In preparation for warmer weather and all of the great outdoor cooking opportunities, we have five tips to help you stay safe and have a much better experience with outdoor cooking.
Click here for Tip #1.
Tip #2: Set up a cooking fly. An old tarp of heavy fire-resistant blanket strung between two trees, poles, or walking sticks can provide protection from the elements for your cooking area. Always face the fly away from the wind. This will provide maximum protection from unexpected wind, rain, sleet or snow. Be sure to dig your fire pit about ten feet in front of the fly, far enough from the fly that sparks won't harm the fabric, but close enough that you can step beneath when weather is bad.If you will be using a camp stove, be sure to plan ahead. You will need to pack more fuel than your stove will carry, unless your trip is very short. Be sure to pack flammable fuels in high quality metal containers and always mark them to keep them separate from drinking water and other liquids. Also, be sure that fuel containers are airtight so that there is no leakage of fuel or fumes. Any leaks might prove disastrous later on. Store extra fuel far away from your cooking area. This will provide extra safety and peace of mind.
You may want to bring a small table or some wooden blocks to put your stove on. Many stoves have their own stands, but others will need to be kept off the ground and away from potentially flammable materials.
When lighting your stove, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Never use a stove in or near a tent. Never open fuel containers on or near a hot stove, and never try to refuel a stove that is hot or still burning.
