August 2011
18 posts
3 tags
Make It: S'mores
When it comes to camping, s’mores are as ubiquitous as bears, unidentified noises, difficult-to-pitch tents—you get the point. S’mores are definite campfire staples. While we love the graham cracker, Hershey’s chocolate and marshmallow combination, it’s time our palates experience something new. So we’ve scoured the Internet, interviewed campers and done everything short of breaking out our old...
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Recipe Contest: You Can't Fail Foil Packets
This is a keeper campground recipe for our family — it even works when small car camping or deep back country camping dictates minimal gear & cooler ingredients.
MUST HAVE INGREDIENTS: 1) Foil squares 2) Fire 3) Food (even bagged jerky & canned corn works) OPTIONAL BUT TASTY INGREDIENTS: 4) Corn 5) Potatoes (diced) 6) Onions (chopped tiny) 7) Peppers (small) 8) Seasoning: Steak,...
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Cool Camping Gear: The Cave Tent
From jewelry to camping equipment, diamonds are everywhere these days—and no, we’re not referring to glamping or blinged out sleeping bags. The precious metal is turning up in our pick for cool gear courtesy of The Cave tent. Crafted by Heimplanet, The Cave’s design takes a cue from the molecular structure of a diamond to offer maximum stability and durability outdoors. Its shape allows for...
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Recipe: Fuel up on Granola!
When it comes to a filling, portable snack, few things beat a savory granola bar. But with hundreds of options on the market, picking the right bar isn’t always easy. Do you opt for chewy or crunchy? Is all natural, organic healthier than a raw, gluten-free bar? How much sugar is too much sugar? When deciding on the ideal granola bar becomes too overwhelming a task, we opt keep it simple by making...
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All Mixed Up: Four Trail Mix Recipes + Bonus...
Chances are that rumbling you hear out on the trail isn’t a rockslide or even a babbling brook, but the beastly growl of an empty stomach in need of fuel. We’ve whipped up some wilderness-worthy trail mix recipes to overcome hunger as you set out to conquer trails.
For the full sensory experience we’ve prepared a different kind of trail mix. This 10-track playlist is perfect for solo...
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Hiking Hits - Endless Summer
Pocket Ranger’s weekly song picks for those who enjoy a little musical accompaniment when hitting the trails.
The apparent drop in temperatures we felt this morning reminded us that the dog days of summer are quickly coming to an end. For those of us futilely wishing for a spike in temperatures, this desert-inspired playlist will transport you to a warmer corner of the world. Danger Mouses...
4 tags
In The Bag: Best All-Weather Sleeping Bags
Finding a great sleeping bag is like securing the perfect hiking boot before hitting the road—picking one equipped to handle the elements is paramount. Yet with varying weather conditions come myriad of decisions: will my sleeping bag function for both cold and warm weather? Is the sleeping bag sturdy? How durable will the sleeping bag be?
Because fretting things like, say, lurking bears is more...
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Hiking Hits - Let's Get Wet
Pocket Ranger’s weekly song picks for those who enjoy a little musical accompaniment when hitting the trails.
With summer winding down, this beach-inspired playlist is a great companion on a hike, or on the way to the water. “Let’s Go Surfing” by The Drums will get you thinking about catching some waves, while Metronomy’s “The Bay” will certainly remind you of...
3 tags
Know Your Knives: A Beginner's Guide to the Best...
Choosing a good camping knife can seem like a tedious task with today’s saturated market filled with gadgets and gizmos. Knowing what to look for in a knife can save you a lot of time and energy—and not to mention money, which is something Pocket Ranger aims to do on a regular basis.
Selecting the perfect knife means being honest with yourself about what you’ll be using it for, and whether...
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Packing Essentials: What to Bring on a Camping...
Thinking of everything you’ll need to go camping can be a bit overwhelming. So Pocket Ranger™ has come up with a list of essentials, plus a few extras of what you’ll need to be prepared. Make sure to check the weather and camping requirements before heading out—such as whether a permit or reservation is needed, which is readily available on our app!—and you’ll be on your way to having a great time...
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The Gatekeepers: Brittany Whitaker
From campground calamities to real-life Yogi bears, state park employees see and do it all. But it’s not just camp stories they’re privy to! Pocket Ranger™’s weekly series gives you a glimpse inside the lives of these park heros with tales and happenings from beyond the park gates.
Name: Brittany Whitaker
Current Position: South District Interpretation and Education Specialist, North...
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Hiking Hits: Rise and Grind
Pocket Ranger’s weekly song picks for those who enjoy a little musical accompaniment when hitting the trails.
Few things beat kick-starting your day with a solo hike at dawn. Aside from a great pair of boots and clear skies, a great playlist is the ultimate outdoor companion. From the opening drumbeat of Yeasayer’s ”Sunrise” to steady your feet, to the dream-like tones...
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Your Best Foot Forward: Finding The Perfect Hiking...
Hey hiking ladies, before you try sneaking onto that trail in a pair of regular, ol’ sneakers there are a few things you should know about climbing kicks. First off, forget about fashion. We know, it’s hard to do after last week’s post on ‘outdoor couture,’ but there are guidelines that must be met unless you want to become shareholders in Icy Hot stock.
Here are a few features to...
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Tech and Tips: Pocket Ranger’s Official PA. State... →
Back to Hiking’s Thom Reeder takes Pocket Ranger’s Pennsylvania State Park’s mobile app for a test run in Raccoon Creek State Park.
Do you agree with his review? Tell us why!
