Camping is a fun and exciting way to spend time in the great outdoors, but it's important to be prepared before heading out into the wilderness. Here are some tips for preparing for a camping trip:

1. Choose the right campsite: Start by selecting a campsite that is appropriate for your group's size, abilities, and activities. Research the campsite beforehand to learn about its amenities, access to water and bathrooms, and potential hazards.

2. Bring the right gear: The specific gear you'll need will depend on the campsite and the weather, but some essential items to bring on any camping trip include a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, and a first-aid kit.

3. Pack enough food and water: Plan your meals ahead of time and bring enough food and water to last for the duration of your trip. Don't forget to bring a cooler for perishable items and a water filter or purification tablets in case you need to drink from natural sources.

4. Bring the right clothing: Dress in layers to prepare for changing weather conditions, and bring rain gear and sturdy shoes.

5. Plan for emergencies: No matter how well you plan, there's always a chance that something could go wrong on a camping trip. Be prepared for emergencies by bringing a first-aid kit and knowing how to use it. It's also a good idea to bring a whistle, a flashlight, and a basic repair kit for gear.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your camping trip and have a fun and safe time in the great outdoors. Happy camping!

Who doesn’t love the taste of outdoor food cooked over a campfire.  However , packing everything and the kitchen sink isn’t realistic when hauling your back pack up mountains, around trails and for days!

Check out these easy recipes that you can make to satisfy your taste buds without a lot of gear or ingredients.

Campfire scrambled eggs

Eggs

Water

Butter

Sounds super simple right!  When you master this recipe, you just may be cooking these out in your backyard too! Depending on your supplies, and how many people are eating - the general ratio is for each egg, add 1 tablespoon each of the butter and water.

Add the ingredients to a saucepan, and stir. Put the pot over the fire and keep stirring. Once the butter starts to melt, start a pattern of 30 second on the fire, and 10 seconds off, using a a slow heat method. Once the butter is all melted, mix again, and leave on the fire a bit longer, just until your eggs seem almost done.  Remove from the fire, and stir once more.  The heat from the pot will finish cooking the eggs.

Hotfired Chili Dog

8 Hotdogs, chopped into 1” pieces

1 small onion, chopped

1 can Chili

4 tbsp BBQ sauce

Hot dog buns

Tin Foil

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl (except for the buns). Gut out each bun and place each bun on its own piece of tin foil (enough to full wrap the bun). Fill each bun with the mixture, and wrap with the tin foil. Grill over a flame for about 20 minutes. 

Bannock Bread

An absolute favorite and and easy treat to carb up on those chilly days.

3 cups flour

2 tbsp baking power

Dash of salt

3 tbsp fat - butter, lard or oil

Up to ⅔ cup Water

Add all the ingredients, except the water, in a bowl. Mix with your fingers till the mixture feels crumbly like breadcrumbs. Slowly add ⅓ cup water and keep mixing with your fingers. The dough should be soft and malleable.  Keep adding water till you get the consistency. Keep mixing dough with your fingers until it seems sticky and bouncy.

To cook, add butter or oil to skillet over a fire.  Grab some dough to make a ball, and then flatten roughly with your hands.  Cook in skillet on each side until it’s crispy. Eat just like that or add butter, jam or another fave topping.  Another way to cook is to work the dough ball onto a marshmallow stick and cook over an open fire.

How to waterproof 🌊 your tent.

A leaky tent can easily ruin an otherwise perfect camping trip. Not only ruining your comfort, it can be unsafe in colder temperatures.

Read on for tips and tricks that any camper can do to reseal your seams and fix any leaks. 

Seams do wear out over time, causing water leaks. When you notice any peeling seam tape, remove the peeling layers, and clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Make sure that you leave the seams intact! Apply a new seam sealer to the clean seams and allow to dry completely.

Don’t forget to reseal the seams on the rainfly too, as that is the most important spots for keeping water out.

Did you Know - 

What is DWR (durable water repellency)? DWR finishes are what help water bead off your jacket or tent.

If you notice that water isn’t beading off your tent - like it is supposed to be - then its definitely time to reapply DWR. 

Don’t worry, thanks so an easy-to-use spray bottle, this is a very simple task.  Clean the surface to be sprayed and apply a layer of DWR over the entire surface, and let it dry completely before storing or packing away.

Buying a good quality tent will make a huge difference on the amount of repair work needed as time goes on.

Consider your lifestyle and usage as well.  Are you a random summer camper, who prefers to avoid camping in the rain?  If so, a cheaper model would be suitable for what you need.

However if you trek out in the spring and fall, and aren’t deterred by the soothing summer rain, it is worth investing in a quality tent, with exceptional waterproofing. 

At the start and end of of each tenting season, inspect your tent, and make any repairs at that time, insead of when the first drop of water hits your head while you are snuggling in for a good night’s sleep