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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