Here are 4 knots you need to know if you participate in outdoor activities such as backpacking, boating, climbing, and caving. Knot tying is a useful skill for various applications, from securing gear to saving a life. These four are particularly valuable and easy to learn! 1. Bowline Knot The bowline received its name because it was traditionally used by sailors to affix the sail to the bow (front) of the boat. In the present era, it is referred to as the “King of Knots” because it is suited for many applications. This knot makes a secure loop which can […]
Grubby fingers? Foul breath? Food bits stuck in your teeth? Soiled Dishes? Backpacking without soap can leave you feeling uncomfortable and grimy. Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 organic hemp castile soap solves all these problems. We love this stuff – it is naturally scented, completely organic, biodegradable, highly concentrated, and serves a multitude of uses. Use Sparingly You only need a small amount of this soap since it is a highly concentrated oil. Cleaning Camp Dishes You may not even need it at all if you are consuming dried foods (dehydrated/freeze-dried). These meals are already pre-cooked and dried, so you are not actually cooking […]
Olive oil is an excellent choice for backpacking. Not only is it healthy and high in calories—containing 120 calories per tablespoon—but it also has numerous non-cooking uses. You can use olive oil instead of butter to enhance the flavor of your meals and increase their calorie content. It works well in soups, pasta, rice, and bean dips. Just a teaspoon of olive oil can significantly improve the taste of dehydrated foods. Adding it before cooking can also help prevent foods, like powdered eggs, from sticking to the pan. Olive oil is delicious when used as a dip for pita or […]
Using the fingers on your hand is one way to estimate how much time you have before sunset. This can be a handy tip when you need to find a campsite and do not have a light source available. Setting up a tent in the dark can be challenging. How to calculate hours to sunset using the fingers on your hand Fully extend your arm out in front of the sun. Hold your hand up so that the top part of your index finger just hits the bottom of the sun. Keep adding fingers until you reach the horizon. Use the other […]
Why is our food quality so bad? Blame the consumer, not the system. The American food system is simply supplying what the American consumer is demanding. If you don’t want it or like it, don’t buy it. There are always alternatives – maybe not as cheap or convenient, but they are there…be aggravated enough to search. ~Safdy The Consequences of Fast Food Today, everything seems to feed off corn and soy: fish farms, animal feed, and packaged food for humans. That is because corn and soy crops are efficient and cheap to produce. Corn and soy are efficient transformers of sunlight, […]