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What To Bring Camping

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Your Camping List for Your Camping Adventures

Camping! Just the word alone can bring different visions to each individual as there are as many varieties of camping as there are people. The camping list for a camping adventure will vary as the needs for every type of camping vary. Getting away from it all to the great outdoors is the adventure that many people dream of doing. If you have never been camping before, and don't know what to bring camping, or if you are a seasoned camper looking for a camping list to update your old camp list, the camping lists that I have provided below are sure to help anyone get ideas to fit their camping needs and camping styles. Read on to discover camping lists for a variety of camping styles.

I Love Sitting By the Campfire 

Camping Creates Wonderful Childhood Memories!

On thing that is universal for all camping adventures is that the trip gives everyone the chance to experience wildlife firsthand. Campers can experience many different types of activities in the wild such as hunting, fishing, plant study, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain climbing, trail biking, nature photography, natural crafts and wildlife studies.

There is a natural comradery that develops amongst campers especially at night when everyone has a full belly and has gathered around the campfire. Campfire singing and story telling are almost a ceremony in itself for celebrating the end of a well spent day. And what camper doesn't have wonderful childhood memories of roasting marshmellows over a campfire and making smores while singing or telling ghost stories?

What Kind of Camping Gear Should I Bring?

camping listKnowing the right camping gear and supplies to take with you on your summer camping trip will all depend on what kind of camping adventure you are planning.

On this lens I will cover some of the most popular camping types and adventures and include basic lists of what will be needed to bring along on your camping trip.

Whether you like to backpack into the wilderness, set up a large tent with all of the comforts of home, jump on your Harley for a road trip or hop into an RV with hook-up electricity at a KOA park, there are essentials you need to bring along.

As everyones recreational needs are different you will have to add to the basic camping list or take away from it, to match your own ideas of camping fun and relaxation.

If you are backpacking, obviously you won't be taking a 15-inch cast iron skillet or a cast iron Dutch oven. I have added a more basic list for backpackers too.

Photo from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Camping List

Again, it depends on what kind of camping trip you are going on, but we will begin with what you will take in the car and you can downsize as you see fit.

Each item listed is a link that you can click to see an example of the item you may need for your next camping trip.
Coleman Camp Stove
When we go camping with a large group we take several cooking options along and they all get used! We take a a round grill to throw over the fire. We bring wood for the fire unless we are allowed to chop wood at the camp site. We also have a cook stove like this one and we bring a hibachi.
Hibachi
This is a fantastic hibachi that is easy to travel with.
Portable Fire Pit Grate
If you don't already have a portable grate to go over the open fire, this ia a real nice one that should last for years.
Campfire Starters
I like the magnesium fire starters, but I usually carry waterproof matches, too, just in case.
15" Cast Iron Skillet
I like to take a 15" cast iron skillet as it is large enough to cook pancakes, or bacon and eggs for a group. You can also fry fresh caught fish in it if the grill is full.

In my opinion the Lodge Logic and the Camp Chef SK are the best cast iron skillets you can buy new today.

Click Here to Learn How to Clean Cast Iron Skillets and Dutch Ovens.
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
I bring along a cast iron Dutch oven exactly like this one (except that it is much older) to cook stews, or cook beans and bake biscuits right over the fire. I have even baked bread and pies in them, buried in the coals of the campfire!
Camping Axe
Bringing an axe along is just good sense. You never know what you might need it for, but it almost always comes in handy! Think chopping firewood.
Camp Lanterns
Battery Free Crank Lanterns are excellent as you never need a battery or fuel. They are much better for the environment and easier on the pocketbook, however some folks would rather use something else.

Solar camping lanterns are another environmentally safe alternative to fuel or battery operated lanterns.

This link takes you to an Amazon page of lanterns that include battery operated, propane and kerosene. I do recommend the crank lanterns.
Flashlights
Flashlights are another necessity. Here are a large assortment to choose from.
Tent Light
A tent light is not a necessity, but is nice to have. If you are backpacking and need to limit your weight I would forgo this little luxury. This is the most inexpensive one I could find, made by Coleman at only $10
Rope
Rope is one of those things that often get forgotten, but comes in handy for a lot of things such as stringing between two trees for a clothes line to hang wet swimming suits and towels. I have also used it to drape blankets to set up a shady spot for little ones to play out of the sun.
Folding Shovel
You will need a shovel to dig a fire pit or a latreen if you are really roughing it. If you are in an area that rains a lot you will need a shovel to dig a moat around the tent to direct water away from the tent to prevent your tent from flooding.
Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
I love this tool! I carry mine in my purse where ever I go. It has so many uses I have never once regretted its purchase and have blessed its existence too many times to count.
Ice Chest
You will need ice chest or coolers to keep your food cold. Click this link and Amazon has as many varieties as there are personalities, 3 pages worth. You are sure to find one or several that fit your needs.
First Aid Kit
Amazon has some real nice first aide kits on this page and it is one of the "must haves" on any camping trip as you never know when someone will have an accident or just plain dumb out!

You can get by with making up one yourself in a Tupperware, or other waterproof container, just don't forget to pack the Neosporin!

You might find one of these Survival Kits a handy thing to have around too.
Camp Shower
A camp shower is a nice thing to have if there are not any public showers where you are camping, however they are not a necessity especially if you are backpacking or biking.

You can make do by heating water on the stove or fire and using a bowl of warm water and a wash cloth for a sponge bath. Coffee cups work well to brush your teeth too.
Water Containers
Having water containers is an absolute necessity when camping, for not only drinking (obviously), but also to bath, cook, wash dishes, clean wounds and put out fires.
Bug Spray
Last but not least on our list of necessities for camping is bug spray. I don't know about you, but I am a magnet for bug bites and I am allergic to the bites too. If there is a biting bug around it will find me and even the littlest mosquito bite or no-see-um bite will swell up like a balloon and pain me for days. The only stuff that works on me is the nasty stuff; the more DEET the better. Avon only attracts more on me, it doesn't repel them.

This product is 18% DEET, and I think should be safe on children. When I buy repellent over the counter, I go to the hunting supply section of the store and look for the one with the highest concentrate of DEET that is legal to sell. This type is NOT advisable to use on children.
Gear Repair Kit
Gear repair kits come in very handy if you need to make a tent repair, repair webbing or glue a shoe sole. This kit is pretty cool because it is 2 kits in one. I has a sewing kit included.
Walkie Talkies
If you have adventurous children on a camping trip, walkie talkies are a real good idea to have around. Walkie talkies will prevent anyone, child or adult, from wandering off and getting lost in the woods. Make sure everyone in your group has one. There are very inexpensive sets that can be picked up these days.
Camping Equipment
These next two links will take you to Amazon pages full of camping stuff. Take a look through them as you might find something that suits your particular camping needs. Many of the items are not necessary, but sure makes like easier when you are out "roughing" it.
Camping Gear
Here is the second link for more camping stuff

Camping Boxes

Rubbermaid 11920138 Action Packer Cargo Box, 48-Gallon

What I do, so that I am always prepared and ready to go, is keep several camping boxes already set up with everything I use for camping. This way you are less likely to forget something.

I also keep a backpack already packed with it's own camping equipment, in smaller and lighter quantities.

The containers themselves get turned into work surfaces at camp. In the old west the boxes were called "chuck" boxes or "grub"
boxes. Some people today call them patrol boxes. The boxes should have locks to keep the critters out. If using plastic storage bins, be sure that the tops can seal.

This basic list can be added to or reduced according to your own needs.

The first box holds all of my cooking equipment:

* cast iron cookware
* coffee pot
* large pot to boil water for dish washing and bathing
* dishes and eating utensils
* 1 spatula for flipping pancakes
* 2 mixing spoons
* 4 nested, mixing bowls with lids (can double as storage bowls)
* Measuring cups and spoons (my measuring cup has a lid so this doubles as another container)
* 2 serving spoons
* 1 wire whisk
* 3 tongs
* 1 basting brush
* 1 meat fork
* 1 butcher knife
* 1 fillet knife
* 1 chopping knife
* 1 sharpening stone
* bottle opener and can opener (if you have a Swiss army knife or a Swiss Multi-tool, these won't be necessary, and other tools can be reduced too.)
* 1 ice pick
* long handled forks (for hot dogs & marshmallows)

The 2nd box holds:

* aluminum foil(Foil is a must have. You can make more cooking vessels with it, among other things)
* hot pads
* 2 kitchen towels
* 4 wash cloths
* 1 mesh bag for washing dishes (instructions later)
* a plastic bag holding small containers of bio-degradable dish soap and bleach
* a plastic bag with personal hygiene such as bio-degradable body soap, tooth brushes and toothpaste, floss, hairbrush and comb
* napkins
* paper towels
* toilet paper
* paper plates (only paper that can burn, nothing with a plastic coating - think environment again. Better yet - don't bring any and wash your dishes!)
* tooth picks
* water proof matches
* bamboo skewers
* garbage bags to haul out what you bring in

All of my seasonings such as:

* salt & pepper
* garlic salt
* a bag with small refillable containers of herbs & spices

Refillable containers for things like:

* mayo
* mustard
* ketchup
* relish
* hot sauce
and any other condiment you may be so inclined to take along.

The last box holds:

* 1 axe
* 1 shovel
* 2 bundles of rope
* 1 roll duct tape
* 4 lanterns
* 2 flashlights
* 4 bungee cords
* first aide kit
* bug spray
* sunscreen
* 1 tent reading light
* 12 spare tent stakes
* Deck of cards, poker chips, backgammon/chess set
* Anything else you can think of: camera, fins & snorkel, sunglasses, baseball caps, tackle box.

Clothes are packed in duffel bags to fit the weather conditions.

I also keep a big box empty to carry the non-perishable food stuff.

Camp Chef Outdoor Kitchen Cookware Storage Chuck BoxThe tents, sleeping bags, camping quilts, air mattress, cook stoves, grills, tatami beach mats and a beach bag with towels are all stored close by.

I usually end out going camping with large groups of people. What starts out as only two of us grows into more as others find out I'm planning a camping trip. I like to always be prepared, because most others that join the group are not prepared or don't have a clue as to how to be prepared. I usually have enough packed to accommodate everyone.

Click Here for Details:
Kitchen Cookware Storage Chuck Box

Beginner Campers Only

Beginner camping guide

Beginners Guide to Camping


12 Steps To Tent Camping And Enjoying The Outdoor Living Adventure, Nature And Relaxing Time Away From Home

If you have never been on a camping trip before this e-book is for you. This guide willtake all of the guess work out of packing for your tent camping trip.

It will help to:

* Select the right camping gear for your needs
* Teach you how to pack for your trip
* How to set up your camp sight for the most
comfort and safety
* How to set up your tent (there is more to it
than just pitching it)
* Safety tips to prevent over exposure
* Wild plant and animal safety
* Camping Activites
* And so much more....

If you have never been tent camping before, you need this guide to save you from the headaches of an inexperienced camper to the fun of camping like an old pro.

Click the link to download it now!
12 Steps To Tent Camping And Enjoying The Outdoor Living Adventure, Nature And Relaxing Time Away From Home

4 Tips for the Camping Kitchen

1. Pack the Camping Kitchen in the Vehicle Last

This way it will be the first to be unloaded. The kitchen can be set up and meals being prepared while the rest of the camp set up is being done. Everyone will appreciate a meal when they are done with the camp set up.

2. Bring Multi-Purposes Items

You don't need to bring pancake mix, baking mix, flour and gravy mixes. Bring baking mix. You can use it for pancakes, biscuits, flouring fish or meat to fry or brown and you can make gravy with it. If your gravy skills aren't that good then bring packages of gravy mix with the baking mix or just bring a shakable canister of instant flour if you are not planning to fix pancakes or biscuits.

Big enamel coffee cups can double as soup bowls. Wash out after the meal and reused for cocoa by the campfire.

3. Label All Your Containers

This is so helpful, not only at the camp site, but also for replenishing supplies when you get home for the next camping trip.

4. Make Pre-Mixes at Home

You can make mixes and pack them in containers or zip-lock bags that you have sealed and labeled with the quantity of water needed for the mix. Here are some examples:Cocoa and dry milk; instant potatoes, dry milk, salt and pepper; pancake mix and dry milk; oatmeal, raisins, salt, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Packing Your Camping Boxes

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Roughing It In Your Tent

Facing the great outdoors, sleeping under the stars in a sleeping bag or in a tent with the smell of campfire is my idea of a fun camping trip!

Deciding on the right type of tent will depend on the size of your family and whether you will be backpacking or biking; driving to your destination in a car or on a Harley; or possibly hiking, rock climbing or kayaking.

Some families prefer everyone to be in one big tent while others like to have a main tent for the adults with smaller pup tents for the kids.

Tents come in all sizes from the 2-man tent all the way up to the 20 man tent. The pop-up tents are the lightest weight and are also the quickest and the easiest to put up.

In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. Regardless of what the weather predictions are, it is always best to have a waterproof tent. Another precaution is to buy extra waterproofing to spray over every tent seam prior to leaving for your camping trip.

If you are planning a summer in a car, or a camper, in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family, all purpose tent, or 3-season tent, will probably do the trick.

If you're a backpacker, mountain climber, kayaker, biker or bicycle explorer, you'll want to have something a little more light-weight and able to handle more adverse conditions, in which case a 4-seasoned tent would be the better choice. I prefer a 4-man, 4-seasoned dome for myself and a partner.

Now this is REALLY roughing it! 

Here are some examples of the tents that are available today.

These tents are a good quality and a good value for your money.
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Family Sized Tents

These larger tents are for traveling in a car as most are too large to be throwing on the back of a Harley or on your back with a backpack. These are your family type tents.
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Setting Up Camp

Many people have many different ways of setting up camp. Here are a few. I think you will get a kick out of these videos. I did.
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Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are just as varied as the tents and come in styles for below freezing weather to your more casual summer sleeping bags. They come in single mummy bag styles and twin size to king size.

The fabric are just as varied as are the fillers. They run the gamut from nylon or other synthetics; bags stuffed with down; to bags covered in denim or lined with flannel.

Your goose down bags are only needed for winter camping or camping at high elevations. Try to use them in a warm climate you will be way too hot and end out sleeping on top of the bag instead of in it.

There are only two basic shapes for sleeping bags - mummy style bags for colder climates and the regular rectangular bags that every one is familiar with. Mummy bags need to be taken to the cleaners and most rectangular bags can be washed in the washing machine.

Tip: If you do not have an extra large washing machine, take your bags to the laundromat and wash in their heavy duty machines. If possible, only dry until damp and bring back home and hang on the line. Please don't over dry the bags.



All rectangular bags can be zipped together to make larger bags, if you want. You can even zip together a few extra bags for underneath padding that will help on hard ground if you don't have an air mattress or foam padding.
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Picking the Right Air Mattress

For added comfort when camping it is always good to have a self inflating air mattress. If you will be riding a bike or backpacking, a foam pad that can be bedrolled with your sleeping bag, works very well for both added warm and comfort.

The first thing that you might want to consider is how many people will be using the air mattress and the size of your sleeping space. You can purchase these types of mattresses in all sizes - twin, full, queen, as well as king.

If you are not sure what type of air mattress that you should select, it is probably best to go with a larger size. However; to be on the safe side, you might want to measure the inside of the tent or the RV sleeping area just be sure that the mattress you want to get will actually fit.

If you select one that is too large, you may find that you will be sleeping under the stars, which isn't such a bad thing either, unless it rains.

If this does happen, be sure to clean the area where you'll be putting the mattress down, of all debris so that there won't be any sticks or rocks left to poke a hole in the mattress and damage it.

Be sure when purchasing air mattresses or pads that they are battery operated as it is not always feasible to find electricity to pump up a bed when out camping!

Examples of Air Mattresses, Pads & Foam Padding

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Midnight Rendezvous - Alberta, Canada 

Review of The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

The Essential Camping Tool: The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Victorinox SwissTool Spirit Multi-ToolWith its durability and the multi-function system, the original Swiss army knife has been one of the most used pieces of camping and survival equipment since its creation in 1897 by Swiss cutler Karl Elsener, the creator of Victorinox. With the capability of becoming a pair of scissors, a can opener, a wood saw, screw drivers, or even a magnifying glass, Swiss army knives can be so much more than the average pocket knife.

Over the years the Victorinox Swiss army knife has evolved with many improvements and has been manufactured in many different models, and copied by many manufacturers. Many of the knives are multi-purposed, all are multi-functional, while others were created for specific needs such as the Farmers knife, the Explorers knife or the Hikers knife. There is no doubt that they have been designed to be the absolute essential camping and survival equipment.

The knives that we will be looking at are multi-tooled camping and survival knives. Listed in this article we will discuss three of the more popular Swiss army knife models, "The Victorinox Swiss Spirit Multi-Tool", (my personal favorite), the "Swiss Champ Pocket Knife" and the "Swiss Army Camper" pocket knife. These are the most popular models of the Swiss army knife being used today among campers as part of their survival gear.

The first most versatile (and my favorite) is the Victorinox Swiss Spirit Multi-Tool This 53800 Swiss Tool Spirit, user-friendly multi-tool measures a mere 3-1/4 inches in length yet offers approximately 25 clever and convenient functions.

With all the different tools available with the Multi-Tool it still carries the same quality and durability that Swiss army knives were founded on. This tool is not only a must for camping survival, but is a fantastic tool to have around for small jobs away from the camp grounds. I like it because it is lighter in weight than the "Swiss Champ Pocket Knife", but it doesn't have as many of the tools that the Champ does.

The multi-tool measures just 4-1/4 inches in length and is very light-weight, weighing only 5-3/4 ounces yet offers 27 tools. Among it's tools for campers are bottle and can openers; Wood saw and knife blades; and scissors. Other tools include 2- , 3- , and 6-mm screwdrivers; Phillips screwdriver; needle-nose pliers; wire cutter; reamer; chisel/scraper; wire bender; wire scraper/round cutter; metal file; combi-edge blade; isolation length cutter; multi-purpose hook, coupling for corkscrew and crate opener.

Red Swiss Champ Pocket KnifeThe second very popular Victorinox Swiss Champ Army knife comes in two different models. There is the Red Swiss Champ Pocket Knife that comes with 32 tools and there is the Ruby Victorinox Swiss Army Champ XLT that comes with 50 tools.

With the Red Swiss Champ Pocket Knife comes with a complete set of tools for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and for people working in a variety of trades. It contains 32 stainless steel tools all neatly contained in a single implement that measures just 3-1/2 inches long. Sheathed in the famous Swiss Army red plastic, the Swiss Champ pocket knife is a toolbox small enough to fit into a pocket. It also comes with a key ring so it could be attached to a backpack ring. The tools include a large knife blade, small knife blade, can opener, bottle opener, small screwdriver, large screwdriver, fine screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, mini screwdriver, corkscrew, wire stripper, reamer, sewing eye, punch, tweezers, plastic toothpick, scissors, hook, wood saw, fish scaler, fish hook disgorger, ruler, nail file, nail cleaner, metal file, metal saw, chisel, pliers, wire cutter, magnifying glass, ballpoint pen, and pin.

The Ruby Victorinox Swiss Army Champ XLT runs the gamut from the traditional hiking implements to the hard-core gear for the household handyman repairs or for fixing electronics, such as computers or stereos. The 50 tools include large and small knife blades; a nail file with a nail cleaner, metal file, and metal saw; a pharmaceutical spatula; scissors; a wood saw; a fish scaler with a hook disgorger and ruler; a pruning blade; an electrician's blade with a wire scraper; a case with 4 mm slotted, Phillips 2, 4 mm Hex, and Torx 8, 10, and 15 bits; a wrench with a 5 mm female Hex drive for D-SUB connectors, a 4 mm female Hex drive for the bits, and Phillips 0 and 1 bits; pliers with wire cutters and a wire crimping tool; a magnifying glass; a Phillips screwdriver; a cap lifter with a 6 mm screwdriver and wire bender; a can opener with a 3 mm screwdriver; a corkscrew; a chisel; a universal hook; a 2 mm fine screwdriver; a reamer; a punch and sewing eye; tweezers; a toothpick; a ballpoint pen that also sets DIP switches; a straight pin; a mini screwdriver; and a key ring. Many of the tools are designed to be multi-functional in numerous situations.

Red Swiss Champ Pocket KnifeThe "Swiss Army Camper" pocket knife is your very basic camping knife. This is an excellent tool for the basic weekend camping trip. The tools included are the small pen blade, corkscrew, can opener, medium screwdriver, bottle opener, large screwdriver, wire stripper, reamer, wood/rope saw, key ring, tweezers, & toothpick. It is the very basic, yet essential camping tool at a very reasonable price for the functions that it has. You can't go wrong with this tool!

All Swiss Army knives carry a lifetime warranty against defects, but remember that the knife must say Victorinox or it's not an original Swiss Army Knife. Many people are fooled by Swiss Army knife copycats.

Camping Chairs

Camping chairs are a big plus to take along with you if you are traveling in a vehicle, but would be too bulky for a backpacking, canoeing or biking trip.

We have several of these fold up chairs that make camping so much more comfortable and they also come in handy for extra seating at barbecues since they are so portable.
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Planning A Great Adventure

Join Camp Club USA!Camp Club USA

Nothing gets the juices flowing when planning out your camping adventure like talking about where you want to go, then sitting around the kitchen table or computer to map out a trip!

Use the Camp Club USA web site or directory to find the perfect campground.

Some of the Membership Website Features:

* Searchable Online Campground Directory:
Now it's easier than every to search for the perfect campground. Search our online database of hundreds of participating campgrounds. Base your search on whatever you're looking for; zip code, amenities, price and more.

* Most Up-to-date Campground Listings:
New campgrounds are added to the Camp Club USA network every week. We also offer a Pocket Directory that includes the latest list of campgrounds in an easy to print form. This list is updated monthly and can be found online.

* Trip Routing:
We figure you probably like the anticipation of traveling as much as we do. And nothing gets the juices flowing like talking about where you want to go, then sitting around the kitchen table or computer to map out a trip. Camp Club USA offers a handy trip routing feature. Enter in your starting and destination point and we map out the route for you, pointing out all the Camp Club USA campgrounds along the way.

Receive an Annual Camp Club USA Campground Directory

Every Camp Club USA member will receive a free copy of our Annual Directory of Campgrounds. The Directory includes easy to read state maps showing campground locations as well as detailed information on each campground such as amenities, turn by turn directions, contact information and more.

Save 50% at Top Quality Campgrounds

Building Your Camp Fire

Knowing the right way to build a camp fire is an essential part of camping out. This video shows you the right way to do it.

Remember to extinguish all fires when breaking up camp to go home. Pour water over the hot coals and make sure that all of the hot coals have been put out. Cover the campfire with dirt to smother out any coals that may have have been missed by your naked eye.

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Camping is Where Your Heart is Content

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Camping Kitchenware

You will need some sort of cookware besides the cast iron skillets. Here are a few suggestions.
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Camping Sites

Get your basic camping food staples check list and easy camping recipes.
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Washing Dishes at Camp

I do it a little simpler than this video. I put a large pot of water to boil on the campfire with a very small amount of bio-degradable dish soap. After scraping the food and rinsing with cold water, I put the dishes in a mesh bag and dunk down into the boiling soapy water, and allow to boil for several minutes. This will completely sterilize and wash the dishes. The bag is then pulled out and hung in a tree. The pot of hot soapy water is then dumped and refilled with cold water with a half capful of bleach. The bag is then removed from the tree and dunked again into the bleach water to remove any last soap residue and rehung in the tree to air dry.
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Taking Care of Cast Iron

Routine Maintenance

If you buy preseasoned pans (and you should), you can use the pans with little fuss.

* Never wash the pan with soap or leave it
soaking. Just wipe it clean with paper
towels. If the pan is too nasty to just wipe
clean, then rinse out under hot running water,
scrubbing with a brush to remove the stuck on
traces of food. (This is easiest if done while
the pan is still warm.

* Dry the pan thoroughly and put back on the
burner on a low heat until all traces of
moisture have evaporated, (this keeps the pan
from rusting.

* Put a small amount of vegetable oil on a paper
towel and wipe the pan until the whole thing
has a thin coating of the oil.

* Using fresh paper towels, wipe off the last
traces of oil by wiping a little harder to
burnish the surface. You'll know when it is
done by the satin texture that a well seasoned
pan has. The pan will neither look or feel
oily. Allow the pan to cool before putting
away.

Heavy - Duty Cleaning

If you have stuck-on food or you inherited a pan that is rusty or gummy, scrub it with kosher salt.

* Pour vegetable oil in the pan to a depth of
about 1/4-inch.

* Put the pan on a medium-low heat for about 5
minutes. Remove from the heat and add 1/4 cup
of the kosher salt.

* Using a pot holder to grip the hot handle, use
a thick wad of paper towels to scrub the pan.
The warm oil will loosen the food and the
kosher salt will have an abrading effect
without harming the pan.

* Rinse pan under hot running water, dry well and
repeat if need be.

Reseasoning

If cooking acidic foods or improper cleaning has removed the seasoning from your pan, it will look dull, patchy and dry. Food will stick to the skillet when you attempt to cook with it in this poor condition.

* Heat the pan over medium-high heat until a drop
of water dissipates on contact.

* Wipe inside with a wad of paper towels dipped
in vegetable oil. The pan will be hot so use a
set of tongs to hold the wad of towels.

* Wipe out excess oil and repeat as need until
pan is slick.

That's all there is to it. If you take care of your cast iron skillets and cookware they will last several lifetimes. I still have one of my grandmother's old cast iron skillets.

Going on a Harley Run and Need to Know What to Bring on the Bike?

Riding and camping pretty much go hand in hand, but if you are ill equipped for the road you can end out being miserable.
Here's a couple of inexpensive books to give you a heads up on what you should be packing on the bike. If you are going on a really long trip you might consider a trailer hook up. What ever you need while riding and camping are explained with i these pages.
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Packing Your Scooter

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Backpacking

There are those times that I do actually get away to the mountains or beach for either a canoe trip, a Harley run, or hiking trip and have to travel much lighter.

When filling up a backpack or saddle bags, it's a whole 'nother ball game. First thing to decide on is the kind of backpack to get. The type of bag you chose is no trivial matter as any serious camper will testify. You will never appreciate how a good backpack can benefit your trek until you try going on a major one using an ill-fitting pack.

Remember you and your partner will be carrying all of the weight on your backs, so you don't want a pack that is too heavy to begin with, but you also don't want one that is so cheaply made that the braces will start bending as soon as you get it loaded.

Camping & Wilderness Survival

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4 Tips to Picking the Right Backpack

First of all, it is not "just a bag" as I have heard some inexperienced campers say.

Tip #1. Know What You Need

What I mean by this is that you will have to figure out what kind of trip you are taking. Will you be hiking or mountain climbing; sailing, kayaking, or canoing; riding a motorcycle or riding a bicycle? What is the length of time you will be gone, and how strenuous is your adventure going to be physically?

Hikers and campers can vary in their degrees of camping skills, experience and camping preferences. Some are extreme minimalist in nature and take only the bare essentials, while others like the comforts of home and take a lot more equipment on their trips. The amount and type of equipment you bring will definitely shape the decision you make towards what backpack you will need. Keep in mind that the more you bring the heavier that pack will be to carry and it can really weigh you down after hiking over rough terrain for a few hours if you are not in the best shape.

Once you figure out how much food you will need to bring and the camping gear that is essential to your needs, you can then do some simple computation on your space needs.

Most capable sales representatives can give you the amount of space their bags offer. You might consider professional outfitters, if you are new at this, rather than relying on a department store sales rep that may never have been backpacking either and is only guessing .

When planning your space measurements consider using the measurement for the amount of equipment you will need to take for the longest trip you expect to go on. You never know when having a little extra will come in handy.

Tip #2. Is It Comfortable

This is IMHO, the most important consideration when choosing a backpack. The goal of every good camping bag is to help campers carry the most amount of weight with the least amount of effort and the least amount of inconvenience. If you are wearing a pack that rubs on your shoulder blades or under your arm pits, or is off centered, so cannot be tied for a snug fit, you will be miserable, especially when the pack is full.

Good packs distribute weight efficiently, allowing you maximum comfort when carrying the pack. The weight should be distributed evenly, so as not to wear you down by being heavier on one side. To know how well a pack does this, you will have to test the pack itself.

Most outfitter stores will have sand weights available for you to load into the pack so that you can see how it feels when weighted down and if the pack holds up to the weight. You will have to carefully consider how comfortable these packs are before even considering them for purchase. Don't just jump at the first one because it is on sale. Test them out. By taking the time to do this now will save you in the long run. It will make the difference between being so miserable and physically worn down that you want to leave everything and find the nearest hotel, to having the time of your life!

A rule of thumb is that the shoulder straps should carry about 30% of the weight, while the hips - being a lot more stable should carry about 70% of the weight. When testing out the the packs, move around with the packs loaded to make sure the shoulder straps are comfortable and not restrictive. If they are not comfortable, try adjusting them. If they are still not comfortable. Move on to another pack. Make sure that you have plenty of mobility.

Most packs have a sternum strap to aide in stabilizing the backpack. Sternum straps should be positioned below the collarbone to ensure comfort and stability. The hip belts, on the other hand, should not constrict your breathing in any way, nor should they be too thick that they reduce your mobility.

Tip #3.Choosing Your Frame

There are two types of backpack frames. They are the internal and external.

Internal frames are slimmer and fit closer to your body, making them ideal for hard trails since they are so maneuverable and do not restrain mobility. They are a bit harder to load though. External framed backpacks are the best for kids or beginners on that will be going on easy trails because they are easier to pack. They do tend to be a bit stiffer and may restrict mobility.

Tip #4. Extras

When purchasing backpacks consider whether the pack is compatible with weather sheets to protect your pack against the elements. Also consider how attachments can be adapted for your pack. Most packs have rings and snap-on pieces that allow for accessories to integrate with your pack. Often what can't go in the pack can be attached to a ring on the outside of the pack.

The important think to remember when you make you decision on the pack to buy, is your overall comfort!

Food to Take Backpacking

In planning what food to take when going backpacking you need to figure on roughly two pounds of food per day. You don't want to take any more or less than you will need.

Freeze dried food packets; baggies filled with trail mix including lots of nuts, seeds and dried fruit; a good hearty bread with packets of jelly or honey; vacuum packed tuna and salmon with packets of mayo; peanut butter in squeeze sticks; bagies with freeze-dried coffee or tea bags; and of course packets of instant oatmeal.

You don't want to be carrying any perishable food unless you plan to eat it the first day.

Essential is water - not only to drink but to use with your dried foods to rehydrate them and cook them.

Bring along some fishing line and catching fish on the trail is a good way to cut down on weight and have fresh protein.

Watch these excellent videos to help you with your food selection and packing.
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Your Backpacking Kitchen

Your backpacking kitchen will be much more light-weight than a camping trip in a car. Obviously you can't take along cast iron skillets as they are too heavy and bulky.

This is an excellent video explaining the kinds of pots and pans to pack in your backpack.
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Backpacking & Survival Food

Mountain House Freeze Dried Food

There are many different varieties in meals of freeze dried food, including deserts. They are not too bad as far as the taste goes, but for me, when I have had a strenuous day on the trail only eating dried fruit, nuts and trail mix, I am pretty hungry! A serving for two filled me up nicely with a little left over that I ate the next morning for breakfast. If two people share one, then have something else with it, like maybe one of the cobblers for dessert.
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AlpineAire Foods Freeze-Dried Backpacking Food

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Packing A Backpack

By GORP Hiking Expert Karen Berger

There's no one right answer to this question: It depends on what kind of pack you have and where you're going to hike. The general principle is that lighter-weight items go at the bottom, heavier items are at the top and close to your body. However, if you are going to be scrambling or hiking off-trail on rough terrain or snow, you might want to pack some of the heavier items a little lower to bring down your center of gravity.

* Sleeping Bag

Most packs are designed with a compartment at the bottom for your sleeping bag. If your pack has dividers that separate the sleeping bag from the rest of your gear, use them to take some of the weight off your sleeping bag. (Overly compressing a down sleeping bag can damage the down, resulting in less loft and, thus, less warmth.)

* Clothes Go in Next

But it's a good idea to stash a few of your warm clothes-hat, gloves, and an insulating layer-and your rain gear in an outside pocket where you can easily get them.

A well-packed backpack is essential in the outdoors

* Tents and tarps

There are a couple of choices for your tent or tarp. Most packs have a separate compartment (where the sleeping bag goes) that is accessible via a zipper. If your pack has such a compartment, see if you can stuff the tent under your sleeping bag. That way, you don't have to unpack everything to get your tent out if it's raining when you want to make camp.

This placement also works for packing a wet tent because it won't drip on everything. Be sure, however, that the tent and sleeping bag are in waterproof stuffsacks. Tent poles go strapped to the outside: Tie them on tight!

* Food, Fuel, and Cooking Utensils

Store the fuel upright and away from your food, in case of an accidental spill. Many hikers put their bottles in an outside compartment. Some utensils can have hard or sharp edges, so be sure they're not poking at your pack.

* Personal Items

Squeeze these in wherever they fit.*

* Outside Compartments

Use these for items you'll need during the day: rain gear, a few warm clothes, pack-cover, water filter, water, lunch, snacks, TP, sunscreen, mosquito goop, and your camera.

* Mattresses

Most hikers roll up their sleeping pads and strap them to the outside of the packs. Some smaller mattresses fit inside a backpack, where they are better protected from accidental encounters with cactus needles and barbed wire fences.

Read More of Karen Berger's Backpacking and Hiking Experiences

* Note from Lensmaster: I like to keep my personal items in small plastic containers in a zip-lock baggie and usually throw them into the bottom of the pack since I don't usually need to get to them until camp is set up. Sometimes, if there is room, I'll shove them in an outside pocket.

Backpacking Essentials List

1. Compass & maps
2. Cook stove, with wind screen, & fuel for the cook stove
3. Mess kit & cooking pots
4. Small strainer to filter food & water
5. Water bottle & Water purification (tablets or filter)
6. Fire starters, i.e. Water proof matches, flint or magnesium
7. Swiss Army KnifeChamp Pocket Knife or Swiss Spirit Multi-Tool (must have)
8. Tent, sleeping bag and lite-weight foam roll-up mattress pad.
9. Waterproof poncho
10. Tarp
11. Rope or nylon cord
12. Flashlight, and solar lamp
13. Fold up camp shovel or latrine trowel
14. Personal items, i.e. toilet paper, toothpaste & tooth brush, tampons for women, hair brush & comb
15. Bug Spray
16. Maps
17. First Aide kit
18. Mesh bag for dish washing and to hang food from tree to keep away from critters.
19. Bandana (this is a must have)
20. Extra plastic bags for garbage.
21. Food
22. Clothes (according to weather, but remember extra socks)

Think small and light weight. All camping supply stores have tarps, ponchos and even hammocks that are folded in little bags about the size of your hand. Try to find supplies that are duel purposed to cut down on what you have to carry. Use ziplock baggies or water proof containers to hold groups of small items. Try to find a cook stove with a windscreen. If you can't, then buy a separate wind screen (make sure it fits the stove).

Backpacking List

If you don't know what else to pack in your backpack besides your food and cooking equipment, then watch these videos so that you can learn what will be essential for your specific backpack needs.
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Canoe Country Camping

Wilderness Skills for the Boundary Waters and Quetico



This book offers the reader some wise choices with regards to cooking on a canoing/camping trip. The book is well worth reading for anyone thinking of making a canoing trip, however, is more geared towards the novice when it comes to camping gear. It is a paperback that I would recommend only for the cooking section.

Canoe Country Camping

Camping Gear on eBay

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Please Take This Little Survey

What kind of camping do you think is the ultimate best time ever? Please take the poll and let me know what you like best. If you are an "other" leave a note in the guestbook as to what the other type of camping is that you like to do.

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Rolling With Your Mobile Home

The Pros and Cons

Your home on wheels is what RV Camping is similar to as you can just about have all of the comforts of home, dependent upon the size of the RV you happen to be driving.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to camping with an RV.

Pros:

1. You don't need to worry about the weather as you can get inside the vehicle and remain warm, toasty and dry with all of the comforts of home still contained within.

2. Travel greater distances than you can if backpacking. This a great way to travel and see the wonders of your country.

3. Carry a lot more gear than the average camper. This means that you can fish, kayak, bike the trails, or hike the trails because all of the gear can be pack within and attached to the outside of the vehicle!

4. Enjoy a campfire outside or use the microwave and stove inside, should the weather turn bad.

5. Sleep on a nice comfy bed without rocks or sticks jabbing your back or buttox.

6. You have your choice of camping in primitive surroundings, traveling for extended periods of time or staying in full-service RV parks.

Cons:

1. You can not take the vehicle down scenic, nature trails. (You can; however, pack your gear in the RV and take off from the RV.)

2. Vehicle maintenance and flat tires can be a real drag out on the open road. RV owners need to be aware of how much weight (including the weight of the passengers) they can safely load into their RV. Overloading is frequently the cause of tire failure and blowouts.

3. You must learn how the RV's electric, water, propane and sewer systems work. If something should go wrong you will need to have the tools and the ability be able to do the simple repairs.

RVSearch- The Best Way to Buy or Sell an RV!4. The cost of fuel these days is completely outrages, and is limiting the amount of miles many RVers want to travel with their gas or diesel guzzling RVs. Because of this many are choosing to sell their RVs and go back to a simpler form of camping.

Whether you have found yourself in this type of situation and what to sell your RV or if you are ready to hit the open road, travel across county in your home on wheels.
Click Here, or on the Image, for The Best Way to Buy or Sell an RV!

There is a Lot to Learn About RV Camping

Before you decide to take off in an RV to hit the open road and explore the country side there is a lot to learn. Pick up a few books and do your homework first. They may help you to decide it it is better to rent an RV or purchase one.

Amazon provides several choices.
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Camping List Index

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  1. I Love Sitting By the Campfire
  2. Camping Creates Wonderful Childhood Memories!
  3. What Kind of Camping Gear Should I Bring?
  4. Camping List
  5. Camping Boxes
  6. Beginner Campers Only
  7. 4 Tips for the Camping Kitchen
  8. Packing Your Camping Boxes
  9. Roughing It In Your Tent
  10. Now this is REALLY roughing it!
  11. Here are some examples of the tents that are available today.
  12. Family Sized Tents
  13. Setting Up Camp
  14. Sleeping Bags
  15. Picking the Right Air Mattress
  16. Examples of Air Mattresses, Pads & Foam Padding
  17. Midnight Rendezvous - Alberta, Canada
  18. Review of The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
  19. Camping Chairs
  20. Planning A Great Adventure
  21. Building Your Camp Fire
  22. Camping is Where Your Heart is Content
  23. Camping Kitchenware
  24. Camping Sites
  25. Washing Dishes at Camp
  26. Taking Care of Cast Iron
  27. Going on a Harley Run and Need to Know What to Bring on the Bike?
  28. Packing Your Scooter
  29. Backpacking
  30. Camping & Wilderness Survival
  31. 4 Tips to Picking the Right Backpack
  32. Food to Take Backpacking
  33. Your Backpacking Kitchen
  34. Backpacking & Survival Food
  35. AlpineAire Foods Freeze-Dried Backpacking Food
  36. Packing A Backpack
  37. Backpacking Essentials List
  38. Backpacking List
  39. Canoe Country Camping
  40. Camping Gear on eBay
  41. Please Take This Little Survey
  42. Rolling With Your Mobile Home
  43. There is a Lot to Learn About RV Camping
  44. You May Also Be Interested in These Related Articles:
  45. Great Stuff on CafePress
  46. Squid Angel Blessings
  47. This Lens Was Blessed By Squid Angels
  49. Please Spread the Luv If You Found Something You Liked
  50. Did You Find Something You Liked?
  51. What Kind of Camping Do You Like?
  53. To Get Updates on All My Lens

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KonaGirl

Aloha! My name is June and I'm from Hawaii. I am also a Giant Squid and a Squid Angel. I love camping! I hope my camping lists help you with your next... more »

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