Modern Definition of Primitive Campsite At its core primitive campsites are just like they sound like: basic areas set up for camping but without any amenities you might expect at a normal campground. However, what amenities have come to be expected as standard versus what type of site is truly primitive is something that has changed - especially over the last 30 years. The … [Read more...] about What Is a Primitive Campsite?
Camping
The Best ALPS Mountaineering Tents: Some of the Best in the Business
There are some brands that just stick out as being premium among active outdoor enthusiasts. Some of these will be very niche that serve a small but passionate group of obsessed followers while other brands might aim for the type of incredible quality demanded for one type of outdoor adventure but which makes it versatile enough for many others. We are firm believers that … [Read more...] about The Best ALPS Mountaineering Tents: Some of the Best in the Business
How to Catch Snakes with Snake Tongs
Snake hooks and tongs are an important piece of gear, especially when you are looking at removing a problem snake from your property. Or in my case more than once, when you're terrified of snakes and need to move a nasty looking one, and your realize you don't have the right gear. While snake tongs are extremely helpful for dealing with large snakes who tend to be nasty, … [Read more...] about How to Catch Snakes with Snake Tongs
Best Clear Bubble Tents for Stunning Family Fun
Sometimes you're looking for something more than your average tent or backyard hangout spot. Clear bubble tents are a great way to create a bit of indoor sanctuary while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a fun semi-permanent outdoor shelter or a temporary easy to toss up bubble for the kids, we have the best choices for all your needs right here. Quick … [Read more...] about Best Clear Bubble Tents for Stunning Family Fun
The Best Hammock Straps Reviewed
Like many others, I've long come to realize that hammocks aren't just for backyard relaxation a la Homer Simpson. Whether relaxing in the backyard or wanting a comfortable way to sleep while camping or hiking, hammock camping, aka "hammocking" is a great way to go. That being said if you don't have the right hammock straps to go with the perfect hammock, you could be in for a … [Read more...] about The Best Hammock Straps Reviewed
Can You Take a Camping Stove on a Plane?
Since 2001 it seems like every year there are more and more rules about what you can and can't bring onto a plane, and it can be hard to keep track of any of it. In fact, for an outdoorsman it can be downright confusing as you're suddenly looking at things like barbed hooks on fishing lures, fillet knives, propane tanks attached to camping stoves. If you're like me at that … [Read more...] about Can You Take a Camping Stove on a Plane?
The AGPTEK Solar Lantern Reviewed
When you do a lot of camping and outdoor activities like we do, you understand the importance of having good outdoor equipment. One very important piece of camping equipment is going to be your lighting sources - either flashlights or lanterns or both. We always recommend having a good solar lantern around to ensure you have a reliable light source no matter what situation … [Read more...] about The AGPTEK Solar Lantern Reviewed
Advanced Elements Summer Solar Shower Review
Solar showers are a neat invention. The concept behind them is so simple. You fill up a specially designed bag with water, you leave it in the sun, the sun warms up the water, and you can use that water to rinse yourself off! We are often asked what are the best solar camp showers? The answer to that question is the Advanced Elements Summer Shower - and that is why we wanted … [Read more...] about Advanced Elements Summer Solar Shower Review
How Do I Clean a Canvas Tent?
My interest in how to take care of canvas tents almost certainly started during my scouting days. At Camp Wakonda we'd sleep in basic canvas tents that had two cots per tent. One summer we were to help clean them on the last day, which was rather fascinating to be. A "simple" piece of canvas, but with just a basic cleaning that a bunch of 10 to 15 years could be trusted with … [Read more...] about How Do I Clean a Canvas Tent?
How Do You Identify a Water Moccasin?
Growing up in the time before the Internet was widespread, well before Google was a thing, information wasn't quite as reliable as it is now which is why every kid running by the river somehow saw a water moccasin every summer. Because of course, every brown or black snake had to be a cottonmouth, right? But considering I lived in a state that didn't have cottonmouths (Iowa) … [Read more...] about How Do You Identify a Water Moccasin?
How to Build a Better Fire: The Best Firewood for Campfires
Camping can never be complete without the nightly ritual of a good campfire. The crackle of burning wood, dancing yellow, red, and blue flames that draw the eyes in, giving a hypnotic and peaceful sway unlike anything else. Staring into the flames, to wood that turns a ghostly white glow as it turns into ashy coals - the flames still dancing all around it. Ah, the best … [Read more...] about How to Build a Better Fire: The Best Firewood for Campfires
Best Camping Lanterns Reviewed
Setting up a good campsite involves more than just having a flashlight on hand. There's no denying the benefit that a couple of well set up and placed lanterns can have when it comes to setting up a decent nighttime campsite. Many of my childhood memories involve summers full of camping out, the campfire supplemented by lanterns that were strategically placed to give us … [Read more...] about Best Camping Lanterns Reviewed