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I am an avid lover of camping under the stars. I guess it’s the outdoors that seem to make the problems and stresses of the world fade away into a distant memory. To enhance this even more, I continuously research, experiment and upgrade my camp fire cooking abilities every opportunity that I get.

One of my more favored unique camp fire meals is fajitas. The first step in a good fajita roast is finding good fajitas. You should explore your grocery store meat market in search of beef skirt steak and some chicken breasts.

The skirt steak can be a bit on the tough side if you fail to marinate the heck out of it. So, with that in mind, grab yourself a nice sized zip lock bag that will hold your skirt steak and the marinade. You may need to do this with a couple of zip lock bags.

My little home brew marinade is a can of any beer, some white vinegar, salt, pepper and I like to throw in some jalapenos to spice it up a bit. Let that sit in the refrigerator or cooler over night, two is better, so it is thoroughly saturated.

The chicken breasts really do not need any marinade. A simple rub will suffice in whatever flavor you would like. I prefer Cajun spice myself.

Now, the trick is getting that fire going just right. You will have to find my camp fire building article for more information on this. But, I will give you the brief break down. What you will need to do is get your coals or wood down to a nice hot layer of coals. This should be hot enough that it would prevent you from holding your hand within five to six inches of it for more than five seconds.

Now, you spread out your coals evenly. Then, place your camp grill over the fire. Let me give you a quick tip on cleaning your grill. There is nothing better than slicing an onion in half, poking a fork into it and then running it up and down your grill. This is even better when the fire is going. The fluids and acids in the onion will sure clean that grill off quickly and you do not have to worry about left over chemicals.

Once you get the grill in place over the fire, you should go ahead and place your chicken breasts onto the center of the grill; which is the hottest part. You chicken will go first because it will take the longest to cook.

Let the chicken roast for a bit, about ten minutes should do it, and then flip it over. Again, leave the chicken center grill for about another five minutes or so. At that point, you should move the chicken to the outside of the grill. By now, the inside of the chicken should be cooking in its own juices. The chicken will continue to cook, just not as rapidly.

The reason you moved the chicken to the outside of the grill is to make a spot for your beef skirt steaks. These will take up quite a bit of room. You will want to remove your skirt steak from the zip lock bags. Do not slice up the flank of skirt steak. You should just lay this right onto the grill. Now, this is a thin piece of meat, so it will cook rather quickly. It should not take more than five minutes on one side and flipping it over for another ten minutes on the other side.

The beef skirt steak will cause some flare up from your coals. I personally like my fajitas to be a bit charred. That is just me though, you may not. So, to control this, keep yourself a spray bottle full of water handy. Or you can rough it, and just splash some beer over the coals every now and then to control the flames.

The beef skirt steak will begin to shrink down slightly and curl a bit as it cooks. After fifteen minutes or so, it should be pretty much ready. If you like yours well done, cook it another five or ten minutes.

Remove the beef from the grill. Now, ensure that you slice against the grain of the beef when cutting your fajita strips. This will keep your beef tender.

Use a toothpick to poke a deep hole into the chicken breasts. The fluids should be clear, if not, let it cook another ten minutes or so. You can even cut into the breast and check for doneness. It does not hurt the meat to leave it on after cutting into it. You just do not want to do that too often.

Now, cut up all of your meat and place it in tin foil to keep it warm. Throw some tortillas onto the grill and allow the grates to brown them slightly. Remove these from the grill when browned to your preference and the stack of tortillas in foil to keep them warm.

All that’s left is to load your tortilla with beef, chicken, salsa, and guacamole and squeeze some lime onto it and you are ready to go. Enjoy.

William “Cole” Doggett is an expert in knives and owns a successful Internet based website, Knife & Supply Company, LLC at http://www.KnifeSupplyCompany.com. His website is devoted to all things tactical law enforcement, military, outdoors and of course, Knives.

Choosing a backpack for your camping adventure is a very important one. It’s not “just a bag” that so many inexperienced campers say. Though it seems such a small matter, your backpack can benefit you in ways that you could never imagine, especially when you are out there trekking or camping and all you have is an ill-fitting backpack.

Still skeptical? In 1994, a hiker who went on a trip to the Appalachians had to have his trip cut short and had to go home broken and bleeding because of an ill-fitting backpack that damaged his hips. Almost a decade later, he went back hiking with a better backpack and managed to make 960 miles of terrain.

Never underestimate the importance of a good backpack to avoid inconveniences that might be caused by terrible equipment. With that in mind, here are tips to help you choose a good backpack for the journey that lies ahead of you.

1. Know what you need - Bear in mind that, campers and hikers’ needs vary in their preferences, some are minimalists and take only what’s necessary or the bare essentials. Others might take a lot more equipment with them, as if they are planning to camp for a month. Decide on the type of equipment you need to bring with you and its quantity, this way will help you decide what backpacks you will need.

Deciding on the amount of space you need is quite easy. Ask the sales representative on the amount of space their bags offer. They might be able to explain a thing or two. As a rule of thumb, pretend that you are going for the longest trip and prepare for a space that could cater for that.

2. Look for comfort - The most important thing to consider when choosing a backpack is to look for comfort. A good backpack should be one that can carry the most weight but with the least amount of effort.

A good backpack should be able to distribute weight efficiently and therefore provide you the maximum comfort when you’re carrying the backpack. One way to find how well a bag handles its content is by testing them yourself. Most camp stores provide sand weights for you to place inside the backpack. See how the backpack handles the weight every time you add a sand bag in. Only you can decide as to how much weight is comfortable for you before you consider purchasing one.

Another rule of thumb to consider is the straps. Shoulder straps and hip straps. The shoulder straps of your backpack should carry about 30% of the weight and the hip strap should be able to carry 70% of the weight as it is more stable. Make sure that these straps are comfortable and unrestrictive. Try moving around in the backpack, preferably with the sand bags included, to see how much mobility the backpack gives you.

Ask the sales representative if the straps have sternum straps. They are used to stabilize the backpack. These straps should be positioned below your collarbone for comfort and stability when you’re carrying it.

Most hip belts constrict your breathing. Find a backpack that does not constrict your breathing but at the same time should not reduce your mobility.

3. Choose your frame - There are two types of frames - internal and external frames - for you to choose from. Internal framed backpacks are suitable for hard trails as they are so maneuverable and do not restrain your mobility. They are slimmer and hug your body closer. If internal frames are for hard trail, external frames are the opposite. It’s suitable for beginners and children as they are used for easy trails and easier to pack.

4. Other extras - Most backpacks are designed in such a way that it allows you to include extra components to be integrated with your backpack such as rings and snap-ons. Also make sure that the backpack that you like is compatible with weather sheets to protect it.

Every year, different backpacks with a new and improved technology come out. Not to mention the different types of beautiful designs for you to choose. The best thing for you to do before buying a camping backpack is to try them out yourself.

However, in the end, a good backpack goes hand-in-hand with a great trek. Choose your backpack carefully as it is your most trusted companion during all of your camping trips. A good backpack will enhance your camping experience tenfold. So take your time when it comes to choosing your backpack as it might be the main factor in determining whether your camping or hiking experience be a good one or a bad one.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies. Choosing a good backpack is vital to your camping experience. Find out more about backpacks and other camping equipment at http://www.campingtriptips.com/backpacks and http://www.campingtriptips.com/equipment

Once you have decided which items you need for your outdoor adventures, reading camping gear reviews is a great way to compare different product features and prices. There are a number of excellent outdoor review sites on the Web and you can find out the details on almost any product with the click of a mouse.

Camping gear reviews are available for all the well known brands and even some more obscure ones. You can read up on a diverse range of products including tents and tarps, backpacks, clothes, sleeping bags, camping stoves, pocket knives, first aid supplies, lanterns, GPS systems, 2-way radios and other high-tech gadgets suitable for the outdoor enthusiast.

Camping gear reviews enable you to compare the features of several different products in different price ranges with very little fuss. This means that you can browse items in the comfort of your own home and take your time making up your mind about the items that best suit you. There is no danger of being pressurized in-store when you take the time to review each item before you leave your home.

Several web sites offer camping gear reviews written by consumers. This is a great way to explore the pros and cons of a product. There are also sites that offer independent reviews written by experts in the field. These are reviews that are not paid for by the manufacturer of the product.

This is a great way to uncover the truth about the advantages and disadvantages of a product. When consulting reviews for different products don not search based on price alone. There are often products that are only slightly more expensive but provide superior quality and features which enhance your camping experience. Do not be tempted to buy the cheapest items.

Even if you are working within a budget search items that are in a tier above what you think you are willing to pay. You may be surprised at how you can actually save money buying a better quality product. Use the camping gear reviews to find out what the positives and negatives of each product are and weigh them against each other to choose the one that best suits you.

Camping can be a great experience for the whole family. There is nothing quite like traveling into the wilderness and communing with the natural world. If you are a first time camper you will probably need around $600 for basic camping gear. Use camping gear reviews to determine how much of the budget should be allocated to each item.

Use online camping gear reviews to work out how much you should set aside for your tent, rainfly and tarp, bedding, kitchen utensils, stove, lantern etc. This makes buying your first camping equipment easier and much more cost effective. Try to avoid manufacturer reviews as these might not tell you the whole story. Rather choose independent and consumer reviews but bear in mind that these might also be subject to bias.

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The ski camper’s water problem is much the same as that of the Ancient Mariner, which caused him to lament, “Water, water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink…”

The need for water varies greatly. It averages about two quarts per day, but is more than doubled by excessive perspiration or by the extreme drying effect of air at high altitudes. Unless this physiological demand of the skier for water is fully satisfied, his efficiency and even his health may be impaired.

This does not mean that it is harmful to be thirsty. Since a gallon of water can be taken from the body without harm, a skier can travel a day without drinking, but at the end of the day the water should be replaced. Of course, if water can be obtained from normal sources during the day, it will save fuel required for melting snow, and, at supper time, will save space for more solid food. It should always be remembered that thirst is the best indication of need for water.

To this general rule there is one exception: when one is approaching exhaustion, thirst should not be satisfied. Under such circumstances a half cup of water each quarter hour should be the maximum allowed. Salt should be added freely if the skier has perspired excessively.

Snow may be eaten safely as a source of water, provided it is eaten slowly; otherwise the stomach will be chilled. It is best to allow the snow to melt in the mouth before swallowing. A fruit drop or piece of fruit candy adds both flavor and sugar and dissolving it in the mouth with snow while traveling is a popular habit among experienced ski tourers.

Full advantage should be taken of all open streams as a source of drinking water. If water is sipped slowly, a pint or even more may be drunk without ill effects except a temporary slowing of pace which continues until the stomach has had an opportunity to warm the water to body temperature. Since the ski mountaineer will consume about four million small calories of food a day, it will be seen that the very small number of calories required to warm the water may be disregarded. Hot tea, however, is naturally more pleasant.

Usually, open water holes are found in the center of deep pools and if the snow pack is thick, it is a long way down to the water. Water can, however, be easily secured by tying the cup or cook pot onto a ski or ski pole. Precautions should also be taken against slipping into the pool by breaking off an insecure snow lip. It is best for the “water boy” to stay on his skis and have the basket end of one of his ski poles held firmly by a companion. These simple precautions will decrease his chances of a cold bath.

The most convenient source of running water is a small waterfall, such as is found frequently on the side walls of canyons. The water runs free except in subzero weather, and even under such conditions a small free flow may be found under the ice glaze. The only way to find water is by paying attention so remain resourceful as you go.

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Pets also need a place where they can hideaway, a personal sanctuary so to speak. A place where they can kick up their paws to get some R & R in peace. They need protection from the harsh elements when camping in the great outdoors just as much as we do. After all you would not sleep in the rain so why should your pooch?
Pet tents are the perfect solution for pets on the go, protecting them from the unwanted hustle and bustle of camping and the noises that go with it. There are many pet tents to choose from, so do your homework and choose a tent that fits your pet.
Make sure you know what is in your budget and check the Internet for great deals. Below are some of the most popular pet tents to help you get started. Most pet tents are geared toward dogs and cats or a combination of both but there are other pet tents that are available on the market for other animals.

Some types of pet tents may include:

Hide-A-Doo Cat Tent: These tents are constructed with nylon fabric that is water repellent, the floors are made out of a synthetic fur, and the tent is supported by two rods made out of fiberglass. They come in several colors and designs to suit your pet. Some of the great designs include the Tiger, Leopard, Forest, and even the Onyx Zebra. This pet tent is very affordable with pricing at around $35.

Pet Hotel Tent Bed for Cats and Dogs: These tents are also mainly designed for travel use. They are made of nylon with insulated foam stuffed walls and soft fleece. They also include a soft pillow that is removable for washing and a bell for entertainment. These also fold easily for storage and are very simple to set up. These lovely tents will run you around $60.

New York Dog Plush Tent Bed: These types of tents are very stylish and are designed to be used for both traveling and for home. They make a cozy get away for your pet, they are easy to set up and fold flat for convenient storage. They cost around $55 and come in such prints as leopard, Stripes of pink and lavender, or blue and lime.

Dog Haus Tent: These tents have such features as removable liners that are quilted, water resistant and padded. These tents also come with functional doors and windows made with mesh backing. They can be used for a travel blanket or as a seat. There are mainly for protection against elements when traveling and cost around $70.

Carnival Pet Tents: These are designed for smaller cats and dogs and are made up to resemble a circus tent or carnival theme. They offer a sleeping pillow made of foam that is topped with a festive pompom. This tent may be a bit pricey for some, coming in at around $150.

Litter Maid Cat Privacy tent: This is a great tent for cats who need privacy to get business done. These tents offer six covered sides that aid in keeping the littler in the box. They are washable, have a plastic fan and come equipped with a zippered cover. The price for these handy items comes in around $45.

Mutt Hutt Pet Tent: The manufacture calls this a smaller version of the regular tents used by people today. They even feature a doggy door opening, zippered door, a clip on rain fly and ventilation panels at both the rear and top windows. The Pet Hotel Tent bed will run you around $60.

Original Pet Tent: This tent was designed for dogs and cats. This pet tent offers great support with its two external poles that are made out of fiberglass. They arc over the top, crisscrossing from one corner to another. These are multipurpose and can be used at a hotel, in airports and even camper vans. These lovely Pet tents will run you around $70 to $85.

Pet Tents - Large enough for Ferrets, Cats, small dogs and Parrots. They can also accommodate such animals as guinea pigs and birds. The tents are large at 15 inches and are square, collapsing easily for storage and can pop open in a jiffy for easy use. They cost around $25 to $30.

Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on such tents as: pop-up tents and campers, family tents, party tents, and even trailer tents. For the best up to date information on all essential tents for camping, go to http://www.tentsandmoreonline.com/

Whether you are an avid camper or just going for the first time with the family, you will love the pop up tents that are available on the market today. Pop-up tents are the most easily assembled tents to set up, leaving you more time to enjoy the great outdoors. No need to fuss over finding the directions or wondering where the stakes go, just unfold the pre-assembled cords and poles and slip them into the sleeves. From start to finish, these tents can be fully put up in a matter of minutes.

Types of Pop-ups

Hoop tents are perhaps the easiest to set up as some of them have the poles built right in the fabric. They can be held down with nylon rope, pegs, or stakes. With just the flick of a wrist these tents pop-up into full form. The only trouble would be figuring out how to fold it back up, but they come complete with picture-by-picture instructions. These types of tents are not suitable for windy circumstances but are perfect for a quick weekend getaway. The fast assembly allows you to spend more time on your get away than setting up your sleeping quarters.

Ridge tents are the most basic of pop-ups. They are similar to military tents offering ample headroom for a more comfortable sleep. They are also virtually effortless to set up and they are held down with rope and stakes or pegs. These are great for one or two campers and work well for camping with friends in groups as it allows you privacy while not taking up much room for the other tents. These types of tents are also convenient for such group gatherings as sporting events where you would be required to stay outdoors.

Frame Tents are large and roomy and are able to accommodate larger families. These are also made of sturdy frames and are held down with rope and tent stakes. Frame tents can sleep up to as many as ten people and hold your gear as well. Many of these tents come with holes for electrical cords allowing you to have power inside and keep the bugs out and some are even equipped with lights built right in. You can even get one with a storage spot to hold all of your gear in one place allowing you more room to kick back and relax.

Dome Tents are a favorite of families or groups of campers as these types of tents have more than one room and can generally sleep up to 10 people as well. This is great for families as the adults can have their own room as well as the children having their own room. Some even come with a common area such as a screened porch, which allows you to set up an eating or sitting area for the family to gather without the hassle of mosquitoes. These types of tents, like the frame tents, are equipped with a storage space for your gear to help keep it out of the way; and safe.

Pop-up tent campers offer many advantages as you have a complete mini home to travel with. They are perfect for families, offering a mini kitchen, mini bathroom, as well as sleeping spaces that convert to a living room area and/or kitchen. These are great, whether you do a great deal of camping or if you are a seasonal camper. They save you money on lodging fees and give you the comforts of home including air conditioning as well as your own toilet.

When choosing the tent that is right for you: you will want to make sure it is the right size for your needs and you will want it to be the right fit for the elements you will have to endure. You will want to be comfortable and kept dry when sleeping outdoors.

Take time to check out the different types of tents to make sure you get the best choice for you. Pop-up tents and pop-up campers are a great choice for your sleeping quarters, whether you are a new camper or a regular in the woods. They offer the convenience of quick set up and take down, allowing you to get the most out of your adventure.

Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on such tents as: pop-up tents and campers, family tents, party tents, and even trailer tents. For the best up to date information on all essential tents for camping, go to http://www.tentsandmoreonline.com/

If you have ever been camping before then you know the importance of lightweight packing. Cutting down on the weight you carry with you will make things easier in the long run. Heavy tents can be a big burden to lug around if you are on the go. Lightweight tents are ideal for packing light. They are fast to assemble and quick to take down and fold up for easy storage.
But how light should you go? You do not want to go so lightweight that you will have trouble keeping the tent safely on the ground. This can be a real problem when using lightweight tents for outing such as shaded protection at the beach. The lightweight tents are ideal for beach goers as they do not add much to the weight you have to lug down to the beach front, but if you do not carefully anchor the tent down, you may end up chasing it down the beach.

Having your lightweight tent blow away while camping is less likely to happen, as you will generally have your gear stored inside making for a good anchor. It is always good to use the proper stakes and poles to assemble your lightweight tent. So how do you know which is the right one for you? Here is a list of questions to go by when choosing the right tent.

1. What will you be using the tent for? Will you be sleeping in it or will you be using it for hanging out with friends? If you will have a few people in the tent then you will want to make sure you get one that will accommodate everyone in the party. If you are using it for sleeping and storing gear, then you will not need a tall tent, you will need one that will fit your sleeping needs.

2. Will you have to carry the tent with you daily for back packing? If this is the case then you will not have to worry so much about quality but how lightweight it is for easy storage. You will not want to lug around a heavy tent as it will be difficult to carry.

3. Do you get Claustrophobic? If you are not good in tight spaces then you will want to get a roomier tent to allow you the feeling of a spacious room. These can also be of lightweight material and are easy to use for setup and take down.

4. Do you prefer lightweight or fast set up? There are such tents that offer the best of both worlds and if you do some research you will find a happy medium.

Basic Information On Lightweight Tents

Perhaps one of the lightest tents to travel with is a l2 person ultra light tent that weighs just under 3 pounds. The design of the tent helps keep condensation down and allows for good air flow. When you first get your tent you will want to try it out perhaps in your living room or in the yard. This will let you know what you need to do for setup and tear down of the tent.

The Single lay tents tend to have more condensation on the inside. This is also true for the tents that state that they are water proof and breathable. Testing the tent out will let you know if it is a right fit before you venture out into the wild. You do not want to be stuck trying to put it up for the first time in the rain. Knowing your tent will make your trip a smooth adventure.
For your light weight beach tents, you will want to make sure they have a good sturdy anchoring system to prevent your tent from taking flight. There are many of these type of tents available so check into which one is the right size for your needs.

Warren L. Smith offers a fountain of information on such tents as: pop-up tents and campers, family tents, party tents, and even trailer tents. For the best up to date information on all essential tents for camping, go to http://www.tentsandmoreonline.com/