The wilderness can be a scary place. This is especially true when you’re caught in a life-threatening situation without the proper tools. For instance, one tool that might be of assistance is the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter. This device will take away the frustration of trying to start a fire for any occasion from scratch.
Weighing in at about 1.5 ounces, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter is not only small in size ( ¼’’ x ¼’’ x 3’’ ) and lightweight, but it also includes a keychain to further enhance its convenience. As the product name indicates, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter is, in fact, made entirely out of magnesium and comes with a striker, making it that much easier to effectively start a fire regardless of the conditions or circumstances in which you find yourself.
There are many different types of gear that can provide help when a fire is needed while out in the wild, including the comparable Swedish Firesteel, Blastmatch Fire Starter and Storm Proof matches. However, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter stands out from the rest on many accounts – one being that it works when wet, will light wet kindling, and works for years. This specific fire starter will work the very first time you use it and will light the magnesium shavings quickly and efficiently every time. The only thing a person would need alongside this tool is a knife or something with a hard edge to scratch the magnesium into a pile. In addition, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter is government issued to all U.S. military pilots, which further indicates its effectiveness and durability.
If you have had trouble with fire starters before, you will definitely be satisfied with the Genuine Issue Magnesium Fire Starter. Not only does it work every time, but it will last for years to come.
Now that I've introduced you to GORP, let's kick it up a notch:
1/3 cup each raisins, apples, apricots, dates and coconut.
Add 1/2 cup sesame seeds, 1/3 cup walnuts and 2 cups peanuts.
For the glue, use 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/3 cup honey and 1/2 cup peanut butter.
Make sure the Scouts don't pack food in the same place as their socks and underwear.
Food and patrol cooking gear go in the top of the pack, and personal gear in the bottom
and the side pockets. Reserve one side pocket for trail munchies: nuts, dried fruits,
smarties, hard candies and chocolate bars. Each Scout should have his own bagful to
ration out to himself so that it lasts the duration of the trip. Our favorite is GORP balls;
chopped dehydrated fruits and nuts "glued" together with honey, peanut butter and melted
chocolate chips and rolled in icing sugar.
Kids love to cook while camping, and a humble box of aluminum foil, some non-stick cooking spray and you’re ready to go. No other gear is necessary. And the kids are involved and therefore more apt to eat since they had a hand in the preparation.
The beauty of foil cooking is that kids literally just have to spray with non-stick spray (or you can use non-stick aluminum foil), assemble the package and fold it closed. You can cut up the ingredients at the campground or even before you leave home and keep them all in separate containers in the cooler. It's also ideal to let each child create his or her own foil food, so that each one can get in on the fun and create a meal designed to their specific taste. For larger groups or the family a large foil package may be made.
Foil cooking should be done on coals, not on an open flame. Start your campfire early and let it burn down to a nice bed of coals. The coals will hold their heat long enough to allow for the entire cooking process. Another method that can be used is to place some charcoal briquettes in your campfire. Once they are started, spread them out and use them as the base for your foil cooking.
A classic recipe for a foil meal is to flatten a portion of hamburger, add some sliced potatoes and onions, double wrap it in foil and lay it on the coals of your campfire. Cook for about 7 minutes on each side.
Remember, when using these recipes with children, always help them turn the foil packet while it’s on the fire and take care when removing it from the fire. A long set of tongs can be helpful in safely accomplishing this task. Also, be careful when you unwrap the packet as hot juices may run out and these can cause burns.
Foil Roasted Veggies
If you think kids won't eat vegetables, you might be surprised how they change their minds when the fun of some foil and a campfire are involved. Pick their favorites (they must like a couple, right?) and add a couple others. Give them the diced veggies and the foil, and let them have fun. Place closed foil wrap onto campfire or camping stove, and cook for 30-45 minutes.
Campfire Foil Fries
Spray foil liberally, and spray cut potatoes lightly. Place in center of large piece of foil, and sprinkle seasoning like Old Bay on top. Close and roast over fire or stove for 45 minutes.
Foil Apple Cobbler
Take sheet of foil and spray. Place several diced apples inside, and add granola. For fun, toss in some caramel or peanut butter chips. Close and roast for 20-30 minutes.
Foil Family Pot Roast Dinner
Take a much-needed break from making dinner, and let the kids take charge. Brown some diced beef for them in a pan first, and then let the spread out a couple large aluminum foil squares. Add the beef, some small roasting potatoes and mini carrots. Toss a packet of Lipton onion soup mix, and close. Roast over strong camp fire or stove for 1.5 hours.
Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management. Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's recreational activities and provides an area for swimming and a serene setting for boating and canoeing. A trail through the Absegami Natural Area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic White Cedar bog.
Camping in the Forest
The Bass River State Forest boasts 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Although no hook-ups are provided, flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance of all sites. Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles (including trailers) and two tents. A trailer sanitary station is open from March 1 through November 30 and the campsites are open all year with a charge of $20 per night.
The state forest also offers six group campsites with water and pit toilets within walking distance. Each site accommodates a maximum of 25 campers and has parking on the site. This area is open all year with a charge of $25 per night per site.
There are also nine handicap accessible lean-tos. Each of these structures has a hardwood floor, a wood burning stove, an outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Located on the south shore, each structure accommodates a maximum of six people, is open all year and rents for $30 per night.
The six lakeside shelters available have two bunk rooms, one double-deck bunk in each room, a living room with a picnic table and bench, wood burning stove, fire ring and screened double door. There is an outdoor grill for cooking a table and benches. Flush toilets and shower facilities are nearby. The shelters are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami and each accommodates a maximum of four people. Open from April 1 through October 31 each shelter rents from $40 per night.
In addition to all of the above the Bass River State Forest provides six lakefront cabins each with a living room with double-deck bunk and fireplace, two bunk rooms with double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators; bathrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks. All of the screened-in porches face the lake. Outdoor fire rings and electricity have also been provided. Each accommodates a maximum of six people. The cabins are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami. Open from April 1 through October 31, each cabin rents for $65 per night or $455 per week.
Alcohol and pets are prohibited in all overnight facilities.
Highlights of Bass River State Forest
Absegami Natural Area (128 acres) is a self guided nature trail that loops through this wetland forest, where Atlantic White Cedars share the canopy with Red Maple and Magnolia trees. The Pinelands white cedar swamp and surrounding oak-pine forest community make up the Absegami Natural Area.
West Pine Plains Natural Area (3830 acres) is a unique stunted forest ecosystem, known locally as the Pygmy Forest, which is globally rare and supports an extensive forest of pine and oak trees that may obtain a canopy height of only four feet at maturity. New Jersey contains the largest acreage of this forest community type worldwide. The area also supports an endangered plant species – the broom crowberry – and numerous rare species of moths.
Trails: There are eight easy walking (non-ADA accessible) trails from 1 to 3.2 mile winding throughout the forest. The 1/2 mile self-guided Absegami Trail includes a wooden foot bridge with benches. All trails start at the second parking lot at the beach. Animals, birds and plant life of the Pine Barrens may be found along the way. A trail brochure is available at the office, or on the portion of the Pink Trail that passes through the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp near East Greenbush Road. This guide describes the camp foundations.
Batona Trail is an easy walking trail, well marked with pink blazes and runs for 50 miles through Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. The trail crosses streams and passes through forested areas that were once bustling towns with names such as Four Mile, Butler, Martha and Washington. This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service, Outdoor Club of South Jersey and the Batona Hiking Club.
The Civilian Conservation Corp at Bass River State Forest
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "The Hundred Days," the beginning of FDR's first term, and a time of massive legislative efforts to deal with the paralyzing effects of the Great Depression. The CCC put needy young men to work who in turn sent a large portion of their pay back to their families. The fact that only 37 days elapsed between FDR's swearing in and the induction of the first CCC enrollee on April 7, 1933 reflects the importance of this program. By the time the program ended in 1942, due to World War II, over three million unemployed young men had been enrolled, planting over three billion trees and completing many other conservation projects including building much of the infrastructure at Bass River State Forest.
The CCC camp at Bass River State Forest, Camp S-55, lasted from 1933 to 1942, throughout the entire life of CCC. Company 225 served at the camp from 1933-1937 and Company 2201-V, a Veteran’s company, followed from 1937-1942. There were usually 200 men at the camp, which was a full complement. The CCC members performed a wide range of conservation work from building park roads, trails, bridle paths, bridges for vehicles, ponds for fish and waterfowl, lookout towers, nature observatory shelters, picnic areas, cabins, fireplaces, campgrounds, recreational lakes, and landscaping. The most noteworthy feat was the creation of the 67-acre Lake Absegami, by damming two streams flowing through the forest. The foundations of Camp S-55 and the CCC Memorial are part of a self-guided trail. Brochures are available at the Forest Office and at the beginning of the trail near the parking lot on East Greenbush Road. Stop in and visit the Forest Office to see artifacts from the Camp as well as a list of members.
Location:
Burlington and Ocean Counties
762 Stage Road
Mailing Address:
762 Stage Rd
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
(609) 296-1114 (609) 296-1114
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 37’ 14.30” N 74° 25'28.83" W
Size: 27,635 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Directions:
Bass River State
Forest is about 25 miles north of Atlantic City and six miles west of Tuckerton. Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 52 heading south and exit 50 heading north.
2 lb. Ground Beef
2 Potatoes
2 Onions
2 Bell Peppers
2 cans Green Peas or other vegetables
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup of other creamed soup
2 soup cans Water – not from the ditch
Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven. Retain all the drippings.
Thinly slice the potatoes into circles. Layer onto the top of the meat
Thinly slice the onions. Layer onto the potatoes
Add a layer of bell peppers
Add a layer of green peas
Add a layer of creamed soup and water mixture.
Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
To serve, spoon down through all layers – serves 8-10
Light weight, compact model backpacking stoves easily tuck into a backpack, usually have only one burner and weigh less than 2 pounds without fuel. Some even weigh just a few ounces, making them ideal for lightweight backpacking and the single burner feature is great when cooking a one course or one skillet meal. Additionally, these stoves are a wonderful value for your camping dollar and will last a long time if properly cared for. Coleman has some great single burner stoves as does Campinggaz , Texsport and MSR. The price for a dependable backpacking stove generally runs from $50.00 to $100.00.
Forget about killer sunsets or jaw-dropping summit views to grab your attention. No backcountry event will set off your alarms quite like a backpacking stove that has burst into flames and is sending a pool of flaming white gas over your campsite. Among all the gear you take into the wilds, a stove is probably the most dangerous item you'll possess short of a rifle in polar bear country and it's by far the most temperamental. Follow this hard-won advice for using a lightweight backcountry stove safely and for ensuring that it fires up when you need it.
Word to the wise: always test-run your canister or liquid fuel backpacking stove at home before a backcountry trip. This advice applies double for stoves using liquid-fuel.
Liquid-Fuel Stoves
White-gas, or liquid-fuel stoves are much fussier than canister stoves, hence they need extra tender loving care. Carry a maintenance kit, specific to your stove, and know how to use it. It helps to tote along the instruction manual, preferably in a zipper-lock plastic bag. If the fuel line can be disassembled, periodically clean it with a rag dipped in white gas. Use the rag and gas to wipe carbon residue off the burner; otherwise it may get into the jet. White gas breaks down gradually while in storage, yielding balky stove performance. Replace old fuel in your stove and if you've stored old white gas or a dirtier fuel like kerosene in a fuel tank or fuel bottle, rinse it with fresh white gas. Liquid-fuel stoves also have a tendency to clog or otherwise go on the fritz but with a repair kit, regular maintenance and a touch of MacGyver-like knowledge you can fix these stoves in the field.
Troubleshoot the most common problems:
1. Weak or non-existent flame: Usually this is due to a clogged jet. Some newer stoves have a built-in wire for cleaning the jet. Otherwise, poke carbon residue out of the jet with a wire. If that doesn't work, unscrew and remove the jet, soak it in white gas, and wipe it clean.
2. Leaky pump: Try lubing the rubber O-ring with maintenance-kit oil or your own saliva if nothing else is available. If that fails, replace the O-ring.
3. Fuel bottle won't pressurize: Same remedy as for a leaky pump.
4. Eyebrow-singeing flare-ups (yours): Probably the result of over priming. Prime just enough to squirt fuel from the jet for about three seconds. Turn the stove off and light that fuel, then wait until the fuel nearly burns away and the yellow flame is barely lapping the burner before slowly turning up the gas. You can also let the flame burn out completely, then open the fuel valve slightly and hold a match to the burner.
Fuel Choice Tip
With a multi fuel stove, burn white gas whenever possible; it won't clog your stove as quickly as will kerosene, gasoline, and other fuels.
Canister Stoves
Canister or cartridge stoves are virtually foolproof and maintenance-free. Still, some sensible precautions will keep them that way. Always keep your stove clean of spilled food, dirt, and mud. Store stove in its stuff sack. Guard against damaging the all-important valve connecting the fuel canister or fuel line to the burner. Always attach fuel canisters with care, and cushion the stove from potential damage while in your pack or in transit to the trailhead. Some canisters are designed to stand upright during stove operation; others lie flat. Know which type you have. Avoid jostling or tipping the canister while cooking, which can cause the stove to flare up.
Cold Weather Tip
In below-freezing conditions, keep canister stoves running hot by warming the cartridge with your gloved hands or standing it in an inch of cool (never hot) water. Better yet, keep a spare canister in a warm place, like stuffed between your long undershirt and your jacket, turn off the stove, swap canisters, and fire it up again.
Remember to always carry your empty canisters out of the backcountry with you. Never, Never, Never, place empty canister in your campfire to burn them, they will explode.
Paper plates and plastic silverware just don’t cut it when you are out and about in the great outdoors. Thankfully, there is the Coleman 24 Piece Enamelware Dining Kit and Cutlery Set to take their place around the campfire. This set is perfect for family camping not only because it washes clean easily, but also because the pieces are reasonably sturdy. Nothing’s worse than spilling a bunch of hot food on you, but with this enamelware that just is not going to happen.
The Coleman 24 Piece Dining Kit and Cutlery Set is made completely out of enamel, which makes the pieces good and strong for outdoor use. The kit comes with four each of spoons, forks, knives, dinner plates, coffee mugs and bowls. These dishes will surely keep all your meals warm because the enamel retains heat for quite some time. The dining set comes in a small storage bin that can be easily packed and carried along with the rest of your camping gear. The cutlery set also has a roll-up cover for storage.
In many cases when they buyers of this dinnerware and cutlery set received their new dinner and utensil sets, they were disappointed when the merchandise was chipped or damaged in some way; consequently, many sent them back. But those whose sets weren’t broken in anyway went on to use them and discovered them to be quite useful. One buyer pointed out that the handles on the utensils are loose and food and other things can get into the crevices, allowing bacteria to grow. Others stated that the handles were so weak that they would simply fall off. The set claims to be dishwasher safe, but if any of the enamel has chips, holes or scratches in them, the water from the dishwasher might end up rusting or otherwise deteriorating the dishes and utensils. However, most found that the set was a very good buy and liked how sturdy and easy the dinnerware and cutlery sets are to clean.
If you are looking for a sturdy dinnerware set and utensils, then the Coleman 24 Piece Enamel Dining Kit and Cutlery Set is just the thing for you.
Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.
Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.
Camping in the Forest
There are 79 tent and trailer sites located in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities within easy walking distance. The campsites are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.
In the spring 2010, the forest will be opening some pet-friendly campsites.
Byrne State Forest has three group sites with a total capacity of 100. Fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets are available on these sites which are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $30 per night.
Three cabins are also available, each furnished with a fireplace, two double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators, half-baths, a toilet and basin and electricity throughout. There are outdoor campfire rings and picnic tables at each site with showers available at the main camping area. The cabins can accommodate four people and with prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. The cabins are located on the shore of Pakim Pond. Showers are available at camping area. Open from April 1 through October 31, these units rent for $45 per night or $315 per week.
In addition the forest provides three yurts. A yurt is a circular tent built on a wood frame, featuring a Plexiglas skylight. Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. The yurts are open from April 1 through October 31, are accessible to persons with disabilities and rent for $30 per night.
Alcohol is and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.
Highlights of Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
“Homeowner Firewood Program” is a program to help you keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the park. Available at seven state parks and forests statewide for $20 a cord while supplies last. Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood. Advance reservations are required and can be made for any two consecutive days.
Whitesbog Village was an active 19th and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community. This company town was founded in the 1870s by Joseph J. White. The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White. Once a thriving town and one of the largest cranberry farms in the state, the now silent village is an example of the changes in agriculture in this state. The site is undergoing restoration and is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the village. For more information on the village and events sponsored by the Trust, call (609) 893-4646 (609) 893-4646.
Cedar Swamp Natural Area (735 acres) contains many of the forest communities represented in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and may be observed along the trails through the natural area. These include upland pine-oak and oak-pine forest, pitch pine lowland forest and Atlantic white cedar swamp. The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.
Trails in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest cover more than 25 miles and are well marked. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities. The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting). The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.
The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests. This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the New Jersey State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.
Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes. Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.
All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens. Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking – the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 215
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
(609) 726-1191 (609) 726-1191
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 53’ 27.66” N 74° 34' 46.63" W
Size: 36,647 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.
Directions:
From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 south to Route 38 east, to second traffic light, then turn onto Magnolia Road (Route 644). Follow Magnolia Road until you come to the Four-Mile Circle. From the circle take Route 72 east, at mile marker 1 make a left. There is a forest entrance sign on your left as you turn in. Take the first right and the office is on the left
Starting the day in the outdoors with a great breakfast is fun, heartwarming and necessary to have the energy to make it through the day. Below are some great recipes for classic camping breakfasks.
Remember: Try all recipes at home before taking them camping
Cornmeal Buttermilk Pancakes (Serves 6)
Make this batter at home; pour it into a leak proof container and store it in your cooler (with ice) until you’re ready to use it.
Instructions
At Home:
1. Sift flour, sugar, baking soda and salt into a bowl; stir in cornmeal. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk and oil.
2. Pour buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients and whisk them together until just blended. Do not over mix.
At the Campsite:
3. Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat until a few drops of cold water dance when sprinkled on surface.
4. Drop 2 tablespoons of batter onto hot griddle or skillet and use back of spoon to spread batter into a round shape. Fill skillet with pancakes; cook them until tops are covered with bubbles and undersides are golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip pancakes and cook on second side until lightly browned, about 1 minute more.
5. Serve immediately
Egg-in-a-Nest (Serves 1)
Ingredients
• 1 slice sourdough bread
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
At the Campsite:
1. Cut a 1- to 2-inch hole in center of bread.
2. Heat butter or oil in a nonstick skillet at medium heat. Add slice of bread and cook until lightly browned on one side. Flip bread and break egg into the hole. Cover pan and cook until egg white is set and yolk is cooked to meet your taste, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Serve immediately.
Easy Low-fat French Toast (Serves 4)
Ingredients
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 8 1/2-inch slices French bread
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
At the Campsite:
1. Place the egg, milk and water in a large, shallow dish. Add nutmeg if desired and whisk to combine.
2. Place the bread slices in the egg mixture to coat 1 side; immediately turn the bread.
3. Warm the syrup in a small saucepan, if you like.
4. Heat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Brown both sides of the bread slices on the griddle or in the skillet. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with the warm syrup
Bill's Burrito Breakfast
Ingredients
• Flour tortillas
• Browned sausage or Brats
• Shredded potatoes
• 1 T. fish coating mix
• Eggs (2 eggs per person serving)
• Onions and green pepper (opt)
Instructions
At the Campsite:
1. Cook brats on the campfire or brown sausage in skillet over campfire with diced onion.
2. Shred a potato (or two) and mix with fish coating mix.
3. When sausage is no longer pink, add the potatoes.
4. When potatoes are browned, drop on top whole eggs (or beat them and pour over top).
5. Serve rolled up in a flour tortilla. Can be topped with shredded cheese.
With the exception of a tent or Recreation Vehicle, the next biggest expense for camping is usually the sleeping bag.
The Basics: Sleeping Bags
The buzzword surrounding sleeping bags these days is lightweight. Outdoor manufacturers are continually innovating new bags with both down and synthetic fills that are extremely warm, but weigh little, and pack into a small stuff sack that can easily fit into your backpack.
New innovations circulate around designs made specifically for women – and we're not talking about pretty colors. Manufacturers like Sierra Designs and The North Face have a whole line of bags that are tapered and shorter to fit a woman's size. They also have more fill in the torso and foot-bed areas since women tend to run colder than men while sleeping.
Like other outdoor gear, manufacturers realize sleeping bags are an investment. With that in mind, they offer warranties against manufacturer's defects. Be sure to check their catalogues for further information and company warranty department phone numbers. It has been my personal experience that reputable manufacturers and outdoor stores are always willing to honor their warranties, without question, because they want your repeat business.
How to Shop
Let's face it, when you're buying a sleeping bag one of the most important things to consider is warmth. After all, there's nothing more miserable than sleeping in a bag in the wilderness and being cold. You'll have two options: a down or synthetic-fill sleeping bag. Both have their pros and cons. Synthetic-fill bags dry quickly and keep their insulation properties if they get wet, down-fill bags don't. Down-fill bags require more care than synthetic bags, but they are easier to compress and offer a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic bags. Each bag also comes with a temperature rating which states the lowest outdoor temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. Be aware that sometimes these ratings are not completely accurate so if you are concerned about warmth, take a good look at the rating, it is always better to go for more warmth as you can always unzip the bag to cool off.
To decide on which one you'll need, again it's important to consider where and when you'll be camping. When you're comparing bags, pay attention to their foot sections, hoods and draft tube. Does the insulation have any cold spots? Down-fill bags should be firm and not soft since the insulation could shift in spots and create a draft. Also, it's important to consider the material the bag is made with. Outer shells that are coated to be water-resistant and windproof are a plus, but they can be more expensive than those that aren't. Insulation is another important factor. The more high-tech the insulation, the higher the price attached to the bag.
Other cool features include a bag that is lined with a soft taffeta or a fuzzy fleece for increased comfort; a bag that has a hood that can be cinched comfortably around the face to prevent drafts; and a bag that's gender-specific. I like sleeping bags that can zip together so I can cuddle with my wife on those cold nights in the woods. Even modern modified mummy bags can be zipped together, while square bags are easiest and best for RV camping.
Sleeping bags can cost as little as $14.00 for those used at an indoor slumber party, all the way up to several hundred dollars for an ultra lightweight, extra warm mountaineering bag used for extreme outdoor adventures. Whatever you decide to buy, be sure it fits the camping experience and have a warm cozy night!
