Camp Recipes Blog » wilderness

Backpacking Food Source

Stu — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:27:13 +0000

This article will be the first of a series of short posts that will discuss great places to purchase backpacking food, ingredients and cooking gear.

I am a long time user (and an affiliate) of a wonderful resource for backpacking food; WildernessDining.com. The site is part of Wilderness Ventures and it specializes in backcountry food, bulk ingredients, cooking gear and accessories. My most recent order, for use on a 4 day backpack trip in Colorado’s Lost Creek Wilderness, included powdered egg mix, freeze-dried raspberries and freeze-dried ice cream. Highly recommended.

Play Outside

Stu — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:15:38 +0000

Nothing can make an outing less enjoyable than showing up to the trailhead out of shape. Veteran hikers and backpackers know that they will need a reservoir of energy and stamina to fully enjoy the wilderness. Staying physically fit is something every hiker needs to do but often has a difficult time fitting into their busy days. But does it require a gym membership or a punishing running schedule? Happily, the answer is no. Just play outside.

Five ways to play yourself into shape.

Walk or jog around your neighborhood. Invite a family member or a neighbor along. Walking and jogging area great was to reduce stress and improve lung capability. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to get into the routine of a daily walk.
Volunteer to do the yard work. Whatever the weather, there is always something that needs done outside your home. Mowing, shoveling, and gardening all will help you build muscle and burn calories. Live in an apartment or a condo? Offer to assist an elderly neighbor with their chores.
Your bike can take you almost anywhere. Not only does bike riding provide great exercise and build a strong cardio system, it allows you to get out and enjoy the fresh air. But don’t forget to wear your helmet.
Swimming is a great way to get into and stay in shape. If you don’t already know how to swim, consider taking lessons. You never know when you might need those swimming skills in the backcountry.
Toss around a ball or Frisbee with someone you enjoy spending time with. Children will have fun practicing their hand eye coordination while you improve your balance and flexibility.

Make it your goal to engage in an outdoor fitness activity several times a week. So next time someone calls and asks you if you can come out and play, tell them YES.

Note: Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

The Wilds

Stu — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:20:03 +0000

To be immersed in the wilderness, without the angst of just-another-day, is an incredible experience. Comprehension of place, purpose and priority become increasingly clear with the passing of each wilderness night.

- Stu -

The Best Wilderness Tool

Stu — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:16:59 +0000

Don’t leave home without the most essential survival tool—a healthy, well-conditioned body.
-Scouting Magazine

Stay Healthy in the Backcountry

Stu — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:10:35 +0000

Nothing can spoil a wilderness outing quicker than illness. Failure to adequately wash your hands is a major cause of infectious diseases. You can spread germs directly to others or onto surfaces that other people touch. And before you know it, everybody around you is getting sick. The important thing to remember is that some pretty serious diseases—like hepatitis, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea—can easily be prevented if people make a habit of washing their hands.
Hand washing is one easy but often forgotten method of staying healthy while camping. Think about you and a group of 10 people living in the woods for several days enjoying a wilderness adventure. Now think about those same people fetching water, cooking meals, going to the bathroom, treating blisters, blowing their noses; all without the convenience of modern bathroom facilities. Group members can protect themselves and their fellow hikers by washing their hands often. You owe it to the group to keep your hands clean; and the group owes the same courtesy to you.

Technique

Always use biodegradable soap and never allow soap to enter a lake or stream. Make sure that you select a site at least 200 feet from shorelines or other water sources. Hands should be washed by scrubbing with soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to rub the tips of your fingers to allow soap to get under your fingernails. Rinse thoroughly and repeat the process.

You can clean your hands with an alcohol-based gel if you don’t have access to soap and water. If you are using a gel, rub the gel all over your hands and continue to rub until your hands become dry.

When should you wash your hands?

Before preparing or eating food
After going to the bathroom
Before and after tending to someone who is sick
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After handling garbage
Before and after treating a cut or wound