c/camping-gear-reviews

My buddy's faith in that fancy camp stove led to a cold dinner disaster

Everyone loves those compact camp stoves, but when ours failed during a group trip, we ended up eating cold beans. It was pretty awkward trying to explain why we didn't have a backup.

Pro tip: Rethink your stove choice after a windy day at the riverbank

I used to prefer ultralight camping stoves (you know, the tiny ones) for how easy they are to carry. But after seeing a few tip over in strong winds at our local riverside spot, I now use a heavier, steadier one. Has local weather ever made you swap out a piece of gear?

I always saw extra tarps as useless until my dad's tent flooded

I used to think packing spare tarps was just adding bulk with no real point. On a recent trip, my dad came along and his old tent leaked during a downpour. We dug out our extra tarp and draped it over his tent to stop the water. That simple move kept him dry and let everyone sleep through the night. If we hadn't brought it, he might have gotten sick or we all would have packed up early. Now I get that having backup gear for family makes trips way less stressful. I always toss in an extra tarp now, no matter what the forecast says.

Down sleeping bags failed me in the rain. Synthetic is my new go-to.

My pricey down bag got wet on a coastal trek. It clumped up and offered no warmth. I swapped it for a budget synthetic bag. This one stays effective even when damp.

I miss the smell of kerosene lanterns. These LED lights feel like you're in a hospital, not the woods.