Sleeping and living outdoors - in or out of tents, on licenced sites or in wild country locations.
2
votes
1answer
18 views
Are sleeping bags needed in southern Spain in summer?
My girlfriend and I are going camping in Europe this summer and are starting off in Spain. We have this tent, and are looking into sleeping bags. We have also been keeping an eye on the weather in ...
19
votes
9answers
2k views
Where in Europe is wild camping permitted?
Is there any resource (website, book, etc) that lists all European countries, and the state of free camping?
Specifically, I want to see in which European countries I'm not fined when I place my tent ...
8
votes
3answers
151 views
What is considered a water source, and why is it recommended to camp so far from them?
I've read one one of the US national forest or wilderness websites that when camping in the wild, one should camp at a certain distance from a water source. Should I understand a water source to mean ...
8
votes
2answers
557 views
Thinking about a road trip out West
My wife and I are thinking of taking a road trip from northwest Ohio to "out west" - Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, etc. I've never been farther west than Indiana, so it's a whole new ...
6
votes
2answers
151 views
Tips for travelling through Europe with just a tent
Myself and my girlfriend are hoping to start off in the Netherlands and hitchhike our way down to the south of Spain through various French towns / cities.
We are planning on just bringing sleeping ...
11
votes
1answer
83 views
How can I go camping in Nepal and Northern Pakistan?
A group of friends would like to go camping in Northern Pakistan on their own. The only problem is to know some locals who can help us with food and a place to find where we can put up our camps. How ...
11
votes
4answers
73 views
Camping in (US) national forests
Is it legal to camp in unmarked areas in United States national forests? I'm specifically thinking of Utah/Idaho if state makes any difference.
11
votes
5answers
423 views
What do I do to prevent and treat frostbite?
I'm going to be winter camping, and I'm concerned about getting frostbite. What can I do to protect myself?
20
votes
4answers
302 views
Do bear-safe rules still apply in the winter?
I understand, and practice, bear-safe rules like hanging (or canister-ing) during summer months, but what about in the winter when bears are (theoretically) hibernating, and the shorter / colder days ...
9
votes
4answers
124 views
Winter Camping: How to warm up your boots in the morning?
Is there a good technique to warm up your boots in the morning? Should you just put them on and warm them up with your feet or is there a better alternative?
1
vote
1answer
45 views
End of Winter/Spring Camping
Planning a camping trip for next weekend. It is looking like it may be the end of winter. We have about a foot of snow right now. What problems am I going to run into if the weather is above zero ...
-1
votes
1answer
20 views
Winter Camping Resources or Books? [closed]
Have done some winter camping but would like to do more and do it smarter. What is the best book to read before doing winter camping?
Qualities of the 'Best Book':
Fun and easy to read
Good ...
40
votes
8answers
5k views
Is it warmer to sleep naked in a sleeping bag?
When camping in cold weather, some people say it is actually warmer to sleep naked than to sleep with clothes on.
Is that true, or is it better to leave warm clothes on while in the bag?
1
vote
1answer
41 views
Liners and Travel sheets
What's the difference between a sleeping bag liner and a travel sheet?
Shape (are travel sheets only available in one shape)? Fabric? Resistance?
5
votes
1answer
57 views
How can I 'inflate' or plump up my my sleeping bag?
I have a very nice sleeping bag which has been kept stuffed as compressed as possible in a backpack for a couple of months. After reading about the negative effects of such actions, I was wondering if ...
26
votes
6answers
3k views
What are good knots to know for camping and backpacking?
I once tied a bear bag with a haphazard bundle of knots, and despite being seemingly impossible to untie, it came loose when lowering the bear bag and nearly smoked my friend standing under it. What ...
2
votes
1answer
29 views
What are the key sites to see on a short trip through Oregon?
My husband and I are planning to drive from Kansas City, through Nevada (stop and see the arches) then to the top of California (to see the redwoods), see a few waterfalls in Oregon, travel throught ...
11
votes
3answers
166 views
What do you do if the fire does get “out of control”?
Let's say you are camping with a large group, and someone starts a camp fire. You're away for a bit and come back to find everyone panicking and the fire to be much larger than actually planned (ie, ...
5
votes
2answers
138 views
Advantages to hammock camping on multi-night trips
This question asks what the downsides are to hammock camping, but doesn't really address the reasons why you would want to sleep in a hammock to camp.
Let's say I'm backpacker new to the idea of ...
10
votes
3answers
233 views
How to create campfire which will burn overnight?
I watched a documentary "Man vs Wild" which showed the TV presenter Bear Grylls collecting wood and starting a fire. He somehow always manages to keep his campfire burning until dawn. How does one ...
0
votes
0answers
31 views
Newbie motorhome trip to Australia, in Winter, with two babies. Possible? Enjoyable? [closed]
I am a complete newbie to caravans and motorhomes, but I'm attracted to the idea of camping and outdoor life in general.
We're thinking of spending a couple of weeks (mid-July, early August) on the ...
9
votes
6answers
4k views
What is the ultimate car camping bed solution — for two people?
I've been camping since I was a teenager in the scouts, and I've never really had a very comfortable night out. As an adult with a girlfriend, 20 years later, I'd like to just throw some money at the ...
0
votes
1answer
60 views
What are a few backpacking foods that have the calories yet are lightweight? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?
A list of suitable foods for a long hike
I normally carry brown rice, oatmeal, instant potatoes, ...
5
votes
3answers
506 views
Dome tents vs popup tents, are there any inherent pros or cons besides price and ease?
I was lucky enough to be given an almost new double skin popup tent.
Where I'm camping right now it's got windy a couple of times and rainy a couple of times.
A friend of mine who is camping in his ...
3
votes
2answers
240 views
How often should I waterproof a tent?
Currently I waterproof my tents at minimum once a year and often times 2 or 3 times a year. Other than condensation I don't usually have too much of a problem. On the other hand I live and often camp ...
17
votes
8answers
1k views
How can I stay warm in subzero weather?
I'm going on a campout this weekend and the temperature isn't supposed to rise above 0° Fahrenheit the entire time. I've been in subzero weather before and I didn't last long, even with plenty of ...
4
votes
3answers
252 views
What gear for sleeping in wild camping in western Scotland in May?
I intend to go camping in Scotland (mainly the Isle of Mull, that is Western, central Scotland) next week, i.e. last week of May. I have read quite a lot about the weather and know I should prepare ...
5
votes
2answers
65 views
How can I locate the leak in a inflatable pad
I went camping last trip and my nice inflated pad... deflated. I always carry a patch kit but I discovered another issue: I couldn't find the leak. The leak was small. It took quite a while of me ...
6
votes
2answers
421 views
How much heat can a candle lantern provide while winter camping?
In answering this question I tossed out that a candle lantern can add as much as 10 degrees (F) of heat while winter camping. I've heard this tossed about before, but is it true? I assume there are ...
12
votes
6answers
467 views
Is it dangerous to sleep in a tent alone in a forest in -20?
Can I spend the night alone in a tent in a forest outside Stockholm in -20 degrees Celsius without risking my life?
The backstory:
From the end of January, I'm starting my studies in a suburb of ...
7
votes
2answers
194 views
What is the difference between single and double wall tents?
Tents are described being either single or double wall.
What is the difference and when is one preferred over the other?
25
votes
7answers
2k views
How to deal with condensation in a tent?
I often camp in rainy or very humid weather, and I often have condensation forming inside my tent. What can I do to minimize this?
My tent has vents, but I’m not sure how to make the best use of ...
4
votes
3answers
125 views
How do I light a spirit (ethanol) stove when it's cold?
I am very happy with my storm-proof spirit stove. When others are struggling to find a place outside the wind, I can cook wherever I like — provided I can lighten my ethanol fuel.
Trangia stove in ...
10
votes
2answers
167 views
Jerky or Freeze-dried food : Is the salt they contain a concern?
Almost all outdoors activities require having a certain quantity of water to prevent dehydration.
Many types of jerky or Freeze-dried foods contain high amounts of salt. Should that be considered?
If ...
6
votes
3answers
115 views
What lower temperature limit should I look for in sleeping bag for the Appalachian Trail?
I'm planning on hiking about half of the AT Northbound at the start of May 2013. What sort of temperature ranges can I expect to encounter, and what should I look for in a sleeping bag to best suit ...
11
votes
1answer
759 views
What's the difference between a 2, 3, 4, and 5 season tent?
I'm looking to buy a new trekking tent, a good quality one, e.g. Hilleberg, Fjällräven, Vaude, etc. At Vaude they categorise tents in 2, 3, 4, or 5-season. What's the difference between a 4- and a ...
6
votes
2answers
153 views
In what conditions is a four-season tent needed?
Growing up hiking the southern Appalachians, I've never actually needed a four season tent. However we are starting to look at hikes around the country where the temperatures and conditions get worse ...
17
votes
5answers
1k views
Driving tent pegs into rocky ground
Sometimes you can't help but set up camp in an area where the soil is very rocky / stony or firm, especially when wild camping. This can make it incredibly difficult to drive the tent pegs into the ...
14
votes
3answers
402 views
What are some things to keep in mind when stealth camping?
Stealth Camping definition:
Stealth camping is the act of quietly finding a place away from people where you can camp for the night and then quickly slip away in the morning without being ...
12
votes
2answers
124 views
Should I worry about moisture in my inflatable sleeping pad?
I use a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pad. This is not self inflating, so I have to breathe in to the sleeping pad to inflate it.
Are there any precautions for storing the bag to avoid gnarly ...
12
votes
3answers
146 views
What are some proven methods of training for week long backpacking trips in high altitude?
I'm going to Colorado to visit a friend and we will be going on a week long trek across a couple of 14'ners. I'm looking for some ways to help prepare my body for trip.
7
votes
4answers
291 views
Is buying an expensive sleeping bag better?
I went camping a week ago and it was so cold. I woke up many times at night shaking because of the cold. I have a cheap and old Wal-Mart sleeping bag, and I am thinking about buying one of these $150 ...
3
votes
1answer
138 views
How much garlic in the mountain kitchen? [closed]
How much garlic should I use in the mountain kitchen during backpacking camps?
I'm asking from the perspective of the person who wants to plan such a camp and the menu on it. Walking a lot with a ...
5
votes
0answers
100 views
Campsites in Virginia which allow alcohol? [closed]
Shenandoah National Park allows alcohol, but it's a bit far from me for a one-night getaway with family. Do you know of a list of camp sites in Northern VA which allow alcohol?
14
votes
7answers
533 views
What can I do about those obnoxious biting flies?
In addition to Mosquitos, many of us northwoods campers have been made victim to the vast swarms of biting flies.
Despite slathering myself with DEET, they don't seem deterred, and they especially ...
9
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I use these “guy line runners” to adjust the tension on my tent's lines?
I was given my current tent and I have to admit to being pretty ignorant of tents, having not done much camping since I was a kid some decades ago.
Now when it came time to use the guy ropes I ...
14
votes
2answers
3k views
Are there beaches on the East Coast (US) where one can camp without a permit?
Every summer I have a strong desire to go camping on a beach. However, I've discovered that the places near me (Long Island, New York, northern New Jersey) often either:
Have a limited number of ...
11
votes
4answers
246 views
What to look for when purchasing a fixed blade knife
I'm planning on doing some back country canoe camping this summer. I would like to avoid bringing a hatchet if possible. I also find my folding knifes get full of gunk and I am a little bit afraid I ...
9
votes
1answer
71 views
Dealing with a campsite that is full of rocks or not flat terrain?
What do you do before setting up your tent when the your camping site is either:
full of rocks ?
not flat ?
10
votes
4answers
264 views
I found a Deer Tick on my friend and removed it, what should I do now?
While camping with some friends in Anywhere National Forest, I found a deer tick on a friend. After removing it with tweezers, is there anything else I should do? Should we abandon our trip ...
