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The best times to stargaze while camping

 

The best time to see stars and take milky way photos is at night generally during a new moon and when the sky is darkest and clear.  Usually a few hours after sunset or before sunrise. 

The season can also affect the number of visible stars, as the Earth's position in its orbit around the sun changes throughout the year. For example, during the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way is often visible.  While during the winter months, constellations such as Orion and Taurus are more prominent. Winter nights are longer and the air is generally clearer, making it easier to see stars. 

It's also important to consider the phase of the moon, as the moon's brightness can interfere with star visibility. If you want to see stars at their brightest, it's best to plan your stargazing trip during a new moon or when the moon is not visible in the sky. Reference the moon calendar screen shot below as an example.

The visibility of stars can also be influenced by atmospheric conditions, such as the presence of clouds or haze. Clear, dry nights with low humidity and minimal light pollution are ideal for stargazing, as they provide the best conditions for clear and bright views of the night sky.

 

 

If your goal is to stargaze when there is a new moon, I highly suggest finding a trusted moon phase calendar tool or moon schedule to find out the lunar phase for any given month.  I like using this online moon schedule tool from moonconnections.com. Simply select a month, year, identify your hemisphere, and click "Go", and it will show you what the moon will look like for any day that month. The internal phase calculator is very accurate, but the images are approximations.  

Happy trails and stargazing with your closest friends and family around a warm and inviting campfire.  Don't forget to make a wish after you witness a shooting star. 

 

Moon phase calculator 

 

 Photo Credits: @roamrx

- Mike Houston 

 

The Best Food And Ways To Eat While Camping

The Best Food And Ways To Eat While Camping

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When it comes to camping, the best food to cook is typically something that is easy to prepare, portable, and filling. Here are some ideas for delicious easy camping meals:

  1. Foil packet meals - These are great because they are easy to prepare and clean up. Simply wrap your favorite ingredients (such as meat, vegetables, and spices) in foil and place them over hot coals or on a grill.

  2. One-pot meals - One-pot meals, such as chili or stew, are perfect for camping because they can be made in a single pot over a campfire or camping stove.

  3. Breakfast sandwiches - Breakfast sandwiches are easy to prepare and can be made with ingredients like eggs, bacon, cheese, and bread. They are also portable, so you can eat them on the go.

  4. Kabobs - Kabobs are a fun and easy way to cook meat and vegetables over a campfire or camping stove. Simply skewer your ingredients and cook them over the fire until they are cooked to your liking.

  5. S'mores - No camping trip is complete without s'mores! All you need are graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to create this classic camping treat.

I've found that the fewer utensils or plates needed for feeding yourself or friends, the better off you'll be since you don't have to wash them or collect disposable plates/utensils that can take up valuable space in your trash bag or Trasharoo.  Save your precious water for drinking, not washing excess dishes.   That is why I'm a fan of cooking meals that can be eaten with your fingers, bread, wooden toothpicks, or with flour tortillas.  Having manners at the dinner table isn't applicable when you're one with nature. Eating like a caveman/woman is completely acceptable and highly encouraged! 

jay roy camping shower pouch showerpouch propane cooking

Options to consider when cooking your meal? Charcoal or Propane? 

My favorite cooking platforms are either a propane Tembo Tusk (first image), old fashion charcoals on a collapsible fire grill from Front Runner, or a propane grill from Cook Partner (second image).  You can't go wrong with any of these options. Some camp grounds don't allow charcoal due to fire hazards.  Propane will always be your safest bet.  

Remember to bring a cooler or other storage container to keep your food fresh and make sure to practice safe food handling to avoid foodborne illness or cross-contamination. I hope this information has been helpful. 

Happy trails from the Shower Pouch team.  

Mike 

What's better, a Rooftop Tent or a Truck Camper?

What's better, a Rooftop Tent or a Truck Camper?
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What's better, a Rooftop Tent or a Camper? 

The choice between a rooftop tent and a camper comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, versatile option for short camping trips, a rooftop tent may be the way to go. However, if you're planning on extended trips or need more amenities and protection from the elements, a camper may be a better fit.

Photo credit: Roaming Lost