My Personal Camping Checklist - Don't Be Caught Without
Day and night views of our the Gazelle T8 popup tent
Why I chose the Gazelle T8 popup tent
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This heavy duty tarp keeps my tent clean and prevents damage
I wouldn't dream of setting a clean tent directly upon the muddy ground! In addition to protecting my shelter from dirt, a heavy duty tarp ensures that little twigs and stones won't begin to poke holes in the fabric, thus shortening the lifespan of my investment. This is absolutely the thickest tarp I've ever handled. It gives me a place to kick off my shoes and keeps my beloved tent from getting filthy on wet days. I generally buy tarps that are larger than the footprint of the tent itself, thus creating a nice area to wipe feet, kick off shoes or set up chairs.
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This repair tape is the absolute strongest for tents and boats
I was sold on this brand of waterproof repair tape when I saw a video made by an ordinary guy who tested seven popular brands of waterproof tape in his garage, subjecting each to trials for weight resistance, water pressure and temperature stability. If tent and boat repair are important to you, I highly recommend watching the following video before spending money on a substandard product.
Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRXpfgik9XA |
My favorite portable bed for summer stays cool all night long
ADVANTAGES:
DISADVANTAGES:
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My favorite autumn mattress won't deflate, lose shape or get cold
My new favorite sleeping bag is a lightweight bag
This eight pound blanket is warmer than a thermal sleep bag!
I was tired of bundling myself inside thermal sleeping bags that restrict movement and make me feel like a mummy wrapped in tight bandages. This luxurious eight-pound blanket is softer than a baby's behind and gives me the freedom to cuddle my husband or roll away from him when I need to spread out. I use a second eight pound blanket to cover my mattress and insulate me from the cold ground. It works like a charm!
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This is the only propane tent heater I trust
This top rated propane tent heater is widely regarded as the safest on the market because it shuts off automatically if the unit tips over. In addition, this heater will shut off when the pilot light goes out, or if low oxygen levels are detected. If your'e still nervous, I know how to rig a tent to produce warmth without a heater. For more information on this topic, SEE MY TOP TEN TENT AND BODY WARMING TRICKS.
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This battery operated fan generates strong breezes in my tent
I have a growing collection of battery operated cooling fans, but the adjustable base sets this one apart from the rest. It's stronger than most models, and it doesn't tip as easily as other models made by the same manufacturer. When relaxing outside the tent, I set this fan on the ground near my camp chair and tilt the head upward to create a breeze that sweeps over my entire body. In addition to cooling me down, the breeze helps blow mosquitoes away! SEE MY TOP TEN TENT COOLING TIPS.
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This amazing shade cloth keeps my tent cool on the hottest days
If you've never heard of aluminet shade cloth, now is the time to get acquainted! This magical reflective fabric can be draped right over your tent to reflect 80% of the sun's light and heat away from you and back out into the universe. It comes in a variety of sizes for large and small structures and includes a nice bungee system to secure the covering in place. It's also great for covering plants, pet cages and vehicles. Greenhouse owners attest that this fabric takes temperatures down by 20 degrees!
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This inexpensive rolling cooler is so easy to transport!
My shed has become a resting place where inadequate coolers go to die. This Coleman is my favorite for many reasons.
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This grill is more compact and portable than kettle style grills
This light, compact design folds down and packs more neatly than kettle style charcoal grills. I originally ordered a popup propane grill that stands at a comfortable cooking height, but the 50 pound monster was more complicated than it looked in videos and very difficult to shove into my loaded vehicle. I ended up sending it back!
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This carbon steel griddle is so much better than cast iron
Introducing a much easier way to make eggs, pancakes and bacon for everyone! This 10 by 16 inch carbon steel griddle fits perfectly over my Weber "Go Anywhere" grill, filling it out from corner to corner. I can fry six pieces of french toast at once or cook up a whole package of bacon. It cleans easily with plain water and a nylon scrub sponge. It won't rust as easily as cast iron, but you should keep it dry nonetheless. I don't bother to season this pan in the oven like I would season cast iron, but I do add oil or butter before cooking eggs and pancakes. Treat it well and it should last a lifetime!
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This charcoal burns three times longer than other brands
This coleman classic is still my favorite camp stove!
This nonstick pan with folding handle works great on camp stoves
I value this pan above all others in my camp cookware collection. Let me tell you why it's the PERFECT camping pan. 1.) Because of the folding handle, this full size 11-inch pan fits perfectly into a single Camp Chef storage bag, leaving tons of room to stack other pots/pans on top. 2.) The nonstick surface is PFOA free.That means no harmful toxins in your food. Old school Teflon and aluminum pans are dangerous. Get them out of your collection! 3.) This pan is so much lighter than cast iron grill pans. It won't add a lot of unnecessary weight to your carrying bag or Camp Chef storage unit. 4.) You don't have to season this pan. It works just like the Teflon you're used to, but without the harmful PFOA. 5.) This pan doesn't lose its nonstick capabilities over time. 6.) The bottom of this pan is covered with a large round aluminum pad, making it supremely conductive and resistant to physical damage from camp stoves, but I wouldn't use it over an open fire. I like to keep my best cookware looking new.
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This sturdy cookware storage table has telescoping legs
I'm so crazy about this cooking storage table that I devoted an entire blog to it. I used to stuff all of my cookware into a gym bag that was awkward to pack and carry. I was constantly bending to the ground to look for specific items, which put a lot of stress on my back. Now, I keep all of my camping cookware in my storage table year round. Sturdy handles on either side of the unit help me transport my entire camp kitchen easily. I keep the roll top locked into place so that I can use the roll top storage compartment for longer cooking utensils. To build an instant kitchen, I simply lift the unit from my car and pull out the telescoping legs! This organizer would also make a great dresser and vanity table within a tent.
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I've learned to buy grill lighters by the pack
These windproof, waterproof matches never fail when it rains
A good cookware nesting set saves a lot of space, but...
This Stansport stainless steel nesting set is simply thicker and more durable than nesting sets I've bought in the past, including the Stanley Base Camp Adventure set. In fact, this $50 set is even better than the expensive stainless steel pots I use in my home kitchen. If open fire cooking is your thing, rest assured that these pans will stand up to any cooking scenario in the home or on the trail.
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This camp silverware bag forms a stand alone display
I used to be a fan of disposable plastic silverware until I ran out of it while camping deep within the woods. I ended up eating my beef stew with a large soup ladle. I'll never leave without real silverware again. This convenient silverware set functions as a standalone display stand so cutlery is elevated for easy utensil access, and I love the attractive carrying case.
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These heavy duty telescoping roasting sticks won't break!
I would never dream of leaving these at home! These premium roasting sticks are a lot more durable than other plastic models, and the telescoping handle ensures that children won't have to stand too close to the fire while roasting marshmallows. Don't get caught with cheap roasting sticks that melt, crack or fall apart!
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This collapsible dish tub is great for camp and for home!
I ordered this collapsible dish pan for camping and ended up using it to soak my dishes at home! Long after my vacation ended, I found many fine uses for this portable basin. The handles make it a useful container for carrying materials from place to place in my garden. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the actual color of this item is more orange than yellow. That might bother you if you're trying to match a yellow kitchen, but I enjoy mixing various shades of red, yellow and orange.
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This emergency survival candle burns for 120 hours!
When the rain drenches your campfire wood, you can still produce light and cook small meals with this emergency candle. It works with my small backpacking pots to heat water for coffee and soup. I can even scramble eggs! I love that this candle is made of organic bees wax and burns for an impressive 120 hours.
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This locking chair never sags or tips, and it's rated for 400 pounds
Camp chairs are known for saggy seats and the tendency to tip or wobble. With heavy duty steel construction, this camping chair locks into place and supports up to 400 pounds. Even if you weigh far less, a chair's maximum capacity indicates how long it will last and how well it will withstand abuse from relatives who like to plop into chairs. I love that this chair comes in so many inviting colors! I picked the dark orange (shown below). I bring this chair everywhere I go, from festivals to campgrounds to local parks. It's nice to finally have a seat that feels even more comfortable than my kitchen chairs at home.
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My wilderness toilet is a folding handicapped commode
If squatting over a bucket isn't your idea of a comfortable bathroom experience, you'll love this extra durable handicapped toilet that's rated for 650 pounds. Even if you don't intend to put that much weight on it, a higher weight rating translates to greater durability over time, especially if you have a large family with multiple users and abusers! Older campers with sore backs and knees will appreciate the opportunity to sit comfortably with no worries about tipping. Use this toilet with the included commode bucket or place the toilet over a hole in the ground. For large families, dig a latrine and move the chair along the channel with each new use. Features: 1.) Large and durable 14 x 17 inch deep seat with lid. 2.) Padded armrests 3.) 12-qt. commode bucket with carry handle, cover and splash shield. 4.) Measures 33 1/2" w. at the base. 5) Assembles in 3 easy steps with no tools.
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This kitty litter controls odors like no other
I first learned about this blockbuster organic product in an editor's choice review published by USA Today.The deal is that it controls odor better than chemicals without the negative health effects. It's a great way to save money versus buying expensive commode liners filled with harmful chemical clumping materials. This clay cat litter is uniquely formulated combining heavy non tracking granules with medium grain. The result is an excellent clumping litter that prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of the litter box while providing a clump that will not break apart. SOME TIPS: I prefer to use small garbage bags as commode liners because they're less expensive. If you run out of commode liners on a long wilderness trip, you can remove the waste bucket and position your toilet over a hole in the ground. Scoop kitty litter over your waste each time you eliminate.This will prevent odors from attracting bugs. At the end of your trip, simply fill the hole with dirt to hide your mess. No harm done. It's all biodegradable! If find that this system is quite sanitary and definitely less stinky than using a cheap bucket style camp toilet.
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This easy toilet tent delivers much needed privacy
This thing runs my laptop, curling iron and sleep apnea machine
We originally purchased a Suaoki generator for my husband's sleep apnea machine, but we quickly found that it didn't last the entire night and wasn't powerful enough to run other electronic devices at the same time. Most indoor generators are rated at 250 watts, but the generator pictured below boasts a whopping 500 watt capacity. I can plug in just about any item I like from curling irons to laptops to small cooling fans.
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These lanterns still work when wet or frozen
Perhaps you already know about these "As Seen on TV" lanterns that are proven to keep working when frozen into a block of ice. I was skeptical about those claims, so I went to YouTube and found videos of happy customers who dropped these lanterns in water and put them in the freezer. I haven't tried the freezer trick, but I can tell you that these are the brightest lanterns I've ever owned, and they really do keep working in the driving rain. Modern technology is amazing! In the past, I've paid double this amount for non waterproof lanterns that weren't as bright.
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This waterproof head lamp gives me perfect night vision
To find the best head lamp, a research lab tested more than 100 models before subjecting the best 27 to a gauntlet of side-by-side tests. Each product was lab-tested and field-tested. Industrial light meters were used to measure brightness. An automated "light coffin" with a data-logging light meter was used to measure battery life. This head lamp was one of the three top performing lamps, second only to an insanely expensive model. At $36, I knew I couldn't pass this deal by.
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Tactical Flash Light
This tactical light is sold and branded under different names, but it's the same ultra bright military grade flashlight you've seen on TV at a fraction of the cost. It can survive a ten foot drop into a pool of water and more. It has wide-to-narrow beam capabilities plus five useful settings, including high, medium, low, strobe and SOS. settings. Don't miss this deal! I paid full price at Walmart thinking it was one of a kind.
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This mosquito suit gives me 100% protection on the water!
Gone are the days when I doused myself in unhealthy chemicals before hitting the river. This bug net jacket protects me better than any questionable chemical concoction on the market. I love that I can use the attached hood when I need it and let it drape down my back when I don't. Tip: These suits run incredibly large. Get a jacket that's two sizes smaller than the size you might expect to wear. TOP TEN MOSQUITO CONTROL TIPS.
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This organic repellent also kills fleas and ticks in the grass!
Most organic sprays are just repellents, but this one is also a bug killer. Spray yourself. Spray your dog. Spray the grass around your camp chair!
This organic product kills fleas and ticks for months
All liquid pesticides evaporate eventually, but these organic cedar granules give off a fresh blast of pest controlling aroma each time it rains or gets humid. Many products are just repellents, but these granules actually KILL bugs and leave a fresh cedar scent that repels insects from treated territory. The granules can be used to cover an entire yard or campsite! When I'm not camping, I use this product in my yard to control fleas, ticks ants and a wide variety of pests that harm ornamental plants.
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An emergency water filter is vital for deep wilderness trips
An emergency water filter is CRUCIAL if you enjoy trips to remote places without access to clean water. The Sawyer Water Filtration system is the most powerful travel filter on the market. It removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, including salmonella, cholera, and E.coli. It also removes 99.9999% of all protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium. You'll never waste money on cartridges because this single filter can purify up to 100,000 gallons. A simple flush with the included syringe will keep it clean. The kit pictured below comes with three BPA-free collapsible pouches (16-, 32-, and 64-ounce) that roll up tightly for easy packing.
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This knife meets all of my criteria for an excellent survival knife
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This tactical hammer has 18 pullout tools!
I found this gem in the "As Seen on TV" aisle in Walmart. I had planned to store this nifty survival tool in my backpack with my other emergency supplies, but I kept taking it out for various reasons! My husband carries a Swiss Army knife, but he's more likely to go looking for my pullout tools than his own.
Included Tools: Axe, hammer, flat rip pliers, pipe grip pliers, wire cutter, straight knife, bottle opener, chisel, wrench (6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm), serrated blade, small flathead screwdriver, nail file, saw blade, fish hook remover, Phillips screwdriver. |
This premium quality hatchet is forged in once piece
Do yourself a favor. Don't buy cheap hatchets with heads that can pop off. This premium quality hatchet is forged in one piece. At $34, it's a steal. I started my survival collection with a hatchet from my local hardware store. It was decent, but for an extra $10, I was able to order one of the most durable striking tools on the market today. The curved handle allows me to strike with more force, and the head feels far more secure.
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This durable cloth sleep sack operates like a Mylar blanket
This metallic cloth sleep sack is unique because the inner material reflects up to 90% of your body heat back to you, adding additional warmth to sleeping bags. Unlike thin disposable Mylar blankets, the hard-wearing thermal fabric resists rips and tears. I bought this item to add to my emergency survival bag. I never expected to need it! On a frigid winter morning when temperatures plummeted below zero, my furnace went out, leaving me to shiver in my own bed. Thankfully, I had this wonderful product in my survival bag. I could feel the heat building around my body immediately. In just a few minutes, I was warm enough to go back to sleep. I can see how this item could save a person's life on a hiking trip gone wrong. As of this writing, I've purchased two of these bags--one for my husband's hiking/survival bag and one for mine. I look forward to ordering another to keep in my SUV.
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This paracord features three types of life saving survival strands
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This tiny emergency stove runs on leaves and twigs
I love the fact this this tiny stove can run on twigs, dried leaves, wood scraps and pine cones. The thought of carrying an emergency stove that requires alcohol or propane makes me a little nervous. First, I don't have room for propane cans or extra alcohol bottles when I'm backpacking. Even if I did, what if an unforeseen emergency forced me to stay on the trail longer than expected? I'd be stuck in the wilderness without cooking fuel. No thanks!
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This tiny cookware nesting set is made of durable stainless steel
Would you believe that all of these components fit into one master pot that's not much bigger than a cereal bowl? I love the two pots and the frying pan. I ended up removing the cups and plates so that I could store an emergency candle in their place. My emergency candle provides 120 hours of light and doubles as a backup stove, as discussed above.
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This extra durable waist pack has room to carry two bottles!
Don't be dazzled by those sporty looking Waterfly fanny packs that come in different colors. They're made of cheap nylon that snags on the zippers and rips easily.This lumbar pack is made of a tough waterproof polyester material that reminds me of thick canvas. Three generous zip compartments will hold a whole lot of items for your hike!
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This rolling vacation bag can be converted to a backpack
This large rolling backpack doesn't have padded straps or lumbar support for long hiking trips, but let me tell you why it's still the best vacation bag I've ever owned. 1.) There's a pullout handle that allows me roll the backpack when I get tired of carrying it. 2.) I can use this backpack for regular vacations, not just camping trips. 3.) This bag stands up vertically by itself and never tips over! That saves me from bending to the floor to rummage through my things. 4.) This bag works very well for clothing because it doesn't have a whole lot of individual chambers.The interior is one large compartment. Since I tend to carry a lot more clothing than my husband, wrinkle free storage is important to me.
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These slim line crocs healed my chronic foot pain
These waterproof boot covers keep me from damaging my shoes
When we let our feet get cold and wet, our body temperatures can quickly plummet to dangerous levels, especially in the fall. Even if you're a summer camper, it's nice to know that you can protect your expensive sneakers or hiking boots at the first sign of rain. I like to fold these boots into quarters and slip them into the back zipper compartment of my backpack. That way, I have quick access when I need them. Unfortunately, I need them so much that I often take them out of my backpack for everyday rain wear. It's definitely time to order a second pair so that I can quit going into my survival bag for everyday items!
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Extra warm thermal socks are a must
These thermal gloves provide excellent grip for chopping wood
I always bring flannel coats lined with fleece
Many yeas ago, my husband figured out that I tend to buy him the best and most attractive flannel coats available so that I can steal them when I get cold. It's just nice to carry functional unisex items that look great on both of us. I don't mind that his coat is big on me. That just means I can more easily slip it over a bulky thermal sweatshirt when the weather goes from cool to brutal.
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I'm addicted to sweatshirts that feel like soft blankets
This unisex raincoat looks great on males and females
This inflatable boat is more reliable than most
One look at Lake Huron on a windy day can set your soul on fire. I was hesitant to brave the water in a blowup boat, but my crazy husband convinced me that we could handle it. For the first time in my life, I discovered what surfers must feel like when they brave the ocean! If you're tackling an expansive lake filled with waves, be prepared to get wet because the waves will definitely crash over the sides of the boat. Using this boat on a calm inland lake is a far different experience. On calm days, we bring a portable radios, floating coolers and picnic lunches. We were about to invest in a real aluminum boat when we made the decision to go with this $120 contraption. I may still buy a real boat one day. Until then, it's good to know that my blowup boat can handle aggressive waters. I stored this boat in a freezing cold shed all winter. When I took it out this spring, it was still fully operational. I'm not used to that kind of quality.
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A battery operated air pump is the safest choice
Never go camping without a battery operated air pump! Rechargeable air pumps are notorious for losing their ability to hold a charge after multiple uses, and they're more expensive.That said, it's still wise to carry both types of pumps in case of emergency. Survivalists often speak of "redundancy." Anticipate common problems and bring backup!
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Mechanical fishing reels do all the work for you!
No camp bag is complete without emergency fishing supplies. Mechanical reels are great for lazy, impatient or inexperienced fishermen like me. Just secure the mechanism to a branch that hangs over the water, pull out the line, lock it into place and drop the line into the water. As you go about the business of cooking, chopping wood or setting up camp, the reel will automatically pull your catch home. You may also secure the reel to the side of a boat. If I can do it, anyone can.
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This small bait and tackle kit has everything I need
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A basic first aid kit is a good start, but...
A basic first aid kit helps to cover many bases, but I chose to build my own first aid kit because there were so many crucial items missing from all of the standard kits online. For example, I like to carry things like activated charcoal for food poisoning and kaolin clay to stop severe wounds from bleeding. For a peek inside my first aid kit, visit my First Aid Checklist.
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Witch Hazel is PERFECT for spray bathing
There was a time when I carried spray bottles filled with alcohol to mist my armpits, legs, arms and torso. I now prefer witch hazel for many reasons.
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Oregano soap has extra strong germ killing powers
Wilderness living is less sanitary than home living. Choose your soap wisely! Two studies from Georgetown University have shown that oregano oil reduces infection as effectively as traditional antibiotics. No matter how deep into the woods you go, it's always possible to lather and rinse with the help of baby wipes and a good spray bottle filled with water.
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This travel toiletries set for women is a big money saver
This travel toiletries set for men has everything my man needs!
Don't forget the foaming soap and baby wipes!
Back in the day, folks used to joke about having "camp ass," an itchy condition well known to woodsmen and hikers. I bow to the creators of Burt's Bees foaming baby wash. When it's not possible to take a traditional shower, the convenient foam pump design allows us to stay clean anywhere and anytime.
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My camping grocery list for extended wilderness trips
For short weekend trips, I don't mind living on burgers, oatmeal packs and tuna sandwiches. Extended annual vacations are another matter! This is when we load two coolers and pull out the cast iron to make hearty meals like pot roast, spaghetti with meatballs, beef stew and chicken with dumplings.
Cooler Foods: Bratwurst, kielbasa, eggs, bacon, colby cheese slices, steak, pot roast, burger patties, salmon fillets, chicken breasts, cream for soup making, biscuit cans for dumplings.
Vegetables: Onion, tomato, cucumber, green beans, potatoes Boxed Side Dishes: Flavored rice mixes, creamy pasta mixes, stuffing mixes, instant mashed potato packs. Breads: Hot dog buns, hamburger buns, french bread for sandwiches, pancake mix. Hiking Foods: Chicken foil pouches, tuna pouches, salmon pouches, freeze dried vegetables, soup mixes, crackers, individual oatmeal packs, protein bars, Dinty Moore beef stew bowls, Hormel Compleats. Sweets: Graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows, granola cereal fo trail mix, assorted nuts, chocolate chips Condiments: Mustard, ketchup, steak sauce, butter, maple syrup, spaghetti sauce Spices: Montreal steak seasoning, garlic salt, pepper, table salt Drinks: Case of water bottles, cold brew tea bags, instant coffee, dry creamer, drink mixes. |
Tips for prepping camp meals
- Prepping Chicken: Here's a trick I learned from a restaurant owner. Simmer raw chicken breasts in Italian dressing or Greek marinade made with olive oil. Keep the heat low enough to avoid browning. Transfer the cooked breasts to individual Ziplock bags for freezing. By the second day of camping, the breasts will be cold but not frozen. Toss them on the grill and cook until grill marks begin to form.
- Prepping Hamburger: A few days before my vacation begins, I form patties with a hamburger press, wrap each individual patty in Saran wrap and freeze them. This is also a great time for making and freezing meatballs.
- Packing Frozen Meat: I like to freeze any meat that I don't plan to use within the first day or two. Frozen packages of meat will behave like giant ice cubes, keeping everything in the cooler fresh longer. Unfrozen packages of meat will tend to melt ice cubes within the cooler.
- Small Condiment Bottles: I like to buy the smallest jar of mayonnaise I can find. When the bottle no longer feels cold, I throw it away.
Tent Cooling TricksDon't let soaring temperatures ruin your vacation! Employ these 12 tricks to stay cool.
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First Aid ChecklistDon't get caught in the wilderness with a cheap, substandard first aid kit.
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Ten Ways to Banish MosquitoesThese ten mosquito control tricks REALLY, REALLY work!
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