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.

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

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

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

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

Saoirse Leblanc asked:


Well we’ve been promised a heatwave in Britain this summer again so whether that”ll actually happen or not, a lot of Britons have opted to go on camping trips within the UK this summer.

The recession has hit hard and with the weak sterling, it has been predicted that many Britons this year will be camping with the family in the UK instead of going abroad. And with the stunning scenery and beautiful beaches in Scotland, England Wales and N.Ireland it is an idea that makes a lot of sense.

Camping has evolved a lot in recent years and has become a lot more comfortable. People are becoming more ecologically aware and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Camping is a great way of doing this.

…And there are campsites out there in beautiful locations to suit all families and budgets. From tents to camping barns, bods and bothies in wild and pretty locations to wigwams, pods, yurts and tipis with sheepskin rugs and wood stoves, in 5 star holiday parks, your camping holiday can now be as easy and relaxing as possible. It’s all about getting close to nature without necessarily having to tolerate the hardships!

Yurts and tipis are springing up in holiday parks all over Britain and Europe and the US in fact, and their popularity is spreading fast. Suddenly camping or glamping (the glamorous version) is becoming an all season leisure activity. In fact, it is now even possible to get a yurt or tipi delivered to the festival of your choice. In short, camping has become something to boast about! Eurocamp has already set up sites in Britain with weatherproof pre-erected tents.

Camping no longer has to be about roughing it. For more ideas on budget family holiday ideas, visit my website. Fun Family Travel.

Most people have had at least one disastrous camping trip in the UK which they won’t forget and possibly still talk about. Well now there are all sorts of comfortable camping ideas out there which are suitable for all families and budgets and which will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Wood Pellet Production Guide

Joe Macmillan asked:


Red Heather campsite is the best way to describe it, rather than a campground. It’s quite small. Turn east off Hwy 99 onto Mamquam Road, 4 km north of the Squamish town site. Follow the paved road past the Squamish Golf and Country Club and then take the gravel road just past the Mashiter Creek Bridge. The road is generally full of potholes so take it easy. It is graded occasionally. It is 16 km from the highway to the parking lot, located at 914 meters. You should stop at the lookout 1 km before the parking lot that provides a sweeping, panoramic view of the Squamish River Valley and Howe Sound.

All camping areas, cabins, shelters, etc. in Garibaldi Provincial Park are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are there first, you get to stay. No reservations are accepted. Be prepared to camp in outdoor conditions if the shelter facility is full. Camping is restricted to Elfin Lakes, Red Heather and Mamquam Lake Campgrounds.

Camping and Shelter fees are charged year round and must be paid in full at the trailhead Fee Station. Proof of payment must be carried at all times while in the park. A box is provided at the parking lot for your payment.

Red Heather – Located 5 km from the parking lot, the Red Heather area offers a day use shelter equipped with 2 picnic tables, a propane hot plate, a wash sink, a cooking counter, a wood stove (winter use only) and pit toilet facilities. Please take it easy on the wood to ensure that wood supplies last through the winter season. Camping is not permitted in the shelter. On snow camping is permitted during the winter season only. Nearby is a small campground with tent platforms.

Red Heather is about an hours walk with a backpack from the parking lot. The shelter is nearby. The shelter is the home of families of field mice. On a rainy evening we set up our little stove to cook supper. As soon as we were a little quiet the little mice suddenly appeared. They scurried everywhere, curious as all get out.

The campsite was perfect as the platforms kept us above the rain soaked ground and we remained nice and dry. The sounds of the owl’s hooting nearby was amazing. It continued for hours.

The next morning we headed off to Elfin Lakes where we managed to get a couple of bunks in the Elfin Lakes Hut. This is a real bargain at $10. Per night. It even is equipped with propane stoves. This site is cared for by a Ranger who is on site for the season.

The heat in August can be quite unbearable as there is not much in the way of shade. The nice cool waters of the lakes are perfect to cool one down.

If you are really into hiking you might want to climb your way up to the saddle you can see from the lakes and hut. The view from there is spectacular. You might want to make sure you place some rocks inside your tent if the wind is blowing as it could literally blow it away at times.

Another 7 miles of a hike will bring you to the Mamquam Lake remote campsite. Again there are a few tent platforms and plenty of hiking adventures everywhere.

One important note. The Garibaldi Park is a carry in/carry out park. Take your garbage home with you if you please.

Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide

Richard Runion asked:


On a camping trip, the center of your outdoor kitchen is usually the camping stove.
When you select a camping stove, regardless of whether you are hiking or driving, opt for one that’s big enough to cook for the whole group, yet portable enough to carry around.

If the group is limited to one or two people, a stove with one or two burners should suffice.

Also, what kind of meals do you plan to cook? For instance, if you plan to make bacon and pancakes, you are better off using a stove with a griddle attachment.

There are a variety of stoves available, some with as many as 6 burners. These are sufficient to cook for a family or two. A bit of advance planning will help you zero in on the right camp stove.

For hiking, portable stoves are preferable. Light aluminum stoves are light and easy to set up and clean. A stove with at least two burners makes a lot of sense, as it allows you to cook two things at once.

Coleman Camping Stoves come with 1, 2, 3 or 6 burners, and multiple fuel options.
Coleman, the manufacturers of Coleman stoves, claim that their camp stoves have been a part of millions of hunting, fishing and hiking trips. They have been manufacturing for more than a hundred years. Their camping products include lanterns, tents, sleeping gear, and cooking gear.

Coleman stoves are available in 3 weight categories.

The 2 main types of fuels are propane and liquid camp fuel. Coleman has a range of propane stoves. Convenient self-contained bottles of propane are available in most camping stores.

Liquid fuel is less expensive, produces more heat, and performs better in cold weather. However, a liquid-fuel stove needs to be pumped, to pressurize the fuel bottle to help vaporize the fuel. Also, the fuel can spill and contaminate other things. Moreover, it is not easy to get the stove ready for use.

How many people will you have to feed? How many meals will you have to prepare? These are the primary questions you need to find answers to, before you select the right stove and cookware, for your camping trip.

Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide

Jonsky Sicuna asked:


Wood camp stoves are a popular alternative to modern stoves like propane stoves and liquid fuel stoves. They’re very lightweight, cheap and you don’t need to buy the fuel because they burn on wood. This is also a limitation because you can’t use this type of stove where there is no wood around. However, when there’s plenty of wood around you can use this stove continuously for as long as you keep adding wood to it. It’s a very efficient trail stove.

A wood camp stove is simply a piece of metal that is cut and bent to form a chimney. It typically has small holes at the bottom and a large hole on top for the fire to vent when you put a pot on top. In some designs, the top holes are to one side only which causes the fire to burn unevenly. You also can’t control the fire like you could in a propane stove or liquid fuel stove because there’s no knob for you to control the fire.

Cooking with wood fire also means that you have to feed it with wood frequently. This also means that you might have to constantly attend to the fire to keep it going, making other chores difficult. Fires are also harder to start especially in the cold winds of winter. There will be a lot of smoke as you add wood which some may find annoying. Because they generate a lot of smoke and carbon dioxide cooking inside the tent in a fierce storm is out of the question. Although I’ve seen one that is so well designed that you don’t see any visible smoke when used to boil water and is made out of used tin cans. Another problem with wood stoves is that you can only use it where it is allowed to burn and collect wood.

In order to get a wood stove started you first need to have some tinder or you can whittle some wood with your pocket knife to make some fine material which is very flammable. You can also use other stuff as long as it is flammable.

Once you have a good amount of tinder ready, put the stove over the tinder and start to fill the stove with small pieces of wood. Twigs, branches or any wood that is less than a centimeter in diameter would work well. Try to lay your wood upright (or close to upright) so that the smoke a debris can move up the stove efficiently. Don’t use too much wood at the beginning because it might hinder air circulation inside the stove. The stove won’t burn well without the air.

Use a match or lighter to light the tinder to get the fire started. In a few moments you will have a fire going ready for cooking. You might have to blow into the stove if you use wet wood. Once the stove gets going, it will continue to burn until you stop putting wood in.

Place your pot on top of the stove to start cooking. The fire will exhaust itself through the big top hole of the stove. Add more pieces of wood if the fire starts to die out. It usually takes about 10 minutes to get water to a rolling boil.