For many, lighting a fire is only half the battle. The proper preparation and arrangement of the wood is essential to the success of any campfire. Making the perfect campfire will have a dramatic effect on how long the fire will last and how much heat it will emit.

So, stress no more because we have made it easy for you to once again enjoy a cold winter night in warmth and comfort.

Step 1: Prepare

Before you even consider thinking about having a fire, you should make sure you have something to light it with.
Lighters and matches are a popular choice, but if you are seeking a bit of a challenge, you can attempt more traditional methods like using a magnifying glass or sticks and stones.

Remember, be smart and keep a bucket of water on hand at all times.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

Now it’s time to embark on a search for ingredients!

An important first ingredient is of course the tinder, which is usually what will first go up in flames. Search for things like lint, bark, wood shavings and paper, and you should face no trouble in getting your fire started.

Kindling is another necessary ingredient to the mix and comes in the form of twigs, wood pieces and cardboard.

However, most importantly, ensure you have enough dry wood to keep the fire burning for hours on end. Ensure the wood is dry though, because when it is wet it has a hard time catching fire.

Step 3: Prepare the Area

Once you have completed your search for materials, it is time to prepare the area in which the fire will be lit.

Clear a circular area and either build a ring of rocks or dig a pit (depending on how energetic you are feeling and on the tools available to you).

The ring of stones will insulate the fire will the pit will keep the fire contained.

Step 4: Build and Start your Fire

Once your area is complete, begin building the fire, by loosely placing the tinder in a pile of kindling, allowing for sufficient air to circulate.

Light this (using your chosen method) and gradually add more kindling, making sure not to smother the fire too rapidly.

Once you have established a decent flame, begin to place the firewood on top. This is when your creative side can take hold, allowing you to experiment with designs like the Tepee, the Log Cabin, the Pyramid and a Star (all pretty self-explanatory).

Don’t go overboard in the amount of wood you pile on and voila! You now have a successful (and warm) campfire.

-Chrissy

If you have any more tips on building a successful campfire, tell us in the comments below!

camping, Fun

Going Camping? Roasting the perfect marshmallow is an essential outdoor survival skill for any trip to the great outdoors. Finding the right temperature, the right distance from the flame and the right timing has alluded many campers since the dawn of  time, but a quick read of our guide we’ll have you roasting like a pro fast.

If you’re tired of eating charcoal on a stick, these 5 easy-to-follow steps will bring you the marshmallow perfection you lust for at last.

1. Find Your Tool:

The perfect tool is essential for roasting the perfect marshmallow. The best stick to use is a straight one to ensure even cooking and precise control. Even if it takes you a few extra minutes to track down a better stick, the end result will be well worth it.

2. Position The Marshmallow:

Once you’ve tracked down your tool, place the marshmallow on the end of the stick, taking care not to pierce it all the way through. For best results, don’t double stack your mallows. Roast them one at a time for that beautiful golden-brown finish.

3. Mind The Flames:

Next, find a comfortable position around the fire and begin toasting. The best place to position your mallow is beside the flames and above the embers. Do not let the flames touch your marshmallow, or it will quickly become a flaming, black, charcoaled mess.

Be sure to keep the marshmallow on the heat throughout the entire cooking process to get that perfect, gooey centre.

4. Rotation Rotation Rotation:

For a consistently roasted, golden brown marshmallow, continually rotate it, like a pig on the spit. Keep it moving.

5. Ready Or Not:

When the inside has reached its ooey-gooey-best, it will start to slide down the stick. Get in quick before it starts to droop, or you will end up with a sticky mess.

Believe it or not, the best way to keep your face clean is to shove the marshmallow in your mouth all at once.

So there you have it, the secrets to marshmallow roasting perfection revealed. Now go find yourself a stick and let your quest for golden brown marshmallow utopia begin.

-Chrissy

camping, Dining, food