Great New Twists on a Camping Classic – S’Mores
Try these creative s’mores recipes for your next RV camping trip. From peanut butter cups to bacon s’mores, upgrade this campfire classic.
RV Living & Cooking
Easy Breakfasts When RV Camping
Find simple, tasty breakfast ideas you can make in your RV rental. Recipes, tips, gear — perfect for on-the-road mornings.
Top PCT Bloggers to Follow : Discover the Trail Through Their Words
Top PCT Bloggers to Follow : Discover the Trail Through Their Words The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretches over 2,650 miles, offering diverse landscapes and experiences—from the deserts of Southern California to the forests of Washington State. And, for this reason, top bloggers like Carrot Quinn, Mac of Halfway Anywhere, and Erin of Walking With Wired bring the trail to life by documenting their experiences. These top bloggers offer a window into the PCT world, sharing their physical journey and emotional experiences. In this article, we look into: Featured Bloggers Several blogs document hike experiences at the PCT. But we have our favorites that you, as a nature enthusiast and hiker, must bookmark. These include: Carrot Quinn Blog URL: CarrotQuinn.com Carrot Quinn’s evocative writing style and raw honesty take readers on an emotional journey along the PCT. Key highlights of the blog: Mac of Halfway Anywhere Blog URL: HalfwayAnywhere.com Mac’s approach is data-driven and analytical, making his blog a goldmine for those who love details and numbers. His PCT Hiker Survey series is particularly notable. It sources responses from hundreds of hikers to provide statistical insights into everything from gear choices to average budgets. This makes his blog an invaluable resource for planning and preparing for the PCT. Liz ‘Snorkel’ Thomas Blog URL: EThomasOutdoors.com Liz ‘Snorkel’ Thomas brings an expert eye to the PCT, with a focus on ultralight hiking techniques and urban hiking adventures. Her experience as a long-distance hiker and advocate for trail stewardship shines through in her writing, which is both informative and inspiring. She offers a unique perspective on how to enjoy the trail responsibly and sustainably. You’ll enjoy reading her guides on ultralight backpacking. These are both practical and align with a minimalist, low-impact approach to hiking. The Trek (Formerly Appalachian Trials) Blog URL: TheTrek.co The Trek is a collective voice of the long-distance hiking community. It features contributions from numerous hikers. This provides a multifaceted view of the PCT. The site is a comprehensive resource for: The diversity of content is the biggest strength of The Trek. Whether a reader is looking for emotional stories, practical advice, or the latest trail news, this site has it all. Erin of Walking With Wired Blog URL: WalkingWithWired.com Erin ‘Wired’ Saver’s blog is a great chronicle of her PCT journey, offering readers a day-by-day account of her experience. Her attention to detail is remarkable, covering: This comprehensive approach gives a thorough sense of what life on the PCT is really like. What you’ll love most are her daily logs. They provide an almost real-time look at long-distance hiking. These posts are especially valuable for those looking to understand the daily realities of life on the PCT, including the small joys and challenges that don’t always make it into more summary-style accounts. What Makes These Blogs Resonate The Pacific Crest Trail, with its varied landscapes and intense challenges, attracts a special kind of storyteller. While each featured blogger has a unique voice, they all resonate with a wide audience by sharing common aspects of their experiences on the trail. These blogs: Tips for Aspiring PCT Bloggers Sharing your journey through a blog is rewarding. If you’re considering starting your own PCT blog, here are some essential tips to guide you on your way: Starting Your Own PCT Blog: First Steps and Finding Your Niche The Importance of Honesty and Personal Perspective To share your PCT story on a blog: Technical Tips: Platform, Design, and Photography Engaging with the Hiking Community and Readers PCT Bloggers: Your Digital Guide to Adventure The Pacific Crest Trail bloggers help us experience the joy, the challenges, and the beauty of one of the world’s most famous long-distance hikes. These bloggers share their experiences and tips and—by extension—a part of themselves that resonates with hikers and adventurers. These blogs can inspire you to start your own PCT blog. They can also encourage you to lace up your boots for a day on the trail. The path of the PCT is open to all, inviting not just to be walked, but to be felt, experienced, and shared.
How to Cook with Cast Iron in an RV
Enjoy all the conveniences of a fully stocked kitchen with a NW Adventure Rentals RV. If you like cast iron, might want to bring that pan too!
Can I Host Thanksgiving in an RV?
Can I Host Thanksgiving in an RV? Ask any RV traveler what they are grateful for this year and traveling the open road is probably at or near the top of the list. Traveling in an RV allows you to go so many places for a lower cost than other forms of travel. Why not take a trip over Thanksgiving? Autumn is a great time to get away in an RV. Many families get together for a vacation away from their homes for the holidays. If this is you, or your family is looking for a new tradition to make theirs’ we have some great tips for cooking up a feast from an RV. Have the Right Tools The great thing about an RV is you bring a kitchen with you. One of the setbacks when cooking a large feast, is that the RV kitchen is not as big as many home kitchens. The oven and stove may not be as large as you are used to. May we suggest bringing in a couple of trusty helpers that RVers enjoy cooking with year round; the IntstaPot and the Crockpot. These great cooking helpers are like having a sous chef to help you with the side dishes. Even better they take up very little space in the RV kitchen. Some people swear by making mash potatoes in a crock pot. Cook Outside For more cooking space make use of your campsite. If its raining fold out the awning and use your new “patio” space for grilling. Many campgrounds have grills in each camping space. The grill is a great place to cook up some vegetables or even just a turkey breast. If you have a smaller crowd or white meat lovers grill up just the turkey breast or two. How about a deep fried bird? The outdoors is a great safe place to try a turkey fryer. Make sure you treat it the same as a campfire. Give it plenty of space from other flammable objects and always keep an eye on it. Deep fried turkey is so juicy with nice crispy skin and it cooks up in a fraction of the time it takes to roast one. Consider Less Food Thanksgiving is all about a huge feast, but with the limited space you may want to keep your feast a little more scaled back. Hosting Thanksgiving in an RV limits your space so to make things less stressful plan to have enough food to satisfy just the number of guests at the table without copious amounts of leftovers. Start with just cooking the must have traditional favorites like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce; or whatever your family deems as the traditional thanksgiving staples. With the right prep, Thanksgiving in an RV could be your best holiday yet, especially with a luxurious, spacious RV from NW Adventure Rentals! For more great camping tips and to view our fleet of Seattle rentals, please check out our website or contact us anytime.
What Size RV Should I Rent?
What Size RV Should I Rent? Table of Contents While planning an RV trip, or any trip for that matter, there are many details to consider. If you are planning your trip and have not taken a vacation in an RV before, you may be wondering what size of RV would work for you. Here are some of the most common RV sizes and some things to consider when reserving an RV for your trip. Unlock the full potential of your RV rental with spacious options to accommodate guests and provide ample room for movement. However, remember that larger RVs come with a higher rental price tag. While compact units may advertise sleeping space for six adults or more, prioritize privacy and comfort, especially for taller individuals. Consider bed sizes carefully, ensuring they comfortably fit adults over 6 feet tall. Basic RV Rental Size Class A Motorhome: If you’re pondering what size RV should I rent for an unforgettable journey, consider the versatile options ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 pounds and 24 to 40 feet in length. These RVs come equipped with their own motor, offering a seamless blend of travel and living space. Up front, you’ll find comfortable driver and passenger seats, complemented by a well-appointed kitchen area, bathroom, private main bedroom, and designated sleeping and dining spaces seamlessly integrated with the driving area. These RVs are designed to accommodate up to 7 people, making them perfect for family adventures or group trips. With self-contained living systems including water, electricity, heating, gas, and air conditioning, you can enjoy off-grid camping experiences with ease. Additionally, hooking up to water, sewer, and electricity at various campsites adds to the convenience and flexibility of your travels. So, when asking yourself, “what size RV should I rent?” consider these spacious and feature-rich options for your next journey. Class B Motorhome: When considering what size RV should I rent for couples on the move, look no further than the class B motorhome. These compact RVs offer the perfect blend of flexibility and efficiency for your travels. Typically under 25 feet long and similar in width to a pickup truck, they’re easy to maneuver and drive, making them an ideal choice for adventurous duos. Designed with couples in mind, some class B motorhomes can even accommodate up to four individuals, providing versatility for your journey. With the convenience of finding space for your RV at nearly every RV site, you can enjoy hassle-free exploration wherever you go. Class C Motorhome: When deliberating on what size RV should I rent, consider the convenience of a mini-motorhome, also known as a Class C. These scaled-down versions of the Class A experience offer a perfect balance of comfort and functionality. While they may have fewer features and space compared to Class A models, Class C motorhomes are highly prized for their ease of operation and maneuverability. Ranging from 20 to 31 feet in length and weighing between 10 to 12 thousand pounds, these RVs are versatile options for travelers. Accommodating up to six travelers, they provide ample space for small groups or families. With the comfort and flexibility they offer, Class C motorhomes are ideal for adventurous journeys on the open road. Travel Trailer: Check out our travel trailers for rent in Seattle. They can come in a variety of sizes and are best towed with a sturdy vehicle. Depending on size, they have full amenities just like a motorhome but are not legal to ride in while in transit. These are a good option if you plan to camp for an extended period, or plan to use a car to drive around and sight see. Sport Utility RV: These trailers require a heavy-duty vehicle to pull them. They include a living space as well as garage area on back for smaller vehicles like ATVs and motorcycles. Folding Camping Trailer: Lightweight trailer with folding collapsible sides. Think of it as half tent, half trailer! They have dining, kitchen and sleeping space. You will have to find a camp space that provides a public restroom. Things to Consider when determining the size of an RV to rent Rental price The larger and nicer the RV the more you will pay…not just rental price, but in fuel and campsite fees. Larger RVs require more space to park and, as such, will cost more to park. Your RV Driving Skills Mastering the art of driving an RV takes practice and patience. Many liken it to driving a large truck or SUV, emphasizing the importance of slow, cautious maneuvers for safety. Handling a trailer requires extra care, especially when backing into tight spaces. Backing up a trailer presents its own set of challenges, as it moves in the opposite direction. With practice and attention, navigating RVs and trailers becomes smoother and more manageable on the road. Access to Supplies while Traveling Experience unparalleled convenience on the road with a motorhome, offering unparalleled ease of use. Unlike trailers, where you’re confined to a long car trip without much mobility, motorhomes provide freedom of movement. For families with young children embarking on extended journeys, RVs offer the perfect solution, allowing kids to roam freely, access the bathroom, and engage in activities like games at the table with ease. Make the most of your travel experience with the versatility and comfort of an RV. Setting Up Camp A trailer will take a few more steps to set up and get situated than a motorhome once you are at your camp site. For more information on camping in and renting an RV for your next trip, please browse our website or contact us anytime.
Classic Comfort Food on the Road – When in the RV
Classic Comfort Food on the Road – When in the RV There are so many great camping recipes out there today. Some people have turned cooking over a camp fire into an art, producing gourmet meals you could get in a five star restaurant. Meals are one of the things that bring us together and make a trip all the more enjoyable. A great meal can invoke feelings and a bad one can bring down the mood for a while. Here is a recipe for a classic comfort food (RV style) the whole family will enjoy, to make your trip even more special: Mac and Cheese that Begins on the Cooktop and Finishes on the Grill Ingredients You may have noticed there is a large amount of cheese in this recipe, this is not one of those quick light and healthy meals. It is a great comforting indulgence after a busy day of vacationing. After you have assembled all the ingredients you will want to heat up the grill. You can use charcoal or gas whichever you prefer. Make sure your heat is up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 2. Boil your macaroni on your RV stove top until its perfect for eating, drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce. Step 3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, once melted whisk in the flour to thicken (about a minute). Whisk in 1 cup of the nonfat milk. Now add each kind of cheese while continuing to whisk rigorously. If the sauce is becoming too thick slowly add in the remaining milk until sauce is smooth again. When the cheeses are all in the sauce finish by adding the heavy cream, pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Step 4. Once the Sauce is complete it is time to stir in the elbow macaroni noodles and bacon pieces. Step 5. When all the yummy goodness is mixed together transfer it to a grill safe casserole dish and top with the panko and a little more cayenne pepper. Place the casserole on the grill for 12 minutes and you will have a cheesy gooey comfort meal with a crunchy top. *Alternatively you can use the RV oven to finish off the mac if you do not want to grill. Some of the best memories can be made on the road while renting an RV, especially from NW Adventure Rentals. Maybe this mac and cheese will become a family RV traditional favorite! For more information on renting an luxurious motorhome or travel trailer from our Seattle location, please browse our website or contact us anytime.
It’s Baking Season – Expert Tips for Baking in an RV
It’s Baking Season – Expert Tips for Baking in an RV Today’s RVs are nicer than ever. There are so many great features that some people choose to live in an RV and might just have nicer homes than some of us living in traditional dwellings. One of the great modern day amenities in an RV that often gets overlooked is the oven. Since its December, a time famous for baking, we thought we would highlight some great tips for using the oven in your RV. RV Ovens are Different The oven in an RV of course is going to be different than the one in your kitchen at home. The biggest difference between a home oven and an RV oven is the size. An RV oven is considerably smaller than a traditional home oven. You will probably need to purchase smaller bakeware as well as bake smaller batches. Both of these things could mean it will take longer to bake your recipe or that you will need to adjust a large portion recipe to fit a smaller oven. Cooking with Propane in a Smaller Oven Takes Some Adjustments Most RV ovens are heated by a propane source. The propane can make for a hotter oven than most people are used to. A great way to help regulate the heat is with a baking stone placed on the wire rack in the over set just above the propane flames . Additionally, you will want to place the rack holding the food you are baking on the highest possible position. Check the Temperature As with any oven you will want to preheat an RV oven before you place your food inside and begin baking. It is a good idea to purchase an additional thermometer to double check the internal temperature of the oven as RV temperature dials are not always accurate. Be Prepared Before You Leave If you plan to utilize the oven and other features of your RV it is a good idea to know as much as you can about these features and how to use them. Learning these things while on your trip can take valuable fun and relaxing time away from your trip. The more you know and are prepared for before you embark on your journey the better. If you know the model of RV you are going to rent before your trip you can do some research on it before you leave. You can also ask your rental company for any brochures or information they may have available so you are best prepared and ready to go. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!
How to Make Authentic Cowboy Coffee
How to Make Authentic Cowboy Coffee When most people hear the words cowboy coffee they may picture a gaggle of tough unwashed men in wide brimmed hats sitting around a campfire, or wonder “is this just the newest hipster, trendy way to get your caffeine?” Cowboy coffee is in fact a term used to refer to the old fashioned way of brewing coffee over the campfire. The old fashioned method of making cowboy coffee is pretty easy and requires little effort. Maybe this is why it was labeled cowboy coffee, it is a no-fuss, no-nonsense way to brew coffee while out in the wilderness. While this method works to make a cup of coffee in a primitive environment, it usually comes out with a robust yet bitter flavor. The reason this happens is that the boiling water scalds the coffee releasing the unpleasant bitterness. The coffee is in contact with boiling water far too long as well making it very strong. Strong coffee is not a bad thing especially for those of us from the Pacific Northwest, but bitter and strong is not a good combo. There is a way to make a good cup of cowboy coffee. The method just needs to be tweaked a bit. Here is a much better method for brewing your coffee on the campfire with pleasant results. Note: Do not let the coffee grounds come in contact with the water while it is still boiling. This makes all the difference. The second (or third if brewing the whole pot for yourself) cup of coffee is going to be stronger than your first as it will have been in contact with the grounds longer. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!
Adventure, Camping, RV, RV Living & Cooking
Bring the Crockpot on the Next RV Camping Trip
Bring the Crockpot on the Next RV Camping Trip If you’re camping in an RV, you obviously have a lot of the luxuries from home such as a soft, warm bed, the kitchen, perhaps even a big-screen TV. But one of the best tricks that I learned this summer is to bring along a slow cooker. The last thing I want to do after a day full of fun outside either hiking, biking or exploring the Pacific Northwest is come into the RV and start preparing a big meal. This is where my slow cooker really comes in handy. By setting the slow cooker on low in the morning, we can simply come home in the evening and have a meal ready to go. Here are some of my favorite recipes that I like to prepare in the slow cooker when camping. Fire roasted chili This really is one of the easiest recipes. Simply take a couple of cans of fire roasted tomatoes or, if you’re really adventurous and you have a morning campfire going, bring along some raw tomatoes and simply roast them on the open campfire until they get a good chart. You can throw them in your slow cooker with the other ingredients and you’re ready to go. You want to put in about 2 tablespoons of chili powder, one chopped up onion, either 1 pound of ground beef or about a pound of chopped up bottom round steak or even cubed up Chuck steak without a lot of the fat so attached. Regardless of what meet you choose, it will get soft and tender throughout the day. You can even throw in some ground turkey meat if you want to be a little bit healthier. From here, add in whatever you want such as green or red bell peppers, garlic, and whatever spices you like. I typically throw in some oregano, garlic and onion powder, a good tablespoon of salt, a good shake of black pepper and maybe a little cayenne or red chili flakes for a little bit of heat. Set the slow cooker on low in the morning and go anywhere from 8 to 12 hours before you need to do anything with it again. About 20 minutes before serving dump in two cans of whatever beans you like. This could be black beans, kidney beans, navy beans or pinto beans. Give it a final stir and add water as necessary at the beginning and at the end if need be. Scoop into bowls and serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, avocados and cilantro. – See full recipe here Chili Colorado Another variation on this chili is my Chili Colorado. This starts in much the same way but I make sure that I use the cubed bottom round steak or another tough cut of meat with the fat removed. This will create chunks of steak in a similar sauce. I had about one more tablespoon of chili powder and a few more spices to create a thick stew with just the meat. Once you are ready to eat, spoon it into tortillas and top with sour cream and cheese. Of course, beefs stews, soups, chicken tortilla soup, chicken tiki masala, or even a slow cooked pork shoulder would be excellent. Twice as Nice Pork Pork shoulder is usually another one of my go to’s for the slow cooker. You can even put it in frozen. Throw in some sliced onions, garlic, orange juice, a beer or a cider and cook until the meat is falling apart. You can either serve this in tacos, with rice and beans, or make it into pork barbecue sliders. If you wanted to, you could do a large portion and then make two different meals out of it for a couple of days. A slow cooker is a genius way to cook while you’re on a camping trip. As long as you have electricity and you can leave it in a safe location during the day, there’s no reason you can’t come home to a delicious dinner in a fantastic smelling RV. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!