout.

Hiking Trail 2 - Glacier Gorge

Located in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier Gorge contains spectacular scenery including alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and amazing wildflowers.

This is one of America's top hiking trails and a must see.

Hiking Trail 3 - Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney is located in California and involves the highest peak in the United States.

The views here are unparalleled!

Hiking Trail 4 - Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle part of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania boasts the best views of this entire hike.

You'll also have great views of Hawk Mountain, the Lehigh Valley, and Blue Rocks.

This particular hike involves some vigorous climbing followed by a gentle dirt road descent.

Hiking Trail 5 - Conundrum Hot Springs

The Conundrum Hot Springs are in Colorado and are a fantastic undeveloped wilderness location.

Depending on when you go hiking here, you may even be all alone.

You'll experience beautiful clean mountain air, waterfalls and bright flowers.

This is truly one of the most beautiful spots in the United States!

Photos Credit - Kimba

Different Types Of Camping Knives Perform Different Functions

2009-04-07T21:33:00.001+08:00

Camping knives can be used in many ways, that depend on what plans you have and where you go. For example, if you’re in the woods, camping, you can use a knife to cut food, trim trees, but it depends on its size if you can do it. Most people use a single knife for all the tasks, instead of carrying different ones with them, so you have to pick your knife carefully.

You can use knives that have serrations to cut loafs of bred, but they’re not as good to cut branches from trees. Others will use their camping knives to fillet fish, as task that is more complicated if the blade is serrated. And while some prefer using folding blades because they are safer to carry, others prefer fixed blades for their knives.

If you’re the type that prefers folding camping knives, you should use one that has lock-back, so the blade doesn’t close while being used, and hitting your fingers in the process. You need both hands to close a blade if they have lock-back, but at least it will not close by accident.

Do Not Carry Unprotected Knives

You already know this probably, but you should keep your camping knives in a sheath, if they’re not the type that fold. It might seem like common sense to you, but accidents happen all the time because people stab or cut themselves because they carried a knife in a pocket or in the backpack. You need a sturdy sheath, so it’s not cut by the blade of the camping knives.

There is also a safe way to keep the sheath on your belt. You need to be able to bend or stoop, so it should be on the side. At the same time it should be close to the front, so it can be easily accessed. While carrying it, you should pay attention not to get it hung up in passing brushes.

You can use camping knives any way you like, but you still need to keep them sharp and clean all the time. That’s true even if you don’t cut food with them, because a blade can become weak if tree sap dries on it. Don’t clean blades over open fires, as it can lose strength and snap during use.

Arriving Home After Outdoor Camping

2008-11-08T09:58:00.003+08:00

Arriving Home After Outdoor Camping.

The ride back home after outdoor camping may be psychologically arduous.

The allure of a hot shower and relaxing home bed become irresistible.

Before fulfilling that desire, one has to complete the following chores after coming back from the outdoor camping trip:-

Unpacking the camping gear

• Unload the gear
All the gears to be unloaded from the car, truck or camper and separated out the used one in the camping trip.

• Empty the Cooler
The cooler to be emptied and all food removed to be packed in the refrigerator. The cooler to be rinsed and allowed to dry.

• Store food items
All the food items carried back home to be put into the pantry, cupboard or refrigerator.

• Wash the dishes
The dishes to be washed and it is a good sanitary practice to do so even if it was washed at the camping site.

• Dispose of trash
The car or truck to be cleaned of any debris along with any trash left out.

• Do the laundry
Before washing the clothes , it is better carry the same outside your home and shake out the camping clothes and bedding especially the kids clothing.

• Stow away the camping gears
Shake out all the gear and if any camping gear is wet , set it out for drying first before packing it for storage. Mildew is much easy to prevent than it is to remove.

• Reminisce
If any pictures have been taken during the trip, they are to be sent for development.

Camping Gear to be stored :- The following are the final tips before you put your camping gear away for storage

• The Checklist to be referred
One should take care of the inventory of the gear before storing. And, take note of any broken gear that needs repair, missing items that need to be replenished or items that one wants to add to the list for future sojourn.

• High and Dry
Storing properly at a higher place , the gear will remain rodent and insect free. By keeping it dry helps avoid mildew.

• Avoid freezing
Any moisture left in the materials will cause damage from expansion when freezing. Some materials even when dry may crack in cold temperature. Storing gears at temperatures below freezing point to be avoided.

• Food smells
Food smells attracts rodents and may quickly ruin the gear chewing through it. To get rid of these troubles, the way out is to air out the gear as much as possible and also wash all gear materials that smells of food .

• Batteries to be removed
To avoid corrosion, it is advisable to remove batteries from any gadgets and store them separately.

Next time you go for outdoor camping, follow these "back home tips" when you get home.

Coleman PerfectFlow InstaStart 2-Burner Stove

Some Interesting Aspects Of Outdoor Camping

2008-10-30T08:00:00.002+08:00

Some Interesting Aspects Of Outdoor Camping.

One can have nice family reunion and have lot of fun in outdoor camping.

Obviously, one has to plan out properly. One must explore state by state campgrounds available in state parks and national forests.

Also, there are some private campgrounds that may be having facilities more to someone’s liking.

After identifying the campground, one should contact them through all possible means like email, fax, phone and postal mail to ensure proper reservations.

It may take some time in the complete exercise and patience to make it a successful venture.

Some people desires to remain totally isolated in outdoor camping where he doesn’t want to see any other person except his partner or small group with whom he will be moving and even wants to remain devoid of any man made objects.

For getting such experience, one has to show some ingenuity, do some map reading, equip himself with proper gadgets and on hand experience to handle them properly and even repair them to tolerable extent.

But, above all, he should have that indomitable jest to go for such trip which may get irksome at any point during the trip. Some tips for the voyage are:

• A national park or forest has to be picked of choice.

• After choosing the destination, one should get a topo map for the area that you intend to visit which may be even the back country of a national park.

One may get these topo sheets at the visitor’s center of the park or at the regional forest service office. On the website also one may browse to see such topo maps but downloading normally is not feasible.

• Basing the topo map, one should plot a course to an isolated spot to use as a base camp. From the base camp as a epicenter, the day’s trip to be planned. One must learn to identify fire roads on the maps. One may find such fire roads in national parks which are very useful for driving.

But, one must have proper type of vehicle for such terrains. Of course, one may make such trips on foot also which has to be spread to longer time period and sometime the return journey becomes really tedious on foot.

• One may camp anywhere in the national park. Fire rules and “leave to trace” ethics are to be followed strictly.

• For camping in back country, one need to take permits which can be obtained from park visitor center.

With proper care, skills and gear, this type of outdoor camping can be the most rewarding experience of all.

A Pictorial Guide to Wisconsin Parks and Campgrounds - The Ultimate Wisconsin Camping and Outdoor Recreation Guide

To Choose A Site For Outdoor Camping

2008-10-13T10:34:00.002+08:00

The camping grounds fall in two categories namely, private or public.

Private campgrounds are campground resorts or RV parks owned by private entrepreneurs.

Public campgrounds are run by Government Agency and includes national parks and forests, state parks and forests, Army Corps of Engineer Projects, Bureau of Land Management areas.

Public campgrounds are having the largest choice to pick from.

These are mostly in scenic areas. However, the public campground usually offer similar facilities and quality of service nationwide whether it is a national park or national forest, Army Corps of Engineer projects or State Park.

These public campground destination offer in any case the largest choice funded by government exchequers on land of scenic beauty set aside for environment preservation and outdoor recreation.

A comprehensive website covering all these public facilities are not available but definitive source for details for particular type of campgrounds are available. In United States, national parks are covered by Park Net. For Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers, there is Reserve USA.

Private campgrounds, are owned by private entrepreneurs. Therefore, respective parameters of facility are to be evaluated properly own merit. But, not to be misled, some of these facilities are certainly unmatched and unique in its totality and merit consideration before choosing a campsite.

These private campground display in the Websites all the relevant information about the amenities and services along with their address and contact numbers. The cost of private campground can sometime be as much as a motel room.

Some of these are just resorts but some are having natural scenic surroundings and also offer extras in the form of pools, spas, game rooms and club houses. One must contact the campground before making the final choice and plans. It will be still better, if you have somebody to recommend who actually visited the outdoor camping site earlier.

Outdoor Camping Tips

2008-09-17T22:47:00.003+08:00

Outdoor camping is a great way to enjoy the weekend.

If somebody is new to camping , the first thing, he has to familiarize himself with camping gears which will be essential. But, the best way is to go camping with a seasoned or experienced camper from whom he can have the first hand knowledge about camping.

However, one need not to be overwhelmed with the enormity of the issues which to some extent is maximized by various ads mooting the subject matter.

Basically, the matter is simple. One needs a shelter, which could be a cabin or tent normally. And, one needs a bed which could be sleeping bags and pads, air mattresses or even cots.

One most importantly needs eatables which may or may not need utensils depending upon the camping site and one’s eating habits.

However, all in all, once someone is off to an outdoor camping, all the above discomforts (if any) vanishes with the sheer joy of exploring the uncertainties and away from routine lifestyle.

There are some guiding rules to follow before embarking on the outdoor camping ventures to make the trip more pleasant and trouble free:-

- The trip should be organized and for that the first thing is to make a checklist. A camping checklist will help remember essential items starting from simple items like toothbrush, toothpaste, can openers to special kit- list of camping gears.

There are business set-ups who organize such ventures and who can supply from a to z of the requirements or provide detail tips for a pleasant outdoor camping. One need not to bother about anything, if such outfits are contacted before embarking on such a trip.

- The first time campers normally go out as tent campers or car campers as they carry everything needed for the trip in their car. The tent need not be expensive but should provide adequate protection.

One can get moderately priced sleeping bags also. And, depending upon one’s eating habits, one may need nothing more than a cooler, a spatula and some charcoal in a innocent looking bag.

- While purchasing camping gear, one may check out as advised by one’s trip organizer or even may go for online shopping where there are many recommended sources like Coleman, Sierra Trading Post, REI, Cabela’s, Campmor and many others.

Outdoor Camping Cots

2008-09-06T01:42:00.002+08:00

Most campers in our time prefer not to sleep on the ground.

They use either camping cots or inflatable mattresses to enjoy a good nights sleep, instead of just sitting on a blanket the whole night.

Camping cots can be used both in unfurnished cabins or in tents and there are a lot of types available. You can even find bunk cots on the market, and they allow two people to sleep in the same floor space as one.

While the more simple cots were made of a metal frame and canvas on top, they can also include a storage shelf or even a nightstand.

The first models were built with heavy wood at the ends, but now they’re made out of lightweight titanium or aluminum, so they can be used for longer periods of time in different types of weather.

Nylon and artificial cloth are the materials used usually for the sling of the camping cots, as the canvas can be heavy and hard to carry during hikes. Also, synthetic fibers can dry faster and they are easier to set up.

Cots Remove Need For Tent Floors

One other advantage that camping cots bring is that you no longer need a floor in your tent. Since the camping cots keep people at least a foot above the ground, you can have a tent without a floor, which makes it easier to carry around. If the ground is wet then having a cot means you’re not affected.

Another great advantage of camping cots is that they can be used anytime and anywhere. If your children have visitors overnight, you can set up camping cots in the basement or in the backyard and they don’t have to sleep on the floor. They can have their very own camp out right in the backyard, where you can see them at all times.

If you’re taller or larger than the average camper, you can find camping cots that fit you at most stores that offer outdoor supplies. Even if you’re six and a half feet tall, you can find something that will fit you nicely and allow a good night sleep. The same goes for campers that weigh more than the average.

Summer Cooler Safety Tips

2008-08-26T15:35:00.002+08:00

Summer Cooler Safety Tips.

By J. E. Davidson

One of the joys of summer is packing a cooler full of yummy foods and beverages and taking off for our favorite picnic or camping spot.

Keeping food, especially meats, fresh and cold in a cooler reduces the risk of harmful bacteria growing in the food and coming back from your delightful outing with a case of food poisoning.

Careful planning and packing beforehand is necessary to avoid contaminating food or allowing it to spoil before it’s eaten.

1. Do Kitchen Preparation Before Your Outing

Washing and cutting meats, fruits, and vegetables before packing them in the cooler can save time and trouble at the picnic or camp site. For instance, if you plan to roast kebabs, cut the necessary foods into chunks ahead of time.

Soups and chili can be made at home, chilled or frozen, then packed in the cooler. This will lessen the risk of cross-contaminating food when you prepare it at the picnic or camp site, and give you more time to relax and enjoy the outdoors!

2. Pack Food In Airtight Containers

Packing meat and produce in separate containers, and not in the store wrappings, will help avoid cross-contamination in the cooler. Use heavy duty freezer bags or plastic food storage containers with secure lids.

3. Freeze Meats For Extended Outings

If you are planning an extended camping trip, freeze the meat before putting it in the cooler. This way the meat will stay cold longer and you reduce the risk of spoilage. Allow food to thaw slowly in the cooler, never at room temperature.

4. Prechill Food and Beverages

All foods and beverages should be prechilled before packing the cooler. Coolers are designed to keep food cold, not necessarily to chill it from room temperature. Prechilled food will make your ice last longer and reduce the risk of spoilage.

5. Use Separate Coolers For Foods and Beverages

Each time the cooler lid is opened, warm air rushes in and cold air rushes out. Providing a separate cooler for beverages will keep your meat and produce colder.

Family Size Insulate Rolling Cooler for Picnic and Camping
6. Ice On Top

Cold travels downward, so place ice or ice packs on top of the food. You may want to wrap flexible gel ice packs around meat for extra protection.

7. Fill Empty Spaces

Pack your coolers as full as possible. If there are empty spaces, fill them with frozen bottles of water or cans of fruit juice concentrate. As the water thaws, you’ll have fresh water to drink, or you can reconstitute the juice.

8. Use the Right Kind of Ice

Ice cubes or chunks can be hard on soft-sided coolers. The sharp edges can cut the lining, and the weight of the contents may pull the cooler out of shape. Choose ice packs instead. Don’t use soft-side coolers on an extended trip, since you will need to replenish the ice and will probably have no way to refreeze gel packs.

9. Keep Your Cooler Cool

Avoid keeping your cooler in a hot car or the bright sun, which will diminish its ability to keep your food safe. Find a shady spot for it while you are picnicking or camping.

10. Don’t Save Unsafe Food

Don’t repack food in the cooler if it has been at temperatures above 40 degrees F for more than an hour. Coolers aren’t designed to rechill food quickly enough to keep it safe to eat.

Using Camping Air Mattress is a Good Idea During Outdoor Camping Trips

2008-08-22T21:52:00.003+08:00

Using Camping Air Mattress is a Good Idea During Outdoor Camping Trips.

If you ever took a camping trip and tried sleeping overnight, then you already know how nice it is to sleep on a camping air mattress and waking up in the morning without back pain.

Whether you decide to buy a large camping air mattress or an individual one, you get the same comfort, having only to make sure that it fits in your camping tent.

A lot of single mattresses are just bladders with single chambers, that only elevate the camper from the ground and nothing else.

The problem with this type of mattress is that a simple hole will bring the sleeping camper to the ground.

For this reason, you should pick a mattress with multiple chambers, which lets it stay elevated even if one of the chambers has a hole.

One thing to keep in mind when you go camping is how you will inflate your air mattress.

Some of the campground that you might visit already have a compressor that people can use to inflate a mattress, but plenty don’t have one.

Besides, carrying around a large air mattress to be inflated and then back to your camp site isn’t that easy.

If you have your own foot pump, you can inflate your camping air mattress with ease and there is no need to blow air in it for hours.

Check Vehicle Pumps For Camping Trips

A lot of companies these days sell tire inflators that can be connected to a vehicle plug and these gadgets can also be used on a camping air mattress, inflating it in just a few minutes.

If you own a large camping mattress, then you can buy a 120 volt pump, and plug it in at the camp site where you’re going. If it has electricity of course.

Make sure to check the ground for objects that could make holes in the mattress, before you lay it down, so you don’t have any surprises at night.

Also, remove any large rocks from underneath, as this can make for an uncomfortable night, and don’t place it on plastic either, as it can slide on it.

Ideally, your camping air mattress should have a cloth or flannel coating on one side, as it gives you a better sleep, than if you simply sleep on rubber or plastic.

You should also put some blankets or a sleeping bag on the camping air mattress, so you don’t wake up in the morning with muscle pain.

Inflatable Camping Air Bed Mattress and Sofa

Outdoor Camping Cookwares

2008-08-13T11:18:00.003+08:00

Outdoor Camping Cookwares.

If you’re going camping and you know you’ll have to cook outdoors, you need to take with you some camping cookware, made especially for the purpose that you want to use them for.

Another thing to take into consideration is how easy it is to transport the camping cookware.

If you’re hiking you should probably choose titanium or lightweight aluminum, but if you’re using a trailer or a camper, you can just as well take camping cookware made of stainless steel, as they are more durable.

The number of camping cookware you need to take depends on how big is the group that is travelling and what kind of cooking you plan to do.

For boiling water, stews and soups, a stockpot is needed, and a lot of other cooking is done with a frying pan.

A teakettle or a coffee pot might also be needed if you want to drink something hot.

It’s important to see how durable the camping cookware is before you buy it, as some of the cheaper versions don’t do well when the conditions are more fierce.

If you’re going to do your cooking over an open fire, then you need heavy duty camping cookware, so it’s able to take the heat.

Keeping The Camping Cookware Clean

If you’re going to cook outdoors, you need to always clean the camping cookware when you’re done with it.

You will not have an automatic dishwasher around, so it’s important to clean it yourself.

The non-stick cookware isn’t great for outdoor use, as you want something more durable, and carrying cleaning products with you isn’t very feasible.

You can use hot water and sand instead to clean the camping cookwares.

You can use scouring pads that come with their own soap if you wish, but once you use them you’ll want to throw them away, so they don’t rust in the plastic bag.

With just a wet rag and some sand you can clean the camping cookware and make it ready to be used again.

The first time you use your camping cookware, especially if it’s made out of cast iron, you’ll need to season it properly.

You can do that either by using a light layer, or use some cooking oil and burning it off by heating the cookware. Seasoning new camping cookware will probably be in the instructions that come with them.

Video - Trail Camping Stove Demonstration

Motorcycle Camping Trailers Is The Craze Now

2008-08-05T13:16:00.002+08:00

Motorcycle Camping Trailers Is The Craze Now.

Most motorcycle camping trailers aren’t fit for people to sleep in, but you can store all your things in them when you go on the road.

They are light, so they can be towed by a motorcycle, and they can carry all the items you need for a trip, including tents and sleeping bags.

And if you buy bigger motorcycle camping trailers, you will be able to fit a canopy roof, which will keep you safe from rain.

Before motorcycle camping trailers became popular, you had to pray for great weather before going on the road, or on motels to sleep at night. Our days, these trailers are much more stable on the road, so riders can enjoy using them.

The fact is that motorcycle camping trailers that are built right now offer low resistance when it comes to side winds, which makes them more stable. They’re usually three feet wide and six feet long, and while they might not make a motorcycle more stable, at least they don’t make it less stable.

Pop-Up Motorcycle Camping Trailers Provide More Convenience
The bigger motorcycle camping trailers will behave like smaller pop-up trailers, even though they’re not designed as cargo carriers, so they will fold down when you have to tow them and you can set them up easily. They come with metal frames that are collapsible and a soft top, so you can turn them into campers easily.

Their weight is small, around 250 pounds, so an average sized bike can tow them easily. Many motorcycle camping trailers are used as cargo trailers, but the most recent models can offer quite a bit of comfort when you sleep in a campsite. There are even models that offer dressing areas.

What’s great about motorcycle camping trailers is the ease to set up and repack when the trip is over, so they’re great for stops that last just one night. And if you want to wait for a storm to pass, you can do it in them as well.

GARMIN 010-10610-00 Quest Motorcycle Mount

Camping Trailers - The Comfort Of Home While On The Outdoors

2008-08-01T20:32:00.003+08:00

Camping Trailers - The Comfort Of Home While On The Outdoors.

A lot of people prefer to go camping and still enjoy many of the comforts of home, and this is why camping trailers are so popular, more than tents actually.

Camping trailers can be as small as four feet or bigger than twenty feet, and allow you to get the beauty of nature and the comfort of home in the same package.

In addition, you can hook it up to your car and go sightseeing, without worrying that you’re leaving your tent with all your stuff inside.

A great advantage of camping trailers when compared to RV vehicles is that recreational vehicles are quite large and you don’t always have where to park them.

You can’t go with them through a drive through at a fast food or go to an outdoors drive-in movie.

Most campground that give you access to electricity allow you to leave your camping trailers there, not needing a generator or batteries anymore.

Using camping trailers can also mean less money spent, since you don’t have to pay for a hotel or a motel anymore.

Campgrounds that allow you to park in them can be found quite easily and once the morning comes you can continue with your travel, without worrying about checking out or packing bags.

Choosing The Right Camping Trailers To Fit The Family

A lot of people think of camping trailers as vehicles that allow them to go anywhere they want and take their stuff along. But, they’re not just vehicles to carry stuff, they also have tables and beds, stoves for cooking and even small refrigerators. And if you’re somewhere where you have access to a water connection, you can also have a bath and a sink.

Some of the things you should check when picking a camping trailer is to see if it’s the right size for your family. There are the pop-up campers on one side, and there are the ready-to-go units on the other.

If you buy a camping trailer to last you a long time, consider the current size of your family and whether it will grow anymore in the future. If you’re a young couple a two-person camper might be enough now, but once kids arrive, it’s going to be too small.

How many times you intend to use it should also be part of the decision process and the final price that you should pay. And if you’re only going to use it once in a blue moon, you might as well rent a camping trailer instead of buying one.

Kamp-Rite Midget Bushtrekka Bicycle Camper Trailer with Oversize Tent Cot

RV Camping For Your Convenience And Portability

2008-07-27T18:18:00.003+08:00

Doing RV camping doesn’t really mean roughing it, but roughing it is considered by some not having an elevator and staying at the fourth floor.

One of the great parts of RV camping is that you can move every morning without having to pack up.

And everything a family would need fits nicely in them, offering the same comfort you would have at home.

While you can easily find places that welcome RV camping, you don’t need to use them if you don’t want to. You can use any parking lot to set up your campsite just a few minutes later, and leave the place whenever they want.

The best part is that you don’t need a trailer or to set up a tent. All you have to do is decide to go, get in, and drive.

If you use a site dedicated to RV camping, you will also find a source of water, sewer and electricity. Taking this into consideration, you’ll see how cheap and easy it is to go RV camping.

Recreational Vehicles Bring Families Close Together

A great thing about camping is the experience of closeness you have with your family. Using RV camping you experience the road together with them and the same goes for the nights. In RV camping sites you have room to dine and make a fire, to experience true camping.

But, RV camping also means that people stay together for long periods of time, so they need to get along well for such a trip to be fun. They don’t have that much space to stretch their legs or privacy for that matter, so there are disadvantages to using RV camping.

Something that you need to remember is that you need to stabilize and level a vehicle if you’re doing RV camping.

Even though the vehicle is made as an all-inclusive unit, it should be leveled anyway, so you don’t wake up with your vehicle moved to another spot while you slept.

Road Atlas - RV & Camping Edition

Camping Games Add Life To Your Outdoor Trips

2008-07-19T15:33:00.002+08:00

101 Family Vacation Games: Have Fun While Traveling, Camping, or Celebrating at Home

Even if you’re a heavy duty camper, you can still get bored while being outdoors, and this is more true for children that need to be active constantly.

They might get bored fast with hiking or fishing, and you will want to have some camping games at your disposal to make the trip more fun for them, as well as teach them something.

If you didn’t have the inspiration to bring some games with you, you will want to use what you have at your disposal to create your own camping games.

If there are more families in a camping area, playing camping games can be much easier, as there are more people to play them. For example, take a game like kick the can and you can have fun for hours.

The game starts with one person that is designated to seek. While they close their eyes, the others hide. The goal is for that person to find the other people before they’re able to reach the home base and kick the can. The person that is first found becomes the next seeker.

If you’re part of a smaller group, you can organize a scavenger hunt with items that are typically found on a camp site. Be careful that the children don’t go too far away from the camp site though.

All Games Should Stress Safety Among Participants.

You can also try water baseball, a game that is always fun and can be a good camping game, needing only a small bat and a tennis ball that floats. But, if your children can’t swim well, you shouldn’t allow them to play, and if they can, only if they’re supervised by adults.

It’s best played in water that isn’t more than one foot deep. It’s especially fun when someone tries to run the bases in water, after they hit the ball.

If the camping ground is large, you can play a game where the kids try to find as many different license plates as possible. A lot of the games made for car travel can be done while camping as well.

If you are playing camping games, remember to have some respect to others that are trying to relax. Don’t laugh too loud and don’t run if people are sleeping.

Camp Board Game

Family Camping Tents May Not Hold Entire Family

2008-07-14T14:34:00.003+08:00

Family Camping Tents May Not Hold Entire Family

How big are the family camping tents you want to buy, obviously depends on how big is your family.

One thing you should keep in mind is that the tent sizes are done for people sitting in them with no items besides them.

So, if you buy a tent for two persons, you will fit two people in it, with their sleeping bags, but all their stuff would have to sit outside.

If you want a tent where two people will fit with their stuff, you would have to take a tent for four persons.

Plenty of family camping tents offer multiple rooms, and even a roof similar with a patio. But, they don’t give you that much privacy if you plan to sleep or change your clothes in it.

They might have multiple rooms, but that doesn’t make them soundproof. But, people can sleep in a room, and those that stay awake can keep the lights on in the other, not keeping the others awake.

In most cases, people will buy family camping tents with floors that are built in, so you don’t have to sit directly on the ground. This way, you don’t get unexpected visitors, like bugs or other critters.

Large Tents Not For Daily Moves

If you plan to change your campsite on a daily basis, then using family camping tents might not be the best idea. They are absolutely fantastic if you’re going to use them for the entire trip, but if you want to change their location daily, they’re not easy to use.

Their best use is by families that go for a few days in a single place, like a lake.

You should pay attention to the material that the family camping tents are made of, because many are both waterproof and tear resistant.

Just because the weather man says it’s going to be a fine weather, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the worst.

You should probably put up the family camping tent in your backyard first, so you’re sure that everything is working fine.

MRE For Your Outdoor Camping Trips

2008-07-11T18:49:00.004+08:00

MRE'S Meals Ready to Eat
MRE - Meals Ready To Eat are the best survival product that should be in your checklist when you go out on outdoor camping trips.

MRE are also very convenient to carry in your backpack are they are lightweight compare to canned food which are heavier in weight.

MRE are also very easy to heat or you can just consume it directly from the pouch without heating. MRE does taste better when heated up.

I always carry MRE in my backpack for any outdoor trips, be it, camping, hiking, fishing, jungle trekking, hiking etc. You would never know what going to happen. Disaster can happen at any time and the situation will be worse if you are unprepared.

I would always insist that everybody in my team to carry MRE packs that will last for at least a day. These MREs will come in handy if you are stuck somewhere for any reason.

You can use MRE as your backup food supply as MREs last longer than normal canned food.

Its good to carry a day pack of MRE - Meals Ready To Eat for all your outdoor camping endeavour as it will help you survive in an emergency situation.

Mountain House 72-Hour Emergency Meal Kit

Meal Ready to Eat (MRE), 12 Pack Case, Ration

One new real Military MRE

Mainstay Emergency Drinking Water (60 Pack)

Datrex 3600 Emergency Food Bar - 3 Day/72 Hour Bar

SurePak 12 MRE's - Meals ready to eat - 12 Case Order!

Camping At Jellystone

2008-07-07T23:42:00.003+08:00

Are you and your family looking for a little fun and relaxation? Some quality time that won’t bore the kids to death or have mom and dad pulling out their hair? Try a Jellystone campground. With many all over the United States and several in Canada, there’s probably one closer than you realize.

My family enjoyed the Jellystone Campsite in Robert, Louisiana. Maurice and Me-Me Leblanc own this Jellystone campsite. Maurice’s mom and dad started the campsite franchise 30 years ago. Maurice’s daughter, nieces and nephews work there now making it a third generation business.

At Jellystone you can rent a reasonably priced cabin, hook-up your RV or pitch a tent. Some of the cabins have a private pool for the cabins in that area, others are on the lake or pond and all are close to the main pools.

The main pools are located behind the Ranger Station/registration/store, which is right next to Yogi’s Café with Boo Boo’s arcade snuggled in between with the arts and recreation center on the other side of the café and a very nice playground on the other side. Campsites surround it all with a lake running behind the café and cabins on the other side.

Most people walk, bicycle or drive golf carts around giving an even more laid back aroma to the experience. Little children are keep busy all day, falling asleep fast still singing “Where is Yogi” from the daily “hey rides.”

Personally it was the first time my daughter was allowed to go to a playground without me. That meant I didn’t have to sit in the hot son or walk through the sand. I was able to enjoy a nice conversation with adults in the shade, not be bombarded with “Mommy, I want to go slide, swing, play in the sand, etc.” I sat under the covered pavilion at the recreation center where the bingo games, arts and crafts and movies take place.

I could see my daughter but while I would not be able to get to her in time had someone tried to grab her, I had no doubt that she was safe and that the entire community of Jellystone would shut down if anyone tried to escape with her and no one would make it out of those gates with my daughter. I felt safe. For the first time in her four-year old life, my daughter was allowed to play like I had grown up… With parents watching but not always present. Being close and keeping an eye on her was enough.

At the main pools they have a wet playground, which reminds me of a mini Yellowstone, for the kids with water coming up suddenly and disappearing catching little ones delightfully off guard. There is also a kiddie pool with a little water slide and tunnel. The water is shallow and perfect for little ones just learning how to swim or wanting to play but not swim. There are two big pools and a whirlpool. It is very nicely set up and keep clean. The only complaint would be the lack of shade for the fairer skinned.

The cabin we stayed in was almost brand new and came complete with a full kitchen and everything except our sheets and towels. Personally, I prefer a much softer mattress (problem solved with an air mattress) but to other members of my family it was prefect. A broom, dustpan, mop and mop bucket are even provided. There was a pool at our site with an incline instead of steps and it was four feet deep. It was very nice and allowed us more pool time than if we would have only gone to the main pools.

Each morning, the children meet Yogi at the flag poll, and then it’s off to the hay ride. It’s called a “Hey Ride” because there is no hay and it is to greet the other campers by saying “Hey!” The little kids pile onto the tracker pulled wagon and they go off singing songs such as “Where is Yogi,” (my daughter’s favorite) and other songs. Some days there are many hey rides as the junior rangers (staff) strive to make as many trips as needed so all the children who want to ride on the hey ride get a turn.

The Forth of July is a very special time at Jellystone as it is very patriotic. They have a parade where many golf carts are decorated and tour around the campsite. Many of the campsites and cabins are decked out as well. There is an all Male Ms. Jellystone contest, which is side splittingly funny! You will laugh the whole show through and continue through the night. They also have a wonderful firework display.

The best part to me was not having to worry about the drunks on the road afterwards. It was by far the best Forth of July ever and our family plans to make it a yearly trip. We might even try out other Jellystone campsites around the country and Canada but we will always be partial to Me-Me and Maurice LeBlanc at the Jellystone in Robert, Louisiana.

So a plus for Jellystone campsites:
• Nice, clean affordable cabins (if you don’t like to rough it or have an RV)
• Nice clean “lots” with hook-ups for RVs
• Nice clean “lots” for tents (for those who like to really rough it)
• Many pools
• Clean
• Large Playground
• Numerous activities (swimming, arts & crafts, bingo, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, baseball, picnic tables, swings, slides, hey rides, mini golf)
• Entertainment
• Café (reasonably priced and great food)
• Something for almost everyone
• Weekend entertainment (bands, karaoke or dances on most weekends)
• Safe
• Fun

On the downside:
• Cabin mattresses (for those who prefer a softer sleep, bring an air mattress)
• Not enough shade by the pools (bring an umbrella if you’re very fair skin or your medication tells you to avoid the sun)

Over all many more plusses than minuses and all the minuses would not be shared by all and can be easily overcome without any trouble. Jellystone truly is a wonderful safe place for you and your children. Give it a shot and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! You children will love Jellystone (all children from toddlers to teens). It’s a great time for family’s to reconnect, enjoy each other, and relax!

Abstract:

My family enjoyed the Jellystone Campsite in Robert. At Jellystone you can rent a reasonably priced cabin, hook-up your RV or pitch a tent. The cabins have a private pool or are on the lake or pond and all are close to the main pools.

Jellystone in Robert, Louisiana’s email addresses: http://www.jellystonela.com/

Having The Proper Camping Equipment For Your Camping Trips

2008-07-05T14:48:00.002+08:00

Having The Proper Camping Equipment For Your Camping Trips.

It’s fun when you’re planning your camping trips, but you also need to buy the camping equipment that will make your time be more fun. Sometimes you don’t want to use an open fire to cook, so you will need a portable propane grill for those times.

With that portable propane grill, it would be advisable to also have a fire extinguisher around. A good place where to put the portable grill is also needed so you don’t have to bend down to reach it.

Some Popular Camping Equipment

A lantern is a popular camping equipment, as you can hang it from a tree branch and have light around the camp, where the fire doesn’t reach. They can also keep wild animals away from your tent. Deck lights on a string can also be used for the same purpose. Garden shops and stores with camping equipment are good place to look for these items.

For longer camping trips, a screen tent is needed, and it’s also found at stores that have camping equipment. Some have privacy flaps and some don’t, and they have different sizes. If you want to sit during the night, flaps are nice to have, as you can watch TV outside and relax just like you were at home, and nobody can see you.

A sleeping bag is another camping equipment that you need. Even in the case that you own a pop up camper, you might still want some sleeping bags around. They come in different styles and ratings, and it’s indicated to buy the ones rated for cold weather, even if you’re going to use them during the summer mostly. Summer nights can also be cold.

Other camping equipments are cookware, utensils, water bottles or dishes. They’re just the basics, as you might want more tools around you, but they will get you through a camping trip. Because water bottles have caps, they prevent insects from entering them.

Camping Equipment For The Roughing Camper

If you’re the kind that wants to be really close to nature and rough it, then some of the camping equipment that you need includes a sleeping bag, camp stove, a tent, dishes, pans, hydration packs, hunting knife and a flashlight. A compass, a first aid kit and plastic bags should also be on your list.

Outdoor Summer Camp For Kids

2008-06-25T17:35:00.003+08:00

Kids' Summer Care Pack

If you want your children to have a great, adventurous summer, you may want to consider letting your children go to an outdoor summer camp.

Although there are different types of outdoor summer camp available, you can find one that matches your family’s needs.

If you want your child to attend outdoor summer camp but do not want them to be away from you all summer, you can choose to send your children to a day camp. Depending on your location, a day camp will bus your children out early in the morning and bring them back in the evening.

While they are at camp, they will be able to enjoy the company of other children their age and they will be able to learn new skills and have fun at the same time.

If you have an adventurous child, you will probably want to consider a sleep away outdoor camp. These outdoor camps will house and feed your children for as long as the camp runs in the summer, anywhere from two to six weeks or longer.

These outdoor camps get more in depth in the skills they teach and also are a fun way to give your child a little bit of freedom away from home.

Summer Camp Sports Fun Gift Basket

What Type Of Camping Gear Do You Need When You Go Camping

2008-06-18T21:11:00.004+08:00

Making a camping trip safe, exciting and fun is determined in many cases by the camping gear that you bring with you.

Besides the obvious camper or tent, you will also need flashlights, coolers, lawn furniture, insect repellent and a portable grill.

Besides those you will also need bedding, cooking supplies, bathing and cleaning supplies.

As you can see some camping gear is needed to make sure your experience is good.

Pet Camping Gear

A motion activated pet tag is something that should always be on our pet camping gear list. This tag will help you see the dog in the dark, as well as allow others to see him. This way your dog can be protected from dangerous encounters. Other pet supplies can include loungers or dog beds.

The lounger is great because it will keep the pet off the ground. You can also add to your list of pet gear toys, first aid kits, and plenty of water and food. If they change the water source, your dog can have diarrhea.

Other Camping Gear

You might be interested in taking with you a repair kit, in case you need it for your tent or camper top. If you have a leak in your tent, you should fix it, so no water or insects can come inside. A first aid kit should also be on your camping gear list.

You can’t know for sure when you will need an antibiotic cream or something for the cut on your finger. A rechargeable battery or plenty of normal ones should also be taken with you on a trip.

Other camping gear that should be taken can include a hunting knife, tin foil, rain gear and binoculars. Once you finish preparing for your camping trip, you should be ready to go have some fun.

While some people need to take with them pet gear, others will require gear for kids.

Make sure you have everything you need with you, so your trip can be fun, relaxing and safe.

Coleman Tent Kit

American Red Cross Disaster Alert - US Tornadoes and Floods Appeal

2008-06-14T08:45:00.003+08:00

The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Healthcare Kit

American Red Cross Disaster Alert - US Tornadoes and Floods Appeal.

This storm season is the deadliest in a decade, and it’s on pace to break even more records.

You’ve seen the recent headlines — an onslaught of tornadoes, storms, and floods striking Central U.S communities, some with very little warning.

Many of our neighbors are dealing with the destruction of personal property, the pain of loss, and are facing the most difficult time of their lives.

Help the Red Cross with disaster relief by making a secure online donation.

Families and individuals affected by these disasters are being met by hundreds of Red Cross volunteers and workers, recently deployed from around the country to lend a hand.

These response teams are working 24/7, providing shelter for thousands. They have delivered 100,000+ meals and snacks so far and are providing other vital emergency and health counseling assistance.

Such a major response is only possible through the National Disaster Relief Fund. As a Red Cross supporter you know our first priority is to those facing disaster. But now, additional donations are critically needed, especially given the scope of devastation caused by these historical storms.

From tornadoes, storms, and floods in the Central U.S., to wildfires and multi-family home fires across the country, the Red Cross is on the scene.

Will you please help by making a gift for disaster relief today ?

Providing the surviving families and individuals with the help they need calls for a constant outlay of relief supplies and resources. Donations like yours are vital to our relief operations!

Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund today will help these people and thousands of other disaster survivors around the country each year.

Thanks for whatever you can afford today.

American Red Cross

P.S. While this tornado season is breaking records, we’ve now moved into the most notorious storm period of the year : hurricane season.

When people need us, they need us right away. Join us as a “First Responder” with a disaster relief donation that allows us to be there on day one when disaster strikes.

Bottle Survival Pack - Emergency Survival Kit In A Bottle

2008-06-09T19:49:00.003+08:00

16-in-1 Survival-Kit-in-a-Bottle Emergency Kit
I have found these bottle survival pack or bottle emergency preparedness kit to be indispensable for outdoor camping trips.

These compact and light survival kit are so small that you can just slip them in your camping backpack.

You can also easily hide one of these bottle survival pack in your outdoor vehicle compartment.

Though your outdoor vehicle can accommodate a bigger survival kit, there's no harm in placing these compact bottle survival pack in your dashboard compartment.

The items in bottle survival pack can help save your live during emergencies.

I would recommend carrying one of these in any outdoor camping trips.

There are many types of bottle survival pack which you can choose according to your budget and needs.

Deluxe Survival Bottle, Emergency Zone, Disaster Survival Kit, Emergency Preparedness
Most of these bottle survival pack contain various life saving tools including :-

- Flashlight

- Matches

- Compact Emergency Blanket

- Compact Knife

- Lightstick

- Handwarmer

- First Aid Kit

- Some will also contain compact food and a packet long-life water.

However, there are many bottle survival pack in the market today which contain many different types of survival tools.

You could also make your own bottle survival pack by purchasing items that are only useful to you.