AboutDavid Sweet Expertise I`ve been an avid camper for over 40 years, I`ve worked in several National Parks, and I`ve been About`s camping guide (camping.about.com) since 1997.
Experience
Camping Experience I've been camping since I was 9 years old, some 40+ years ago. I started out with just a sleeping bag and a lantern for 1 night sleepouts, gradually graduating to full-fledged camping with all the appropriate gear: sleeping bags, tents, pads, screen rooms, stoves, coolers, shower-bags, Dutch ovens, and more. I still have most of this gear after 20+ years of use. Along the way I also acquired backpacking gear and have done my share of backcountry adventures around the country. But now, as I've gotten older and my back has gotten stiffer, my wife and I have upgraded to a popup camper for most of our camping trips.
Where I've Camped I grew up in Kentucky and did most of my camping as a kid on the banks of the Licking River. As a teenager and into my twenties I camped mostly in the Red River Gorge in Daniel Boone National Forest. We never camped in campgrounds, but rather in backcountry locations, preferring peace and privacy to campground amenities and crowds. In my thirties I ventured west and lived and worked in several national parks over the next ten years: Grand Canyon, Sequoia, and Mt. Rainier, to name a few. These times were my most active for backpacking, hiking and camping. All my free time in the parks was spent exploring the backcountry, and in those ten years I saw quite a lot. Now that I'm in my 50's I prefer to camp in the public campgrounds like national parks, national forests and state parks. We don't use hookups, even with our popup camper, but flush toilets and hot showers are welcome amenities that can't be found in the backcountry.
What I've Learned After all these years I've learned some simple basics about camping: be prepared for the weather, bring whatever it takes to sleep comfortably, eat good foods, and have respect for the outdoors. I've also learned that there is no one right way to camp. If you're satisfying the basics which I mentioned, then you are doing things the right way. You don't need a lot of expensive gear or hi-tech gadgets. The whole idea is to break out of our normal lives and relax awhile in the geat outdoors.
How can I help you? My full-time job since 1997 has been as the guide for About's Camping site. My goal is to help fellow campers find the information they need to better plan and enjoy their outdoor adventures. Whatever your questions are about camping, I can help you. If I don't know the answer to your question(s) myself, I will guide you to other Web sites that do answer your question(s).
Question Hi David-
I received the griddle described below as a gift. I want to know if I can use it camping on our small gas grill. I believe that the griddle would mostly cover the entire grill surface. The description says that it can be used indoor or outdoor. I am fond of camping, but am wanting to venture out in my cooking while camping. Pancakes would be a great addition. I have used this inside on the stove only. Is there anything I should stear clear of when it comes to what I can use on my grill, as far as pots and pans? Besides the obvious plastic!
Switch from pancakes to steaks with just a flip of this double-sided grill/griddle from NordicwareŽ. The heavy cast aluminum construction offers superior cooking performance by providing you with uniform temperatures for even heating and controlled cooking conditions. Great for indoor and outdoor use, this fantastic non-stick grill/griddle features a smooth side and a ribbed side and will never rust or warp. Measures 20" x 10.75" x 1.1". Hand wash only. Not recommended for use on glass or ceramic stove tops.
Thanks so much,
Stacy
Answer Hi Stacy,
I contacted Nordicware, and here is their reply:
"It's okay to use the reversible grill/griddle on the camping stove or grill as long as the heat is adjustable. We recommend using moderate heat (approximately the "medium" setting on the burners) so that the silicone coating on the reversible grill/griddle does not get scorched."
As far as using pots and pans on the grill, I do it, but I use a medium-low setting. If it's a gas grill, as in your case, it's no different than using your gas range at home.
