r/camping • u/greenearthbuild • Oct 13 '22
Fall 2022 /r/Camping Beginner Question Thread - Ask any and all questions you may have here
If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here.
Check out the /r/Camping Wiki and the /r/CampingandHiking Wiki for common questions. 'getting started', 'gear' and other pages are valuable for anyone looking for more information.
Previous Beginner Question Threads
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u/-Quad-Zilla- Mar 06 '23 edited Mar 06 '23
Anyone ever go alone with a toddler?
My wife is going away for work this summer, and my daughter will be about 2 years old.
My wife is more of a glamper. I could be fine with a tarp over me.
I want my daughter to experience the outdoors, so I was thinking of doing one of those tent drive up to spots for 2 nights with her while my wife is gone. I'll also have our 90# "lap" dog lab with us.
Our daughter is pretty good at doing anything, she loves exploring, isn't shy, and loves seeing new things. She is fearless. She can probably handle roughing it better than my wife, haha.
So.. ya. What are your thoughts? Should I wait a bit, or will we potentially have a blast? I got the green light from my wife, and in her words "as long as it's not me sleeping on the ground...", so, I think I'm good.
We will just go, set up a tent, wander around the woods, eat marshmallows, sleep in the tent, do a camp fire breakfast, wander around a lot, eat hotdogs over a fire, sleep in a tent again, and then go home.
Edit.
Just decided to see how much room my old solo camping tent has in it, and if my daughter and I could sleep in it. Set it up in my living room.
Fairydown Assault 2 tent is much smaller than I remember it. Ahahha. Im sure I can make it work... we will have my truck to store everything else in. Tent will just be for sleeping.
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u/screwikea Mar 30 '23
Didn't see this when you posted, hopefully somebody gave you an answer elsewhere.
My suggestion, every time: throw up a tent in the yard first, if you can, and camp there. You can also pitch your tent inside as a test, but that doesn't tell you anything about how the toddler will react with all of the weird outdoor noises. However, it does give you some idea of whether or not they can figure out the tent zipper and sneak out without you knowing - when I camped with my toddler, I slept in front of the tent door and zipped it up to the top out of reach.
Otherwise, camp somewhere realllllly close to home and only pack up a stove and stuff to make breakfast or maybe lunch. If your kid is anything like mine was, he seemed 100% independent and fearless until it was dark skies, weird noises, and away from mom for 2 nights in a row. Everything was weird and new for him.
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u/KaleidoscopesExist Mar 04 '23
I have a very specific question regarding bears and food: if you are car camping on BLM land, dispersed and not in a campground (and there are bears around) what do you do with your food? Do you keep it in your car or in a bear canister outside?
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u/screwikea Mar 06 '23
First priority: away from where I'm sleeping. I like to keep my food in the car in general - forces me to keep things cleaned up and organized, also keeps food away from annoying birds, raccoons, opossums, etc.
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u/KaleidoscopesExist Mar 06 '23
What do you mean by away? In the car but not arms reach? 50 ft from your car? 100 ft?
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u/screwikea Mar 06 '23
In bear country, given a choice my food will be in the next state over from where I'm camping. So... barring that, if it's in a bear-proof container or hanging up - far enough from my tent to make me comfortable without completely ruining my day. In a car, just wherever the car is. If a bear is messing with my car I'm not worried about it.
The point of putting food away is much more about keeping bears from becoming campsite scavengers or building comfort with people, and keeping them from rummaging around your campsite in general. I'm a huge wuss, though, so I don't even like to have open food wrappers in my tent if there are bears around.
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Feb 27 '23
I waited too long.. now there’s no spots for state parks in Texas for tent sites. Anyone has a tip where to look?
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u/screwikea Feb 27 '23
Try calling the different state parks - some of them hold some spots, and the rangers are always super nice and helpful. Other end of things is that I've just gotten in the habit of planning 6 months in advance so we can book when they open. It's awful, but that's how things are now.
Alternatively look at other, non-state parks - there's usually a privately owned thing not too far from the popular state parks. If you're near the border you can always divert plans to one of the close states depending on where you're at.
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u/Koeppe_ Feb 26 '23
I’ll be car camping in Olympic NP. If I plan on driving to a hike location and spending the majority of the day away from my campsite: do most people pack everything back into the car before leaving the campsite. Or do people leave their tent up (with stuff in it?) before heading out for a day hike?
I don’t want to have stuff stolen, but setting up and tearing down takes time, and it would be nice to not need to do that super often.
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u/One-Blacksmith-4855 Feb 27 '23
Just make sure any smaller high dollar items you have are locked in your car. For example, if you have a power station, or solar generator with you. Fancy items like battery operated personal esspresso machine should also be put in the tent and out of sight. People tend to treat occupied campsites like someone else's room/house because it's your current home away from home.
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u/douglas_in_philly Feb 26 '23
I can’t speak specifically to Olympic National Park, but in my many years of experience, people generally respect the “Camper’s Code.“ They will leave your camping gear and belongings alone. That said, I would not leave a laptop sitting on a picnic table, nor really anything outside of your tent that you don’t have to.
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Feb 25 '23
best small and compact chair for a big guy? I'm 6'4" 200lbs so not sure the REI Helinox would fit me
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u/KnowsIittle Feb 27 '23
This style chair doesn't work well on soft forest ground. One peg sinks in and suddenly you're laid out on the ground. I have a MAC LEGACY tripod chair I'm pretty fond of. Not an ultralight but still fairly light.
https://www.amazon.com/MacSports-Ztcc-100-Tripod-Folding-Camouflage/dp/B009VHMTFM
It's been sturdy and reliable plus the wider feet provide more stability in soft soil or sand or snow.
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u/douglas_in_philly Feb 26 '23
Im 6’2” and 215 lbs, and this chair is comfortable, and packs quite small and light.
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u/uhluhtc666 Feb 24 '23
My dad and I are going to Newport State Park in June for 2 nights. It's a decent hike from the parking lot to our campsite, so I want to minimize any trips back and forth. We're going to be right next to Lake Michigan. Should we carry in all the water we're going to need, or would a filter be wiser? If filter, what is recommended for safely drinking from Lake Michigan?
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u/KnowsIittle Feb 27 '23
I pack 2L of water and filter boil the rest. Something like a Sawyer Squeeze is an excellent option if you're not able to boil. Otherwise purification tablets might be an option but plan ahead because some take 3 to 5 hours to fully work. They also taste bad so try a drink mix like electrolyte powders. Sawyer filters are great but may fail if allowed to freeze so not a great option for now but should be fine in June.
A collapsible bucket is useful for hauling water. Bring some empty containers to store clean water and dirty water, try not to mix them.
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u/One-Blacksmith-4855 Feb 27 '23
Use a folding dolly or wagon to haul more gear in one trip, and I would suggest filtering your water if you have a lakeside site just for the sake of convenience. Sawyer has a gallon gravity feed water filtering system, and something like that will probably be what works best for you when you also factor in dish washing, hand/body washing, and cooking water.
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Feb 24 '23
Best compact tent for cold weather camping? Price doesn’t matter. Thanks for the help
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u/One-Blacksmith-4855 Feb 27 '23
One Tigris makes high quality ultralight hot tents for camping/backpacking.
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u/ImBadWithGrils Feb 23 '23
Just got a Big Agnes air core insulated pad because it was on sale at REI and I want to have a decent R-value.
Do I stuff it or roll it into the sack? It's a little stiffer material than a sleeping bag obviously, so I'm not sure if there's a good way to get it back in the sack without folding it repeatedly along the same spots
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Feb 23 '23
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u/KnowsIittle Feb 27 '23
Personally I'm a buy cheap and upgrade with experience. No sense buying a $300 tent you used once two years ago. I have a 3 person Ozark I bought for $26 that has worked really well. 3.5lbs if I recall correctly. Metal tent stakes pulled out immediately during wind gusts in the backyard, upgrade to proper T stakes.
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u/PackShrink Feb 23 '23
Unless you're going backpacking I'd avoid anything with "ultralight" in the name. That tent is also not really "ultralight" given you can get tents that are ~1/2 the weight for similar prices.
If you're going car camping, ie: you park at a site and set your tent up, you really cant go wrong with anything from Coleman. If you go to any campsite in the US you'll probably see one of these:
Would it just be you by yourself, or would you be sharing the tent with anyone?
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Feb 22 '23
Going on a five day trip to The Caverns in TN at the beginning of June. Does anyone have any tips or recs on a good five day cooler that isn’t going to set me back as much as a Yeti or RTIC? I’ve been looking at both Igloo and Coleman but haven’t been able to pin down one as of yet. Thank you.
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u/GIGI072013 Feb 24 '23
My husband has a Cabelas cooler that he loves, they replaced the whole cooler because the nonskid pads came off of his.
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u/GIGI072013 Feb 24 '23
I like my Lifetime cooler from Wal-Mart, a downside my 77 quart is heavy but it is a big cooler. They have a warranty that they honor, sent me a replacement latch quickly.
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u/AngryDevildolphin Feb 22 '23
Question, does anyone know any good camping spots in Virginia? Preferably within 3 hours of norfolk. The tougher the spot the better
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u/curious-trex Jun 02 '23
I know this was months ago but I'd love to hear about any trails/parks/etc you like in your area. I'm new to this region and starting to explore away from home in Raleigh. I've spent some time in the highlands but haven't been to your side of VA yet. :)
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u/Visual_Emotion7245 Feb 20 '23
Question:
I recently got into camping and my sleep system is this:
Sleeping bag: Big Agnes anvil horn 0 degree
Sleeping pad: Big Agnes Insulated air core ultra (R-value 4.5)
This is my first sleep system and I was exicted about gettign it.
I anted to try this system in 30-40 degre weather, which i have.
Astonishingly, I still felt cold at night. I have tried this system for about three nights ranging from 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. The bag is rated for 0 degree Fahrenheit and the sleeping pad, as I've read is rated for lower than the temp ranges I tried it out in.
so, what is going on?
What am I doing wrong.
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u/screwikea Feb 21 '23
If you read enough reviews, you're not the only one. There's a lot of room for possible issues here, but my wild guess is that there's a combination of 2 issues at play:
Restless sleepers. That's who these things are really targeted at - it's kind of a narrow pad, but even so the idea is that it keeps you tied to it.
Uninsulated gap between you and the pad.
The vast majority of positive reviews that I've read aren't from people actually using it in 30-40 weather, or they weren't really testing it in conditions - they just like the setup.
I think that what's happening is that temp is getting you in that uninsulated space. And if the air is wet, that ain't helpin'. This probably gets doubled up if you're a side sleeper since there won't be pushing anything down against some part(s) of the pad.
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u/Yutracolas Feb 20 '23
Questions about camp site logistics:
I want to Boulder (rock climb) at Pawtuckaway state park in NH but I live a few hours away, so I figure it will be easier for me to camp there. The camp sites are already booked out until May though.. can I just set up camp in the woods somewhat near parking lot/ boulders instead of getting an official spot through Pawtuckaway state park? Or is that a no go
Just want to get out there sooner than May and still camp (was going to go hammock route)
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u/One-Blacksmith-4855 Feb 27 '23
Most state parks prohibit any camping off designated sites. Call the park to specifically ask them this, and get their name if they say yes. The last thing you want is to be kicked out and get a fine from a ranger for unauthorized setup in the middle of the night.
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u/giantshinycrab Feb 20 '23
I've learned after two attempts that an air mattress sucks for winter camping. I'm looking at different options for car camping but we already have these gymnastics mats that are super thick and comfortable on hardwood floors.
Is there anything I should consider before attempting to use them as a sleeping pad for winter camping? The biggest issue I could see is the sleeping bag sliding around since it's a pleather surface but if it's insulating I can deal with that.
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u/Alarmed-Honey Feb 18 '23
Looking for a tent that can be setup on a flat floor? I'm in Texas, and we lose power a lot in the winter. I was thinking a tent would be safer for my son than piling blankets on him. I'm not much of a camper, but all the tents I've used were stood up using poles that pushed into the ground. I'm thinking it would be great to find something self standing. Ideally would sleep 4, even more ideal if we could fit a twin and or queen mattress through the door.
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u/screwikea Feb 20 '23
If this is in a house, a tent isn't going to really bring anything to the situation - tents don't provide warmth, they shield you from the elements. You still need sleeping bag(s), banket(s), or a heat source. We got hosed over by the winter up here in Dallas 2021 winter when everybody else did, so it triggered a lot of action on my part to be prepared. Here's my steps.
If you're losing power frequently enough, talk to the people managing the lines by you. (Easier said than done, but if it's frequent your power issue could be branches or something constantly on the power to your place that you wouldn't know about.)
Get a generator - doesn't have to be huge, just something that can run for 8 hours or so. Or you can get a couple with shorter runtimes. I have a little Wen thing that can be daisy chained, it was like half the price as some really good ones, and it's identical under the hood. With a generator you can run an extension cord through you house, power a heater or two, and hole yourselves up in one or two rooms to keep heat efficiency.
If your son is an infant, look up swaddling options - there are some really toasty swaddles. Otherwise, a low temp rated sleeping bag will keep him toasty. Plus kids like going into the cocoon.
If you're attached to the idea of a tent, any self-supporting tent will work. What goes in the ground are stakes, which aren't built into the tent. Pay close attention to the tent and look at videos - more than a few use the stakes to keep them standing (so that's your "self standing" part). The entire category of "instant tents" will probably work for you, and they come in a whole array of sizes. (The Coleman Instant Tent has great reviews, and probably suits your needs perfectly.) There are also instant popup tents that essentially pop open like a car sunscreen, so you don't even have to really set them up, you just pop them open and they're ready.
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u/Alarmed-Honey Feb 20 '23
This is super helpful, thank you. I guess I was thinking that the tent would contain our body heat and help keep our son warm. We do have a wood burning fireplace, but it's not super effective.
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u/One-Blacksmith-4855 Feb 27 '23
There are tents out there that are designed to contain heat. If you have the floor space and can afford it, you could get an ice fishing tent, and place the open door facing the fireplace. Ice fishing tents are insulated and made of a mylar-like material that reflects and contains heat. They come in different sizes, so finding one that will sleep 4 shouldn't be an issue. Also, avoid using an air matress in the cold because they will steal all your warmth in my experience. Instead get a roll of foam and some flannel sheets.
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u/Monolithx64 Feb 16 '23
Hey reddit, I've seen these straps on various gear for years (including my pack!) but how do you actually use them?
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u/One-Blacksmith-4855 Feb 27 '23
I only ever use the molle straps on my heavyweight tactical bags that are made with thick canvas because the stitching on my lighter packs designed for backpacking would never hold up to the abuse.
If you intend to attach things to the pack in your picture, I would recommend that you don't attach things you aren't willing to lose.
As far as the "how" to attach things to the loops, you have a few options. For straps you have Natic button straps, MALICE straps, MOLLE LOK rigid straps, TacTie soft straps. For clips you have carabiners, d rings, speed clips There are lots of videos on how to use Molle and pals systems that are super helpful.
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u/screwikea Feb 16 '23
Basically how you're using it now - loops to attach stuff to. Carabiners on the loops is good, run straps through them to tie something down. I've had compression bags with them that used the loops to keep the straps where they were supposed to be. I generally don't like the carabiner method because stuff flops around - I prefer things to be pretty secure to a spot. I also don't generally use them - I have a well earned mistrust for stitching in situations like that.
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u/Monolithx64 Feb 16 '23
Yeah I dunno just looks unreliable
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u/screwikea Feb 16 '23
I'm with you there - I don't really use them. If you don't trust it, don't use it. That said... if you don't trust that, you could probably extend the mistrust to the other parts of the gear. I just have issues with stitching like that failing, or straight up ripping through the base fabric that it's sewn to. Anything sewn to a vinyl, tent-like material is probably the worst offender, but I can't tell from the photo what that base material is under the straps.
Personal opinion - when it's on equipment, especially in a place that doesn't make sense - it's just a gimmick to make it look cooler or seem more functional. This sort of functionality just isn't something I want added to a bag, I'll never use it.
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Feb 14 '23
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u/screwikea Feb 16 '23
u/EPectin is correct. However, I've seen more than one camping stove in airports in those big bins of collected things that you aren't allowed to take on. I also don't know how you'd effectively, really clean any residue off/out of one, and I have zero interest in getting moisture into the fuel tank on purpose. I also question whether or not I'd be able to effectively clean it up before the trip back. My trust level of the stove making it either direction is really low, obviously.
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u/EPectin Feb 15 '23
(The following is for the US, if you're in another country double check local rules.) For the stove itself- yes, so long as there is no fuel and it has been cleaned so no fuel residue or vapors remain (here's one set of instructions for cleaning a stove for travel: https://meanderingspirits.com/blog/travel/flying-with-a-camp-stove/ )
You will need to buy fuel after you arrive at your destination. If you plan to bring a fuel canister to be filled after you arrive, it needs to be empty and cleaned similar to the stove,
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u/mkiyt Feb 03 '23
Does anybody know any company that sells rainfly replacements? I found an REI tent in the garage sale at an incredible price, it's only missing the rain fly. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, I'm just looking for a replacement to keep water out from the tent.
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u/KnowsIittle Feb 14 '23
For $20 you can buy a rain poncho with grommets in the meantime and use as a rain tarp.
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u/screwikea Feb 06 '23
I'd just hit up REI's customer support - I've had good luck with their customer service, and if they no longer make that tent they may have a suggestion for a compatible fly.
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u/mkiyt Feb 06 '23
They only suggested I check out Rainy Pass, which repairs flies but doesn't actually sell new ones.
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u/souji5okita Feb 03 '23
I am planning a trip to Death Valley for probably early March for what I hope to be a good wildflower season. I’m unfamiliar with the camping etiquette in America but I also know it’s quite intense because everyone wants to be outdoors nowadays. I found sites that are first come first serve. I plan to be out there for 4 days but I obviously won’t stay at my campsite. Is it safe to leave my tent up to save my spot or do I have to pack up every morning and hope when I return in the evening the spot is still available? I’m used to camping in Japan, where once you’ve put up your tent you can leave it there indefinitely until you leave and no one will steal anything. My car is a 2006 Honda Accord so I can’t do much back country driving on it so I have to stick to the main campsites.
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u/manic-pixie-attorney Feb 07 '23
People will leave your stuff alone, but lock your valuables (including your Yeti cooler) in the car anyway
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u/screwikea Feb 06 '23
People will generally leave your stuff alone, but don't leave anything difficult/impossible to replace at camp like wallets or phones. With first come/first serve, you'll take a spot and go pay for the number of nights you'll be in the spot. I recommend calling. Park rangers are friendly and they'lll be able to help you have a more successful visit. They may also have tips for when to show up and guarantee yourself a spot.
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u/KnowsIittle Feb 01 '23
https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/
Looking for a camp knife or anything really in the $45 range. I have a morakniv 511, small but works well enough. And a Kershaw pocket knife. So the Gerber isn't a need so much as a want. looking to either upgrade a fixed knife or replace my pocket knife.
Suggestions?
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u/maximbudnick Feb 14 '23
How about the Morakniv Kansbol or companion? A little larger than what you have.
I'll admit that I enjoy an excuse to get cool gear, but these two knives leave hardly anything to be desired on a camping trip - they make dinner, split wood, cut rope, etc. I haven't had to upgrade from one of these - just lost one once and replaced.1
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u/-Quad-Zilla- Jan 31 '23
I have an equiptment question.
Im going to be working and living out of a tent for about 6 weeks.
I currently have 2 sleeping bags, and 1 bivvy bag.
Bag one is rated to -7°C for comfort, bag 2 is rated to +7°C for comfort.
Now, the tents are going to be heated, and we will be on camp cots.
I'm going to be using a Klymit insulated V mattress on my cot.
My concern is if the heater goes out, and it will, if I double bag it, will I be good? Looking at the records, it appears that it can be around -11°C, at the worst.
Will my two bags, plus bivvy be enough?
Trying to save travel weight and space due to us having limited bag weight and flying there.
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u/KnowsIittle Feb 01 '23
I like purposeful redundancies. You might bring a battery bank that doubles as a hand warmer. Or pick up the battery bank and a seperate usb heating pad.
If you bring a couple hot water bottles you can boil water and stick them in the foot of your bag at night. Should store flat and pack reasonably well.
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u/SteamDome Jan 31 '23
I’m going cold weather camping this weekend for the second time this year. How do you deal with condensation in and around your sleeping bag? Particularly your face. I woke up covered in moister.
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u/spool_threader Jan 31 '23
How tough is it to nab a first come first serve camp site in early-mid May in the Southwest?
We’ve got a motorcycle camping trip planned all around the parks and for the days we don’t have a reserved spot, I’m looking at Willow Flat in Canyonlands, a spot near Page, AZ, and somewhere in/near Bryce, Zion, and Valley of Fire.
For Willow Flat we’ll get there around 11am but on other days, we may not arrive until 5pm or so. Will we have a hard time?
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u/fivefingerfury Jan 31 '23
Can I cook on these medical grade stainless steel trays? Is there some extra thing I should be worried about that I'm not considering?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R1H4NPT?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_1GXSM07G9RGZV77ABX3D
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u/flwrchld77 Jan 30 '23
How often do you leave your site unattended? What items do you never leave out? Planning a trip to a national park, and the thought of leaving my site to explore or hike has me worried about theft.
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u/Hobocamper Mar 01 '23
We’ve always kept anything valuable locked in our car and never left wallets or purses at the site. We also chain our Yeti cooler to a tree just out of paranoia really as it was a gift and we can’t afford to replace it. Most other stuff like our chairs, wood, and our big box of random supplies we leave out. Typically we put our lanterns in our tent when we leave to go fishing. We’ve had no problems with theft and most people keep to the camper’s code. Just secure any items you’d be really bummed to find stolen. Stashing things in your tent is generally fine as you can’t really tell if someone is occupying a closed tent.
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u/screwikea Jan 30 '23
I only take what I critically need if I leave, just like when I leave the house. (ex: wallet, cell phone - it's just a bit more of a list when camping)
I don't leave things out that somebody might swipe everywhere else if they got left lying around (ex: electronics).
Everything else just goes where it goes and stays there until it's time to load out. Somebody would have to be having a really rough time to steal my bedding or stove or whatever. Really if I'm at a national park, I'm only at the site overnight and in the morning/evenings - daylight hours I'll be out and about.
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u/Spennyboy127 Jan 25 '23
Do you guys carry clean water or water filters or a mix of them both
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u/PackShrink Feb 23 '23
Car camping we usually bring a couple of those 2.5 gallon water jugs that are rectangular and dispense water.
If Im backpacking and will frequently be next to rivers/lakes/ponds I bring two smart water bottles and a sawyer squeeze.
If Im backpacking and wont have many opportunities to fill water, I do a camelback bladder, sawyer squeeze and a smart water bottle.
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u/KnowsIittle Feb 01 '23
A mix. 2 to 4 liters water per day. I carry 2.5 liters. Drink a lot before leaving. Over hydration can remove vital salts so electrolyte mix powder is advised otherwise 1/4 tsp salt to 1L water.
I always camp next to water. Prefilter through a cloth to remove bug and other debris. Boil 10-15 minutes. But maybe it's raining. Something like a Sawyer squeeze are excellent but ruined if allowed to freeze. Purification tablets work but some take 3 to 4 hours to work. Flavor is not great so consider some like teabags to flavor.
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u/screwikea Jan 26 '23
Base camp, car camping, glamping, etc - bring clean water. Backcountry/backpacking - filters and tablets. Alternatively, filter and boil. Boiling is great, but if you're tight on supplies buring the fuel to boil the water is like one more thing to fight.
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u/Worbjhoj Jan 24 '23
Let me know if this is the right place to ask this question. I am looking for campground recommendations. My wife and I enjoy the campground at Hardin Ridge in the Hoosier National Forest. The campsites have wide wooded buffers between campsites. There is also little traffic. These are rv sites but the sprawling nature of the forested sites really shields each site into its own little glen. When we camp together our goal is to just relax and enjoy being away so other attractions aren’t a big deal. For now we will be using tents. I would like to find a similar campground in the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia region. Anybody familiar with Hardin Ridge and able to make other suggestions?
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u/screwikea Jan 24 '23
I'd post this question in the state-specific subs - locals are more likely to know the area. If you asked me about Texas or Arkansas I could completely blow you up with ideas.
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u/Jazzlike-Inside1433 Jan 24 '23
Looking to get into hot tenting what’s a reputable brand to go with?
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Jan 23 '23
Wondering about desert tent camping in sw usa. What are some things that would make the heat more bearable hanging out at the campsite and also hiking? Planning on going in june, just curious about ideas or strategies that this subreddit might know about to make it an even better experience
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u/screwikea Jan 23 '23
Shade, as much of it as possible, and whatever ways you can come up with to keep cool.
Warm bedding.
Also consider additional shade to put over you're vehicle if you're driving in. The sun and heat can really jack with paint and tires, among other things. And before somebody comes yelping about it not being peak summer heat, off-season hot days can and do happen.
Also... it always gets cold in the desert at night
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u/str8grizzzly Jan 23 '23
Does anyone know how hot it usually gets in Death Valley, CA during June near Telescope Peak? (Or just ~8000ft high in general.)
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u/Jessesimone Jan 23 '23
I have a question regarding power for a camper. I have a spare 120ah battery that has hardly been used. Am I able to hook it up to the other battery in my camper using an Anderson plug connected to alligator or the terminal connections in the photo?
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u/demisheep Jan 20 '23
So I signed my kids up for a boy scout group and we don't currently own much camping gear. What is the essential camping gear to have for 1-3 day camping trips? My biggest question is what tent should I buy? I want a tent that is going to be high quality and last for a good 10 years.
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u/screwikea Jan 23 '23
When I was in Boy Scouts, the troop provided all of the actual camping gear and had a list of stuff to bring. I had to bring clothes, toiletries, and bedding. They're supposed to be teaching preparedness as a core principle. If you're involved and coming along, by all means get yourself a tent, but be prepared to share space with one of the other adults. A huge part of the experience is sharing a tent with one of the other kids. Realistically they're going to have water coolers and coolers for everything, so you might wanna pitch in with ice. Show up at a meeting and ask what you need to bring!
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u/KnowsIittle Jan 22 '23
Backpacking or arriving by car? I'll post my pack list from my 3 day fishing trip. Might not be everything you need but at least gives you somewhere to start. I tend to buy cheap and upgrade where I need. No sense buying a $65 hatchet that's too heavy to bring with you. Especially where a $15 morakniv serves just as well to process deadfall.
https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/nnw3ja/planning_for_a_3day_local_fishing_trip_in_lp/
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u/demisheep Jan 22 '23 edited Jan 22 '23
Awesome thank you! This is extremely helpful.
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u/KnowsIittle Jan 22 '23
Cheers. Any specific questions or concerns feel free to ask.
Some items like my hatchet I no longer pack. Too heavy. When I took it with me I used it to hammer in stakes and that was it. My knife and folding saw are much lighter and did everything needed in processing deadfall for camp wood. Check regulations however as some places prohibit using even deadfall and never cut live trees.
I don't have a price listed but ended up spend $15-20 on a quality poncho with grommets for use as an emergency tent or rain tarp which I did use during a rain storm to bolster our Ozark tent. Ozark is not a high end tent but for $26 it's world's better than an open A frame tarp tent. For two people plenty of room to sleep and store our gear inside.
I found an air mattress sleeping pad alone was not enough. The sleeping pad sucks away your body heat laying directly on the ground. Used in combination with a foam mat would be preferable. Or a cot if you have a larger tent.
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Jan 20 '23
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u/KnowsIittle Jan 22 '23
An additional layer of protection can help extend the life of your tent where tarps are more expendable. I'd rather a fallen branch hit my tarp than my tent. It may also reduce the noise of rain striking the surface just next to your head. A more soothing noise of the roar of rain drops striking directly.
Additionally you can hang the tarp above the front entrance of your tent for shade or to keep the area less muddy so you're tracking less grime inside your tent.
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u/Relative_Lobster_880 Jan 18 '23
Is there a trick to help holding a moderately heavy (a few kgs) bag on each shoulder without it constantly trying to fall as I walk? Like with a rope or something?
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u/screwikea Jan 18 '23
What's a situation where this arises? Why can't you hold them in place with your hands? Are you trying to juggle too many things, sort of like carrying too many grocery bags in at once?
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u/petewil1291 Jan 17 '23
Is there something I can buy to act as kindling when it's not available?
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u/JustBreakingThings Jan 19 '23
My favorite free fire starting solutions are dryer lint, pine cones, and junk mail. I keep a supply of mail and lint in my gear boxes, though fresh dryer lint tends to work best so change it out occasionally.
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u/petewil1291 Jan 20 '23
I'm talking after the fire starting stage and more towards getting my logs to catch fire.
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u/screwikea Jan 17 '23
Search for things like diy + "firestarting field kit" and you can rip off tons of ideas to have on hand. All paper products and dryer lint are excellent. Those kits usually have cotton in them, which isn't great, but pretty much 100% of firestarters are cotton, wax, and an accelerant like kerosene. Example You can also keep yourself a small sack of wood chips to work the flame up more towards branch/log size.
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u/ImBadWithGrils Jan 17 '23
I think alcohol prep pads work pretty well in a pinch and they don't take much room in a pack
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u/totallynotalt345 Jan 16 '23
With a freestanding swag setup on concrete - for example under a carport - what’s a good option to use for pinning end flaps out for airflow? There are gazebo holder things you can fill with water that would go alright, but they’re a bit bulky.
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u/screwikea Jan 17 '23
You need weight, which is going to mean bulk no matter what. You can buy weight bags and tie off to the straps on those, but if you're in a high wind area you'll need more than a couple of bags. The most reliable thing is a few 5 gallon buckets full of rocks. People will fill those up with concrete and sink eye hooks into the top, but they're terrible to carry around. If you just have the buckets you can empty them up, stack them, and store them. Or use them for other stuff. Rocks can just go in a pile or something.
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u/welp____see_ya_later Jan 15 '23
In parks which have rules similar to this one:
Fires are allowed only in prexisting fire rings and containers.
Do pop-up fire pits with heat shields, like this one, practically fly? It seems that they follow the spirit of the law partially, assuming the spirit is to avoid destruction of the immediate area of the fire.
I suppose if the concern is, however, one of starting a forest first, perhaps they don't follow that spirit as much (although manufacturers claim that fires can even be started on a wood surface safely with these)
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u/Find_a_Reason_tTaP Jan 15 '23
Again, as others have already told you, there are no fires in the backcountry of Joshua Tree. There are no fires outside of designated fire rings. There is no dispersed vehicle camping.
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u/Ravioli_meatball19 Jan 11 '23
Potentially dumb question, but can I safely vacuum seal marinated meat and freeze it and then put it in my cooler to bring and eat while camping?
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u/screwikea Jan 11 '23
Yep! Tons of people also put a bunch of their food frozen into their coolers to reduce the need for ice. You can also get boilable bags, do the same basic thing with other foods, boil them, and reduce the need for dishes and cleanup. Some people will also cook their whole meals, freeze, and use the boil bags to heat everything up.
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u/Ravioli_meatball19 Jan 11 '23
Cool, I totally understood the precooking but I guess I was curious is raw meat was still okay.
We use freeze in ziploc bags or water proof, tight seal glass containers but I was wondering if vacuum sealing would be more space efficient and maybe more food safe because it's a tighter seal
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u/screwikea Jan 11 '23
It's just kind of a funny question to - yeah, you're totally fine freezing yo meat.
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Jan 06 '23
Recommendations for four season sleeping bags to combat the cold with a good sleeping mat?
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u/TheDefeated Feb 22 '23
My wife and I found a few sleeping bags at an army surplus store. Down filled water resistant and rated for 0 degrees. It's army green so not the most aesthetically pleasing but I've never been cold in it.
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u/Fickle_Fig4399 Jan 30 '23
We found it was easier to get a 20degree rated bag and supplement with a good sleeping bag liner for dead if winter.
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u/Minimum-Ad-3348 Jan 06 '23
How to clean rust/mold stains off canvas?
I've read CLR and magic erasers but want to see if anyone has experience.
Pic of the affected area https://imgur.com/a/V6pLFFz
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u/screwikea Jan 09 '23
Is that canvas? Looks like... poly/vinyl? Anyways, don't use magic erasers for this. Magic erasers are an abrasive, and anything like this isn't exactly 1/8" of material. You also have no way to know how thick the weather resistant part is, thickness/fragility due to deterioration, etc. Mild dish soap, soft sponge, water, and let it air out/sun dry and bake in the sun for general cleaning. CLR is kind of inert, so it should be safe to get rid of the stains. If you're worried about actually killing the mold instead of making it invisible, you'll need to buy something that actually do so, like RMR-141. That said... if it's just stains I'd do mild soap and live with the stains, but that's just me.
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u/Minimum-Ad-3348 Jan 10 '23
I plan on replacing the tent in the next year or so because it's full of holes and the waterproofing is peeling off. I just want it to look a bit more inviting in the meantime
I think it's some sort of nylon but it's hard to say since the company closed in the early 2000s
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u/screwikea Jan 10 '23
In that case I'd just try the CLR and a nonabrasive sponge, see if that works. I think it's more likely to work than the magic eraser in any case - good chance the stain is down in the fabric so the magic eraser wouldn't do much.
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Jan 03 '23
Has anyone camped with a propane space heater? I'm looking at the Little Buddy heater, I'm thinking the bigger version, the Mr Heater, would be the better buy just in terms of being more versatile and even being used as an outdoor space heater on the deck and stuff but I'm wondering if its too much for a tent even on the low settings? I'd also like to use it for sleeping in the bed of my truck.
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u/screwikea Jan 09 '23
I wouldn't use it in a tent or bed - concerns about a potential failing oxygen sensor aside, I don't trust anything in a tent that could start a fire, no matter how safe those little Mr Heaters are supposed to be. You might look into an insulated tent and ways to insulate your truck bed. If you can, grab spots with outlets and you can use an electric heater, or you can always tote along a generator and do the same thing. Insulated tents are great, though - once you're in with all of your camping pads and warm stuff on, they can be toasty enough.
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u/Blackfeathers_ Jan 03 '23
I'm looking to put together a meal kit for cooking and carrying food, I need something practical, light and compact, any tips? Also, what material should my canteen be made of?
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u/aMac306 Jan 07 '23
This will vary from a car camping setup to a backpacking setup. More details would be helpful. For backpacking I have a 32 oz pot that holds a MSR Pocket Rocket, fuel canister, cleaning pad, lighter and spork. It all goes in a mesh sack. I keep food in second stuff sack. For car camping I use a 2’ tall 3 drawer plastic storage thinking I bought at Lowe’s or Home depot. One drawer for utensils, one drawer for spices, oil etc, and the big drawer for pots and pans.
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u/Blackfeathers_ Jan 08 '23
I Imagine that for car camping it doesn't matter much what you're taking since space shouldn't be much of an issue
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u/BrieAndStrawberries Jan 03 '23
I'm looking for a disability-accessible tent. I have impaired fine motor coordination and would need something relatively easy for one person to set up. I'm hoping to do a week-long solo trip during the summer in Montauk. It would need to be relatively lightweight, since I don't drive for aforementioned reasons. Any recommendations?
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u/Fickle_Fig4399 Jan 30 '23
Hint: add (or have a friend do it) keyrings to your zipper pulls - makes opening and closing much easier.
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u/JustBreakingThings Jan 19 '23
I'm a big fan of the Kelty tents for this purpose, and in general. The tents have a large sleeve called Kelty Quick Corners that decrease the need for fine motor function during setup. I regularly set mine up alone, and can often guide the pole into position from the opposite corner.
I don't know if pole fastener clips or sleeves would be best for you, but they carry tents with both options.
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u/screwikea Jan 10 '23
My first thought is something like this. That style of tent pops open/sets up kind of like a sun visor - you pull it out, unfold it, and poof Jetsons tent. That one is also waterproof and has a big opening.
100% of tents are going to have difficult zippers, and getting stakes in the ground can be a really mixed bag depending on the terrain so you'll need to do some prep, planning, and pre-trip testing to accommodate those two issues specifically.
If you're trying to keep weight down, that specific tent says it's 12 lb. The round format isn't convenient for a pack, but you can secure it to the outside of one. If you really need to drive weight down, you need a backpacking tent since they're all under 4 lb. However, 100% of them require a TON of pressure, shoving, and maneuvering around to get the poles secured into their pockets.
Otherwise, if one of the instant popup things won't work for you, I'd get on the phone with REI specifically and talk to somebody with REI Co-Op. They have a great array of tents and their customer support is excellent, surely there's something in their arsenal that will suit you.
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u/XmiteYT Jan 01 '23
solo - im going camping for the first time (in florida so it's not cold!) in the next few months!! im really excited :) i wanted to ask if anyone had any beginners advice for someone who's never gone camping at all before?
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u/Hobocamper Mar 01 '23
Bring lots of water, extra batteries for any flashlights you have, and fully charge all of your devices beforehand. I always bring one extra blanket and a warm jacket just in case because being too cold makes me miserable (we car camp, so space isn’t an issue).
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u/FlipN_JellyMan Jan 02 '23
Be familiar with the weather and pre-pack your meals. Camping can be frustrating in the beginning especially when cooking, before you head out put together an egg scramble with all the goodies (or some burgers and hotdogs) into a Ziploc then breakfast/dinner is as easy as making a fire. If you're not confident in your ability to make and control a fire adequate for cooking, then bring a propane cooking system. Look for any dead limbs above where you plan on setting up camp. Be familiar with setting up youre tent as well as the fly. Lastly, enjoy yourself! A lot of people get overwhelmed or frustrated when things aren't going right, just take a few minutes to remember you're there to have a good time.
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u/Im_Not_That_Smart_ Dec 30 '22
Planning my first camping trip (me + wife) for next spring (last week of May) and want to make sure I’m not setting myself up for failure with weather/climate issues (or stupid over ambition).
The goal plan at the moment is tent camping for ~8 days at Silver Falls Oregon, elk prairie redwood park California, and then I was considering one of Lassen Volcano or Crater lake. But I’m thinking the Lassen and Crater lake may be risky for a first timer because they have some solid elevation and snowpack that will probably still be around in May. Would I be better off staying longer at Silver falls and with the redwoods? Or would it be reasonable to try seeing a third (different) location? Or am I being even more foolish than I think, and I’d be better off doing a short weekend trip closer to home (based in Portland), and scheduling this for later in the summer if the short trip goes well?
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u/screwikea Jan 10 '23
I’d be better off doing a short weekend trip closer to home (based in Portland)
100% yes. 8 days is a major commitment with a lot of unknowns, and if a camping catastrophe happens in the middle of it (I dunno... leaky tent, poles or stove breaks, maybe somebody hates being unshowered multiple days) you could completely torpedo the idea of ever camping again. Going somewhere that you're familiar with close by, for one or two nights, that has good fast accessibility to stores and facilities is a great place to start. One of you may figure out that anything less than glamping is like a personal hell. When I was cracking the nut with my kid, we set up the tent in the back yard a couple of nights for a single night, and did a camp stove meal and smores. We also did the same basic thing with a tent in the living room. Good opportunities to find out if anybody hates sleeping on anything lower than a cot, ya know?
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u/Kumquatssss Dec 29 '22
First time planning a trip on my own, we’re planning on going to Olympic in May 2023. I’ve got 2 littles and never have camped out of home state(CA)or without my parents. I know lame. Weather wise what should I be planning for? Also is there something I must absolutely have? I have basic camping gear but idk I guess I still feel unprepared.
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u/screwikea Jan 10 '23
That'll be awesome as long as you do plenty of prep! This far out, who knows, but according to this (and really any trips to mountainous areas) plan for a solid mix of cold to comfortable weather and rain.
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Dec 22 '22
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u/screwikea Jan 10 '23
Is there any reason you can't just take your regular pillow, or get one just like it for camping? Stuff it in a garbage bag if needed for waterproofing? This just seems like a necessity to me, not even a creature comfort. Sometimes you have to sacrifice ounces or a pound or two in order to avoid misery. World's best example - hiking boots. Trail runners are amazing, but if you're walking through a ton of water and mud in freezing cold, that's just not the place I start shaving weight. Alternatively, could you get one of the covers for one of those and plan to stuff it with socks, shirts, and undies? You could dual-purpose it for dirty clothes, just put them in a plastic bag first.
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Jan 11 '23
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u/screwikea Jan 11 '23
I think that you misunderstood my question - is there a reason that you can't just take the pillow you normally use?
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u/Morbid-Mother_152327 Dec 20 '22
Solo camping- how do you pick a location, get enough info to feel prepared, and actually go?! I get so swept up in the research, never feel like I know the “right info” and end up talking myself out of trips. So what is your “need to know” stuff and what are the kind of things you can learn on the go?
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u/aMac306 Jan 08 '23
In my mind the “need to know” list is short for the location. 1) weather 2) water and toilet availability 3) food infrastructure (grill? picnic table) .
The important part is getting out. I’m sure you recall from hunting with your dad that it wasn’t the whole trip that made the trip, and it wasn’t even harvesting an animal. It was seeing the sunrise on the grass, hearing it seeing wildlife, starring at a fire. Plan on a sub-24 hour overnight near you. Get in, make dinner, enjoy the evening for a bit, get the bed and up early for an early hike/ walk to see nature waking up. Have breakfast and then do something a little bigger. Longer hike, paddle, bike ride for a couple hours. Then be home or on the road by late afternoon. Information is cheap and easy to find these days, but getting too much can dampen the spirit of adventure.
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Dec 22 '22
I found it helpful to start close to home, so if I really screwed up I could pack up in the car and drive home. Of course not everyone lives near the outdoors but you could go somewhere within a short drive of some motels. Once I was confident I could handle a cold or wet night I could go out father.
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u/Morbid-Mother_152327 Dec 22 '22
I grew up hunting with my dad, so I know I can suck up a lot of things, but it’s just figuring out what to do solo.
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Dec 22 '22
Is there another outdoor hobby you can combine camping with? Bikecamping, motocamping, finding a nice fishing spot, photography, etc.
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u/cwcoleman Dec 20 '22
Good question, and hard to answer. This is a real concern for many people starting out.
My best advice is to start small. Go camp at a regulated campground. Either through the state or national land. Pick a non-rain, non-freezing, weather window and go try. At regulated campsites you'll drive your car up to the spot and have a space to do your camping. Other people will likely be around - but that's okay when getting started.
I research campgrounds near where I want to go. Use their website to learn the rules and make a reservation. Then I gear up and go.
You need some basic gear to go camping - like a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag. Other extras like chair, cooler, stove, pot, and flashlight. Plus food and water.
I've camped a bunch - so all I need is a reservation and I'm ready to go. I have all the gear I need - so that part is just organizing it to fit into the car, after a quick grocery shop.
You need to know how to setup your tent. Make sure to learn / practice at home before you head out. If you are cooking - learn how the stove works before going. Otherwise - you can learn on the go. When car/base style camping - you always have a quick bail-out plan, just pack up and go home.
Check this out: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/camping-for-beginners.html
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u/Jean_Claude_Van_Darn Dec 20 '22
I’d like to do a weekend hike / camp trip alone but I’ve never done that before.
I live in south Louisiana and would like to get away from everything for a bit.
I’ve only ever done tent camping with friends and family at state parks and private land.
What would be a good way to prep for something like this?
I have a lot of tent camping gear so maybe it’s the “alone” aspect that got me a little off.
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u/cwcoleman Dec 20 '22
Solo camping takes more work than with a group - but mostly it's the same. You are just responsible for everything.
Maybe you could start with a place you've already been. A campground you've been at with a group - try it solo. Then learn what changes are needed - and branch out to other state/national land.
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u/N0tLdnk Dec 19 '22
Help! I'm flying back home from a camping trip soon and I still have a half full gas catridge I bought abroad. I have no idea what to do with It. I cannot cook enough to empty it and I can not throw away a half full one or bring it with me.
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u/Pinniped_pen Dec 24 '22
Second offering it to another camper, otherwise you need to empty it yourself and dispose of it. If you're in the USA, REI has taken my emptied canisters and recycle them for me, I'm sure other camping and sporting good stores have something similar.
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u/Effective-Accident27 Dec 18 '22
Need help deciding on a 50L backpack or 70L backpack, even considering less but wanted a larger one in case I decided to go on a longer trip and want/need more room. I've been camping a couple times before but only one night stays. I think I would like to do a multiday camping trip but don't know if 50L is enough for that (should be right?).
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u/cwcoleman Dec 20 '22
50 liter is on the small end for most beginner backpackers.
The number of days you plan to go out is not the best indicator of what size pack you need. The gear you need for 1 night is nearly identical for 10 nights. The only difference is food - which is less than 1 liter a day.
If you have high quality sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, stove, and clothing - then you can often get away with a smaller pack. If you have 'budget' gear then it usually takes up more room. You also have to consider if you take any 'luxuries' - as they take up space too.
65 liters is a fine starting spot for beginners. I wouldn't go lower than 60 liters.
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u/Sirsmokealotx Dec 15 '22
Could dangerous animals/people sneak up to you while you are sleeping at night? Does a Tent make a difference? Or you being a loud snorer?
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Dec 17 '22
Most of the time wild animals don't want to have anything to do with you unless it's injured or hungry then there could be issues. In my experience in the Catskills, Pocono's, Berkshires and along the A.T. animals are very Intelligent and they tend to go the opposite direction when they see or smell you.
DON'T leave food near you. Put your food in a bag and tie it to a rope, then throw the rope over a high limb and tie the other end to a tree. This way you can pull the bag up the branch at least 10 feet off the ground.
As for people I do Not camp near people or near trails unless I'm with a bunch of people. I get as much distance from them as I can with the smallest fire possible. I've run into some really creepy people during the daytime near the A.T. in Dutchess County N.Y. so I'm biased towards sharing a camp with strangers. I would rather take my chances with a Hungry Bear. "Wild Animals" are NOT Cunning, Deceptive, mentally ill, Liars or have some sick fantasy of killing someone in the woods and getting away with it. Animals are Much More predictable than people are. I prefer "Lions and Tigers and Bears" over some dude I just met who is either a father or some drifter looking for his next score. Keep it simple and SAFE.
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u/noknownboundaries Dec 16 '22
Depends on your environment for the animals. In the desert, scorpions, spiders, and snakes can all be kept at bay with a good tent, generally speaking. The might decide that they want to hide out underneath it because it's cool, dark, and secluded. But I've never heard of a horror movie style critter punching through the floor and attacking, lol.
I've had lots of coyotes come into my camp and start yipping, although I seriously doubt they'd ever try to get through tent fabric. They're smart and will run away at the first sign of you being a human ready to fight back.
In the woods, black bears might get overly curious and try to get into your tent if you leave food in it. They are skittish with humans in the wild, but black bears in campgrounds and especially national parks are used to morons treating them like pets. So they might not spook and be more cavalier with you.
Brown bears will do whatever they good and well please. Don't leave food inside, if you've been fishing get that scent off of you immediately, and try to setup in open spots that don't have the brush or thick tree cover they like to work in. I'd also stay off of river/creek banks in brown bear country. A wild brown bear will probably avoid really brightly-lit tent material, but like black bears, once that are over-exposed to humans might treat it like an invitation. Buy bear spray in brown bear country.
Moose are even more territorial and carefree than brown bears. They are the most dangerous animal in the Rockies, for my money. But if they show up in your camp it's almost always just a curiosity thing, and then they'll mosey off.
A tent is not going to protect you from another person if they intend to do you harm. They can slash it open, shoot through it, throw rocks at it, undo the poles, whatever. I try to stay as far away from other people as possible. If you can/are interested in building a capable 4x4, that'll help you take trails that keep a lot of riff raff out. Aside from that, don't camp near drug/homeless/poverty stricken towns because locals will usually run into the woods/desert nearby to do sketchy shit.
It's always a point of contention with the non-Americans, but if you're in the U.S. a compact handgun and training from reputable outfits (Baer Solutions, HSP, or the like) is the great equalizer. I promise you from experience that a stun gun is not going to stop someone. Mace may stop a single attacker, but even that's playing with fire. You can't get your hands on an actual T.A.S.E.R. and you damn sure don't wanna be trying to box or grapple with someone in the dark in the woods.
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u/ImBadWithGrils Dec 11 '22
What's the consensus on wool base layers, is there a "Darn Tough" brand in that realm?
I am looking at the REI 185 merino line, as both the tops and bottoms are 100% RWS wool opposed to other brands having a blend. Does that sound right or am I missing something? Should they be loose or is a compression-style fit okay?
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u/cwcoleman Dec 13 '22
Not exactly 'darn tough' level - but Icebreaker is a top brand for wool base layers. Very high quality with a solid warranty.
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u/mommysam00 Dec 06 '22
What is the best backpack for wearing a toddler while hiking?
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u/elfpebbles Dec 09 '22
I got mine in aldi adventure ridge is the brand. They had a recall cause the load bearing washers were plastic but I’d already bought metal washers for it. Bout 100€ cheaper than the next alternative and washers cost me like a 2e
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u/RockieRoo916 Dec 06 '22
I'm ready to leave 2022 in the rear view mirror, and that includes the holidays. I've decided I want to thro my dog and a tent (that I just bought) in my car and camp. Get out of my head, away from stress, and just reset.
I'm in Northern California. I'm looking at heading ro the Pacific coast, since I hate snow and don't own a snow vehicle. Can anyone recommend a resource for camping suggestions? So far, I have a tent and various supplies and overwhelming suggestions from friends to book an AirBNB for the second night. 😀
The question in my mind right now is food storage. If I have food, must I hang it above bear reach, or would leaving it in my car be okay? Honestly, that sounds like a stupid question to me, and I haven't even read it yet.
Your input and good humor will be greatly appreciated!
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u/Brave-Cap8729 Dec 07 '22
There are lots of great places to camp along Highway 1 between San Francisco and Eureka, some things may be closed, but what's open should be pretty quiet this time of year. I'd probably just head out there and drive north until I felt like stopping and then see what's around. South of Ft Bragg you don't really have to worry about bears, and even north of there you're probably fine leaving your food in the car unless you're in a campground that actually has enough of a bear problem to have installed steel bear boxes. FYI, bear hangs aren't really a thing out west anymore, 99% of people don't do them correctly (yes, including you and me, since actually doing it right is a huge pain in the ass, and even then won't stop a really determined bear) so anywhere bears are a problem is either going to have fixed bear boxes in developed campgrounds or require you to use a portable bear-proof container.
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u/EngineersMasterPlan Dec 05 '22
looking to cook up a decent meal
i want to fry some fries in a pot i oil
how do you usually safely and respectfully dispose of the oil once the fries have been deep fried?
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u/Kappa-Channa Dec 04 '22
I have a question regarding my tent, the flooring seems to be shedding little flecks of black plastic and it gets everywhere. Does anybody have any tips on how I can stop this happening? I've never had it occur with a tent before.
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u/Brave-Cap8729 Dec 07 '22
Is it an older cheap tent? Then it's probably breaking down and its time to replace the tent. If its a higher quality tent, it's possible its just the coating that's coming off, and there's not much you can do about it besides maybe washing (by hand, in a bathtub or something) it to get the rest of the coating off and then re-waterproofing it, but that might be a bigger pain in the ass than just getting a new tent.
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u/horrornut511 Dec 02 '22
I've been wanting to get into camping but anytime I really begin to prepare for a trip I get nervous about running into a dangerous animal or a crazy person ( I live in a part of the country where there are a lot of people on stuff ) do you have any tips about getting over tis fear
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Dec 12 '22
Start off in established campgrounds where you will have neighbors to help you feel safe. Bring a friend.
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u/whippersnapped Dec 01 '22
I Heard using a foam pad under a thick air sleeping pad helps. Is this the case for a thin one as well? I have a lightweight inflatable pad but I want to go winter camping and wanna see if using a foam pad under will suffice or if i need to buy a new air pad.
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u/tip_top_scoot Dec 02 '22
what's the R Value on your inflatable pad? If you don't have an inflatable pad that offers some decent warmth, a thin pad underneath your inflatable isn't going to be enough.
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u/AntiochKnifeSharpen Dec 01 '22
This is supposed to hook up to some propane tank, but I can't figure out which kind of tank to buy. Can anyone tell what kind of tank this goes with?
It says gr-109 on this piece in the picture if that helps.
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u/cwcoleman Dec 01 '22
I can't help exactly, but what I use to hook up my stove/lantern to a 20lb propane tank is like this:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Mr-Heater-12-Propane-Hose-Assembly/1121689
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u/tie-dyed_dolphin Nov 30 '22
Are Tiki Torches a faux pas?
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u/Find_a_Reason_tTaP Dec 05 '22
They are much preferred to the strings of bright flashing LED lights.
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u/cwcoleman Dec 01 '22
Kinda.
They are cool at home back yards - but are rarely used at campgrounds.
Not saying they aren't allowed, just not popular where I camp.
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u/Zyvik Nov 29 '22
I am looking to get a new tent and it needs to be no larger than 10x10. What's the consensus on the canopy + wall style setups? They look like a good way to maximize space but not sure how warm or durable they are.
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u/cwcoleman Dec 01 '22
Those ez-up style canopies with 4 walls added on are big and heavy.
I own a few and they are good for the sun / rain protection - but I still sleep in a traditional tent.
The main reason is I want a floor. The canopies + walls without a floor let in the bugs and mud. I want to be fully enclosed when camping in anything but ideal weather.
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u/Healthy_Panic_68 Nov 27 '22
New here! Have never done camping before but would love to do so. Something I would like to tick off my bucket list and get out of my comfort zone. I’m thinking to rent a car and go somewhere. Not sure how people pick a camping spot though. Also not sure what gear to buy and where I could get gear for cheap.
Any suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you.
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Dec 17 '22
I think you should wait until the Summertime because so many things can go wrong in the Winter and more experienced people go at that time for the challenge and solitude. I don't Ever recommend that a beginner go in the cold because you will be WET and MISERIBLE.
Rent a 4X4 pickup truck or suv because a car limits your reach to the areas where ALL of the other people are. I try and avoid people because I go for Nature not people.
YouTube has a LOT of videos for beginners but I don't watch them so I honestly cannot recommend anything in good faith. I do like Cody Lundin but not a huge fan of "Dual Survival". His approach is more Native American where you Work With the land to your advantage. His books and shelters are very easy to read, build and understand. Everything he does combines science with common sense. "Mother Nature is neither for you nor against you"- C.Lundin. I agree.
Go on the government websites for your national parks. They will have tons of information on trail conditions, weather conditions, History of the location and campsite info. Then cross reference this with public reviews of said campsites. Go to hunting and Fishing websites too. We go to the best locations and don't mind telling people about it because a family in a mini van is NOT going travel a half hour to an hour on a rough road.
There are Plenty of National Parks where you can drive your car up to a parking spot with a fire ring or a BBQ and you can pitch a tent right next to your car. There will be plenty of people around that you can talk to and meet and make new connections.
You could also go to more secluded spots where you can stay for a week or more with less people around. The camping lots are spaced farther apart so you can't hear the people next to you but you can still hear them. They are usually spaced around 1/4 to a 1/2 acre apart.
The next option would be to go to a dirt road in the "back" of the park. There's usually pull off's and trail heads all over the place especially if the is a road next to a "Fishing Stream" then they have camping Everywhere. Those are some of the best spots but you NEED a 4X4 to get there. You will probably be alone the whole time and have a BLAST.
Just keep in mind that some of the pictures on reddit are from Experienced Hikers and Campers so don't expect to reach these remote places the first couple of years you are hiking and camping. It takes a long time to build up the confidence to go out into the back country because you might have to "self rescue" at some point in time. It's good to know what YOUR limits are because that will keep you alive.
I wish you all the Best. Have Great Time.
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Nov 26 '22
How important is a tent? I have a 5 person Coleman tent that we got as a present a few years ago. I think the winters are pretty mild and lately the lows have been in the 50’s. Could we take the boys hiking for the first time and be warm/sheltered?
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u/_johhnyn_ Nov 26 '22
I was looking to build a fire ring with some rocks in my backyard. Does anyone know places to find good rocks to build it?
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u/StonedStoneGuy Nov 29 '22
A Masonry supply yard May have some loose. If not you’ll have to buy a quantity
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Nov 25 '22 edited Nov 25 '22
TL;DR: Truck bed tent camping overnight in Flagstaff in Dec, bad idea?
So, in approximately two weeks-ish, I will be driving about 12-14 hours to Flagstaff, AZ. The reason isn't important, but I intend to make it to Flagstaff and back in a weekend, and sleeping overnight. I thought I could save a few more bucks by finding a Wal-Mart parking lot or gorgeous campground and pitching my truck bed tent for the night.
Not a lot of camping experience, almost none in cold weather.
I have a queen size sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees, a self-inflating sleeping pad also queen size (I think), various warm clothes like sweatshirts, longjohns and flannel shirts. I also am planning on eventually buying a futon pad for future truck-bed-tent adventures, those plans could be accelerated if they would make or break this situation. I am considering trying this out here in my driveway first, but overnight in my area is somewhat warmer than Flagstaff (tomorrow's low is predicted to be 38 degrees; Flagstaff, 22). Am I equipped enough to make it through the night? Am I going to freeze on my trial run? Am I overthinking this and should I just spend the money on a hotel?
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u/ivymeows Dec 13 '22
where did you buy your truck bed tent? My husband and I are looking to purchase one.
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u/_johhnyn_ Nov 26 '22
You can always throw blankets on with the sleeping bad, so I would make sure to pack a few nice blankets. I've camped in SD at around freezing and all I had was 2 cheap sleeping pads a 40 degree bag and like 3 blankets, and I was comfortable. I think you should be good if you pack extra blankets.
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Nov 21 '22 edited Nov 21 '22
My wife and I are both wildlife biologists with lots of outdoor experience. We are floating the idea of starting a Florida-based outdoor experience company where people can basically click what boxes with activities they're interested in (hiking, kayaking, SCUBA, airboating, fishing, birding, cultural dining, etc), click how long they want the trip to be (3 days, 5 days, 2 weeks, etc) and we give them a quote for a trip through a portion, or all, of Florida.
We'd be sharing ecological and historical information along the way, camping in lesser known spots, cooking, and ensuring all the logistics are in place. There are businesses like this out west and abroad, but neither of us know of such a business that specializes in Florida. The initial overhead could be pricey (4x4 van, luxury tents, additional kayaks and gear), but after that it'd be nearly pure profit.
My question is, do y'all think there is a market for this? We basically want to share our passion for the natural side of Florida with those willing to listen and be able to make a living doing it.
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u/Brave-Cap8729 Dec 07 '22
Hey since no one has responded to you yet, yes, there absolutely is a market for it. Having run a small independent outdoor guiding business myself, my main advice would be to focus on the high-end, once you get into a certain level of client network (lawyers, doctors, finance guys) you're set for life. If you aren't acquainted with that world, you'd be *shocked* and how much money they're willing to drop on things without a second thought. ($1200 a day for a ski lesson? no sweat). Get instructional certifications in any activity you're planning on doing, (those people always seem really impressed by them), and try to structure the experience so they feel like they've learned/accomplished something for themselves. Quadruple bonus points if you're good with kids/can tailor the experience towards them. You also pointed out the most absolute most important thing, which is to make sure the logistics are 100% dialed. All transitions should be effortless, clients will be way happier with slightly second-tier sights/accommodations/etc if it all goes smoothly than they will be with even the best-of-the-best if they have to wait for it. You can start with next to no overhead; vans, tents, kayaks all can be rented (and charged to the client), again just make sure your logistics are dialed ahead of time. In fact, it's probably better to rent those things, that way you don't have to worry about upkeep costs and can probably offload some of the liability to the rental company. When I'm guiding mountain biking, I absolutely would not want my clients riding bikes that I had pay to fix afterwards, haha. Anyway, I hope that's some encouragement to go for it! Good luck!
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u/dynobright Nov 20 '22
Any tips on the best way to deal with a damp tent the morning of pack up?
I want to avoid my tent getting mildewy but air drying once home isn’t an ideal option (I live in a small apartment). I’ve tried towel drying while the tent is still set up, or laying the fly on my car or a sunspot with mixed results.
Any pro tips from my fellow wet weather campers?
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u/Fickle_Fig4399 Jan 30 '23
I throw ours over the shower curtain rod and face my fan (on low and oscillating) towards it.
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u/AnnaPhor Nov 25 '22
I'm a city-dwelling camper. I roll up loosely, don't fold and pack. Wait for a sunny day and go dry it out in a park.
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u/alittleboii Nov 18 '22
Hi all. Looking to go camping soon. I'm from Southern California. Just wondering if I need any permits or reservations or can I just pull up to a camp site and camp? I've seen that (some?) National parks require reservations. How does that differ from BLM camping?
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u/BroncosGirl7LJD Nov 30 '22
I’m in SoCal, each campground is going to be different. For example, Joshua Tree has both reservation and walk in sites. On the south entrance of JT is BLM land, which is free, drive up camping 😁Most BLM land is free camping or at a very nominal fee (those that have a fee will have established campgrounds)
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u/dante_519 Nov 18 '22
So I will give this a go.
I have been on this sub for a while. I have seen and observed a lot.
I am in deep depression state, and there is not a day that goes by without me thinking of a way out and at times I have taken a few steps but the people counting on me and a few responsibilities pull me back for the time being. I think I need to camp. It’s my calling. If not, heck it won’t seem like a suicide at lest but a bear attack. I think I am ready for camping, I have a big white shepherd dog and regular size black jeep and iq of 161 to carry out a successful camping trip but since the opportunity presented itself, I will ask a question.
Tl;dr: some question.
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Never been to camp before, want to start this fall. Live in Canada, temperate get extreme, what are good heat source and retention outperforming hacks.
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u/RockieRoo916 Dec 06 '22 edited Dec 07 '22
I am in tears. Your post mirrors my situation. I'm heartbroken for you, but knowing I'm not the only one not thriving lifted my spirits. I'm doing the exact same thing, for the exact same reason.
I hope you get lots of tips! I've only camped twice. The last time was 30 yrs ago.
Be well, and know that there is at least on person who can relate and is pulling for you.
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u/tip_top_scoot Dec 02 '22
I'm really sorry to hear you're dealing with this. Getting outside and hiking/camping my face off has been the single-best thing for my own mental realignment. I find my thoughts are nice and clear when i hike, and mentally, i spiral a lot less as i'm just more fixated on what i'm doing.
With cold weather camping, an insulated sleeping pad is pretty critical. it contributes to being able to retain warmth better than really any other piece of gear. Other suggestions really depend on what type of camping you're doing- hot tent camping, car camping, etc. The gear that allows you to create and retain heat most efficiently might change based on type of camping.
Hope this helps!!
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u/cwcoleman Nov 18 '22
Short answer is to find a trail near your house and go walk it. Start small / short.
Then look for a regulated campground in the area. Put together some gear, make a reservation, and setup camp next to your vehicle.
Heat comes from clothing and insulation. You'll need quality sleeping pad and sleeping bag for cold weather. They aren't cheap. Waiting until the warmer months may be a better option. Spend the winter saving money / buying gear and then go when the temps are above freezing.
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Nov 17 '22
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u/OSUTechie Nov 19 '22
Typically I think that is how it works. Website says it's first come first serve. You will need to pay at some point, either at the ranger station or office. Or they might have an un-manned kiosk that you put in money.
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u/justbangingaround Nov 17 '22
Question about winter camping - in going to be sleeping in a canvas cabin style tent with a wood stove while deer hunting a friend’s property. Should I sleep on a folding cot or a few air pads? Which will help me to lose the least heat? Estimated about 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
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u/tip_top_scoot Dec 02 '22
folding cot is ideal for sure. With hot tent camping, you want your sleeping space to be elevated- The difference in temps on the ground vs towards the top of the tent are going to be wildly different. Also, on a cot, you won't have to deal with the freezing-cold-ground sucking up all of your body's warmth!!
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u/Kolpasterop Nov 17 '22
Decided to go camping for the first time in a long time on a super cold upcoming weekend up to 10 below freezing. Any tips or things to remember I might have forgotten?
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u/screwikea Jan 12 '23
Extra socks. If your feet get wet at that temp, it's the only thing to be done.
A pad that will insulate you away from the cold ground makes a world of difference.
Wool blanket. Will keep you warm even when wet, so there's a variety of emergency use, and you can use it for insulation, fill things as padding, additional pad when you sleep, etc.
Cold weather, waterproof boots. If you're shopping for new ones, wear the socks you'll be wearing normally while trying them on.
Everything else is normal cold prep stuff you'd do anytime, just different outfits - warm clothes, warm bags, dress in layers. The more things that you can do in your tent, the better.
Two other thoughts - a better fitting sleeping bag and smaller tent if possible. The smaller tent isn't something I think a lot of people put a lot of thought into, but you can put a bunch of stuff around the the edges of the tent, which can keep drafts waaaaay down.
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u/craiga572 Nov 16 '22
What do you recommend for splitting quartered pieces of wood for a campfire? A small hatchet or something more substantial? I will be car camping so weight isn’t an issue.
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u/Minute_Boysenberry19 Nov 23 '22
Small hatchet is perfect. Just hit the log once and then when the head of the ax is embedded then hit the other end of the log on a tree stump or a rock. That should make it pretty easy
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u/liamemsa Nov 14 '22
Am I supposed to put the fire out when I go to bed?
edit: Also, does the "backpacking" tent section on Amazon indicate tents that are lighter/etc?
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u/cwcoleman Nov 15 '22
Yes. The fire should be completely out when you go to bed. Too easy for a flame to jump and start a forest fire while un-attended.
In theory - yes, 'backpacking' tents will be lighter and smaller than 'car camping' style. However Amazon is a shady company. I would not trust buying tents from there unless you are very sure it's not a complete lie. Too many fake reviews and junk companies on Amazon.
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Nov 08 '22
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Nov 13 '22
Check out Sierra trading post it might be called sierra.com now but it’s not used gear but discontinue gear that is sold at a discount
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u/SaltKo Nov 07 '22
Hi - I'm a heavy guy, around 350 pounds and side sleeper. I've been wanting to go out sheltering/camping for years now, but I have been so concerned about what to buy, to sleep on, that i have yet to realise my dream of catching my own fish and sleeping in a shelter.
Have anyone here experience, of being a side sleeper, large size person and which sleeping pad/bed to get for outdoor?
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u/tip_top_scoot Dec 02 '22
I'm a side sleeper and a tall person (6'5). I know it's expensive, but the Thermarest NeoAir xTherm is an amazing pad esp for colder temps.
Really depends on your budget, what time of year you're going, and what gear you already have.
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u/Sloots_and_Hoors Nov 07 '22
Hey partner. I was once your size and dealt with a lot of the same concerns. I, too, am a side sleeper. I don't have much backcountry experience, but I log a bunch of days car camping. Here is my set up that worked for me.
- Cot- Teton Sports Outfitter XXL. You can find used and returned units on Amazon and save a bunch.
- Pad- Teton pad for Outfitter XXL
Sleeping bag- Summer- Coleman cheap bag. Winter- Teton XL 20 degree of 0 degree. I can't recall which, but they're roomy.
I also had sleep apnea and bought a battery unit to try and run a CPAP. Unfortunately, the one that I bought would shut off when the CPAP was paused and never worked right. If you go a battery pack route, make absolutely sure that it will work with a CPAP unit if you have one. I wound up with a brick that didn't do what it was supposed to do. In any event, the cot and pad are extremely comfortable and I wholeheartedly recommend both.
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u/Amazing_Ad1348 Nov 06 '22
Is there anyone who knows of a camping guide sort of person/group? I’m essentially looking to go to Canada and experience the wild without my phone for about a week. I would actually prefer a very authentic experience with minimal food brought and only eating what I catch/ kill myself. I am willing to pay top dollar to a guide if they can get me the experience I’m looking for. (P.S. this trip will be more towards the fall of next year)
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u/cwcoleman Nov 15 '22
Not Canada, but Andrew Skurka is a good guide for backpacking trips. Maybe there is one you are interested in enough to come to the USA for.
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u/astroshagger Nov 04 '22
I would really like to get started in camping. Is there a recommended checklist or something with essential items you guys would recommend for 2-4 day camping trips?
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u/RoamingTheTrails Nov 07 '22
Here’s a free one you can download. Just a piece of advice, start with what you have on hand already. You don’t have to go and buy all the camp specific gear.
https://roamingthetrails.files.wordpress.com/2022/10/camping-packing-list-1-1.pdf
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u/LambSauce666 Nov 04 '22
Is there anything I need to know before I sleep in my car for the first time? Do I need to keep a window open for example?
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Nov 09 '22
You don't need to keep windows open, although it can get a bit stuffy. I sleep in my car a LOT - as a solo camper who's female, I like having the security of being able to lock my doors while I sleep. I bought a roll of Reflectix and made black-out "shades" for my windows. To combat the stuffiness I did get a little battery-powered fan t Walmart - about $6, it's quite small and takes two AAs, but makes a huge difference. If you want to be able to keep your windows cracked for circulation, check out car window screens on Amazon - they're netting that slips over your doors to keep bugs out when your windows are open.
Also, if you have a car with a "smart" key fob that will let you touch unlock when it's nearby, look up in your car manual how to turn this off. This will allow you to lock your doors securely with the fob inside with you as well as keep your fob battery from getting run out. For Toyota, you hold the lock button and simultaneously press the unlock button twice. Not sure for other companies.
If you're looking to invest in a sleeping setup, I bought a 2" memory foam mattress topper on amazon and cut it to fit my hatchback, and then I use my regular backpacking sleeping pad on top - I purposely bought a 72" mummy shaped pad so that it can fit diagonally in my car. I made a wooden set of shelves that fits on the floor space behind my passenger seat and is level with the rest of the backseat platform to extend my sleeping area all the way up to the back of my front seat. With this setup I'm perfectly happy, spent two months sleeping/camping in my car over the summer and did great.
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u/Cyclonestrawberry Nov 03 '22
It's going to snow soon in canada. Can I put a bucket out to collect the snow, and then heat it under a fire and drink that water?
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u/danaemedusa Nov 04 '22
Yes! Summarized from NPS (USA) guidelines:
To effectively purify your water
.Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute,
.If at an elevation over 6,500 feet, bring water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes
Source: https://www.nps.gov/articles/2wayspurifywater.htm
(don’t heat water in bucket, transfer to a pot first! ;)
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u/nenshenn Nov 03 '22
Went camping for the first time last year. We had a huge problem with these microscopic bugs that looked like little gnats getting through our tent at night and biting us. (Bug spray did nothing) is there any sort of bug proof mesh or net we can get to keep these small bugs out of our tents?
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Nov 19 '22 edited Nov 19 '22
Permethrin is fantastic to treat clothes, tents, boots, etc with. My friends and I go on backcountry backpacking trips on AR and it works wonders at repelling bugs.
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u/Witty-Show6864 Apr 14 '23
i want to know exactly what happens midnight i leach/cuff it up if u don’t understand then somebody do something to help out .