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Post by xiaolichen1988 on Oct 19, 2015 11:04:39 GMT -8
Hello everyone, i am a newbie of backpacking , i only have few times experience. want to do it more. because my friends are no interesting about backpacking ,so it end up i did all my trip solo.So i am very curious about everyone's opinion about campfire in backcountry. I love have small fire after sunset,when i stare fire just feel safe and cal and happy out there. I am wonder if other people have same feeling?But my last backpacking trip can not make fire,the trail prohibit campfire at the time,kind of disappointment.So what did you do after sunset if you can not have fire? also I am thinking about is bear canister necessary ?is it reliable in bear country? should i buy one or rent one?Wish someone cam share some thoughts ,Thank you in advance.
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jay
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Post by jay on Oct 19, 2015 11:23:15 GMT -8
Greetings and welcome.
I am like you, I enjoy having a campfire whenever I can on the trail as well. I think most people do. As far as bear canisters, I would follow recommendations wherever you are backpacking. Bear spray is one of those things that I believe is better to have and not need than need and not have. I would personally buy my own bear canister and not trust one that may be defective.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Oct 19, 2015 11:34:10 GMT -8
By "bear canister" she may mean a food canister, not bear spray. Although she can clarify if she wants. But the same advice applies, follow the guidelines wherever you are going. If the place requires one, absolutely go get one whether a rental or purchase. If you're going to visit such places often, buying one is probably the better deal in the long run than renting one, but that depends on your circumstances. As for a campfire, it depends. I don't usually have one in the evening. What do I do, you ask? I sit, I watch the stars, I listen to the nocturnal side of nature come alive. Usually though, I'm pretty tired by day's end and I simply go to bed not long after the sun has set. A fire can be nice, but it does "cut you off" from the nature you're out there to enjoy, to a certain extent. Most folks spend all evening staring at the coals with no night vision and have little idea what's around them. That said, I can't say I never have them. I typically don't when alone, but with my kids I'm more likely to start a small fire if it's chilly and one is allowed.
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speacock
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I'm here for the food...
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Post by speacock on Oct 19, 2015 11:37:31 GMT -8
Welcome I'm sure there will be many comments about back country fires.
Where are you located and where do you expect to go back packing in the near future.
California and especially all of the National Parks have many restrictions on having an open fire. There are many reasons not the least of which is that most of California is experiencing a drought. The lack of rain/snow has made most of the forests a fire hazard.
When I was younger the only way you could cook while backpacking was with an open fire. It was smoky, dirty a hazard and always needed more fire wood that had to be collected near by. As available firewood was depleted campers would cut off limbs or cut down trees. In heavy populated camping areas it didn't take long to make a severe impact on the forest and other's enjoyment.
Most of the people here seldom build a fire, but use any number of cooking stoves from very simple, light weight and relatively inexpensive to some very large devices that can be used as a high altitude basecamp.
There are many smaller stoves that use compressed gas similar to propane in small containers that for a solo camper would provide heat for cooking for several nights.
I think all would enjoy a campfire at times, especially if you have friends you want to get to know better by sitting around talking and watching the fire burn out. Most like me have not had an open fire in years.
If you are spending the night in the Sierra someplace it is recommended you carry a bear canister and put everything that smells good or sweet (deodorants, lip stick, toothpaste, etc) as well as all of your food in it and leave it a on the ground away from where you sleep. If you are in a popular camping spot and on major trails in the Sierra it is mandatory that everybody in your party has a canister. They check as you pick up your wilderness permit.
The Garcia is inexpensive is adequate for one person for a few days. Berikade canisters and larger, lighter weight for same volume and very expensive. You can rent both. The Garcia is probably available to rent, in the Sierra and in eastern mountains, where you pick up your wilderness permit.
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Admin
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Post by Admin on Oct 19, 2015 11:46:37 GMT -8
xiaolichen1988, welcome to the forums. Did you find us mentioned on the old forum pages or find us with a Google search?
Now that you are here and asking about hiking and camping, you should tell us where you hike? Is there a particular forest area or park you visit? The more people know about where you will spend your time, the better they can offer suggestions.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Oct 19, 2015 11:48:27 GMT -8
I don't want a fire. Bad for the environment, not LNT, presents a risk (however small) of getting out of control, the fire light cuts out the wilderness experience, limits campsite selection, and a fire becomes an unnecessary responsibility (you can't wander off and leave an untended fire).
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Oct 19, 2015 11:53:45 GMT -8
I typically have a fire in the local backcountry. A fire by a lake is sort of the quintessential Ontario camping experience. After a handful of trips with a hatchet, I invested in a Sven saw which -- at only 14 ounces -- has proved fantastic for quickly carving up deadfall. However, I can get along fine without a fire if required. Twilit fire by the lake... Queen Elizabeth Wildlands, Ontario
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Post by xiaolichen1988 on Oct 19, 2015 12:06:59 GMT -8
bp2go, i found this page from old forum. Thank you all for your input. I live in san francisco. so i went to big sur and trinity alps wilderness. I am thinking hike John muir trail next summer. I would love to learn things about backpacking from all of your.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Oct 19, 2015 12:20:52 GMT -8
I've done both, with fire and without. It depends on the location and weather for me. If it's raining, I'll sometimes build a fire to help dry off/warm up. In the past, I had fires often. Now, not so much. I'll explore the surrounding terrain and watch the stars from a nearby clearing or at the edge of a cliff...or just wander. In winter, I'll build a fire sometimes...but a midnight sled run or a game of cards is always a great time as well.
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jay
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Post by jay on Oct 19, 2015 12:32:09 GMT -8
By "bear canister" she may mean a food canister, not bear spray. Although she can clarify if she wants. You're probably right on that, brain cramp on my part. I have been looking into bear spray of late and had it on my mind.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Oct 19, 2015 13:21:01 GMT -8
No fires for me, unless I am car camping with a group. In the Summer, the light stays around plenty long, but in the Fall and early Spring, it does get dark early. I read by headlamp, or watch the stars, or walk around my camp site, without any light, so i can see what else is up and out.
In John Muir area, bear canisters will be needed. Rentals are fine. I bought my own, and so have others. If you think you might bp around any of the other parks in Ca, you will be better off buying your own. Doesn't take many nights rental to pay for a canister. As for their reliability, the tests are pretty conclusive. If the park allows it, it has already passed stringent testing. However, most of us have only had them tested by squirrels and mice. For that alone, they are worth the weight. I sleep soundly, knowing my food is well protected.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2015 13:37:40 GMT -8
First, congratulations on going solo when your friends were not interested in backpacking. You met the challenge with courage. Good for you!
How I feel about fires is not nearly so important as the forest rules. Many areas of the Western United States have restrictions on campfires. In some forests or wilderness areas, campfires are against the law. So it is very important for you to know, and follow, the rules of the place where you hike. Nearly all forests and wilderness areas have websites. Or visit a ranger station and ask the rangers what the rules are — before you go.
California is enduring an intense drought. That makes the fire hazard very serious. And there may be special regulations in place limiting or outlawing campfires because of the fire danger.
Many folks in areas with more moisture are accustomed to having a campfire. But in dry areas of the West, the question of fires is very serious. And some of us have learned to do entirely without fires. In the long run, it is a lot easier to do without the fire than to have one. And we learn to enjoy many other things instead of watching a fire. Some folks here have mentioned some of those things.
You were brave and met the challenge of going solo. Now understand that there will be times when you must be brave and go without a fire. You can do it. And I think you'll find that you enjoy it — partly because you understand that you are protecting the forest and wilderness for your own future enjoyment.
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Admin
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Post by Admin on Oct 19, 2015 13:41:32 GMT -8
Aha! I wonder if you might find a friend who would like to go spend a night or two at Point Reyes or the Taylor Redwoods to get a sense of camping with the added comfort of a campfire, a table, a bathroom, and no bears! A little sample of being outdoors overnight, a close-by hike with a grand coastline to wander. Then when they find out it's fun, you challenge them to go a little more :wilderness" and find one of the trails on Mt. Tamalpais. There are plenty of places to pick up your skills within a short distance from the City. Meanwhile, you might like to preview the JMT with this movie on YouTube call Mile, Mile and a Half about four people who did the trail a few years ago. PS: From a Bay Area Home Base, California mountains are not going to allow a fire. The coastal areas that I suggested are probably going to allow a firepit campfire if you want one.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 19, 2015 13:43:11 GMT -8
I also enjoy a small fire where it is permissible and safe. I usually also cook over it and consider this much more environmentally friendly than a canister stove.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Oct 19, 2015 13:45:23 GMT -8
Like many here, have fond memories of campfires past, kids and s'mores, a required rite of passage. Nowadays though, seldom bother making one unless car camping or maybe at a trailhead before a hike...just too much bother.
Well, to be truthful, a small fire (coals actually) makes cooking trout (foil packages) in the backcountry lots easier...saves/ extends a gas canister...but after dinner is over, not a big "sit around a campfire" advocate...prefer fishing till dark or into my sleeping bag.
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