c/camping-and-outdoors

Appreciation post: I saw three groups at Lake Tahoe last month pack their entire campsite into one bear canister, which is a huge mistake because it forces the lid open just enough for a determined bear to get a claw in.

I learned this the hard way after a black bear in Yosemite got into my 'perfectly packed' canister six years ago, so what's your best tip for fitting a weekend's worth of food and smellables into a single canister without forcing it?

Can we talk about how I was setting up my tent wrong for ages

I was camping near Lake Tahoe last weekend and a park ranger walked by my site. He pointed out that I always pitch my tent with the door facing the wind, because that's how my dad taught me. He explained that it's better to have the narrow end, not the door, into the wind to reduce strain on the fabric. I moved it around and the whole thing felt way more solid that night, even with some gusts. Has anyone else had a basic setup tip change things for them?

Showerthought: People keep setting up their tents right on top of the fire ring at this one state park

I've seen it three times this month at Lake Guntersville, and it's a great way to wake up smelling like a smoked sausage. Has anyone else noticed this, or is it just a weird local trend?

My neighbor mentioned his Coleman stove has the same fuel line as his old lantern

He said it saved him a bunch of hassle on a trip to the Olympic Peninsula last month. Has anyone else found gear parts that unexpectedly work across different pieces of equipment?

Got caught in a surprise storm on the John Muir Trail last fall

We were about 8 miles in near Thousand Island Lake when the sky went dark in maybe 10 minutes. My buddy's cheap tent started leaking right away, and we had to huddle under a tarp for three hours while the wind howled. Everything in my pack got damp, even the stuff I thought was safe. Has anyone else had a trip go from perfect to soaked that fast, and what's your go-to move when the weather turns?

A bear in the Smokies taught me to pack my toothpaste differently

I was camping at Elkmont Campground in Tennessee two springs ago. I woke up to find a black bear had torn into my food bag, which I thought was hung right. The ranger said the mint smell from my toothpaste tube in the bag was the real draw. Now I keep my toothpaste with my soap in a separate bag far from my tent. Anyone else have a simple thing that almost caused a big problem?

PSA: I bought a $70 'ultra-light' camp chair that snapped the first time I leaned back in it.

The aluminum leg bent like a straw on flat ground at Lake Tahoe, so what's a good strong chair that won't break the bank?

My buddy in Colorado told me to pack a cheap tarp for under my tent, said it was a waste of money.

DAE bring a sleeping bag now after a cold surprise?

I always skipped bringing a sleeping bag to save space. Waking up shivering at 3 AM taught me that weight is worth the warmth. What gear did you end up valuing after a rough night?

PSA: My last backpacking trip had me missing paper maps

Recently went backpacking in the mountains. Everyone was using GPS on their phones to navigate. I remembered when my dad and I used folded paper maps and a compass. It felt more connected to the land back then. Now, I keep a paper map in my pack just in case.

A soggy morning showed me why I need to pack my socks better

I got caught in a surprise rainstorm while hiking last week. All my stuff got wet, but my socks were the worst because I just tossed them in my bag. Spending a day with damp feet made me rethink how I pack. Now I use a simple plastic bag for them, and it keeps everything dry. It's amazing how one small change can save a trip.

Lost track of time sketching pine cones by the lake...

Last weekend, I was out camping at Blue Ridge and found a bunch of pine cones near the lake. I brought my sketchbook with me, so I sat down to draw them... just for fun. The way the light hit the scales made me see details I never noticed before. I got so focused that I didn't hear my friends calling me for hours. My hand got cramped, but it was worth it to capture those little patterns. Now I'm thinking of doing more nature sketches on future trips. Has anyone else tried drawing or painting while camping? I'd love some advice.

What's the best rustic fire pit for a cabin?

We just finished building a small cabin up north and want to put a nice, rustic-looking fire pit out front. We want something that looks natural in the woods and can handle large logs. What are our best options?