Camping and having the safety and comfort of a fire are primal for most.  There is nothing more functional or comforting then enjoying a fire while on a trip.  However, there are some responsibilities that are inherent I thought I would discuss today.  We all know that a seemingly innocent fire can result in damage to the wilderness, or worse, an injury to someone in your group.

The first area to cover is a campground environment with facilities that support campfires.  Most campgrounds furnish a fire ring that is designed to protect the surrounding campsite and are maintained by the campround.  These fire rings are of various construction methods and sizes.  When you arrive in camp, inspect the fire ring to see if ash needs to be removed.  If the ring is full of ash, contact the campground to have it serviced.  This may also be necessary if you are spending an extended period at a campground and have had several fires.  These rings are designed to keep the fire down in the pit and semi-protected from the wind that can carry coals into vulnerable fire areas.

The campfire is used for cooking and comfort.  It does not need to be at blast furnace intensity to accomplish it’s function.  Maintain a responsible fire size that you don’t need to sit 10 feet away from to enjoy.  Bear in mind that the steel ring of the fire pit will conduct a great deal of heat and will be extremely hot in a short period of time.  Police the site and remove any combustible debris from the outside of the fire pit.  Most important, keep children and pets away from the fire pit.  It only takes a minute for a child to trip and end up with a serious burn from the fire ring.  Instruct your kids on fire ring safety and set a boundary that they cannot cross without you by their side.  The same principal should apply for pets, burnt fur doesn’t smell good or look good either.  Burns are just as serious for pets as they are for people.  Consult a first aid manual for first aid procedures for burns and prepare your first aid kit accordingly.

The more challenging fire to manage is the true wilderness fire.  These fires can be especially dangerous to people, wildlife, and the wilderness itself.  These fires require some special precautions.  First of all, if the forest management has forbidden fires due to fire danger, a cold camp is the only option.  If fires are allowed where you are trekking, then still use extreme caution and keep the fire at a manageable level.  Find a site where there are no trees, under brush, or grass nearby that could catch from a hot coal.  Clear away all debris from the area.  Envision your fire size, then clear an area 3 times as large.  Dig a pit with a collapsable shovel and keep the shovel with the pile of dirt removed.  This will serve as a way to put out the fire and you will be prepared if something catches.

Keep your fire small and under constant supervision.  Even in a campground a fire should never be left unattended.  If you plan to sleep under the stars, place your bag far enough away from the fire so that you do not wake up to the smell of your sleeping bag smoldering.  It is important to note that polyester and synthetic fibers melt more then burn.  A hot coal will melt its way through the bag and produce a serious burn.  If you are camping in a tent, extinguish the fire before turning in for the night.  Be sure the fire is completely out before going to bed.  When you get ready to leave your site, return the site to its original condition.  This means, refilling the pit with dirt and restoring the ground debris as close as possible to the way you found it.

We all share the beauty of the outdoors, it is also our joint responsibility to protect it from man made damage!  Tread lightly and everyone can enjoy these spaces for genrations to come.

The Coleman Northstar Tube-Mantle Dual Fuel Lantern is the perfect lantern for any camping trip.  It includes easy to exchange tube mantels and runs on either Coleman Fuel or unleaded gas.  The Coleman Fuel is common to camp stoves, reducing the fuels to be carried and saves from carrying heavy batteries on the trail.  This lantern is bright and can run up to 14hrs on a single fill of it’s resevoir.  Click here to learn more, Coleman Northstar Tube-Mantle Dual Fuel Lantern.  Every Camper, Hiker, and Backpacker needs a reliable lantern and this lantern is just that!

All hikers and backpackers take a great deal of time finding a pack that fits and is capable of carrying the load of a multi day trip into the wilderness.  The Kelty Red Cloud Backpack integrates many great features that every backpack enthusiast looks for.  This internal frame pack allows for a large capacity while keeping the load close in to the body with adjustable, comforatble straps.  This pack also features gear pockets and an interior hydration pocket with a tube access port. The Redcloud has a sleeping bag compartment along with top and front loading of the main storage compartment.  Kelty is a reliable brand and this pack includes a lifetime warranty.

Click on the link, Kelty Red Cloud Backpack, to take a closer look at this pack and consider getting one for yourself.

Many people who love the outdoors also love dogs.  Some people may have concerns about taking their dog along.  I have been taking my dogs with me for years and all of us have enjoyed every trip.  Although there are a few tips that will make the experience low stress for you and your fellow campers. 

The first thing is you have to know your dog and his/her capabilities.  A trip to a campground is fine for any dog.  But, respecting your neighbors and keeping your dog under control at all times and only allowing your pet off leash in appropriate areas is important.  Taking your dog on a hiking or backpacking trip is relatively easy, however, your dog has to be physically capable of keeping your pace.  It is just as important to keep your dog on a leash while navigating trails.  A long leash is great for this, it allows the dog to explore the trail, and you can reel them back in when you want them back near you.

I have always had big dogs.  None have ever had an issue keeping pace.  I also have a doggy backpack which allows them to carry their own food, bowls, and water.  This also gives them a sense of purpose and they are doing a little work along the trail.  This also helps burn more energy, so when you get to camp they are ready for a rest and you can get to work setting up camp.  It is a good idea to bring a stake and lead you can secure in the ground at your campsite.  This will keep your dog out of your way and out of trouble while you are distracted or busy with camp maintenance.

I’ve really only had one bad experience, my Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees were with me in a camprgound.  A storm came in during the night and they were both restless and kept me up all night.  This problem was quickly fixed the next day.  I took them for a long hike though the forest and completely wore them out.  That night there was no storm, and we all got a good nights rest. You need to make sure you have plenty of opportunities to play on your trip.  Day hikes from your campsite are great for your dog.  Finding a lake you can take your dog for a swim is another fun activity.  You can do this on leash with a long lead or off leash if allowed by the campground or due to the isolation of a back country trail.  Just remember, if you can’t recall your dog they can get lost in the woods easier then at home and you ill not be able to follow them easily through the brush.

Another thing to consider is to prepare your dog for the trip.  Exercise them prior to the trip to get them into shape.  Take them to the vet for vaccinations appropriate for the area.  Include the dog’s medication and first aid supplies in your kit to treat injuries to their pads or minor scratches.  Also carry some fly repellant for their ears.  Flies are brutal and will really irritate your dog and potentially cause injury to their ears. 

My camping buddies of old have gone to their final rest.  I know we all had a great time on our trips.  This year I have an English Mastiff puppy to introduce to the camping experience.  I know he will have the same love of the outdoors as I do.  He is well socialized and loves to meet new people and other dogs, and camping is a great way to reinforce that behavior.  I hope you and your dogs have a great camping and hiking season!!

Finding the right tent for your camping, hiking, and backpacking excursions can be a daunting task.  There are literally hundreds of choices with a range of features.  The first thing to sort out is how many people will be staying in the tent and are you going to a campground or carrying your tent on your pack?  The interesting thing is, what makes a great backpacking tent also works well for campground use.  Typically, a hiking trip usually involves 1-4 people.  A good bet would be to look for a 2-3 person tent.  The tent needs to have adequate space for the occupants and their related gear.  Look for a tent with a vestibule to store packs, wet boots, and tools that you need ready access to.  The tent should have a bathtub floor to provide enhanced wet weather protection and a durable floor that will last.  We recommend a simple 2 pole design for quick and easy setup, which is important for low visibility or bad weather situations.  You should also take the time to practice erecting the tent prior to your first adventure.

Find a tent that has sturdy poles and is relatively light, fortunately most 3 season tents are designed around these 2 principles and as long as you select a good brand most of these issues have already been sorted out.  Look for storage pockets, light attachment points, and flexible ventilation.  In early spring and fall the temperature can drop to the 40’s and even 30’s depending on location, so being able to seal up all that airflow will make you significantly more comfortable. 

For 3 season use we recommend Kelty Grand Mesa 2-Person Tent (Ruby/Tan), which is a great all around tent providing all the features we discussed.  Kelty is a reliable brand with years of supplying reliable camping and hiking gear.  If you are planning a winter excursion, or if you plan on going to alpine areas with a variety of weather conditions, then a 4 season tent is the right choice.  This Eureka Tent Eureka 2 Two Person Four Season Alpenlite 2XT 6 pole A-frame Tent Light Weight NEW  should provide superior protection when mother nature is having a bad day.  It also provides a flexible ventilation system for true 4 season use.

You can find other great choices on our Camping and Hiking Gear Page, http://campquarters.com/camping-and-hiking-gear/, under the tents and accessories link on the right hand side.

So get out there and enjoy the beauty and solitude that only nature can provide!!

Having a reliable camp stove is a critical piece of gear for any backpacker, hiker, or camper.  There are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting the right stove.  The first is how much heat, or BTU ouput, a stove has.  Simply put, how quick can the stove boil water and get your food ready.  When you are tired after a long hike, or your just really hungry, you don’t want to wait 10 minutes to get the water boiling.  The second factor is how resistant to the wind a stove is.  This has two results, the first is you need to keep the stove lit even in windy conditions and second, the wind can also impact the efficiency of the stove increasing the amount of time it takes to prepare your meal.  And finally, weight of the stove and fuel flexibility is also important.  You don’t want to have to haul an anvil in your pack or have to carry multiple fuels.  We are recommending the MSR Reactor Stove System to meet all of your needs.  This stove is windproof, powerful, light, and extremely reliable.  MSR sets the bar for camping stoves.  To get your hands on this piece of essential gear, follow this link MSR Reactor Stove System and you will not be diassapointed by this high quality camping stove.

Some time ago we made a visit to the least visited national park, Isle Royal.  There are a few reasons we picked this location.  The first was the opportunity to see an isolated island ecosystem which included a large population of moose and wolves.  The moose population on this island is now about 300-400 and the wolves number somewhere around 30.  The moose population was significantly higher.  The second reason we went was because of the remoteness and the fact that we wanted to get out and not constantly be running into people.  Isle Royal delivered on both of these and one more we weren’t really counting on.  You can read books, trail maps, and research your heart out.  One thing you cannot get from reading and research is the shear beauty of this island.  But, the beauty comes at the cost of convenience.

First of all, it is a demonstration of commitment just to get to the island.  We chose to travel to Copper Harbor, which is about the northernmost point in Michigan, and catch a ferry out to the island.  The ferry ride alone is a 3-4hr cruise across Lake Superior, which is intimidating just to look at.  Lake Superior is large, cold, and deep.  You come to this sense of humility out on the lake when for hours you cannot see land.  The day we departed was a cool July morning with mixed rain and fog.  We should have realized this was probably the weather we would be seeing for most of the trip.  We met several fellow campers, all with their own trek of the island planned.  After the long trip out of the fog comes the view of the island we had all waited for.  The surprise I had was what I had expected the island to look like.  I was expecting sandy beach and trees, similar to the rest of Michigan.  Isle Royal is not lower Michigan.  It is very similar, in my mind, to the Pacific Northwest.  Very rocky, big trees, and damp. 

The ferry docks in Rock Harbor, which is the launching point for your trip.  Rock Harbor also has a lodge, in the event the park visitors are not quite adventurous enough to go on an extended camping trip.  There are several day hike opportunities on established trails which can be connected into a loop.  You can still get exposed to the island’s beauty and wildlife without the roughing it.  After a brief orientation, we head off on our route.  The first day was pretty mild, from a difficulty standpoint, and wet.  It rained steady all day.  At our first campsite, we found a screened in lean two.  These cannot be reserved, it is a first come first served basis.  The building was great, but for a reason we had not accounted for.  The bugs are oppressive.  If you do not coat yourself in deet you will be eaten alive.  The lean two mitigates alot of this, especially when you’re trying to eat in peace.  In July, the flies and mosquitoes are tough.

We also had our first wilderness encounter with a friendly otter and a camp fox, who hung around to see if he could collect any snacks.  He was definitely disappointed.  Our trip was a large loop tour back to Rock Harbor over a six night itinerary.  We explored the interior of the island, usually hiking 3-6 miles per day.  Some of the trails were difficult, but, for the most part I would rate the overall difficulty as moderate.  Once you get further along the trail you really are isolated and that was great.  We would run into a few hikers, but, I think we saw more moose then people.  A couple of them closer then most would like. When you are walking down a trail and you hear bull moose in the distance already sparring with their antlers, the rut comes early to Isle Royal, you get an appreciation for how powerful these animals really are.  I was taking a break on a canoe portage one afternoon and heard a rustle.  When I looked up there was a bull standing ten feet from me on the same portage.  Apparently, he thought that was a good place to get into the lake too.  I spoke to him, he stopped and proceeded to walk through an alder thicket I don’t think any human could walk through and walked into the lake to browse.  His shoulders were over my head and his rack had to be six foot across.  Yet he walked through the thicket like it was tall grass.

This wasn’t the only moose we saw.  Just walking down the trails, you would come across moose browsing in a meadow or the trees.  We saw calves and sows and all seemed content to allow us by without more then a glance. We did not see any wolves on our trip.  We saw wolf signs, especially on the trails.  They ar shy and elusive.  It would have been a treat to see at least one.  The Isle Royal wolves and moose are isolated on the island and have been studied extensively for years.

There are several inland lakes on Isle Royal and they don’t get very warm even in the summer.  Lake Superior was a balmy 68 degrees.  If you like to fish, bring your tackle, no fishing license is required on the inland lakes, only if you plan to fish Lake Superior. We had a great six days, even a few sunny ones.  One thing we were all glad to see at the end of the trip was hot showers!!  You really don’t appreciate hot water until you’ve been bathing in cold lakes for five to six days.

I know anyone who loves wilderness camping would love a visit to Isle Royal and encourage anyone to visit the park.  I saw some of the most beautiful spots I think exist on that island.  If you want more information on Isle Royal you can visit www.nps.gov/isra which is a direct link to the park.  You can also click on the national parks link in the sidebar to find other great national parks.

When going on a trip into the back country for a few days it is critical to have a reliable potable water generator.  Streams, lakes, and rivers all carry potential dangerous bacteria.  One of the most common is Giardia, and it has been said “it may not kill you, but it will make you wish it did”.  These bacteria can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and other potentially serious health issues.  To guard against these bugs, the solution is to use a water filter to purify water taken from wilderness water sources.  The principal is micro-filtration and charcoal filtering to eliminate bacteria and improve the taste of the water.  A good filter will remove particles down to .2 microns and ideally have a two stage filter element.  The capacity of the filter is also important to review to ensure the filter will produce sufficient water for your trips and reduce the frequency of changing the filters.  I am including a link for a high quality water micro-filter, Katadyn Combi Water Microfilter which satisfies these requirements.

A quality filter will last for years and mitigate these potential hazards.  This particular filter even has a tap adapter, if you just don’t like the taste of the water in a holding tank.  That is where the second stage charcoal filter comes in handy.  Also be sure to have water bottles and collapsible water storage containers to store adequate water for your stay.

The camping and hiking season officially kicks off in just a few weeks. Now is the time to make sure you have the right tools in the event an accident happens during the camping season. It does not matter if you are going to a campground or hiking into the back country, having a well equipped first aid kit and some basic knowledge to deal with minor injuries is important. If you have a first aid kit, go through the kit and replace any bandages or items used during the last season. If you do not have a first aid kit, now is the time to get your hands on one and familiarize yourself with the contents. It is important to know what you have available before an accident happens. You should also take some time to go through the manual that comes with your kit. These manuals describe basic first aid procedures and how to deal with a variety of injuries. If you are looking for more detailed infomation on what you can do for yourself or friends in an emergency, I encourage you to click on our books/resource tab where we have featured a book on wilderness first aid.
I am including this link for a wilderness first aid kit, in the event you are interested in acquiring or replacing an existing kit, Total Resources International 250-Piece Outdoor First Aid Kit in Red EVA Case

A couple of years ago, we were on a group canoe trip and two of our friends drifted into a tree hanging over the river and one of them suffered a serious laceration to the fore head. Fortunately, we had a first aid kit and were able to stop the bleeding and bandage the wound to prevent infection. Once off the river, she got 6 stitches and the hospital told her it was fortunate her wounds had been poropely dressed. River water can contain some nasty bugs. I am relaying this to you simply to point out that even short excursions can present hazards that have not been forseen. Carry your kit with you at all times and minor issues can be dealt with quickly and effectively. It is also important to seek follow up care from a professional if warranted by the injury. Have fun, but be safe and prepared.

Now is a great time to get ready for the camping season. It’s time to inventory your gear and make sure everything is in working order. Inspect your packs for any damage make sure you restock mantles for your lanterns or replace batteries for your torches.

If you have a camper or RV it’s time to check your tires for any wear and ensure the pressure is at the manufacturers specified pressure. It is also a good time to check your spare tire so it is ready if needed. You should also go through your brake lights and signals and make sure they are functioning properly. Also make sure your battery and charging system is working. It’s also a good time to flush your freshwater system thoroughly snd give your tank a treatment with the appropriate sanitizer.

With all of this behind you, a good spring cleaning and restocking of your favorite camp goodies and your camper or RV should be good to go.

If you have a tent, it is a good time to set up your tent and air it out from the long winter. Take the time to reapply waterproofing and inspect the seams and stake loops for any tears that need to be repaired.

Now go ahead and book your first trip, what are you waiting for???