A great way of cherishing family time is huddling around a well-lit bonfire, roasting some marshmallows, and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. In the cold regions, it has been a traditional pursuit among households.

The advancement of winters will see ardent bonfire experts preparing their wood for the coming bonfire nights. 

Preparing the ring of fire

Preparing for a good campfire needs a few things in place and an adequate understanding of fire properties for a different environment, materials, etc.

First, it is essential to go through the area’s protocols where you are looking to camp concerning campfire regulations and permits. For example, specific camping grounds make it mandatory for you to use a fire pit.

Before starting the fire, keep a bucket of water on standby to attend to any emergencies. Furthermore, check the weather before setting out to avoid being disappointed with a rainy or windy night.

Before setting up the place, make sure the area is clear. Ideally, the base should be gravel or sand. It should be free from flammable materials. Thus, make sure to clean out vegetation or forest litter.

The campfire area should also not have low-hanging branches, bushy trees. A clear site with minimum things would prevent the spread of a wildfire. 

The next crucial step is to have in place your collection of woods. It includes smaller pieces to help form a sturdy base for starting the fire.

These are called tinder. They catch fire quickly and thus will help you inaugurate the fire easily. Items like twigs, grass needles, dry leaves, forest duff can efficiently forage around the campsite.

An excellent intermediate stage between the tiny twigs and the big logs is the kindling. Dry kindling includes small sticks and branches. The principal resource is the third type of wood, fuelwood. It is what drives and sustains the flames.

Hardwoods are generally considered the favorite choice of frequent campers. They are great for intense and slow-burning flames that are ideal for cooking. These include oak, ash, birch, etc. Softwood is suitable for outdoor bonfires since they emit more smoke. However, since they burn out much faster, they need to be refueled more frequently.

Some softwood options include pine and cedar. In all cases, one should avoid hurling large logs at the campfire as it may disrupt the campfire structure and might take longer than expected to catch fire.

Painted and treated woods should also be avoided since they might react aggressively to ignition. Many companies manufacture high-quality and efficient wood bricks and wood pellets, which could be a sustainable and less cumbersome option. 

Preparing a fire pit is crucial for defining the area and sustaining the fire. Make a boundary wall to your fire pit by using stones and rocks. Forming a small crater at the fire pit center will also contain the fire and the ashes. The proper arrangement of the wood will ensure the same.

There are majorly four kinds of ways to go about arranging your fire pit. It is based on the purpose and the longevity of the campfire. Tepee structure is the most common one, placing the wood in a tent-like structure.

After forming a tinder base, the kindling is stacked conically around the tinder base. This arrangement is preferred for cooking. Arranging the tinder and kindling in a Crisscrossed manner will provide a long-lasting fire. A log cabin structure arranges the wood around the tinder base in a square formation, stacking each piece at the right angle.

An upside-down Bonfire involves stacking logs with each layer smaller and perpendicular to the one below to achieve a pyramid structure. 

Striking the match and sustaining the fire

Light your tinder with a match (many prefer waterproof matches). Other fire starters include petroleum jelly-soaked cotton balls, newspaper balls, corn chips, and dryer lint.

You might need to blow into the campfire from the base to feed it with oxygen. As the fire starts growing, keep adding more kindling and fuel wood at intervals. Be careful not to block the passage of oxygen. 

Keeping the fire alive is repeating the three-step “tinder-kindling-fuelwood” process repeatedly. An additional tip is to start with softwood and sustain it with hardwood as the latter burns for a longer time, thus ensuring a stable campfire.

Ventilation is another key to keep the fire building. Therefore add logs in a spacious manner for the woods to breathe, add more fuel so they burn out quickly and provide space for oxygen, and frequently blow or fan your campfire to drive the oxygen in. 

Campfire etiquette 

It is essential to be educated about some of the crucial and fundamental protocols to be followed while camping.

It will help avoid mishaps and accidents that could prove to be fatal. 

• Once you start the fire, make sure you don’t leave the site unattended. Fire can quickly get out of control if not tamed.
• Do not subscribe to burning dangerous things like glass or aluminum cans as they could prove fatal. 
• Avoid the ambition and keep the campfire small and manageable. 
• Always keep fire extinguishers or other alternate options like sand and water to tame any unpredictable fire outburst. 
• Keep kids and pets at a safe distance from the fire.

After you are done camping, make sure to put out the fire and extinguish it thoroughly before leaving the site. Start by pouring heaps of water to extinguish it.

Then, with the help of a shovel or stick, mix the ashes to make sure there aren’t any partially burning embers. Spread out the woods to make sure they cool down quickly. If required, add more water.

You should finally be able to touch the embers and the ring of stones around the campfire. Giving the campsite an adequate closure will help prevent any new fire from sparking after leaving the grounds.

Clean the camping site to ensure all litter is removed.

Concluding the fire

Fire has been a defining marker of human evolution, advancement, and civilization-building.

Campfires have been traditional markers of human civilization, symbolizing the community spirit. They are also an outdoor pursuit of people with spacious homes near wood sources. It is a great way to be connected to nature.

Learning how to build a campfire the right way will ensure a long-sustained fire and a safe experience. Feeding the campfire with fuelwood regularly is the key to achieving a long bonfire night.

Keeping the right resources and taming the fire is essential for a burning night!

References:

• https://www.lowes.com/
• https://thedyrt.com/

A high-quality camping tent protects you from various adversities that nature might decide to throw on you.

Thus, all adventure lovers desire to have a fine-quality tent. What makes these tents desirable is their durability to extreme weather conditions.

An essential aspect of a tent is the projection it can provide you against your worst enemy. No, not a tiger, but the humble water that may choose to seep in through your tent cover and leave you and your belongings all soggy. Thus you need to know their waterproof qualities.

Sometimes, many tents are highly durable but might not be waterproof. In those cases, you might want to try your hands at some DIY-ing and get going!

The already waterproofed tent species could undergo wear and tear over the long period of their usage. Thus their effectiveness in waterproofing is bound to experience some leakages.

In this article, we have provided you with some handy skills to waterproof your tent, either for the first time or as part of your routine grooming of the tent.

Waterproof Check

While it is only but evident that tents, by their very purpose of use, should come padded with water resilient material, certain products in the market are either not waterproof or shall only promise to be so.

Furthermore, some tents are waterproof, and some are “water-resistant.” The latter means that they can slow the process of water seepage but might not be able to save you entirely.

Specific parameters to know if you have a waterproof tent and its intensity are: 

Construction

Any tent to stand firm in the face of a rainy forecast must first and foremost have sturdy construction. Low-quality seams or damaged zips can render any tent weak irrespective of its other feature.

It should be double stitched and should have high-quality zips. The groundsheet is a crucial element that should have a high-quality waterproof membrane. 

Waterproof Rating

The Hydrostatic Head is a waterproof rating given for the tent, giving you a clear picture. It gives you the measure in millimeters.

Thus, it depicts the amount of water column (in millimeters) that the tent can withstand above. Therefore, the larger the number means you are going in for a high-quality waterproof tent.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Label

If your tent has a DBR label, or the product description states that the tent has a DBR finish, your tent shall have hydrophobic properties that will turn away the water that falls on it.

The DBR coating on the tent’s exterior helps withstand heavy and prolonged rain. 

Seams & Stitches

A high-quality, sturdy tent will not compromise on its tiniest of the tiniest part. Any hole or weak element can make the entire structure compromised.

When inspecting your tent, make sure you check the seams. The stitches should be designed to prevent any water leakage, and the seams should be glued together firmly. 

Waterproofing Your Tent

You are either set to waterproof your tent from scratch or rejuvenate it by adding a new coating.

The latter becomes necessary as our humble tents often undergo wear and tear. The tent sheets are bound to experience damage by continuous exposure to nature’s wrath.

The ferocious wind, harmful ultraviolet solar rays, storm, dust, and frost could leave the tent surface damaged and compromise its waterproof membrane.

Waterproofing the entire tent could be a tedious process and sometimes expensive too. Thus, it is always important to know whether the problem is a damaged tent sheet, or rather a weekend seam, hole in the tent, or other minor issues that require little cure.

The best way to check is to test the tent under the right conditions. You could spray or splash water on the tent on a dry day to see how well it performs.

We present you with a quick guide to waterproofing your tent for both cases. 

Sealing The Seam

Seams are generally found along with the door, zipper, and window area. The way they are stitched is crucial in determining the water repellent property.

Usually, seams are double stitched, or the fabric is overlapped. It is only natural that the coating might have worn off the seams over time. Thus a good seal is essential. It could be done quickly by purchasing any good quality seam sealer as per your fabric.

Inspect the seam to understand if you need to seal it partially or entirely. The essential things required are a Sealant, Brush, Gloves, and Rubbing Alcohol Wipes.

Begin by preparing the seams. Gently wipe the seams with the rubbing alcohol. Spread the sealant along the seam with the help of a brush and let it cure. Preferably, a dry day is preferred to aid the quick-drying out of the treated seams.

If the seams are damaged or broken, you must repair them from the store before treating them as waterproof. 

Urethane Coating

Urethane Coating helps replenish the tent’s degraded rain fly or floor. Harsh weather conditions might wear down the skin of the rainfly, making it flake.

Urethane coating enables you to scrub off the flakes and apply a new layer. You would require a scrubber sponge, rubbing alcohol, and a tent sealant.

Lay your sheet out on a dry surface. Start by gently scrubbing the dry, flaky skin off the sheet with alcohol wipes. Apply the coating, following the instructions mentioned in the product.

After you are done with the process, dry it well (for at least 24 hours) 

Durable Water Repellent Coating

Rejuvenating your tent with a DWR coating is essential for being waterproof in the real sense. If you set out to waterproof your tent, you cannot afford to miss this step.

You require a premium quality Durable Water Repellent Spray, Spray bottle, and cloth. Instead of tossing your tent in the laundry, it is suggested that you treat it with care. It involved giving it a sponge clean with warm water.

Be careful not to use a powerful detergent. Once you’ve got your tent through the basic cleaning, set up your tent while still damp, proceed with the waterproofing treatment. The major equipment needed is the treatment and application tools (Sponge/ Brush/ Spray).

There is a variety of treatment products available in the market. These include solutions with added benefits of UV protection, mild wash properties, and solid fabric.

It can be done via a sponge, brush, or spray bottle (especially effective in the case of large tents). Once you’ve covered the entire tent with the treatment solution, leave it out to dry. 

Exception: Polycotton Tent

In a polycotton tent, the proper treatment is not waterproofing but weathering. New Polycotton tents are not 100% watertight and need to undergo weathering to seal them to be waterproof.

For this, lay your tent in an open space, preferably in your backyard, and then give it a good bath with a hose pipe. Make sure that it is entirely soaked in water.

This process ensures that the tent fabric tightens ul and the size of the needle holes (with all the million stitches) reduces, making it repellent to water.

Leave the tent to dry out in the sun, which will ensure that the fabric constricts. It is ideal to repeat this process three times to expect a watertight result!

Other Hacks

Ensuring yourself a waterproof tent does not guarantee you a waterproof adventure.

Ardent campers also realize the importance of tenting at the right place. A few fundamental principles to supplement your watertight camping experience are given below: 

• Aim High & Dry – Survey your camping site to find a ground that checks the altitude and dryness parameters. It will ensure that water does not run and accumulate at your tent base. Moreover, a smooth surface is ideal. 
• Using Tarp & Foodprints – Coat your groundsheet with a tarp to make it sturdy and water repellent. Usually, the groundsheet will have a higher Hydrostatic Head than the rest of the fabric. Using a tarp will help prevent abrasions and other damages to your ground cloth. Footprints are another desirable purchase to get superior waterproofing. A customized footprint would accompany many groundsheets. The footprints are also directly sewed with the tent fabric for complete proofing. 
• Pitch the Rain Fly strong – You must pitch your rain fly tightly for it to live through a bad storm. Test run it after setting it up. 

Closing Thoughts

Waterproofing could be done on both new or old tents. Tents of frequent campers are likely to experience wear and tear and demand regular checking.

There could be multiple points in the tent that could initiate water leakage. Damaged seam, ties, and zips could be easy points for water to enter.

Some frequent campers would advocate that waterproofing should be done as part of the regular grooming routine of the tent to ensure it lasts long.

Some could reproof at their camping sites. Yet others could never find the time to waterproof and go for ways like using a tarp. In any case, make sure you choose the right product and follow the instructions for seamless waterproofing!

References:

• https://coolofthewild.com/
• https://tentsreview.com/
• https://www.campingpanda.com/

Although camping might seem like the most obvious reason, fires are lit for various reasons. You might want to light up a fireplace in the winter, have a bonfire in the backyard, light a wooden cooking stove or burn some dry rubbish.

Fire keeps you warm, cooks your food, and keeps the wild animals away while camping! And even though multiple commercially made fire logs are specifically designed to light fires, you can always make one at home.

What Are Fire Starters?

Lighter fluid and fire logs are commercial fire starters.

But if you are someone who likes to repurpose home products instead of purchasing new ones, then this blog is for you!

Fire starters can be bought online or made at home! That’s right; you can use a combination of things lying in your home and turn them into fire starters.

If you are going camping, you can take at least three different types of homemade fire starters. They are lightweight, affordable, and easy to make. Fire logs or cans of lighter fluid can be too heavy to carry to your campsite, which is why it is better to bring your homemade fire starter.

The prehistoric man initially used fire starters. Once he discovered fire, he learned how to keep it going or start a new one.

Of course, none of the modern material was available in those days. So, the man knew how to rub dried wood and use a shiny object to reflect sunlight on a dry piece of wood or a dry leaf. 

Thankfully we don’t have to struggle so hard to start a fire. Matches, lighters, dry wood, dry leaves, and other DIY products are readily available. 

Reasons to Make Your Own Fire Starter

Fires are often started in cold countries. They don’t just give you warmth, but they also give you a sense of joy!

1. A friendly, warm fire keeps you cozy at night.
2. Whether you are at an outdoor camp or need to light an indoor wood stove, a solid well-lit fire can keep you company.
3. It helps cook food, warm tea, or get rid of a pile of dry leaves.
4. Campers enjoy sitting around a campfire and sharing ghost stories!
5. Most people have their best childhood memory around a warm campfire.
6. Even music festivals use fires.

Whether you are on a three-day festival trip in a desert or on a cold mountain, a good fire provides excellent comfort and an excellent heat and light source!

Fire also keeps the bugs at bay. It protects you from lingering wild animals and lights up your campsite. Even though it is easier to purchase a fire starter online, it isn’t as economical or eco-friendly as a homemade fire starter.

Using excessive logs for fires increases the need for manufacturers to cut down perfect trees. It would be much better for the environment if you used products just lying around your house.

Commercial fire starters are pretty expensive. And since you will have to keep a fire running, you will have to keep purchasing more and more. It isn’t a viable, budget-friendly option.

Homemade fire starters can be made from egg cartons, used make-up cotton pads, Vaseline, wax saved up from used up candles, and other such products.

The whole idea of making your fire starter is to upcycle old products without spending too much. You can also use them as backup fire starters when you go camping. It is always better to carry extra fire starters if they did not work.

Ultimate Guide To Making A Fire Starter At Home

Making a fire starter at home is simpler than you think. All you need are a few products lying around in your house.

The trick is to know which combinations of products work well together. You wouldn’t believe how such simple day-to-day things work so well together.

A fire starter is a handy product, and knowing how to make one can get you out of some sticky situations.

Let’s start with a list of tools and equipment you will need to make your very own homemade fire starter! But before you pick out the products, make sure they are easy to ignite, easy to use, and maintain a flame.

And if you don’t know what these products are, the list given below will answer all your questions. So put your mind at ease and check for the following items in your home.

Required Tools And Equipment

You will need essential tools and equipment that are lying around the house.

That is the whole point of making a homemade fire starter. It is easy to make and requires day-to-day products you use every day.

Cardboard Boxes

Our first and most readily available product is a cardboard box. Cardboard boxes are the most common items found in a home.

You can use egg cardboard boxes or boxes that online companies use to ship out their products. Anything that fits the description of a cardboard box should be collected.

Crumpled up Paper

Next is crumpled-up papers. Newspapers are highly flammable and are most often used in a homemade fire starter.

You can also collect toilet paper, scrap paper, or paper towels.

Cotton balls, cotton pads, and dryer lint

The following product on the list is cotton. Imagine how many cotton pads you must have used up and just dumped into your trash. Well, not anymore. Now that you know how well cotton pads work, you can start collecting them.

Dry lint is another cotton-based product you can collect to make your very own homemade fire starter. You can also add cotton balls to this list. They are the most commonly used products in homemade fire starters.

Wood Shavings and Sawdust 

Sawdust is another combustible waste product you can add to this list. You can also use wood shavings instead of sawdust.

Vaseline and wax 

Vaseline and wax are other items you will need to make your fire starter. Every home has a box of Vaseline, this way, you can make sure all of it is used up. Wax can be purchased at the supermarket at an affordable price.

Multiple different fire starters can be made using wax. You can also melt hard wax if you have it lying around. Collecting wax off melted candles is another excellent way of recycling a candle.

Cupcake Cases 

You can add different flammable content to a cupcake case. Together they will settle in the cupcake case, which can then be used as an excellent fire starter.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this step-by-step guide, and you will have several homemade fire starters ready to burst in flames. 

1. Vaseline Dipped Cotton Balls

Vaseline and cotton balls are two highly combustible items. And when put together, they can light a crazy fire. Follow these simple steps, and you will have your very own homemade fire starter in no time.

• Take 20-25 cotton balls 
• Add them in a plastic zip-lock
• Now add around 20 spoons of Vaseline into the zip lock.
• Let it soak overnight. You can also soak it for a couple of hours. 

Your fire starter is ready. Add this to a pile of dried wood, and your fire will be up and burning in no time

2. Paper Cupcake 

You will need shredded paper, cupcake cases, and melted wax to make this fire starter.

• The first step is to shred old newspaper
• Place these shredded pieces of newspaper in cupcake cases 
• Now pour melted wax into the cupcake cases
• Let it settle

Voila, your paper cupcake fire starter is now ready! All you need to do is add this to a pile of food, and you are good to go. You can easily carry these cupcakes to any location. They are lightweight and do not take up too much space.

3. Sawdust Cupcake

Sawdust cupcakes are exactly like paper cupcakes, but instead of stripped pieces of used paper, you use sawdust.

• Take a couple of cupcake cases 
• Add sawdust to it. You can also use wood shavings or wood chippings 
• Pour melted wax onto the sawdust. 
• Please wait for it to settle. 

Four simple steps are all it takes to make this DIY fire starter 

4. Egg Carton Fire Starter

To make this fire starter, you will need melted wax, dryer lint, and an egg carton.

• Take an egg carton and stuff each cup with dryer lint. Make sure to pack each cup to the brim.
• Pour melted wax into each cup. You can also melt hard wax or candle wax and pour it on the lint.
• Use a knife or a fork to prod the lint. Make sure to let the wax soak up all the lint.
• Please leave it to dry. 

The best part about this is you can cut each cup and use it as separate fire starters.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make your homemade fire starter, you no longer have to rely on expensive, commercial fire starters.

These are pocket-friendly, eco-friendly, and easy to make! Make sure you store them away from any source of the fire. Make sure to exercise caution while using them.

These fire starters are lightweight and easy to carry. So, carrying them will not be a problem if you plan to go on a camping trip.

They do not take too much space in your bag and can also be made on the spot! You can also use them to light a wood stove at home or enjoy some warmth in your backyard!

References:

• https://www.onecrazyhouse.com/
• https://coolofthewild.com/
• https://www.bobvila.com/

It is easy to get detached from the joyous tours of nature to confining oneself within the four walls of the virtual screen.

Children need the right kind of stimulus to understand essential values of participation, independence, and intuitive thinking. Many schools have summer camps as part of their curriculum to give students the right balance of academy and adventure.

Moreover, a section of the parent community believes that camping with their children is an excellent opportunity to usher in confidence and encourage their participation in tenting, setting up a campfire, or cooking on the embers.

The dazzling night sky, the chirping of birds, the misty early morning provide youngsters with an extrinsic sensory experience. It is also widely known that the more one engages with nature, the more one can channelize anxieties and tensions. They also grow up to better appreciate nature and its bounty and are more sensitive towards Mother Earth.

Taking your children out camping will go a long way in nurturing them into sensitive and curious humans.

Camping Activities For Kids

A family outing to camp is an excellent opportunity for parents to get creative and plan an itinerary for their kids to gain a whole experience.

You could have your kids engage in these few innovative and simple activities. 

1. Nature Trail & Hiking

It is a great adventure to embark on, especially for your children. Make sure to not over-stress your kids and make the whole camping experience tiring.

Allow them to determine the pace and lead. Moreover, choose an exciting trail like rivers, lakes that could get your kids going!

2. Preparing Meals

Cooking in the wild and on the fire could be a thrilling experience for your children, who otherwise could be whining at the idea of lending a hand to cooking at home.

Roasting some chicken on the skewers, toasting some marshmallows, preparing a sandwich, a salad bowl, and some other simple meals could make the mealtime special and a memory to cherish.

3. Pitching The Tent

It is a skill that you should introduce your kids to. It combines the benefits of being a valuable skill and an excellent task for your kids to get involved in without significant safety concerns.

De-jumbling the tent fabrics and parts, assembling it unit by the unit will keep them engaged, make them feel responsible, and seek their full efforts in the collaborative effort. 

4. Hunt In The Wild

It is play-based learning that will also enhance your child’s observation skills. It would encourage them to pay attention to details in the new surroundings and look deeper.

Before setting out to the woods, make a list of things (animals, plants, insects, Colors, textures) and hand the sheet to your children. While camping, set your children out to pursue all the mentioned items.

These could be “A pine tree,” “A water body,” “something yellow,” “something fluffy.” The activity can be modified to cater to various age groups 

5. A Sports Day

If you plan to go camping on a long weekend, this could be an exciting set of activities to get some Olympics going!

You should make a list of popular activities during sports events of schools and make your tweaks to it to suit the camping experience. A few include Tug of War, Potato Sack Race, Lemon Spoon Race, Volleyball/ badminton tournament, etc.

These games work best when you have a large troupe. Moreover, they never grow old with adults. Before setting out, make sure you have the right items in place (sack, balls, ropes, etc.)

6. Secret Santa

It is an artistic activity to get your children’s thinking caps on. It also allows you to participate and get some creativity going.

Being the secret Santa, each person has to make a gift using the resources from the surroundings. You can additionally also pack some craft items and paints from home. 

7. Mapmaking

This is a great way to introduce your kids to navigational skills. Ask your kids to make a map of the area after a day of scouting. 

8. Capture The Flag

An all-time favorite amidst frequent camping troupes, all you need is flags of different colors depending on the number of teams.

Divide yourself into groups and prepare to conquer your territory!

9. Jam At The Camp

A pleasant evening, gathered around the bonfire, sipping on some hot chocolate: the perfect opportunity for a jam session.

Get your instruments to the camp, make some innovative ones (plastic bottles, plates to begin with!), and have an evening playing songs with your children. 

10. Camp Journal

Prepare customized print journals for your kids (You can also find journal templates online) to record all their observations while camping.

They can write down new things they discovered, activities they did, and their lessons. 

11. Camping Charades

It is a game that could never fail to entertain you. A light entertainer that could have all age groups participating.

The fun of acting and coming up with different movies will build your communication skills and keep you chuckling for a long while. 

12. Story Night

On occasions where you want to have a relaxed time with your kids, you could turn to sitting around a bonfire along a lake and listening to stories. It could be some wild old memory from school or a spooky story.

13. Stargazing

There is something about being immersed in a joyful and meditative experience in the world of stars.

If you are lucky enough to have a clear sky that brings out the constellations, take the opportunity to lie there with your family, under the stars.

Introduce your kids to the world of constellations and space. You could also carry telescopes to make the experience more starry!

What is the right age for kids to camp?

It largely depends on what kind of camping experience you plan to embark on.

Is it a large group of adults who will chill over cans of beers and talk all day, leaving their kids to entertain themselves? Or is it an intimate camp outing for seeking quality time with your family?

While many suggest that children from a young age should be introduced to the experiences of nature and should be accustomed to camping, the key lies in understanding your kid’s psyche and expectations to plan a trip worth remembering.

If you set out camping with toddlers, you should be extra responsible. Ensure that you don’t leave them unattended and keep a check on bug and insect bites. In the case of youngsters and teenagers, as a parent, you should look out to be that “cool parent” who drives the right kind of enthusiasm in their kids for adventure. 

While you could be cautious and concerned about if at all camping would be a good idea for your family, take that leap of faith and go with the flow. You might end up exposing your kids to an insightful and joyous trip and learn a few parenting skills yourself!

How to make camping interesting for your kids?

While as a parent, you might have the greatest of intentions to bring your kids to a natural and recharging outing, and for cherishing quality family time, you might have them whining within a few hours of camping. 

While the idea of camping could seem fun and thrilling, yet it needs a combination of meticulous planning and flexibility. You are planning to the extent that you can execute a few activities like star gazing or painting without facing the lack of resources and flexibility to adapt to the surroundings and opportunities that nature decides to throw on you. 

One of the primary reasons children could get bored is that they find it difficult to leave behind their dear phones and play stations and enter an utterly austere environment with no distractions.

Many youngsters are almost tuned to seek validation constantly with increased addiction to social media communication and networking. Thus, many find it difficult to sustain themselves through the digital detox.

To address these withdrawal symptoms, plan the camping in such ways that keep your children engaged, get them tired, curious, and creative.

Lead by example. If the children find their parents glued to their laptop or mobile phone while on a family outing, they might naturally want to do the same. Moreover, camping should not be a one-time experience but rather a regular tour, so your children are accustomed to it. 

Sometimes, it could be bad weather conditions that could make your children cranky about being outdoors. Extremely humid conditions or hot environs can drain your kids out and make them lose interest in the most exciting activities. Thus, make sure that you choose to go camping in desirable weather.

It is essential to understand that being out in nature could be a soothing experience for adults and detox from the toxic spaces of work and home.

But for children, the expectations are different. Thus, make sure that you work as a team and communicate with your kids. Camping should be a collaborative effort. Your children should feel responsible and have a say in the decisions.

Moreover, as a parent, you should make an extra effort to be involved in activities. Your interest and enthusiasm could drive your kids in the desired direction.

Wrapping Up

While most families seek instant entertainment sources like movie or dinner outings, nature has in its ambit a wide range of opportunities for you to cherish.

Camping amidst the luscious trees, breezy winds not only recharges your kids but enables them not to be overly reliant on their fancy gadgets.

Camping is bound to nurture and raise inquisitive, nature-sensitive youngsters who learn to socialize, appreciate their surroundings and overcome distractions. Happy Camping! 

References:

• https://thejoysofboys.com/camping-activities-for-kids/
• https://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/17-camping-activities-for-kids/

Campfire cooking is a memorable part of the camping experience. Food has the unique power of giving joy and creating emotions in a different environment.

Cooking your meals amidst nature using the fundamental fire element makes one feel close to their roots and is a meditative experience. In other words, it has the power to bring us together and binds us in a “Sweet and sour” unison! 

Cooking Over The Embers

Cooking food in the wild makes you step outside the luxuries of your deluxe kitchens equipped with ovens, refrigerators, and gas stoves.

You learn to manage your resources in humble environs and use them to assemble a delicious meal for yourself. One of the essential elements of camping is seeking out minimal living, and the same also extends to your meals.

Cooking over fire also is a crucial practice to get back to humanity’s humble roots, when the early humans used to prepare most of the meals over the fire.

Even in the village and outskirts, many houses prefer preparing their meals on the fire. Wood-fired cooking is appreciated for its quick baking time, multi-utility cooking, and proper capture of the aromatics and chariness from the smoke. 

However, with increasing environmental concerns around pollution and dwindling forest resources, cooking over fire could require a few considerations:

It would help if you had a clean fire using dry woods. You don’t want your fire to get smoky and choke you up. Thus, you must make the requirements For clean fuelwood before setting out to camp. If the weather is rainy, it would be difficult for you to find the right kind of dry wood.

The location where you decide to camp should be suitable for setting up a campfire. Cooking would mean that the fire must stay burning for a more extended period. Thus, it shouldn’t be a windy environment as this could hamper and slow down your cooking process.

Moreover, the art of cooking on fire could be taken for granted. You must be skilled in working with fuelwood and manage heat intensity. You must make sure the flames are just right to cook your food without burning them.

A pro-tip is while you prepare your fire pit to cook meals, make sure to have a chimney rock in the arrangement that will help serve as an exhaust to direct your smoke away.  

Roast-Char-Grill-Bake Recipes

Preparing your meal on fire doesn’t have to be an elongated procedure that makes you sweaty and exhausted.

A few hearty meals that you can consider trying in your next camping season are mentioned below:

1. The Humble Hot Dog

It is undoubtedly a quick-to-make and filling Dish. Toasting off buns on the grills smeared with a dollop of butter and herbs, putting sausages on the grill, tossing some canned beans on a pan, and finally assembling them should give you a fine meal!

If you want to go a tiny bit ahead in giving your humble hot dog a slight “gourmet finish,” then grating some cheese, adding a few slices of bacon, and relishing it with mustard and ketchup should do the thing!

2. The All-Time Pizza

For the picky eaters-campers, coming up with extraordinary dishes might be challenging. Thus, to know that they’ve got the pizzas in their arsenal is a “phew” feeling.

It is also a great dish to please the toddler and young campers. All you need is the base, the sauce, and topping as per your choice and resources available in your camp pantry.

To get a golden crust, make sure you use the advantage of cooking on fire to bake your pizza base on fire. Wood-fired pizzas are delicious and suitable cheese dishes to cherish with a glass of wine! 

3. The Hearty Soup

Camping during the frosty weather would call for a warm and filling bowl of soup. You could almost chuck anything from carrots, leeks, corn, peeled potatoes, or even ham to amp up the flavor.

You could opt to combine some noodles in your soup to get a slurpy-soupy meal!

4. The Salmon In The Foil

Cooking in foil and fire is an easy and simple style. Marinate your salmon in some zesty lemon and herbaceous goodness, wrap it in a foil, and put it over the grill.

The vegetarian folks could alternately prepare baked potatoes with chopped green onions, cheddar cheese, and heaps of butter!

5. The Fluffy Pancakes

Pancakes are sweet and easy. Taking a pancake mix makes your job easy.

Choose a filling mix like a whole grain pancake helps to kick start your day on a high-energy note. Garnish it with your favorite toppings (Nutella and some banana slices, please!)

6. The Baked Nachos

A packet of nachos spread over the pan and topped up with a few ingredients could provide an easy snack too much, along with a can of beer.

It is a fun recipe to serve children and relish during a fun-filled evening around the fire. Consider topping up your nachos with some canned beans, shredded chicken, olives, avocados, and a layer of mozzarella. 

7. The Sweet Cake On The Grill

• Turn your loaf of bread into a sweet delicacy when you crave some sugary and berry-luscious dish.
• Slice the loaf.
• Drizzle some beaten eggs, cream, honey, vanilla syrup, and blueberries.

8. The Tacky Tortillas

Tortilla wraps could make for a good ingredient in your camping pantry. Making yourself an easy wrap is quick and delicious.

Consider making a wrap with some bell peppers, avocado, red onions, fresh lime, and parsley. Please keep it on the grill in foil and pack it straight while you set out on your nature trail. 

9. The Lovely Lasagna

If your camp evening is set for some slow cooking over the fire, then bake a lovely lasagna! Instead of going for a luxurious lasagna, go for a 4-5 ingredient lasagna.

Make sure to carry some lasagna noodles. Prepare your lasagna in a Dutch oven. Prepare it with some tomato sauce, Parmesan, and fresh herb mix.

Essential Accessories For Campfire Cooking

You should have a basic set of equipment that gives you a broad spectrum to cook, boil, grill, toast, and roast.

The market for cooking accessories during camping is abundant. Some of the essential cooking tools that are required include:

• Aluminum Foil 
• Cooking grate
• Cast iron pots, pans, and lids
• Long-handled Spoons; Spatulas 
• Skewers 

Guide To Campfire Safety

While setting a campfire, you must practice specific safety drills to avoid accidents.

Fire can be both graceful and a ferocious agent of nature. Thus, taking it for granted might end up turning your campfire into wildfire!

1. Since you will be working near the fire when cooking food, make sure that the cooking area has minimum items. Avoid keeping combustible items near the fire. Do not try cooking directly over the flame, as it increases your chances of burning your fingers. Preferably wear gloves while cooking. Choose the proper utensils. Thus, do not go for plastic wear.
2. Ensure you arrange your fire pit properly with rocks to avoid wildfire. Next, make sure you are building your fire right. That means you follow the tinder-kindle-fuelwood steps and have good quality wood. Give proper space in between the tinder and kindling to feed in oxygen. Instead of going for a big, tall campfire, go for a smaller one to manage it. It will also serve well when you are cooking as it will keep the fire at a manageable intensity. 
3. Always keep a bucket of water and other extinguishers to take quick action in an accident. Please do not leave the fire unattended, as it is quick to go out of control. Moreover, keep pets and children at a safe distance.
4. After you are done with the campfire, drown it entirely with water and allow it to cool. Stir it with the help of a stick to make sure it is cooling down. Add more water to cool it down further. Eventually, you should be able to feel the remains with your hands. 
5. Lastly, make sure you leave the site clean and clear. Specifically, when you are cooking, make sure you pack the waste. In the case of vegetable peels and leftovers, you could dig up a small pit and bury it for decomposition.

The Bottom Line

Camping is a beautiful experience to witness. It opens one up to the mysteries of nature and its divine creation.

Living in the woods induces moments of eureka. You interact closely with the elements, fire being one of the crucial ones. It keeps you warm, gives you light, and cooks you some delicious meals!

There are a variety of options to prepare your meals over the fire. It could be a simple scrambled egg or a slow-cooked pot of rice. The possibilities are endless.

If you happen to be passionate about cooking, then the garnishes of herbs and shredding of cheese and other goodness could open up infinite opportunities for creating an extravagant meal. All you need to do is meticulously plan out the ingredients and equipment you need for the trip.

Bon appetit!

References:

• https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/
• https://survivallife.com/campfire-cooking/
• https://cookinginquarantine.com/

We believe that a camping adventure is bound to make you enter the uncharted territories of mud, bugs, bird poop, twigs, and pine needles sticking to your T-shirt.

However, any sensible camper would realize the importance of camping hygiene. Following a Hygienic routine could become a tedious thing to achieve.

It might sound that the two are not compatible to be achieved; thoughtful planning and modifications could ensure you a sweet and safe camping experience.

Planning a more extended camp requires that you make additional preparation and modification to your hygiene routine.  

Almost all camping components have some element related to our hygiene. Be it the dishes we cook and eat in, the underwear and socks we wear, the number of times we manage to take a bath, resources available for waste disposal, etc. Camping hygiene has the twin elements of personal hygiene and outdoor ethics.

The frequent campers would be aware of the fundamental principles of “Leave No Trace” printed on almost all camping accessories.

How we manage and dispose of our waste is entirely dependent on how we function within the new ecosystem. We could irresponsibly throw our trash and move on with our lives or make sure that we are not dirtying the environment of other species.

Moreover, poor hygiene practices also mean greater chances of exposing oneself to the wrath of mysterious ailments and rashes.

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers are highly aware that functioning in an environment away from the comforts of a clean home is an entirely new game. You are in close contact and almost coexisting with a wide range of insects and other sources.

While you are always at the risk of physical injuries or animal attacks in the wild, a more common issue is the widespread infections you could face with poor hygiene. These include tick-borne diseases, raccoon roundworm, etc. Women have additional exposure to Urinary Tract Infections if they don’t take extra care of their nether regions. 

Camp Hygiene Guide: Personal Hygiene & Outdoor Ethics

To ensure that you can follow a decent sanitary regime at the campsite, you need to make sure you have done the packing right.

Make a checklist of all essentials. For your convenience, we have marked in bold the essential items that should go in your bag before you set out. The key is to take things that have a maximum utility quotient. 

1. Wear

What you wear and how clean they are is a crucial factor towards a Hygienic living in the woods. Many campers will have various equations on the number of clothes you should carry.

Some will advocate taking two outfits and washing them each night. Others will suggest wearing the same outfit for the first half of the trip and then changing to a new one in the second half.

In most cases, the number of clothes you decide to carry depends on the number of days you plan to go camping and the weather conditions. In all situations, give utmost priority to your comfort.

An important suggestion is to leave out the “What-if” clothes and stick to essential gear. Synthetic clothing is usually preferred to wick moisture and keep you relatively dry.

If you are hiking for a more extended period, make sure that you regularly put your clothes in the laundry to avoid piling them up in your bag. Use biodegradable soap for the same. 

2. Underwear

An essential part of your body that requires to be clean and dry is your groin. Thus, clean and dry underwear is vital for keeping you protected.

While on the trip, regularly wash and dry out your undergarments properly before reusing them. Keep all your underwear in a separate poly bag to be fresh and clean to use. 

3. Socks

Your feet will be experiencing rough terrain for a few days. Thus, keeping them clean and dry is essential to avoid damaged, blistered, and cracked feet. Ensure you carry enough socks to withstand damp, humid, and cold conditions.

If your socks become wet because of the muggy conditions and a rainy day, make sure you dry them well and wash them with clean water before reuse.

Take extra care of your feet as they are exposed to a lot of sweat and sometimes the muddy-gluey waters. Carry foot scrubs and foot powder to avoid bacteria accumulation. 

4. Toiletries

Out in the wild, it might not be environmentally ethical for you to be carrying chemical soaps (that are high on phosphate) or non-biodegradable items.

Thus, switch to organic toothpaste that would not be as harmful to the water bodies, plant-based shampoo, soap bars, or dry shampoo. You could also keep mouthwash and floss for additional dental hygiene.

Moreover, keep an adequate quantity of wipes or microfiber towels for quick drying. Avoid carrying scented deodorants as they might attract the animals in the wild.

Some General Guidelines To Consider

• Ensure to thoroughly clean and prepare all your gears and equipment, including hiking bags, towels, clothing, and other accessories. Leave them out in the sun before packing them up for your trip. 
• Keep alcohol-based sanitizers handy and frequently wash your hands. 
• While camping, make sure you cook your food. While it could be easy to sustain yourself on a raw diet, cooking will ensure that your food eliminates unnecessary bacteria and lessens your chance of contracting an infection. 
• Ensure you have a first aid kit to address any injuries or sickness. Keep a set of essential medicines with you. 
• Make sure you keep your hands clean. Ensure to wash your hands with water and soap at least once a day. 
• Plan your camping, preferably near water sources, so that you can use the water for washing and bathing purposes. Make sure not to pollute the water. 
• Keep your tent space clean and away from dirty shoes. Keep the boots outside while entering the tent, or shrug them off to remove the muddiness. 

The Bathroom Situation

Away from the luxuries of toilet seats and jet sprays, doing your business out in the woods can be a little too out there!

For our beginner campers, the very thought of having to poop in the woods could be daunting. If you are camping for a longer time, choose a designated area for your business.

It should be away from your camping site and a few steps away from water bodies. Rock surfaces are also considered reasonable peeing grounds. In pooping, rich weathered soil is ideal in the wildcarryItfor accelerating the decomposition process. 

In pooping, the best way is the principle of “Leave No Trace” or the “poop and bury method.” Firstly, find a spot preferably where the ground can be easily tilled. Then dig a deep hole where you can accommodate your litter. A camp trowel can be an easy tool to dig up a cat hole.

Use wipes and toilet paper to clean yourself up. Cover the hole with the soil. Don’t forget to sanitize your hands after you are done with your business. There are a few areas where you might be required to pack your waste. In those cases, plastic seal bags, double layer bags, “blue bags” are easy options. 

For those campers who still want to stay close to their usual practices, portable toilets could be viable, especially if you take your car along. It is especially an easy option for children. Moreover, it gives you the flexibility to do your business anywhere without the mess of digging and covering holes. 

For our female wanderlusters, the situation could require some additional protocols. Camping while on periods could be a challenging experience. It is always helpful if you keep additional essentials for detailed care.

Using a “pee-rag” helps you clean your underwear and keep your parts dry and clean. A dry towel, small cloth, antimicrobial clothing like the “Kula Cloth” are some of the options that could serve the purpose.

Wear moisture wick fabric underwear with clothing, so you don’t end up getting itchy. Menstrual cups are ideal choices for a clean and non-messy flow in case of being on your period. These silicone cups are moreover reusable and can be used after washing.

Thus, once it is filled, use the same principle of “Leave no Trace” (or poop and bury method) followed by washing your cup, and you are good to go again! 

Additionally, keep wet wipes, sanitizer, toilet paper, and zip lock available to handle any waste. 

Closing Thoughts

Camping poses various challenges like animal attacks or the wrath of stormy weather.

However, an underestimated challenge is the quest for a hygienic camping experience that is sustainable and compatible with the environment.

Practicing Camping hygiene is meant to keep you away from the risk of contracting unknown diseases and let you have a minimal impact on your environment.

The “Leave No Traces” guidelines are famously followed and have registered a high success rate.

In other words, all hygiene practices should not be at the cost of adding a burden on the environment. It should let you efficiently accomplish your own sanitary needs.

References

• https://www.themandagies.com/
• https://www.beyondthetent.com/
• https://kamui.co/

Whether you are camping out in sunny weather or on a snow-clad mountain, food is one of the essential commodities you need to carry with you. Packing the right kind of food is vital.

You can go for ready-to-eat snacks or food items to cook with a cup of hot water. All your energy comes from food. So, it is vital to carry healthy, nutritious, and easy-to-digest food.

You don’t want to eat something heavy on your camping trip, which is why it is necessary to do thorough research before picking the suitable tins of food for a night in the woods. If you plan to go for more than one night, you need to pack accordingly.

The food you carry should be lightweight and shouldn’t spill into your bag. You don’t want to wear chili-soaked socks in the middle of a jungle. If you are going to a cold place to camp, make sure to carry food that keeps you warm. Food items like coffee, chili, and beef jerky are some things you can carry.

On the contrary, if you plan to set camp in a warm forest, go for food items to keep your body cool. Body temperature can be regulated by the food you eat. You also want to carry food that does not go bad quickly.

Food such as canned goods, nutrition bars, or a bag of mixed nuts is good examples of non-perishable goods. It is always better to carry high protein meals with many carbs and fibers. A perfect blend of nourishment and taste will energize you while satiating your hunger.

Taste is also an essential aspect of packing camping food. It is ideal for packing food you like, providing comfort and nourishment! Ensure to load up on plenty of carbs; you will need them for energy.

Carbohydrates provide you with tons of energy essential when you are out in the wild. All the climbing, setting up the tent, and even starting a fire will require a lot of energy. It is why carbs are your best friends on a camping trip.

Now that we have a clear picture of what you should carry on your camping trip, let’s dive further into the details of which ready-to-eat meals are perfect for a camping trip.

Ready-To-Eat Foods To Bring Camping

Ready-to-eat foods are a lifesaver on any camping trip. Today we will take a look at the best ready-to-eat food options available for campers.

Nuts & Trail Mix

A Bag of Trail mix is a lifesaver on a camping trip. You can mix the right amount of crunch with the right amount of fruity stuff, and voila! You have the perfect back of trail mix.

Nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, pistachio, and pepitas are super healthy. Add a couple of them to your trail bag, along with some wheat-based options such as animal crackers, thin mints, dry cereal, or granola. You can also add coconut chips and bagel thins to this mix.

Depending on your taste buds, you can pick the right combination and prepare your bag of delicious trail mix. Once your crunchy part is ready, add some fruity options to it.

Dried cranberries, dried apples, dried strawberries, or raisins blend perfectly well with your crunchy mix. Fruit provides you with natural sugars called fructose. Fructose energizes you while nourishing your body with suitable fiber and vitamins.

A delicious blend of sweet and savory will make for a great trail mix. You can munch on it on the go or when you stop for some rest. Either way, trail mixes make for the perfect camping snack. They are both yummy and healthy!

Protein Bars Or Energy Bars

A protein bar is another great camping food. Protein bars are packed with nutrition. They provide you with the right amount of fiber, carbs, and sugar. You can buy energy bars at the store. They are easy to pack and do not go bad.

You can finish one at once or take small bites as you go along. Either way, they are a great energy source, lightweight, and easy to carry. They require minimum effort to eat and are delicious.

Bags and finish the entire bag once it is open. No one likes soft popcorn; it becomes chewy and eventually loses its flavor. So, make sure you gobble it up in one go.

Instant Cup Noodles or Mac and Cheese

Cup noodles are the camp version of a quick, hot microwave meal. All you need is a hot cup of water to pour into these meals.

They are ready in a few minutes. Cup noodles are delicious. You can purchase them in a variety of flavors. Pick an easy-to-digest flavor; basically, don’t pick anything too spicy.

Of course, if you are going to camp in a cool place, then spicy food can warm you nicely. But if you are someone who cannot handle spicy food but still loves it, please avoid bringing it to your campsite.

Instant Mac and cheese is a simple option. It is easy to cook and easy to digest. The flavor is familiar and comforting. If you are having a rough night in the woods, mac and cheese can act as excellent comfort food.

Popcorn

Popcorn is the healthiest snack in the world. You pop a bag at home and carry it to your camping site.

Popcorn is convenient to pack and eat. It is delicious and can be bought in multiple flavors. Pick a flavor of your choice, whether salty, caramel or peppermint, and pack it for your fun camping trip.

The only problem with popcorn is that if you don’t finish the bag at once, it can become soft and lose its crunch. So make sure to pack it in small bags.

Instant Coffee/Tea Bags

Instant coffee and tea bags are a lifesaver in the wild. All you need is a pot of hot water and your instant tea or coffee bags. They are great at keeping you warm and provide instant relief from hours of trekking.

Once you set up your camp, a warm cup of tea or coffee will relieve you of your stress and help you settle into the camping vibe.

Bagels 

A bagel is a high-carb food item. You can pre-pack them or make them on the spot. Add your favorite filling or turn it into a sandwich. Either way, bagels taste delicious and also keep your energy levels high.

Preparing Food Before Camping

Although there are multiple ready-to-eat options, you might have to prepare some meals beforehand.

The best breakfast options are banana bread, French toast loaves, or overnight oats. You can also pack a pre-made breakfast burrito, pancakes, blueberry muffins, or scrambled eggs.

Other pre-made breakfast options are breakfast quesadillas, outdoor apple pie, or a pre-made peach breakfast bake. All these options are easy to make and easy to pack. Pick the ones you like and create a combination of power-packed breakfast options.

For lunch, you can pack a bowl of cold pasta salad. It will remain fresh and is filled with nutritious food. Pasta is carb and will keep your energy levels high.

Make-ahead sandwiches and puff pastry pockets also make for delicious homemade lunch options. Pre-made ham and cheese sandwiches, Mexican coleslaw, peanut butter, and banana wraps are also healthy and delicious lunch options.

Homemade dinner options can include Chili, Shepherd’s pie, mashed potatoes, and homemade burgers. Pack them up tightly and make sure they do not spill out of the container. All these options are full of carbohydrates and will provide you with optimum energy.

Now that we are done with foods you can prepare before camping, let’s jump onto foods you can cook at the campsite.

Cooking At Campsite

Experienced campers will tell you that cooking at a campsite is not the same as cooking at home.

It is much harder to chop veggies or chicken with a blunt knife and an uneven chopping board. If you want to enjoy your camping trip and not spend your time figuring out how to cook the raw food you have packed, then this is for you.

A few of the best food items to cook on-site are eggs. It is better to boil them than to fry them. Boiling takes minimum effort and a cup of water. You can use boiled eggs in sandwiches or salads.

Make sure you prep everything in advance for your heavy meals. Chop the veggies, marinate the chicken and prepare everything at home before heading out on your trip.

Keep your meals simple and pack the bare minimum. Sandwiches, salads, dehydrated food, and cup noodles are the options to cook on site. Of course, you can rely on your expertise and instinct and pack food that you can prepare on site.

Conclusion

Now that you have a good idea about the food you should bring and shouldn’t bring to a camping trip, you are all set!

Choose non-perishable, easy-to-make food for your camping trip. Or better yet, prepare most of your food before you set out. This way, all you will have to do is heat it before you eat it!

Remember to pack highly nutritious food filled with carbs. You want to maintain your energy and enjoy nature with a full stomach!

References

• https://thecampcorner.com/
• https://spoonuniversity.com/

There is something about the outdoors that makes you feel alive. Trekking to your favorite spot is easy.

But setting up the tent is a bit tricky. A standard tent has a pole in the center that holds it up. It also has a guy that ties the tent down.

Carrying all of this equipment to the campsite can become quite troublesome. It takes a lot of time to set up a dome or geodesic.

To save a camper’s time, manufacturers came up with a brand new type of tent. This tent is known as the Pop up Tent or an Instant Tent.

You can set up the Pop up tent in less than ten seconds. And the best part is it has no additional gears like a pole or a guy.

These tents are easy to carry and can be set up in a blink of an eye. It also comes with a rainfly and tent stakes. Initially, pop up tents were only big enough to fit two people.

But now you can buy tents that can fit up to five people. The robust design makes it a popular choice amongst campers.

Pop up tents provide excellent ventilation and are comparatively inexpensive. Most tents are not easy on the pockets.

They are hard to carry and even harder to set up. But not the pop up tent. This tent takes a maximum of ten seconds to set up and 1.5 minutes to take down a pop up tent. You can set up some tents in two seconds.

You heard that right! One of the best things about pop up tents is how easy it is to pack them up in a bag! 

Setting Up Pop Up Tent

Pop up tents come in a dome shape. They are ideal for beginners.

All you have to do is pull a string, and your tent is ready. Just like that! You can also open up some Instant tents like an umbrella. These tents are designed to open up with just a pull.

Pop up tents come with a spring that is attached to a spring. When you pull on the string, it triggers the spring, and it uncoils. This mechanism causes the tent to pop up, giving you a well-set-up tent instantly. It cannot get easier than this.

Pop up tents have made camping extremely convenient. Setting up a tent has now become a pleasant, hassle-free experience. It is also less hazardous.

Setting up standard tents can be a bit dangerous for kids. With the pop up tent, that experience has now become much safer. You can easily involve children in the whole experience of setting up a tent.

It is the best way to get them started. Children can tug on the string and watch an entire tent unfold right in front of them!

Pop up tents are ideal for warm sunny weather. You no longer have to sweat the complicated stuff. Pull out your tent and pull it open.

You can get your tent ready in just two simple steps. You can attach the rain fly and tent skates easily. This addition gives you an even better, fully functional pop up tent! You can set up some pop up tents by unzipping the bag.

These tents are specially made to pop up by a simple movement of unzipping. As you slide the zip open, the instant tent pops right out. It is magical.

For years campers have been craving for an easy to set up tent, and now they have it! Pop up tents are a blessing for first-time campers. They also work well for people who consider convenience as luxury.

Pop Up Tent: Pros

Lightweight

Pop up tents are lightweight. It enables you to carry it without putting additional strain on your back. Since pop up tents do not require additional equipment, they weigh relatively lighter.

Traditional tents include a rope, a guy, and other auxiliary equipment. To set up a standard tent, you have to carry all the extra gear that goes with it. When you pack all these things in your backpack, it becomes heavy!

Climbing up and down with a heavy backpack filled with your tent can be tiring. Its weight is one of its most significant advantages.

Easy To Set Up/Take Down

Another significant quality of the pop up tent is how easy it is to set up. It takes between 2-10 seconds to set up.

Just with a simple pull, you can set up the entire tent. Taking it down is also very simple. It will take you less than 2 minutes to take it down. Convenience is a crucial quality of the pop up tent.

This is precisely why pop up tents are also called Instant tents. You can set it up instantly. It is quicker than making a cup of instant noodles!

Inexpensive

Pop up tents are way cheaper than standard tents. They are affordable and easy to maintain. Their compact size and robust design make the price seem like nothing.

You can buy some pop up tents for $100. These might be smaller and more compact than others. The prices on some bigger pop tents are considered a steal.

Perfect For Beginners

If you are a beginner in the camping world, then pop up tents are perfect for you. Just the thought of living in the jungle can be scary enough for a beginner.

Instead of adding additional strain on yourself, you can go ahead and buy a pop up tent. It is convenient, and you don’t have to worry about setting it right.

You just cannot go wrong with a pop up tent. The instant setup mechanism is guaranteed to give you a great camping experience.

Pop Up Tent: Cons 

Not Ideal For Harsh Weather

Pop up tents are not ideal for harsh weather. Since they are lightweight, they can be easily blown away by a strong wind.

They are not sturdy enough to survive a rainstorm or a snowstorm. Some options include a guy line and a rainfly. But this makes it no different than any other tent.

If you have to use traditional methods to set up a tent, buy a dome tent or geodesic tent. Pop up tents will not protect you from the harsh elements of nature. 

No Weatherproofing

Some pop up tents do not have weatherproofing. They are not well insulated and cannot save you from the rain.

They are not equipped to handle stormy weather. Pop up tents are meant to be used as a light shelter. It means you can only take it out in warm weather.

A strong wind storm will topple your pop up tent. It is not advisable to take it out for anything more than a day trip.

Limited Usage 

Unlike a geodesic tent, you cannot use a pop up tent for every camping trip. If you are going for a one-day hike, this tent is ideal for you.

It is not feasible to take it out for more than a night in the wild. Apart from this, the only place you can use it is in your backyard.

Hard to Fix 

Tents sometimes collapse due to harsh winds. Even tents tied down with a rope and pole tend to topple.

You can quickly fix up this tent. But if a pop up tent breaks down, it is extremely hard to fix. The complex suspensions of the tent make it impossible to fix.

This means if your instant tent breaks down, there is no way to fix it. You will have to cut your trip short and find shelter someplace else.

How to Choose A Pop Up Tent

Pop up tents come in many different shapes and sizes.

With such a wide array of options, it can become hard to choose the right one. When looking for the right pop up tent, you need to ask yourself these questions.

What is the weather going to be like? If there is even the slightest chance of rain or snow, then a pop up tent is not a good idea.

These tents are flimsy. They are not made to sustain bad weather. Only buy a pop up tent if you plan to go camping in sunny weather.

Another critical question you should ask yourself is – how many people will fit in a tent? Choose a tent that fits up to three people. Anything smaller will cramp up your space.

The pop up tent must have smooth gliding rods and be convenient to pack. It should provide good ventilation and should have enough internal storage. If a tent checks all these boxes, it is a perfect choice. 

Conclusion

Pop up tents are easy to set up. But they are not strong enough to protect you from harsh weather.

If you choose to buy a pop up tent, make sure only to use it in good weather. Apart from this, it is an excellent choice for a camping trip.

The easy to set up mechanism makes it an ideal choice for a light trek. Make sure to choose one that fits your needs. And most importantly, have a blast camping out in your pop up tent!

References:

• https://www.wise-geek.com/
• https://www.yougocamping.com/

You can build a simple tent with simple materials available at home. Building more substantial tents that can survive harsh weather might require a few additional materials. You can purchase these materials at an affordable price.

So why should you build a DIY camping tent? Well, there are many reasons. 

Why Make A DIY Camping Tent

The first reason is the price. You can save a lot of money by building your tent.

You no longer need to rely on expensive tents. Commercially made tents can make a dent in your pocket. And a lot of times, they aren’t as effective as you might want them to be. Some tents lack waterproofing, while others are too complicated to put up.

Making your camping tent will boost your confidence while enhancing your camping techniques. There is nothing better than becoming more self-reliable. It is a quality that will help you survive in nature. DIY camping tents are much lighter than commercial tents. You have the freedom to pick and choose the materials that will make up your tent.

A camping tent is made up of poles, guy ropes, a tarp, and a material that will cover the entire tent. This material is used for weather-proofing. You can also add a rainfly to your DIY camping tent. Learning how to build your DIY camping tent will always come in handy. Say your commercial tent breaks down while you are out in the woods.

You can make your camping tent with the materials available. It will be sturdy enough to survive the weather. It will also provide excellent protection from the harsh elements of nature. There have also been times when people have forgotten their camping tents at home. In such a situation, you can make your DIY camping tents.

DIY camping tents are reliable and easy to make. Of course, it requires a bit of practice, but what doesn’t?

Once you master the art of DIY camping tents, you are golden! Self-made tents are light to carry. It will ensure you don’t break your back while bringing it to the campsite. They are easy to pack and maintain.

Commercial tents come in fixed sizes. By building your DIY camping tent, you can determine how big or small it needs to be. You no longer need to cramp into a commercial tent; instead, build your own.

How To Make A DIY Camping Tent

Planning is the most critical part of making a DIY camping tent.

You need to have all your materials in one place before you begin. No project is perfectly done with meticulous planning.

Before you start collecting materials for your camping tent, you need to know the exact size and weight of the tent. Figure out how many people will be camping in your tent. Once that is set, you can figure out its weight.

Since you will be carrying the tent to your campsite, you need to know how much it should weigh. Now that size and weight are out of the picture, you need to figure out the weather.

You will need different materials for different seasons. Are you planning to go camping in the summer or winter? Is there a possibility of rain? Will it be cold?

Once these questions are answered, you will have a clear picture of what your tent will look like. After answering all these questions in detail, you will figure out what materials will be necessary.

Materials

The three most important aspects of a camping tent are – the rainfly, the footprint, and the tent body.

The floor print is a massive piece of tarp that acts as the tent’s floor. It would be best to cover the ground before putting a tent above it. This way, your feet will be clean and warm. The tent body is what goes on top of the tent. It would be best if you made it out of polyester or nylon. 

Some people also prefer cotton or canvas. And the final piece is the rainfly. It is the outermost part of the tent. It is pitched tightly to the floor. A rainfly should be windproof and water-resistant. 

The most important thing about a camping tent is the material. Camping tents are made of polyester, cotton, canvas, or nylon.

Polyester and nylon are the most commonly used materials. They are cheap and readily available. Synthetic materials are waterproof. They protect from rain and snow. Cotton, on the other hand, is not waterproof. It absorbs water and does not dry quickly.

Nylon, on the other hand, is quick to dry. It does not absorb water, instead wicks it off. Cotton and canvas are breathable materials. They provide better insulation and regulate the temperature inside the tent.

Polyester is not a breathable material. It creates condensation inside the tent, which in turn dampens it. Synthetic materials are only available in bright colors. These colors can fade due to sun exposure, thus reducing the aesthetic appeal of your tent.

Polyester is lighter than cotton or canvas. It is also more resistant and durable. Cotton is heavier to carry than polyester. Polyester will be suitable for rainy weather, whereas cotton will be better for sunny weather!

Now that you understand the pros and cons of the material, you can pick one that fits your needs.

Equipment

Poles

Once you are done picking the suitable material, you need to decide on the poles. Poles provide definition and structure to a tent. They are the backbone of the entire tent. It is ideal to select poles made of aluminum.

Aluminum alloys also work well. There is a strong reason why aluminum poles are so resistant. This material does not rust. It is strong and light at the same time. No other metal possesses all these qualities.

Pegs

Pegs are an essential part of a camping tent. They are hammered into the ground. You can choose pegs made out of any material. All you need to do is ensure they are solid and stable.

Guy-ropes

The next item on the list is Guy-ropes. They are attached to the pegs to keep the tent stable. The main job of a Guy-rope is to provide stability.

They hold the tent in place and protect it from blowing over. A strong rope will ensure that the tent remains intact. It is crucial to buy ropes made of synthetic or nylon. Other materials may become loose or shrink on becoming wet or dry.

Now that all our supplies are sorted, we can begin building our DIY camping tent.

DIY Camping Tent: Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1

The first step is to find the right location. Find an even ground to set up your DIY camping tent. This ground shouldn’t have any loose mud and should be leveled out.

You will need to install the center post on this ground. The center post will act as a spinal cord. Picking an even ground will also ensure that small stones don’t poke you when you move around in your tent.

Step 2

The second step is to make holes in the tarp. Place the tarp flat on the ground and smooth out all the wrinkles. A tarp is a material you will use to build the tent.

You will place one tarp on the ground while the other will go over the center of the pole. The tarp placed on the floor needs to be shaped like a bathtub. The bathtub shape prevents water from seeping in.

Step 3

Now, take a guy rope, put it through the tarp, and use it to secure the tarp on the floor. Stretch it out completely using the guy ropes.

Now tie the guy rope around the pegs. Pegs need to be hammered into the ground. If you don’t have a hammer, you can use a rock to push them into the ground.

Step 4

Next is the tarp that will cover the entire tent. It would help if you made small holes on the edge of the tarp. These holes will hold the tent together.

The holes in the tarp should be big enough for a rope to go through them. Place the tarp over the center post and tie it to the pegs hammered into the ground. Tie the rope tightly; this will ensure stability. 

Step 5

Stretch out all the tarp corners and tie them to the pegs. Secure all the poles and ropes and make sure your tent is sturdy.

Now step inside your awesome DIY camping tent and check to see if everything is perfect. Your tent should look like a teepee! 

DIY Tent Vs Readymade Tent

Store-bought tents are more expensive than DIY camping tents. Some of them require additional waterproofing.

It means additional costs. A DIY camping tent costs less, and you can customize the size as per your needs. Using good quality materials, you can make a sturdy tent that lasts in every weather. 

Conclusion 

Building a DIY camping tent is a lot of fun.

You get to learn the basics of making a tent while keeping your budget in check. Make sure to try out the tent in your backyard before taking it to your campsite.

And most importantly, have fun making your DIY camping tent! 

References:

• https://campinghunt.com/
• https://www.doityourself.com/

But camping with dogs is slightly different than camping with humans, sometimes even better. If you are a dog owner, you know exactly what I am talking about!

Dogs are the friendliest pets. They are good-natured, love the outdoors, and make great camping companions. Not that cats aren’t as fun, but it is far riskier to take a cat outdoors than dogs.

Cats are more susceptible to becoming prey than dogs. Since they are tiny wild animals might easily sense their presence. Dogs are much easier to handle in the wild. They are bigger and tougher.

Dog owners know how much their fur babies love running around. And what better way to have fun than camping. They can fetch as many sticks as they like, dig holes, hide rocks and overall, have a blast!

Even though dogs are well equipped to handle the outdoors, they still need their own set of camping essentials. Just like you pack essential camping equipment for yourself, you have to pack a set for your four-legged friend.

If this is the first time you are taking your dog out on a camping trip, this article is for you! We will go through every vital dog camping gear you need to pack for a camping trip! 

Dog Food

The most important item on the list is food. Your dog is going to be trekking up the entire way to the campsite.

Just like you, your pet will also require nutrition. Make sure to pack extra dog food for the trip. Dogs tend to get hungrier after a long trek. Since your dog is used to dog food, it is advisable to carry the same brand he eats at home.

If he gets hungry, he may want to try eating things in nature, which is not a good idea. If he were a wild dog, maybe it would be, but domestic dogs need to be given the right food. Ideally, the one they eat at home.

Carry a few of his treats. This way, if he gets tired of eating his regular food, he always has a treat. Treats are also helpful when you want your dog to do something they don’t want to do. They can be naughty little things! 

Doggie First Aid Kit

The canine first aid kit is just for emergencies. Don’t worry; nothing bad will happen to your dog; nonetheless, you should be prepared.

Nature is unpredictable, and the slightest wound can turn deadly. An ideal doggie first aid kit must contain – tweezers, bandages, hydrogen peroxide, flea and tick repellent spray, saline wash, syringe, aspirin, and a clean pair of gloves.

You can add other medical supplies to this kit. Even a bug bite or a poison ivy rash might need tending. Ensure to check your dog for these, as they might become worse if left unchecked. 

Clean Drinking Water 

Ideally, people prefer camping near water. They allow their dogs to drink directly from a stream.

But if your dog is sensitive to outdoor water, this could be a problem. Many dogs contract diseases like leptospirosis or giardiasis by drinking water from a stream or a lake. You want your dog to be safe and healthy.

They should enjoy the camping trip as much as you would. Just like humans, dogs also need clean drinking water. So make sure you carry extra gallons of clean water for your little pup! 

Collapsible Dog Bowl

You might think if we are out in nature, your dog can eat his food off the ground. Well, this is not a good idea.

Eating food off the floor can be harmful. Your dog might ingest a bug or some other kind of hazardous plant, which might adversely affect his health.

A collapsible dog bowl is lightweight and easy to carry. It hardly takes up any space and can be used to drink and eat. Your dog will be happy when he sees his bowl.

Change of ambiance also affects dogs. It is best to make them feel as comfortable as you can. Familiarity eases a dog’s anxiety and helps them deal well with change.

Canine Doggie Backpacks

Yes, you read that right! Brands have now come out with backpacks for dogs.

It is perfect because of all the extra camping gear you have to carry. These backpacks are lightweight and can be easily strapped onto your dog. You own a dog and not a mule, so make sure to pack it light, or else you will end up carrying your dog in your arms.

The best way to make sure your dog can trek with the backpack is to train him before your trip. Start with taking him for a short walk with just the backpack, then slowly add one piece of camping gear every day.

In a month, your dog will be used to carrying the back and will also be strong enough to do so. 

Cooling Vest 

Just like us, dogs also feel hot during a long trek in the sun. To fight this, you can purchase a cooling vest.

This vest retains water which helps maintain your dog’s body temperature. A cooling collar is also highly recommended for hot weather. You want to make sure your dog doesn’t get dehydrated.

Since they can’t sip water from a bottle every few hours, cooling vests work well for them. If you are going to a place where the temperatures might drop, carry a warm blanket for your doggo! 

Booties 

Long treks can cause your dog’s paws to wear out.

Since pets aren’t used to such long treacherous hikes, their pygmy paws need to be protected. Trekking on the hot ground can cause rashes and burns. Booties also protect dogs from other insects or ticks that might latch onto their paws.

Many brands make durable booties for dogs. Make sure you pick one which isn’t too tight or too loose. Buy a brand that is water-resistant and does not tear easily.

ID Tag & GPS tracker

Dogs get lost in the wild more often than you think. To avoid this, make sure to add an ID tag to your dog’s collar.

Add your name, number, and the campsite you will be staying at. A GPS tracker is also helpful in keeping track of your dog’s whereabouts. Doggies often tend to wander off in the forest.

To avoid losing your pooch, attach a GPS tracker to his collar. You don’t need to implant one surgically; purchase one online and take it with you. It is always better to be safe than sorry! 

Leashes

Leashes are essential to keep your dog close to you.

Although you might have a leash you use to take your dog on a walk, this leash might not be the right one for a camping trip. Ideally, it would be best to carry a hands-free leash with a clipper.

This way, you can attach the clipper to your waist while you’re trekking. If you are bust setting camp or building a fire, you can attach this leash to your backpack.

This way, even if you get distracted, you know your dog is safe. A long leash is recommended. You may also purchase one which is adjustable and easy to clip.

Poop Bags

Dog owners should be mindful of their dog’s poop. Make sure to clean up after your pet.

If you are staying on a campsite, you should consider others and keep the place clean. You can also cover up the poop. Like humans, dogs also need to poop away from a stream of water.

Their poop is your responsibility, so make sure you wrap it in a bag or cover it up nicely! You can also train your dog to cover his poop. It will require a bit of extra training before the trip! 

Vaccinations and a Vet

Before taking your dog on a camping trip:

1. Make sure he is thoroughly vaccinated.
2. Carry all the paperwork for his vaccination.
3. Pick out a vet around the campsite.

In case of an emergency, you can always get your dog the proper medical attention. Not that anything will happen to him, but it is always better to be careful

Tent

You don’t need a separate tent for your dog.

Just make sure to carry a big one in which you and your dog can sleep comfortably. Tying your dog outside the tent is not a good idea. At night the temperatures drop drastically.

Wild animals can sense a pet in the open, which might be a problem. Keep your dog inside with you. You can keep each other warm and safe.

Pick a tent that is sturdy and water-resistant. Strong winds or rains can blow off a tent. Also, trying to manage your flying tent along with your dog is not a situation you want to get yourself in.

Dog Camping Bed 

Camping dog beds come in different shapes and sizes. Make sure to pick one that is lightweight and water-resistant.

These bags can be easily rolled up and take very little space. You can pack it in your dog’s backpack, provided it isn’t already filled with his other stuff!

Since it is compact, you can fit it in your backpack too. Either way, it is advisable to carry one. The ground becomes cold at night and is also dirtier than you think. It is the outdoors; it is bound to be a bit messy.

But your dog isn’t used to sleeping outside. It would help if you carried a dog camping bag for your dog.

Towels

One thing your dog will love about the outdoors is the dirt.

Your doggo is going to splash in the water, roll in the mud and bring dirt into the tent. And why not, that is precisely why you would take him on a camping trip, to have fun!

To make sure he remains clean, pack his favorite towels. This way, he can have all the fun he wants, and you can make sure he stays clean. 

Toys 

Carrying your dog’s favorite toy isn’t an absolute necessity, but it will keep him busy.

When you need your downtime, his favorite toy will distract him for some time. It also makes the trip a tad bit homely. Dogs might experience anxiety in a new place.

Their favorite toy will help them relax and keep them from feeling homesick. Dogs are more like humans than you think. You can also carry a toy that dispenses treats.

It will keep your dog full and happy. Dogs have more energy than us. That is why his favorite toy is a perfect way to wear him down.

Doggie Sunglasses

Yup, you read that right! Some dog lovers came up with the brilliant idea of designing sunglasses just for dogs.

They obviously cannot wear human sunglasses. It will slip off in a minute. These unique dog sunglasses strap on to your dog’s face and remain intact.

No matter how much your dog jumps and plays around, these glasses will not fall off. Sunglasses aren’t essential, but carrying them will keep your eyes safe from extreme sunlight.

Conclusion

Pick a campsite that allows pets. Make sure to do thorough research on this before starting your trip.

Many campsites do not allow pets, in which case you will have to tie your dog outside the camp or lock him up in the car, neither of which are viable options. When you take your dog on a camping trip, you want him to enjoy nature, not be locked up in a car or tied to a tree.

It is not even safe to keep your dog outside. So, a good campsite accommodates dogs and is close to a stream. Make sure to pack all the dog camping gear mentioned above. You want to have fun with your dog and make sure he is safe and comfortable.

As long as dogs are with their owners, they will be super happy. They love running around in the open. And dogs, just like humans, love adventures! 

References:

https://50campfires.com/dog-camping-gear/