Fire, firewood, and light
The tools that get the fire going and keep camp lit after dark. Check fire restrictions first; by late summer, many campgrounds ban fires.
- Propane torch ↗Lights a campfire in seconds, even with damp wood. No more newspaper and kindling. Use it only where fires are allowed.
- Handheld battery chainsaw ↗A small cordless saw (4–6 inch bar) cuts bought firewood down to size. Battery means no fuel to carry, and it's quiet enough for a campground. Cut only wood you brought, never live trees.
- Folding saw ↗No battery to charge. Handles most branches and splits.
- Rechargeable headlamp ↗The one piece of gear everyone should have their own of. Look for a red-light mode so you don't blind people at the fire.
- Camp lantern ↗Lights the picnic table so you can cook and play cards without headlamps in everyone's eyes.
- Leather work gloves ↗For hauling wood and moving a hot grate.
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