By Ian Kurz (from http://www.everything-about-camping.com )

Have you thought about which camping lantern would be the best one for your camping trip? Sure it’s nice to be out by the fire at night but when you need to rummage through your tent then the fire doesn’t help you out like a lantern will.

I can remember camping with my family when I was just a young boy. We had a camping lantern that required a liquid fuel and my father would be constantly warning me to stay away from it for fear of knocking it over and spreading fire everywhere. Fortunately there is a multitude for you to choose from these days so we don’t need to have those specific fears.

All the same, most lanterns on the market these days still have flame whether they use candles or propane fuel or LPG gas. With that in mind you still need to be aware that even though they may not be the spilling hazard they were years ago, they can still become very hot and still cause fires if not used correctly.

I’ve seen some lanterns that are battery operated and have fluorescent type lights. This type of lantern is perfect for the true urbanite that is just trying to get away with their family for the weekend. A lantern like this is obviously far more kid friendly and you would have no worries at all using one. The only problem with this type of lantern is the battery life and the fact that battery disposal is somewhat harsh on the environment. If you’re opting for a battery operated lantern then it would be a good idea to look into some sort of LED technology. These little lights last for an incredible number of hours from their battery source. You could even consider using rechargable batteries and a solar charger to keep them usable every night.

For the outright good lighting type of camping lantern I would opt for some sort of gas lantern. Coleman is the obvious first choice for many campers but if you’re hiking or canoe tripping then you may want to consider something compatible with LPG fuel. Not because they really give a better light but because they’re smaller and easier to carry. The Coleman lantern would barely fit into a backpack. The Coleman ones work very well though and like the LPG models have adjustable flame heights so you can ensure it lasts’ longer.

My personal favorite camping lantern is the candle lantern. These guys are small and light and in my opinion the greatest camping gadget ever. They’re a telescoping tube that takes a specially formulated candle that burns for up to nine hours. The candle burns all night long and the flame height is regulated by the spring that pushes the candle upward as it melts away. The candles are designed to be essentially dripless and smokeless which is a plus because when they’re burned up you don’t have to worry about lugging around empty fuel cans out of your campsite. All that will be left is a half inch of wax and because it’s designed to burn you can pretty much throw it in your fire to let it melt away. These offer enough light to read by but not so much that it hurts your eyes if you wake up in the night (I use one in my tent overnight). I don’t recommend fire in your tent but if you do decide to use them you’ll find that on top of giving you some light they’ll help dry out the condensated air from your breathing which helps get rid of that “wet sleeping bag in the morning” feeling. Also they may give a few degrees of temperature to the inside of your tent which is a bonus if you’re camping in the spring or in the fall.

No matter what type of camping lantern you choose,you need to be aware that if you bring batteries or fuel cans to a campsite, you need to take them with you when you leave. Our parks and forests won’t stay beautiful with people leaving their junk all over them. Be responsible.

By Steven Gillman (from http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com)

What kind of sleeping bag should you get? That depends on how you will use it. Of course, it also depends on what your budget is. So decide what you can spend, and then consider the following six questions before you go shopping.

1. What is the coldest weather you will be camping in?

If your backpacking is limited to the summer months, you can probably get away with any sleeping bag rated down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Otherwise, consider your future plans and get a bag that will work at the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. If it is too warm for summer use, you can always open it up like a blanket and lay it loosely over yourself so it won’t hold in so much heat. Another alternative is to buy one bag for winter trips and one for summer.

2. What kinds of conditions will you be camping in?

The conditions you can expect will determine what fill is best for you. If you will always be backpacking in the northwest, and so possibly getting wet most of the time, you don’t want down. It loses most of its insulating ability when wet. A good synthetic fill is better. On the other hand, if you will be camping most of the time in the desert southwest, a down sleeping bag is the lightest (and most compressible) option available. My own down bag weighs just 17 ounces, stuffs into a bread bag, and has kept me warm to below freezing. If you are careful you can keep any bag dry, but it is tough in some conditions, so ask yourself where you’ll be going, and how good you are at staying dry.

3. How claustrophobic are you?

Some people really can’t get comfortable in a mummy bag. They need room to move around. If you aren’t sure how you feel about this, there is one way to find out: get in those bags. See if you feel good in a snug mummy. Borrow one and spend a night in it if you have to. A good mummy is the warmest sleeping bag you can get for the weight, but semi-rectangular may be better for comfort.

4. How big are you?

If you are tall, be sure you can fit comfortably in that sleeping bag with the hood closed. What if you are too big for a tight mummy bag? Try a rectangular or semi-rectangular one.

5. How heavy is the sleeping bag?

Even if you are not into ultralight backpacking, there is no reason to carry too much weight if it isn’t necessary. A decent summer sleeping bag shouldn’t weigh more than about three pounds. To get down to the weight of my down bag (17 ounces) you’ll have to spend more. A winter bag will be heavier because of the additional filling, but in any case, compare the various bags according to their temperature ratings and total weight (with the stuff sack if you’ll be using it).

6. How packable is it?

No filling invented yet is as compressible as down. For that reason, if you use a small backpack, you may want to consider a down sleeping bag. Some synthetics can be packed in compression sacks to reduce their volume, but this can eventually damage the filling and so reduce the bags insulating ability. Also, a compression sack adds more weight to your load. It is probably better to simply put a large synthetic-fill bag on the outside of the pack.

There are certainly other specific questions to ask about sleeping bags as you look at them. A zipper that opens at the bottom is nice for those with hot feet. A water-resistant shell can keep dripping tent condensation from wetting the filling of the sleeping bag, or allow dew to be shaken off in the morning if camping in the open. There are many other features you might find too, but start with the six questions above to quickly narrow down the options.

By: Chris Morris (from http://www.camping-tent-guide.com)

Been shopping for a new camping tent? Wonder what 3-season or 4-season means? Confused about what a family tent or convertible tent classification means? Let’s try to cut through all the marketing lingo and get down to what you should really look for when you see camping tent ratings or classifications.

When you get right down to it, you should think of a camping tent as either 3-season or 4-season. So what’s in a name?

Generally speaking your average 3-season tent is built to hold up well in light to moderate weather conditions. They are built to be comfortable in Spring, Summer and Fall in most any location, hence the name 3-season.

Three-season tents are generally more affordable than 4-season. You will find a vast range of 3-season tent quality from the cheap units found in big retail stores to expensive models found in specialty camping stores.

The downside of 3-season tents? These tents do not hold up well in high winds, torrential rain and heavy snowfall. 3-season tents are generally not the tent of choice for backcountry expeditions through Alaska in January.

The best 3-season tents generally come with a waterproof rain fly and a breathable canopy. Ideally you want to find a three season tent with a waterproof floor. The rugged “bathtub” floor is generally reserved for the more expensive four season tent (but not always).

Four season tents are great for just about any weather condition that you may encounter, assuming its winter. The 4-season rating really should be classified as 1-season. Why? Because a quality 4-season tent performs great in winter conditions but may suffer from over-insulation in the summer months.

Structurally 4-season tents generally have at least four aluminum poles for strength (the more the better) to withstand sleet and snow. They are aerodynamic in design and typically they are dark colored in order to absorb heat. And they are generally much lighter.

The roof lines on four season tents are fully defined and very strong so water and snow cannot collect on top of the tent. Most four season tents can be utilized free standing in the event there is no place to pound stakes into the ground such as on the side of a mountain or in frozen terrain.

Four season tents have a fully encompassing rainfly to combat the elements. They also have excellent waterproof floors that are called “bathtubs” as they come up to about six inches on the side of the tent. Additionaly the seams are very hardy and strong throughout the tent.

The downside to the 4-season tent? Price. You can end up paying a hefty sum for the technology built in to keep you protected.

Also, as I alluded to above, if you are camping in the middle of summer you will want air movement through your tent to keep things cooler. 4-season tents are generally made to inhibit the elements from cutting through the camping tent, which is great in the winter and not so great in balmy summer.

So where does a family tent fit into these ratings? A family tent is simply a 3-season tent.

What’s going on with a convertible 3-4 season tent? This kind of tent generally has some sort of built in airflow ventilator. I would not take this type tent into the backcountry where survival was important. If the ventilator malfunctioned and it would not close, you could become an unhappy camper pretty fast.

Bottom line: The 3-season tent is the recommended choice for the majority of campers. It is the most cost effective tent and will allow the user to camp in a variety of conditions up to, but not including, severe winter weather conditions.

If you camp from Spring, Summer and Fall, a 3-season camping tent will fill your needs. If you camp where severe winter weather is possible then you should be getting a 4-season camping tent.

By: Jonkelly (from www.worldsolarpanels.com)

No matter what you are planning to do, there is probably a solar system available to help you generating power. On increasingly popular choice is RV solar panels, which can help you run these large vehicles off the power of the sun. If you are interested in helping to save money as well as help the environment, you should research your options for what kind of RV solar panels are available.

RV solar panels are a component of an electrical system which converts light from the sun into electricity. This electricity is used to charge the RV batteries and are capable of running all the basics in your RV, including the lighting and appliances. On great advantage of using RV solar panels is that you can travel to a wider variety of locations. No longer will you have to worry about finding a source of power for your vehicles when you travel. As long as the sun is shining, you will be taking your power with you.

Thousands of companies in countries around the world now offer different RV solar panels for your convenience. When you decide to make the purchase, spend time researching which options are available to you so you can buy the best system and the lowest possible price.

Alpine Survival

Alpine Survival is one of the top choices for people looking to purchase RV solar panels. The RV solar panels that they sell are durable, lightweight, and easy to transport. One of the benefits of these and other top of the line solar panels is that they continue to generate electricity even if they are in partial shade.

Even the clumsy need not worry about the durability of Alpine Survival RV solar panels. You can pack them up and transport them without worrying about breaking them. They are so durable that it has been reported that dropping them and stepping on them still does not cause them to be ruined (although I would not recommend trying)! These RV solar panels have a unique design with lightweight construction and a nylon fabric covering which allows the entire unit to be folded into the size of a book. This makes them perfect to store and transport.

Mr. Solar

Another brand to consider when purchasing RV solar panels is Mr. Solar. They sell many of the most high efficiency brand names and kits, including such reliable names as Sharp, Sanyo, Photowatt, Mitsubishi, BP, GE, and more. This selection of RV solar panels and kits will ensure that you can find the exact one you want for your RV.

If you love to travel, RV solar panels are the perfect option. Your trips will be more convenient because you will no longer have to base your destination on where you can find a power source. Not only that, but you will save money by reducing your use of a traditional gas generator. With rising fuel prices, RV solar panels make practical sense for any traveler.

By: Andrew Stratton (from www.bankstonmotorhomes.com)

Just imagine standing there, looking up at a giant tree that rises above you into the sky. Even the huckleberries are several feet over your head. Standing among these giants really puts life in perspective, and the hush of the forest floor is so quiet that your footsteps sound like thunder.

Welcome to the California Redwoods, part of a unique ecosystem that includes these ancient trees as well as some of California’s prettiest coastline. In the Redwood forest, you can go biking, rafting, fishing, swimming or picnicking, but just walking around among these gigantic trees is enough of a mind-blower for most people.

If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, you can see the sights without leaving your car or motor home on one of the park’s scenic drives. The most famous of these is the Avenue of the Giants. If the name gives you any indication, it’s pretty spectacular.

Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles of Highway 101 about 5 hours north of San Francisco. Without even leaving your motor home, you will see some of the biggest trees in the entire forest. The Avenue is also close to the Humboldt National Forest, where the oldest stand of virgin old-growth redwood trees is still standing.

Then again, if you do want to get out and walk among the giants, there are trailheads all along the way. Any time you see a sign for a trail, pull off and take it. Wherever it takes you, it will be spectacular and well worth the walking. There are also lots of great places to stop and picnic.

The Avenue of the Giants is also dotted with quaint little towns where you can stop along the way to eat, pick up souvenirs or get more information about these huge trees.

You’ve probably seen the pictures of the Shrine Drive-Thru tree. That is located in Myers Flat, and there is a turn-off in the Avenues for it. Here you can drive through one of these massive trees!

But, the redwoods are more than just trees. They are part of an entire ecosystem, including prairies, rivers and coastline as well. There are places like the Klamath River Overlook, where you can look down on the spot where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. You may also catch sight of jumping salmon, sun-bathing sea lions, flying sea-birds, seals and even gray whales.

In this pristine environment there are a variety of protected wildlife, like the Roosevelt elk, gray whales, black bears and sea anemones. There are also lots of interesting little critters, like the massive banana slugs, so named because of their bright color and fruit-size.

The California redwoods are a great destination for motor home travelers, and there are some wonderful campgrounds where you can stay.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is open from May 1st to September 30th, and is located right in the middle of the forest. There are 145 sites that allow both tents and RVs, but there are restrictions on how long the motor homes can be. Call them for more information and reservations.

The campground at Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park is open year around and its more than 100 sites accommodate RVs. There are no hookups, though, and they also have length restrictions. Call ahead for more information.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has 2 campgrounds which are both quite a bit smaller than the others. One has 75 sites and the smaller one has 25 and doesn’t allow trailers. Prairie Creek is great for those who really want to get away and prefer slightly more rugged accommodations.

Everyone should see the redwoods at least once. You won’t believe it!

By: Andrew Stratton (from www.bankstonmotorhomes.com)

Just imagine standing there, looking up at a giant tree that rises above you into the sky. Even the huckleberries are several feet over your head. Standing among these giants really puts life in perspective, and the hush of the forest floor is so quiet that your footsteps sound like thunder.

Welcome to the California Redwoods, part of a unique ecosystem that includes these ancient trees as well as some of California’s prettiest coastline. In the Redwood forest, you can go biking, rafting, fishing, swimming or picnicking, but just walking around among these gigantic trees is enough of a mind-blower for most people.

If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, you can see the sights without leaving your car or motor home on one of the park’s scenic drives. The most famous of these is the Avenue of the Giants. If the name gives you any indication, it’s pretty spectacular.

Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles of Highway 101 about 5 hours north of San Francisco. Without even leaving your motor home, you will see some of the biggest trees in the entire forest. The Avenue is also close to the Humboldt National Forest, where the oldest stand of virgin old-growth redwood trees is still standing.

Then again, if you do want to get out and walk among the giants, there are trailheads all along the way. Any time you see a sign for a trail, pull off and take it. Wherever it takes you, it will be spectacular and well worth the walking. There are also lots of great places to stop and picnic.

The Avenue of the Giants is also dotted with quaint little towns where you can stop along the way to eat, pick up souvenirs or get more information about these huge trees.

You’ve probably seen the pictures of the Shrine Drive-Thru tree. That is located in Myers Flat, and there is a turn-off in the Avenues for it. Here you can drive through one of these massive trees!

But, the redwoods are more than just trees. They are part of an entire ecosystem, including prairies, rivers and coastline as well. There are places like the Klamath River Overlook, where you can look down on the spot where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. You may also catch sight of jumping salmon, sun-bathing sea lions, flying sea-birds, seals and even gray whales.

In this pristine environment there are a variety of protected wildlife, like the Roosevelt elk, gray whales, black bears and sea anemones. There are also lots of interesting little critters, like the massive banana slugs, so named because of their bright color and fruit-size.

The California redwoods are a great destination for motor home travelers, and there are some wonderful campgrounds where you can stay.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is open from May 1st to September 30th, and is located right in the middle of the forest. There are 145 sites that allow both tents and RVs, but there are restrictions on how long the motor homes can be. Call them for more information and reservations.

The campground at Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park is open year around and its more than 100 sites accommodate RVs. There are no hookups, though, and they also have length restrictions. Call ahead for more information.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has 2 campgrounds which are both quite a bit smaller than the others. One has 75 sites and the smaller one has 25 and doesn’t allow trailers. Prairie Creek is great for those who really want to get away and prefer slightly more rugged accommodations.

Everyone should see the redwoods at least once. You won’t believe it!

By :  Jillian Smith  (from Backpacking Trip Planner site)

Are you interested in taking a trip? Whether you want to your trip to be alone, with your friends, with your family, or even just with your romantic partner, you will need to find a place to visit, as well as activities to participate in. If you have yet to decide what you would like to do for your next trip, have you ever though about going camping and hiking? When alone, camping and hiking are both fun filled activities, but when combined, they are, literally, the perfect combination.

Although it is nice to know that hiking and camping are the perfect combination, you may be wondering exactly why that is. If you are, you will find that there are an unlimited number of reasons as to why hiking and camping are the perfect fit for each other and the perfect way to spend your next vacation. For reasons as to why you should give camping and hiking a try, you will want to continue reading on.

As previously stated, camping and hiking are things that just seem to fit together. This is apparent in a number of different ways. For instance, hiking trails are commonly found in areas or establishments that are referred to as hiking parks. Hiking parks, especially large popular ones, often have their own onsite campgrounds. You will also find that most public campground parks have at least one or two hiking trials on them. The fact that hiking and camping experts automatically pair hiking and camping together is a sign that camping and hiking really are the perfect combination.

Another reason why camping and hiking may be perfect for your next trip or vacation is because they are both designed for individuals of all ages. This is important, especially if you are looking for something to do with your family. Children of all ages, as well as adults, enjoy both camping and hiking. In fact, in the United States, you will find that hiking trials come in a number of different difficulty levels. For instance, it is more than possible to find hiking trails that are designed for beginners. These types of hiking trials would be ideal, in most cases, for young children or elderly individuals.

The cost of hiking and camping are another one of the many reasons why they make the perfect combination, as well as why they may be perfect for your next trip, vacation, or adventure. Hiking and camping are both affordable activities for you to participate in. In fact, if you decide to make a reservation at a public campground park, you will likely find that you are able to go hiking, on an onsite trail, free of charge. The same may even be said for if you visited a hiking park and decided to stay overnight. While many activities may end up being free for you, you will see that it all depends on the establishment in question.

If you are interested in combining hiking and camping to make the perfect adventure for you, your family, your friends, or you and your romantic partner, you may want to think about making your arrangements in advance. Hiking and camping are both popular activities in the United States. While you may not necessarily need to make reservations to go hiking, you may need to make them if you plan on camping overnight at a hiking park or in a public campground. In fact, the earlier that you make your reservations, the more choices you may have, as many establishments allow you to handpick your own camping spots.

As you can see, there are a number of different reasons as to why hiking and camping make the perfect combination, as well as why they would be great for your next vacation, trip, or adventure. Hiking and camping is something that you may at least want to think about discussing with your traveling party. Once it is mentioned, you may be surprised with just how many people would like to give this perfect combination a try.

By Abhishek Agarwal (from http://Camping-Guru.com )

It will soon dawn on you that camping equipment can cost you your first born, and this is especially true if you are a first timer to the activity. This is because you will be inexperienced when it comes to deciding on the equipment you need and the salesman at the store will take full advantage of this fact.

In the end you will end up buying things you never really needed for the trip. The first thing you need to consider is your very basic needs, such as; sleeping equipment (preferably a sleeping bag), tent, maps, perhaps a few cooking utensils and a backpack to carry it all in. All of these you can put together yourself without much difficulty.

As far as the sleeping bag is concerned a little practice and you can make one yourself out of material readily available at the local stores. Making a tent is possible with the help of a few do-it-yourself kits that will cost a fraction of the amount it will to get yourself a ready made camping kit. There are many online portals as well as books that can teach you all you need to know about camping, theoretically I mean.

The actual knowledge will come from practical experience. These online tutorials and books will guide you in a definite way about making your own home made camping gear. If you are a first-timer you will get first hand knowledge from experienced campers about the particular necessary items you need to include in your home made camping gear. Most of the items you will probably be able to find around the house. Using these items instead of purchasing them from the market will save you a huge amount of cash.

You should try to make your own tent or shelter, using easily available plastic material or lightweight canvas. A few poles, string and some pegs will complete the tent. A little indigenous work and effort and you will be able to put together collapsible poles that you can pack away in your backpack.

Then comes the cooking part of the gear, which includes some sort of fire power (to cook your grub, I mean), an old aluminum lined cardboard box will do just fine to keep the wind from blowing out the fire. Placing this around the fire will keep the flames going quite strong. A few metal coat hangers will suffice to roast some canned food and a small kettle to make a warm drink.

Whatever your preparations, you should try to camp somewhere near your home just in case you need to get back in a hurry. A couple of camping trips done and you will be experienced enough to rearrange your homemade camping gear in a way to go on overnight camping trips to places you have never been before.

If you are backpacking across Europe, it’s important to pack only the essentials. Even if you are a clotheshorse or fashion guru, it’s just not possible to lug around a ton of heavy bags while traveling on foot. As long as you keep the mundane stuff like clothes and shoes down to a minimum, you can make room for a few extras in your backpack that will make your vacation more enjoyable.

Here are our top picks for what to include in your backpack if you have room:

Lonely Planet Guide. These travel guides are the Bible for economy travelers. They can be chunky, but we just don’t have the heart to tear pages out of these books. They are well-written, interesting, and fun to read. You won’t want to miss a single page.

Global Positioning Device. This is such a cool electronic gadget when you’re doing a lot of walking from town to town. It’s also handy to have when you don’t want to lug around a bunch of different maps. You’ll find yourself relying on it more and more as you navigate around the globe.

Travel towels. If you’ll be staying in hostels while you backpack across various countries, you’ll appreciate having at least one travel towel. Although you can rent the towels available at hostels, they aren’t always appealing. Travel towels are also great if you are caught in an unexpected downpour or need to wash up in a public restroom. They dry quickly and fit into a tiny corner of your backpack.

Photos of friends and family. We know you won’t forget what your family looks like and we aren’t getting sentimental. Having a few snapshots with you is a great icebreaker when you’re traveling. Backpacking is the perfect opportunity to meet locals and strike up conversations. You’ll be amazed by how people warm up to you when you pull out a few pictures of your family and friends from “back home.”

Inflatable neck pillow. Trust us on this one, you’ll find yourself sleeping somewhere uncomfortable at least once while backpacking. It may be a metro station, a beach, or the back seat of a bus. When you’re curled-up tight and shoved into a corner, you’ll be thanking the stars you thought to bring an inflatable pillow so you sleep without getting a permanent crick in your neck.

Compass. It’s not just for camping. When you are lost in downtown London, trying to decipher a map and not sure which way you are facing, you can get your bearings by picking landmark and using your compass. Is Big Ben to the North or South of where you’re standing? That’s a good start for figuring out where you are.

Power bars and granola. The reason you’re walking across Europe with a backpack slung over your shoulder is to save money while you take in the sights. One of the biggest expenditures you’ll have is food, so stock your bag with power bars and granola. If you substitute one of these high-energy goodies for a meal each day, your savings could add up and you may be able to extend your trip.

Rain poncho. A lightweight vinyl or plastic rain poncho can fold into a tiny square and is amazingly versatile. Apart from the obvious protection from rain, you can also use your rain poncho as a tarp for picnic lunches, to wrap up wet items when you pack, and as a place to lay out clothing to dry overnight.

When you start packing, lay out everything that is essential first, and then add the items from this list that you’d like to take. See what fits and go from there. Pare things down until you get your bag to a manageable weight and you’re ready to go. Remember - the less you take, the more you’ll enjoy the trip.

By Kari O’brienli (from Oregon Family Camp and  Rogue River Rafting )

Cooking outdoors is a very easy task with a little preparation and planning. If you are planning a rafting or camping trip, there are a few things to remember before you head out to the wilderness, and a few things that can turn a great riverside camp meal into a tantalizing, mouthwatering treat.

First, check your cooking equipment and make sure it is clean and well organized before heading outdoors. Include common utensils and equipment like spatula, turner, large serving spoons, knives, forks, spoons, plates, bowls, cups, coffee pot, cooking pots, pans, (preferably cast iron skillet and Dutch oven), lids, and plastic bags. Utensils can be stored separately in plastic Ziploc bags or long, thin plastic containers with lids. Stack cups inside bowls and pots and pans to utilize all areas of space and remember, you can stack upside down too! Once the tools of the trade are collected, be sure that your cook stove is clean and all working parts are present, including propane, regulator, briquettes, matches or lighter. A few other essentials to include in the cook tubs are pot holders or gloves, foil, cutting board, clean dish towels and scrubbers, dish soap, garbage bags, bleach and a flashlight.

Secondly, plan a menu for each meal of each day that you will be cooking outside. It is easiest to plan the menu by days and meals. For example, Day 1: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks; Day 2: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, etc. Once you have your menu planned you can easily make the list of ingredients that go into each meal or snack. Break the list into categories like meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, dry goods and so on, until you have a complete list of supplies you need to pack. This list can also double as a shopping guide. Perishable items like meats should be frozen ahead of time and packed together in a cooler along with other items that need to be kept cold like milk or cheese. Be sure to pack frozen water bottles, or recycled juice bottles full of frozen water to keep ice chest temperatures cold. It is also a good idea to keep a small thermometer in the cooler so that you know temperatures are appropriate to prevent food spoilage. Crushed ice is added after everything else is packed into the cooler, and it is best to pack drinks in a cooler separate from the perishables cooler.

Now that everything is prepared and organized, a few other pantry items are pertinent to note. Add to the dry goods staples items such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, sugar in a mason jar with screwed down lid, an additional empty pint sized mason jar with lid, vanilla flavoring, other favorite herbs and spices including cinnamon and nutmeg, Pam, or your favorite brand of non stick cooking spray, tea, coffee and hot cocoa. These items can fit into a small storage tub with a lid and labeled as Preferred Pantry! In the cold cooler, be sure to add heavy whipped cream in a mason jar with lid, butter, milk and half and half.

Next comes the cooking. Take the time to organize the camp kitchen. Set up a hand washing station with water, pump soap and clean towel. Unpack tools and utensils so they are easy to reach, yet discretely out of the way. Prepare the garbage/recycle station before you start to cook. If you are using a small grill, set it up and check to make sure it works, and that you have placed it in a well ventilated area. Open coolers as little as possible to keep things cold. As the cooking begins, remember you are working at a slower pace than the stove at home. If using a campfire to cook, smoke will enhance and flavor meats and grilled vegetables with an unbelievably delightful flavor. When food finishes cooking, transfer to a plate and cover with a lid or aluminum foil to retain heat and flavor.

Finally, an impromptu treat of Same Day Cobbler is made possible by the supplies included in the pre-trip preparations. In August, there are many ripe blackberries. Pick a quart or two of the wild berries. Rinse and place the berries into a Dutch oven. Sprinkle with sugar and use about one tablespoon of butter and dot the berries. If berries aren’t available, pack a can or two of peaches. After that, mix up the cobbler topping using the pancake mix you brought along. Add a few tablespoons of sugar to the mix, and mix with milk until t it is the consistency of a drop biscuit. Drop the cobbler dough on top of the berries or peaches. Sprinkle the top with a teaspoon full of sugar, put on the lid and bake in a Dutch Oven until you can see and smell the steam escaping from the top. While the cobbler is baking, fill a mason jar two-thirds full of heavy whipping cream. Add a dash of sugar, a touch of vanilla and screw the lid on tight. Now it is time for more fun! Pass the jar of whipping cream around the camp fire. As each person shakes it, watch your family and friends make whipped cream! When the Same Day Cobbler has finished cooking, serve with a little whipped cream. Enjoy!

Cooking outdoors can be very enjoyable and delicious. It contributes to the relaxing rhythm of an outdoor adventure and invites others to share in the work, or keep you company while you are cooking. Be sure to clean up, wipe down and store all unused food. Outdoor cooking is an integral element of rafting and camping. It enriches the experience, slows the pace and enhances the flavors of food. Enjoy what comes along and be sure to share the joy of cooking at the camp fire!