Here are a few of our favorite camping tips

Firestarting Tip

One of the easiest campfires to build and maintain, the “lean-to” fire is a simple pyramid-shaped lean-to built against the side of a large piece of firewood. Build up the lean-to using pencil-sized wood first followed by progressively larger wood. Leave a gap to insert tinder into the interior. Cover the gap with small wood once the tinder is alight. Commonly available fire starters include: clothes dryer lint (extremely lightweight), alcohol hand sanitizing gel, a small piece of candle, some insect repellents and even greasy potato chips.

Camping Tip

Put your jacket into your sleeping bag’s stuff sack for an instant pillow.

Knife Tip

To sharpen a knife, slide the knife across the sharpening stone as though you are trying to cut a thin slice off the stone. Hold the blade at roughly a 20 degree angle and draw it steadily. Be sure to count the number of strokes and do the same number of strokes on the opposite side.

Fire Building Tip

One of the easiest campfires to build and maintain, the “lean-to” fire is a simple pyramid-shaped lean-to built against the side of a large piece of firewood. Build up the lean-to using pencil-sized wood first followed by progressively larger wood. Leave a gap to insert tinder into the interior. Cover the gap with small wood once the tinder is alight.

Camp Set-Up Tip

In bear country, it’s worth having an ultra-light, sil-nylon tarp to create a dry cooking area 100 yards away from your tent. They’re also handy for packing and unpacking your pack in the rain. Current sil-nylon tarps weigh as little as 6 oz.

Keep the Bugs Out! 

When it’s breezy, mosquitoes will congregate on the lee side of objects to avoid being blown away. So pitch your tent door into the breeze. You’ll be able to enter without bringing the swarm in with you.

 Originally Published: Jul 1, 2015