The most reliable way to keep animals out of your camp food is to store it in a hard-sided bear canister or a properly hung bear bag at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from any tree trunk or branch. Most campers fail because they hang food too low, leave wrappers…
A 10‑pound block of dry ice in a well‑insulated roto‑molded cooler lasts about 18–24 hours in 90°F weather. In a standard plastic cooler at the same temperature, expect 10–14 hours. If you need frozen food to stay solid through a long weekend, dry ice is your best option—but only if you understand the limits and…
For most car campers, tailgaters, and RV users, a portable propane fire pit beats a wood ring on convenience, burn-ban compliance, and instant on/off control. The trade-off is carrying a 20-lb tank and missing the crackle and smell of a real wood fire. If you want zero smoke, two-minute setup, and a fire you can…
To run a camp kitchen effectively, you need a meal plan that matches your gear, a setup that minimizes downtime, and a cleanup routine that prevents wildlife issues. Fail at any of these and you’ll spend more time fixing problems than cooking. The most common failure mode is planning meals that require tools, heat output,…
Keep your food in a bear-resistant canister or a properly hung bag in bear country, and use a sealed cooler with plenty of ice for perishables. That single choice prevents wildlife encounters, keeps critters from chewing through your gear, and stops meals from spoiling before you cook them. Below you’ll find the practical steps to…
For most campfire meals, you need just three things: a way to hold heat, a way to hold food over that heat, and a way to flip or turn it. The right campfire cooking equipment turns a smoky guessing game into something you can actually plan around. Below, we walk through the main cooking tools—grates,…
If you want a portable fire pit that works for both campsite duty and backyard evenings, the short answer is a propane-powered unit in the 19- to 21-inch range. Propane models light instantly, produce almost no smoke, are legal under most burn bans, and pack up in a carry kit. The Outland Living 19-inch 58,000…
The best firewood for camping depends on your specific setup: seasoned hardwood (oak, hickory, maple) gives long-lasting coals and steady heat, while dry softwood (pine, fir, cedar) lights fast but burns quickly with more sparks and smoke. A common failure is betting on resinous softwood for a whole evening – it will leave you tending…
Get a fire burning reliably in damp conditions, wind, or cold weather by matching your ignition tool to your actual camping scenario. The best fire starter for camping depends on whether you need waterproof reliability for wet-weather trips, a ferro rod for long-term durability, or a budget-friendly DIY option for car camping. Here’s what delivers…
During a fire ban, propane fire pits and propane lanterns are your safest campfire alternatives during fire ban conditions—but only if local restrictions specifically allow them. Many bans prohibit all open flames, including propane devices, so always check the exact wording before setting up. If allowed, these options give you warmth and light without the…
