Helpful Info. What Did You Learn by Camping?

[JoePrep]

I started posting this thread last week and it got long. It was too long for a forum post so, I ended up writing a blog post instead. The gist is that sometimes I go camping and in doing so, I use the equipment that I purchased for off-grid life. Then I learn things about it that I didn't think of before. Some of them seem obvious afterwords and some are things that I already knew about but the lessons didn't sink in without experience.

For example, I learned that cooking with a dutch oven over coals is both time and fuel intensive and although I may use it in a grid down scenario, I need a rocket stove for daily use. I already knew that rocket stoves save fuel but it wasn't until I got to feeling lazy about making coals, that it sank in.

So, my question is, what have you guys learned by camping? Did you learn things that you kind of knew but didn't sink in before?

If you have rocket stove tips and links, I'd like to see them. In the next few months, I'll be looking at getting one and will probably write about my shopping experience. There are so many to choose from, on Amazon.

 

[Brent S]

Practice in the real world is a must. You can read all the books in the world, but doing the things you learned may be completely different from what you thought. One thing that comes to mind is a second cover over your tent. This relates to prepping rule #1, redundancy. There's nothing worse than a night time rain storm and a drip inside the tent. The extra tarp also provides shade and keeps the area around the tent dry, helping with muddy foot prints, etc. Even just practice with starting fires with damp materials is good. The only way to get good with skills is by practicing them.

 

[Brent S]

I started posting this thread last week and it got long. It was too long for a forum post so, I ended up writing a blog post instead. The gist is that sometimes I go camping and in doing so, I used the equipment that I purchased for off-grid life. Then I learn things about it that I didn't think of before. Some of them seem obvious afterwords and some are things that I already knew about but the lessons didn't sink in without experience.

For example, I learned that cooking with a dutch oven over coals is both time and fuel intensive and although I may use it is a grid down scenario, I need a rocket stove for daily use. I already knew that rocket stoves save fuel but it wasn't until I got to feeling lazy about making coals, that it sank in.

So, my question is, what have you guys learned by camping? Did you learn things that you kind of knew but didn't sink in before?

If you have rocket stove tips and links, I'd like to see them. In the next few months, I'll be looking at getting one and will probably write about my shopping experience. There are so many to choose from, on Amazon.

I saw a cool utube video on improvised rocket stoves. One guy made one from stacking bricks. It was really nice with a good sturdy cooking surface. Another dug a hole in the ground for one. It's perk was a lower visibility at night when you don't want to be seen. I think buying one is a great idea, and being able to improvise one if you loose your gear is too.

 

[jimLE]

2 things i've gotten a friendly reminder of..1st,something(s) will be forgotten and left at home. 2nd is.it seems to work better,if the welcome mat for the tent,is inside instead of outside.when it's raining out.on account it don't get as wet or as dirty compared to it being left outside.pluss soaking wet shoes n soaks can be left on it that way..

There's nothing worse than a night time rain storm and a drip inside the tent.

here here on that..

 

[lonewolf]

camping has more to teach about bugging out than actual off grid living, as you get older you realise you aren't Rambo anymore( if you EVER were!) and there is a limit to what you can carry, you also learn what you DONT need. a lot of stuff is superfluous and is carried out and carried back and never used.

 

[Brent S]

camping has more to teach about bugging out than actual off grid living, as you get older you realise you aren't Rambo anymore( if you EVER were!) and there is a limit to what you can carry, you also learn what you DONT need. a lot of stuff is superfluous and is carried out and carried back and never used.

What, I'm not Rambo any more?! Seriously, a good point here. Even a lot that you use could be lived without. Speed and stealth are going to be much more important than comforts in a real bug out. I really like a blow up matteress now days, but I could live without it. My bag would be readjusted by the end of the first day I'm sure. My theory is to first bug out with the vehicle. If that dosent pan out then I hoof it, and that's when many luxuries get left. One word of advice here though. If you're taking the wife and kids camping, take all those comforts. That is if you ever want her to go again.

 

[lonewolf]

depends on what sort of wife one has I guess

 

[Gazrok]

Things I've learned:

1. TP - bring it. Leaves are not a good substitute. If you don't have any, a good flowing creek is fine at least...

2. Use thin pots, cooks faster.

3. Spring fed waterways make great refrigerators.

4. As Brent mentioned, can never have too many tarps.

5. Cots are better than sleeping bags in the rain.

6. Plastic rods are better than metal ones in the wind.

7. Have an airtight container for food with smells (so you don't attract bears). Admittedly, this was far more important when I lived in Kodiak...lol.

8. Bring spices. Also lemon juice, powered butter, etc. Much yummier fish.

9. Plastic, washable dishes and utensils

10. Gather and store wood BEFORE it rains

11. Light sources are more of a need than a want...when it's pitch black, just to avoid injuring yourself.

12. The woods can be boring. Bring some things to do.

 

[Maverick]

I pretty much was raised in the outdoors and the first thing that comes to mind of my experiences is improvise and foraging, camping should be about doing everything with very little thus using more of what nature provides. There is an o'l phrase 'the more you know the less you pack' or 'the more you know the less you carry' Them rocket style stoves are fine for backpacking though I only use mine if we are under red flag warnings or if it is too dangerous for an open fire when backpacking. When camping I use an open fire for all my needs or I would use my old white fuel Coleman stove depending on the fire dangers in the end camping/hiking revolves around common sense and knowledge. Learning to camp the old ways one would garner far more experience than relying on fancy equipment, If one knows nothing of the old ways than the book(s) by Horace Kephart such as 'The Book of Camping & Woodcraft' written back in 1906 would give you some insight the 1910 field size is preferable

 

[lonewolf]

the less you carry the further you can walk, our ancient hunter/gatherer ancestors managed on far less.
I cook and eat out of a billy can, fancy pots are for wannabees.
if you think your "roughing" it your doing it wrong.

 

[Maverick]

the less you carry the further you can walk, our ancient hunter/gatherer ancestors managed on far less.
I cook and eat out of a billy can, fancy pots are for wannabees.
if you think your "roughing" it your doing it wrong.

Yep, the hunter/gatherers only carried bow/arrows or spear, cutting/slicing tool and fire starting tools/tender and sometimes medicinal herbs and bedroll. Pretty simple!

 

[lonewolf]

yes, I don't think someone will learn much from camping by burdening themselves with all the latest gear and gimmicks , that's "camping" at its worst, its not bushcraft and it isn't learning to survive in the woods.

 

[Maverick]

Agree, Woodcraft/Wildwood/Bushcraft all being the same is a must trate for anyone wanting to survive in the wilderness!

 

[Gazrok]

I'd still rather put up a small fiberglass tent in 10 min, vs. build my own shelter...ya know?
Bushcraft is all well and good, but no reason to ignore tech that makes it easier.

 

[Maverick]

I'd still rather put up a small fiberglass tent in 10 min, vs. build my own shelter...ya know?
Bushcraft is all well and good, but no reason to ignore tech that makes it easier.

For a temporary fix though in many cases a 8x10' may offer better advantages that takes up less room and in many cases lighter, it only takes a few seconds to run a ridge line even with no trees. Tarp gives more options for various terrains whereas a tent doesn't give that options, tarps are great for lean-to to various sapling type shelters until a more stable shelter can be constructed

 

[lonewolf]

I know several people who call themselves "bushcrafters" but they always seem to end up on regular campsites with flush toilets and hot shower blocks, usually with a clubhouse and bar, sorry thats not bushcraft!!

 

[Haliboy]

The answer depends on what kind of camping you do.

First is how I think about it: Camping is the act of setting up a camp, hiking is the act of walking in the woods, backpacking is the act of walking in the woods with a backpack (usually with the idea of camping out). So someone camping without backpacking has a car to lug any amount of goods in, that a true backpacker can not.

So for me, backpacking (which admittedly I don't get to do much) weight is very important to my enjoyment of the trip. The more weight I carry the less I enjoy the trip.

Other things I've learned: winter camping at -20C does not need expensive tents or clothes but does need a quality sleeping bag that is warm enough. Stamp down the snow before you light a fire. Army surplus sleeping bag holders that were waterproof in 1976 are not still waterproof in 2016 lol. Pots that are too small to stir the contents without it spilling over are no fun. That black ring around the campfire is still hot and will melt your boots, best to stay on the cold white stuff.

For those "bushcraft" high horse types, bushcraft is two words meaning crafts (old word for skills) in the bush (slang for wild areas). Hiking with a map and compass is bushcraft, building a bush shelter OR setting up a tent (canvas or nylon) is bushcraft. Most high horse bushcrafters don't even know that bushcraft is not about using vintage gear, it is about using the most modern gear you have. The old authors DID NO use vintage gear, when a piece of gear wore out and they needed a new item they went to the local (or mail ordered) general store and bought the item that was currently sold in that store.

Get off your high horse, you are no better than any modern day backpacker. For one, Kephart never used a computer, two likely didn't drive to every trail in a car, and three was dependent a whole lot on modern produced gear than the Native Americans before him.

 

[Maverick]

The answer depends on what kind of camping you do.

First is how I think about it: Camping is the act of setting up a camp, hiking is the act of walking in the woods, backpacking is the act of walking in the woods with a backpack (usually with the idea of camping out). So someone camping without backpacking has a car to lug any amount of goods in, that a true backpacker can not.

So for me, backpacking (which admittedly I don't get to do much) weight is very important to my enjoyment of the trip. The more weight I carry the less I enjoy the trip.

Other things I've learned: winter camping at -20C does not need expensive tents or clothes but does need a quality sleeping bag that is warm enough. Stamp down the snow before you light a fire. Army surplus sleeping bag holders that were waterproof in 1976 are not still waterproof in 2016 lol. Pots that are too small to stir the contents without it spilling over are no fun. That black ring around the campfire is still hot and will melt your boots, best to stay on the cold white stuff.

For those "bushcraft" high horse types, bushcraft is two words meaning crafts (old word for skills) in the bush (slang for wild areas). Hiking with a map and compass is bushcraft, building a bush shelter OR setting up a tent (canvas or nylon) is bushcraft. Most high horse bushcrafters don't even know that bushcraft is not about using vintage gear, it is about using the most modern gear you have. The old authors DID NO use vintage gear, when a piece of gear wore out and they needed a new item they went to the local (or mail ordered) general store and bought the item that was currently sold in that store.

Get off your high horse, you are no better than any modern day backpacker. For one, Kephart never used a computer, two likely didn't drive to every trail in a car, and three was dependent a whole lot on modern produced gear than the Native Americans before him.

There is a difference between woodcraft/bushcraft than that of general camping, you are right, bushcraft isn't about vintage equipment but it is about learning to live and survive in the back country. Camping in of itself takes very little knowledge. I have used the equipment I was raised with 40s/50s and 60s and still have all my equipment, equipment my kids enjoy today. Me on the other hand opted for some modern equipment but maintaining the old knowledge of woodcraft. Camping should also be about learning the old ways if not for living and survival than about keeping the past alive.

 

[Haliboy]

Maverick, I think we are pretty much on the same page.

One of the things I'd like to learn is hunting, but it wouldn't just be about killing a deer. There is a whole set of bushcraft skills that goes along with hunting, some of which include: knowing your animal, tracking, navigation, weather knowledge, skinning, etc. Even with a modern rifle, a truck, Google maps, and coming back the same day; there is a whole lot of bushcrafting going on there.

 

[drt4lfe]

Camping is like Church, people go for a variety of reason.....just going is mostly all that matters....go light or go loaded up.....just start taking your kids early and they will always want to go, don't wait till they are teenagers....when they are young they will not mind burnt hotdogs, being dirty and no TV.......Camping does not mean you have to re-enact Rambo or Jeremiah Johnson and survive off of nothing.....fun, relaxation and stress relief...

 

[Maverick]

Camping is like Church, people go for a variety of reason.....just going is mostly all that matters....go light or go loaded up.....just start taking your kids early and they will always want to go, don't wait till they are teenagers....when they are young they will not mind burnt hotdogs, being dirty and no TV.......Camping does not mean you have to re-enact Rambo or Jeremiah Johnson and survive off of nothing.....fun, relaxation and stress relief...

Unless one is learning wildwood (aka bushcraft) traits such as building shelter, fire or practicing navigation and learning foraging. Camping can be a learning experience and not just relaxation

 

[drt4lfe]

If you wanna do bushcraft and survival stuff that is fine ( Recreational ) Camping is just that.....

 

[DrHenley]

I learned that...

I'm allergic to pine smoke
Never pitch your tent on an incline
Being out in the cold increases your libido
Just because the sky was clear at 10 pm when you decided to sleep under the stars doesn't mean that there won't be a downpour at 3 am.
If someone tries to get you to go on a snipe hunt, SAY NO!

 

[Maverick]

If you wanna do bushcraft and survival stuff that is fine ( Recreational ) Camping is just that.....

I don't know, I always thought it to be recreational to teach my kids and boy scouts on many of our journey's. Recreational is viewed differently from person to person and since I don't do it for employment it is considered recreational by definition

 

[drt4lfe]

whatever floats your boat maverick.....I replied to what ( my thoughts ) were about Camping ( Recreational ) and you started telling me otherwise.....by all means do whatever you want.....

 

[lonewolf]

i think there is a difference between American camping and British camping, most british people when they talk about camping its mostly about going to a registered camp site with a shop and flushing toilets, even showers too, whereas I think most Americans are referring to what we would call "wild" camping with no resources only what we can carry on our backs.

 

[drt4lfe]

i think there is a difference between American camping and British camping, most british people when they talk about camping its mostly about going to a registered camp site with a shop and flushing toilets, even showers too, whereas I think most Americans are referring to what we would call "wild" camping with no resources only what we can carry on our backs.

Americans camp at sites with showers and stuff too, more so than those who ( wild ) camp....Camping in America can run from million dollar RV's to lightweight minimum travel light, freeze at night hardcore extremists....most pull a RV behind a truck, rent a spot, hook up water, sewage, and electric, party hard for a few days to a few weeks and then go home....or a few buddies get together and setup to hunt for a few days....I have no doubt there are many British hardcore adventure types that rough it also....some like to lay in a lounge chair all day, drink beer and cook on the grill( most Americans )....some like to test themselves...

 

[lonewolf]

I've mostly gone for the "wild" type camping, what we used to call here "backpacking", no roads where I went, no stores either,carrying everything on my back.

 

[DrHenley]

"Wild Camping" as you call it would generally be referred to as "Backpacking" or "Camping Out" by Americans. But in truth, it is a spectrum with no hard and fast boundaries. What I generally call "Camping" would mean pitching a tent (or sleeping under the stars on the ground) and building a fire with scavenged wood, whether or not you drive up to the campsite or hike to it. There might be a subtle distinction between "Camping" and "Camping Out." I haven't really thought about it.

Sleeping in a permanent tent on a platform would not be "Camping" in my book. Although the place could be called a "Camp." "Deer Camp" could mean a "cottage" in the woods (or near the woods) with all the luxuries of home. But staying at deer camp isn't "camping."

 

[Maverick]

i think there is a difference between American camping and British camping, most british people when they talk about camping its mostly about going to a registered camp site with a shop and flushing toilets, even showers too, whereas I think most Americans are referring to what we would call "wild" camping with no resources only what we can carry on our backs.

Very few wild camp (aka primitive camping, they don't call it wild camping anymore) in this Country today. As drt4lfe stated above, most folks in the US pay opt for the luxury and convenience. We never used them paid camp sites ourselves, we either hiked/packed in or we taken our horses and a few times used the quads. The whole thought of driving in and setting up camp around other unknown campers just doesn't appeal to me.