Outdoor Blog

7 Tips to Become a Campfire Cooking Expert

Published

4 years ago

January 13, 2021

Cuisine in the great outdoors runs the gamut from s’mores and canned beans to homemade pasta and gourmet-grade paellas and tacos. You don’t have to be a trained chef to whip up incredibly tasty meals while you’re in the backcountry as long as you plan ahead.

Certain camping gear will help make things easier for you. A cooler is an invaluable tool if you want to bring real, whole foods on longer camping trips. Ultralight packers can still bring prepared food along using a thermos & plastic bag.

Planning your campfire meals depends on the specifics of your trip – how long you’ll be gone, where you’re camping, etc. Follow the 7 tips in this helpful guide to become a 5-star campfire chef on your next backcountry outing!

Cooking over an open fire may take some getting used to.

Building a cooking fire

Constructing a campfire is one of the hallmarks of a tried and true backcountry expert. You can be a bit more flexible with your campfire if you only need it for light and warmth at night. A cooking fire needs to burn cleanly and produce as little ash as possible.

For that reason, you have to have really dry wood. Softwood from fir, spruce, cedar, pine, or poplar trees creates the finest ash, which reduces the likelihood that ash will wind up in your food.

If your campsite has a fire pit or a pre-designated area for a campfire, you’re a step ahead. If there is no fire pit available, make sure to build your fire in a clear space with no detritus on the ground. Bare soil is best to prevent the fire from spreading.

Here’s what the perfect cooking campfire needs:

Even Coals: A level bed of coals is best for more uniform cooking. It will also give you the ability to get heat on your food over long periods, which is important if you’re cooking for a group of people. You can also grade your coals, meaning you may arrange a higher bed of coals in one area of the fire. This gives a higher level of heat control, as you can use that higher bed for more heat and move your cookware to a lower section to reduce heat.

Clean Site: Keep your fire at least 10 feet from trees, bushes, and anything else that might catch fire. Make sure there are no branches hanging over the fire as well. If you’re building a very small fire for a solo or tandem camping trip, you might be able to be closer to trees, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Chimney Rock: A tall rock in the back of your fire pit will help direct smoke out in one area rather than letting it blow in the faces of the people around the fire. If there is wind at your campsite, make sure the chimney rock is facing the wind to prevent too much oxygen from blowing into the fire.

Properly Stacked Wood: That teepee shape you’ve seen in the movies is meant for fires whose main purpose is to give off heat. Cooking fires should be built by building a square with the wood. Alternatively, you could also make a lattice with smaller pieces of wood and then square larger logs on top.

Low Flame: Cooking over a roaring fire is probably going to burn your food and could ruin your cookware. The ideal is a nice bed of hot coals. If there’s a little flame still going, that’s fine. Expert marshmallow roasters already know cooking over the tallest flames is more likely to burn your food.

Kindling Everywhere: Some people just bring enough paper with them to get a small fire started in the center of their fire pit, but it’s better to put kindling all over the fire pit entwined with little pieces of wood like tree branches.

Campfire Cooking Safety: Always keep a bucket of water near enough to the fire to put it out if things go wrong but far enough away that you can access it if the fire gets out of control. Campers cooking over an open flame should also make sure to have fire-resistant gloves and metal utensils that can stand the heat. Never leave a fire burning unattended and always make sure there’s a clear marker of where the fire is. People heading for the treeline in the middle of the night could step on hot coals and embers if they aren’t careful. Close-toed shoes are also important. Make sure they’re fire-resistant and won’t melt if exposed to heat. If you have to stomp out some embers or adjust a log with the toe of your boot, you’ll be glad to be wearing solid shoes instead of flimsy flip-flops.

Essential tools for the campfire chef

You can get fancy and bring an entire cooking stove setup and prep table. Even if you aren’t taking things to that level, there are a few items you’ll want to make sure you have to make the widest variety of mouthwatering campfire meals.

Aluminum Foil: Heavy-duty aluminum foil is a piece of cookware unto itself. Ultralight packers who don’t want to carry a cast-iron skillet around can construct simple foil packets that can be placed on the coals to cook and then unwrapped and eaten once they cool. If you’re careful with aluminum foil, it can be rinsed off and reused. This depends on what you’re putting inside the tin foil as well. Some tin foil varieties are too thin for campfire cooking and might allow food to leak into the fire, so make sure you spring for the thicker heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Metal Tongs: Even if you aren’t going to be grilling with a spatula, you’ll need metal tongs to reach into the fire and pull out your aluminum foil packets. Tongs also double as a coal maneuvering tool. If you leave home without your tongs, a stick will do in a pinch. Just make sure you place your aluminum packets somewhere they can be rolled out of the fire and allowed to cool. Tongs are more versatile because they can also be used to pick up hot lids and anything else that falls into the fire pit.

Skewers: Often when we go on backpacking trips and want to pack light, we bring simple food like hot dogs. If you want to roast those weenies over an open flame, you’ll want to have some skewers along. For a far more delicious recipe, build kabobs on your skewers and wrap them up. Once you build a fire, all you have to do is roast everything and then dig in. If you don’t have a cooler, make your kebabs out of veggies or wrap the kebabs in a towel with an ice pack to keep anything cold that needs to be. Reusable skewers are some of the fastest campfire meals if you prepare them at home and clean-up is fast and easy.

An even bed of hot coals is ideal for a cooking campfire.

Additional gear to kick your cooking up a notch

For everyone except ultralight backpacking enthusiasts who hate the extra weight, some of the following camping gear will greatly widen the number of dishes you can cook on your next camping trip.

Cast-Iron Cookware: The two essential pieces of cookware for campfire cuisine are a cast-iron skillet and a heavy-duty Dutch oven. If your camping group is only a few people, the cast-iron skillet will be fine for grilling bacon and eggs in the morning and whipping up some mouthwatering filets at dinnertime. A cast-iron dutch oven is great for larger meals. Soups and stews that call for you to boil water in larger amounts will need the extra space afforded by a dutch oven. Another strategy for multi-day camping trips is to make a large meal of something tasty in the dutch oven and eat off it for the whole trip. Remember that that food will still have to be stored somewhere secure if you’re in bear country, though.

Grill Grate: Campers who like to fish and cook their catch over an open flame will benefit from having a grill grate with them. You can place this over the coals to make a campfire grill and roast fish, chicken, or anything else. It’s just like having a barbecue with you but you don’t have to carry nearly as much weight. You can also use a grill grate to place your cookware on to keep it lifted off the direct heat. It can help preserve the cookware itself and heat your food more evenly.

Camp Stove: Go the extra mile and bring a camping stove. It’s an additional piece of gear that will have to be carried, but you won’t have to worry about adjusting the cooking time for your recipes or ruining your cookware by placing it on direct heat in the fire. Some outdoor purists claim it’s no longer camping if you start bringing gear like camp stoves with you. But for people who just like to convene in nature with their friends and aren’t concerned with roughing it, the camp stove makes preparing great outdoor meals much easier.

7 tips to become a campfire cooking expert

If you want to impress your fellow campers, try some of these culinary pointers on your next trip to the backcountry:

Prepare at Home: Most of our favorite campfire recipes have loads of mouthwatering veggies like onion, peppers, garlic, and potatoes. If you can chop all those veggies at home, cooking at the campsite will be much easier. Plus, clean-up will be faster. Chopping veggies isn’t the only prep you can do at home. Prepare your meat dishes if you partake and drop them into a marinade so they can develop extra flavor while sitting in the cooler. Prepare entire meals in aluminum foil packets so you can simply drop them in the fire when mealtime hits at camp. While it might not be feasible to bring lots of seasoning along on your camping trip, pre-mixing everything into one or two plastic bags can reduce the burden. You can even season the food ahead of time. Some people go so far as to cook food almost all the way so that they only have to cook it briefly on the campfire.

Branch Out: Hot dogs, hamburgers, marshmallows – even chicken breasts are becoming a bit boring on camping trips. But it’s so easy to explore new recipes and the internet is full of them. For example, if you’re going to make tin foil packets, you can make fajitas. If you bring a dutch oven, you can make enchiladas, chili, or lasagna. Cast-iron skillets are ideal for one-pot pastas, paella, and even pizza. Try to make regional specialties like Philly cheesesteak or red beans and rice. Many of these recipes seem like they’re too complicated, but if you take time to prepare them beforehand you can make tons of different dishes that will satisfy campers’ appetites and prevent palate boredom on long trips.

Invest in a Cooler: Whether you’re a carnivorous type or you want to keep drinks cold, a good cooler is essential to bring good food along on a camping trip. Meat has to be kept on ice right up until it’s cooked and the only way you’ll be able to do that in warm weather is to have a heavy-duty cooler with you. On shorter trips or backpacking excursions that aren’t overnight, a small cooler that fits in a rucksack is ideal. You can still keep prepared meals in one. Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, you can enjoy a lighter pack on the way back.

Freeze Your Liquids: If you want to bring some usable ice, simply freeze some gallon jugs of water. They can keep everything cold in the cooler on the way to the campsite and you can drink them once they thaw. It beats waiting for the cooler to drain. For a really gourmet solution, make your own chicken, beef, or vegetable stock at home and freeze some of that. It will still keep everything cool and you can dump it into a dutch oven for a mouthwatering stew that will taste like you spent hours on it.

Learn About Heat: Cooking has everything to do with heat and you can use different parts of the campfire to do different things. For example, if you’re frying things in a cast-iron skillet, you should get the skillet really hot to get a good sear on the meat. Once it’s seared, you can move the skillet to low heat or place it on a grill great to let everything finish cooking. For soups and stews, you don’t want a heavily bubbling liquid. The bottom is more likely to burn if you cook for more than 45 minutes or so. You can get much more flavor if you slow-cook your chili, stew, or soup at a brisk simmer.

Try New Presentations: Grilled chicken breasts and hot dogs might not be news to most campers, but what about pulled barbecue chicken? Andouille sausage or Chicago-style hot dogs? There are tons of variations of all our favorite campfire dishes that will keep campers from getting bored on long trips. Bring tortillas along and you can make enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, or taquitos. It’s all about interpreting the ingredients you have. Were you planning on making corn on the cob? How about Mexican street corn or a southwestern-style chicken dish instead?

Don’t Be Afraid of Ready-Made Ingredients: Sometimes you don’t need a really involved meal. Camping is all about enjoying the simpler things, after all. You can make some really delicious meals with everyday ingredients with a little ingenuity. Probably the best example of this is Frito Pie. Take a bag of Fritos and cover it with a ground beef mixture, cheese, and veggies of your choice. Best of all, you can cook the filling at home and heat it up on the campfire. Pre-made cinnamon rolls and bread will cook on hot stones or in a skillet. There’s nothing wrong with bringing boxed mac n’ cheese and spicing it up in whatever way you want, either. Pro-tip: add real cheese on top and finish it off in a skillet to give it an extra crunch.

Campfire cooking is more than just marshmallows and s’mores.

Final Verdict:

Campfire cooking is good, rustic fun. Many campers have limited imaginations when it comes to recipes over an open flame, though, which can cause people to get bored of the food by the end of a camping trip. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to build some mouthwatering recipes that will keep everyone satisfied for long group trips or small ultralight backpacking excursions.

Bonus tip: Check out these clever camping food hacks to make your campfire cooking even easier!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter