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You may already know that your adventures in wilderness leave you feeling refreshed, less stressed and happier. It’s also possible they make you smarter.Preliminary results of a new study suggest that prolonged time in nature can boost mental abilities significantly. In an article published in Backpacker magazine, writer Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan witnesses the phenomenon first hand as she serves as a test subject in neuroscientist Dr. David Strayer's study. Strayer wants to know what happens to the brain after a multiday wilderness hike. Past studies have shown mental benefits do occur after short periods in nature, but no one has looked at the effects of an extended trip into the wild. To get to his answer, Strayer, took a small group of backpackers for a multiday hiking trip in southeast Utah’s Grand Gulch Primitive Area. The hikers, including Kwak-Hefferan, took a cognitive test before heading out on the trail, then again after several days of backpacking. Results showed a 45 percent increase in mental abilities once the hikers had been out on the trail for three days.The theory, according to Backpacker, is that time in wilderness may inspire physiological changes, such as the release of certain hormones, or the use of different brain regions, allowing the overtaxed higher-thinking region of the brain to destress and restore clear thinking abilities. After initial tests in Utah, Strayer did another study on a larger group of Outward Bound hikers. This time, results, showed up to 50 percent increases in creative abilities. Of course, the author notes that some might say the vigorous exercise or unplugging from distracting electronics may have something to do with the results. But Strayer is just at the beginning of his research and hopes to have more answers in the future. Strayer’s studies may help explain why people commonly feel so great after hiking. This “caught up in the moment,” feeling, as described by Kwak-Hefferan, may increase our ability to focus. This is especially important as a kind of cure for the distracted thinking, typical of modern life. Daily routines are often rife with interruptions from numerous technological devices, constant advertisements and over-booked schedules. Nowadays, only by getting outdoors can you reap the rewards of living without constant distraction. The study suggests three days of wilderness exposure will net you the greatest benefits, but making brief but frequent backpacking trips could recharge your mental capacities as well, according to Backpacker. So if you are getting ready for exams or other mental challenges, the best preparation may be to take a break by hitting the trails. Weekend outings could provide the charge needed to perform at your best through the rest of your workweek. The implications of these studies extend well beyond your individual experiences. This research could provide greater support for employer flexibility, outdoor education and of course increased wilderness protection. Until then, you can begin reaping the benefits now by giving your brain the gift of wilderness.   Source: TheWildernessSociety

Many people say that traveling together can make or break a relationship, and the same can be said for camping.Camping is probably the best way to spend time with your loved onesHere are some tips to make you and your partner happy this camping trip. Communication: It's important to discuss what experience you both want out of the trip. If you don’t talk about it beforehand, you could end up being left behind in the tent with nothing but your beef jerky to keep you company. Camp Setup: Have one person take care of the inside of the tent and one person set up the outside. This avoids unnecessary critique of how the other does things.make sure both of you are contributing when setting up camp. The person stuck doing all the work will resent their partner, leaving room for bad feelings later on, so tasks should be divided before you start.Tips’’ Leave the headlamps, bug spray and toiletries right by the door so that you can get to everything you need when the time comes and there's no rummaging around in the dark.’’ Cooking: Just because you are out in the wilderness doesn’t mean that you can’t have a gourmet meal. Plan your meals before you leave and don’t forget all the spices and oils needed. Go through a checklist together and break down meals as well as snacks.Trail mix and fruit are great snack options, pancakes are quick and easy for breakfast and sandwiches are a snap to make for lunch Campfire: Nothing causes more heated discussions when camping (with anyone) than when people try to give advice about how to light a campfire. For the sake of your relationship, it's best to let one person take care of making the fire while the other waits patiently—and quietly—no matter how much they want to give their two cents. Clean Up: Teamwork is needed to make clean up easy so while one of you boils water to use for dishwashing, the other can go and fetch some water in your collapsible water jug for rinsing. Nobody likes cleaning, but we make sure to have a fresh glass of wine or an icy cold beer to sip on while we work. While one person washes, the other dries and within minutes we're free and ready to sit by the fire and reconnect with one another after a long week at work. Important Tip: Employ the rules you have at home for duties such as clean up. Camping is no time to be switching roles.

Going camping as a kid was the best thing ever. It was fun. It was easy. It filled my heart with joy. Going camping with kids can be magical too but it takes planning, patience, and a willingness to roll with whatever happens. Here are a few tips to make your next family camping adventure just a little more successful: 1. Put them to work – When you first get to your campsite, there’s a ton of work to do. It’s easy for kids to get bored while they wait for the tent to go up. But, even tiny kids can help with something, unloading the car, handing you tent pegs, or setting up camp chairs. It gives them something to do and gives them ownership over their own adventure. Chores that are torturous at home suddenly become fun when you’re camping. You know the phrase, “A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down?” A spoon full of dirt and campfire smoke helps turn everything into a game. 2. Put the screens away – My tent has an electrical outlet flap, a flap through which I can pass cords and cables to power all of my electronic devices. WHAT?! This is camping! With the allure of cell phones, tablets and gaming devices, it’s easy for “just one game” or “one last text message” to turn into a weekend you could have just as easily spent on your couch at home. If you’re in the woods to get away from it all, stay away from it all. Enjoy the wilderness, the family, the friends. Enjoy what’s real. 3. Marshmallows and hot chocolate – Some of the best things about camping are the treats. The memories associated with s’mores and trail mix are emotional. They are sugar-filled. They are magically delicious. Your kids will love planning, shopping for, and helping pack treats that they only get when you’re off the grid. 4. Tell stories – The screens are off. The fire is burning. You have a captive audience. Tell them about when you were little, about how you met their dad, about the greatest vacation of your life. They love these stories and the stories give them a sense of family identity. I recently heard renowned storyteller Donald Davis plead with parents to tell family stories to their kids. He said that kids will grow up whether we help them or not. They will get jobs, find spouses, obtain computers, get educations, whether we help them or not. However, if we don’t tell them our stories, they can never know them. We are the only ones who can tell them their history and the stories that made us who we are. He says there is only one rule to family storytelling – It doesn’t matter if they want to hear it or not. 5. Plastic Storage Containers – Organize the heck out of your camping gear. My favorite organization tip is to arrange all of your gear into kits that you keep at the ready. Keep the kits in plastic storage containers with a checklist of contents on the side. When you want to take a trip, just make sure each one is fully stocked and toss them in the back of the car. For example, the cooking kit contains matches, propane canisters, paper towels, hand sanitizer, sandwich baggies, trash bags, dishes and utensils, dish soap, peeler, knives, cutting board, towels, sponge, and a dish pan. 6. Cook food ahead of time – Whether you’re eating sandwiches, foil dinners, or scrambled eggs with potatoes and ham, prep and cook as much as you can in advance. Cook the meat most of the way and steam the rice or potatoes in your foil dinner. Cook your entire egg breakfast, put it in a Ziploc bag, and reheat it in a pan over your camp stove. Chop all your veggies in advance and slice the cheese for sandwiches. The more you prep ahead, the fewer dishes you’ll have to wash in the wilderness. 7. Let them carry their own hiking stuff – as you go for age-appropriate hikes, let the kids each carry their own backpacks with food, water and other supplies. This lightens your load and makes them feel like real campers. They love having the freedom to grab snacks when they feel like it and you will hear far fewer chants of “Mom. Mom. Mom. Can I have some beef jerky?” 8. Frisbees and balls and card games, oh my! – Stuff the gaps in between your duffles and sleeping bags with games and activities to do outside. Be creative. Late night Uno by the light of a Coleman lamp is an awesome outdoor activity. 9. Let there be light – Every person in the family should have their own flashlight. This seems obvious, but nearly every trip we get to the campground and realize we don’t have appropriate lights for each person, lights with working batteries, lights bright enough to light our way but dim enough that the 4-year-old won’t use hers to burn her siblings’ eyes out of their sockets. 10. Potty time – My best piece of advice for camping with kids is to save the nighttime potty break until the last possible second. I have had trips in which my kids used the restroom no fewer than five times in the night. This was unusual and aggravated by the fact that we were camped about seven inches from a very loudly bubbling stream. And it was uber lame. I’ve had the fewest nighttime biffy runs when I did the entire bedtime routine and then took them in their pajamas to the bathroom, walked them directly back to the tent, and dumped them into their sleeping bags. There is no such thing as a perfect camping trip, but every camping trip can be perfectly memorable and hopefully memorable for all the right reasons.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know the basics: water, food storage, first aid, etc. But even hardcore survivalists can overlook things. In this post I want to mention 50 survival items you might have forgotten to buy. Hopefully it’ll remind you of a few things you still need to get. For everything on this list that you already have, give yourself a pat on the back. 1. Acoustic Instruments – For entertainment and morale. 2. Aluminum Foil – Great for all sorts of things like cooking food, boiling water, enhancing antennas, keeping sunlight out, etc. 3. Axes – How else will you chop firewood? 4. Baby Wipes – Really easy way to keep clean. 5. Baseballs, basketballs, footballs, etc. – Playing ball is a great way to stave off boredom and keep morale up during hard times. 6. Bicycle Gear – If gasoline is in short supply, you might need your bike to get around. That means you’ll need a bike pump, extra tubes, etc. 7. Book lights – It’s difficult to read by candlelight and you don’t want to waste your flashlight’s batteries. Book lights are cheap and last a long time. 8. Books – You might be surprised how much free time you have after the SHTF. Now’s your chance to read those books you always meant to read (like Atlas Shrugged). 9. Bug Spray – There is usually a major lack of proper sanitation after a disaster, especially if there isn’t running water. That means there will be more roaches and other critters. There might also be a lot more mosquitoes. 10. Bullion Cubes – These make boring meals much more delicious. 11. Calendars – You’ll need a way to track the day and date if the power is out for a long time. 12. Candy – Huge morale booster during difficult times. Just don’t overdo it. 13. Cast Iron Cookware – If you’re cooking over a fire, your regular pots and skillets won’t cut it. 14. Cloth Diapers – Other than the obvious usage, these are also great for cleanups because they’re so absorbent. 15. Clothes Lines and Pins – Because your dryer will be a waste of space. 16. Condiments – Imagine eating a typical meal without mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, etc. You’ll get bored fast. 17. Condoms – TEOTWAWKI is not a great time to get pregnant, but people still have needs. Use protection. 18. Cotton Balls – Great for first aid, cleaning, kindling, and many other things. 19. Duct Tape – A must have for any prepper. 20. Ear Plugs – It’s important to use these when hunting with firearms, but they’ll also help you sleep at night. Why? Because after the SHTF every little bump will wake you up. Just make sure someone is standing guard while you sleep. 21. Floss – It’s even more important than your tooth brush. If you’re not flossing now, get started. 22. Games – Board games, cards, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and any other type of game that doesn’t require power. This is especially important if you have children. 23. Glasses and Repair Kits – If you wear glasses, make sure you have a backup pair and a way to fix them. 24. Glow Sticks – A great way to find your way around in a dark house. 25. Goggles – This includes safety goggles and swim goggles. You never know. 26. Hand Sanitizer – As I mentioned above, there might be a lack of proper sanitation after a major disaster. Stay germ-free. 27. Instant Coffee – If you’re hooked on coffee (like I am), then you’re liable to go crazy when your coffee pot won’t turn on. 28. Map of Your Town – Most of us have gotten used to relying on Google Maps and GPS, but those could become things of the past. Paper maps never stop working. 29. Paper Plates – So you won’t have to waste water cleaning dishes. 30. Pencil and Paper – These are historic times so keep a journal. Also important for games and making lists. 31. Pet Supplies. Don’t forget about your pets! There’s a detailed list of pet supplies in this post. 32. Plant pots – Plants are often easier to grow in pots than in the ground. 33. Plastic Sheeting – For repairing leaks, collecting water, keeping out contaminants, and much more. 34. Powdered Butter and Eggs – It’s amazing how many recipes require butter and/or eggs. These are hard to store long-term, so try some of the powdered variety. 35. Powdered Juice Mix – Because you’re going to get sick of drinking room-temperature water. 36. Saw – Axes are good for chopping firewood, but you’ll need a saw for everything else. 37. Sewing Kit – If your clothes tear, you might not be able to afford or even get access to new ones. Learn how to sew. 38. Shoe Laces – Again, you might not be able to get new ones. Plus, shoe laces have several uses. 39. Shut-off Wrench – Very important if you have gas power. A broken gas line is extremely dangerous. 40. Slingshots – Another way to kill small animals for food. 41. Snow Shoes – You’ll be trapped in a snowstorm without them. 42. Song Books – As with acoustic instruments (mentioned above), these are good for entertainment and morale boosting. 43. Survival Books – You’ll need this as a reference. Check out my post, The 10 Best Books On Survival. 44. Tampons – You really don’t want to be without these. 45. Tarps – Use them to keep stuff dry, provide shade, carry things, and so forth. 46. Umbrellas – Do you have one? If so, does it work well? And do you have extras for your family members? 47. Whistles – These can be a lifesaver if someone is under attack or lost. 48. Wind-up Clocks – So you don’t have to waste batteries. 49. Yard Bags – Heavy duty bags will be useful for all the trash and debris that accumulates. 50. Ziploc Bags – Great for keeping things dry and organized.   Source: urbansurvival

Friction-Based Fire MakingRubbing two sticks together is likely the oldest of all -fire-starting techniques, and also the most difficult. Besides proper technique, you have to choose the right wood for the fireboard and spindle. Sets made from dry softwoods, including aspen, willow, cottonwood, and juniper, are preferred, although a spindle made from a slightly harder wood, combined with a softer fireboard, can also work. The friction of the spindle against an indentation in the fireboard grinds particles from both surfaces, which must heat to 800 degrees before a glowing coal forms. This must then be transferred to tinder and gently blown to life. Hand DrillUsing a hand drill is one of the simplest friction methods, but high speed can be difficult to maintain because only the hands are used to rotate the spindle. It works best in dry climates.Step One Cut a V-shaped notch in the fireboard, then start a small depression adjacent to it with a rock or knife tip. Set a piece of bark underneath the notch to catch the ember.Step Two Place the spindle, which should be 2 feet long, in the depression and, maintaining pressure, roll it between the palms of your hands, running them quickly down the spindle in a burst of speed. Repeat until the spindle tip glows red and an ember is formed.Step Three Tap the fireboard to deposit the ember onto the bark, then transfer it to a tinder bundle and blow it to flame. Two-Man Friction DrillTwo people can do a better job of maintaining the speed and pressure needed to create an ember using this string variation of a friction drill.Step One Have one person apply downward pressure to the drill while the other uses a thong or shoelace to rapidly rotate the spindle.     Fire PloughThis produces its own tinder by pushing out particles of wood ahead of the friction.Step One Cut a groove in the softwood fireboard, then plough or rub the tip of a slightly harder shaft up and down the groove. The friction will push out dusty particles of the fireboard, which will ignite as the temperature increases.     Pump Fire DrillThe Iroquois invented this ingenious pump drill, which uses a flywheel to generate friction. The crossbar and flywheel are made of hardwood; the spindle and fireboard are made from softwoods (as in the hand drill).Step One Bore a hole in the center of a rounded piece of hardwood and force the spindle in so that it fits tightly. Select wood for the crossbar and bore a larger hole that will slide freely on the spindle.Step Two Attach the crossbar to the top of the spindle with a leather thong or sturdy shoelace.Step Three Wind up the flywheel so that the thong twists around the spindle, then press down. The momentum will rewind the crossbar in the opposite direction. Repeat until friction creates a glowing ember.   Bow DrillOf all the friction -fire-starting methods, the bow drill is the most efficient at maintaining the speed and pressure needed to produce a coal, and the easiest to master. The combination of the right fireboard and spindle is the key to success, so experiment with different dry softwoods until you find a set that produces. Remember that the drill must be as hard or slightly harder than the fireboard. Step One Cut a notch at the edge of a round impression bored into the fireboard, as you would for a hand drill. Loosely affix the string to a stick bow, which can be any stout wood. Step Two Place the end of a wood drill the diameter of your thumb into the round impression, bear down on it with a socket (a wood block or stone with a hollow ground into it), catch the drill in a loop of the bowstring, then vigorously saw back and forth until the friction of the spinning drill produces a coal. Step Three Drop the glowing coal into a bird's nest of fine tinder, lift the nest in your cupped hands, and lightly blow until it catches fire.   Via fieldandstream

When SHTF, sometimes we need to get creative. While you may not have all of these items on hand, I just wanted to show you what you can do with items you may be able to scavenge and a little ingenuity (MacGyver anyone?). Ok, so after watching this video, you may not be running to the store to stock up on lemons, but I thought it was an interesting one. But I thought this was a pretty clever, although not terribly practical idea. While you may not have these types of items lying around (zinc nails anyone? :)), it just goes to show you what might be possible if SHTF. HOW TO MAKE FIRE WITH A LEMON – FACT OR FICTION? HOW TO MAKE AND START A FIRE WITH FLINT & STEEL   Source: shtfpreparedness 

We don’t know about you, but we are all absolutely more than ready for a good “weekender”, a full weekend of airsoft where we can reconnect with many of our friends in the playing community and just have some good old-fashioned BB fun! If course being at a weekender means that you need somewhere to rest your weary head after all day running and gunning, and we have a credo that we live by at Airsoft Action, that of “any fool can be uncomfortable”! So if you’re looking for a new companion for those post-game nights we’d suggest that you check out the new OneTigris COSMITTO tent, as their gear is first-rate! Featuring the most straightforward setup method via flexible poles that cross at the top of the dome and are securely anchored to the floor on all 4 corners, the 3-season COSMITTO comfortably fits 2 adults and can be used from early spring to late fall, with 1500mm waterproof rating and a nylon mesh bug net, and it is highly recommended for those that need a quick and easy setup. In aerial view after setup the tent looks like a perfect 6-sided diamond, offering solid wind resistance and a balanced, symmetrical shape. Inside the COSMITTO you’ll find two large organizer pockets for storing your gear, and a handy outdoor nightlight attachment point at the top.  OneTigris COSMITTO Backpacking Tent - 20D Plaid Ripstop-polyester construction with 75D nylon tent bottom offering rugged durability - Waterproof coating with 1500mm waterproof rating and rip resistance with quality YKK®snag-free zippers - Two #7001 aluminum alloy frame poles and one center pole that can be easily assembled for a quick and steadily anchored setup - 3-Season design with a nylon mesh inner tent to keep the breeze in and the bugs out - 2ft by 4.3ft by 3.6ft space for 2 people with front and rear zippered entrances - Two large gear organizer pockets and one tent light attachment point inside the tent - Hexagon shaped outer tent for solid wind resistance and stability in shelter structure - Protective tent corners to prevent sideway winds from disturbing campers’sleep - Suitable for backpackers, everyday campers and families looking for easy setup tents Specifications Material: 20D Plaid Ripstop Polyester Outer Tent, 70D Nylon Tent Bottom, 40D Nylon Mesh Inner Tent, YKK® Zippers, #7001 Aluminum Alloy Tent Poles Waterproof Rating: 1500mm Dimensions: Setup 7.2ft*4.3ft*3.6ft/2.2m*1.3m*1.1m; Folded 23.6”*6.3”/50cm*16cm Weight: 5.4lb/2450g Although shipment delays are possible during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, OneTigris works with multiple shipping companies to speed up the process and to fulfill worldwide shipments, and thus far anything that we’ve ordered from them has arrived in a timely fashion; the COSMITTO benefits from FREE SHIPPING, so if you’re in need of a new weekender tent, or even one for your non-airsoft adventures, then this new model is most certainly worth a look! Credit: Airsoft Action 

In our opinion, autumn and winter are the best camping seasons, and the gear you need varies with each different trip. How do you prepare for camping in the snow/cold? Roc from Team 1TG is here with solid winter camping gear tips. Grab a seat and lend us your ears... #1 Woodland Trekking Trips When trekking to your camp spot, consider the tarp + camping hammock + under-quilt setup, which should only weigh around 6.6lb (3kg). Trekking trips in summer or autumn mean milder weather, and an outdoor tarp with portable hammock combo is the ideal way to go. Trekking in colder weather? Throw in an under-quilt to the sleep system and you're good.   In addition to using an under-quilt with your hammock setup, add the 4th item of a sleeping bag for when temperatures go as low as 41°F/5°C. The benefits of hammock camping is that you can still do it on uneven campgrounds, and the tarp will shelter you from rain while you cook and continue to enjoy the outdoors. When the time comes to depart, you don’t have to fret over wet gear, and can take your time as you pack up your hammock and under-quilt in the comfort of a tarp shelter. Photo Credit: @iReviewGear #2 Cold-Weather Camping Trips When out snow camping, pyramid tents are ideal, such as the 4.2lb IRON WALL Winter Tent - lighter if used without the inner tent - because its shape has better wind resistance to others and can retain heat in freezing temperatures. #3 Camping Trips by Car When going camping to a wooded area by car, Roc recommends hot tent camping with a wood burning stove. Portable camping stoves help heat up your winter tent in cold weather and the walls of the tent retain heat to keep you cozy. Hot tents offer bigger space and may fit up to 2 camp cots, or simply use a ground sheet and you're in for an extra toasty night. The OneTigris Camping Cot has utility loops and side pockets for holding tools, phones and other personal items. Different kinds of trips require different setups, but with the right setup, all trips will be equally enjoyable.  ©OneTigris All Rights Reserved

Excuse my English!  Two days ago I received the Tegimen tent. On the same day as the post brought the new tent, I had to go into the forest to test it. Regardless of -18°C I went up to the plateau. The expectations for the tent were exceeded, the cold night was a positive experience, although the Poshenhonka tent stove in the large room had trouble heating above 10°C. The tent was very comfortable. Very good workmanship, easy to set up: high praise! I have uploaded a short clip on YouTube: (Can't see video? Click here to watch it on YouTube.) Have fun watching it! 

Santa brought me the Tentsformer as I had my eye off and on it for a while. I'm not the best at editing but here it is in sub zero temperatures. I absolutely love it though! I did order a cheap mesh net to drape over it in the summer when the Scottish midge comes back.

It is with great honor we are sharing the December Special Edition of the Backwoods Biker Magazine, featuring the IRON WALL Chimney Tent on the front cover. Backwoods Biker is dedicated to the men and women of the world who love to ride motorcycles and enjoy the outdoors. Don't SURVIVE when you ride out into the wilderness or bush...THRIVE! The way you do that is to be PREPARED. Subscribe to their channel and learn the necessary techniques, tactics, tips and gear that the pros all use. Don't get caught without what you need! Special thanks to Tony Suits and the entire crew of the magazine.  Backwoods Biker's video reviews on the IRON WALL Chimney Tent and BACKWOODS BUNGALOW UL Super Shelter 2.0: (Can't see video? Click here to watch it on YouTube.) (Can't see video? Click here to watch it on YouTube.) All Credits to Backwoods Biker. Learn more on their website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

Wild camping Scotland. Out in the forest in the rain to do a review and comparison of the two OneTigris Rubicoid wood stoves, the original and the new evil eyes. Cooking up some bushcraft breakfast. Credit: @Colin Russell Scottish wild camper I was selected to test the Rocuboid Evil Eyes stove which I have now had the pleasure of doing. I already own the original Rocuboid so used this for comparison. Firstly, the case. The material is of a great quality and the Velcro is certainly strong enough. It does everything it should to house the stove and keep it ready for the next use. I love the colour but, cant help but think a darker tone or even black would be better just due to the fact that your putting a fire blackened and sooty stove away. Now, the stove. The size of the evil eyes stove is much more usable than the original due to the larger feeding hole and the bigger top surface area. The material gets a thumbs up for me, would take this over titanium any day. Just feels more substantial and like it is made to last. The stove does what it should. Its great for making a brew or cooking on with a pan or grilling rack. Gives a great effect when glowing from those evil eyes. The only thing I was let down by (not massively) was the smaller corner joints if you will. Once the stove has been heated and warped (as to be expected) the corners do not want to stay pushed together so well or, keep springing apart. I believe that the larger square ones like on the original smaller Rocuboid would be much better and would hopefully eradicate this small problem. Other than that, may if not on this model, the offering of a small grill that's made to fit the top so you don't have to take an extra piece out would be a nice touch. Other than that, I love the look, feel and style of the stove and look forward to many more uses. Credit: @Tatt282, 1TG

Just the Facts: Why Choose OneTigris ROCUBOID Splicing Stove? Once again a highly versatile piece of kit from ROC for bush crafters and fellow outdoorsmen to get dirty with. Constructed from premium quality #304 stainless steel, laser cut into perfection, this stove can be set up in multiple ways depending on your creativity and preference, and dismantled for easy carry like a folded treasure map. Note that it’s superior to ones seen on the market that are small, cheap, and rust easily, and this one has a nylon case to keep it protected when not in use. Use the ROCUBOID as a wood, alcohol or fuel tablet stove, windshield, Finnish/Swedish torch, or pair it up with a hanging camping pot turned to an outdoor oven. It’s a simple yet solid design that only takes a minute to set up. Get the ROCUBOID and get creative.   Premium #304 stainless steel construction of durability and high resistance to corrosion and rust 72mm laser-cut pieces, 8 pieces per unit, quality and precision guaranteed for outdoor configurations A plethora of ways to use for setting up as a wood/alcohol/fuel tablet stove, windshield, Swedish torch and so on Can be used with a hanging camping pot as outdoor oven kit for baking bread and other delicacies Weighs merely 18oz (511g) and packs up small (6”*6.5”*0.5”) Folded – 6.1”(L)*6.5”(W)*0.4”(D)/15.5cm*16.5cm*1cm (Encased) Setup – 4.7”(L)*4.7”(W)*6.7”(H)/12cm*12cm*17cm Can be dismantled into separate pieces and stacked up for easy storage and efficient carry Comes with coyote brown nylon casing My Story:   If you are looking for another neat piece of gear to add to your collection that is highly versatile, compact, and tough check out the ROCUBOID Splicing Stove from OneTigris. This stove is something that came be thrown under the seat of your truck or in a storage compartment on your boat that can easily be used in most environments. If you need to heat up a meal, a hot cup of coffee or your hands the ROCUBOID is ready for your adventures.   The ROCUBOID showed up at my house and like any new piece of gear I immediately tore into the box and put it together to check it out. Like most people I didn’t look at any directions or visit OneTigris web site see the best way to put it together. I figured I was up for the challenge. It’s a small collapsible stove it can’t be that difficult to set up right?! I’ll be completely honest it took some work to figure out the best way to put it together the first time. I could figure out how the pieces fit together and where they all went easy enough but trying to get the “shelves” inside the stove and get the outer pieces locked into place was a bit of a struggle. After a few minutes and another set of hands helping to hold stuff in place I was able to get the stove together and sit back and admire it. There are many options for how to put the stove together. My plan from the beginning with this stove was to figure out how it would fit into my outdoor gear. I think the overall versatility in configurations and usages of the stove is great. This stove can be used in so many different ways that I knew it would be a valuable addition to my gear, the question was just in what way would I like it best. I threw the stove in my truck ready for the next adventure that might come my way. It was not long until I found myself heading up to the mountains with a buddy for a scouting day trip. I grabbed the ROCUBOID splicing stove, a titanium cup and some tea and through it in my pack to be used on a break during the days hike. The morning wore on and the miles begin to stack up. We found ourselves next to a spring that had been built up to create a water hole for cattle and wild animals. We sat down to rest a few minutes, so I pulled out the ROCUBOID Splicing stove and went to work putting together the puzzle. Within a few minutes I had the stove put together in the configuration desired to heat some water for tea. I scavenged around the immediate area collecting up some twigs, small sticks, and dried grass for fuel. I wanted to use the base plate with air vent holes near the top of the stove to try to choke back the flames a little to keep ash and soot from getting in my cup of water. The only issue with this is to initially load the stove with fuel I had to take off one of the outer walls, pack the inside of the stove with the fuel, and then put it back together. Not the most convenient way to do things, but it worked and served its purpose. Within a little bit I had a piping hot cup of tea to enjoy while taking in the mountain scenery. The next chance I had to use the stove was during a bass fishing trip on my boat. I threw the stove and a couple dehydrated meals in the boat in case we wanted to stop for a bite to eat. As the sun got higher in the sky and the bite slowed down, we went exploring up the shoreline of the river in search of new fishing spots that showed some promise. During our exploration we stopped in a deep cove to cool off for a bit. I pulled out the ROCUBOID Splicing stove, gave my friend a few instructions on how to set it up, while I went about looking for some wood fuel to burn. After a few minutes I had a pile of wood that was more than adequate for our needs. I brought the wood back to the stove to find that although close, it wasn’t quite together yet. With a little help we finished getting the stove together and the fire lit. With the water heating over the flames we jumped in the river for a quick dip while waiting for the water to boil. With this type of stove, you do have to be a little more patient when cooking. The open flames from wood does not tend to heat things as quickly as a pocket gas fuel stove. Not being in much of a hurry this was no matter to us. We reloaded the stove with a few more sticks and went back to the water. After a bit, the water was at a nice rolling boil, so we prepped our meals and dried off and filled our bellies.   The ROCUBOID Splicing stove 8 pieces, 4 outer structure pieces and 4 inner/top pieces. The inner pieces can be put together in many varying configurations depending on what your desires are for the stove. It can easily be set up to have direct flame on the cookware, or have the flames chocked back a bit for indirect heat. The top pieces can be used, or not and can be set close or wide depending on the width of your cookware. You can leave the top wide open and use the stove a small contained warming fire. The uses and possibilities of this product are numerous. With so many uses and a few small setbacks it took me a bit to figure out exactly where the stove fit into my world. I can tell you I found a few spots where this stove fits very well. The flat compact broken down stove packs nicely into small spaces and takes up very little room. There are a few things that came into consideration on just how and when I planned to use this stove more. Coming in at 18 oz, this stove is not heavy, but it does weight more than comparable products by other companies made of titanium or aluminum. The stainless steal material does make this stove tough, and keeps the cost relatively low, but if you are an ultralight backpacker this stove is probably not what you are going to be taking deep into the back country. Cooking with wood tends to be a bit slower than using a gas stove. To get water boiling you will be at it a little bit longer than with other products. Another thing to consider is the smell. Cooking with an open wood fire definitely keeps the scent strong on the product for a few days after use. After my first use of the stove I through it back under the seat of my truck only to come back the next morning and have to throw it in the bed as my whole truck smelled strongly of campfire. These factors are not the end of the world as there are still so many versatile uses for the stove. The niche where the ROCUBOID fits best in my life is on my boat. I have a hunting/fishing boat that I get out on the water very frequently year-round to enjoy. Having the ROCUBOID splicing stove is perfect for boat life. It is very compact and easy to store in one of the compartments on board. The smell of campfire on an open-air boat is not an issue at all. If you are out fishing and want to cook up some chow or your fresh catch you need only gather a few sticks and in minutes you are on your way to cooking. If you are out during the colder winter months the ROCUBOID is perfect for holding a small warming fire while you are in the blind or out and about. The ROCUBOID splicing stove has found a permanent home on my boat. I am excited for the weather to cool off to use this product more.     Find It Here: https://www.onetigris.com/rocuboid-splicing-stove.html     What Could Be Done Better:   This stove is a bit cumbersome to put together with on person. A second set of hands is beneficial to hold pieces in place while setting it up. (It does get a little easier to put together the more you do it.) I would like to see it made of titanium or other lighter weight material. It is heavier than other comparable products, and heavier than a gas pocket stove making it not as ideal for taking into the back country.   Credit: ireviewgear.com     About Johnny LeMaster   Johnny is a life long enthusiast of the outdoors. His passion and background have lead him to experience the outdoors from a multitude of adventures. You will typically find him hunting, fishing, backpacking, or hiking somewhere in the world unspoiled.  

(Can't see videos? Watch them here.) Product Link: www.onetigris.com/outback-retreat-camping-tent.html Credit: @Mechelle, 1TG (Can't see video? Watch it here on YouTube.) Product Link: www.onetigris.com/shelters/smokey-hut-chimney-tent.html Credit: @Mechelle, 1TG

  Just the Facts:   Why Choose OneTigris ROC Poncho Sleeping Bag?   A cloak sleeping bag can be one of the most versatile piece of kit on your gear shelf. This one functions primarily as an insulated winter cloak for the day and windproof sleeping bag for the night, with extra large pockets for toasting your hands and keeping your belongings secure, and a cordstopped hood for extra windy weather. It’s made from the same material as our camping quilts with SEE® polyester filling and can be spread out as a camping blanket or configured into a hammock under-quilt. For campers slightly above average height, it measures at 6.8ft by 5.2ft when spread out, and it’s small and compact when rolled up into its own stuff sack for easy carry.   l 210T plaid dacron shell, 210T polyester pongee lining, and layered SEE® Polyester Filling for extra warmth l Multiple uses as an insulated cloak, sleeping bag, camping blanket and hammock under-quilt l Large utility pockets to keep your phone, hat and other items secure when worn as a cloak l Hood can be fastened via bungee paracord to keep the cold and wind out l Snag-free YKK® zippers with dual zipper pulls for heightened convenience and quality use l Extra wide 31.5” width when used as a sleeping bag with configurable footbox via bungee paracords l Measures at 6.8ft by 5.2ft when spread out as an outdoor quilt l Suitable for 59°F -68°F (15-20°C) temperatures       My Story:   I love a piece of gear that serves more than one use. Especially one that is lightweight and compact that can be used in a variety of situations and in a wide range of weather conditions. This is the kind of thing that finds its way to the front of my closet, and the top of my gear pile whenever I venture out. The ROC Poncho Sleeping bag by OneTigris fits this bill. It has so many uses designed into it that you can’t help but take it with you because you will use it. If you look for gear that you will use no matter what the season or situation you need to check out the ROC Poncho Sleeping Bag.   When I first heard about the ROC I was intrigued. Here was a poncho that could also be used as a sleeping bag. I will be honest the first thing that came to my mind was the woobie from my days in the infantry. To this day it is one of my favorite things every created. I got on OneTigris’ website and started reading about the ROC. Not only did it serve as a poncho for cold weather, a sleeping bag in warmer weather, but it is also set up to be used a sleeping quilt, and my personal favorite usage, as an under quilt for a hammock. Hammock camping happens to be one of my guilty pleasures, so now I was hooked. The versatility of the ROC had me really excited to get my hands on one and check it out.   My first trip out with the ROC was an elk shed hunting trip up into the mountains in early spring. I headed out of town with a buddy and our dogs to spend a weekend hiking the hills and enjoying social distancing the best way, in the great outdoors. It just so happened that this trip also happened to involve another incredible piece of gear from OneTigris, the Iron Wall Tent. When we were packing for the trip in early April I wasn’t sure exactly how to pack so I brought stuff for just about every weather situation. The weather all week was approaching 70°F, but the weekend was looking to be a bit cooler with some cloud coverage. As it turned out the weather did not disappoint, the night before our trip it snowed about 3-4 inches in the higher elevations we were planning to camp. We got to our spot Friday after work. I set up the Iron Wall Tent with a wood stove, collected up some dry wood I could find, laid out my ground cloth, sleeping pad and ROC. I have used a tipi with a wood stove a number of times on past trips and fully expected to be more than comfortable with the warmth no matter how much snow was on the ground around me. The ROC would be perfect to sleep with the additional wood heat. With camp set up we headed out for a couple hours of hiking and glassing before dark.   With no luck that evening we headed back to camp to sit around the campfire, cook some food and settle in for the night. It did not take long sitting by the fire in the cold wind waiting for our food to cook and I was grabbing the ROC poncho. I unzipped it, slipped my head through the hole and tried to figure out exactly how the straps were supposed to be used to give you a sleeve and keep the ROC near your body. This is where I failed. I could not find a comfortable way to use the side straps no matter how I tried. If I put them the way it looked like the pictures showed it being used, they restricted my movement and made it hard to reach forward. If I ran them around the front, now it opened up the sides to make them more substile to the wind. After a few minutes of fumbling without success I gave up, let the straps dangle at my sides and just let the poncho do its thing. Happy to have my upper body and legs covered and protected from the wind while watching my friend inch closer to the fire for warmth I knew this was going to become a favorite of mine.   After dinner we sat around for a little bit discussing the plan for the next day before calling it a night. I wandered back to the Iron Wall tipi, lit the stove and worked on getting it adjusted right before getting my dog set up with her bed and zipping the ROC back up and pulling the synch cords at the bottom to turn it back into a sleeping bag. I was right this bag was the perfect rating to be sleeping in a tent with wood heat. I didn’t want a 0°F bag, although I brought one with me, in a tipi that was somewhere between 70°F and 90°F ambient temperature at any given time. I dozed off into dream land and slept comfortably for the first half the night waking up every hour or two to add more wood to the stove. Somewhere around 2 am the fire in the stove completely went out before I woke to restock it. The temperature in the tent had tipped to around freezing which is what woke me. I was getting a bit of a chill, although I wasn’t freezing myself it was just bordering between being cold and being ok. I was over the convenience of the wood stove and having to keep loading it every so often. So I must admit at this point I took the ROC unzipped it and made it into a quilt, draped it over my dog to give her some warmth and climbed into the 0° sleeping bag I had brought to get through the rest of the night.   When I sleep in the outdoors, I cannot sleep in. I never can understand people that can. I am up with the sun. I wake to the light coming through the tent and the birds chirping every time. I actually enjoy it. It usually means I get an hour or two to myself to just enjoy the peace and beauty of my surroundings uninterrupted by another human. Well this morning I woke as usual but was unwilling to crawl out of my sleeping bag into the cold. I started the fire in my wood stove and lay there for a while just enjoying the heat before I decided to crawl out, put on my clothes and go start a fire in the fire pit so my friend could enjoy some warmth when he had to crawl out of his cold tent. Putting the ROC poncho back on I chopped up some kindling, started a fire and heated some water for coffee. Soon enough my friend joined me woken by the crunching of snow under my feet as I wandered around looking for dry wood. Although he appreciated the fire, he was a bit jealous of the ROC and the extra insulation it provided on this crisp morning. After downing some liquid energy, and food I put the ROC back in the Iron Wall grabbed my pack and headed out for a fun day’s hike hoping to find some elusive sheds.     This was the first experience out with the ROC and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect piece of gear to take on this trip. It kept me comfortable during the nights and provided the extra warmth to take the edge off the crisp weather when up and around camp. The ROC has found its way on a few trips since. One trip hammock camping, where as a reviewer I completely failed and didn’t get a single picture of the ROC being used as an under quilt. And it has also been of a few trips with a good friend and her son.   As soon as I pulled the ROC while camping with the two of them, they immediately starting laying claims to it. Every trip with them has gone the same. I bring the ROC and then get to sit by and watch as one of the two of them always has it in use during the most opportune times. Its usually a pretty comical battle as the two of them “fight” over who gets to use it with the 8-year-old typically winning. At this rate I am going to need to get at least one more so that I may get the opportunity to use one when camping with them.   The ROC is a great piece of gear that will be loved by everyone and will have a place on any and all camping trips that you find yourself on. OneTigris has one of the most versatile items that you never knew you needed, but once you discover it you will be thankful you made the best decision to own.           Find it here: https://www.onetigris.com/roc-poncho-sleeping-bag.html     What Could Be Done Better:   The only thing I would like to see different would be the side straps when used as a poncho. It may just be complete user error, but I would almost prefer some simple snaps or straps another configuration of the straps that still provided for full mobility. Other than that, I have nothing I would want to see any different with the ROC.     Credit: ireviewgear.com         About Johnny LeMaster   Johnny is a life long enthusiast of the outdoors. His passion and background have lead him to experience the outdoors from a multitude of adventures. You will typically find him hunting, fishing, backpacking, or hiking somewhere in the world unspoiled.

(Video Credit: Colin Russell Scottish wild camper)   Once again a highly versatile piece of kit from ROC for bushcrafters and fellow outdoorsmen to get dirty with. Constructed from premium quality #304 stainless steel, laser cut into perfection, this stove can be set up in multiple ways depending on your creativity and preference, and dismantled for easy carry like a folded treasure map. Note that it’s superior to ones seen on the market that are small, cheap, and rust easily, and this one has a nylon case to keep it protected when not in use. Use the ROCUBOID as a wood, alcohol or fuel tablet stove, windshield, Finnish/Swedish torch, or pair it up with a hanging camping pot turned to an outdoor oven. It’s a simple yet solid design that only takes a minute to set up. Get the ROCUBOID and get creative.     | Premium #304 stainless steel construction of durability and high resistance to corrosion and rust l A plethora of ways to use for setting up as a wood/alcohol/fuel tablet stove, windshield, Swedish torch and so on l Can be used with a hanging camping pot as outdoor oven kit for baking bread and other delicacies l Weighs merely 18oz (511g) and packs up small (6”*6.5”*0.5”) l Can be dismantled into separate pieces and stacked up for easy storage and efficient carry  

  Just the Facts:   Why Choose the IRON WALL Chimney Tent?   A heptagon-shaped (7-sided) single tent with a chimney opening for the lone roamer who knows how to immerse in nature and enjoy it to the max. Featuring a classic tipi/pyramid shape so that it’s extra lightweight and easy to setup, requiring only a single tent pole without the complicated tent-frame, and offers a solid build via its shape to stand against windy and rainy weather. Want a light and efficient way to camp out in the wild? Teepee tents are the way to do it.   l 20D silicon coated nylon fabric that’s light, durable and highly versatile l 2000mm waterproof rating with quality snag-free YKK® zippers l Double-chamber design with space to sleep one and a front room for a “fireplace” l A top opening (8.6″ by 8.6″) for a burning stove and hot flue pipe (the “chimney”) l OD-green shade for you to merge with the background and disengage completely from the city l Reinforced stress points for an extra solid build with high wind resistance l Two windows at the top for good airflow l Comes with a complete setup kit of a 5.2ft tent pole, 10 tent pegs and 4 guy-lines   Note:   1. This product does NOT come with a burning stove or hot flue pipe.2. Please purchase a stove jack to keep yourself and the campsite safe from fire hazards!3. Set up with tent pole and leave a gap on all sides for airflow to prevent dew from forming on tent walls.   Specifications:   Material: 20D Silicon-coated Nylon Fabric, YKK® Zippers Waterproof Rating: 2000mm Dimensions: Setup – 9.8ft/3m in Diameter, 5.2ft/1.6m in Height Folded – 17.7”(L)*5.5”(W)*5.5”(D)/45cm*14cm*14cm Weight: 54.6oz/1550g Color: OD Green   Package Includes   IRON WALL Chimney Tent *1 Tent Peg *10 Guy-line *4 Tent Pole * 1 Stuff Sack *1       My Story:   I have spent a little time staying in tipis when camping. I love them. The simplicity, ease of set up, lightweight, ability to use a wood stove and roominess are just a few of the features that make them so ideal for camping. They are a great shelter for use year round, and as we are getting into the start of what most consider camping season I want to introduce you to a great lightweight option that you will enjoy during these warmer months and continue to use as the temperatures start to drop again, the OneTigris Iron Wall Chimney Tent. You will find yourself taking this tipi whether car camping or making a trip into the back country carrying your essentials on your back. The OneTigris Iron Wall Tent is the ideal shelter no matter what your adventure brings.   When I received the Iron Wall Chimney Tent I pulled it out of the package in a hurry and went straight to my backyard to set it up. It took no time at all to get set up. At least the outer shell portion of the tent. The sleeping chamber area was fairly straight forward to set up as well but took a little longer. With only one mistake on where to hook the floor elastic cordage I had the shelter put together. I could not wait to get it out for use in the wilds. The Iron Wall has a double chamber design. They have a separate compartment that hangs from the outer tipi shell that is made up of a zippered bug netting area with a nylon floor that is designed to take up one half of the tipi away from the door opening, and out of the way. This leaves the front area with the stove jack opening for usage of a wood stove and storage of gear and extra firewood.   The tipi has a heptagonal shape (7 sides) and a signal center pole design. This makes for a straightforward for set up. With a few minor adjustments of the outer staking after the center pole was placed, the snug sides of the shelter work well to resist the elements. The shape of the tipi makes the shelter more aerodynamic than typical tent and shelter structures. This makes the shelter much sturdier and more comfortable in higher wind applications. The tipi's outer wall is made up of a waterproof 20D Silicon-coated Nylon fabric that gives it excellent waterproofing to keep you dry when nature the weather turns. It was time to test it out and make sure it performs as advertised.   I was able to talk a close friend into going shed hunting with me up in the mountains the following weekend. We made plans to head out as soon as we got off work on Friday to make as full a weekend of searching for the coveted elk sheds as possible. Spring weather was starting to warm everything up and thaw out the higher country. The snow looked like it had cleared enough that the roads would be passible, so we grabbed our Labrador hunting companions, packed up our gear, to include the Iron Wall, and headed out. As we gained altitude the temperatures started dropping and soon we hit the snow line. The night before our trip nature decided it would be funny to drop 3 inches of snow on our camping and shed hunting grounds. This would create more difficulty in picking fresh elk sheds out of the hill sides to say the least. I was excited to camp in the snow and try out the Iron Wall in some less then ideal conditions. I had planned ahead and brought the WinnerWell Fast Fold Titanium Camping stove with me to try out with the Iron Wall. What better weather to see how the 20D silicon coated nylon fabric tipi would work than to try it out in the snow.   I staked out the edges of the tipi, spreading the footprint out, leaving a small amount of slack as I had learned in the back yard. Once the center pole was in place and I started to reset the edge stakes I noticed that the tipi is built to not be “airtight” at the ground. When staked out there is typically a 1-2 inch gap between the ground and the start of the nylon. This was a little concerning. The winds were blowing around 15 to 20 mph, temperatures were below freezing. This gap would not do in these conditions. I started shoveling snow and piling it up around the perimeter to create a seal around the ground. By the time I finished the only breeze that entered the tent was through the two vent windows near the apex of the tipi that allowed ventilation. I decided with the cold weather creating a lack of active bugs and having my dog I would forgo the netted sleeping compartment and instead layed out a ground cloth to put my sleeping pad and dogs’ bed on. With the two of us taking up the back half of the tipi I was able to store our gear, install the wood stove and stockpile firewood to keep us warm and comfortable through the night in the front half with room to spare for easy access.   I spent the first little bit of the night constantly trying to get the wood stove adjusted just right to where I wouldn’t roast or get smoked out by trying to choke the flue too much. I finally found the happy point. With the stove glowing a nice red/purple I slept like a baby for the next few hours until I woke to restoke the stove. The Iron Wall was the ideal shelter for the winter weather. Adequate room for my sidekick and I and a warm place to rest. The aerodynamic shape of the structure kept the wind from affecting the tent. Other than hearing the wind in the trees and hearing my friends tent flapping with the gusts I all but forgot about the cold nasty weather outside our comfortable little space. After a cozy night I had a hard time wanting to leave the tipi the following morning. Honestly, if I had planned correctly and brought my percolator into the tipi to get my coffee fix I might have stayed in there much longer. But there where sheds out there somewhere that needed to be found, coffee and food that needed to be made, and beautiful country to enjoy. So in a nice warm shelter I unzipped my sleeping bag, put on clean cloths, laced up my boots and but on my coat ready to face the freezing temperatures. Having had the luxury of starting my morning warm and toasty I started a fire in the fire pit outside for my buddy to enjoy when he had to drag himself out of his bag into the 20°F weather.     At the end of the day after an incredible hike, finding a 100 foot waterfall at the bottom of a canyon not often visited by people or even known, and sadly no sheds weighing down our packs we headed back to our camp worn out from the miles and elevation gains we had put behind us. I couldn’t be more thankful for how simple the teardown and pack up of the Iron Wall was. I pulled the stakes and rolled the tipi up stuffing it into its stuff sack not being too careful about how it was packed, knowing I would hang it to dry out in my garage after getting home before packing it up for storage. It was a successful trip. Not because of the sheds we dreamt of finding but because I was able to get out and spend some much needed time in nature with a good friend. We got away from the chaos of life and successfully tryout some gear that will be a staple in my camping packing from here out. The Iron Wall lived up to the expectations of a shelter that is lightweight, durable, and can withstand inclement weather that nature threw at it.   This was not the only adventure that I took the Iron Wall on. It just happened to be the one that put the tipi through the most thorough testing to sell me on it. A few weeks later I was able to get out on a small backpack trip along the river. The lightweight, 3-1/3lbs and small pack size made the Iron Wall Tent the shelter of choice for the trip. We were in full spring at this point. The flowers were starting to bloom, the trees were getting their leaves and the bugs were coming out in force. This was the trip I would use the previously unused sleeping chamber that the Iron Wall came with.     I set camp with some friends near the river with a great overview. I chose a spot and set up the Iron Wall for myself. After getting the shell adjusted, I started to set up the sleeping chamber. I loved how simple it was to attach to the shelter. Within a few minutes and one restake of the chamber floor I was ready to set up my sleeping gear. I spent a night free from mosquitos buzzing around my head, in a rather roomy chamber impressed with just how much room there was, the trapezoidal shape gave enough room for a myself, and some gear without feeling claustrophobic. I had enough room on the bulb out portion if I had brought my dog, she would have had a spot as well.   After a few trips with the Iron Wall Tent I feel that I have had the opportunity to throw almost everything that this shelter is designed to handle and then some at it. I am sold on this quality piece of gear. OneTigris hit a home run with it. The tipi is made out of quality nylon making the tipi lightweight and waterproof, the single center pole and heptagonal shape make for a quick set up and resists the elements well. It is simple yet efficient. I can’t wait to take the Iron Wall on many more adventures. This is one piece of gear I am confident I can depend on when I need it to work.       Find it Here: https://www.onetigris.com/iron-wall-chimney-tent.html      What Could Be Done Better:   There are a few items that I would like to see be done a little different. The biggest thing that I wish this product had was a sod skirt. When camping in the high wind I was lucky that here was snow I was able to create a seal and keep the wind out. To truly make this a good 4 season shelter it would be nice to have the little extra protection around the bottom from the elements that a sod skirt provides.   The other item that could be done different is completely nitpicky. The stove jack has a precut hole for the stove pipe. Stove pipes are all a little different sized when they are put together. To accommodate this OneTigris precut a little larger hole in the stove jack. I would prefer to have a blank stove jack that I can then just to the size I need for my specific stove to seal up the hot air loss from this area.   The other thing that I think would help to take the Iron wall over the top would be to have the center pole be adjustable in length. There were a few times were I either did not have the stakes tight enough or I had them too tight. Although it is typical to readjust your stakes after placing the center pole, having the pole be adjustable would make set up just a little bit easier.   Credit: ireviewgear.com      About Johnny LeMaster    Johnny is a life long enthusiast of the outdoors. His passion and background have lead him to experience the outdoors from a multitude of adventures. You will typically find him hunting, fishing, backpacking, or hiking somewhere in the world unspoiled.    (Read original article here)

  We all know how blissful a camping experience can be in a hammock, but what about your furry best friends? Just because you don’t have a tent to share doesn’t mean that they need to be left behind! Hammock camping with a dog is entirely possible.   We’re going to cover some best practices to make sure that your four-legged buddy is more than welcome to tag along on your next hammock camping adventure.   First and foremost: Practice, practice, practice.   Dogs can pretty easily be stressed out by new situations. Especially when those new situations involve giant pieces of fabric swallowing you whole in the middle of the woods. Never fear though, if you and your doggo get set up and hang a few dry runs in the park or your backyard, it won’t seem so scary when you go to set up on your big trip!   During practice, unpack your hammock and let your dog sniff around. Let them see that your hammock isn’t that out of the ordinary. Let them watch you set it up, and make sure to involve them if they seem unsure. Puppy treats can help them to realize that hammocks are a good thing!   Once your hammock is set, sit upright and give them some pats before fully reclining out of site. Use your voice to sooth them if they’re at all nervous, and spend some time relaxing with them before you tear down.   Then set your hammock up two or three more times to make it seem routine.     Plan (and Test) Your Sleeping Arrangements.   Because of the WIDE array of dog sizes and temperaments, you should also practice sleeping (or at least napping) with your dog and hammock.   If your dog is small or medium sized and enjoys a snuggle or two, you can try them in the hammock with you. Just be sure to line the interior of your hammock with a quilt or blanket prior to lifting your dog up. Dog nails can tear through the nylon fabric as if it was nothing.   Be especially careful if you have a fancy blow-up sleeping pad they may damage.   Spend at least a few hours in your hammock with your pup in order to gain a little insight into how a night might go.   If your dog is not a fan of sharing your hammock, maybe try to give the hammock over to them completely. Let your dog spend some time in your hammock by themselves. You should know within the first 10 minutes if they are going to hate it, but if they don’t, let them spend a couple of hours just hanging out.   If your dog digs it, you might just have the coolest solution on your hands! Get your dog their own hammock, and they’ll be the talk of the trail. This can be a great solution if your dog is on the large size and seems to enjoy your hammock. Just be sure to hang their hammock as low to the ground as possible to ensure your pet stays safe during the night.   If your dog is not on board with the hammock at all, never fear. They are still more than welcome on your next big hike. There are many lightweight and packable dog beds that can be great addition to your hammock camping gear.     Combine this with a camping blanket to keep your buddy warm. This is especially important for winter hammock camping with a dog. If you need a blanket, you should probably have one for your dog as well.   Dog Hitching System   The last piece of the puzzle is your dog’s leash. It is important to keep your dog leashed during the night so that they don’t stir up the local flora and fauna.   The hitching system can be attached to your hammock’s straps or anchor points, or even to your wrist. This all depends on the temperament of your dog, and you should choose the best option for your pet. Dog Camping Harness or Backpack   Having a tactical dog harness or backpack that was made for the outdoors is also really important. OneTigris (who also makes great camping hammocks) have some REALLY high quality tactical dog harnesses, leashes, and dog camping backpacks.      Conclusion Armed with these simple tricks, you and your dog will get to enjoy all that hammock camping entails. Don’t forget to bring enough food and water for you both, pet waste bags, a dedicated bowl for your dog and a collar ID w/ vaccination. One last very important consideration… be sure to check USFS websites to verify that your dog is allowed on the trail. Many US parks have restrictions about pets and are strictly enforced.     Hammock Camping With a Dog FAQs   Q: Can my dog sleep in my hammock?A: Yep! Well, if they like it that is. Just be sure to line the inside of your hammock with a blanket or sleeping bag to keep dog claws from tearing the fabric. And try it out before setting out on a long trip.   Q: Can my dog come hammock camping with me?A: With the suggestions found in our article "How To Hammock Camp With Your Dog" you should have no problem bringing your dog along.    Credit: TopCampingHammocks.com

We asked ourselves the question: What's the most important element for campers? The hundred-buck-gear? The weather? Think about the word "outdoorsman". The definition is a human being in the outdoors. Many of us have a backpack, some sneakers, and a weekend to spare.   But we wonder, "Where to?"   This is how we came up with the idea of an adventure map. It doesn't have to be rocky and dangerous to be an adventure, so long as you walk into the wild and find the place that fills up your lungs with fresh air and inspiration. Take a look at some of the adventure spots around the world gathered so far, and see if you can find inspiration to venture out into the wild. Saskatchewan, Canada Justin Holdstock   "It's my favourite place in Saskatchewan to hike and camp. Unlike anywhere else in the province, it has canyons (Saskatchewan is known to be flat)! Being nested in the foothills the Rice River canyon is a one of a kind experience, forcing you to hike in (and out) all of your gear up the rocky river. Fossils, old growth trees, moss beds, black sand river banks, and ancient rocks litter the river. For the hardcore hiker, I couldn't recommend any place more exotic."   Trehörningen, Sweden Charlie Öhman   "This is a beautiful spot along the Sörmlandsleden path. It offers so much, fireplace, shelter, lake bathing and the park maintenance office even supply fire wood. The sun sets on the other side of the small lake which gives opportunity to have a gorgeous evening by the fire."  Newfoundland, Canada Chris Hillier   "Newfoundland, Canada has the lowest population density in Atlantic canada. Which makes most of the wilderness unexplored and pristine. It also has a very unique image, which tests your gear, and your skills." Keno City, Yukon, Canada Daniel   "If you want to know what it’s like traveling to the edge of civilization and then stepping beyond then Keno Yukon is the place you need to go... the unmolested views stretch over the horizon, terrain is boreal to alpine, truly one of the most amazing places you’ll ever visit... just drive a little past the sign post and start walking where the trail ends.. the only company you’ll have are the voices in your head and the native wildlife... probably the most incredible and secluded place I’ve been."   New Brunswick, Canada Tim Feetham    "This is a really great trail that spans from Fundy National Park up to Riverview NB Canada 72 km of beautiful scenery and amazing hiking. Great for anyone looking to do a 3 - 5 day hike."   Galloway Forest, Scotland Colin Russell    "I camp all around the Galloway forest every weekend, rain, hail or snow. It would be great to win one of the prizes to test out in the wilds of Scotland. I just love the great outdoors so any new equipment to help me enjoy what I love doing would be gratefully appreciated and well used, fingers crossed."    Flinders Adventures Ontario, Canada   "It’s on the river near the town I live in. It was one of the first places I camped with my wife and very quiet on a small island. It has everything you need for a fun trip including fresh water."   New Brunswick, Canada Wayne Kullcraven Russell     Hallstadt, Germany Carlos and Jessica "In Rahmen des OneTigris Campspot Contest stelle ich euch einen meiner Lieblingsplatze vor und zeige wie wir dort unser Zelt aufbauen."    Share your favorite camping/adventure spot with the rest of the world and help us to compile not just a location list, but a treasure map that motivates people to head out and enjoy the wild.   MUST READ! 1. Stay safe out there and don't jeopardize your own or others' safety!2. Follow the 7 C’s of camping: Care, Caution, Cleanliness, Common sense, Conservation, Cooperation, and Courtesy.3. All prizes are NOT exchangable and NOT refundable; standard warranty applicable.4. Contestants are limited to one submission per person.5. Submission can be for one or multiple recommended camping/adventure locations.6. Submission language not limited to English; subtitles will be highly helpful though!7. YouTube video submissions have a higher chance of getting votes and winning!8. Six weekly best submissions will be chosen by 1TG staff and announced on 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, 11/12, 11/19.9. Three top prize winners voted by the public from best submissions from week 1-6 and announced on 11/29.10. OneTigris reserves all rights of final interpretation of event rules and its decisions.

By Outdoor Union With millions of acres of national parks and forests, Colorado has everything you might need for an unforgettable outdoor experience. There are thousands of campsites in the Centennial State, both public and privately-owned. The camping season reaches a peak from early May to late September, but many campgrounds are open throughout the year. Free Tent Camping   The Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest dunes in North America. They reach up to 750 feet above the ground and extend over an area of 300 square miles. Here you can go hiking, sandboarding, or swimming in Medano Creek during the season.   As in most other states, there are many places in Colorado where you can set up a tent and camp for free. These lands are usually regulated by either the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the National Forest Foundation. So when you see a sign that informs you you’re entering a national forest, chances are you’ll find free campsites a few miles down the road.   If you’re looking for a free campsite at the Great Sand Dunes, the Sacred White Shell Mountain is a great choice. It’s on BLM land, about six miles south of the entrance to the park. The road to the site is bumpy and dirty, but the location is very quiet and spacious. It provides a 360-degree view of the dunes, the creek, and the San Luis Valley.   You can stay here for up to two weeks. There are few amenities available, as well. They include free access to toilets and fresh water, but you must have the National Park pass to use them. Although there’s no Wi-Fi here, you can expect very good mobile connectivity. And if you want to buy groceries, the city of Alamosa is about 20 miles away. Also, since this is public land, you should follow the first rule of outdoor etiquette and leave no trace.     State Parks   Park Fees and Reservations   The Colorado Parks and Wildlife is in charge of 42 parks and thousands of campsites across the state. All sites offer basic amenities like access to restrooms, showers, and electricity. Many also have playgrounds for kids, as well as laundry rooms. If you’re looking for a more comfortable accommodation, you can also rent a yurt or a cabin.   Most state parks charge entrance fees for vehicles, while some also charge a small walk-in fee.You can reserve your camping spot throughout the year, both by phone and online. The reservation will cost you $10, as well as an extra $6 for any changes you make afterward. This doesn’t include the camping fees, which are calculated on a per-night basis.   As such, you will pay $10 for a night at a primitive campground, or $18 to stay on a basic site. If you want a campsite with access to electricity, it will cost you $24 per night. And if you want a full hookup, you will have to pay $28 for one night. Also, during the May-September season, some camps may charge you an extra $2 per night.     National Monument   Colorado National Park   High on the Colorado Plateau, the Colorado National Monument Park strives to preserve the wildlife of the American West. Here you’ll find coyotes and bighorn sheep, as well as a number of bird species like golden eagles, jays, ravens, and red-tailed hawks. The park stretches over an area of about 32 square miles.   The National Monument Park charges an entrance fee to all its visitors. It costs $5 to enter on foot, $10 for motorcycles, and $15 for vehicles. The pass you obtain will be valid for a week. If you want to stick around a bit longer, you can also buy an annual pass for $40.   The 80-site Saddlehorn Campground offers accessible restrooms and picnic areas, as well as a bookstore. You can also go on organized field trips and attend ranger talks.       Arkansas River   The Arkansas River begins in the Rocky Mountains above Leadville and continues throughout the southeast part of the state, all the way to the Colorado-Kansas state border. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is primarily known for kayaking and whitewater rafting, as well as angler fishing for rainbow and brown trout.   Because the location is so popular, there are many public campgrounds where you can stay. They include the Hecla Junction Campground and the Ruby Mountain Campground with 22 campsites each, as well as the Five Points Campground with 20 campsites. All sites come with tent pads, camping tables, and fire grills. They also have access to toilets and running water, while some also have changing areas and boat ramps.     Colorado Springs Camping   About 60 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs is the largest city in the state. It rises above Fountain Creek and stands near the base of Pikes Peak, on the edge of the Rocky Mountains.   There are about a dozen campgrounds in the area. Apart from the Cheyenne Mountain State Park, most of them are privately owned. All campgrounds have designated RV sites. But because their number is limited, it is best to reserve your place well in advance.   Dispersed Camping   With millions of acres of public land and 13 national forests, there are many great places for dispersed camping across Colorado. Also known as boondocking, this type of free camping is becoming increasingly popular. And although some may frown upon it, dispersed camping is perfectly legal.   This map shows you the exact locations where you can set up your tent or park your RV. Just click on the area you want to visit and you’ll see a full listing of campgrounds that allow boondocking.   Before you opt for dispersed camping, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you choose to camp on a BLM-managed land, you can stay there for no more than two weeks. After that, you need to move to another campsite that’s at least 30 miles away. But if you want to camp in a national forest, your campsite has to be 100 miles away from the nearest road, trail, and water source. Moreover, you should avoid areas with fragile trees, as they may fall down and hit your RV or your tent.     Colorado Springs Area   The Pike National Forest is the prime boondocking location in the Colorado Springs area. It stretches over more than a million acres of land and is surrounded by the wilderness of Mount Evans.   Here you’ll find dozens of areas that are suitable for dispersed camping. There are five in the Cimarron National Grassland and the Comanche National Grassland. The Pikes Peak Ranger District and the Salida Ranger District have 11 dispersed campgrounds each. On top of that, there are another nine locations in the South Park Ranger District, as well as further six in the South Platte Ranger District.   Lake Camping   Twin Lakes Twin Lakes is a very small place at the base of Mount Elbert in Colorado’s Lake County. You can choose to stay at one of almost a hundred state parks and privately owned RV camps.   One of the most popular choices is the White Star Campground. Managed by the US Forest Service, its visitors have access to the famous Continental Divide Trail. The amenities are fairly basic and include drinking water, as well as restrooms. If you want to fish in the lake, there is also a designated angler fishing area on the campground.     Grand Lake   The Town of Grand Lake got its name from the eponymous lake, the largest body of water in all of Colorado. There are about 70 campgrounds in the whole area, both state-operated and privately owned.   During the May-September season, most visitors opt for the state-operated Green Ridge Campground. It offers all the basic amenities, as well as campsites for families. There are plenty of recreational opportunities here. They include hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and horseback riding.   The campground doesn’t work outside of the season. Luckily, there are several other campgrounds to choose from. Popular options include the privately owned Elk Creek Camp with 50 sites and the Winding River Resort with almost 150 campsites.   Lake George   Lake George lies at the very heart of Colorado, almost 8,000 feet above the ground. A dam built in 1890 separates it from the South Platte River. The main attractions here include trout fishing and scenic tours of the nearby area. Visitors can also learn about the history of Colorado at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, one of the largest fossil deposits in the world.   Popular campgrounds in the area include the Goosecreek Trailhead Road, the Mueller State Park, and the Badger Flats dispersed camping area.     Turquoise Lake   Turquoise Lake is a large reservoir on the Arkansas River near the city of Leadville. Known for trout fishing, as well as gold and silver mining, the city is also the home of the historic Tabor Grand Opera House. And if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, locals believe that some infamous ghosts haunt the Delaware Hotel.   There are eight campgrounds at the Turquoise Lake, with about 270 campsites. Popular choices include the Baby Doe Campground and the Molly Brown Campground. Both have vault toilets, drinking water, as well as camping tables on each site. They only work during the season, but some private campgrounds like the Leadville RV Corral are open all year round.     Bear Lake   Bear Lake is one of the more popular destinations in northern Colorado. It is part of the Rocky Mountain National Park sits about 9,500 feet above the ground. The view of the Rocky Mountains and hikes through Colorado meadows are the main attractions here. Visitors can also fish in the lake and experience the local wildlife at the Spanish Peak Wilderness.   The Bear Lake Campground is the go-to choice for campers that visit the area. It has about 45 campsites, each with its own camping table and marked rings where you can light a campfire. Visitors also have access to toilets and drinking water. The campground is only open from May 1 to September 30.   Lake Dillon   Lake Dillon, or the Dillon Reservoir, is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the state. It lies between the towns of Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco, and serves as the main water supply for the city of Denver. One of the main tourist attractions is the Frisco Adventure Park, where you can go hiking or biking in the summer and skiing and tubing in the winter.   There are five campgrounds in the local area. They are Lowry, Prospector, Heaton Bay, Peak One, and White River. Like most public campgrounds, they all open on Memorial Day weekend and close in late September. They are 15 more sites for dispersed camping. If you want to come here in the winter, you can opt for privately owned RV camps in one of the three neighboring towns.   Crater Lake   Crater Lake is something of an undiscovered gem. When visiting the area, most people opt to go north and see the Indian Peak Wilderness, but few of them visit the lake. There are, in fact, two lakes here: the Upper and Lower Crater Lake. In the summer, this location is perfect for hiking enthusiasts, as well as those just looking for peace and quiet in nature.   There are many campsites on the Crater Lake Trail where you can set up a tent. Keep in mind that there are no amenities available, so make sure to pack anything you might need during your stay here.   RV and Car Camping   Colorado Springs   All campgrounds in the Colorado Springs area have separate RV campsites. The Cheyenne Mountain National Park can accommodate up to 51 RVs at a time and provides full electrical hookup for each of them. What’s more, the park is open throughout the year, which means that you can come here even during the winter.   There are several privately owned RV camps in the area, too. Some of them also have cabins that you can rent and offer all the amenities you may need while staying there, including Wi-Fi internet access and TV rooms. Popular campgrounds include the Garden of the Gods, Lone Duck, Fountain Creek, Goldfield, Falcon Meadow, and the Golden Eagle. Their rates and fees are comparable and range from $35 to $40 per night for a full hookup site.   State Parks   Most state parks have camping spots for RVs and other large vehicles. Their number is usually limited to about 20 or 30 per campsite. To secure your spot on time, it is best to reserve a spot at least a few weeks ahead of your arrival.   To enter a state park with a vehicle, you will need to have a park pass. You can either buy it at the park or purchase it online. The standard annual pass for a single vehicle currently costs $70 and can get you into any state park in Colorado. If you’re 64 or older, you can get it for $60, but you must provide your driver’s license or ID. But if you have two or more vehicles, you will need a pass for each of them. This will cost you $35 per RV, or $30 if you meet the requirements for a senior pass.   Daily passes are also available and cost between $7 and $9 per vehicle.     Breckenridge   Breckenridge is a small town in southern Colorado with a very illustrious history. In mid-19th century people discovered gold in the Breckenridge area on Pikes Peak, which attracted many miners to the town. This sparked a three-year Colorado Gold Rush, which ended in 1861 with the foundation of the Colorado Territory.   A full century later, in 1961, locals built the first ski trails in the town. Today, the Breckenridge Ski Resort is among the most visited ski resorts in this part of the world. It spreads across five mountain peaks and has a total of 31 ski lifts.   But the area is also very active in the summer. With numerous mountain trails, it is great for hiking and mountain biking. In fact, the town hosts many running and biking races in the summer months. The nearby lakes are also a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.   Since this is a very popular location, it’s no surprise that there are almost 200 campgrounds in the town and the neighboring areas. The White River National Forest is home to many spacious campgrounds. They include Peak One, Pine Cove, and Lowry. Like many other public campgrounds, they only work during the season and stay closed in the winter.   If you’re coming to Breckenridge to ski, you can lodge at the Ski Resort. Alternatively, you can opt for dozens of RV camps in the wider neighboring area. The cozy Middlefork RV Resort has 26 campsites, each with a full electrical hookup. If you don’t mind the crowds, you can also stay at the family-owned Sugar Loafin Campground that has about 100 sites. There is also the popular Tiger Run, a luxury RV resort that can accommodate up to 200 RVs at any given time.   Winter Camping Although Colorado attracts most tourists in the summer months, it has plenty attractions to offer in the winter, too. January and February are usually the peak months of the winter season. There’s just enough snow to cover the mountaintops and create breathtaking vistas. What’s more, with fewer visitors and almost empty campgrounds, you won’t have to suffer the crowds and will have all the privacy you need.   It goes without saying that the Breckenridge Ski Resort is the most popular location in the winter. But if you don’t want to go skiing, you can see the winter wildlife of the area at the Rocky Mountain National Park. While at it, you should also visit the Gem Lake. There you can see the Continental Divide, as well as granite walls that are almost two billion years old.   There are more fascinating things to see in Colorado during the winter. Located at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Zapata Falls is only a minor attraction in the summer compared to the dunes. But when snow covers the area, it easily steals the spotlight. Zapata Falls then tends to freeze over, creating a mindboggling, 25-foot-tall ice sculpture of sorts.   The Sylvan Lake National Park offers numerous winter activities, too. For one, you can take part in a backcountry skiing adventure, but you may need to obtain a permit first. You can also go snowshoeing and ride motor sleds across the white trails. Ice fishing is also a popular winter activity in this part of Colorado. Finally, you can also watch the local wildlife or visit the nearby White River National Forest for even more beautiful sights.   Most privately owned campgrounds in the state remain open during the winter. Unlike them, the public campgrounds at national parks and forests usually close in early October and don’t reopen until the Memorial Day weekend in May.   One of the exceptions is the Swift Puma Campground at the Cheyenne Mountain State Park. This campground is only open during the winter months, from October to mid-April. It has a total of 16 campsites, all with sewerage, running water, and electricity. The Mueller State Park is open all year round and has 134 campsites, 112 of them with full hookups for RVs and cars.   (Read Full Article)