One of the scourges of every camping trip in the history of the world is Poison…Poison Ivy and Oak and how to deal with them.

The best prevention against poisonous plants is to learn to identify these plants then avoid any contact.  Should you touch one of these plants, do not scratch, and wash the area in cold water within 20 minuets.  Should you develop a rash, use a topical solution like calamine lotion to ease the discomfort.

POISON OAK- It can make your best campout or day hike turn into a total nightmare. You really have to know what this plant looks like in all of its seasonal colors and stay away from it.  In spring it is bright green, in late summer it starts to turn red and slightly brownish-orange.  The best advice is to know where you are hiking and hike in pants and long sleeves if you think you may be coming in contact with it on overgrown trails.  Poison oak can be found growing wild all over California under the 5000' elevation.  Once touched, the oil of poison oak can spread from your clothes to your body with indirect contamination.  Never burn the plant (leaves or vines) for any reason.

POISON IVY- is not found on the west coast but is found throughout the woods of New Jersey and other eastern states.  It has leaves in clusters of three (so let them be).  If you come in contact with poison ivy, do not put your hands near your eyes or face, as the irritation spreads easily.

Watch out for this seemingly harmless little vine or shrub in the woods.  It mimics Virginia Creeper which has leaves in cluster of five.  Some variations of poison ivy leaves look like oak leaves (hence the term “oak leaf poison ivy”) but again, there is no poison oak found in New Jersey.

Myths vs. Facts about Poison Ivy
 
Myth
Poison Ivy rash is contagious.

Fact
Rubbing the rashes won't spread poison ivy to other parts of your body (or to another person).  You spread the rash only if urushiol oil — the sticky, resin like substance that causes the rash — has been left on your hands.

Myth
You can catch poison ivy simply by being near the plants.

Fact
Direct contact is needed to release urushiol oil.  Stay away from forest fires, direct burning, or anything else that can cause the oil to become airborne such as a lawnmower, trimmer, etc.

Myth
Do not worry about dead plants.

Fact
Urushiol oil stays active on any surface, including dead plants, for up to 5 years.

Myth
Breaking the blisters releases urushiol oil that can spread.

Fact
Not true.  But your wounds can become infected and you may make the scarring worse. In very extreme cases, excessive fluid may need to be withdrawn by a doctor.

Myth
I've been in poison ivy many times and never broken out therefore I'm immune.

Fact
Not necessarily true.  Upwards of 90% of people are allergic to urushiol oil, it's a matter of time and exposure.  The more times you are exposed to urushiol, the more likely it is that you will break out with an allergic rash.  For the first time sufferer, it generally takes longer for the rash to show up – generally in 7 to 10 days.

Tags: Camping, camping basics, camping with kids

Camping stoves and other cooking accessories have made it possible to cook most things outdoors, but baked goods have generally been out of the question.  Until now, that is. Made of smooth aluminized steel, the Coleman camping oven lets you bake a batch of muffins, biscuits, or rolls right at the campsite.

The oven doesn't require electric or gas power to work.  Instead, campers simply place the oven on top of a Coleman two- or three-burner stove, which provides all the heat you need to bake some of your favorite oven dishes.  The oven also offers baking essentials such as an adjustable steel bake rack and an easy-to-read thermometer.  And when you're finished baking, the oven folds flat for storage.  Made in China, the Coleman camping oven measures 12 by 12 by 12 inches (W x H x D) when standing and weighs 7 pounds. As you can see, camp ovens have smaller interiors than home ovens, hence standard 9 by 13 inch rectangular pans will not fit inside a camp oven.  Since you must use smaller dishes this requires recipes which produce a smaller amount.  I recommend the following baking pans for use in a camp oven:
9 inch square pan
8 inch square pan
9 inch round cake pan
8 by 4 inch bread pan
9 inch pie plate
Round 2 quart casserole

At a cost of about $30, the Coleman oven makes a great addition to your camp kitchen.

Baking with a Coleman Camp Oven
Coleman ovens or other camping ovens fit over the burner of a camp stove or placed on a grate over a fire.  The heat from the flame rises up into the oven and through a diffuser in the bottom of the oven.  There is an adjustable rack inside the oven and a temperature gauge in the center front of the oven door which indicates the oven’s interior temperature.  It will not however, allow you adjust the temperature.  This is done by adjusting the flame below the oven.  It takes a little practice to get the hang of it but it can be done.  I burned the bottoms of several loaves of bread before I learned how to use this type of oven with any skill.  Since the heat emanates from the bottom of the oven, the tops of most foods will not become as brown as they do in your home oven and the bottoms will have a tendency to brown quickly.  You must therefore, keep an eye on them and adjust the temperature downward as necessary.

It is best to use your camp oven in an enclosed area, well protected from wind, as it will be less difficult to maintain a steady temperature.  Exposure to wind can make many baked goods take longer to cook.  Keep this in mind when setting up your oven and if you cook out in the open, then you may want to keep your baking for calmer days.  

Contrary to most recommendations, I don't preheat my camp oven.  I think it wastes fuel, and I haven't found any real difference in the resulting cooking or browning of the foods.  First I prepare the bread, bar cookies, pie, or other treats.  When the preparation is completely finished, I put the pan into the oven.  Then I light the stove eye, and put the oven on top of the flame.  Next, I adjust the flame to high and watch the temperature dial.  When the desired temperature is reached, 350° for example, I turn the flame down very low.  Usually the oven will maintain the temperature for the next 20 minutes or so, often long enough to finish the baking.  When the temperature begins to drop by about 50 degrees, I turn up the flame again, until the temperature inside the oven has reached my desired temperature.  Again, I turn the flame down to low and let the food continue baking if needed.  For hotter temperatures, or for longer baking, I usually have to repeat this process several times.  I have found that using this procedure produces fewer burnt bottoms on my bar cookies and bread loaves.  As you can tell, camp ovens have to be “baby sat” a lot more than home ovens but the results are worth it. 

Get The Coleman Camp Oven Here!

Tags: Camping, camping basics, camping equipment

Ah, summertime!  Getting outdoors and making the most of those long, warm sunny days.  Although most people look forward to the summer, it can be a dangerous prospect if you’re not nice to your body by drinking lots of water and taking frequent breaks.

To beat the heat and have some happy summer memories follow these pointers:

Drink plenty of water.

Sport drinks and fruit juices are OK but you have to drink more of them to get a comparable amount of water into your system.  Beer causes dehydration, and drinks with caffeine remove fluid from your body.  Always take a break in the heat and drink appropriate fluids.  Dizziness, fatigue, flushed skin and a dry mouth are all symptoms of dehydration.

When you lose too much water your skin immediately flushes.  When you're dizzy, weak, or lethargic you've lost about 3% of your body fluid.  At 5% you feel confused.  At 6% your heart races and once you've lost 7% of the water in your body, you'll pass out.  When it's really steamy, you should be consuming a pint of water every 30 minutes.

Don’t forget to Eat

Keep salty and revitalizing snacks such as nuts, dried fruit and energy bars handy in order to replenish what you lose as you sweat.  Give your body a chance to cool down.

Heat Stroke

A person with heat stroke will have a high body temperature which will send their body into shock.  Heat stroke causes delirium and possibly vomiting.  At this point the body won't absorb water fast enough and in fact drinking could lead to more nausea and vomiting.  Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and one needs to seek immediate medical attention.

Keep babies out of direct sunlight.  A baby outside should be covered with a light blanket and hat.  Fill kids up with plenty of water before they go out in hot weather as children lose water at the same rate as adults and since they have less body mass the effects are more severe and they can become dehydrated very quickly.

Sun Sense

The sun is the main cause of skin cancer which is the most common of all cancers.Thankfully the cure rate is 95%.

YOU'RE AT GREATEST RISK IF you work or play for long periods of time outdoors, you are a natural blond or redhead who burns easily or are fair skinned as fair skinned people don't have enough color pigment to stop the sun's burning rays.  Everyone should try and avoid being in the sun from 10-11 am to 2-3 pm when the UV (ultraviolet) rays are the strongest.

SUNSCREENS
Sunscreens are used as a preventative measure to prevent sunburn.  If you are already burned, drink plenty of liquids and cool the skin with water, gels or creams.  Those sunscreens that contain Aloe are excellent and promote healing.  Aspirin or Tylenol may ease the pain and allow you to sleep. 

To prevent burning, look for a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or high and one that will block both UV-A and UV-B rays.  Apply sunscreen evenly to all exposed areas 20 minutes before you go out.  Reapply every two hours, or after each swim.  SPF (sunscreen protection factor) tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun, before burning, than you can without using a sunscreen.  For example, SPF 15 (the minimum recommended) means that you can stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection, before burning.  SPF 15 will filter out UVB light (the most dangerous) and at least some UVA light (primarily causes premature aging and wrinkles, but with enough exposure can contribute to cancer).  The higher the SPF the greater the protection.

But remember . . . NO sun screen absorbs all the sun's rays.  If you stay in the sun long enough you'll burn.  Sunlight reflected from water or snow can also be dangerous.  The most important factor is to apply sunscreen liberally and reapply often, especially after you swim or sweat.  It also helps to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the rays are the strongest and wear opaque, tightly woven clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Children are particularly susceptible and one or more severe, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) later in life.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide deflect light rays, but should be combined with screening ingredients.  There are colorful zinc oxide creams and transparent zinc oxide (Z-Cote) is now found in many moisturizers and foundations.  Paba is an ingredient that some find a skin irritant.  To improve water and sweat repellency of the formulas, some products use oils that repel moisture and others are absorbed into the skin and then "time released".

Certain drugs, such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs, tranquilizers, oral anti-diabetics, diuretics, some antidepressants, and some dandruff shampoos can increase your sensitivity to light, raising the chance of an adverse reaction to the sun.

SUN-PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Another weapon in the war against the cancerous and aging effects of the sun is clothing made from special fabrics that block 95-99% of the UVA and UVB rays.  As a comparison, the average tee shirt blocks 50% of harmful UVB rays when dry (10-20% when wet).  Available for adults and children, there are pants, shirts and jackets on the market.

HOT WEATHER TIPS

• Take a Dive.   If you have the option of jumping into a lake, river or ocean for a quick dip, do it.  Even sticking your feet into the water helps.  Jumping in a lake or river will unclog your pores so you can continue to sweat effectively.  Plus it feels sooooo good.
• Wear a hat.
• Try to avoid taking drugs as some medications, such as cold and allergy pills, can decrease sweat rates and contribute to overheating.
• When you stop for breaks, always rest in the shade.

Until Next Time…

Eric
 

Tags: Camping, camping basics

SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight

To put a little, or a lot, of light on the subject try a SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight. Its brightly focused beam and surrounding light will enable you to get out of even the darkest of situations at the push of a button. The SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight provides you with “lighthouse” power in the palm of your hand, at its miniature 4 inch length and 1 inch diameter. Everything about the SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight is lightweight, weighing in at only 2.8 ounces. Well, not everything is lightweight—its beam and runtime gives you more last and greater throw than most of its competitors. In fact, when the forces above said let there be light, somebody must have switched on their SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight.

As convenient as the SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight is to carry, switching from high to low output is just as easy—all achieved at the click of a button. The tail-cap switch activates the beam and enables the user to select high or low output levels. The maximum output level of the SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight is 45.0 lumens, but for greater runtime you may want to select the low output of 3.0 lumens, which will provide up to eight and a half hours of runtime. Simply click or release off and press it once again to switch the output levels. At its top power level, the high beam produced is equal to twice that of the bigger and heavier two-D-cell flashlight. Although the beam produced by the SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight is quite tight, it does throw enough surround light to provide illumination for greater peripheral vision as well.

You’d be challenged to find a flashlight more durable than the SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight, and certainly be hard-pressed to purchase one that is as easy to carry and comfortable to use. One of the SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight’s best features is its almost indestructible power-regulated LED emitter with its Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens, highly desirable for traveling rough terrain or maneuvering around unknown objects that go bump in the night. The SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight has an iron-hard body built of aerospace aluminum and anodized for gladiator strength that resists corrosion and wear. You can also carry it on your belt worry-free in all types of weather because of its gasket sealed, weatherproof O-ring attachment.

Those who created the SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight have thought of everything, a quality yet compact flashlight as well as a convenient way to provide energy to this powerhouse. With each purchase of a SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight comes a high-energy 123A battery. The battery is as durable and long-lasting as the flashlight itself, providing a ten-year shelf life for its users at an overall price of flashlight and battery being only $139. Most spend more for battery and flashlight replacement on less reliable, inferior products that can’t hold SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight a candle to go by.
 

Get The SureFire E1L Outdoorsman LED Flashlight Here!

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment

MSR Flex 4 System Cookset

On first glance at the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset, your first thought is that there is only one larger 5.3-liter cooking pot for a cost of $159.95. Although it seems expensive, you are intrigued by what makes this pan so costly so you open its lid to peer inside. That’s when you discover a complete set of cooking needs for a group of four people—all included in this one, now very affordable, price. Digging inside the pot is like opening a grab-bag of goodies, as you discover the following containers tucked within:

DuraLite DX Aluminum Pot & Lids
The MSR Flex 4 System Cookset includes this 3.2-liter pot with a nonstick finish for incredibly easy cleanup. This durable pot has an anodized surface to resist corrosion and avoid tough and sticky food that can adhere to the outside. It is also Teflon coated on the inside to prevent sticking and minimize burning. The larger pot that holds the entire MSR Flex 4 System Cookset is a 5.3-liter size with the same coatings. The pots also include brushed aluminum lids with integrated strainers. When your boiled foods are fully cooked and there’s leftover water in the pot, just turn it upside down and avoid the use of a heavy or inconvenient colander that must be held by a trusting assistant or placed inside the sink to tip and teeter from one side to the other. To make sure you suffer no painfully blistered fingers or accidentally loose your grasp on the pot, the smaller 3.2-liter pot comes with a Talon™ handle that attaches and detaches by the use of outside brackets. By including this handy accessory, the makers of the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset help you to maintain a scratch-free inner surface that allows for easy storage within the larger 5.3-liter pot, which has two built-in handles of its own for easy and safe lifting.

Plates & Mugs
For those hot soups, hamburgers with all their fixings, or juicy steaks, you will enjoy the DeepDish plates included with the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset. They are deep enough to hold soup or sauces, and yet you can still reach over the side to cut into that tender meat or fish without tipping its contents onto your lap. You’ll know who hasn’t cleaned up their individual dishes because the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset has color-coded them for easy identification. The 12.5 ounce stainless-steel mugs keep your beverages hot with their insulated sleeve and covered, sip-top opening that allows almost no steam to escape. Your MSR Flex 4 System Cookset has included four mugs and plates, and still they all fit within your larger pot for easy storage.

Lifting your packed pot is a task made easy by the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset, with an overall weight of 3 pounds, 10.8 ounces. They are designed to maximize space in your camper or tent, as each piece packs inside the other after each meal. Careful though, you may find yourself liking the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset so much that you will borrow a pot or two for home cooking and use it so much that you forget to return it to the camper. There is an easy way to always ensure your MSR Flex 4 System Cookset is always in the camper where it belongs, though, simply purchase a second set for your home.   
 

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment, camping needs

Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag

It’s difficult to misplace this Bonfire orange Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag, with a regular size of 82” x 31” x 20”. As comfortable as its 600+ goose down fill is, the Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag has become quite the rage for cold-weather hikers, climbers, and backpackers whose sport often requires them to withstand temperatures of down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. Without careful preparation, which should include a Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag, enjoyment can be hampered and the sportsperson’s safety compromised. Besides the color, there are several more features that are making the Marmot Never Summer+0 Sleeping Bag stand out in a crowd of comfort-seeking campers. For instance, sleepers love its full-length, left-side zipper opening that also includes a guard to keep the fabric from being chewed up by the zipper teeth. The ground-level side seams enable people who are at the maximum weight and height limit to still have easy in and out access to the Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag, with hassle-free comfort once inside.

The regular size fits people whose height does not exceed 6 feet, and the price of approximately $300 is just as accommodating as its fit. If you need a bit larger size for more foot room but don’t want to go larger than a regular size Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag—no problem. You can get a regular size with a standard trapezoidal foot box that will allow you additional space and still be light and comfortable to carry. In fact, the full weight of the Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag – Regular is only two pounds, twenty-eight ounces. It can be easily tucked into a seven-by-fourteen inch stuff and storage sack, included with the Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag, for worry-free carrying when conquering your most difficult challenge on the trail or mountain.

Having backpacked your ultra light weight Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag to your desired site, the next best thing is that the protective twenty-eight ounce down fill will keep your fingers and toes as warm as a bonfire. With its Nautilus hood and draw cord, and the down-filled collar to prevent the loss of heat around your neck and head, you’ll be ready to face the new day after a cozy night’s sleep in your Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag. When your fellow campers see how completely comfort-tucked you are in your Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag, you may have to guard it with all you’ve got the second night in camp. The biggest temptation will be resisting all the extra goodies you’ll be offered in trade for just one night spent in the bag.

A word of caution, when sporting your Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag, fellow campers will see your gear and perceive you as a much more experienced sportsperson. So, listen carefully to the campfire talk and nod a lot to avoid detection; after all, one of the worst things for an inexperienced backpacker is exposure, right? A good idea before heading out is to take a trip with your group to the local sports store and encourage them to purchase some Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bags all their own—just as a preventative measure.
 

Buy The Marmot Never Summer +0 Sleeping Bag Now!

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment, camping needs

Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool

Selling high-quality, hand-held tools that were predecessors to the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool since 1983, it is no wonder this proactive and progressive company has evolved to providing such an advanced pocket-survival tool. Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool is to the adventurer what Palm Pilots were to this generation of communication coinsures, opening up a whole new world in diverse capabilities at your fingertips. No more searching through piles of tools or wishing you had a tool when you’re far from home and need a quick fix. Now you can own the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool for approximately $115.

Along with its blades, the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool includes eight zinc-coated steel bit drivers, beveled edged scissors for closer cuts on anything from zip-ties to fishing line and copper wire, diamond-coated files designed to withstand wood or metal without loosing their bite, needle nose and regular pliers for both detailed and heavy pulling action, bottle and can openers, large screwdriver, and an eight-inch ruler. All of the blades and tools on the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool are locking and can be opened single handedly, applying little pressure at next to no effort. The durable strength of its blades can be evidenced by its 154CM stainless steel Clip-point knife and the 420HC Sheepfoot serrated knife, both with outside accessibility for one-handed opening and closing.

The Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool has not forfeited style for function, either. It has been built with a 100 percent stainless steel body and a 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum handle. They’ve also included a fixed or quick-release Lanyard Ring and removable pocket clip to give the consumer choices as to how to carry or store this hand-held dynamo. It’s difficult to conceive that all these tools could be contained within a compact leather or nylon sheath instead of a large lunch-sized toolbox, but that’s progress for you. The Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool is just four inches closed and weighs a tad over eight ounces, with a blade length of 2.9 inches.

The fundamental goal of those who manufacture the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool is to provide outstanding customer service by delivering more than they promise. With annual sales of well over $100 million and almost five-hundred workers around the country making sure the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool measures up to public expectations, they continue to claim the lion’s share of the market in pocket-survival tools. It’s easy to offer their unbelievable 25-year warranty on the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool when they are confident of its long-lasting durability and unbeatable quality. In fact, part of the Leatherman mission is “To lead the high-quality compact multi-purpose tool market by providing the best value for their customers…” I would say, that is a goal they have achieved hands down, or should we say hands on, with the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool.

For versatility, durability, quality, and style, the Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool has positioned itself to offer its user almost any type of tool needed in most any type of situation. The one thing its users will need to be weary of is that needy family members or friends return it when borrowed because by all standards—it’s a keeper!
 

Buy The Leatherman Charge AL Multi-Tool Here!

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment

When you need to cook or simply want to relax around a campfire, knowing what kind of wood to use can eliminate frustration.  There are two basic kinds of wood for campfires; hardwood and softwood

Campfire Wood
Hard Wood burns longer, here are some examples of hardwoods:
Oak
Eucalyptus
Citrus
Cedar
Almond
Mesquite
Ash
Beech
Hawthorn
Holly

Soft Wood burns fast & splits easier, here are some examples of softwoods:
Avocado
Pine
Pinyon
Birch
Fir
Hazel
 Larch
 

The Burning Properties of Wood

Wood from an evergreen tree, called "softwood," burns quickly, lets off lots of heat and dies leaving no coals.  It makes a colorful bonfire, but you will need lots of it for a whole evening.  Deciduous or "hardwood" takes longer to ignite, burns slowly and turns to glowing coals.  It is perfect for a cooking fire.

Remember that good firewood is always dry while rotten, crumbly, wet or green wood will make a smoky fire and Poplar can smoke even when it is dry.  Avoid softwood with balls of tree gum attached, as this will cause a fire to spit.

For a great fire starter, use "fatwood" or dry wood from an evergreen tree that is streaked with resins.  Pine needles and Birch Bark (never peel from a live tree) also work well if they are very dry.   Don't try to start a fire with other kinds of bark though, since bark does not burn well.

Note: Never collect wood near Poison Ivy or Poison Oak.  The smoke from burning any part of the plants can cause an allergic rash and can be even more dangerous if inhaled.

A natural result of tree recognition is to learn the burning properties of their woods. Below is a listing of the most common woods for burning and their burning properties.  There are more, but this is a good list to start.  If you are unsure of the wood, the best and safest bet is not to burn it and it is worth remembering that ALL wood will burn better if split. 

Alder:  Poor in heat and does not last, to be seen growing beside ponds.
Apple:  Splendid – It burns slowly and steadily when dry, with little flame, but good heat.  The scent is pleasing.
Ash:  Best burning wood; has both flame and heat, and will burn when green, though naturally not as well as when dry.
Beech:  A rival to ash, though not a close one, and only fair when green.  If it has a fault, it is apt to shoot embers a long way.
Birch:  The heat is good but it burns quickly.  The smell is pleasant.
Cedar:  Good when dry.   Full of crackle and snap.  It gives little flame but much heat, and the scent is beautiful.
Cherry:  Burns slowly, with good heat.  Another wood with the advantage of scent.
Chestnut:  Mediocre.  Apt to shoot embers.  Small flame and heating power.
Douglas Fir:  Poor.  Little flame or heat.
Elder:   Mediocre. Very smoky.  Quick burner, with not much heat.
Elm:  Commonly offered for sale.  To burn well it needs to be kept for two years. Even then it will smoke.  
Hazel:  Good.
Holly:  Good, will burn when green, but best when kept a season.
Hornbeam:  Almost as good as beech.
Laburnum:  Totally poisonous tree, acrid smoke, taints food and best never used.
Larch:  Crackly, scented, and fairly good for heat.
Laurel:  Has brilliant flame.
Lime:  Poor.  Burns with dull flame.
Maple:  Good.
Oak:  The novelist's 'blazing fire of oaken logs' is fanciful as Oak is sparse in flame and the smoke is acrid, but dry old oak is excellent for heat, burning slowly and steadily until whole log collapses into cigar-like ash.
Pear:  A good heat and a good scent.
Pine:  Burns with a splendid flame, but apt to spit.  The resinous Weymouth pine has a lovely scent and a cheerful blue flame.
Plane:  Burns pleasantly, but is apt to throw sparks if very dry.
Plum:  Good heat and aromatic.
Poplar:  Truly awful.
Rhododendron:  The thick old stems, being very tough, burn well.
Robinia (Acacia):  Burns slowly, with good heat, but with acrid smoke.
Spruce:  Burns too quickly and with too many sparks.
Sycamore:  Burns with a good flame, with moderate heat.  Useless green.
Thorn:  One of the best woods.  Burns slowly, with great heat and little smoke.
Walnut:  Good, and so is the scent.  Aromatic wood.
Willow:  Poor.  It must be dry to use, and then it burns slowly, with little flame. Apt to spark.
Yew:  Last but among the best.  Burns slowly, with fierce heat, and the scent is pleasant.
 

Tags: camping basics, camping needs

An incredible cooking surface that can accommodate the entire camping group, this Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has true squeal appeal. It is the larger of the smaller type portable outdoor grills, measuring 51 inches x 50 inches x 37 inches when set up and 31.5 inches x19.25 inches x14.25 inches when collapsed, and yet it weighs only 57 pounds. For those who camp in groups or have large families the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove is idea to cook several pans of camp food all at the same time. Since both burners are independently controlled and have an eight-inch distance between them, the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove can easily handle different food items without the fear of too much weight or spillage. Your cook will have no shortage of power, either, because the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove boasts two high-performance burners that have a combined 25,000 BTUs cooking level.

Traditionally, he who cooks in camp doesn’t do the picking up, but don’t let that worry you if you’re on the clean-up crew. The Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has made it easy to wipe off the porcelain-coated cast iron grates. When using the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove for cooking the open-air hotdogs and hamburgers, don’t concern yourself with the possibilities of excess grease and meat that may stick to the grill. Simply thoroughly clean after each use and then treat the grill with some spray oil, and you’ll be ready for the next meal. Because of the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove’s excellent temperature control and 375 square inches of cooking space, grilling out a lot of food at one time is no longer a challenge. You can put the matches away as well because the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has a convenient built-in igniter for a quick, easy, and safe start.

While cooking on the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove, your food can be stored on the strong side shelves; however, these will need to be purchased separately. They have easy-to-wipe, stainless steel tops that hold additional food without the fear of spilling or grounding your dinner. Much like your at-home grill, the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove also comes complete with hooks to support large grilling spatulas, spoons, forks, tongs, and scrapers. The camp cook can plan lots of hot meals during your trip because the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove operates on a long-lasting 16.4 ounce propane canister, which you can find at almost any local store that carries standard propane containers.

Although the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove has sturdy legs for stability and balance, the manufacturers have also given you the choice to remove the legs and cook on its surface placed directly on the top of a picnic table or the bed of a pick-up truck. The legs are easily removed for just such use, and when you’re done the legs and shelves of the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove can be stored beneath the grill. This makes transporting your stove just as easy and convenient as set-up and disassembly. Once you have taken it apart, the stainless steel lid closes and locks so there is no danger created by flipping or tipping in your vehicle. With the exception of the side tables and the propane canister, the Camp Chef MVP Sport Grill/Stove can be yours for as little as $250. 
 

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment

Camping trips with babies rarely go perfect the first time but you can avoid a lot of serious complications with a bit of practice and planning.  In the long run, camping with babies can be a blast as they are generally adaptable and sleep more than toddlers. 

The Practice Trip
The wise parent will make the first camping trip with a baby a short two night adventure near your home.  This allows your baby the chance to become comfortable with the outdoors without over-doing it.

A longer trip can become disorienting for the baby as the little one has to adapt to the longer car ride.  This takes training and patience and you probably don't want to start off your first camping trip with a screaming baby.  Another word of advice is to pick a spot without extreme temperatures.  Even tiny babies can put up with almost anything you might expose them to, but you will have to work harder to keep them comfortable.

Heat seems to be the extreme to avoid.  You can keep a baby warm on snowy nights but it's hard to cool an unhappy baby in 95 degrees Fahrenheit and infants under 6 months of age should not wear sun screen unless your pediatrician recommends it.  Even a baby kept in the shade can be exposed to a great deal of reflected sunlight.

Remember, babies require a great deal of equipment and supplies.  If you forget something dire or realize that something you left home would really be handy you can always go home and get it if your first camping trip is close to home rather than 200 miles away. 

Camping with a baby is always entertaining, but it may be quite a bit different than the trips you are used to taking.  Give yourself a chance to get used to the changes.  Plan to arrive at your campsite long before dark as even babies need time to acclimate to their new surroundings.  You will also need time in the daylight to set up your tent and get situated.  Even if you have set up your tent 100 times you may find it more difficult with your new addition.  It is wise to have a tent that one person can set up alone if it becomes necessary.  A leisurely evening in your campsite will allow your baby to feel comfortable and secure.

When packing for your practice trip go overboard.  Pack more clothes than you think you will need.  More formula or baby food, more diapers, more wipes, etc.  You can never have too many diapers or wet wipes.  If you haven't already discovered how handy having wipes can be, you'll find out on a camping trip.  Disposable diapers aren't environmentally sound, so PLEASE throw them into a trash can or dumpster WITH a lid.  

This is your chance to see what you'll really need.  Worry about packing space on your next trip.  It is recommended that you pack lots of clothes but not too many items that are really heavy or bulky.  It is better to layer lighter clothing.
Temperatures will fluctuate throughout each day and it is easier to add a layer or remove a layer of clothing when the climate changes than to re-dress your baby five times a day.  Snap-crotch garments for your little one are a real plus here as it is difficult to change the diaper of a camping baby without them and they will stay warmer on cold nights if they don’t need to be stripped down for every diaper change.

When thinking of feeding your baby, think safety first.  Pre made formula is expensive but sterile.  Powders are convenient but can be hard to mix at campground faucets and some campgrounds have questionable water sources.  The biggest concern is keeping prepared formula cold.  If you are in an RV with refrigeration it's no problem, however, tent campers, please be careful!
Keeping bottles clean can present another problem.  I suggest a bottle with a disposable liner.  If you use regular bottles don't forget a bottle brush!

So you have had a successful first camping trip with your baby, taken notes, made adjustments and are now ready for the real thing.  For your first real camping trip away from home it is recommended to choose a campground where you have camped before.  This way you will know what facilities the park offers and there won’t be any surprises.  Plan your trip with plenty of time to spare.   Just getting to your camping spot will usually take a lot longer than you may anticipate.  With a baby diaper changes and an occasional stretch are a requirement.  The best thing about camping with a baby is watching your child's reactions to the elements.  A tree, a cloud or a flower can keep a baby happy for hours and provide great photo opts for mom and dad.  So don't plan a day full of activities and hikes, just relax and enjoy, take lots of pictures, go to sleep early and be prepared to get up at dawn.  No matter how late you put your baby to bed, they will always get up at sunrise when you camp!

Even though you try, you can't always control your baby’s moods and other campers simply don't want to listen to a screaming baby.  Do your best to be a good neighbor and try to figure out what your little one is trying to communicate.  PLEASE DO NOT let your baby cry and cry and cry.  Keep your cool and don’t get frustrated.  Sometimes the baby’s portable bassinet or car seat that they are already used to is a good and secure sleeping place for your baby and both fit nicely in the tent.

Let the little ones age 6 months – 3 years sit in their stroller around the campfire.  This will allow them be a part of the activity and also keeps them safe and in a familiar environment as long as you ensure the sparks and smoke from the fire are not blowing in their direction.  Do not let youngsters get over tired while camping.  To the best of your ability, keep them on their home routine of taking naps, eating regular meals and observing regular bedtimes.  This will help reduce the crankiness that can result in the crying/noise for those around you.

Make the camping experience fun by allowing the baby to get dirty and messy.  It is hard on everyone if everything is off limits and someone is always saying don't touch that, don't get dirty, don't, don't, don't.  Enjoy your kids when they are small, they don't stay that way long.
 

Tags: Camping, camping basics, camping with kids