Kevin Carlson Outfitters is here to ensure that you have the knowledge necessary to enjoy safe and memorable experiences while camping in the Wasatch Front, Utah, and surrounding areas. Your expert guide, Kevin Carlson, can teach you and your family everything you will need to know for your adventure. Kevin loves to share his knowledge, so he has provided answers below to some of the most commonly asked questions about camping.
A: Great question! The answer depends on a few different considerations: What type of camping trip are you planning? What time of year will you be going on this trip? Who will be going with you on your camping trip? For example, if you are planning a backpacking trip where you are hiking up into the mountains, you will need to be mindful of the size and weight of your gear. Or if you are taking small children with you, then you should plan to have some additional comforts, activities and of course, s’mores. Therefore, given that the circumstances of each trip can vary, if you are new to camping, then consult with Kevin Carlson Outfitters to ensure that you will have everything you need for your particular trip.
A: Actually, both propane and gas make good stoves. This answer depends on the type of camping that you are planning. For instance, if you are new to camping, propane stoves are much easier to use. The propane bottle is simply screwed into the stove, and then you turn on the fuel, light the burner, and you are ready to cook. In fact, some propane stoves even have built-in electronic starters. On the other hand, propane stoves do not produce as much heat as white gas stoves. Though gas stoves are not as easy to use, many campers prefer white gas stoves because they burn cleanly without producing any odor or affecting the taste of your food. Your expert guide, Kevin Carlson, can help you to learn which type of stove will serve your needs better. Call Kevin today at 801-362-8103.
A: Take heart and do not be discouraged! Many new campers have trouble getting their campfires started. Like anything else, it just takes a little practice and know-how. Begin by building a small, teepee-shaped structure from dry twigs around some tinder, and light it with a match. (Newspaper, birch bark and dryer lint make excellent tinder.) As your little fire gets started, add bigger pieces of wood and you have a campfire!
A: No! Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids (white gas, charcoal lighter fluid, kerosene, etc.) to start your campfire. It is very dangerous to use gasoline or other accelerants because they are explosive and can result in serious injury. Never add fuel to hot coals or to a fire that has already been lit. Flames can spread so quickly that they can travel up the stream of fluid and into the container, resulting in an extremely dangerous explosion.
A: When you build a campfire, always have plenty of water available to extinguish it. Pour water on the campfire. Stir the ashes and continue to pour more water. Ashes should be cool to the touch before you leave the campsite. And remember to never leave a fire unattended.
A: Though our local meteorologists try their best to make educated guesses, no one can truly predict the weather, especially when you’re up in the mountains. Since nobody can control the weather, it is important to know how to make the best of it! After all, that is part of the reason why camping can be such an adventure! Unexpected rain and other inclement weather may alter your plans somewhat, but your camping trip does not have to be ruined. Planning and preparation can help you deal with bad weather. Your outfitter can teach you the right steps that will help you to minimize the impact of rain and other bad weather on your campsite. And as always, be sure you are prioritizing safety first in all your camping decisions.
A: First, you should place a thick, plastic tarp beneath your tent to separate the bottom of your tent from the ground. Make sure the plastic tarp matches the shape and perimeter of your tent to prevent it from collecting rainwater. The thick tarp helps to protect the floor of your tent from rocks and sticks. As for the inside of your tent, keep a whisk broom to sweep out leaves and dirt. Outside the entrance to your tent, use an old towel or a small piece of carpet as a door mat, where campers can wipe their feet. And most importantly, remove your shoes before entering the tent. (And if you are nervous about “creepy crawlies” hiding inside your shoes, do not leave them outside the tent. Instead, turn the sack that stores your sleeping bag inside-out and keep your shoes in that bag, inside your tent.)
A: Absolutely! Camping trips are a wonderful way for you to spend time with your entire family. Camping gives your children an opportunity to turn off the electronic devices and work together as a team. Nature provides an engaging “classroom” where your kids can learn about the outdoors, wildlife and self-reliance. Enjoy spending an outdoor adventure together while also getting fresh air and exercise.
A: Depending on where you are camping and the phase of the moon, the wilderness can be extremely dark at night. Plus, many animals and insects are nocturnal, so your campers will definitely hear a lot of different critters at night. One helpful recommendation is to provide each child with a flashlight. If each child has a light, it provides more comfort and security (and it helps to avoid arguments about sharing). Children can use their flashlights to read, and they love to use them to make shadow animals on the walls of the tent. Flashlights are also a must for safe restroom trips in the dark. Just be sure to pack enough extra batteries.