camping cooking questions from a camping newbie

[sheisaeval]

I'm not sure where to post this, so please move it if it's in the wrong topic area.

Cooking-
What kind of camping stove is best? Butane vs propane? Pros/cons?

What about cooking over a camp fire - is it better to cook over wood fire or charcoal  briquettes? Pros and cons? Do we need firestarter sticks, or can we use tissue/newspaper? Also, matches or a lighter?

What some good camping recipes that have little or no cleanup (like just wiping it down and don't need to scrub it with soap)? some I've thought about are boil in a bag rice, steamed vegetables, boiling pasta (and adding sauce in own bowl), grilling meats on foil, foil packet meals, hot dogs on sticks over a fire, any "add hot water" meals (instant oatmeal, instant noodles/soups, etc).

We like the omelet in a bag idea BUT we don't want to cook plastic, so can we do something like this with foil or something (aka pouring the mixture in a foil packet and sealing the edges, and submerging in boiling water)?etc.



Also some other questions-
Foam sleeping pad vs inflatable mats?

If you visit a state or national park and you want to explore the park area or go hiking, do you put up the tent and then leave the tent up while you go explore?

What are some MUST HAVE camping supplies people may forget about? What do you find the most useful in your camping trips?

[Dave]

Hello sheisarval and welcome.

Everyone will have their own opinions when it comes to camping gear, so I will give you mine.

What kind of camping stove is best? Butane vs propane? Pros/cons?

We prefer to use a two burner propane camp stove. The model we use is the Coleman PerfectFlow InstaStart Propane Camping Stove.

We like the larger stove because we have a family of five and need more cooking area.  The 1 pound propane bottles are priced reasonably, but are heavy.  With propane, you also have the option of binging a larger cylinder and using a hose to supply fuel to the stove.  This style of distribution system can also be used to fuel a lantern, grill or both. Here is an example of a distribution system.

Butane stoves tend to be smaller and are geared more to the backpacker or kayaker who has to take all their gear with them.  But for one or 2 persons a small stove like this would work fine.  The butane stoves tend to not work as well in the colder climates, but if you are camping in the spring and summer this would not be an issue.

I am short on time and will try to get back later today to answer some of your other questions.

Dave

[tplife]

Propane has the same disadvantages of butane in cold temperatures.  White gas is preferable (and much more economical)  for cooking at freezing temperatures.  AVOID air mattresses and cots if you sleep in an unheated enclosure, as they present a hypothermia risk at worst and a poor nights' sleep at best due to their heat-sink effects in drawing warmth from the sleeper while equilibrating to become the same temperature inside as the cold air outside.  Stick with ThermaRest self-inflating pads or knockoff versions.