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How do you camp in a small car? (Comfortably with 7 tips!)

Camping Tips

Camping in a small car might not be super convenient, but you can enjoy your adventure with adequate preparation and proper gear. Many campers ask me – Can you sleep in a small car? How do you camp in a small car?

Yes, you can sleep in your car, but you might need to follow some safety measures to avoid anything unpredictable. You will have to understand the space limitation and plan your trip accordingly. Therefore, to camp in a small car, you should: 

  • Go with multi-purpose and small camping items and use your space intelligently. 
  • Bring a car mattress and window screens to improve comfort and safety.
  • Set up your car and maintain it clean
  • Invest in a rooftop rack or rooftop box
  • Consider a rooftop tent to allow for more space.
  • Consider an awning tent
  • Have a back-up plan

Let’s go through these tips in detail below and try to answer common queries from car campers! 

how do you camp in a small car

How to camp in a small car - 7 Tips to make your trip comfy!

Tip 1 - Pack smartly

So, first things first, you will have to start packing in a clever, compact and organised manner to save space inside your vehicle. Pack your essentials, including food, drink, and emergency supplies, and keep them on the front passenger seat to facilitate access. 

Once you have finished your essentials, consider extra items to allow for extra comforts, such as pillows, foldable chairs and tables, firewood, and any other items that you might deem necessary.

Also, I prefer multipurpose items while camping in your small car. Find gears that can serve two to three purposes, and you can manage with only a few things if most of them are multipurpose. 

For example, with a smartphone you probably do not need to carry a GPS or a music player. Also, you can use the tube of toilet paper as a campfire starter, the sweater as your pillow, and one cup for all the drinking purposes.

You might not have access to power in your location, so consider bringing:

Tip 2 - Use car specific camping gear

There is some essential car camping gear that will help you during your trip, such as:

  • A car inflatable mattress – you will need to find one that fits your car model (check some options). They will provide you with better comfort and a flat surface and prevent a sore back. No need to say how easy they are to inflate, pack and transport, right?

However, it is essential to understand what is your preferred sleeping configuration. Some people prefer sleeping on the back seat, while others fold back the front seats and prefer this configuration.

In our opinion, the most comfortable way is folding the back seat and putting an inflatable mattress through your car back (see below). 

how to sleep in the back of a small car
  • If you are camping in summer, you might need to leave your windows wide open, and the last thing you want is insects, mosquitos and other animals entering your car! Consider a car window screen that will ensure ventilation and protection. 

Tip 3 - Set up your car and maintain it clean

Once you have decided on your sleeping set-up, think about your car as your tent at a campsite. Therefore, remember to: 

  • Bring a bin to throw away your garbage (keep the interior clean and food correctly stored to avoid bad smells)
  • Bring an outdoor portable shower and toilet paper. 
  • If you are camping in winter, consider a small heater.
  • In summer, park your car under the shade and in ventilated areas. A solar powered camping fan might help as well. 
  • Don’t forget to bring lanterns and lights for nighttime (it might be a good idea to get a 12V model compatible with your car battery)
  • If possible, bring foldable seats and a table. 

Tip 4 - Invest in a rooftop box, bag, or hack

A rooftop box and hack might help you in your camping trips and on your day-to-day tasks. You can find plenty of different models available, but we recommend the following:

  • Rooftop Bags – Low investment for occasional campers – consider a rooftop bag – they will serve the purpose and help you to transport your gear costing around $50. Our recommendation here is FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag that already comes with door hooks, and there is no need to install anything in your car.  You can upgrade for bigger models, if you need to

FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag 

  • Rooftop racks – Medium investment for all campers – The variety of models and sizes for car racks is infinite (crossbars, baskets, etc.). They are a great option for those who want to transport oversized gear, such as bikes and kayaks. Before buying one, it is better to review your requirements and match your needs with the chosen model. 
  • Rooftop box – Medium-to-high investment for all campers – Rooftop boxes are an excellent alternative to carry your load around and ensure flexibility. The advantage is that once it is installed and you do not need to be installing and removing it every trip (as with rooftop bags). As with the other models, there are multiple options in the market, but we are a fan of the Thule rooftop cargo box, which comes at different sizes and prices – check your needs and get your preferred model.

Thule rooftop cargo box

Tip 5 - Consider rooftop tents

Rooftop tents will allow you to camp anywhere with your car and ensure plenty of internal space. If you are a frequent camper or intend to go for long-term trips, there is no need to say that this is the best option. 

There are multiple models available, and you need to check whether they are compatible with your small car or not. Usually, there is a variety of models for SUV and 4WD vehicles, but the Thule Tepui line is suitable for small cars. 

If you have a truck – you are lucky! There are several models to use the back of your vehicle as your shelter! 

Tip 6 - Consider an Awning

A foldable awning tent might provide you with external space to prepare your meals, protect yourself from the sun, and have some time outside. 

Some models can be attached to the back of your car and can provide you with significant extra room, such as the redcamp waterproof awning sun shelter. 

Tip 7 - Have a backup plan

It is always essential to have a backup plan if things go wrong. Bring a small pop up tent and a foldable sleeping bag just in case! 

It might be a good idea test your car set up before going to the road!

How do you sleep in the back of a small car?

First, park your car in a secure and legal place and turn the engine off. 

Make yourself comfortable in the backseat and crack a window to ensure enhanced airflow. Closed windows might cause condensation build-up and create an uncomfortable and humid environment. 

Fold the rear seat bench and use an inflatable mattress that fits your car back. An inflatable bed will offer you the desired comfort and improve your night’s sleep quality. 

Avoid sleeping with the head propped up against your car’s door or windows since you might get neck and shoulder strain (use a travel pillow if you have one). 

Additionally, you can use clothes and screens to cover windows and get the desired privacy while resting in the backseat. A private space will support your sleep and prevent the sunlight from entering and disturbing your sleep.

Even though cars are not airtight and you can breathe in them, it is good to leave some areas slightly open to allow for ventilation. Be careful, though; some people think they can leave the climate control system working (AC / Heater) while sleeping in the car, but this is dangerous and you shouldn’t.  

You can turn your AC system (and engine) on for a couple of minutes to reach your preferred temperature but never sleep with the car’s engineer switched on. 

The fuel combustion releases carbon monoxide (CO) into the air, which increases the concentration of this gas (especially because your vehicle is parked and there is no air circulation). 

The danger is that CO is odourless and colourless, and you cannot notice its presence in the air. Breathing it for a prolonged time in high concentrations might cause some symptoms, such as nausea, headache and even death in the worst-case scenario. 

Conclusion

We hope this article helps you to plan your next camping trip. Car camping can be comfortable and enjoyable if you have the proper gear and plan your days away carefully!

Can you use propane in a butane stove? (Why you shouldn’t!)

Camping stoves, Camping Tips

Gas stoves, including butane and propane, are excellent options for off-grid campers. They provide cooking flexibility, have flame control mechanisms, have plenty of fuel availability, are extremely safe, and produce no fumes. 

If you have a butane model, you probably have wondered or heard another camper telling you that can you use both gases in your equipment. So, ultimately, can you use propane in a butane stove? 

The answer is yes, in theory, you can! However, you must have a suite of specific adapters (Lindal valves and hoses) and fittings to use your stove safely, and even so, they might not have optimal performance, increase fuel consumption (i.e. bad flames – aka yellow flames), and introduce carbon monoxide poisoning risks.

Let’s keep discussing the similarities and difference between these two gases, and understand the impacts of using them interchangeably. 

can you use propane in a butane stove

Propane and Butane - Similarities and Differences

Propane and Butane - Similarities

Butane and propane are a derivative of petroleum and a form of liquified petroleum gas (LPG). Both gases are widely used for commercial purposes and widely used by campers not only for cooking but also for camping heaters.  

They both have high amounts of carbon particles in their composition and have excellent flammability features. However, they also have some discrepancies – let’s explore them below. 

Propane and Butane - Differences

Even though both gases come from the same source, they have different characteristics in many ways. We recently wrote a blog post and undertook a detailed comparison between propane and butane for camping stoves – read it for a thorough explanation.

In summary, the major differences are:

  • Boiling point – Butane has a much higher boiling point (-1°C) than propane (-42°C), which means butane is not ideal for camping in freezing conditions. 
  • Heating output – Butane releases slightly more heat per pound than propane, but the difference is not significant. 
  • Weight – Propane is less dense than butane, but because it is stored under pressure and requires more robust bottles, its canisters are heavier.
  • Storage – Overall, Butane has more storage needs than propane (no exposure to the sun and temperature control). 
  • Costs – Since they are petroleum derivatives, their prices fluctuate following oil commodity prices. However, propane is generally cheaper than butane in the US. 
  • Cooking – Butane is approximately 12% more efficient than propane.  

Why you shouldn't use propane in a butane stove?

As you have seen, even though both gases are good options for camping cooking, they have significant differences that make butane stoves and propane devices different equipment with different internal mechanisms to facilitate combustion. 

If you use them interchangeably, you might face bad functioning. Butane stoves are regulated and engineered to burn the fuel that takes its name, meaning that its valves precisely regulate the amount of oxygen required to burn it properly. 

Propane requires more oxygen than butane for complete combustion, and when it is used in a butane stove, its combustion is only partial. There are many problems and signs associated with this partial process, such as:

  • Yellow flame, which is a clear sign that your burner is not being supplied with enough air 
  • It also indicates an increased release of monoxide carbon (CO), which is dangerous and toxic and might lead to poisoning.

The biggest concern around CO is that it is odorless and colorless. You can get poisoned without noticing, especially if you are cooking in a closed environment, such as inside your tent. 

Among the signs of CO poisoning, we highlight: 

  • Nausea 
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Shortness of breath

If you experience any of these symptoms while using your gas camping stove, turn it off immediately and ensure plenty of ventilation in your camping kitchen (or simply leave the enclosed area and go outdoors). 

Overall, we do not recommend using gas stoves inside your tent, and we have written an article on how to use them in your shelter if you have no choice (i.e. in case of terrible weather outside). 

Are there any stoves that can run from both propane and butane (dual fuel stoves)?

Yes, there are. They are specifically designed to allow the use of both gases and run on them perfectly. Our recommendations are Gas One Propane and Butane Stove (budget-friendly) and Grill Boss Dual Fuel Camping stove. 

Gas one comes with many built-in safety mechanisms, such as the Pressure Sensor Cartridge Ejection System And Gas Flow Cut Off Mechanism (Butane). As for size, we recommend at least 8,000 Btu to allow for proper cooking. 

GasOne dual fuel camping stove

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Grill Boss outdoor is another excellent option that comes with gas shutoff mechanisms inc case inaccurate gas flow is identified.

Grill Boss Dual Fuel Camping stove

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Can I use a propane-butane adapter in my stove?

As discussed above, we do not recommend using them since you might face malfunctioning and expose yourself to many risks that are not worth assuming, especially considering the low investment in a dual fuel model (below $50!)

When should I use propane or butane?

Well, each fuel comes with benefits and drawbacks. Overall, we recommend the following:

  • Propane stoves will work better during harsh winter conditions because of its lower boiling point. 
  • Backpackers and hikers broadly use butane stoves because of the weight of butane canisters (they are considerably lighter than propane cylinders).

However, to pick one, you should also consider availability, costs, and storage requirements before making your choice. 

Conclusion

Even though some campers use adapters to use propane in butane stoves, we are against this approach because of our safety concerns.

We believe that the investment of having a dual fuel stove or simply having a butane and a propane stove outweighs the benefits of using these adapters, given the risks of malfunctioning, explosion, and CO poisoning.

What is a tent vestibule? (Should you have one?)

Camping Accessories

A tent vestibule is a covered and protected area found in the tent’s front or on its side (similar to a porch or a small canopy). Usually, it serves as an external area for gear storage and many campers also use them as their cooking area (given plenty of air circulation and minimal risks of CO poisoning of using a camping stove in a tent) or even as an external room to socialise.

When camping in rainy and wet conditions, many campers place a mat on it to clean their shoes/boots and leave dirt and wet gear outside their tent. Some of these models also come with a screened room, preventing mosquitos and insects from coming into your tent. 

what is a tent vestibule

What are the types of tent vestibules?

Overall, there are two major types of tent vestibules: front/rear and side/lateral vestibules. 

Many tents already have a vestibule incorporated into their structure, such as Coleman Skydome Tent with Full Fly Vestibule. But there are also add-on options, which you can use to expand your tent’s area. 

Front and Rear Vestibules

Front and rear vestibules, as the name says, are covered areas in the front of the back of the tents. Usually, the rear vestibules are screen room areas, which provide ventilation and extra storage. 

Front vestibules are mostly open and can have considerable dimensions, providing enough space to set your outdoor kitchen and dining area, use it as an area for rest and socialise, and store gear.

Wenzel Klondike 8 Person (w/ screen room) is an excellent option if you need an external area with screen protection (be mindful of fire hazard risks if you plan to cook in this area, though.)

They can also serve as a shelter on rainy days if you don’t want to be inside your tent and serve as a “mudroom” to clean your dirty shoes and boots before entering your shelter.

Lateral Vestibules

Side vestibules extend from either side of the tent. Some tents come with or can accommodate two vestibules. This option typically provides more room and allows you to use one for extra storage and the other as a door.

You can also find tents with side vestibules (either on one side or both sides). They usually are thinner and smaller than the frontal options, given their narrowness. However, some models come with lateral sheltered areas as big as front vestibules.

Add-on Vestibules

Some tents do not come with vestibules facilitating assembling, transportation, and making them lighter. If you have one of these tents and wondering whether you need to spend some money for a new model with an external sheltered area, you might find an add-on vestibule option to your tent. 

The challenge here will be finding an option that can properly connect to your tent structure – it might be difficult. Some manufactures, like Eureka, produce add-on models for specific tents (i.e. Eureka! Add-On Vestibule Mini Room for Timberline Tents). 

 If you cannot find it, we recommend using a pop awning, such as Pop Up Canopy Tent, which is easy to carry around and is foldable, fitting anywhere. 

Check price on amazon

DIY tent vestibule - Can I make one?

Yes, you can. Many experienced campers use tent tarps as a vestibule that provides enough space to meet their needs. The Forceatt 12X14FT Tarp comes with 2 Poles is lightweight and easy to assemble, and can be easily used as a vestibule. 

Alternatively, you can buy yourself poles, tarp, pegs, and ropes, build them in your preferred dimensions, and place them wherever you want – be careful in windy conditions, though.  

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Should you have a tent vestibule?

Well, you can successfully go camping without a tent vestibule. 

However, they might be extremely helpful when you have plenty of camping gear to store, would like to have a covered and protected area for cooking or the weather forecast shows potential rainstorms for you campsite (in this case, it might be worth checking whether your tent is waterproof – we detail how to check whether your tent is waterproof this on this article). 

On the other hand, a tent vestibule might add a layer of complexity to pitching your tent, might affect its stability (a tent might become non-freestanding), especially in windy conditions, and add extra weight.

Overall, we firmly believe that the advantage outweighs the drawbacks when camping in large groups and for a couple of days, which means you might need extra space. 

If you are a hiker, backpacker or a solo camper, the extra weight and extra steps to pitch your tent might not be worth it.

Conclusion

Tent vestibules are an excellent option for campers in need of extra space for:

  • Store extra camping gear
  • Have a protected area for cooking 
  • Have an external shelter for socialising and making their meals
  • Prevent mosquitos and insects from coming into your tent (screened versions)

If you are camping in a group or intend to stay for an extended period camping, they might be crucial to help you in your outdoor adventure.

How do you camp in the snow safely? 7 tips to keep you warm and secure!

Camping stoves, Camping Tips, Tent Heater

Camping in the winter is a different experience than camping in the spring, summer, and fall. Even though staying outdoors with the snow may sound scary at first, you will be prepared for a winter adventure with the right gear and hacks. 

Snow camping can be daunting, and to ensure you are safe, make sure that: 

  • Choose the best location to pitch your tent and secure it – avoid a campsite that is sloppy 
  • Bring adequate camping gear (winter tents or hot tents, snow stakes, sleeping bags, tent heaters, etc. )
  • Wear the proper clothing and dress in multiple layers
  • Create a thermal barrier and insulate your tent
  • Always stay dry
  • Urinate more often to avoid losing body heat 
  • Stay off areas with animal tracks, like bears. 

Let’s go through these tips and below and answer some important questions about camping in freezing weather. 

how do you camp in the snow safely

7 Tips for snow camping

Choose the best location to pitch your tent and secure it

Planning is one of the keys to successful winter camping. When it comes to the campsite, avoid pitching your tent in open areas with plenty of wind exposure.

The technique of securing a tent in the snow is not hard. First, you have to know what is around you. 

Avoid setting up in areas with tree branches and bough heavy with wet snow. They snap easily, especially if a strong wind passes. One that falls on your tent can damage it or cause an injury.

Also, with rapid snowfall, consider the risk of an avalanche. Check whether the pitching area is clean and avoid any slope greater than 20-degrees because it can present an avalanche danger. 

 Before setting your tent, pack down and walk on the site smoothly. This will reduce the sinking due to body heat melting the snowflakes. Use a snow shovel to remove soft powder and pitch your tent on a solid base. 

You can use the layer you removed to build a “snow wall” a foot high around your tent to act as a windbreak.

If you don’t have a snow shovel, walk over the pitching area gently to compact the top layer and create a solid base. 

To secure the tent on the ground, ensure your tent lines hold for many anchoring points and use special snow pegs and stakes (see model below) to make sure it is properly fixed. 

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Finally, while camping, ensure that snow does not accumulate on your tent’s roof – excess snow build-up on the roof will cause the tent to collapse, mainly if the snow is wet. 

Bring the adequate camping gear

You need to be prepared to go camping under 0 Celsius degrees, including having the right gear. On your trip, you must bring:

  • A powerful tent heater to help you keep warm on cold nights
  • If you plan to stay out for a couple of days or weeks, it might be a good idea to consider a hot tent (tents with stove jacks), which allows you to have a portable wood-burning stove inside it to keep you warm.
  • A sleeping bag with a great insulation rating

Wear proper clothing and dress in layers

Make sure you bring suitably clothes and accessories for snow camping, such as:

Overall, synthetic fabrics will provide better insulation, but wool is also known for its exceptional heat retention features.

As for layering, it is up to each camper. If you are always cold, it might be worth considering wearing a base thermal layer and synthetic shirts below your jacket. 

Create a thermal barrier and insulate your tent

We wrote a specific article on how to insulate your tent for winter camping – read it here.  

The most efficient way is to create a thermal barrier inside your tent to avoid the warm air inside it escaping outside and the freezing breeze from the outside do not enter your shelter. 

To insulate your tent, you can use a tent insulation liner or use a reflective foam or foil.

Always stay dry (and keep you gear dry as well)

Staying dry is crucial to keep you warm and avoid getting sick. Moisture can make your body lose heat faster, and exposure to water for a prolonged period during winter can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

Our tip here is to wear layers, which will allow you to keep warm and dry. If an outer layer gets wet, replace or remove it and dry it as quick as possible.

Similarly, keep your camping gear and extra clothes dry – it might be a good idea to keep electronic devices and gadgets in a bag to avoid moisture exposure (you can use a Ziploc bag!).

Urinate more often to avoid losing body heat

Maybe you never thought that peeing would influence the body’s temperature, right? In fact, it does.

Generally speaking, we tend to go more often to the bathroom on cold days. Our body tries to retain heat by compressing our internal vessels and reducing the blood flow towards our external skin.

Our blood pressure increases since we have less space in the veins to pump the same amount of fluid. As a consequence, our kidneys work more and use more water to reduce blood pressure, increasing the amount of urine in our bladder.

When bladders are full, our body tries to keep its internal liquid warm, spending more energy and deviating the focus to keep you warm. Therefore, urinating more frequently will help you keep your body’s internal temperature higher!

Interesting, isn’t it?

Stay off areas with animal tracks, like bears.

You don’t want to encounter a bear or other wild animal (i.e. foxes, coyotes, etc.) while snow camping, right? Before pitching your tent, have a quick look around your campsite and check whether you can identify any potential track traces. 

Polar bears are amongst the most aggressive animals in the world and are considered extremely dangerous for humans. This article details how to multiple animal tracks on the snow. 

camping in the snow - polar bear

FAQ

How do campers stay warm in the snow?

With the proper preparation, winter camping can be an enjoyable experience. However, if you are not prepared, it can be miserable, and you might even need to finish won’t even finish your adventure. 

On your next winter camping trip, here are essential tips you can use to keep warm: 

  • Dress in multiple layers to give you enough control over regulating the body temperature 
  •  Instead of one sleeping pad, have two. Two sleeping pads provide more warmth than one pad 
  •  Layer your winter sleeping bag with a feather-weight quilt for warmth
  •  Put on a balaclava to trap heat and increase the overall body heat
  •  Vent your tent partially to let the trapped moisture escape 
  • Wear heated boots, heated gloves, and hand warmers. 

Can a tent withstand snow?

Ensuring your tent is not topped with snow during winter camping is vital. 

This prevents the tent from sagging and tearing because of the excess pressure. Every tent is unique in its way, depending on the design. 

It can be tricky to determine how much snow a wall tent can withstand. Snows vary significantly in weight due to outside temperature, snow’s composition, and many more. Generally, the larger the tent’s canvas, the more snow it can withstand. 

Your tent should be constructed from sturdy materials that will withstand tear, and it should have ample insulation, which will ensure you are warm in the cold. 

Even with a 16″ x 24″ tent, your tent can still be damaged by snow. So, take important measures to protect your tent, frame, and fabric. 

In snow camping, avoid purchasing a tent with a large surface area because it will carry more snow load, which increases the chances of your tent collapsing. If possible, have your tent roof slightly inclined, which helps to prevent snow accumulation. 

Keep in mind that wet snow can be three times heavier than the same volume of dry snow. 

What is a winterized tent?

Ensuring your tent is not topped with snow during winter camping is vital. 

This prevents the tent from sagging and tearing because of the excess pressure. Every tent is unique in its way, depending on the design. 

It can be tricky to determine how much snow a wall tent can withstand. Snows vary significantly in weight due to outside temperature, snow’s composition, and many more. Generally, the larger the tent’s canvas, the more snow it can withstand. 

Your tent should be constructed from sturdy materials that will withstand tear, and it should have ample insulation, which will ensure you are warm in the cold. 

Even with a 16″ x 24″ tent, your tent can still be damaged by snow. So, take important measures to protect your tent, frame, and fabric. 

In snow camping, avoid purchasing a tent with a large surface area because it will carry more snow load, which increases the chances of your tent collapsing. If possible, have your tent roof slightly inclined, which helps to prevent snow accumulation. 

Keep in mind that wet snow can be three times heavier than the same volume of dry snow. 

How do you winterproof a tent?

Staying warm while winter camping can be a challenge. High winds, cold temperatures, and excess snowfall create harsh conditions that make it hard to sleep.

 However, some ways can help keep your tent comfortable in the winter. Here are ways you can insulate your tent to stay warm: 

  • Bring a small tent so that you can close as much open space as possible to prevent cold from creeping in 
  • Use a thermal blanket to cover the tent 
  • Block the wind using a tarp 
  • Build a windbreak out of snow 
  • Use a sleeping pad under the sleeping bag to keep you warmer 
  • Use a tent insulation liner, such as Crua Outdoors Culla Maxx
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Conclusion

Camping in the snow can be an excellent alternative for winter days if you have the right gear and camping accessories.

These 7 tips shown in this post will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip and make your snow camping unique!

Have a safe camping trip!

Camping Stove vs Wood Fire – When to use each?

Camping stoves, Camping Tips

So, you cannot decide between a camp stove and a campfire, and you want to go with a safe and easy way to make your camping hassle-free, right? Why do you need a camp stove when you can cook with a campfire? What is a safer option for camping? What is, ultimately, the best option?

There is no best option, but the one that will suit your camping needs better given that each of them comes with some upsides and drawbacks. In our opinion, the decision between the two options should depend on the time length of your trip, the conditions of your campsite, and personal preferences. 

Many prefer a campfire since they find it safe in the wild, praise the fact that almost no camping gear is required, and enjoy cooking and socialising around it. However, campfires can cause unfortunate accidents and pose risks to the life of campers and impact the environment adversely. 

On the other hand, a camp stove has many safety mechanisms and gives you more control and freedom. Overall, you will find cooking while camping effortless, but it will have some downsides, such as bringing fuel (i.e. propane or butane canisters).  

If you are here, it means you want to gather all the information before going ahead and making your decision. Keep reading this article to check our comparisons for camping stoves vs wood fires, and answer your queries. 

camping stove vs wood fire

What Are the Benefits and Downsides of Using a Cooking Stove as Compared to the Open Fire?

Both open fire and camp stoves will have some advantages and downsides. Overall, camping stoves offer you more comfort and flexibility, and you might experience fewer headaches (especially if it is raining – learn how to cook in the rain while camping here). 

Camping stove - Advantages and Disadvantages

Both open fire and camp stoves will have some advantages and downsides. Overall, camping stoves offer you more comfort and flexibility, and you might experience fewer headaches (especially if it is raining – learn how to cook in the rain while camping here). 

A camping stove will offer better convenience and control, which is essential for preparing different kinds of meals – a modern camping stove, such as the Coleman dual burner propane stove, come with valves that allow you to control flames

Furthermore, you do not need to worry about collecting dry wood and finding a safe to start a fire unless you are using a portable wood stove (which will require firewood). 

Furthermore, a camping stove can be used regardless of weather conditions, and you can cook your meal whenever required. The low and protected flame will be easy to manage, and you can shut it off instantly if you notice any danger. 

Be mindful, though – avoid getting your device wet since the water might damage the ignition and valve systems!

Camp stoves are compact and lightweight, allowing you to move them if required (i.e. in case of rain or you need to change your camping kitchen location, you will easily move them around).

They also come with internal safety mechanisms, such as precise valves and leakproof hoses, giving you peace of mind to use them. Overall, they also tend to generate a cleaner flame and will not cause large volumes of carbon emission, being eco-friendly solutions.

Some of the disadvantages of these devices are:

  • The need to bring and store fuel in your campsite
  • Costs associated with buying and using it are higher than a campfire
  • Maintenance is required to ensure proper functionality
  • Extra camping gear to be carried around

Wood fire - Advantages and Disadvantages

Some campers love the sensation provided by a campfire – a combined feeling of wilderness and coziness make them a go-to option for survivalists. 

Campfires are known to be cost-effective since you probably will need minimal camping gear (if any), such as a waterproof and windproof lighter. Less camping gear means less travelling load, which is ideal for backpackers and hikers. 

You can simply start a fire using some tinder and kindling and keep it going for hours with some good firewood (give preference to hardwood since they will burn longer and produce more controlled flames – if you want to know what is the best firewood for a campfire, read this article. 

A campfire can reach up from 900°F (~482°C) to 2000°F (~1100°C), meaning can you cook different types of meals. Further, you can also choose how big it will be, providing flexibility and scale, especially if you are camping in large groups. 

Some researchers have also concluded that campfires can bring some health benefits, such as relaxation and reduced blood pressure levels, which is incredible!  

However, on the downside, an open fire will require more safety measures, and you will have to be vigilant to prevent accidents. Some parks even do not allow it in the US – check the National Park Services website and your preferred park requirements.  

Also, wood fire will need a proper setup, and harsh weather conditions can be dangerous and extinguish the flames – You will not have complete control over the fire, and you might not be able prevent an accident. 

Even though you can always start a fire in a different place, once it is lit, there is no real mobility, which is not ideal for unpredictable weather conditions. 

Overall, cooking on an open fire is not easy for inexperienced campers since they need to master temperature control and other skills to prevent an accident. 

Is a camping stove necessary?

A camping stove might be necessary if you don’t know how to start and handle a campfire or if your preferred park does not allow campfires, or when there are wood fire bans.

Further, if there is a rainy weather forecast, considering a stove might be wise since you can easily move them around and cook during the rain. 

They are also the best option to prepare and/or heat uncooked foods and a reliable heating source to boil water, especially if you are camping or hiking in a remote location. 

If you have plenty of wood available or are not planning to cook on your camping trip, they are not required. You can bring crackers, nuts, pre-made sandwiches, and fruits and vegetables, and you will be fine for a short-term trip. 

In our opinion, it will ultimately depend on your camping duration. For short trips, such as weekends away, you will be fine without a camp stove, and a campfire might be actually a funny activity to practice with your friends and family. 

However, it might be good to have a camp stove for longer trips for convenience and safety – you shouldn’t solely rely on campfires for cooking, given the unpredictable weather and control of the quality wood available.   

When to use a camping stove or a wood fire?

Camping stoves are ideal if:

  • You don’t know how to set up a fire
  • You want more convenience and comfort
  • You want to have flame control and more safety mechanisms
  • You are worried about weather conditions
  • You don’t want to leave any trace behind 
  • You don’t want to impact the local ecosystem 
  • You don’t want to create dirt (campfires are normally dirtier than stoves)

On the other hand, wood fires should be your choice if:

  • You enjoy the coziness provided by campfires
  • You like the taste provided by grilling food on a wood fire
  • You are into survivalism 
  • You want to create a social activity while camping – an excellent option for gathering people and roasting marshmallows.

Can I use a camping stove in my tent?

Even though it is not ideal, because of the fire accident and CO poisoning risks, you can use a camping stove inside your tent provided you follow some important safety measures, which include:

  • Keep a constant flow of air circulation 
  • Monitor Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels using a  carbon monoxide detector 
  • Take any flammable material out from your tent
  • Use your camping stove over a  fire mat to prevent overheating
  • If possible, use a tent with a stove jack to exhale polluted air

A camping electric skillet might help you heat and prepare your meal if you have electric hookups and connections close to your tent.

For a detailed step-by-step on how to use a stove insde your tent, read this post. 

Conclusion

As detailed above, the ultimate choice between wood fire vs camping stoves should be driven by many factors, which include:

  • Weather conditions –
  • Comfort and convenience 
  • Cooking preferences, such as flame control and food taste
  • How long you will be camping
  • Impact on the environment.

We use both, and we don’t think one option should exclude another. There are multiple occasions the benefits of a woodfire will outweigh stoves’ benefits and vice-versa.

Whatever method you choose, make sure to check for potential fire bans on your campsite. 

Enjoy your camping trip! 

How do you cook while camping in the rain? (4 easy tips!)

Camping stoves, Camping Tips

Outdoor weather is always unpredictable, and the joy of camping cannot be ruined once the rain starts. Knowing how to cook when camping in the rain is a crucial ability to be a better camper and be ready for all unexpected occasions, such as a rainstorm. 

To cook in the rain while camping, you need to pay attention to some issues, such as choosing the most appropriate camping stove, knowing where to position your camping kitchen, and bringing the right camping gear. 

Let’s go through the detailed tips and answer the common questions raised by many campers below.  

how do you cook while camping in the rain

4 Tips to cook in the rain while camping

There are some tips and tricks that every camper should know to be ready to cook his/her meal, even if it is raining. As with everything in life, the more you plan and be prepared for it, the easier it will be.

Let’s dig into each tip below so that you can peacefully cook in case of water drops from the sky!

Tip 1 - Bring the the adequate cooking equipment and accessories

Bringing adequate camping gear and cooking accessories will make your life easier. 

This does not necessarily mean that you need to spend plenty of money – You can take some accessories you already have at home to help you. 

Some gear that you help you cook in the rain while camping include:

Tip 2 - Protect yourself with camping rain gear

If it is raining outside and you need to cook, it is better to be wearing appropriate gear. Otherwise, you will get soaking wet and might get sick. Below are some of our recommendations.

Tip 2.1 - Wear waterproof clothes

Even though cotton fabrics are usually more comfortable and provide better breathability, they can quickly get wet and drenched. Use options that will repel the water and keep you as dry as possible. 

It might be a good idea to bring the following items for your trip:

Give preference to synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and neoprene, since they tend to be durable and lightweight – Patagonia offers great alternatives. 

Tip 2.2 - Wear waterproof boots, hats, and rain coats

Also, it is good to carry some waterproof boots and hats. Boots should be high to avoid water penetration when you walk through the rain. 

A waterproof hat is also essential – protecting your head is necessary to avoid getting a cold from the rain.  

Check Waterproof boots on Amazon
Check waterproof hats on Amazon

If there is a rain forecast, never leave your house when going camping without a raincoat and rain pants. Wearing this gear ensures you stay dry even when during a storm. 

Tip 3 - Plan where to pitch your camping kitchen and keep cleand it organised

Having the right equipment and cooking accessories will definitely help you. However, settling your camping kitchen in the right location and keeping it clean and organised is as important. 

As experienced campers, we advise the following: 

  • Avoid pitching your kitchen under a tree or potential landslide areas – you don’t risk yourself falling tree branches or water drippings.
  •  Organize your cooking area to be more efficient – i.e. keep accessories stored together and always clean – it might be a good idea to have a camping cabinet and a portable cooler. 
  • Portion your meals to make it easier to cook what needs to be prepared. Avoid bringing excessive food to the kitchen – it might become messy, and you might not have enough space to store it. 

Tip 4 - Use a camping tarp, umbrella, and a waterproof tent

To protect your cooking area, you can use a camping tarp (see option below) or use a rainfly to protect your outdoor kitchen from water. 

Another good idea is covering your camping area with an umbrella, but it might be not ideal because of the lack of stability and risks of blowing away with the wind. 

However, there are some excellent camping alternatives with pins that can be fixed into the ground, such as Sport-Brella Premiere X.

If you are considering moving your kitchen inside your tent, you might want to carefully read our article on this topic. To keep you safe, you should deploy the following measures:

Further, you should also consider a tent with at least 1000mm of water head protection. If you want to understand further about tent waterproofness, read this article – Are tents waterproof? (And how to waterproof them).

FAQ

Can you use a camping stove in the rain?

Yes, you can, but you should be aware that the exposure to water might damage the fire ignition systems of your camping stove, and therefore you should protect it from the rain.

For instance, avoid setting it under trees when setting your cooking area. In case it rains, water will start dropping from the branches. If you must set it under trees, set a camping tarp for protection.

In summary, there are no problems in using your camping stove whilst it is raining, but you should protect it from water.

Can a camping stove get wet?

Water might damage the ignition and internal valves from your gas camping stove. If you are using an electric option, you might be exposed to shocks. Therefore, we recommend avoiding exposing your stove to water.

If it accidentally gets wet, you must allow time for the stove to dry completely before turning it on – do not take any risks. 

How do you keep a campfire burning in the rain?

If you are not a stove fan and prefer a good campfire, you should do some tricks to protect it and keep it burning while it is raining:

  • Plan in advance and choose the right and protected spot 
  • Look for dry tinder, kindling and firewood.
  • Get the fire off the wet ground.
  • Keep pumping oxygen  
  • Prevent the fire from going out 
  • Create a roof over the fire – i.e. use a tarp, but be careful with how tall the flames are and the distance from the tarp. 
  • Use a barn barrel to improve campfire endurance, as they will prevent water intake from the laterals. 

If you want to know more tips, you can read this article.

Can you cook under a camping tarp?

When camping in wet conditions, a camping tarp might be handy, and you can safely cook underneath it. 

However, the tarp must be set up correctly and ensure a safe distance between the tarp and the fire. If not set well, the heat, smoke, and sparks can damage or destroy the tarp. 

Moreover, the smoke can pose a safety risk to campers underneath it. If you want to build a fire beneath a tarp, ask yourself the following questions. 

How high should the tarp be over the fire?

There is no rule for how high a tarp should be over the fire. Overall, a tarp height of 6.5ft (2m) off the ground allows enough space for campers to move underneath the tarp and offers ample gap between the flames, heat, and the tarp.

Be mindful that the type of wood you use might impact how high flames are – softwood, such as cider and pine, tends to produce higher flames. Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and Fraxinus (aka ash) burn longer and produce lower flames and smoke. 

If you want to know what is the best wood for your campfire, read the following article – Which firewood is best for camping?

How to use a tarp over a fire?

The best tarp arrangement covering fire should be a sloped frame configuration (see photo below). 

This configuration allows smoke, and excess heat gets enough space to funnel out and away from underneath the tarp. 

Furthermore, the configuration allows rainwater to shed off the tarp, preventing the tarp from sagging. 

How much rain is too much for camping?

Withstanding wet conditions when camping is part of successful tent camping. However, not all wet conditions are suitable for camping. Sometimes the rain and winds become heavy such that you can’t cook under a tarp or outdoor. 

The rain levels above one inch per hour (25mm) are already considered heavy rain, and you might be at risk of floods and lightning. Always check the weather forecast before leaving home. 

As preventive measures, set your tent or fire on high ground so that you are naturally protected from unpredictable rainy conditions and use a waterproof tent. 

Conclusion

If you are ever facing heavy rain during your camping trips, don’t panic. This article detailed useful tips on how to cook while camping in the rain. 

Overall, bring adequate camping gear, including cooking equipment, accessories, and waterproof gear, and set your camping kitchen at the right spot. 

Have a safe camping trip!

What is the difference between tinder and kindling? (And how to use them)

Camping stoves, Camping Tips

Camping can be fun and adventurous, but you cannot make the most out of it without adequate preparation. You will have to ensure that you have all the materials to build a fire and stay safe in the wild. 

Many campers cannot correctly use the tinder and kindling since they find both the same. However, there will be a few differences, and you will have to be aware of them to make your camping safe and hassle-free. 

Overall, to start your campfire, you will need three different types of wood:

Tinder is easy to light and creates a short fire, enabling you to start your fire quickly. It is normally thin pieces of wood in a dry condition that facilitates easy combustion. 

Kindling is a similar material with a few differences, being slightly bigger. It can also help to start a fire, but its flames will last longer than tinder. 

 Firewood is normally used to keep your fire going for hours and allow cooking your meals – We will cover these materials in the following paragraphs and know the usage of each.

tinder vs kindling

What is tinder wood?

Among all the burning materials, tinder is the smallest. It can set a fire fast, and many campers prefer this material due to its easy-to-usage benefit.

The thinner is always better, and you will have to use pieces that are thinner than your little finger.

However, thin material cannot hold fire for long, and to keep the flames burning, you will need kindling and firewood. It uses small pieces of long sticks that you will find similar to the size from your wrist to the elbow.

What can be used as a tinder?

You can use any combustible material as the tinder wood, and you will have to focus on the size and length to avoid any confusion. 

Overall, we recommend it being thinner than the little finger of users, and the length needs to be a few inches. Another consideration is easy to light, and you will have to ensure that the material can start the fire directly, but you might not expect this benefit from kindling. 

You will experience difficulties while starting a fire if the material is moist due to water concentration. You can experience the same problem when the tinder wood is not thin.

Here are some materials you can use as the tinder wood during your camping. Moreover, they might be accessible near your camping ground, and you can collect and use them to start your fire. 

  • Twigs
  • Tree barks
  • Grass and dead leaves
  • Moss & straw
  • Wood shavings
  • Pine needles

There are also multiple industrialized options sold on Amazon these days, such as:

 If you cannot access all these natural materials, you can consider using other materials, including twine, wax, cloth, cotton, paper, fluff, and lint. These materials are highly combustible and can enable you to start your fire quickly.

Recommended Article: How hot is a campfire? 

What is kindling wood?

Kindling will also help to start fire and sustain the flame (as tinder will not last long), being slightly bigger than tinder. 

You can use this material to make your fire last slightly longer than flames from tinder, but not sufficient to last for hours. Both tinder and kindling will have many similarities with a few differences.

Whilst tinder is the smallest of all and firewood is the largest piece, kindling comes in the middle ground and can burn well and longer than tinder, holding the flame for longer. 

One of its main roles is to enable time enough time to get the firewood burning.

What wood is used for kindling?

You can use any material as kindling if it is combustible and dry. 

First, you will have to use tinder wood to light a fire, and then kindling will hold the flame and give time to the firewood to catch fire.

Kindling can be narrow and long of two feet, and you can use it as thin as the thumb. You can break a dry and long twig into small pieces and use them as kindling. 

The dry branches are the best since they can catch fire fast. When it comes to the material, you can consider the following: 

  • Cardboard
  • Dry branches and twigs
  • Dry and softwood

What is firewood?

Firewood is the largest wood piece that will keep your flames going longer. The wood logs can measure up to 16 inches, and they will be responsible for maintaining the fire going for hours.

To be considered a good fuel source, your wood will have to:

  • Be as thick as your wrist (around 15cm)
  • As long as an arm (around 30cm)
  • Around knee-high when stacked (about 50cm)

What is the best firewood for a campfire?

We have prepared a detailed article discussing this topic – read it here. 

To summarise, we recommend using hardwood varieties, such as ash, red oak and white oak, beech, birch, hickory, hard maple, pecan, and dogwood. 

All of them have high density, with significant heating output capacity. 

Small pieces of softwood will be suitable for kindling, give its ease of combustion and high flames. 

What is difference between Tinder and Kindling, then?

When it comes to differences, you will find differences in the level of combustion and size. 

Overall, tinder has easier combustion and is smaller, whereas kindling will take longer to burn and is slightly bigger.

Wood shavings and thinner twigs are tinder wood, and thick and long twigs are kindling. Besides, tinder material is fast and easy to light compared to kindling. Therefore, use them to start your fire quickly.

Kindling material will take more time to burn, but it will hold the flame longer. Even if the kindling is slightly damp, the material can catch fire when you have more tinder material. 

They will work as a “transition” between tinder and firewood, which will let your campfire be lit for a long period.

How to start a fire with tinder and kindling?

The first step will be starting your fire with tinder in a dry condition – make sure that fragments are small so that they can ignite fast. 

Keep adding more tinder to the flame and blow fresh against it (oxygen is essential for combustion).

When you start to see some consistency across the flames (they are continuously burning), it is time to start putting the kindling. Put it gently and in very small quantities since they will take longer to burn. 

You can extinguish your campfire if you throw too much kindling at once. When you notice that the new pieces of wood are burning consistently and fire is building up, it is time to add the dry firewood.

Similarly to the previous step, add in gently and in a “phased approach” (wood log by wood log). If you want to keep you fire going for hours, pay attention to the following tips:

  • Use dry firewood (with moisture levels less than 20% – use a wood moisture meter to check it)
  • Use hardwood instead of firewood. 
  • Use a few rocks in your campfire – rocks are excellent heat conductors and will make your campfire last longer.
  • Keep ventilation going (oxygen is essential for wood combustion)
  • Build a top-down campfire, with larger logs on the bottom base and smaller pieces on top. 

FAQ

What makes good tinder for a fire?

Even though there are multiple tinder options to start your fire, you must ensure that the chosen material is dry and highly combustible. 

It should be thin and small to allow fast-burning and flame spread. If you are already out on your camping trip, you can use these alternatives:

  • Dry leaves or grass (dead)
  • Pine needles or cones
  • Wood shavings
  • Twigs

If you have a budget and want to make your life easier, you can use some industrialized options (they cost less than $20):

What is the best kindling to start a campfire?

Since you want high flames with relative ease of combustion, the ideal kindling will be softwood that is cut into small and dry sticks to allow for easy and fast combustion. 

Some softwood options are: 

  • Cedar.
  • Douglas fir.
  • Pine.
  • Hemlock.

Softwood has a lower density, which produces less heating output with higher flames, and will burn shorter, being, therefore, ideal for kindling but not suitable for firewood. 

What size should a kindling wood be?

There is no rule here, but we highly recommend small logs with no more than 20cm in length and less than 5cm in diameter.

Ideally, you would have a mix of bigger and smaller pieces of kindling to facilitate ignition and burning. 

Other articles that might interest you:

How do you keep a hot tent stove burning all night? (3 easy steps!) (thecampingairconditioner.com)

Portable wood stove for tents – What are the best options? (thecampingairconditioner.com)

Tents with stove jack: what are the best options? (thecampingairconditioner.com)

Conclusion

As detailed in this article, to make your life easier to start and keep a campfire going for long hours, you will need the following:

  • Tinder wood
  • Kindling
  • Firewood

Tinder will help you ignite the campfire and should be dry and cut into tiny pieces to facilitate combustion.

Kindling is slightly bigger and will help to spread the fire and keep the flame going so that you can throw big logs of firewood into your campfire. For kindling, we recommend you use softwood. 

Firewood is the most significant wood log that will allow for a slow burn and longer duration. If you plan to cook while camping, you should consider hardwood varieties, such as ash and oak, that can keep flames burning low and slow. 

Are tents waterproof? (And how to waterproof them!)

Camping Tips

Well, this is an important question without a simple answer. Most manufacturers are unclear about their tent’s waterproofing, leaving an outdoor lover with many unanswered questions. They mainly focus on coatings and waterproof ratings, leaving out important information on waterproofing. 

So, are all tents waterproof? No, most tents are designed to be water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. An average tent can easily handle a typical rainstorm, but it may leak in heavy wind/rain. 

For your tent to be considered waterproof in most outdoor conditions, you will have to spend more to buy a tent with a 3000mm HH (Hydrostatic Head) rating – the HH is a measure that refers to how waterproof a fabric is (more on it below). 

However, you probably don’t need to purchase an overly expensive tent to serve your purpose, as you might not need a completely waterproof tent. Most campers are lucky enough to find an affordable tent and use it with powerful waterproofing spray and seam sealant. 

 Keep reading to know more about how you can keep your tent waterproof. It is a long article, so feel free to read any section you want. 

are tents waterproof

How do you check if your tent is waterproof?

It is always good to know how much rain can your tent withstand.

Before you take your gear for your next camping trip, we recommend you do a dry run to check its waterproofness – After all, it is better to be disappointed in your backyard than in the wilderness. 

You have to inspect seams, walls, floor, and stitches. Even the tiniest tear or hole will allow rain to get into the tent, hence the need for a thorough inspection. 

Before you take your tent outdoors, pitch the tent, take the hosepipe out, soak the seams well, and examine the following parts of your new tent: 

#1 - Seams

Checking the seams is essential as they determine if your tent will last even a single night in the rain.

They are the most vulnerable parts of a tent because they can easily create holes and gaps, and must be completely sealed to make sure the tent is waterproof. There are different types of tent seams, including:

Taped Seams

This does not mean you take the tape into your house and put it on the seams – The tape would come off easily! 

Instead, manufacturers use pressure and heat to melt the tape into the fabrics. Taped seams are the best ways to ensure it is waterproof and will withstand rainy weather. Manufacturers tapes both interior and exterior seams for maximum protection against water. 

Welded Seams

Welded seams refer to when 2 pieces of fabric are welded together through pressure and heat- there are no stitching or holes in this procedure, providing excellent protection against water (as long as the weld stays intact). 

Most of the time, welded seams are commonly used to seal tent floors.

Inverted Seams

Inverted seams refer to when two fabric pieces are sewn together in the tent to ensure there are no gaps that may attract rainwater. They don’t come apart easily and are durable.

#2 - Sides

All tents have doors and windows, and if they are left open, they allow water to enter. Purchase a well-designed tent that will keep the rain away from the inside. 

Some tents, such as The Wenzel Klondike 8-Person, have screen room areas that allow better air circulation. However, you might want to close or retract this area to avoid water inflow during rainy days. 

#3 - Stitching

All tents are stitched, and every stitch is a small hole that should be examined carefully. Most tent designs overlap the material and reduce the amount of stitching to minimise the potential sources of leaks.

#4 - Hydrostatic Head

Hydrostatic (HH) measures the waterproof level of your tent’s fabric. 

This measure (also known as waterhead) is gauged in milimetres and refers to how high a column of water standing on the fabric would have to be before the water would pass through the fabric (and leak inside your tent, for example).

You may find highly water-resistant fabrics with a HH of 30,000mm, which means the water column would have to be 30 metres high before the water goes through the material!

Basic tents have from 1000mm to 2000mm HH rating, and they are suitable for use during light rain. However, if heavy downpour is forecast, you might have problems with them.

 

What is a Good Waterhead Rating for a Tent?

As discussed above, Waterhead and hydrostatic head mean the same thing. After our thorough research and own experience in camping, we noted the following guidelines:

  • From 0 to 1000mm – The tent is barely water-resistant and will only protect you from light rain for a short period of time (a couple of minutes.)
  • From 1000mm – to 2000mm – These tents are water-resistant, and you can enjoy some protection from wet weather (it will fit almost all camping conditions, and you should be fine). Ciays camping tent (below) fits up to 4 people and comes with a 1200mm waterhead rating at an affordable price. 

Ciays Camping Tent 2 Person Waterproof

Ciays Camping Tent 2 Person Waterproof
  • Waterhead - 1200mm
  • Great Value For Money
  • Rainfly included
  • Lightweight
Check Price
  • From 2000mm to 5000mm – These tents are highly water-resistant and will provide you with excellent protection against rainfall. A good example is Nature Hike Cloud up (below), which offers an impressive 4,000mm protection.

Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Lightweight

Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Person Lightweight
  • Excellent waterproofness - 4000mm
  • Extremely High quality product
  • Quick and easy set up
  • Double Layer (Nylon-made)
Check Price
  • From 5000mm and beyond – These can be considered waterproof tents. The fabrics can support a high load of rain without letting water pass through it – it might be your choice if you plan to camp in tropical climates or mountains, where rains are known to have high intensity and occur daily. 

Is a higher waterhead rating better for a tent?

Well, not necessarily. While the higher the hydrostatic head, the more water-resistant your gear will be, everything comes at a cost. 

Excess waterproof coating and protection may lead to a heavier tent and a decreased flexibility in your tent. This means that your gear will have less tear strength and can be easily damaged. 

Therefore, you need to find a sweet spot between water resistance and fabric strength. We would recommend tents from 1,000mm to 3,000mm unless you plan to camp in extremely wet conditions. 

To improve water protection, you can also use a rainfly, and you can also use waterproofing sprays.

How to waterproof a tent?

Waterproofing a tent is vital if you want to have a good camping trip to be enjoyable. Sometimes, the process is easier and cheap than investing in a new tent. 

First, you need to check for any issues with the tent thoroughly. Follow the following steps: 

  • Stake out the tent in a place with good ventilation and lighting 
  • Check if the rainfly has any holes. Even a 1mm tiny hole can make your tent wet in case of heavy rains.
  • Then, remove the rainfly to check the seams and walls. Look whether the seams are protected, and check for holes or peeling.
  • Examine the doors and zippers. Ensure there is no mesh exposed, and the zipper should be protected. 
  • Check for any coating that is peeling and any slits or holes. 
  • Lastly, double-check the seams inside the tent again to thoroughly look for holes in the floor.

If the waterproof coating starts to separate from the walls or floors, it would be good to purchase a new tent. If the tent doesn’t have severe problems, here is how you can waterproof your tent:

Step 1 - Sealing seams

To seal the seams, you will require a seam sealer, rags, and a small brush that comes with the sealer. Some options, such as the kit GEAR AID Seam Grip WP Waterproof Sealant already comes with everything that you need. 

Step 2 - Patching holes

If your tent has any holes, your tent will leak even when the rain is light. Patching holes involves the following steps: 

  1.   Clean the areas around the hole 
  2. Cut a precise repair tape; try rounding the edges so that it doesn’t peel off easily
  3. Tape it onto the tent, and you are done. 

There are multiple patching kits available these days. We recommend the TEAR-AID Fabric Repair Kit Gold Box since it’s compatible with almost all fabrics.

Step 3 - Spray the tent with durable repellant

The market has different water repellants for large or small tents.

 A repellant like Kiwi Camp Dry Water Repellant (below) is ideal if you want something protective and durable for your tent. However, it is still important to seal the seams and patch the holes separately because they are highly vulnerable spots. 

The video below further details how to waterproof your tent. 

Can a Tent lose its waterproofing?

Yes, it can, even though it is not so common. This is because the water-resistant coating applied to it might tear away with excessive sun exposure or inappropriate storage.

Therefore, it is important to check your tent’s waterproofness and re-coat it every one or two years or after every six months. This will strengthen the coating and prevent it from wearing.

How do I keep my tent dry in the rain?

Keeping your tent dry in the rain will provide many benefits. Keeping dry will keep you, and your gear protected so that you won’t have to purchase new ones now and then.

When camping in the rain, the interior should be well protected to enhance your comfort. The exterior already has power water-resistant properties that will prevent leakage. Here are important tips that will help your tent dry in the rain: 

  • Ensure the doors, windows, and ventilation points are closed.
  • Purchase a tent with a waterproof rain shield or rainfly 
  • Open windows when it is not raining, especially during the day. This will ensure the moisture released by breathing is not trapped inside (avoiding condensation)
  • Invest in a quality water repellant that will protect the tent’s surface 
  • Pitch your tent on high ground where water is running off
  • Get a seam sealant to get rid of weak spots that will let moisture in
  • Avoid setting up too close to streams and rivers. 

Conclusion

As you have seen, tents are actually more water-resistant than waterproof, and tent fabrics are classified according to the hydrostatic head.

Overall, tents with more than Waterhead ratings above 1,000m should be sufficient to protect you from light rain. If you are about to buy a new tent, always check for its waterproof rating and floors, seams and coatings.

Generally speaking, floors are areas that should have the highest protection, given they are constantly under pressure (your weight pressures the bottom of your tent against the soil and facilitates water penetration)

If you already have a tent, it might be good to undertake a wet test before heading on the next trip. Be mindful that water-resistant coats might tear away due to sun exposure and decrease their ability to retain water.

Therefore, ensure that your tent is re-waterproofed every now and then (6 months to 2 years) to ensure proper protection. You can use sprays, and seam sealers to help you on doing it.

Which firewood is best for camping? (Full explanation!)

Camping stoves

A campfire is one of the highlights of going on an outdoor adventure – it helps to warmly gather campers while they share a delicious meal, tell each other about their life experiences, or simply appreciate the beauty of a clear night sky.

Many campers have asked us which firewood is best for camping? Overall, hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, and fraxinus (aka ash), are the best option for campfires since they can burn longer and offer a better heating output.

The best choice for you will also rely on other aspects, such as availability in your area and price – let’s go through in detail what you should look for when picking up firewood for your next camping trip.

which firewood is best for camping

Hardwood vs Firewood - What type of firewood is the best for a campfire?

With different types of trees existing and growing under different conditions, it is natural to think each wood will have distinguished characteristics.

Overall, we can divide firewood into softwood and hardwoods. Hard than characterizing by how “hard” they are, this terminology actually refers to how dense the wood is.

Softwood is known to be “lighter” and has a lower density. In practice, this means that it burns faster and has hotter and higher flames.

On the other hand, hardwoods are heavier and denser, providing more heating output and burning flames for longer than their lighter sister – hardwoods tend to burn slower and at a steady pace.

Hardwood is typically harvested from slow growers’ trees, which provides them with more time to produce strong and denser fibers.

Which firewood is best for camping then?

As discussed above, hardwoods are the best type of wood to burn. But with many variations, what are the best options? The table below summarises some features for each type of wood (Adapted from firewood facts – New Mexico State University) . 

which firewood is best for campfire

When choosing the best firewood for your camping adventure, you should take into consideration some aspects, such as:

  • Availability:  some species might not be available in your area.
  • Heating output: – how much heat can that specific wood provide (the higher, the better)
  • Ease to split: can you split the wood easily? This might be important if you bring big logs for multiple days/weeks of camping.
  • Smoke: How much smoke does that wood generate? We prefer less smoky options.

From the table above, we note that the best hardwoods are:

  • ash,
  • red oak and white oak
  • beech,
  •  birch
  • hickory
  • hard maple
  •  pecan, and 
  • dogwood. 

Other options are still good, but these are the top choices for a camper.

This second table summarises the characteristics of the best hardwoods for a campfire and the following paragraphs present a brief summary of each type of wood. 

Note: A cord is a unit to measure stacked firewood, which measures 4 x 4 x 8 feet (128 cubic feet). 

Hickory

Hickory has high density, being one of the best firewoods to burn. It provides an excellent heating output (28 Million BTU/cord) and can burn hotter than oak and maple.

It is broadly used for cooking by campers because of its slow burn and low flames. Further, it produces minimal smoke and does not cause breathing problems.  

Oak

Oak is broadly known for its strength and the production of wine barrels. It can produce a large amount of heating when it is dry and, like other hardwoods, burns slow.

One of the biggest advantages of this species is its availability – it can be found across different areas of north and central America and has more than 600 different subspecies (red oak, white oak, and so on)!

Beech

Beech trees are usually tall and rounded. Its density is not as high as hickory, which means a beech campfire will typically last shorter than a hickory’s.

It still produces a considerable amount of heating output (27 Million Btu / cord) and minimal smoke. Overall, even though it is suitable for firewood, it requires a longer seasoning time than other hardwoods to achieve optimal conditions.

Ash

Ash provides an excellent relationship between heating output (24 Million BTU / cord) and weight. It burns clean, with almost no sparks and smoke release – an excellent option for cooking. 

These trees have a neutral aroma and will not create strange smells while you handle and burn them. Pay attention; sometimes, you can find some sap dipping from ash logs. With more than 60 species, these trees are found in the northern parts of Europe, Asia and North America. 

Birch

Conversely to the other species in this list, birch tends to produce moderate smoke when it burns. Also, when it comes to heating output (21 Million BTU / cord), it only expels more than maple, being the second last option.

Among its advantages, we can highlight the ease of splitting, clean-burning, and less sticky sap. It also has a medium to high density, meaning that your campfire will last long.

Maple

Maple, which is also known as a Canadian symbol, is another hardwood option. Out of the options detailed in this article, it produces the least amount of heat (20 Million BTU / cord), which is still considered good but not as excellent as hickory or dogwood.

With a medium-to-high density, it will produce good flames to cook your preferred meal or keep your night warm. Pay attention, though: there are two major categories of maple – hardwood maple and softwood(red) maple, which perform significantly worse than the hardwood version – producing less than 18 million BTU / cord.

Pecan

Pecan has great coaling features and burns long and hot! It is a species of the hickory family, but it is less dense (30-35 lbs per cubic foot). Some campers praise the aroma released by these logs and their low smoking output. 

As for heating, it releases approximately 28.5 million BTU per cord, being one the best firewood options for your next camping adventure. 

Dogwood

Dogwood is another excellent option for firewood – it comes with great density and the highest heating output on our list. Further, it produces minimal smoke, and its flames will last long!

Some campers complain about the ease of splitting of this species and the overwhelming smell. However, its features outweigh these minor details, in our opinion.

How much wood do I need for my campfire?

The truth is – it depends on the size and how long you want to make it last. 

Overall, we recommend from 2 to 4 bundles (a typical bundle will contain 4-6 pieces of firewood – approximately one cubic foot) of hardwood to make your campfire last around 4 hours.

 If you want it to last longer or are camping for many days, you will need more wood. If you don’t have too much space to transport wood logs, you can consider a camping heater to keep you warm or a propane or butane camping stove to cook. 

Varying between both solutions might be a good approach!

Can I burn softwood in my campfire?

Yes, you can. Even though hardwoods are generally better, softwoods can be a good option when you need to ignite your campfire quick or when you need taller flames.

Overall, their high burning flames are most commonly used for heating only and not cooking (you can roast your marshmallow, though!). Its fast ignition comes from its low sap content, making it much easier to start a fire.

Among the options, you can choose from pine, balsam, spruce, cedar, tamarack, alder, and poplar.

How to stack firewood?

First of all, you should always try to keep your wood dry. Therefore, preferably store it under a covered area with no rain exposure, such as below a tree and covered with a tarp or plastic cover.

To ensure stability, stack in a crosswise pattern and with some space between the logs so that air can flow and keep the wood dry in case of moisture in the area.

How to make your firewood last longer?

A couple of measures will help your campfire goes longer, such as:

  • Use dry firewood (with moisture levels less than 20% – use a wood moisture meter to check it)
  • Use hardwood instead of firewood. 
  • Use a few rocks in your campfire – yes, rocks are excellent heat conductors and can keep heat, making your campfire last longer.
  • Keep ventilation going (oxygen is essential for wood combustion)
  • Build a top-down campfire, with larger logs on the bottom base and smaller pieces on top. 

If you want to know how to keep your hot tent stove burning all night, read this article – How do you keep a hot tent stove burning all night? (3 easy steps!).

What is the best firewood for cooking?

Almost all dry and seasoned hardwoods – maple, oak, hickory, birch – will be a good choice for cooking because of their slow-burning features and low smoke production.

Softwoods will produce higher flames, being, therefore, not ideal for preparing your meal.

Conclusion

As detailed in this article, hardwoods are the best option for your campfire – they burn longer and with more controlled flames. 

Softwoods can also be used but will produce higher flames, produce less heating output, and last shorter than hard species. 

After all, our recommended choices for firewood are: 

  • ash,
  • red oak and white oak
  • beech,
  •  birch
  • hickory
  • hard maple
  •  pecan, and 
  • Dogwood. 

How do you keep a hot tent stove burning all night? (3 easy steps!)

Camping stoves, Camping Tips

If you have ever gone camping during winter or are considering a winter trip over the following weeks/months, you are probably worried about low temperatures, right?

Apart from tent heaters, you can also use a hot tent, which is nothing more than a tent with a stove inside it. 

A camping wood stove might help you create a cozy and warm environment and improve your experience. 

However, some questions might be in your mind at the moment, such as:

  • How do you keep a hot tent stove burning all night?
  • Can you sleep with a mood burning stove on overnight?
  • Can I use a camping stove inside my tent?

We answer these questions and many others in this post – keep reading it!

How do you keep a hot tent stove burning all night

How do you keep a hot tent stove burning all night?

A couple of steps will help you keep the fire going all night are detailed below!

However, as a precautionary measure, if you are considering using a stove inside your tent, we highly recommend you use a tent with a stove jack – there are plenty of options available in the market, and we have reviewed a couple of them in this post – best tents with stove jacks. 

Also, preferably use a stove with a decent size that can fit a sufficient amount of wood logs, such as Winnerwell Woodlander Large Tent Stove. 

Step 1 - Remove the ashes of your wood stove

After assembling your stove, make sure you remove all old ash that can potentially still be in the stove – make sure you are wearing thermal gloves and remove it carefully (if you have recently used the equipment, the ashes might still be hot!).

Step 2 - Position the coal in the front area

With the clean area, now it is time to think strategically: how to place coal and wood in the best way possible? Simple.

If you are using coal, rake them and put them together in the front area of the stove (close to the opening) and the wood logs after it. The rationale is simple if you spread the coal across the base and ignite the fire, the logs will all ignite all the same time and burn faster.

By concentrating the coal in the front, the wood in touch with the coal will progressively transfer the fire through the logs, making it last longer.

Step 3 - Position the coal in the front area

The final step is placing the wood logs – you need to be smart here and think of this process as a “Tetris game”. The more wood you have inside your stove, the longer it will burn.

Therefore, place them tightly side-by-side and avoid crossing them – if you place them crosswise, the fire will spread faster and make your flames last shorter.

Generally speaking, experienced campers like to place the logs from left to right (as detailed in the picture below) – make sure that they are touching the back panel of your wood. 

Keep loading the logs until they finally face the charcoal area that you prepared in step 2 – again, put as many wood logs as you can!

Now it is time to ignite the fire and enjoy the joys of a hot tent!

How to organise your wood to keep your hot tent stove burning all night

Can you sleep with a wood burning stove on overnight?

Yes, you can. But a couple of safety measures should be taken, especially when using wood stoves inside a tent, such as:

  1. Ensure your chimney is well connected and there is proper smoke exhaustion to the outside of your tent.
  2. Remove any flammable gear or items nearby your stove (preferably out of the tent, if possible), such as candles, aerosols, canisters, etc. 
  3. Make sure that your stove is not placed next to tent walls so that there are no overheating risks.
  4. Have a portable fire extinguisher close by in case of an emergency. 
  5. Place your wood stove above a firemat. 
  6. DO NOT leave the wood-burning stove door open.
  7. If possible, leave your tent openings slightly open to allow for minimal air circulation.

Which firewood lasts the longest on fire?

Overall, hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, and birch are the best burning woods that will last longer and offer more heating. 

This is because they have a higher density and provide more fuel for combustion – Hickory, oak, and beech are amongst the higher density woods.

On the other hand, softwood, such as spruce and red cedar, burns faster and might not be a good option if you need a flame source for long periods.

How to choose the best firewood?

Below are some tips on how to choose the best wood for your stove to keep it burning clean and long:

  1. Pick up DRY wood, which will burn better. Wet wood
  2. Look for dark logs, which indicate older and drier wood.
  3. Pick logs from the bottom of the woodpile – they probably are drier and older, which is the best for your fire.
  4. Choose older logs since they burn cleaner and have a better quality – a good tip to know whether your wood is old enough is their cracking eds. 
  5. If possible, buy hardwood with higher density – they will burn longer and provide excellent heating output. 

Conclusion

We hope by the end of this article, it became clear how to keep your hot tent stove burning all night – with only three steps, you can solve this issue and have a warm night in your tent.

If you are considering other alternatives to tent heating, it might be worth considering tent heaters – we have prepared a full guide on how to choose them and what the advantages and drawbacks of each option are in this article.

Alternatively, if you are considering other options to allow for cooking while camping, it might be worth checking some camping stove options, such as butane and propane, or even solar-powered options.

Have an excellent camping trip! 

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