Traditional camp meals are straightforward. Typically, people picture hot dogs and burgers that you can prepare over a small fire. But in actuality, most of what you prepare at home may be prepared at the campsite. There is only one catch: you must have the proper camping cooking equipment. Utilizing the extra-special ingredients of woodsmoke, birdsong, and fresh air, you may prepare meals as creative and delicious as those you enjoy at home with the correct outdoor cooking equipment. With a few tweaks to your camping equipment, even campsite staples like grilled hotdogs and pot noodles can improve—and there will still be plenty of room in the car for the tent, sleeping bags, and charcoal. That’s why we at Outdoor Adventure Store would like to share our advice on the best outdoor cooking gear. Hopefully, with our tips, you can become the most popular person on your camping gear.

A camp stove is a must-have for any camping trip

A camping stove is one of the best outdoor cooking gear you can get. A camp stove is a portable cooking device explicitly created for cooking outdoors while camping, trekking, or having a picnic. These stoves are designed to resist the many weather conditions found in the wild and typically run on propane, butane, or other fuels. Different styles and sizes of camp stoves are available, from compact backpacking stoves to larger family-size stoves with numerous burners. Most camping stoves have adjustable flame control, automatic ignition, and wind protection to make cooking simple and secure. They are ideal for outdoor activities because their design allows them to be portable and small. They are simple to transport and store in a backpack or suitcase; some models include collapsible legs.

Using a camp stove is relatively simple, and it may be a terrific way to warm up food, make coffee, or boil water while you’re out enjoying the great outdoors. However, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensuring safe usage is crucial to prevent mishaps or unnecessary risks. That’s why your camping gear needs to be carried properly. Backpacks designed for camping usually have straps and compartments perfect for carrying stoves, fuel cans, and other camping gear. Using this backpack, you can safely carry your equipment. After the hike, you can put away your gear in a storage unit and keep it safe until your next adventure.

A Dutch oven is perfect for group camping

A Dutch oven is a large cooking pot of cast iron or aluminium. It is generally employed for outdoor cooking, especially when camping with a larger group. It has a snug-fitting lid that aids in keeping heat and moisture inside. Because of this property, it is ideal for slow-cooking stews, roasts, chilli, and other foods over an open flame or charcoal. Dutch ovens come in various sizes and shapes, and most have tripod legs so they can be set upright over hot coals or charcoal for even heating. They might also have a handle on the lid, making lifting it off and checking your food simpler. Dutch ovens would not be ideal for solo camping or short overnight camping as they can be quite heavy.

You can prepare the food in a Dutch oven like in a traditional kitchen before putting it inside the oven. Then, to heat the oven’s lid, add some hot coals or charcoal on top of it and arrange them in a circle around the oven. A Dutch oven’s cast-iron construction effectively and evenly distributes heat, making it ideal for slow-cooking foods that demand constant heat. Due to the uniformity of the heat distribution, it’s also excellent for baking pies, cakes, and bread. When cleaning, use hot water, light soap, and a non-abrasive scrubber to wash the Dutch oven. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh detergents, as these can harm the oven’s seasoning.

Grilling equipment is considered the best outdoor cooking gear

Grilling equipment is essential for outdoor cooking activities such as camping, picnics, or backyard BBQs. Outdoor cooking is a breeze with a portable barbecue. From little hibachi-style grills to bigger gas or charcoal grills with many burners, these grills are available in various sizes and designs. In addition, you will require a variety of utensils to make and serve your grilled meals. Tongs, spatulas, grill brushes, kebab skewers, and grills are essential. Depending on your preferences, your grill might be charcoal or gas. While gas grills utilize propane or another fuel, charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes to heat the cooking surface.

Be aware that temperature management is essential to ensure your food cooks evenly when grilling. You can check the meal’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer, also available with many grills. These are some of the essential grilling tools you might want to think about. For the ultimate grilling experience, selecting equipment that depends on your needs and preferences is critical.

A cast iron skillet is a must-have for any camping trip

The robust and adaptable cast iron skillet is the ideal cooking tool for outdoor cooking when camping. These cast iron skillets are great for outdoor cooking since they can endure high heat and heavy use. Cast iron skillets are excellent for frying or searing foods because they hold heat, one of their most important advantages. They can also be used on a stove or over an open flame, giving outdoor cooking more versatility. Cast iron skillets are helpful because of their non-stick surface, which gets better with use and seasoning with oil. You can use a cast iron skillet to prepare many dishes.

It would be best never to use soap on your cast iron skillet when cleaning it. Instead, wash the skillet with hot water and a stiff brush. After that, season it and prevent rust by slathering it with cooking oil and heating it briefly over high heat.

Having a camping trip doesn’t mean you can’t have the best food possible. In this article, we wanted to share our advice on the best outdoor cooking gear.

Meta: Having a camping trip doesn’t mean you can’t have the best food possible. This article shares our advice on the best outdoor cooking gear.

Trail running is a fantastic way to kick your running and fitness up a notch. It combines a great healthy activity and the ability to experience the outdoors. Understandably, it can be a bit daunting when you’re just starting, especially when surrounded by experienced trail runners with expensive high-grade gear. However, there is no need to stall. Much beginner-level equipment is available to ensure you’ll have the best trail running experience possible. The minimum gear requirement is shallow, and it’s possible to have a great start with only a tiny investment. Let’s go through a list of some of the most crucial equipment that every beginner needs to have a confident start to their trail running career.

Running Clothing

The first thing any beginner needs to understand is the importance of proper trail running apparel. It doesn’t stop at what kind of clothes you will wear. You should also have a deeper understanding of which fabrics and materials are best for this experience.

One of the first items on your list when shopping for your first trail run should be a set of clothing made from moisture-wicking fabrics. This type of fabric achieves two goals. Firstly, it pushes any moisture or sweat to the outer layers of the fabric. And secondly, it dries quickly. Generally, it would be best if each part of your outfit was made from this material. That would include socks, running shorts, underwear, T-shirts, etc.

Next, you should consider what weather you should expect on your track. If you’re expecting wind and possibly light rain, the best option would be to bring a windbreaker or lightweight jacket. However, if you’re going on a winter outdoor adventure, packing on a few extra layers and a more heavyweight jacket will help you ensure your safety and avoid getting frostbite during the run. In addition to all of this, you should also consider investing in some grippier shoes.

Pro Tips

1. Remember to wear layers- This way, if your day starts chilly, you can protect yourself from the cold. But, once the sun starts shining and your heart rate rises, you can take off any clothing items you don’t need.
2. Check your closet – See if you already have any of these things in your home to stay on budget.

The right food and supplements

As fun as it is, trail running can be pretty intense and taxing on the body. That is why proper nutrition is imperative for everyone, beginner and expert alike. Your best bet is to create a healthy mix of specialized supplements (prep and post-running recovery) and nutritional snacks/lunches.

Generally, it’s best to stick to things that are easy to carry, like energy bars, drinks, and gels. You can also make yourself a protein shake if you’re running longer. When it comes to food, you should bring calorically dense foods, a.k.a. “trail running superfoods.” Some examples include nut butter sandwiches, trail mix, granola bars, dried fruits, etc.

Eating schedule

An eating schedule is a homemade piece of “equipment” that every beginner can benefit from. That is especially important for long runs that may take a full day or weekend (ex., organized trail running camping trips). Since it’s common for beginners to struggle with timing food intake, writing down your snack break timetable in a small notebook is a great idea. Eventually, you’ll learn the ins and outs of eating during a trail run, and this item will become obsolete. But it’s great to have the first few times.

Your general plan should be to avoid food breaks for the run’s first part (unless necessary). In the best-case scenario, your first break should be in the middle of the trail, and you can snack intermittently toward the end. You can calculate how much you should eat and how often relative to the length of the second half of the trail. Additionally, if part of your trail is uphill, you should avoid eating before you’re done with that part to avoid any gastric problems.

Hydration equipment

No matter what physical activity you’re doing, staying hydrated is essential. But this becomes even more important when it comes to trail running (or any sort of long-distance running, for that matter). To best explain what kind of hydration gear you need to achieve the best trail running experience possible, we’ll separate it into three levels:

1. Short runs – A large water bottle or waist pack should be enough for short runs;
2. Long trails – If a longer trail is in your plans, you’ll need something more substantial than a water bottle. Consider a trail running hydration pack or vest;
3. Long excursions – If you plan on running a full day, your best bet is to bring a hydration backpack. It’ll offer double service since it’ll also give you additional clothing, food, and other storage equipment.

Account for every part of the run

Trail running starts even before you step on the trail of your choice. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s also essential to prepare your body by doing dynamic warm-ups for running. You’ll only be able to withstand the whole run if you get properly warmed up before it. All of this is to say that you should consider this pre-run workout session when deciding how much water you’ll need to bring.

Sun protection

That is something that beginners commonly overlook. Since a trail run guarantees prolonged sun exposure, equipment that offers protection from harsh rays is necessary. Even a short amount of sun exposure can cause skin damage. That’s why taking a few preventative measures is always a good idea. Here is a short list of some of the best sun protection gear you can use:

1. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher),
2. Bucket hat/Baseball cap/Vizor, Chapstick,
3. Sunglasses,
4. Lightweight clothing to cover as much of your skin as possible without overheating.

Headlamps

These are great for added safety during your run. If night falls before plan, or you end up in a darker area, these nifty gadgets can save your life. While this is a niche-use item, it’s very cheap, so even a beginner can get one without thinking of it as a colossal waste. Plus, chances are you already have one in your garage or shed. Remember to browse a few options to get the most bang for your buck. Ensuring safety is the first part of ensuring the best trail running experience.

To conclude

Trail running is a gratifying and delightful experience. But if you want the best trail running experience possible, it will take some preparation. And if you’re a beginner, you must invest in some new equipment. It’s good to be frugal, but don’t be cheap! As fun as it is, this activity can sometimes be pretty dangerous, and improper gear can put you at risk. But, as long as you gear yourself up with affordable entry-level equipment, you will have a great time on your first trail run.

Ireland is home to some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring coasts. However, the weather isn’t for the usual sunbathing beachfront experience. So, the best way to enjoy the landscape is to embark on one of the coastal hikes in Ireland. These hikes are usually so breathtaking that you’ll completely forget about the lack of beachfront sunshine that most of us relate to the coast. Of course, to fully experience them, you have to do a bit of preparation. This is why we have prepared this short list of some of the best hikes for you to choose from, covering the breadth of the country

#1 The Gobbins Cliff Walk

The Gobbins Cliff Walk is one of the most impressive coastal hikes in Ireland. However, what makes it such is the fact that it’s not just a typical nature walk experience.

The path you’ll be walking on follows the Gobbin cliff faces, but not in the way you would expect. The path isn’t natural, nor is it simply carved into the faces of the cliff. It follows an array of man-made tunnels, bridges, stairs, and gallery structures.

It was first created in 1902 by a railway engineer. After a while, it was reopened in 2014 with an updated series of new bridges and gallery structures. During the walk, you will see caves, cliffs, sea stacks, natural aquariums, and islands.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a beginner-friendly hike. It can be pretty challenging at certain points, and you’ll need a guide to help you navigate the “trail” safely.

#2 Malin Head

This hike is located at the top of County Donegal, Ireland’s northernmost tip. The terrain looks impressive and features unparalleled ruggedness. During the walk, you can also expect to see some interesting historical sites, such as a Napoleonic watchtower and an EIRE sign from the World War II era. Aside from that, you can also expect some incredible nature and dramatic rock pinnacles.

While this walk can be busy during the summer, it’s still definitely worth it. The beauty of its nature won’t leave you wanting, even if you have to share it with others. The hike is about 7 km long, and although the terrain is rugged, it is not too difficult. And most beginners will also be able to enjoy it.

#3 Inis Nee Island Roundstone Loop

Connemara is a place full of amazing hikes. And although most of these are inland hikes that follow the mountains and the national park, it also features one of the best low-level and beginner-friendly coastal hikes in Ireland. The Inis Nee loop is an excellent option for any hiker who wants to get to know the region in a relaxing way. Later on, you’ll be able to start going on hikes that follow all of the things you’ll be seeing during this one.

This 6-kilometre looped hike is located around 3 km from the small village of Roundstone. After crossing a short causeway, the loop follows the small islands of Roundstone Bay. It mainly comprises tiny roads, rough tracks, and narrow laneways. Even though it is a low-level hike, the views will take your breath away.

On one side, you’ll be able to view Roundstone village and the beautiful Errisbeg Hill. While on the other side, you’ll be able to see the Twelve Bens of Connemara. As we’ve previously stated, this is a great introduction hike, whereas later on, you’ll be able to hike both the Errisbeg Hill and a few of the Twelve Bens you saw. After a long day of hiking, you can rest and freshen up at Roundstone.

#4 The Dingle Way

The Dingle Way is a 162 km multi-day hike looping the Dingle peninsula. This is one of the most famous long-distance ways in Ireland. Keep in mind that it does not only feature coastal hikes. It also features a healthy mix of rural trails, which go through a few towns and villages, and inland mountain paths. Even as an experienced hiker, it would be best to research the hike before attempting it. As experts from verifiedmovers.com like to point out, any long-distance voyage, be it moving or walking, should not be taken lightly.

Additionally, there are some lovely beach walks on other days. These include:

• Inch Beach,
• Ventry Beach,
• Wine Strand.

The part of the hike that covers Slea Head will also introduce some archaeology (you’ll mainly be seeing some ancient beehives).

Make sure to plan properly for this multi-day hike since it most commonly takes about a week to hike the entire Dingle Way. Although, this depends on how much you’ll be walking each day. And, of course, you can always choose only to hike the smaller coastal sections.

#5 The Bray to Greystones Coastal Walk

Ireland’s east coast has fewer coastal hikes than the west coast. However, if you are looking for a hike here, The Bray to Greystones Coastal Walk is one of the best options.

It starts at the Bray Train Station and then follows the gorgeous Bray seafront. The ocean views here are unparalleled. You’ll also be able to gaze at some ancient ruins during the hike. However, you’ll have to do it from afar since most are on private land.

This is a 5 km long linear hike, and it finishes at the coastal town of Greystones. Here you can find plenty of beautiful cafes, restaurants, and shops and rest up for a while. Afterwards, you can head back to Dublin using public transport.

To conclude

We hope we have helped narrow the choice between the many incredible coastal hikes in Ireland that are sure to take your breath away. Most of these are available throughout the year. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t forget to take into account weather patterns. If you decide to hike during winter to avoid crowds, ensure you do everything possible to make the hike as safe as possible. Ireland is full of incredible hikes; you shouldn’t stop at these five. However, if you’re new to Ireland, these five will surely entice you to keep going.

Camping is truly a full immersion activity. Nothing really brings you back in touch with nature and lets you escape the hustle and bustle of life as much as camping does. We are real believers that if more people got outdoors and slept under the stars for a night the world would be a better place. But there are many myths that stop people from getting out on a camping adventure. So we are going to bust some of these myths today!

Camping is uncomfortable

Vacation campers know that the experience is never bad if everything goes according to plan. Going to camp is to push yourself beyond your usual boundaries, so be prepared for some uncomfortable situations. Camping could be perfect if you’re looking for a way to break out of your routine. That’s why it’s never unpleasant if you plan ahead. Learning as much as possible about your camping destination is vital before setting out for the first time. So break those common camping myths and enjoy your bonding with nature.

Eating is a hassle while camping

Camping can make it feel like you’re out of luck when it comes to food, but this is far from the truth. There are tons of great recipes out there that can have you eating like kings under the stars while also not causing you to bring your whole kitchen with you. Prepping your meals before your camping trip is a great way to do this. Instant meals are also a great way to cure that hunger outdoors while also keeping luggage weight down.

It will be cold no matter where you camp

One of the most common camping myths is that you will freeze at night when camping. Frigophobia is the fear of cold experienced by those who camp in tents. But it doesn’t mean it has to be a real fight. If you’re going camping in the winter, you should take extra precautions to ensure you have the right gear for winter camping. Tents and sleeping bags designed for temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celcius are great ways to beat the cold nights. Wearing garments with a water-repellent covering is essential if you want to be warm in the rain or snow. And what about the old wives’ tale that it’s impossible to keep a fire going when it’s raining? That is also incorrect.

You won’t get a good night’s sleep

Clinical sleep educator Martin Reed claims that camping improves sleep quality. According to the creator of Insomnia Coach, “research shows that avoiding artificial light and exposing our bodies to the natural rise and decrease of light associated with dawn and dusk may help reset our internal body clocks and boost sleep quality.” Even if you’re just going to be sleeping in a tent or a cabin, you might as well bring a mattress. The convenience and ease of use of air mattresses have come a long way since the first models were created (in 1889).

Bringing only a GPS is enough is one of the most dangerous common camping myths

There’s no way to pack up and leave the house for a camping trip or overnight stay somewhere else unless you have a map and are familiar with the area. Exploring uncharted territory is thrilling, but not if being lost is a cost you have to pay. Even if your phone has a GPS, you could still get lost in a foreign area for many reasons. This means you need a good compass, map or guide to help you find your way. And while camping is fun, incidents can happen. You need to know how to treat basic injuries and be prepared.

Moss only grows on the north side

Moss prefers cool, damp, and gloomy places to grow. While the north side of trees receives less sunlight in the northern hemisphere, the east, west, and even south sides of trunks can support moss growth due to other trees, giant boulders, and sloping soil. In order to find your way, a compass is a much safer bet. So be sure to pack all the necessities for camping. But be sure not to pack too much. As our friends at Big Man’s Moving Company say, “Less is more.” You don’t want to be over-encumbered by things you will never use.

Camping is bad for your health

Many are concerned that the health risks associated with relocating to a camp in an uncharted location or experiencing significant environmental shifts may outweigh the benefits. However, there are no potential health risks if you adhere to all of the camp’s safety protocols. Camping can even improve your mental health. Of course, you should take the necessary precautions to maintain your health. However, the idea that going to camp can harm your health is entirely unfounded. There is in fact a ton of health benefits in spending time outdoors!

Camping is boring

Those who have never camped are likely to believe this frequent misconception. One only needs to ask a camper to hear how much fun camping can be. You might think there is nothing to do at a camping area, but once you get there, you’ll find that there’s actually quite a bit. Camping with your pals is a novel way to spend a vacation. When you have the right people around you, camping can be the most relaxing and rejuvenating of all the fun things to do.

In conclusion

The vast majority of people actually believe these common camping myths. However, they are totally off-base and wrong. Therefore, get out there and go camping! And if you never tried camping. Just take the first step. After your first adventure, we’re sure you will enjoy regular camping trips with your friends and family.

Camping has many benefits for your mental well-being, which is why many people love it. It allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban lifestyle and concrete jungles. It helps you reconnect with nature and find peace. However, preparing adequately for your camping trip is extremely important. 

With winter on its way, many people are slowly getting ready to spend their nights camping in a tent surrounded by frost or even snow. Experienced campers know pretty well how essential the preparation for camping in freezing weather is compared to camping in the woods during summer. If you’re used to regular camping in a warmer environment, be prepared to pack more gear for your winter camping venture. Let’s discuss some gear essentials for winter camping.

Proper clothing

The first and foremost item on the list. Your clothes are the primary means of keeping yourself warm. On top of the standard thick winter clothes, you will need a proper outdoor jacket. Your winter jacket will have to be waterproof and able to resist harsh winds that often gust on mountains. It should also have a water-resistant hoodie to provide further warmth to your head.

Your winter boots are another extremely important piece of clothing to consider. Good winter boots are able to keep your feet warm and dry even in knee-deep snow. The soles need to be comfortable so that you can travel without your feet hurting while hiking.

Some other pieces of clothing to consider for winter camping are warm and water-resistant gloves or mittens, a winter hat that covers your ears, socks that go up to your knees, insulated trousers, base layers and a fleece jacket. Consider the weather you expect to encounter on your camping trip and pack accordingly.

Snow-walking equipment

If you’re camping in the wilderness surrounded by frost or untouched snow, you will need ice grips or snow shoes. Traversing frozen ground or snow is not only tiring but can be dangerous. You need something that will give you grip when walking on frozen terrain or something to spread your weight evenly if hiking in snow

Choosing the right tent

One of the main gear essentials for winter camping is, of course, the tent. However, you will need a more durable tent for winter camping than you normally would during meek summer days. Winter tents, also known as 4-season tents, are heavier-duty than regular ones. They are able to withstand harsher winds and keep you warmer. They are also generally smaller than regular tents and are thus easier to pack and carry.

How you pack your tent is going to majorly influence the amount of space it takes. A well and tightly-packed camping gear will allow you to bring it along safely without wasting room in your backpack. It is not just the tent itself you have to worry about when packing camping gear, however. There are also tent poles, stakes, your sleeping bag, and other items you’ll have to find room for in your backpack. This is why it is important to know tips for packing camping gear that is bulky.

Tools for navigation

Having a way to orient yourself is essential to avoid getting lost, especially at night, so it is good to always have a phone app, a GPS, a map, or a simple compass on you. Unfortunately, phone batteries drain faster in cold weather. Keep your phone tucked into your jacket to prolong its battery’s lifespan, and make sure it’s fully charged before leaving the camp.

Lightweight snow shovel

Shovels are highly versatile. It is crucial to have one in case of an emergency. However, you can also use it around your camp. You can construct wind barriers around your tent by piling up snow. This will provide an additional layer of protection to your camp for extra warmth. The shovel will need to be lightweight and not too big, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your backpack.

Keeping yourself warm at night

The choice of your sleeping bag is going to drastically change how warm you will be at night. You want to get a proper cold-weather sleeping bag rated for temperatures lower by at least 5 degrees than you would expect them to be.

An insulated sleeping pad is another one of the gear essentials for winter camping. It puts distance between you and the cold ground. Without it, your sleeping bag will lose a lot of heat it’s trying to conserve.

Food preparation

Finally, there is the question of food preparation. Being able to have a hot meal or drink is one of the best ways to increase your body temperature in cold weather. Your stove will need to be reliable and efficient. For this, canister stoves are your best best. They are compact and very easy to use and carry. Some canister stoves have additional features that shield the burner, allowing you to use them in very windy conditions. Remember to always bring a few more fuel canisters for your stove than you think you’ll need.

Final thoughts

As you can see, winter camping takes a bit more consideration and preparation than camping during warmer seasons. There were some of the gear essentials for winter camping for you to keep in mind. Good luck on your next camping trip, and stay safe!