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10 Pieces of Camping Gear That Will Make You Happy

10 Pieces of Camping Gear That Will Make You Happy

Okay, This Gear Makes Me Happy Campfire Guy Here. From June to late September, weather in North Texas is a little too “scorched Earth hot” for camping. I take this time to reflect on the gear I used over the cooler months and make adjustments for trips I have planned this fall and winter. Remember, I am the serial gear returner.  For this gear to still be under my roof is seal of approval.  I currently own and use everything…

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Coleman Sundome 2 Tent Review

Coleman Sundome 2 Tent Review

Sometimes Gear Reviewing Can Be Tricky Campfire Guy here.  If there’s one thing I love more than spending time in the outdoors, it’s trying out new camping gear.  A friend asked for my thoughts on the Coleman Sundome 2.  My initial plan was to use the tent while I was at Boy Scout summer camp in Talihina, OK.  However, when we arrived, I discovered that our camp site was situated on steeply sloped, rocky terrain. Plan B was to set the…

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Therma-A-Rest Compressible Pillow Review

Therma-A-Rest Compressible Pillow Review

Resting Happy Face Campfire Guy here.  It took me a few years to stumble into the wonderful world of camping pillows.  No longer would my EDP (everyday pillow) come home from a weekend in the woods smelling like a campfire.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a good campfire, but when it’s time to head back to civilization, that campfire smell and sandwich stealing raccoons can stay in the woods.  Fortunately, my stumbling lead me to the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow….

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Hands Off Our National Monuments

Hands Off Our National Monuments

Texas in My Heart, Mountains and Public Spaces On My Mind Campfire Guy here.  Every two or three years, we pack up the family truckster, strap grandma to the roof and head to the mountains of Colorado.  Okay, one of those might not be true.  We only make it to Colorado every five to ten years. Estes Park – Gateway to Rocky Mountain Nation Park Our usual destination is Estes Park, Colorado.  On those trips, the highlights are the drive…

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GSI Outdoors Ultralight Javadrip Review

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Javadrip Review

Coffee Talk, Review Amongst Yourselves Campfire Guy here.  I’ve made many mistakes in the outdoors. Some of my lowlights include not protecting our food from bold,cooler-invading raccoons at Tyler State Park and ignoring the warnings about invasive black ants at Cedar Hill State Park.  Those mistakes occurred early on in my outdoor adventures.  My gear has since evolved, and so has my ability to read notices posted by park rangers.  Reading is still FUNdamental!  Sadly, the most egregious mistake I’ve made…

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How to Pick Out a Sleep System for Car Camping

How to Pick Out a Sleep System for Car Camping

Campfire Guy here.  The season for gearing up continues with the next installment of, “How to Gear Up For Car Camping”.  Aside from a tent, your sleep system is the second most important step in the path to camping bliss and a good night’s rest.  A sleep system consists of some sort of mattress or pad on the ground with something to cover up with on top.   Put Something Between You and the Ground If you ever camped out…

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How to Pick Out a Tent for Car Camping

How to Pick Out a Tent for Car Camping

Campfire Guy Here.  We are planning a camping trip with some friends for this coming Fall.  During our correspondence (fancy way to say Facebook Messenger), they asked me, “we are new to car camping, where do we start with buying gear?” My inner gear dork squealed with glee.  Every time Campfire Guy gets to dispense gear advice, either an angel gets its wings or Campfire Wife rolls her eyes and groans.  I can’t remember, though I’m pretty sure it’s the wings…

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UCO Gear Mini Flatpack Grill & Firepit Review

UCO Gear Mini Flatpack Grill & Firepit Review

The Mini Grill That Could Campfire Guy Here.  It’s well documented that I like playing with fire.  It’s also well documented that I like to eat (see any picture of Campfire Guy in his ill-fitting clothes).  Spring weather in North Texas provides a great opportunity to get outdoors, make like a caveman and cook over an open flame.  No loincloths were set on fire in this post. Among a wide array of headlamps, lanterns and fire starters, UCO Gear also…

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Cub Scout Leader Training Guide

Cub Scout Leader Training Guide

Campfire Guy is Bad at Math, but Good at Getting Trained Campfire Guy here.  Four score and six years ago….wait, that doesn’t sound right.  Zero score and six years ago, I began walking the path to become a trained Cub Scout leader.  While the infographic below starts a little more formally, mine started with chopping onions on a Cub Scout campout.   From the Couch to the Woods If you’ve followed my antics on this site for any length of time,…

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Jetboil Flash Cooking System Review

Jetboil Flash Cooking System Review

Never Stand Between a Sleepy Camper and Their Coffee Campfire Guy Here.  Do you know who likes coffee? This guy.  Do you know who likes having the ability to make coffee in the outdoors in a little over two minutes?  Yep, this guy again.  The Jetboil Flash Cooking System is my go to for boiling water and making coffee. A Little History on Portable Stoves Compact cooking stoves have been around since the late 1800’s.  According to Wikipedia (who would never…

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