Archive for the ‘Camping’ Category

Propane Camping Stoves – Why It’s the Best Option

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Thomas Wooldridge asked:


Planning your next camping trip is essential. One of the more important items in your checklist should be what kind of camping stove you choose. When purchasing your stove look out for what fuel supply it uses. The best fuel option is propane.

The reason why a propane camping stove is the best is because the safety and portability. Propane is compressed liquid inside a sturdy metal canister. Fuel is released onto the stove and burns very clean. Although not recommended you could also use the stove inside of the tent because it burns very clean.

Propane burns hot very fast and is much cleaner than alternate fuel. One of the most important things in choosing your camping stove is the ability to keep it clean. Since propane fuel burns without a lot of residue, compared to other fuel sources like gasoline, charcoal, or wood. Water can be very limited while camping or hiking. Water should only be used to hydrate yourself rather than use it to clean a stove.

Another key feature of a propane camping stove is the portability. Space can be very limited for hikers and campers. You don’t want to lug around a heavy cooking stove on your back. Stoves can come in various different sizes. A single, dual, or even a triple burner can be available. Most of the camping stoves can also easily fold up and stay compacted until its being used.

Propane is much cheaper fuel source compared to the other types in the market. A single can of propane could last many different camping trips. The camping market shows proof that consumers are choosing propane as their primary source of fuel for camping stoves.

Most important thing of an outing is to have fun. The last thing you want is a major issue that can disrupt your enjoyment. Hopefully this article can eliminate one issue when it comes to using what kind of camping stove.

Planning your next camping trip is essential.One of the more important items in your checklist should be what kind of camping stove you choose.When purchasing your stove look out for what fuel supply it uses.The best fuel option is propane.

Coleman Stoves 101 – The Fuel and the Make

Monday, February 8th, 2010
D Coleman asked:


Coleman as a company takes pride in producing quality camping gear. Among its more popular products are tents, portable lighting devices, and of course, stoves that you can operate almost anywhere.

For hardcore campers, a portable stove is as convenient as having a comfortable tent to sleep in and a trusty cooler to keep your food fresh and your beverage cold. In a way, it enables them to cook as if they are doing it at their very own homes. If you are in to fishing, these camping stoves allows you to enjoy your catch right out from the boat.

There are currently a lot of Coleman stoves in the market. You can choose one based on the make, the number of burners, the fuels used and so on and so forth. Let us get acquainted to them as we unravel the features and the factors that may help us pick the perfect camping stove for us.

The Make

The most basic Coleman stove does not need an extra grill or a separate attachment for its burner. On the Perfectflow 1 Burner Propane Stove, the burner sits comfortably on top of the propane tank for ease of use and to limit time required for preparation or set up. Although this idea is attractive to some, enthusiasts of course would have the tendency to want more. You may find them being inclined to choosing a stove with double burners or those which can be converted to grills.

Recognizing that fact, Coleman has produced stoves that has multiple burners and grills built right on the unit. Lighter models would usually be made of aluminum, stainless steel, and porcelain coated grills, while most are made of nickel chrome grate. Coleman stoves made in this material have the tendency to weigh more, yet a lot outfitters would pick this over the lighter alternatives. This is mainly because, nickel chrome grate is easier to clean than stainless steel and aluminum.

Fuel

Coleman camping stoves can be powered by several types of fuel. The key is to find which among the fuels will work best for you. Say for example, if you are a person who likes a no-fuss preparation, propane might be your best bet. Although the fuel cans may be a bit heavier than the others, some people may prefer this over the rest because it does not require messy liquid refueling, using wicks or oil. All you have to do is to pop it in and you are good to go.

On the other hand, for those who do not mind liquid fuel, the Coleman fuel may be number one on their list. Why so? Simply because Coleman fuel is more efficient, clean and of course dependable. Unlike other fuel whose performance usually diminish on cold weather or subzero degree temperatures, the Coleman fuel burns hotter and steadier. They also come in lighter containers or canisters that can be refilled for your next camping trip.

The two mentioned are not your only options, there are also some Coleman stoves made for Butane, Kerosene, Powermax Fuels and of course, unleaded gasoline.

Can’t decide? The good thing about Coleman stoves is that it gives you alternatives, the freedom to choose. There are a few stoves that can be operated by two fuel types. Although you have to be wary because these units would usually cost a couple of dollars more compared to the other models.

Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide

Camping – A Checklist of Things to Bring

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Benedict Hunter asked:


Before you head for the campsite, make sure you have everything you need to make your travel safe, comfortable and enjoyable. Remember that failing to plan is planning to fail. But what exactly will you bring? The answer lies in figuring out what kind of a camper you are, what your comfort level is, and what style of camp will you have. The complete gear you need covers basic fire building, cooking and dining, lighting and other miscellaneous items that you think you need.

Minimalist camping

These campers can do without a lot of comfort and equipment. They are willing to accept the wilderness as it is, adapting to the natural terrains and weather conditions. They prefer to sleep on the ground rather than lie on a camping cot. Their camp is sparse, creating fire rather than using a stove and lighting small candles rather than using a lantern. The minimalist really tries to experience the outdoors by choice.

Gear-oriented camping

These campers are people who want to be comfortable and prepared. You can find chairs, tables, cots, stoves and other conveniences in their campsites. Gear-oriented campers enjoy the outdoors but they also prefer little amenities that will make their camp a home away from home. Their camping checklist is long and extensive. If you are this type of a camper, you will need some basic things such as a tent (preferably with rain fly and window), sleeping bag, stove, food and water.

In the campsite, if you need to gather some wood to build a fire, bring a small axe to split the logs. You can place your matches in a sealed container, or maybe you can carry butane lighter. Some campers bring dry logs if they are going out on a rain-soaked day.

For your hearty meals, there are a lot of easy-to-cook foods available. If you want to eat an elaborate meal however, then a more sophisticated camping stove (like those with several burners and adjustable flame) is required. Also, bring a cooler and ice packs to preserve your fresh food.

Be sure you have flashlights with extra batteries. One lantern or two will be enough to sufficiently light your camp. These lanterns can run on battery, propane or liquid fuel. Do not underestimate the value of lighting your camp at night especially if you have children with you. They will also be able to enjoy camping games with flashlights and glow sticks.

If you plan to do some hiking, you need a backpack, travel guide, compass, good shoes, extra socks, hat and a map. Don’t forget to bring along a multifunction knife, which can be an indispensable tool. One model of a pocket knife even has its own reusable plastic toothpick, which you might have forgotten to include in your checklist. Also, if you like to swim or bathe in a stream or lake (which usually has rock bottoms) bring along some waterproof footgear.

Camping is a great kind of recreation. Find the right campsite for you, the right preparation, and the right tools to ensure that your trip will be memorable. Your checklist will definitely be very dynamic as you add and remove items along the way. But it is absolutely essential to ensure that you have all you need for a great camping trip.

Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide

Comparing Propane Stoves to Liquid Fuel Stoves

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Jonsky Sicuna asked:


While the propane stove is the stove of choice for camping beginners, it is far from perfect. There are many aspects of propane stoves that are less ideal compared to liquid fuel camp stoves but they have their strengths as well.

Heating Efficiency

Propane stoves are less efficient in heating because as the cartridge empties, it loses it’s burning efficiency. Temperature and altitude also has a big effect on efficiency. Colder temperatures higher altitudes make propane stoves less efficient and if it’s too cold the stove may not burn at all. Liquid fuel stoves burn consistently throughout.

Reliability

A backpacking stove must be able to take rough handling and still work perfectly. The more complex the stove, the more chances that something will break. Older versions of cartridge propane stoves use puncture fit coupling which I remember having a hard time with especially the first few times of using it as a boy scout.

Today’s propane stoves, however, are much more reliable with consistency in weight and pressure. Recent developments in design even make it usable in sub-zero temperatures. Reliability is a more of a matter of design rather than whether gasoline or propane is used for fuel.

Weight

Propane stoves may be lighter than gasoline stoves but you might end up carrying more fuel if you’re going to camp for a few days or more. If you use propane cartridge stoves for camping, use a bigger cartridge unless it’s going to be a really short trip. Bigger cartridges are lighter than many smaller cartridges holding the same amount of fuel.

Litter

Other than the weight problem there’s also the litter problem when you use propane stoves. You can’t reuse cartridge stoves and they need to be disposed when empty. In the backcountry, that means that you have to carry your litter until you can dispose it properly. Don’t throw it away on the trail like some irresponsible hikers.

Convenience

Propane stoves are more convenient because there is no preheating required and you can have heat almost instantly. Cartridge stoves are also cleaner and less noisy.

Safety

The predictability in lighting up a propane stove make it the preferred stove for mountaineers because they’re safer to use under tarps or inside tents. This should however be done with caution and with good ventilation only. There are quite a few known cases of deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning inside tents. Not to mention that it’s a fire hazard as well. Never under any circumstances use liquid fuel stoves inside tents or you might end up without a tent.

Although rare, propane stoves are also known for blowing up due to damaged rubber tips or other parts. Again, more complexity equals more parts equals more potential problems so keep it simple.

Fuel Availability

Gasoline stoves can use many different types of fuels and white gas is widely available. Propane cartridges may not be as readily available.

Cost

Initially, cartridge stoves are a lot cheaper than liquid fuel stoves but the running cost of propane stoves is higher because the fuel is much more expensive. If you camp regularly, you might spend 5 to 10 times more on cartridge fuel.

Wood Pellet Production Guide

How to Make Your Own Fire Starters and Matches

Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Jonathan Goodman asked:


You can make your own fire starters quite easily for your fireplace and camping needs. A good fire starter ensures that you can get the fire going quickly in any type of weather condition. Fire starters come in handy if the wood is wet.

Some of the essential items in the contents to make fire starters include cotton balls, petroleum jelly, wax, paper cups, paraffin, sawdust, dry lint, candle wax, pine cones, and wicks. You may also have fabric scraps, wood pieces, scrap paper and cardboard.

It is always advisable to use only black-and-white newspaper to start a fire. Colored ink releases chemicals when burned.

Here are some of the ways you can make the fire starters at your home.

1. Roll a few cotton balls and cover it completely in the petroleum jelly. You can start a fire by putting two or three cotton balls under your dry kindling and ignite with a match stick.

2. Cut your worn out web belt or hiking compression strap into 8 cm strips. Soak them in wax and let them dry. You can ignite them when you need fire.

3. Fill paper condiment cups with saw dust and pour paraffin over them. Dry them and use them when needed.

4. A ball of dry lint covered with candle wax can make an excellent fire starter.

5. Go back to the Stone Age. You can use flint, a stone when struck vigorously with a piece of steel generates sparks which can ignite dry tinder.

Beeswax fire starters

Beeswax is the only naturally found wax on earth. It is a pure, perfect and a renewable resource. It emits negative ions that cleanse the air. It does not contain toxic petrochemicals and does not create soiling smoke or soot.

Beeswax burns without releasing drips if it is kept away from drafts. The beeswax is consumed by the fire of the flame unlike other waxes that melt into drippings and disintegrate into toxic components that pollute your environment.

Magnesium fire starters

A magnesium fire starter consists of a small block of solid magnesium with a full- length flint sparkling insert into the edge. The soft magnesium can be easily scrapped with a pocket knife into a pile which is ignited by scraping the edge of the sparking insert with the knife. Magnesium can ignite to a temperature of 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit, more than enough to light the most stubborn campfire.

A word of caution while using magnesium fire starter

If you manage to cut a long silver of the magnesium off, just turn your head slightly away when you light it. Magnesium burns very brightly and becomes very hot. Its light is dazzling bright, so do not stare at it or use it on an inflammable platform.

Pine cone fire starters

Pine cone fire starters can be made by dipping them in boiling wax. Place them on the wax paper until they become hard. You can use this pine cone as a fire starter by igniting it with a light.

Fatwood is a 100% natural fire starter made from the pine tree stumps. Fatwood is, in fact, the concentrated natural resin in the wood. Each piece is usually 8 inch long and 3/4″ in diameter. It can be ignited with a single match.

Stove Bright Fire Starter Gel

Gelled fire starters can be used in woodstoves, pellet stoves, fireplaces, coal stoves and also in campfires. They are color less, smokeless, barbeques and environmentally safe. It does not leave its odor in the taste of foods.

Rutland fire starters

Rutland Company makes solid fire starters which are compressed wood chips and wax based squares. They contain recycled wood and paper fiber. They burn very quickly and last for 8 to 12 minutes even when wet. They are non-dangerous flare ups, non-toxic and non explosives and do not leave their taste in food.

Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide