Perhaps it’s hard to appreciate these days, since everyone is in such a rush all of the time. The campfire though is really the one activity that allows you to forget about all of the worries in the world and just enjoy the sights, the heat and most of all, sincere conversation with everyone around you. A phenomenon I notice is that around a campfire, the best stories are always told, as well a true sense of openness and honestly towards each individual. How often does that happe anymore?

I remember back in New York when I would go camping in the Adirondacks near Schroon River. My uncle would load up a boat full of firewood purchased from some local “country gentleman” and I would immediately want nightfall to come. We’d all crowd around, maybe crack open a drink or several, and just talk for hours on end. No TV. No phones. We would simply watch each log burn away as the light and heat radiated around in a circle, providing just enough light for us to see our surroundings.

It’s hard to appreciate that when you’re in the moment, yet when it’s gone, you want to just go back to it. Next time you’re around a campfire, simply take the time and take it in. You’ll feel better that you did.

Most camping stoves are fueled by propane gas or liquid fuel. Some are single burners that are designed to rest on the ground, while others have multiple burners and can be propped on stands much like a typical barbeque grill. The majority feature wind buffers that prevent gusts of wind from interfering with outdoor cooking.

Choosing the type of fuel source for a stove depends largely on the type of camping and outdoor activities taking place. Propane or butane fuel is heavier to carry, so for those who are hiking or backpacking liquid fuel may be the more appropriate choice. Propane is typically easier to light and the flame is simpler to control, so for those who have access to a car or other place to store fuel, this can be a great cooking option.

Camping stoves have come a long way over the years, and modern models can do much more than cook a can of beans. While the traditional stoves are sufficient for many campers, some offer features that can truly enhance the experience. One example is a stove that converts heat from the flame into electrical energy that can charge various USB devices including cell phones and music players.

Factors to consider when purchasing a new camping stove include the number of people food will be cooked for and how many times a year it will be used. Additionally, the amount of time the stove will take to boil water, the weight of the unit, and the quality of the materials should be taken into account. Stoves that will be used regularly, or in harsh elements, should be constructed of heavy duty materials that are resistant to rust. If quick cooking is important, the stove should have a high BTU rating. Higher BTU stoves produce more heat output to cook food quickly and evenly.

Camping stoves can make life in the outdoors more comfortable and enjoyable. With a little research on popular shopping sites and Dish Network channels, campers can find the ideal stove for any situation and budget.

Now there is a whole lot more than just one way to camp on-site.  You can grab a spot with your car, get a tent spot, or you can even rent out what they call a safari tent and go glamping (glamorous camping).  No matter how you will be camping in Indio for the Coachella Music and Arts Festival here are some things that you should keep in mind to make sure that you have a great time while you are there.

• Bring your own food and drink.  Being prepared on any camping trip is essential, even one where you will be surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of people.  Make sure you have the fuel you need to keep going.
• Prepare for desert weather.  Indio, California is technically in the desert.  Days are hot and nights are chilly, so be sure to plan accordingly.  Layered clothing is the best option to make sure you are cool enough by day and warm enough by night.
• Remember that anyone camping has to have a festival pass and has to be 18 or older with a valid form of identification (or with a parent/legal guardian).  Also, campers are subject to be searched at any time.
• There are first aid stations and security on-site for campers at all times.
• Do not plan on having any fireworks, tiki torches, or open flames.
• Camping passes cannot be transferred.  They will only work with the festival pass that they were purchased with.

Coachella’s website also has more tips and information about Coachella camping.  If you will be there this weekend and/or next, be safe and have fun!

-Gaiters. I once left my gaiters behind on a week-long traverse of the Brecon Beacons mountain range in Wales. Big mistake. Just wearing waterproof pants is often not enough. If your trouser cuffs get wet underneath, the water will wick upwards quite quickly. Modern high tech outdoor clothing is usually designed to do this to get sweat away from the body. A pair of gaiters will mean that you don’t have to get the waterproofs out for walking through wet grass or snowy patches and they’ll go a long way towards keeping you dry on boggy ground and when crossing creeks.

-Sleeping bag liner. It can be very tempting to leave these behind, particularly in warmer weather, but they do more than add a few degrees to a sleeping bag’s comfort rating. They also keep it clean. Down bags are notoriously difficult to clean without damage- chucking the liner in the wash is far, far easier.

-Water treatment tablets. These don’t weigh much or cost much but they can save you from some serious inconvenience. This is another one from the ‘mistakes I have made before’ basket. It wasn’t pretty.

-Headtorch. The famous climber Lynn Hill once had to finish one of Yosemite’s longest and most intimidating climbs in the dark with nothing but a cigarette lighter to guide her. That was before the days of the lightweight LED headtorch!

On the other hand, here are a few items that can be left behind, made lighter, or substituted:

-Dry bags. Protecting gear (particularly sleeping bags) from dampness is key to safe trekking and comfy sleeping. Unless your trip will involve a river crossing or will be more than a week long, it’s usually ok to leave heavy duty dry bags at home and pack clothing and sleeping gear in plastic bags inside your rucksack.

-The tent. For trips of a few days or when dry weather can be counted upon, bivvy bags are pretty good. Ultralight tents are also getting incredibly packable these days. A single person solo tent can now weigh in under a kilo so it’s well worth upgrading if you’ve been using the same tent for years. The biggest problem with both options is getting in and out in the rain, and storing/drying gear.

-Tinned food. Unless water will be seriously scarce I prefer to leave canned goods behind. They’re heavy. Go for rice, oats, and dehydrated meals instead. Dry couscous is another really good option and it cooks much faster (and hence uses less fuel) than rice or pasta.

-Cameras. This one’s controversial. Almost every hiker, including me, has regretted not bringing a camera at least once in their outdoor life. It’s great to have photos to share when you get back home and great to have mementos of your trip, but remember that it’s all about being there and having the experience, not taking pictures of it. If the SLR has to stay at home there is always a camera phone or a lightweight digital compact for those who can’t be parted from their photography gear.

Ultimately, the responsibility for safety and comfort on the hills is yours and yours alone. This is nothing more or less than friendly advice based on my adventures and sometimes on my errors. Plan carefully, think about the potential weather and the route, and use the right gear for the task.

Jess Spate has hiked, camped, climbed, and caved for more than 20 years. Along the way she has gotten soaked to the skin, sunburnt, hypothermic, blistered, and enjoyed some of the best moments anyone could hope to experience.

Before you lose all hope in camping however, fear not – we are in the 21st Century now, and things have moved forwards. In our brave new world, we have managed to provide a solution to the long standing gripes of many, regarding such campsite mini breaks.

Glamping manages to fulfil both the desires of those who love the great outdoors, as well as the appetites of those who seek a fine meal and luxurious accommodation alongside rural, peaceful surroundings. In other words, glamorous camping.

Steady now, let’s not associate ‘Glam’ with the over-zealously face painted, permed princes of 80′s Glam Rock band Kiss. Or, for that matter, the sequin smothered pop princesses of the same era. Cast these images from your mind. It may or may not surprise you that Glamping actually has nothing to do with those by-gone glamour-pusses.

From relaxing in an on-site sauna to foraging for cocktail ingredients, a Glamping weekend is sure to please even the most demanding of holidaymaker. The modern day camper is subjected, not to scampering in drizzly misery for fire wood, but to a whole host of pampering activities to make the stay as tranquil and picturesque as possible. As a happy glamper, you may even receive Columbus spa type treatments, with the option to unwind with massage and face mask therapy. If these sedentary appeasements do not tempt you to a weekend of Glamping, then perhaps the prospect of yoga; hiking, kayaking, fishing, foraging, exploring, cycling or even hula-hooping, do?

With all of these overwhelming opportunities provided by Glamping, there should be no limitation as far as who could try Glam-Camping. The trend has grown to become very popular amongst women in the UK, although luxury camping weekends and holidays are ever increasing amongst couples, groups of friends and families.

Many feel that this opulent breed of camping is perfectly suited to provide friends and family with the ideal birthday surprise, a relaxing get-away from a busy working week, or even an unforgettable Glamping hen weekend. The possibilities for enjoyment, relaxation and adventure are distinct, and very suitable for both a romantic escape, a group of friends, or a young family looking for their first, exciting holiday, with provision for both parents and children.

On top of all this, the seclusion from the mundanity of suburbia that Glamping provides can be found within a stones throw of your own home, more often that not. Well, perhaps slightly further than stones throw, but Glamping certainly does not require a limited leg-room odyssey, hunched up in the back of a Boeing 747, in any case. It goes without saying that this plush, stylish turn on traditional camping costs a fraction of the price of jetting off to far flung destinations on the continent.

Particularly recently, in the unrelenting heat of the economic climate, the cost of such international escapades is not most welcomed by many cash strapped Brits. Why flick endlessly through brochure after brochure of blissfully disguised third-rate hotels from abroad, when the ideal escape this spring, or summer, is right before you? Spare your blood pressure a thought – abandon the stress, queues and delays of the airports and seek a venture into the unspoiled greenery of Britain. Many have realised the sense in this already, with 4 million less Brits travelling abroad in 2011 – a 7% decline compared with figures from 2010.

So why turn down a cost effective summer break, to the long overlooked back garden of you home country? It may provide you with everything you had been scouring those piles of glossy brochures for, and more.

Polestars offer Glamping weekends, and lots of other hen weekend activities throughout the UK.

Buy Quality

It’s always nice to get a bargain on inexpensive camping gear, but it is important to think twice before purchasing gear that may give out on you when you need it most. For instance, a rain repellent tent that helps to keep the elements out is not something you should skimp on. In the same vein, don’t lose a good night’s sleep because your cheap sleeping bag can’t keep out the cold.

Leave Notice

Give detailed information to a family or friend as to where you will be camping, areas you intend to explore and how long your camping trip will be. This gives them peace on mind and increases your safety, there is nothing worse than being lost in the woods and not having anyone that knows where to look.

Consider Communication

Depending on where you will be camping, cell phone reception might be unreliable or even nonexistence. Prior to your trip, note on your map the closest land phone to your campsite. Many parks, like the Great Smoky Mountains Park, offer land phone terminals at various locations within the park.

Park Radio

Many National Parks, for example, operate a park service radio providing information useful to campers. This includes weather conditions and safety warnings related about areas of the park that are off limits due to downed trees, mud slides or other safety related concerns.

Take a GPS Unit

Having access to and knowledge of how to use a GPS device can help avoid a lot of frustration when you’re not quite certain if you’re heading in the right direction on a hike. In some cases, in can be a lifesaver if you become utterly lost.

The Right Camping Spot

When setting up your tent, consider weather considerations, such as wind or the nearness of any water, before choosing the location. If you’re camping within a campground, you will generally find regulations posted as to where you can set up camp, as well as requirements on food storage, noise, and other valuable information that will make your camping experience pleasant.

Avoid Over-packing

Don’t take too much “stuff” when you’re camping solo. Create a list of the absolute essentials, like a hand-cranked combination flashlight and radio. Take only the clothes you will need. Remember, you’ll be packing this around, if you intend to set up camp at more than one site.

These are just a few of the tips we have for a successful solo camping trip. Make sure above all to be safe and have a great and relaxing time.

Author info

Josh works with OutdoorPros.com which sells everything from camping supplies to hiking equipment.

1. Solar Powered Cellphone Charger:

If your cellphone has ever died on you at an inopportune time, you know how important it is to keep it fully charged. Unfortunately, during a power outage or while camping that’s easier said than done—unless you have a solar charger. With a little shopping around, you’ll find a wide selection of solar cellphone chargers that are both compact and reasonably priced. To further optimize your ability to make calls should an emergency occur, make it a habit to charge your phone with the standard charger at regular intervals.

2. Solar Powered Backpack:

One of the best applications of practical solar technology can be found in the solar powered backpack. Along with all the functionality of traditional backpacks, solar powered backpacks can charge multiple handheld electronics and computers via USB or other included AC/DC adapters. And since backpacks are designed with ultra-portability in mind, you can keep your devices powered up just about anywhere you go camping.

3. Solar Oven or Sun Oven:

Utilizing the power of reflective technology to capture and multiply the sun’s radiant heat, sun ovens can be used to prepare foods in ways that traditional ovens cannot. In fact, many people prefer using sun ovens over conventional ovens in non-emergency situations. With the ability to bake, boil, steam, and even dehydrate food, sun ovens can be used to cook a variety of foods. Since they don’t require any additional power sources, including fossil fuels, they are environmentally friendly and allow you to prepare meals virtually anywhere there is sunlight. Those who intend to use sun ovens during power outages or while camping should try various recipes in advance to insure that meals are both practical and palatable. There are also solar cooking appliances that charge themselves during daylight hours to allow for cooking at night.

4. Solar Generator:

While many homeowners have opted for gas generators as backups during power outages, they are still fuel dependent and can be very dangerous if operated incorrectly. Solar powered generators are a much better small appliance and lighting solution for back-up power in an emergency. With the ability to keep the battery charged and ready for immediate use in the event of an emergency, you can use your solar generator to protect your food, operate lights, and power other small appliances and handheld devices.

5. Solar AAA and AA Battery Charger:

If you have rechargeable AA or AAA batteries, you can continue using them in an emergency with a solar powered battery charger. This can be a much more practical and affordable solution than using disposable batteries. You’ll also find hybrid chargers with internal batteries that can be charged either by conventional wall sockets in about 4 hours or via the sun’s rays in about 8 hours. Once charged, these devices can then be used to recharge batteries, cellphones, or other portable handheld devices anywhere at anytime.

6. Solar Lanterns:

Typically used for camping out, solar powered lanterns are handy to have during power outages. Along with the obvious benefits of illumination, solar lanterns will give you extra peace of mind—knowing that the light sources you’ll need at night are charging up during the day.

7. Solar Radio/Flashlight:

Flashlights and a radio are must haves for any emergency kit. This solar powered device gives you the best of both, without the batteries. Along with the ability to receive emergency broadcast transmissions and a variety of AM and FM stations, these useful units provide bright beams of steady light to illuminate surroundings, along with a flashing light and siren capabilities that can be used to warn or attract attention in acute emergencies. Most of these devices also come with back-up hand-crank generators for added safety.

About the Author: Doug Anderson is a freelance writer for Prepare Wise. Prepare Wise’s emergency food is perfect to store up on to prepare for emergencies.

Research has shown, too, that some herbs are rich in antioxidants and that may prevent cancer cells from growing and lessen the chances for heart disease. Such herbs that are helpful in this way are: cloves, dill, fennel leaves, parsley, sage, allspice and basil. When preparing red meats, besides trying salt and pepper, try using dill, garlic, nutmeg or oregano for more flavor. For fish and chicken, try using cumin, mustard, lemon juice and mint.

For vegetables, use various mixtures of mint, basil, nutmeg, salt or dill. Be careful not to mix all of these spices at the same time. Try just one or two when wanting to add flavor to vegetables. In addition, when making chili, try making it with chicken, pork sausage or turkey. Adding lemon juice when cooking and marinading chicken, will also give it a juicier and more flavorable taste.

In addition, by adding some lemon juice to lettuce, along with some olive oil and salt and pepper, you will have a less expensive, healthier and tastier salad. Some have also found roasted red pepper sauce makes grilled pork or chicken a very tasty meal. Black pepper or cayenne and red pepper flakes add great flavor to such foods as steamed or creamed corn and grilled meats. Also, red pepper flackes are great when topping pizzas and also works wonders when sautéing vegetables and are delicious when preparing spaghetti sauce.

Some have also found that certain spices or an herb rub can add great flavor to turkey. Such spices in herb rub can be smaller amounts of cloves, nutmegs and cinnamon and to balance the rub, add cumin and paprika.

Diet food doesn’t have to be bland and by adding a few spices you will have a better tasting meal and a healthier one! For more information on spices and food check out this website:

Camping is something that can be an acquired taste, for most people you either love it or hate it. For those that love it you have probably already figured out the rules to the camping world, hopefully by some friendly advice not by lessons learned. Although learning things the hard way often is what you remember the most. Even for the experts there is always something new that you can learn, or pass down to a fellow camper.

For those of you that aren’t big campers, but have found yourself getting talked into going on a camping trip here are the  basics rules to survival that you will need to know before you get out there. Gaining as much knowledge about camping before you get out there and give it a shot yourself. If you really don’t know what you are doing it’s  a good idea to bring along an experienced camper just to help you learn the ropes. Who knows, you might come up with a few commandments of your own!