Camping is fun

More how to choose a camping stove

More How to Choose a Camping Stove

When purchasing equipment for the outdoors, I always use the same thought process. How often am I going to upgrade my equipment based on the new radical improvements that the manufacturer will come out with? How long before my existing equipment will become obsolete and I will have to replace it? How long will it be before I have a disadvantage with my existing equipment? When the time came to choose a camping stove, I decided that I would choose the best camping stove that I could afford based on the use of the camping stove.

The important considerations in choosing a camping stove are: Where you going to be camping and how many people do you have to cook for?

Size and weight
Camping stoves can weigh from a couple of ounces to many pounds. The stove that you would carry for backpacking is completely different from the stove used while car camping. Keep in mind that the weight of the lightweight burners do not include the fuel (either a fuel cartridge or tank).

Automatic push button ignition
Many lightweight burners come with a push button ignition. Always carry matches in case the ignition becomes defective and does not light the burner. The larger stoves have two burners for cooking two items at the same time and those stoves are usually used for car camping or boating, etc.

Carrying case
Most lightweight burners come with their own bag to protect the burner from becoming damaged. If the burner does not have a bag, purchase a padded bag for protection.

Fuel is available
Whatever fuel needs to be used with the stove (Propane, Butane, Isobutene, White Gas, etc.), be sure that the places you intend to camp have access to fuel in case you need extra fuel.

Duel features
Some fuel can accommodate a lantern head which allows both cooking and the use of a night light. This is an extra option even though the lantern head must be purchased, too.

Adjustable flame
A knob or little bar will allow the stove to be adjusted to different flames. This makes cooking much easier.

Wind screens
Another option available for the camping stove is a wind screen which will not only block the wind, but also will help to heat the water and food faster since the wind screen traps the heat.

Propane, Butane or Isobutene canister fuel
These fuels are the easiest to use; turn the gas on and push the ignition and the stove is lit. The disadvantage of these fuels is that the canisters have to be deposed of properly. When the can is partially empty, it takes longer to boil the same amount of water and the stove does not function properly in below freezing weather. These fuels tend to simmer better and they are clean burning. When the burner is removed from the canister, the canister reseals itself.

Liquid fuel
Liquid tanks can be refilled, work better in colder weather and burn hotter. They tend to be more expensive than the lightweight burners, larger and heavier. The liquid fuel stoves can use a few different fuel types which is an advantage if certain types of fuel are not readily available. You should always have a second tank available if your only tank becomes unusable.

Choosing the right camping stove for your needs will add to your camping enjoyment. Choosing the wrong camping stove will turn your cooking into a nightmare. Don't forget to learn how to maintain your camping stove correctly because incorrect methods might damage your camping stove.

Text by Philip Tulin from www.outdooreyes.com

Camping Checklist

After reviewing this checklist please visit directcampingstoves.com to find your perfect camping stove.

Shelter
Bedding
__Tent
__Sleeping bag
__Ground cloth/tarp
__Sheets/blankets
__Extra stakes
__Pillow
__Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes
__Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp
__Axe or hammer
__Air pump
__Mat for tent entrance
__Repair kit for air mattress
__Dust pan/brush
__Utility bags for storage


Cooking
__Large water jug & water bucket
__Potholders/oven mitts
__Coolers/ice
__Pots and frying pans with lids
__Thermos
__Soap for outside of pots and pans
__Camping Stove with fuel/propane
__Cook utensils-spatula, knife, spoon
__Matches/lighter
__Tongs
__Charcoal/firewood/buddy burner
__Skewers/grill forks
__Dutch oven/tin can stove/box oven/etc
__Can opener/bottle opener
__Campfire grill/BBQ grill
__Folding table
__Fire starters/newspaper
__Dutch oven
__Tablecloth/thumb tacks/clips
__Pie irons
__Plates & bowls/paper plates & bowls
__Mugs/paper cups
__Silverware/plastic silverware
__Mixing bowl
__Measuring cups
__Cutting board
__Heavy-duty aluminum foil
__Ziplock bags
__Paper towels
__Napkins
__Trash bags
__Dish pan
__Dish soap
__Dish rags/towels
__Clothes pins
__Scrub pad/brillo
__Cooking oil/Pam spray
__Seasonings/sugar/condiments
__Containers for food storage
__Potato peeler


Clothes
Personal
__Shoes/boots
__Shower shoes/flip flops
__Jeans/pant/belt
__Towels/washcloth
__Shorts
__Soap in plastic case/shampoo
__T-shirts
__Tooth brush/tooth paste
__Socks/extra socks
__ Deodorant
__Hat
__Comb/brush
__Bandana
__Razor
__Sweatshirt/jacket
__Feminine products
__Underwear
__Toilet paper
__Sleep clothes
__Shower bag or 5 gallon bucket
__Rain gear
__Camping shower/shower pump
__Swim suit/towel
__Other personal items
__Laundry bag
__Personal medications--take extra


Miscellaneous
__Sunscreen/chapstick
__Flashlight/batteries
__Lantern with fuel/mantles
__Pocket knife
__Extra batteries/bulbs
__Plastic grocery bags
__Compass
__Binoculars
__Bug repellant/candles
__Rope/clothes line
__Whistle
__Canteen/water bottle/coffee pot
__Water filters/purification/treatment
__Bungi cords/straps
__Camera/battery/film/video
__Cards/games/toys
__Books/magazines
__Duct tape/electrical tape
__Candles
__Notepad/pen
__Maps/directions
__Reservations info./confirmation
__Misc. tools
__Cell phone/charger & 2-way radios/walkie talkies
__Backpack/fanny pack
__Small shovel
__Fishing gear/license/bait
__Safety pins
__Radio
__Money/ID/credit card/quarters
__Musical instruments/song books
__Bikes/helmets
__Camp chairs
__Travel alarm clock
__Sunglasses
__Work gloves
__Hammock
__Umbrella
__First aid kit
__Hand wipes
__Tissues
__Drinks/snacks
__Saw/axe
__Small sewing kit
__Park map/guidebooks/trail maps
__Fire extinguisher
__Lantern pole or hanger
__Hot chocolate/tea bags/coffee
__Collapsible drying rack
__Scissors
__Popcorn
__Watch
__Marshmallows, Graham crackers, Hershey bars (Smores)
__Tell someone of your plans - give details of where you are going and when
you expect to return, give directions and possible alternative roads that you may take, provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers, hand-held radio channel and codes that you will use, and provide local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, Sheriff Dept, etc.) for the county or area that you will be in.






Basic First Aid


**The following list is only a suggestion of some of the supplies you should consider for your first aid kit. You should personalize your kit to meet your needs, activities and situations. The key to a good first aid kit is its usability. What supplies to include and how much of each item should be based upon your individual needs.


__Personal medications
__Triangular bandages
__Roll bandages
__Misc. Band Aides/bandages
__Adhesive tape
__Anti-acids (Tums, Rolaides)
__Antiseptic wipes
__Antibiotic cream
__Sterile gauze pads
__Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Naproxin
__Cotton swabs
__Hydrogen Peroxide
__Tweezers
__Ace bandages
__Safety pins
__Sunburn lotion
__Scissors
__Burn ointment
__Bee sting kit
__Snake bit kit
__Sinus medications
__Eye drops
__Tissues
__Poison ivy cream/cleansers
__Bug repellant
__Heat/cold packs
__Sunscreen
__Small flashlight
__Notepad/pen
__Latex gloves
__Sterile compresses
__Antibacterial soap
__Splinting materials
__Thermometer
__Personal information/contact person
__Coins for emergency phone calls
__Feminine products
__Antibiotic soap
__Ipecac
__Butterfly bandages
__Razor blades
__Twine
__Plastic bags
__Mole skin for blisters
__Small bottle of water
__Road flares
__Blanket
__First aid manual
__Other personal needs
__Nail clippers
__Small mirror


*Take a First Aid class and a CPR class -- keep current on this information
*Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container
*Keep the contents organized
*Know how to use everything in your first aid kit
*Inspect content often, re-supply as needed
*Keep readily available at all times

Camping Checklist Courtesy of LoveTheOutdoors.com

Questions to ask yourself before looking for a stove.

Here is a list of the first few questions you need to ask yourself before even beginning to shop for a camping stove.

1. Where will I be camping regularly?
2. Will I need to hike to the camping location?
3. What types of weather will I be camping in?
4. What types of food will I be cooking?
5. How do you camp?(roughing it or camping in style)
6. How many people will you be cooking for?

Of course the answers to these questions will vary greatly depending on the person so your needs will also be different as well. Below i will describe some of the different answers a person may have to these questions.

1. Where will I be camping regularly?

On top of a mountain, under a bridge with the trolls, at a lake, or in the middle of the desert. If you are camping on top of a mountain you won't want to carry a 20 pound stove up the mountain. On top of a mountain you won't have a table to place your stove on. In fact you may not have hardly any room at all. If you are camping at a lake 30 steps from a parking lot size and weight won't be an issue. You could buy a tabletop stove and it will work great. You could buy a stove that weighs 100 lbs and it probably wouldn't be an issue.

2. Will I need to hike to the camping location?

Many of the same considerations from above apply here as well with one main additional consideration space. this matters in both your backpack and your car. You don' want to buy a stove that will take up all of the space that you have.

3. What types of weather will I be camping in?

Windy conditions or storms will cause problems for many small stoves. Especially if the stove doesn't come with some sort of wind shield.

4. What types of food will I be cooking?

If you are cooking very simple meals then you can cook it on a very basic stove or an advanced stove. If you eat while camping like I do then having a good quality stove makes a much bigger difference. I tend to eat better while camping then I ever do at home.

5. How do you camp?(roughing it or camping in style)

Many people camp very rugged others bring air mattresses, sunshields and portable showers. Of course the rugged camper will be happy with a very simplistic stove. The luxury camper would want a two burner free standing camping stove with a holder for their paper towels and tools.

6. How many people will you be cooking for?

The number of people that you will be cooking for changes the way you cook. If you are only cooking for 2 people you don't need a big stove. But if you are cooking for 30 people the smaller the stove typically the longer it will take and the less comfortible you will be.

Welcome to Choosing the correct Camping Stove

Hello,
Welcome to the best resource on the internet for choosing the right camping stove. I will continually add new and helpful articles to this blog that will help you decide what camping stove will be the best for you.
Thanks,
Scott