The Camping Blog

Jun 29, Little Light is a Must-Have

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:34:50 GMT

Two nights ago I had a flat tire on our way home with my kids and wife in the car. It was dark, and there was thunder moving in. Unfortunately, I didn't have a light in the car, so my wife tried to help by holding her cell phone right next to the tire. Needless to say, this didn't work that well. I really wished I had my Petzl e+LITE Headlamp with me. It's small, but it's plenty bright. It also has flashing modes and a red light as well. The batteries last nearly forever, and the LED's will never burn out. It's small enough to just leave in the glove box of the car. I have one that I always take on camping trips, and I just ordered two more - one for each vehicle. So now my wife can leave her cell phone in her purse, and I can change a tire much more easily. Even if you don't get this headlamp, make sure you have some sort of light in your vehicle.

Nov 14, Quick Winter Camping Tip

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:42:28 GMT

Here is a quick tip for winter camping on how to stay warm: Just fill a Nalgene water bottle with boiling water (Don't worry, Nalgene Bottles won't melt or warp - they're indestructable). Wrap the bottle in an extra layer of clothing, and place it next to your belly under your shirt. You can also take this to bed with you. Inside your sleeping bag, place the wrapped bottle between your legs or on your tummy where it can warm your entire body. For more tips on sleeping warm when you go camping in the winter click the link below.

May 15, Meal Planning for Weekend Backpacking Trips

Thu, 15 May 2008 18:51:35 GMT

I've recommended the Nols Cookery before, and it's a really great resource for backpacking recipes, meal planning, and everything else you need for longer backpacking trips. Now I want to let you know about another fantastic resource from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). The new book, Nols Backcountry Cooking: Creative Menu Planning for Short Trips is even better for those of us that only go out for 2 or 3 days at a time. It includes new, delicious recipes plus tips and info designed for the weekend warrior. It's less than 10 bucks, and it's small enough to throw in your pack for reference during your trip. If you want to make eating in the backcountry even better on your next backpacking trip, you should really check it out. Until next time... Carpe Diem!

Apr 30, Camp Cooking Guide... Learn how to cook while camping and backpacking

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:56:50 GMT

This is a camp cooking guide that gives you the "How-To" for cooking while camping and backpacking. We offer tips and strategies to help you with your outdoor cooking.

Oct 23, Making a First Aid Kit for Camping and Backpacking

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:34:17 GMT

Learn what you should include in your backpacking and camping first aid kit for your outdoor adventures.

Oct 22, Homemade Fire starters - How to make fire starters from scratch

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:10:09 GMT

How to make homemade fire starters for camping, and backpacking.

Apr 13, MSR Whisperlite Internationale Stove Review

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:41:47 GMT

New Backpacking Stove Review -If you're looking for a bomb-proof, reliable, all-season stove that burns nearly any type of liquid fuel yet won't break the bank, then the MSR Whisperlite Internationale is a wonderful choice. In fact, the MSR Whisperlite might be the most...

Apr 6, Now You Can Search Free-Camping-Recipes.com

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 03:59:43 GMT

Now you can search our entire site with our new Site Search page. Can't remember where that quesadilla recipe was? Want to find that camping tip about sleeping warm? Use our Site Search!

Mar 22, Camping Bread and Biscuit Recipes

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:17:51 GMT

Use these easy and delicious camping bread and biscuit recipes the next time you go camping or backpacking.

Mar 22, Miscellaneous Camping Desserts

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:51:26 GMT

These easy and tasty miscellaneous camping desserts are sure to make your next camping or backpacking trip a sweeter one.

Jan 31, Dutch Oven Recipes for Camping and Campfire Cooking

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:34:10 GMT

Easy dutch oven recipes for delicious camping meals around the campfire.

Nov 10, How to Season a Dutch Oven... Seasoning a Dutch Oven

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:46:55 GMT

Learn how to season a Dutch oven the right way so it will last a lifetime, clean up easier, and make better meals.

Nov 9, Cleaning a Dutch Oven... How to Clean Dutch Ovens the Right Way

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 05:01:54 GMT

Knowing the right way for cleaning a dutch oven will extend it's life and functionality. It's easy to clean a Dutch oven, but there are a few things you should know.

Nov 8, Dutch Oven Campfire Cooking... Tips for cooking with and caring for a Dutch oven

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 22:44:18 GMT

Dutch oven campfire cooking is one of the best ways to make meals on camping trips. But you need to learn how to season a Dutch oven, how to clean one, and how to care for one, too.

Nov 7, Venison Recipes... Delicious Camping and Hunting Recipes for Venison

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:12:22 GMT

With deer season upon us we thought it was time to share our venison recipes that we just know you'll love.

Oct 30, Packing a Tent or Sleeping Bag... Should You Roll a Them or Stuff Them?

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 21:17:59 GMT

What to do when packing a tent or a sleeping bag. Do you stuff it or do you roll it? Stuffing it is the answer and here's why...

Oct 30, How to Pack a Backpack for Camping and Backpacking Trips

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 21:07:15 GMT

Learn how to pack a backpack the correct way before you go on your next camping or backpacking trip.

Oct 30, Headlamp Reviews and Flashlight Reviews

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:36:17 GMT

Read these headlamp reviews and flashlight reviews before you buy one to find out which one will work best for you on your next camping and backpacking trip.

Oct 16, Dutch Oven Cobbler Recipes... Peach, Berry, Apple, and More

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:22:34 GMT

These Dutch oven cobbler recipes are easy and delicious, and they're sure to please everyone on your next camping trip.

Oct 6, Camp Food Storage... How to keep your food safe from animals

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 18:39:20 GMT

Learn how to keep your food and yourselves safe from animals with these camp food storage tips for your next camping trip.

Oct 6, Sleeping Warm When Camping... Tips For Staying Warm on Cold Nights Camping.

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 18:31:28 GMT

Here are some tips for sleeping warm when camping on cold nights.

Sep 26, Winter Camping Tips - How to Stay Warm Outdoors

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:26:23 GMT

Learn how to stay warm during cold weather trips with these winter camping tips.

Sep 26, Lightning Safety - How to be Safe in Thunderstorms When Camping and Backpacking

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:21:56 GMT

You never know when a storm is going to roll in, so be prepared with these lightning safety tips.

Sep 26, Camping Snacks... Recipes for snacks and treats for campouts.

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 20:55:48 GMT

Tired of eating boring trail mix? Then check out the camping snacks we've got. Great recipes for Gorp, trail mix, and other snacks.

Aug 22, Winter Camping... How to prepare for camping in cold weather.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 20:24:50 GMT

Get ready for winter camping by learning what camping gear to take and how to prepare for cold weather camping.

Aug 1, Camping Checklists and Backpacking Checklists

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 02:38:29 GMT

Need to know what to take? Use these family camping checklists and the backpacking 3-season and winter checklists to make sure you don't forget any camping gear or equipment.