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  1. EmberMike

    Camp kitchen (chuck box) options/suggestions

    I'm starting to realize that my kitchen gear is just way too disorganized and all over the place. I need a more centralized unit for storing and accessing kitchen equipment. I've looked at chuck boxes but they seem bulky, heavy, and since they're often made of wood maybe not the best...
  2. EmberMike

    Overnighter in NJ

    Did a mid-week overnighter last week with my 3-year-old son. We went to The Great Divide in Newton, NJ. Really great spot for family-friendly car camping and RV camping. We got a "primitive" site, no water,electric, or other hook-ups of any kind, but they offer all sort of amenities in other...
  3. EmberMike

    Topo Designs

    Just found this company: Backpacks Made in USA, Gear Bags & Backpack Accessories | Topo Designs Pretty interesting. Their packs are especially nice, sort of old-school designs but looks to be good quality. Hand-made in Colorado. Anyone know anything about the company or the products? I...
  4. EmberMike

    FlameStower phone charger

    FlameStower - The Fire Charger In the same category of product as the BioLite Stove, but a little cheaper and a little more one-use-type (just charges stuff, not a kettle and cooker). This seems way more practical for backpacking. 1/4 the weight, smaller and folds flat. The one...
  5. EmberMike

    Sage in a campfire?

    I've heard recently that burning sage stick bundles (those things people use to ward off evil spirits in a house) in a campfire deters mosquitoes. I just ordered some on Amazon to try this out, but since I won't be hitting the woods any time soon while my wife recovers from foot surgery for the...
  6. EmberMike

    Condor Bushlore knife

    I've been looking for a new bushcraft knife and I came across the Condor brand recently. I know they make pretty good axes, and the reviews I've found online regarding their knives are generally positive. Anyone use one of these knives and have any thoughts on it?
  7. EmberMike

    Les Stroud interview on Chase Jarvis Live

    Chase Jarvis LIVE: Survivorman Les Stroud - YouTube Cool interview, not what you'd expect. Less survival chat, more about how Les has been successful with the show, how he got to where he is, and at the end he plays a few songs on the guitar. Didn't even know he was musical. Watch it when...
  8. EmberMike

    Lantern thoughts...

    I need to get a new lantern, and I immediately figured I'd just get the old tried-and-true propane 2-mantle variety. I like the ones that use the small tank as the base of the lantern. But I've been thinking, maybe there's a better option? With all of the various electric options, LED bulbs...
  9. EmberMike

    Patch Collectors

    I personally haven't done any hikes significant enough to warrant putting a patch on my pack. Does anyone here mark the completion of a big hike with a token of the accomplishment? Post a photo if you've got one.
  10. EmberMike

    REI Kingdom 6

    I've been looking at large tents that can accommodate my wife and I and our 2-year-old and his pack-and-play. I'm thinking 6-person since the pack-and-play will probably take the space of 2 people, plus my wife and I, leaving 2 spaces for gear, which seems reasonable with a toddler in tow...
  11. EmberMike

    Casual camp boot

    Not entirely sure what I'm looking for here, but I got the idea that it would be great to have a nice comfortable boot for just lounging around camp. Not a hiker, not a work boot, not a sneaker. I'm thinking something between a sneaker and a hiker. Any thoughts on this? Does something like...
  12. EmberMike

    New Jersey, New York, Penn - Trip recommendations?

    Anyone else in the area? I'm looking for some car camping recommendations. I've got Jenny Jump in Hope, NJ pegged for a spring trip and I'm looking to put a few summer trips on the calendar. Looking in the area of Northern NJ, southern NY, and eastern PA.
  13. EmberMike

    Recommend a camp axe/hatchet?

    I had Gerber Camp Axe II and sold it. Wasn't a fan of the plastic handle. Wasn't very ergonomic either, just a straight handle. I'm looking for something else. Wood or leather handle, 13-20" length range, under $100. Although if you have a good $100+ recommendation I'm always happy to look...
  14. EmberMike

    First outing with a 2-year-old... any advise?

    While I anxiously await the warmer weather here in NJ, I'm thinking about my first outing with my with and son in the spring. This will be the first time out with the little guy, and I'm not sure what special considerations I should take into account. Obviously we'll be packing a little heavier...
  15. EmberMike

    Benchmade - I'm officially a believer

    I was at my local REI and saw a Benchmade Griptilian on display. After reading a lot of very positive comments on various websites about Benchmade products, I had to take a look. It was an impressive knife. Similar in size to an old Bucklite I still use, but with a more sturdy feel to it and a...
  16. EmberMike

    Getting back into the habit...

    Hi folks. I'm new here. Haven't been camping much in the last few years but looking to get back into it regularly, especially now that I have a 2-year-old son and would like to introduce him to the woods. Matter of fact I'm looking at Jenny Jump in Hope, NJ for a family trip early next year as...
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