Three Fire-Starting Problems; Three Fire-Starting Solutions

Beginning campers often struggle to start fires, but with time and practice, most become quite proficient at the task. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll always find it easy to get a fire started. From time to time, even the most skilled and experienced campers will struggle when trying to start a fire.

Often, these struggles are due to environmental factors. This means that if you camp often and long enough, you’ll probably experience such difficulties and spend a night shivering in the cold. But fortunately, most of these difficulties occur because of one of three common issues. We’ll explain these problems below, as well as potential solutions that may help you make a warm and roaring fire.

Problem #1: Wet Wood

Wet wood is perhaps the most common fire-starting challenge campers face, and it is always a possibility for those who routinely camp in the Pacific Northwest, Southeastern United States or other rainy locations.

Wood will not burn when it is wet. In fact, wood has to be heated enough to dry out completely before it will burn. This doesn’t mean that a given log must be completely dry before it will burn, but the actual wood burning at any point in time has already lost all of its water. Accordingly, it can be very frustrating to try to start a fire immediately following the rainy weather.

Solution: Find Dry Wood

There’s no simple way to sidestep the problem of wet wood. You must simply find dry wood. However, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you accomplish this.

• Look for broken branches that are suspended high in the trees. Water will not only drain away from these branches more quickly and completely than it will drain from a log laying on the ground, these branches are also exposed to more wind, which helps them dry even more quickly. Obviously, you must limit your search to those branches you can reach, but you should be able to find enough wood to start a fire with sufficient effort.
• Harvest dry wood from inside large logs. While large logs can become drenched through to their cores, most will remain quite dry on the inside. Using a large knife or your camp ax, strip away damp portions of the log until only dry wood remains. You can also use this technique to create your own tinder. Just shred the dry wood harvested from the log’s interior into very fine fibers and they’ll make excellent tinder.
• Look for logs and branches lying in exposed, sunny locations. Forests are often damp places, even several days or weeks removed from rainy weather. But sunny, exposed locations are typically quite dry – especially if they are also buffeted by strong winds.
• Look for branches under overhangs and other sheltered locations. Lots of natural features create sheltered spots, which can remain surprisingly dry. Cliff bases are often excellent locations to search, as the vertical walls will usually protect small areas at the bottom of the wall from the rain. You’d be surprised how dry some of these places – and the branches found in them – can be.

It’s also a good idea to gather even more tinder and kindling than you normally would when faced with damp conditions, as it may take a long time to heat up the fuel logs enough to burn well. And once you’ve started your fire, be sure to use the heat generated to help dry out wood collected for future fires.

Problem #2: High Winds

High winds are often thought to increase the danger of campfires (and they do); but ironically, they can also make it very difficult to start one. Many campers have struck one match after another in an effort to light their tinder, only to have the wind extinguish the match flame before the tinder would ignite.

Solution: Create a Wind Screen

The easiest way to start a fire in high winds is to simply create or improvise a structure that blocks the wind. However, there are a number of different ways to do this, including:

• Stack additional rocks around the fire circle. You should only build a fire in a circle of stones anyway, so just take the time to find some more rocks and stack them on top of the existing circle. In extremely windy conditions, you may need to stack the stones high around the entire circle, but moderate winds will only require you to stack them on the side from which the winds are blowing.
• Use your body to shield the match. Chances are, you’ll intuitively try to use your body to block the wind, but it bears mentioning anyway. You may have even better luck by stretching the side of your jacket out sideways.
• Start the fire in a sheltered location. In the windiest conditions, you may not be able to use rocks or your body to adequately shield the match. In such circumstances, you may need to seek out a sheltered location, such as a cliff base or cave to start the fire. You can then transfer coals or burning logs to the desired location.
• Build the fire in a subterranean pit. By digging down into the soil and then partially covering the pit with branches, you can create an enclosed space to start your fire. You’ll need to provide the fire with more access to oxygen once the fire is burning, but this shouldn’t be a problem – just remove the covering branches as necessary.

Note that there are also lighters on the market which feature extendable windshields, which allow them to light in even the windiest conditions. These types of tools will provide additional value and should always be considered by campers who often visit windy regions.

Problem #3: Kindling Lights, but Fuel Wood Does Not

Many campers manage to get their tinder lit, and they may even get the kindling wood to ignite. However, they’ll have great difficulty getting the fuel logs to light. Eventually, such campers end up looking at a pile of ashes that used to be kindling and a stack of fuelwood, with a lightly charred exterior.

Solution: Re-Construct the Wood Pile

Assuming that you aren’t battling strong winds or being forced to use damp wood, the most common reason campers have trouble igniting their fuelwood is due to design problems. Specifically, it usually means that the fire is not getting enough oxygen. You can help correct this problem by:

• Use a log-cabin, rather than pyramidal design. Although the traditional pyramidal design can be very effective, it is often easy for beginners to place the sticks too closely to each other, which chokes off the oxygen and prevents the fire from growing. But, a log-cabin-style wood pile will allow plenty of oxygen to pass through the wood.
• Stack the wood so that the prevailing winds blow through the center of the pile. You can accomplish this by building your log-cabin on top of two large, parallel logs. Make sure that you light the fire from the side the wind is blowing. The wind will not only carry oxygen through the woodpile, but it will carry heat through the wood too.
• Dig a trench through the center of the wood pile. By creating a small tunnel, you can help flood the woodpile with oxygen. It will also make it easier for you to blow air into the coals, if necessary.

Even the most experienced campers will eventually find themselves having difficulty starting a fire. The question isn’t “if” but “when.” But if you familiarize yourself with these three problems and their associated solutions, you’ll likely figure out how to overcome these challenges when they present themselves.

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How To Use Trekking Poles

I used to think that trekking poles are for cowards, and one day, out of curiosity, I decided to give them a try. At first, I felt like off, but it so happened that the same day I used them I slipped while crossing a stream. I kept thinking throughout the day what could have happened if I didn’t have them since there was a sharp stick just on the place I was about to fall.

That was eight years ago, and I never stopped telling people about how poles are useful for crossing streams. I have since been using trekking poles, and I have come to realize that when using them I hike more miles, I have fewer backaches, and my knees aren’t so rubbery. They are more than poles; they’re an extension of me.

Think of them as two extra legs. This means with them you get extra stability, allowing you to hike faster, safer, and for long distances. A study done in 1999, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine showed that trekking poles are able to reduced pressure on your knees by up to 25 percent. Another study by the Copper Institute indicated not long ago that trekking poles allow you to burn 40 percent extra calories while hiking.

So, to cut a long story short, trekking poles WILL make a huge difference for you. But first, you need to know how to use them properly; otherwise, they won’t do you any good.

Here, I will describe a methodical approach on how to use poles to your advantages, which will make your hiking easier, safe and efficient.

Adjusting The Wrist Strap

A wrist strap is one of the things people never take seriously and in fact, most people do not even know how to use them. When the wrist strap is correctly used it goes a long way in preventing aching hands and sprained wrists.

• To adjust the length of the strap, pull the tension block out. Once the block is removed, you may pull the loose end to tighten the strap, or the upper portion to loosen it. Once the desired size is reached, push the tension block back in.

 

How To Use Your Wrist Strap

Put your hand through the appropriate strap from the bottom so it rests snugly around your wrist. Then grasp the grip and top of the strap with your hand. Having your straps too loose is a common mistake. A properly adjusted strap is tight enough to help support the weight of your hand on the pole, but not so tight that it’s difficult to remove or restricts circulation to the hand.

Adjust The Pole Length

Adjust the poles so your elbow is at a 90 degree angle. When adjusting the height of the poles, make sure the number on the top segment of the pole is the same as the bottom segment.

Tightening Your Trekking Poles

Flip open the clasp, then proceed to make 1/4 turn adjustments to the screw until you get the desired tension. The bolt should be tight enough that when you close the clasp the pole supports your weight without sliding. And remember, when twisting the screw, righty tighty, lefty loosey!

Walking Uphill

When hiking uphill it’s better to keep the pole is short enough not to pull yourself up the hill but to help push off. So the tip of the pole should not be in front of the lead foot, rather keep the poles close to the body.

Walking Downhill

For extended descents or hilly terrains, your pole should be a little longer, in a way that you will be standing upright when you plant the pole in front of you.

There are times you may need to adjust your poles so that one pole is on the longer side and the other is a bit shorter. For instance, when following a slope that zigzags. Having one short and the other one long helps you alternate them at each turn without any need to adjust every few moments. Make sure you test both pole lengths to make sure they are suitable for the terrain.

Moving The Pole Forward

This is one of the things that you might not think is important, but I’ve learned these few tricks from my friends who began using trekking poles years before me, and I have found them to be very helpful. For a minute, just think about how you naturally walk. When you step forward with your right foot, your left-hand swings forward. The same thing happens when you step forward with your left foot. What is the basic science behind this? Our body is optimized to move this way to help maintain stability.

Use the same principle on your hiking poles. So;

• Each trekking pole moves forward when the opposite leg does. Don’t try to alter the pattern by planting the pole on the foot near it.
• When stepping up (say on a ledge), make both poles move forward at the same time. This is a great technique, and you can use it to minimize leg fatigue.

I have seen some hikers plant the pole after two or three steps, but that kind of movement pattern isn’t good for me. But, that’s not to say it isn’t a style that can be beneficial when you’re free of heavy loads
and on smooth terrain.

I’ve come to realize it only takes a short while to develop the right movement patterns. Eventually, the poles will feel like an extension of yourself.

Be careful when you plant your poles on the rocky and hilly terrain. If the pole slips between two rocks, you may fall or snap the pole if you do not pull it back out straight away.

These are just a few tips that can really help you use trekking poles to your advantage. As you use them, you may find other ways that work better for you. These are general recommendations that can make your hikes easier and more efficient.

Most importantly, remember to choose the right trekking pole for you, since the kind of pole you use will also have an impact on your hiking experience.

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Patagonia Trekking & Hiking: Everything you Need to Know

An Adventurer’s Guide to Patagonia

A lot of campers and hikers fall into a rut and continue to visit the same places time and again. And while there’s something to be said for getting to know your favorite park or wilderness area inside and out, the world is a big place and it behooves you to get out and enjoy it.

There are a number of fantastic destinations available for hikers and campers who are interested in expanding their horizons, but few are as appealing as Patagonia. Encompassing 400,000 square miles of South America, Patagonia is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Home to vast grasslands, arid deserts, temperate rainforests and picturesque glaciers, the region draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

But as with any other exotic location, you must learn all you can about Patagonia before scheduling your trip. We’ll try to help you in this journey below, as we outline the basics geography of the region, detail a few of the most notable parks and wilderness areas and provide tips and tricks for packing and staying safe during your Patagonian adventure.

Getting to Know the Destination: Patagonia at a Glance

It’s easy to see the appeal of Patagonia – it’s one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Typically defined as the area between the Andes Mountains, the Colorado River and the Atlantic Ocean, it stretches as far south as the Tierra del Fuego – an archipelago off the southern coast of South America.

Most of the region (approximately 90%) lies in Argentina, although a few portions of Chile are considered part of Patagonia as well. The entire region is a semi-arid plateau, covered in deserts, pampas and grasslands. A series of dramatic cliffs separate the Patagonia plateau from a thin coastal strip alongside the Atlantic Ocean.

Patagonia is a wide-open area that is primarily comprised of treeless plains. However, there are a few densely forested areas found in the western stretches of the region. Most of these forests are classified as temperate rainforests, and they are home to a unique collection of plants and animals.

In fact, this illustrates a general trend of the region: The farther west you travel, the greater the biological diversity you’ll see. Until that is, you reach the beautiful peaks and mind-blowing glaciers of the Andes, where the biodiversity begins to return to levels similar to those in the east.

Patagonia’s climate is typically cool and dry, with the warmest temperatures occurring in the east. Most of the precipitation falls during the South American winter, from May to August. However, annual rainfall levels generally decrease the farther east you travel, thanks to the rain-shadow effect created by the Andes. Some areas near the Chilean border receive 400 centimeters of rain annually, while rainfall totals in the east are typically in the 30- to 50-centimeter range.

Popular Hiking and Camping Areas

Of course, Patagonia is a big place – it’s about the same size as California and Texas combined. Accordingly, you’ll need to decide on a specific location or two when planning your trip. Fortunately, Patagonia has no shortage of world-class camping destinations from which you can choose.

A few of the most popular trails and parks include:

Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares is one of the most popular destinations for North American and European visitors, and it is located near the shores of Lago Argentino – a huge, beautiful reservoir fed by melting glaciers. Los Glaciares is a remote park, without many signs of civilization, so you’ll need to camp when hiking into the park’s interior. There are plenty of scenic views in the park, but you’ll usually have to hike across rugged trails to enjoy them. And, as you may expect from the name, you’ll have the chance to see plenty of stunning glaciers while visiting Los Glaciares.

Torres del Paine National Park

The most popular destination in the Chilean portion of Patagonia, Torres del Paine is a bit more populated than Los Glaciares. Stores and hotels dot the region and roads provide easy access to many of the scenic points of interest. Torres del Paine is home to the region’s famous W Trek, which stretches for 34 miles and typically takes about four days of hiking to complete. You can see glaciers while visiting Torres del Paine, but you’ll only be able to see them up close via boat.

Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo

Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo provides some of the best scenic views in the entire Patagonian region. In fact, travelers who’ve visited the region have one recurring bit of advice: Allow plenty of time to stop and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and take photographs. The park’s roads are in very good condition, which makes traveling between the various scenic wonders quite easy, but you can also hike around the park in about four or five days. There are also shorter trails you can enjoy on foot or via horseback. If you don’t mind a steep and strenuous hike, check out the trail to Lago Carrera, which provides some of the best views around.

Monte León National Park

Located in the province of Santa Cruz on the southeastern coast of Argentina, Monte Leon National Park is primarily comprised of steppe habitat and features plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities – you can even see several different species of penguin while visiting the area. However, the primary attraction of Monte Leon is undoubtedly the beautiful sandstone cliffs and rock formations that characterize the coast. It is important to prepare for chilly weather when visiting Monte Leon, although warm ocean currents do help moderate the area’s temperatures somewhat.

Queulat National Park

Located in southern Chile, Queulat National Park is another popular destination among travelers visiting Patagonia. The Andes dominate the park and serve as the primary geological feature of the region — some portions of the park sit nearly 6,500 feet above sea level. Queulat is quite damp and the region receives enough rainfall to support dense forests on the mountain slopes. The species found in the park often change with increasing altitude, which gives you the chance to enjoy and witness a great deal of biodiversity when visiting the park.

Staying Safe During Your Trip

Fortunately, Patagonia is a relatively safe place for adventurers, and most of the dangers and threats present are similar to those in any other wilderness area. Accordingly, it is important to embrace the same basic safety practices you’d employ when traveling anywhere else.

Among other things, this means:

• Travel in groups. Vast tracts of Patagonia are uninhabited or nearly so, and several of the trails pass through very remote lands. The best way to stay safe in such isolated areas is by traveling with several companions.
• Let someone know when your trip is scheduled to conclude. Just like if you were camping in a stateside park or forest, you’ll want to be sure a friend or family member is anticipating your return. This way, he or she can alert authorities if you fail to contact them at the predetermined time.
• Watch out for big cats. Although there aren’t many big predators in Patagonia, pumas are occasionally spotted lurking near the trails. The best way to stay safe around these big cats is by remaining alert and traveling with others. Pumas typically want to surprise their prey and they aren’t keen on attacking animals traveling in packs.
• Sterilize water before you drink it. Although some of the glacial streams in the western reaches of Patagonia are reportedly safe to drink, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, the water at many of the more popular parks and campsites becomes polluted from the activities of other campers.
• Bring a fully stocked first aid kit and know how to use it. Because of the remote nature of Patagonia’s parks and trails, you’ll have to tend to any wounds on the trail.

Packing and Preparing for Your Trip

Proper preparation is important for any trip, and your Patagonian adventure is no different. You’ll want to start with the same basic packing list you use for any journey, but there are a few extra items you’ll want to pack when heading to southern Chile and Argentina, and you may need to make a few adjustments to your gear.

Some of the most important and noteworthy changes you may want to make include:

• Rugged, waterproof hiking boots are imperative. You’ll always want high-quality hiking boots when planning to trek for several days, but given the muddy, wet and rock-strewn trails common to most Patagonian parks, they’re more important than usual.
• Your tent must be capable of withstanding strong winds. Patagonia is a very windy region, which will ruin the shape and rip the seams of flimsy tents. Be sure the model you select has robust tie-downs and orient the tent so that one of the poles faces directly into the prevailing winds.
• Prepare for the sunshine. Although Patagonia is relatively cool, some portions of the area are bathed in very strong sunlight – particularly near the glaciers, where the light reflects off the white ice in all directions. Bring plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin and a pair of sunglasses to keep your eyes safe.
• Make sure you bring a camp stove. Open fires are prohibited in many of the region’s parks, so you’ll need to use a camp stove, rather than a campfire to cook your food. Don’t forget to bring plenty of fuel, as many of the hikes you’ll take through Patagonia will take several days to complete.
• Prepare for mosquitos. Patagonia may be a bit cool, dry and windy, but the mosquito population can explode anytime rainy weather happens in the summer. Consider repellant mandatory and consider bringing along a mosquito net for even more protection.
• Layers are your friend Patagonia can experience 60-degree temperature swings over the course of a single day, so you’ll want to be able to adjust your clothing as the weather changes. Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking materials close to your body, use heavier insulating garments for your mid-layer and top everything off with wind- and water-resistant garments.
• Trekking poles are invaluable in such rugged terrain. Patagonia will challenge even the most physically fit hikers, and the miles of rugged trails and rocky escarpments can make it difficult to keep your balance and take a toll on your joints. But, a good pair of trekking poles will help you stay upright and relieve some of the stress on your knees.

 

Logistical Considerations and General Traveling Tips

Unlike scheduling a camping trip for the national park that may only be a couple of hours up the highway from your home, you’ll need to travel thousands of miles to reach Patagonia. Such journeys entail serious logistical challenges, so it is important to plan and prepare carefully.

Some of the best ways to ensure your trip goes smoothly include:

• Get your paperwork in order. You’ll need a valid US passport to enter Argentina or Chile (you’ll also need it to exchange American currency for Argentine or Chilean pesos. However, you will not need a visa as long as your trip won’t last longer than 90 days.
• It is usually wisest to travel during the South American spring, Summer or fall, as you’ll have better access to hotels and retail outlets. Many are only open seasonally and close during the off-season. You’ll face fewer crowds during the spring or fall, but you’ll enjoy the warmest temperatures during the summer.
• Check to see if you need to obtain permits or book a campsite at the parks you intend to visit. Many of Patagonia’s parks and wilderness areas require visitors to book a campsite in advance or purchase a permit to enter the park. Torres del Paine, for example, charges campers $38 to enter the park.
• Plan for inclement weather. Strong thunderstorms are common during the spring and early summer, so it is wise to build a couple of extra days into your schedule to make up for days lost to rain.
• Purchase your airplane tickets several months in advance. Unless you are planning a month-long visit, you’ll want to fly directly into Patagonia – it’ll simply take too long to get there by car. Flights fill up quickly during the peak travel season, so you’ll want to secure yours early.
• Fly into one of the most convenient locations. To maximize your time spent on the trail, try to fly into one of the closest cities you can. A few of the best choices include Calafate or Ushuaia if you are headed to the Argentinian side of Patagonia; for those heading to the Chilean portion of Patagonia, Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas are good choices.
• Plan your overland travels in advance. There are a number of ways to explore Patagonia and travel between the different cities in the region, but bus and chartered car services are two of the best options. However, bus tickets go quickly and charter services book weeks in advance, so don’t wait until you get there to make arrangements.
• Save money by eating at your hotel. Many of the local hotels provide meals as part of the standard nightly rate, and most of the nicer motels in the region count world-class chefs among their staff. This means you’ll have the chance to sample local specialties, many of which were grown or raised within a few miles of the hotel.
• Do not plan on purchasing gear in Argentina. Argentinian sporting goods stores and camping supply stores are notoriously over-priced, as they try to capitalize on tourists in need of gear. Chile’s retail outlets are also quite pricey, though not to the extent that Argentina’s stores are. In either case, be sure to bring along everything you’ll need. This can make travel more challenging, but you’ll be glad you brought all your gear when you see the exorbitant prices attached to even the most basic camping items.
• Be sure to check the CDC’s list of recommended vaccines before traveling. Currently, the CDC recommends that travelers heading to Argentina or Chile be sure that they are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations (measles, mumps, etc.) and that they obtain vaccines for typhoid and hepatitis A. Additionally, some travelers are also encouraged to obtain vaccinations against rabies, hepatitis B and yellow fever.

Patagonia is certainly one of the most remarkable locations in the world, and any hiker or camper who gets the chance to visit should consider themselves lucky. But, to ensure that you make the most of your trip and have the best time possible, you must prepare for the trip carefully.

To that end, be sure to embrace the tips, tricks and suggestions explained above and read everything you can about Patagonia. It is also wise to speak with anyone you know (or can contact) who has visited the region, as first-hand accounts and experiences are often quite helpful when trying to understand a foreign land.

Once you’ve completed your homework and formulated a complete travel plan, take a deep breath and relax. It’s time to start getting excited and mentally prepare yourself to make the most of your journey. As with any other trip, you’ll surely experience a few minor challenges, but that’s part of the reason adventures are so much fun.

 

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Multi-Tool or Toolkit Pros and Cons of Each

Campers and, to a lesser extent, day hikers often bring an assortment of tools along on their adventures to help make any repairs necessary while on the trail. Historically, campers would often find it necessary to assemble a small toolkit from scratch, containing everything they may need while in the wilderness. However, over the last few decades, manufacturers began marketing multi-tools, which contain a variety of tools in one housing.

Multi-tools are quite popular among some outdoor enthusiasts, but others still prefer to bring individual tools instead. Neither approach is perfect for all circumstances, but we’ll try to explain some of the most noteworthy benefits and drawbacks of each strategy below.

The Benefits of Multi-Tools

Multi-tools provide a few important benefits, including the following:

• Multi-tools keep everything together and prevent you from losing any of the individual items
• Multi-tools are easy to access and use
• Multi-tools eliminate the need to select and purchase separate tools
• Can often be worn on a belt or strapped to the outside of your pack
• Great for simple tasks and repairs

The Drawbacks of Multi-Tools

Despite the benefits they provide, multi-tools also present a few drawbacks. Some of the most notable drawbacks include:

• You can’t use two different tools at the same time very easily
• You only have one of each tool, which can be a problem when trying to adjust bolts with more than one nut
• The handle or housing represents a bit of extra weight
• The knife blades included with multi-tools rarely lock into place
• It is sometimes difficult to achieve leverage with a multi-tool

The Benefits of Toolkits

Like multi-tools, toolkits provide campers with a few unique benefits. Some of the most important include:

• You can customize the toolkit, so it contains only those tools you need
• You can use more than one tool at a time
• You can add specialized tools to the kit to address unique needs
• You can carry tools in a lightweight nylon bag to save weight
• Many manufacturers sell pre-assembled kits, which alleviate the need to purchase items separately
• Often better for complex repairs

The Drawbacks of Toolkits

Also, like multi-tools, toolkits have a few drawbacks. Some of the most notable include the following:

• Individual tools can be lost
• Tools can clang against each other while you’re hiking
• You may have to dig through your toolkit to find the tool you need
• Purchasing tools separately is sometimes expensive
• You may end up carrying several tools unnecessarily if nothing breaks

Camping Tool Checklist

Whether you choose the multi-tool route, purchase a pre-made kit or assemble your own, you’ll want to verify that you have all of the tools you are likely to need. Typically, the best way to do this is by starting with a basic set of common tools, and then add any tools necessary to address your specific needs.

Basic Tools

The basic tools you’ll almost always want to bring include:

• Needle-nose pliers
• Conventional pliers
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Knife
• Wire cutters or small scissors
• Adjustable crescent wrench
• File

You can probably skip a few of these items if you are trying to reduce the weight of the kit. For example, you can usually use a flat-head screwdriver for Phillips-head screws in a pinch. You may also find that a pair of conventional pliers alleviates the need for an adjustable crescent wrench. Also, some pliers feature multiple gripping points, which allow them to simultaneously function as needle-nose pliers and conventional pliers.

If you’re more concerned with bringing a comprehensive toolkit than shaving unnecessary ounces, you may also want to bring a few more tools, including:

• Small saw blade
• Alligator clips
• Vise grips
• Small hammer
• Tweezers (although you probably have a pair in your first-aid kit)
• Small magnifying glass
• Small prybar
• Camping ax

Specific Tools

Once you’ve assembled your toolkit or acquired a multi-tool that contains all of the basic tools you’ll need, you’ll want to pull out all of your camping equipment and make a list of any specialized tools you may need.

For example, you may need a tiny screwdriver to adjust the valve on your camp stove, or you may need an Allen wrench to adjust part of your pack. Some items may even require custom-made tools, which are packaged with the equipment. For example, some camping stoves or lanterns may require a specialized wrench.

Just be sure to look over all of your equipment – particularly those items that possess moving parts – and identify all of the tools you may need to make repairs.

Rounding Out Your Repair Kit

Tools are obviously important, but they aren’t the only things you’ll need to make repairs on the trail. You may also need a variety of supplies to fix anything that breaks. This includes:

• Zip ties
• Duct tape
• Vinyl patch kit
• Superglue
• Thick glue (such as shoe glue)
• Small sewing kit
• O-rings, sized to fit your water filter, fuel tank connectors and any other devices that use them
• Nylon rope / paracord
• Safety pins
• Small bungee straps
• Tent pole repair sleeve
• Small can of WD-40 with a spray nozzle
• Spare light bulbs

Don’t feel like you need to stress out when choosing between a multi-tool and a toolkit — either choice will work. But, there are clearly a few differences between the two options, and it’s always a good idea to select the best camping equipment for your needs.

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Hygiene on the Trail: Staying Clean While Playing Outdoors

If you’ve ever been on an extended camping trip, you already know how dirty you can get while living outdoors. Dirt, grime and slime will coat every inch of your skin, you’ll smell bad and generally feel icky.

But staying clean on the trail isn’t impossible. In fact, we’ll provide several actionable steps below that’ll help you keep yourself clean while camping. And because hygiene isn’t limited solely to your body, we’ll also share a few tips for keeping your belongings clean during your next trip too.

Use wet-wipes liberally.

Wet wipes are great for quickly cleaning up when your hands get dirty, and they’re also good for cleaning your face or various cracks and crevices. They won’t get you as clean as soap and water will, but they are much more convenient and will help remove the dirt and grime on your body until you can wash up properly.

You probably don’t need to bring an entire package of wet wipes on most trips, so just take about 10 or so out of the package for every day you’ll be on the trail. Just be sure to keep them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. You can burn them after use to avoid having to pack them out.

Keep a small broom inside the tent.

A clean tent is a comfortable tent, so you’ll want to do your best to keep dirt and debris outside. However, you’ll invariably end up tracking in some dirt, so use a small, hand-held broom to help clean up the tent floor periodically.

Many retailers sell small brooms with an attached dustpan, but you’ll want to leave the dustpan at home – it’ll just take up space unnecessarily and add weight to your pack. Instead, just use a piece of paper or the back cover of a book as a makeshift dustpan.

Never, ever, ever wear your boots inside the tent.

Your boots will likely become coated in dirt, mud and gunk within the first thirty seconds of a camping trip – it’s just part of the gig. This isn’t a problem, but you don’t want to bring them into your tent, or they’ll get everything dirty. Instead, make it a practice to take your boots off each and every time you go into the tent.

Because this can get a bit tedious, many campers like to bring a pair of sandals or another type of slip-on shoes while camping. You can wear these around the campsite, as they’re easy to kick off when heading into the tent, and then change into your hiking boots when hiking or leaving the campsite.

Bring a collapsible water container for doing dishes.

Dirty dishes aren’t just gross – they can actually cause you to become sick, as any food residue left on them can support bacterial growth. Eat off dirty dishes on the trail and you’ll regret it – probably all-night long.

Most campers are aware of this fact, so they do their best to wash their plates, pots and cutlery after meals. But while washing dishes at home in your kitchen sink is easy, doing so on the trail is much harder. Many campers try to wash dishes in a nearby stream, but this is a bad idea – even biodegradable soaps take time to break down.

Instead, bring a collapsible container that will serve as a sink. This will give you a convenient washing station and make it easy to dispose of the sudsy water several hundred yards nearby creeks or streams, as is recommended. For bonus points, heat a pot full of water near the fire while you’re eating – warm water will make it easier to get the dishes clean.

Whenever possible, orient your tent so that it faces downhill.

You’ll have to consider a lot of things when deciding where to place your tent, but insofar as is possible, try to orient it so that the door opens downhill. This won’t profoundly change the amount of dirt and dust that blow into your tent, so don’t do so if it’ll cause a safety issue or force you to sleep on a tree root, but it is worth doing when possible.

Not only will this keep some of the dust and dirt from entering your tent, it will also cause the debris that does make its way into your tent to slide down toward the door. Here, it’ll present less of a problem, and will keep the dirt away from your face when you’re sleeping.

Bring plenty of ground tarps or plastic sheeting for the ground.

The best way to stay clean is to avoid getting dirty in the first place, so try to use ground tarps or plastic sheets when sitting on the ground. You needn’t break out the plastic every time you need to sit down and tie your shoes, but it does make sense to do so when sitting down to prepare or eat dinner, pack or unpack your gear or you want to play a card game with your companions. Sure, sitting on a plastic bag is at odds with the romance and ethos of camping a tiny bit, but then again, so is the notion of staying clean.

Plastic tarps or ground covers are lightweight and easy to pack, so there’s little reason not to use them. In fact, you could even use extra-large garbage bags if you like – they’ll also be great for bringing home trash or wet clothes, once the trip is over.

Use or make a camp shower.

You have two basic options for bathing during a backcountry camping trip (although car-camping sites occasionally provide shower facilities): You can take a dip in a nearby body of water or you can use a camp shower.

Bathing in a body of water presents a few problems. Lakes and ponds are frequently full of algae and particulates, which mean you won’t be able to get especially clean while doing so, and most mountain rivers are downright frigid. Additionally, you can’t use a soap – even a biodegradable one – in a body of water.

But a camp shower allows you to bathe in a more effective way – you’ll be washing the dirt off your body and right onto the ground, rather than swimming around with it. Additionally, if you place the shower far from nearby water bodies, you can use a soap suitable for camping.

There are a variety of commercially produced camp showers available, and some are even designed to warm up in the sun. But you can make a crude version on your own with little more than a garbage bag. You just have to figure out how to suspend it and then fashion some type of hole that will allow the water to pour out. You could add a clothespin to keep the hole closed when need be, if you want to be fancy. And, you may even be able to heat the water up a bit by sitting the dark-colored bag in the sun for a while or adding a pot or two of stove-warmed water to it.

Bring and store a change of clothes in the car.

In addition to staying clean during your trip, you’ll want to feel as clean as possible during your return trip to civilization. And the patrons at the local diner you like to stop at after camping trips will also appreciate your attempts too.

One easy way to lift your spirits and help you feel cleaner is by stashing a change of clothes – including underwear and socks – in your car. This way, you can use a few wet wipes or enjoy one last camp shower when you arrive back at the car and change into a set of fresh, good-smelling clothes. You can even store some deodorant in the car to help improve your smell even more.

You won’t be able to stay squeaky clean while camping, and you don’t need to either. Camping is, after all, an outdoor activity and you’re going to get dirty while enjoying the natural world. But by following the tips listed above and investing a modest amount of effort, you’ll surely be able to stay reasonably clean. This will help you feel better and enjoy your trip as much as possible.

 

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A Poison Ivy Primer: Everything You Need to Know

Spend enough time outdoors, and you’ll eventually have a run-in with poison ivy — the three-leaved scourge of the natural world. Famous for the incredibly itchy rash it causes, poison ivy is a common and benign-looking plant, which can wreck a camping trip and send you home with a long-lasting reminder of the encounter.

But, with a bit of knowledge, preparation and practice, you can learn to identify poison ivy at a glance and avoid it like a skilled pro. Below, we’ll cover some of the basic facts about the plant (and its close relatives), explain how the rash occurs and provide tips for avoiding the plant during your next outdoor adventure.

Poison Ivy Basics

Poison ivy is a broad-leafed, deciduous plant that is native to most of the United States east of the Rockies, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It usually grows along forest margins, where sunlight is abundant and pollinators (primarily bees and wasps) are common.

The plant can exhibit any of several different growth habits; it can grow as a ground-spreading creeper, a climbing vine or an erect, bushy shrub. Its leaves are green throughout the late spring to early fall, but they become bright yellow, orange or red as the days grow short. Shortly before winter arrives, the plant jettisons its leaves and remains bare until the early spring.

Poison ivy plants contain a yellowish oil called urushiol, which permeates most of the plant’s tissues. When bruised (which can happen with very gentle contact), the oil is released from the plant. This oil triggers an allergic reaction in many people, which leads to the itchy rash associated with the plant.

However, while humans may despise the plant, poison ivy is actually quite important for many ecosystems. Deer and other herbivores frequently consume the leaves without suffering any ill effects, and several birds and small mammals dine on the berries. Many animals make their homes amid the plant, and its roots and vines help to slow erosion. Poison ivy also competes with many invasive weeds and vines and helps to maintain the native species and biodiversity of the locations in which it grows.

So, while you may not want poison ivy growing in your backyard, and you certainly want to avoid it while camping, it should not be considered a “bad” plant. Instead, it simply deserves respect and deference.

Poison Ivy Vs. Poison Oak

There are a number of closely related plants that go by the name poison ivy, and scientists have long argued about the details of the plant’s family tree. Some scientists suspect that the numerous varieties of the plant are all members of a single species, while others recognize half a dozen distinct species or more.

Some, for example, contend that eastern poison ivy and eastern poison oak are distinct species, while others believe that they are the same species, and simply exhibit morphological differences based on the place in which they grow.

These types of debates may excite biologists, but they mean relatively little to outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the varieties/species look very similar, exhibit broadly similar biology and are capable of triggering a rash in sensitive humans.

Nevertheless, most authorities recognize the following species.

• Eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
• Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)
• Eastern poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)
• Western poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)
• Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
• Japanese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum)

Aside from the Japanese lacquer tree (which is not found in the US) and poison sumac (which is not encountered nearly as frequently as the other listed species), each of the species above look relatively similar and feature leaves with three leaflets.

Most of the species labeled poison oak have lobed leaves, but this isn’t an infallible rule. They all contain the same active ingredient that causes humans problems, and they’re all close relatives of each other. Many of the species are very difficult to distinguish, even for experts.

As far as hikers and campers are concerned, these differences matter very little, and you can treat them all similarly.

Poison Ivy Myths and Misunderstandings

Many hazardous components of the natural world become the focus of myths and misunderstandings, and poison ivy is no exception. Below, we’ll clear up three of the most pervasive examples:

Poison Ivy Myth #1: If you itch after a hike, you probably touched poison ivy.

Poison ivy elicits an allergic reaction, which often takes some time to manifest. Although some people may develop the rash within 24 to 48 hours, others won’t see the rash development for a week. This means that any itching that occurs immediately following a trip through the woods is very unlikely to be the result of poison ivy. It’s probably the result of sweat, bugs or some other itch-inducing plant.

Poison Ivy Myth #2: Scratching poison ivy rashes can cause them to spread.

Spreading urushiol around will cause your body to develop rashes in several different places. However, by the time the rash appears, you’ve (hopefully) washed off any of the oil that was present. This means that scratching a poison ivy rash will not cause it to spread.

Poison Ivy Myth #3: Poison ivy is poisonous.

Technically, poison ivy isn’t poisonous at all. Urushiol isn’t a toxic substance used by the plant in the name of self-defense; it is actually an oil that enables the plant to better conserve water. This is important, as the plant often grows in areas with full sun exposure, where water stress is common.

However, urushiol enrages the human immune system (at least in many cases – individual reactions vary). This triggers an overzealous allergic response, that results in the rash and itchiness.

Identifying Poison Ivy: Defining Characteristics

The best way to avoid problems with poison ivy is by learning to identify it so you can steer clear. And while there are a number of plants that resemble poison ivy, you can usually identify it by noting a few important characteristics.

Leaves of Three; Leave It Be

The easiest way to identify poison ivy is by noting the leaves, which are grouped in threes. Additionally, the central leaf is borne on a longer stalk than the lateral leaves, which helps distinguish poison ivy from many similar-looking plants. There are plenty of other three-leaved plants in the forest, so just avoid them all unless you are skilled at identifying the plant.

In the interest of being technically accurate, we must point out that what you’ll think of as poison ivy “leaves” are actually leaflets – the entire group of three leaflets comprise the leaf. But this is only an academic point that doesn’t matter for outdoor enthusiasts.

Berries White; Dangerous Sight

Most berries growing in and around forests are blue, black, red or purple, but poison ivy berries are yellow-white to off-white. Most poison ivy berries are located relatively high in the trees, so be sure to peek skyward if you are trying to identify a climbing vine.

Hairy Vines Lead to Bad Times

Poison ivy vines have numerous tendrils that give them a hairy or furry appearance. And although there are other vines that also look hairy, you can just avoid all of them to keep yourself safe. Note that all parts of poison ivy plants – including the vines – contain urushiol and can trigger reactions.

No Thorns Required

A few poison ivy lookalikes have leaflets clumped in groups of three and can be confused with poison ivy. However, several (but not all) possess thorns to help deter predators. Poison ivy is not equipped with thorns, which helps to distinguish it from blackberry, raspberry and a few other plants.

Helpful Tips for Hikers and Campers

Now that you understand the basics of poison ivy, it is time to put those lessons into practice. After all, the goal is to avoid contracting the maddening rash in the first place.

Try to follow these tips during your next hike or camping trip:

• Be careful what you burn. Inadvertently toss a few poison ivy leaves on the campfire and you may find a trip to the hospital is in order. The smoke from burned poison ivy can cause severe lung and throat irritation, potentially causing the throat to swell enough to necessitate emergency action.
• Don’t trust prior immunity. Scientists estimate that somewhere between 25% and 75% of the public is allergic to poison ivy. However, this can (and often does) change without any warning. Many people who’ve long thought they were immune to the plant’s irritating oil have suffered severe rashes after carelessly contacting the plant.
• Bring poison ivy wash if you are especially sensitive. You can wash urushiol off your skin with soap and water, but there are a few commercial products that may work better for some people. These types of products can also be especially convenient when hiking far from clean water.
• Speak with your doctor. If you know or suspect that you are strongly allergic to poison ivy, ask your doctor what to expect and how to best treat a reaction. He or she may, for example, recommend taking an antihistamine following exposure.
• Don’t forget about your dog. Dogs rarely suffer from poison ivy rashes, but they can become coated in urushiol if they run through a patch of poison ivy. This can represent a big problem, as they’ll not only get the oil all over you but your tent and sleeping bag too.
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Don’t spend 15 minutes trying to determine if the plant in front of you is poison ivy or kudzu. Just avoid it and keep moving on. The upside of correctly identifying a poison-ivy look-a-like is rarely worth the risk.

Poison ivy can certainly cause problems, but it is easy to avoid these by simply using a bit of care when traveling through the great outdoors. Learn to identify the plant and familiarize yourself with the places it tends to grow, and you’ll find that it’s usually pretty easy to stay rash-free.

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Six Super Foods You Should Always Pack

Don’t get the wrong idea, we didn’t say “superfoods,” we said, “super foods.”

The former refers to foods that provide substantial health benefits; the latter refers to foods that are simply awesome. Or, in this case, well-suited for hikers and campers.

However, there is certainly a bit of crossover between the two. Some of the foods discussed below may very well boost your metabolism or fight free radicals or help you live to 197 years of age, but that’s not why they’re on this list. Besides, many superfoods, including tomatoes and pomegranates, are full of water (read: they’re heavy), and therefore make less-than-ideal foods to take camping.

We’re talking about foods that are so spectacularly helpful for hikers and campers that you’ll always want to incorporate them into your overall meal plan.

Nuts

Nuts are essentially little bundles of protein, fat and fiber that don’t require refrigeration. They are also full of important minerals, which will help keep you feeling your best while traveling miles across backcountry trails. You can munch on nuts as a snack, incorporate them in trail mixes or use them in recipes (almonds, walnuts, pecans, filberts and cashews can turn many dishes into veritable five-star meals).

Note that we’re not distinguishing between true “nuts” and “legumes” or “seeds.” Sure, botanists will recognize some important differences between the various groups, but they won’t matter much from a camping menu point of view. So, don’t feel limited to true “nuts.” Bring sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts or peanuts, if those are your preference.

Anchovies or Sardines

Anchovies, sardines and other types of canned fish are great proteins to bring along on your next trip. They don’t require refrigeration, are rich in both protein and fat and they can be incorporated into a variety of different dishes. And while some people may not enjoy the taste of anchovies or other canned fish, they can be incorporated into recipes that largely mask their taste.

Aside from their caloric value, these small, oily fish also provide a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds help your body fight off inflammation, which can help keep your knees, back and legs feeling fresher as the trip goes on.

Chocolate

Chocolate is often considered an indulgence, but it provides considerable value on the trail. For one, chocolate is high in calories, relative to its weight, and it is full of sugar. While sugar-rich foods aren’t always considered ideal dietary items in the everyday world, they can be worth their weight in gold on the trail. Fats, proteins and complex carbohydrates may help fuel your body in a steady, long-term fashion, but there’s nothing like a little sugar to give you a quick boost. This can be invaluable for those facing one more steep hill before arriving at the designated campsite.

Additionally, chocolate is delicious and helps to boost your mood. This can be very helpful when trying to navigate challenges or deal with problems. So, when you have to take cover from the rain mid-hike or you have to sit down with the map and figure out where you went wrong, break out the chocolate – it’ll help you stay positive.

Jerky

Proteins are difficult to bring on the trail. Most will spoil in a matter of hours if not refrigerated, so relatively few campers bring along filet mignon or rack of lamb when heading into the wilderness. You can bring some types of bacon, sausage and other smoked or cured foods, but these foods don’t offer much variety.

By contrast, you can get jerkies made from a variety of protein sources and flavored in myriad ways. You could select hickory-smoked turkey jerky, apple-flavored bacon jerky, spicy-beef jerky or any number of other combinations. This will help you avoid flavor fatigue and keep the menu interesting.

Also, jerky doesn’t require any preparation – just remove the wrapper and eat it. This makes it especially helpful for trail-side or early-morning snacking when you don’t want to break out the stove and make a proper meal.

Instant Noodles

We’re mostly talking about those noodles that start with an “R” and end with “amen,” but any brand of instant noodles will work. Instant noodles are great for a warm, but quick-and-easy meal and they are lightweight and easy to pack. And they come in roughly 3 billion flavors, so you don’t have to bore your self to tears eating the same ones during the entire trip.

But the real reason instant noodles are especially valuable is that you can eat them as-is. You don’t even need to cook them if you find yourself in a difficult situation. No; they are not particularly delicious this way, but it is nice to know you have an emergency meal at the ready.

Kale Chips

Before you skip this section like an 8-year-old tries to skip his lima beans, hear us out: When roasted with a bit of olive oil and sea salt (and perhaps some pepper, if you are so inclined), kale can be quite delicious. And because your food supply probably won’t have many vegetables, and kale is one of the healthiest foods in the world, you really should consider bringing some kale chips along.

Note that kale chips can be eaten as-is, but they can also be incorporated into other dishes too. You can crumble a few kale chips in your soup, or add them to pasta dishes, among other things. Incidentally, while kale is the vegetable most commonly used to make chips, you can experiment with making chips from plenty of other vegetables, including carrots or squash.

Give some of these foods a try on your next trip. They are all extremely well-suited for life on the trail and flexible enough to use in different ways. In fact, as you may have noticed, these foods can all be eaten as-is, which means they’ll also work as mid-hike snacks too.

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