Family camping
Kids sleeping bag vs adult sleeping bag: which to buy
Kids sleeping bag vs adult sleeping bag: a child-sized bag keeps a small body warmer because there is less empty space. Here is when to size up.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Élodie Fontaine
Writer
Writes the beginner, family and cold-weather camping guides.
Articles by Élodie
Family camping
How to get kids to sleep in a tent on a camping trip
How to get kids to sleep in a tent: keep the home routine, make it dark and warm, tire them out in the day and plan for a late first night.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Hiking
How to prevent blisters when hiking
How to prevent blisters when hiking: fit, socks, lacing and the moment to stop. A simple plan to keep your feet from rubbing raw on the trail.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Beginner camping
Easy camping meals for beginners with one pot or no stove
Easy camping meals for beginners: one-pot dinners, no-cook backups and a simple plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a two-night trip.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Gear lists
Gas stove vs wood fire for desert trips
A gas stove is the default for desert camping. A wood fire adds warmth and mood but depends on local rules, fuel supply and wind. Here is how to choose.
Élodie Fontaine3 min read
Hiking
Hiking boots vs trail runners: which is better for you
Hiking boots vs trail runners: boots give ankle support and protection on rough ground, trail runners are lighter and dry faster. Here is how to choose.
Élodie Fontaine3 min read
Family camping
Why the second night of family camping is easier
A short column on why the first night of a family camping trip is the hardest, and why most families settle in by the second night.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Beginner camping
What to do when it rains while camping
What to do when it rains while camping: get gear under cover, keep one set of clothes dry, stay out of low spots and decide when to pack up and go home.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Cold weather
Sleeping bag temperature rating explained: comfort vs limit
Sleeping bag temperature rating explained: what comfort, limit and extreme numbers mean, and how to pick a bag for the coldest night of your trip.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Cold weather
Sleeping pad R-value for cold weather camping
Sleeping pad R-value for cold weather camping: what the number means, what to buy for frost and snow, and how to add warmth under you cheaply.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Family camping
Camping with toddlers: how to plan a first trip
Camping with toddlers can work if you keep it close to home, short and simple. Here is how to plan sleep, safety and snacks for a first trip.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Cold weather
What to wear camping in cold weather: a three layer plan
What to wear camping in cold weather: a base layer to wipe away sweat, a warm middle layer and a shell for wind and rain, plus what to avoid.
Élodie Fontaine5 min read
Beginner camping
How to choose a camping tent for your first trips
How to choose a camping tent: pick the size, seasons and weather cover that match your trips, and learn what fails first in wind and rain.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Cold weather
Is it safe to use a heater in a tent? What to know
Is it safe to use a heater in a tent? Fuel and flame heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and fires, so read this before you bring one camping.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Family camping
Family camping packing guide
How to pack for a camping trip with children: sleep, food, safety, clothing and the extras that save the evening. Sorted by what goes wrong first.
Élodie Fontaine6 min read
Hiking
Day hike essentials checklist: what to carry in your pack
A day hike essentials checklist for beginners: water, food, layers, navigation, light, first aid and a plan, with a rule for how much to carry.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Cold weather
How to stay warm in a tent in winter: a simple plan
How to stay warm in a tent in winter: insulate from the ground first, use a bag rated below the low, keep dry layers for bed and cut the wind.
Élodie Fontaine4 min read
Beginner camping
Beginner camping gear checklist
A beginner camping gear checklist for a first overnight trip: what you really need for sleep, food, light and safety, and what to borrow or skip.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Hiking
What to do if you get lost hiking: stop, think, stay put
What to do if you get lost hiking: stop early, stay calm, check your map, retrace only if sure, stay put if not and make yourself easy to find.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Hiking
How to choose hiking socks that prevent blisters
How to choose hiking socks: pick wool or synthetic, never cotton, match thickness to your boot and carry a spare pair to keep your feet dry and blister free.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Beginner camping
How to pick a campsite and a pitch for beginners
How to pick a campsite and a tent pitch as a beginner: choose a simple site close to home, then pick flat, dry ground away from hazards and wind.
Élodie Fontaine2 min read
Cold weather
How to dry wet gear while cold camping, step by step
How to dry wet gear while cold camping: wring, shake, use body heat, rig a line and keep your sleep layers dry first, with fixes that work in frost.
Élodie Fontaine5 min read
Family camping
Camping with a baby: how to plan a first overnight trip
Camping with a baby for the first time: pick an easy site, plan safe sleep, dress for the night, pack baby gear and keep a simple way out if it goes badly.
Élodie Fontaine5 min read
Hiking
How to pack a hiking backpack so it carries well
How to pack a hiking backpack: heavy items close to your back, light ones at the bottom, rain gear on top and small things in pockets you can reach.
Élodie Fontaine5 min read