Not all fire at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is considered detrimental to the thriving eco-system of the area. In some instances, it is beneficial to promote new and existing growth of trees and plant life. read more
Many commercial manufacturers produce ready-to-use fire starters, but you can make one yourself with a few basic items. Ingredients for an effective fire starter include a combustible material such as dryer lint to light and burn long enough to ignite a secondary fuel such as a cardboard. read more
Green firewood is typically considered to be any hard or soft wood which is freshly cut and still maintains a high moisture content. Burning green wood in a fire presents several issues that are not found with seasoned firewood. The higher moisture content may result in a hotter fire needed to burn the green logs, more smoke because of the amount of water co… read more
Starting a fire in an emergency or survival situation is not only necessary to provide warmth and heat for cooking, a fire can also be an enormous psychological boost. The ability to start a fire can help provide you with a sense of being able to change your situation and affect the outcome. Making a fire is easy with a match or lighter. However, it is typic… read more
For many backpacking and camping enthusiasts, weight is a primary concern. Reliable operation and service from gear is also a must for many backcountry travelers. All of these criteria apply to camp stoves that are used to boil water and cook food. Many stoves are available for purchase from outdoor, big-box and other retail outlets. However, an inexpensive… read more
A fire blanket allows you to have the flickering light and warmth of a campfire while minimizing its impact on the fragile landscape--rather than scar the site for years afterward. To preserve their pristine qualities, many wilderness… read more
Camping stoves are used by campers, hikers, backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts as a way to heat, boil and cook food as a substitute for modern amenities. Stoves range from small, portable cooking devices to large outdoor designs. read more
Did you ever wonder how the first camping cooktop originated or what types of stoves are available today? Getting up to speed on the latest information on camping cooktops before your next trip could prove to be as important as what yo… read more
Camping outdoors and campfires seem to go together. It's pleasant to gather around a firepit as evening chill settles over a camp, to tell stories or plan the next day's adventures. But fire in the outdoors is a serious business and it… read more
Search and rescue gear can save your life if an accident occurs while you are hiking, camping or fishing. From tools to help you save your own life in an emergency situation to devices that attract the attention of passing cars and air… read more
When using charcoal for a cooking fire, you usually need some type of fire starter to get the coals going. At home you'd use lighter fluid, but if you are out in the woods camping, it is not a good idea to carry along combustible mater… read more
The well-prepared hiker and overnight camper plans for the trip and packs certain items so that things are not left to chance. Fire fuel, for example, in many instances can be found in an area where a fire will be built. Fuel is common… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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