Ahhh, spring is in the air! The itch to get back on the trail is definitely getting stronger, and while, there is still snow on the ground, there are a few things to get gear ready for the year. Here are four pieces of gear I look over every spring: pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow. All of our gear can be found here.
Head over to your closet and let’s pull your gear out!
Check for any damage
The first thing when pulling your gear out of storage for the season is to look it over for any damage that may have been missed when putting it away for winter. For instance check your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pack for holes or tears. Subsequently, if you find a hole it can be patched before being in the middle of the woods, on a sinking sleep pad. Always keep extra patches on hand for inflatables. A sewing kit is also good to keep on hand for sewing straps back on securely or sewing a tear in a sleeping bag up.
half of the sternum strap is missing
Check for gear left behind
Secondly, it’s always good to go back through your sleeping bag and pack to make sure nothing was left behind. There could be a Darntough sock hiding in the sleeping bag or a spork in the bottom of the pack, for example. Finding something thought to be lost in your gear can be like Christmas in spring.
Darntough sock hiding in the sleeping bag
Air it out!
Your gear has been locked away in a closet all winter, hang it outside (when rain isn’t in the forecast!)! I like to hang our packs, bags, and pillows over the porch railing to let the spring air freshen it up. It feels cleaner, no longer smells musty and builds the anticipation for the first campout of the year!
Sleeping bag freshening up in the spring airPack being aired out
These are three tips to get camping gear freshened up and ready for the year! Let me know in the comments below what you do in the spring to get your gear ready! Also, don’t forget to check out other tips and tricks here.
If you’re reading this chances are you love camping, and would like to go on as many camping trips as possible. Life is busy, so to fit in a camping trip it helps to plan! As much as I love the idea of an impromptu trip to the forest, I know that for me it wouldn’t end up happening. Here are a few tips on how I plan out camping trips.
Pick your days in advance!
Pick a block of days about 4-6 weeks in advance for the camping trip. I pick which days we are going BEFORE narrowing down where we’re headed. Knowing just how much time helps me pick somewhere within a reasonable distance, and not one that is going to put us on a time constraint and stress us out. We planned on 3 days and 2 nights for our George H. Crosby Manitou trip, the furthest trip we’ve taken. We were able to account for stopping to see some of the touristy sites and grabbing some food, while not feeling rushed.
Small cascade at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
Where will the camping trip be?
Picking where you are going to go camping gets narrowed down quite a bit when you know just how many days you have for your camping trip. If you only have time for a quick overnighter, pick a new spot or even a favorite one within an hour of home. This ensures time for stress-free setup and tear down. If you have half a week? Travel to the other side of the state and take in those sites. When picking a campsite and we have more time on our side I like to pick places with things we have never seen. Two examples would be Itasca State Park has the headwaters of the Mississippi, while George H. Crosby Manitou has a secluded and gorgeous waterfall.
Itasca State Park, Mckay Lake
Pick Your Gear!
You’ve decided where? Great! When you are going to a hike-in site, you’re going to need lighter gear and to fit it all in your pack. If car camping with the whole family, you can bring all the entertainment and the big luxury tent. Bringing your dog? here are three things that will make the trip even better. Another thing to think of when picking your gear is the forecast. Take a look as you get closer, but also remember that weather changes and to be prepared. Our store has tons of gear ideas for beginners and experts!
Mora at Itasca State Park
All in all, camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with those you love. The best way to do that is to plan and be prepared!! Let me know in the comments below your tips for planning a camping trip!
Everyone loves a sweet snack for the trail, but you want to make sure that you aren’t going to crash – the answer is apple chips! Today I am going to share with you my super easy dehydrated apple chip recipe.
You will need a dehydrator I recommend either this one by Hamilton Beach if you won’t use it frequently and would like a budget option, or the Cabela’s heavy-duty dehydrator for a lot of use.
3 lbs of apples – these need to be apples that you like eating as a snack, this will be the main flavor of your apple chips. I suggest using Jazz apples. They are a good balance of sweet and tangy.
2 TBS cinnamon (optional)
Two ingredients?! So simple!
Alright, now it’s time for the dirty work, we need to core the apples and it gets messy so be prepared. Once you have your apples cored, you’re going to slice them up and lay them out on your dehydrator tray. Make sure that the slices are not touching. At this point, some people put lemon juice on the apple slices so they don’t brown, I honestly never do this. I do however LOVE lightly sprinkling the apple slices with cinnamon, it tastes great and your house will smell awesome.
Load your trays into your dehydrator and set it for 165 degrees! Check back in 5 hours and see if the chips are done to your liking, I find that 7 hours is where my family enjoys the apple chips best! There you go, enjoy!
Waiting for more recipes? Check out our camp food reviews here!
Lately, it has been too cold out for adventures in the woods, I’m talking really cold…feels like -66* cold. It leaves me longing for a wonderful trip we took last year, in search of a winter camping spot. This search led us to Walker, MN at the beginning of Chippewa National Forest to Shingobee Recreation Area.
To start out our day it was a long and beautiful road trip, the first road trip with our pup, Mora. It’s tucked to the side of the highway and has a nice big sign to mark the entrance, we went down the drive a bit and parked. We could already see another group there, who had brought their dog along as well. We were right by an information bulletin, which was handy so that we could line up our map with the one posted. Once we figured out where we were off we went on our adventure to find the campsite.
Hiking In Shingobee
The trek to the campsite was a lot more intense than I was expecting. The trails to the camp are intermediate but adding the snow to that was a whole new level. This was the first time I had gone winter hiking add a 6-month-old pup into the mix, it was hard (side note: the waist leash I mention *here* is a lifesaver). The Forest Service does a wonderful job with Shingobee though, and they maintain the trails even during winter. This led to easily marked trails, that were grated in some areas to really give you a break.
The hill-filled, 2-mile hike was extremely rewarding when we found the campsite. A primitive site tucked back off the trail and nestled under some giant pines. Absolutely beautiful when snow covered. A quick break for us and the pup and we were ready to head back up the hills. We needed to make it back to the car by dark, which thankfully we did. A wonderful end to the perfect winter adventure.
Final Thoughts
Shingobee is a nice little spot in the forest. The area is open all year round and offers so many activities! Just a few of which are hiking, cross country skiing, a sledding hill with a warming hut, primitive camping, bird watching, and hunting. Pretty much anything for an outdoor enthusiast any time of year. Shingobee is a truly beautiful recreation area, taken very good care of by the Forest Service. If you end up near Walker, MN it is a must see…better yet make it a destination.
It can be quite a challenge to find small gifts with plenty of meaning and use, so here are 10 great ideas for stocking stuffers. These stocking stuffers are small and inexpensive at $35 or less, but the person you snatch these up for will get lots of use and enjoyment from these.
10. A small, packable pillow for a great night’s sleep in the woods. Totally beats their bumpy and lumpy sweatshirt. Get this one from Teton Sports here.
9. There is no denying that cell phones are a large part of everyday life for people. In fact, many campers and hikers use them as cameras to take valuable pictures of their adventures. Make sure the adventurer in your life doesn’t miss capturing that moment with a power bank so they can stay charged on the go! Get 10000 MaH with this one from Anker.
8. Brighten their day with a new headlamp! This is a convenient way to make sure they can see whatever they need to in the dark and have both hands free. Try out this rechargeable one from Foxelli.
7. A spork is great for any campers stocking stuffers! You can never have enough of these. Toaks titanium long handled spork ensures you get every last morsel of your mountain house, without getting a mess on your hands.
6. A multitool is one of those things that you don’t realize how great it is until you have one, making it a great gift! They will say “you thought of everything!” I recommend the Leatherman Squirt – compact and reasonably priced!
4. It is always nice to have some form of entertainment out in the woods, something that is often overlooked is games! However, there are a lot of small games you can bring with you, without taking up a ton of room in your pack. Here are a few to check out: Go Find It, Monopoly Deal, Skipbo,Hero Realms, and Catan the Dice Game.
3. Is there anything better than dessert? While many campers and hikers have dehydrated meals on hand, a dessert is a luxury that many don’t splurge on. Here are a few favorites to sweeten their stocking: apple crisp, cheesecake, creme brulee.
2. Sliding into the number two spot is a pair of leather gloves. Leather gloves are great to wear around camp, protecting your hands from scrapes and splinters. A nice basic pair to start with is the Mechanix leather gloves.
Finally, the number one stocking stuffers for your camper/hiker is a nice pair of Darn Tough socks. You can nab a pair for either gender, keep them plain or capture their personality with a pattern. These antimicrobial socks will keep their feet dry and comfy, whether it’s hot or cold out!
I hope this list helped you get some great ideas for the holiday season! If you have any great ideas for stocking stuffers that I missed, make sure to leave them in the comment section below! For more gift ideas, check out Kory’s 5 picks!
I am an avid foodie and that does not stop when I am spending time in the woods, so I often question: What is the best camping stove for cooking in the woods? Food is something that brings us all together and creates memories with each other, so it’s important to be able to cook the food you want and enjoy the best taste. There are four main stove types when cooking in the woods Alcohol, Wood, Canister and an old-fashioned Fire Grate.
Alcohol Stove
These are a good, light-weight option to take with you on your trek through the woods. There are many different styles of stoves for this fuel type, you can even easily make one yourself out of a pop can! Esbit makes one that has a great snuffer ring, however, this version does not come with a pot stand, you need to buy this separately. Pathfinder school, on the other hand, has a snuffer ring that doesn’t seal tight so you can potentially burn yourself. The Pathfinder is my favorite for this fuel option, it has larger fuel storage and comes with a pot stand that fits snuggly around the base. Both the Esbit and the Pathfinder School have a secure cap to ensure your fuel doesn’t spill out all over your gear, while you need to carry fuel in a separate container with a DIY version.
Pros: Fast for boiling water, good for burn bans
Cons: Not the safest, Might not come with pot stand, Easily Spilled, Cannot adjust the flame
Wood Stove
Wood Stoves are awesome for bringing in the woods because they run on kindling, and in the woods, you are surrounded by kindling! These come in three parts that slide into each other for a compact stove. You slide the pot stand out of the ash box and then set into the air intake base. This is a great system, but not recommended for beginners. You do not want to rely on creating a fire with wood if you are inexperienced and should at least bring another fuel type as a backup. Nulipam is the brand we use when using a wood burner for our primary fuel type. This stove set up is nice because the pot stand fits a pan, as well as a small pot, making your cooking options endless.
Pros: Won’t spill, Fits pans, Compact
Cons: Can be hard to get a fire going or to keep it going, Cannot adjust the flame
Canister Stoves
Canister stoves are by far my favorite when it comes to portable fuel stoves! These are light-weight, safe from spilling and you are able to use them when there is a burn ban out in the woods. There are two main types I use – both are the burner type, however one is Piezo Ignition (you will not need a lighter) and the other is manual (you will need a lighter.) The downside is that you will have to carry the fuel canister separate, however, they have a good, sturdy build with feet that fold out, making them ideal for pots and pans without the worry of them falling over. The other thing I love about these stoves is that you can adjust the heat, so you don’t burn your eggs! When there is a fire ban the canister stove is the best camping stove for me!
Pros: Adjustable flame, Sturdy feet holds pots and pans, Lightweight, Safe from spills, OK during burn bans
Cons: Need to carry a fuel canister separate
Fire Grate
The by far BEST camping stove for cooking when you are out in nature is right over your fire. There are many types of grates you can buy for this such as the UCO Grilliput, which I found flimsy and hard to use, and Coghlan’s Camp Grill, which is sturdy and reliable. The material you need to start the fire is around you, so you do not have to pack in any sort of fuel. Although it can be tricky for beginners to get a fire, this is the best way to cook while camping, especially if you have fresh food. Nothing beats a steak that gets the nice caramelized fat and smoky flavor. It is also dual purpose because once it cools down at night you can heat yourself around the fire that fed you!
Pros: Yummy steak, Safe from fuel spills, Holds pots and pans, Fire building material found in nature
Cons: Flame is not adjustable, Need to be a bit more skilled, Grate can be bulky, Cannot use this option in a fire ban
Best Camping Stove for Me
Overall my top two picks are the Fuel Canister Stoves and Fire Grates for best camping stove! Let me know what your favorite stove for cooking is below and what you make on your trips!
This budget camp cook kit is great for starters. I was very surprised how well this budget camp cook kit worked for starters and people looking to try camping. It can also be used for preparedness and having a wood stove at the ready.
If you are looking for tips for women to be comfortable in the woods, whether you have yourself, your wife or girlfriend in mind you have come to the right spot. If it is your first time camping as a woman, it can be a little nerve-wracking and I am here to make sure you are at least comfortable. For the gentlemen who are here, I can help make sure your significant other’s time in the woods is enjoyable. Camping is a great experience to be alone or share as a couple so let’s jump in.
Sleeping Comforts
Sleep can be where so many lose out on comfort and there are two tips for this category
Sleeping Bag
You will need to make sure that you have the appropriate comfort rating for your sleeping bag. Women tend to sleep colder, so if it will be down to 50 degrees, you may want to look at a 40-degree bag (I use a 20-degree bag). Make sure that you have a sleeping bag that has a good loft, is soft and not too loud so you can sleep quietly.
This is my number one item that I bring to make sure I have maximum comfort. Camping pillows are loud, uncomfortable and your head normally slides off of them(if you have the blown up camping ones). I use a My Pillow travel size, you could also use a toddler sized pillow. This is great because it feels like the pillow you have at home, is not noisy and will cradle your head so it does not slide off.
Footwear
Footwear is about a lot more than shoes, check out my top picks
Water Shoes
Tired of having to lace up shoes or boots everytime you go in and out of your tent? Tired of your bulky footwear weighing down your feet? I’ve got a solution for you: water shoes. These are great, they are breathable, lightweight and have a hard sole so you don’t hurt your feet on rocks and sticks. They also dry extremely fast, if you do choose to use them in the water. You can also slip them on and off, saving you time and helping keep your tent clean.
Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool socks are the only socks that will do when you are out in the woods, don’t even bother with cotton or nylon. Wool is anti-microbial which is great for when you’re in the woods because your feet will be safe from bacteria and won’t get stinky. Wool also does a great job regulating temperature and moisture wicking, keeping your feet cool in the summer and warm in winter. Merino wool is also very soft, I recommend Darn Tough.
Slipper Socks
Slipper socks are just nice to have for around bedtime when you are in the tent winding down. Being able to take your regular socks off for the night gives them a chance to breathe and air out, yet you still get to keep your feet nice and warm. Slipper socks also help to keep the inside of your tent clean. On the off chance, you get dirt or anything on the bottom of your feet, putting slipper socks on makes sure to keep the mess contained and from getting all over your tent.
Entertainment
You will have downtime while out camping and it will be nice to entertain yourself a bit instead of staring into space. Making sure you are entertained and not bored is a great way to help make sure you are comfortable
Books
Books are great entertainment and there are so many to choose from. Whatever genre you might be into horror, mystery, comedy, or something inspirational there is a book for you.
Games
Games are truly the most fun way to entertain yourself while out camping, especially if you are camping with others. You cannot beat the interaction of a game – it will get you talking and laughing with your camping partner(s). There are many cards and dice games to choose from, even for two players, some of our favorites to bring are Monopoly Deal, Catan the Dice Game and Hero Realms.
Bug Protection
Bug protection is super important, because honestly without it you will be miserable and itchy, you would not enjoy your time in the woods
Sprays
The most common form of bug protection that we use in the woods are sprays. We use one on ourselves, Sawyer Maxi Deet is our number one option for this. Permethrin is the second, and for this, we spray it on our clothes and tent before we go. It instantly kills bugs on contact and it is great for being out in tick country.
Beauty/Hygiene
Beauty and hygiene are often two things women need in there life to just feel good. The notion is often that it cannot be achieved while out camping, but I assure you it can and will make sure you are comfortable
Hair Ties
These are yet another simple product that can make the trip a completely different experience. I recommend you always bring extra as they break so easily. Hair ties get your hair out of the way so you can perform tasks that take more exertion, they also help get it off the back of your neck when you are hot and need to cool down. When you put your hair up and it can also keep you from feeling grungy and unkempt, giving you an overall boost of morale.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes help you clean up, especially if you do not have an access to water source. Not to mention they come in handy for just wiping off your hands before dinner and at the end of a long day where you put in the work and got a little dirty. Honestly, everyone enjoys having baby wipes on a trip. Don’t forget to pack your used ones out!
Face Lotions
While I don’t recommend makeup in the woods, face lotion can help to make you feel like you are clean and presentable. There are so many options, but I have two main favorites that I think you will enjoy in the woods. The first option is aqua balms, they are very moisturizing and help you to feel like you did something with yourself. The downside to using an aqua balm while camping is that there is no SPF so you should still utilize a sunscreen. My second pick for you to wear while camping is tinted face cream. These face creams generally have an SPF, the one I use by Marcelle has an SPF of 25.
Nail Clipper
If you are a woman who will be camping or taking a woman you know camping you absolutely should bring a nail clipper. This is a very small item and often overlooked but can greatly improve your trip. It is nice to be able to take care of a broken nail or a hangnail right away. If you don’t take care of it right away you can snag it on your gear (possibly causing a run) or even injure yourself further.
If you are a woman or taking a woman such as your wife or girlfriend camping it is important to make sure you/they are comfortable. Especially if it is your/their first time adventuring out into the woods. Camping can be a wonderful way to spend time by yourself or with your significant other bonding and getting in touch with nature. However, it is easily ruined with just one bad experience. I hope you try out these small comforts and they make your trip the best and most comfortable it can be! Make sure to comment below what your must-have comfort is!
I am always trying out new, freeze-dried meals for the trail, hoping to find something great to share with you. Lately, a lot of people have been telling me they want healthier options than the standard Mountain House so I went on a mission. My search led me to Wild Zora and their Paleo Meals to Go line. I reached out and they were kind enough to send me a few to try out and share my thoughts with you. I have tried out two meals so far: Caldera Chicken Curry and Summit Savory Chicken, here are my thoughts:
Caldera Chicken Curry
This flavor features free-range chicken, spinach and pineapple in a coconut curry. The best part of this meal is honestly the simple ingredients: Chicken, Spinach, Pineapple, Coconut, Red Bell Pepper, Sweet Potato, Onion, Green Onion, Turmeric, Cayenne, Spices, Sea Salt and Garlic. Wow, the flavor of this one is unique, delicate and tasty. Furthermore, this meal re-hydrates very well, the meat is juicy and plentiful. The spinach, sweet potato, onion, and garlic blend together very well and are mild; where the sweetness from the pineapple lingers and the cayenne spice balances out the flavors. Meanwhile, I do not taste much of the coconut, I feel the pineapple is definitely the stronger flavor. This one is my favorite between the two and features 35 grams of protein.
Summit Savory Chicken
The Summit Savory Chicken meal is created with Chicken, Spinach, Carrots, Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Onion, Mushrooms, Lemon, Green Onion, Parsley, Cilantro, Turmeric, Garlic and Sea Salt. Again, this meal is super meaty and that meat re-hydrates well and is juicy. Spinach, carrots, broccoli, and onion meld together in the background. Suddenly, a distinct lemon flavor sneaks through and takes over, although it is not overpowering and offers a nice transition to the lasting garlic flavor. This meal has a good, subtle flavor to go with 41 grams of protein.
Wild Zora Final Thoughts
My final thoughts on these two meals are that they are unique and healthy options for on the go; these flavors are unlike those I have seen in similar meals. However, these both re-hydrate similarly: you boil 12oz of water and add to the bag, let sit for roughly ten minutes. Although these may be more expensive than other options on the market there are a few more things to consider. The first being that they are allergy sensitive meals, meaning they are gluten, milk, nut and soy free. Secondly, this is a small company run by a mother and her son, that are putting the best ingredients they can find into these products, and that includes not using chemicals to preserve the meals. I really enjoyed both of these and hope you give Wild Zora Paleo Meals to Go a try!
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