Why and How to Wash a Backpack

July 27, 2020Backpacking GearNick Gatel

These shorts were worn for several days during a summer trip in the desert. Water was too precious to waste on washing clothes. There is so much salt build up on the fabric that they could stand up on their own — no Photo Shop tricks with this picture. This is why we need to wash our backpacks occassionally. Continue reading Why and How to Wash a Backpack →

McHale Backpacks — Long Term Review (Bump 32 and Little Big Pack 36)

July 26, 2020Backpacking GearMcHale Backpacks, McHale Bump Backpack, McHale Little Big Pack, McHale Ultra Light Alpine PacksNick Gatel

McHale Little Big Pack (left) and McHale Bump (right).

It has been almost 10 years since I received my McHale LBP 36 (Little Big Pack) and almost 9 years for my McHale Bump 32. Over the years I have used either the LBP or the Bump on over 90% of my backpacking trips. Enough time and use has passed to objectively review both for function and durability. Continue reading McHale Backpacks — Long Term Review (Bump 32 and Little Big Pack 36) →

Are Alcohol Stoves Becoming Obsolete?

July 12, 2020Backpacking GearAlcohol Stoves, Denatured AlcoholNick Gatel

The title of this post is not referring to the stove bans in several states during summer months, which are becoming more and more frequent. Continue reading Are Alcohol Stoves Becoming Obsolete? →

Champ Chef Ranger III Stove: Almost Perfect

July 2, 2020Backpacking GearNick Gatel

We’ve had this stove for only a couple years, so I can’t call this a review. Not enough years to determine is reliability and durability. Let’s call this a short term or quick review.

Yesterday I posted an article on how to choose a camp stove. Using the same criteria, let’s see if the Camp Chef Ranger III meets the attributes we need in a camp stove:

Fuel: I want the stove to connect to our camper’s low-pressure propane system using a quick connector.
Wind Worthy: It has to work well in windy conditions.
Ample Burner Power: This is measured in BTUs.
Compact: It has to be easy to store.
Size: It has to be large enough to fit a decent size pot(s).
Light: As light as possible.
Griddle Compatible: Big enough for a decent sized griddle.

Continue reading Champ Chef Ranger III Stove: Almost Perfect →

How to Choose an Outdoor Stove for Your Camper or RV

July 1, 2020Backpacking GearCamping StovesNick Gatel

One advantage of camping over backpacking is the camper usually has more time to cook. I mean the time to really cook a meal that is simply wonderful to eat. And if you own a car or even a camper or RV, you have the space to bring real cookware, and of course, a real stove.

Camping is about spending time outdoors. A camper itself, for many who own one, is just a huge traveling tent meant only for sleeping and shelter in poor weather. Not only is it more fun to cook outdoors, it prevents stinking up the small interior of the camper by cooking inside the contraption. Which leads to the question, what is the best outdoor stove for camping?

In this post I will discuss what we need a camping stove to do and then compare our requirements agains our Camp Chef Pro 60D stove, which does not meet these attributes.

This does not mean the Camp Chef is a poor stove. Continue reading How to Choose an Outdoor Stove for Your Camper or RV →