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Practical Tips on Choosing Camping Cookware
Why is it advisable to purchase a separate set of cookware when camping out? It simply is not practical. For one, kitchen cookware is not easy to pack. It can also be heavy when one does not know which supplies are needed and instead brings a lot of not so useful items. The best thing to do when planning a camping adventure is to follow these steps in choosing the practical set of cookware to bring.
Try to find the correct balance of storage capacity (if it is just going to be a backpack, a car or a trailer) and the weight or volume of the cookware needed. The next thing to consider is the availability of water in the outdoors. This is why it is best to purchase nonstick cookware. It is also important to assume that not all camping stoves can be used for simmering. This is the reason why one should purchase those that can be used on high heat. It just would not do to have melted and useless cookware when accidentally stowed near the campfire. Having a skillet and a saucepan, preferably two of each, can be used for all-around cooking and in addition, they are easy to clean.
Among the cookware available, stainless cookware is the most durable and the cheapest. However it is also the heaviest and it is usually nonstick. When weight is not an issue for the camp packer, then this is usually recommended. For those who are not budget constrained and would like to pack their loads lighter, the choice can either go between aluminum or titanium cookware. The deciding factor between these two will depend on the priority of the camp packer, if he or she would go for the cheaper or the lighter of the two. Aluminum is considerably lighter than stainless but twice as heavy as titanium and fairly affordable. The titanium cookware is the lightest of the three and the most expensive. Backpackers usually carry this set because four piece sets can weigh around 12 ounces.
There is no need to learn how to make fire out of rocks and sticks. Camping stoves are also available in the market. For convenience, there are those that have the push-button ignition and flame control. Dual burners can be considered if there are many people going camping but they are heavy. In most conditions, the cartridge camping stove is ideal because it is lighter however it does not work too well when it is too cold or windy. In this case, liquid camping stoves will work best but they are also heavy and bulky.
10 Fun Things for Kids To Do On A Camping Trip
No doubt about it, camping trips are fun. A vacation in the wild outdoors, fresh air, roughing it can be such a fun break from the hectic routine of city life. However, a lot of people think they cannot enjoy or even survive a camping trip because of kids. Children can indeed add enjoyment to anybody’s life, but to be honest, it is really hard to bring kids along on a camping trip. Imagine having no television or computers to keep them busy (and quiet). For the average parent, that could spell disaster. But you should not despair, there are many activities in the outdoors that can keep kids entertained during a camping trip. Here are ten of them.
1. Get wet and go splashing. More likely, you would be able to find a nice swimming spot. Whether a big lake or a small brook, you are bound to locate a nice body of water to splash around and have wet fun. Swimming amidst nature can be so much more enjoyable than swimming in a man-made pool. Just be sure that the swimming hole you find is safe for people, normally camping parks would tell you which ones are good for dips and which ones are not. Also, be careful about diving and never leave your kids swimming alone.
2. Bike together. Most camping sites have great bike trails. Riding bicycles is very fun when the view is great. It is faster and cooler than just traveling on foot. Make sure to bring a map and plan your trip so that you would not easily get lost. Do not ride too fast, or you might leave each other behind, anyway, you would not be able to enjoy the scenery if you speed so much.
3. Watch for birds and animals. Most camping sites and forest parks have primers and leaflets about the various animals thriving in their area. You may also bring books about wild animals and see if you could spot them. Try having a contest – the one who spots most kinds of animals wins. See the different animals that come out during the night compare them to those that come out during the day. Just keep your children from a safe distance so that they would not disturb the animals.
4. Play games in the outdoors. It may be the classic sac race, tug-o-war, or just plain tag. Nothing beats the time-tested games when done in the woods. Just be sure to play games in a clear area to avoid accidents. Also, avoid creating so much noise so that you would not disturb the wildlife.
5. Organize a scavenger hunt. Kids love to go on quests and adventures. Scavenger hunts can be a great alternative to the role playing games kids play these days, not to mention that it is more physical, allowing your kids to exercise rather than just sit in front of the computer screen all day. Just be warn your kids about the many prickly plants that could be lurking in the woods, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.
6. Learn how to read maps and compasses. The great outdoors is a nice way to teach your children about navigation. Take out your map and compass while exploring the forest. Show your kids where you are in the map and show them where you are heading. This can also be done in conjunction with the scavenger hunt.
7. Light a campfire. Perhaps this is among the most awaited activities during camping. This can be the best way to end the day. Gather around the campfire to sing songs and tell stories (scary ones if you would like). Roast marshmallows and hotdogs. Play riddles and other word games.
8. Watch the stars. This is another night activity that can be both fun and educational. You may just simply lie on the grand and appreciate the free light show in the sky, or you may bring out a star chart and look for famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. Look for shooting stars and make your wish.
9. Bathe in the rain. The weather can be unpredictable in many places, you cannot expect to have clear and sunny skies all the time. But do not pout if the rain does pour. You can have fun playing in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Just be careful not to go out when there is thunder and lightning.
10. Just relax and simply enjoy the moment. You are in the outdoors for only a few times in a year (or even in a lifetime). Enjoy what nature has to offer. Avoid bringing any electronic gadget and simply bask in the quiet of the forest. This is the time to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
There are hundreds of other activities to do out doors, these ten are just a fraction of the many activities you can do with your kids on a camping trip. The point of it all is to enjoy spending the time together as a family.
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