About Camp Cairn
A plain-spoken guide to camping and hiking for people who didn't grow up doing it. We cover the short list of gear that actually matters (and what you can skip or rent), how to pick a campsite and pitch a tent that won't blow over, cooking real food on a camp stove or a fire, reading a trail and not getting lost, staying warm, dry, and safe in changing weather, and the beginner-friendly first trips that build confidence — so you go from never having slept outside to planning your own weekend in the woods.
Camp Cairn is an independent resource focused on camping, hiking, and the outdoors for beginners. We publish practical, carefully researched guides for readers who want clear answers without the fluff — whether you are just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already know.
What we do
Every article is written and edited to be genuinely useful: accurate, easy to follow, and grounded in real-world experience. We cover topics across Getting Started, Camping Gear, Campsite Skills, Camp Cooking, Hiking & Trails, Safety & Navigation and update our guides as best practices evolve. We are not affiliated with any of the brands, products, or organizations we may reference; mentions are for the reader's benefit, not an endorsement.
Who writes Camp Cairn
Camp Cairn is written by Reed Callahan. Reed has slept in tents in every kind of weather and writes camping and hiking guides for people building skills one trip at a time.
How we stay free
Camp Cairn is supported by advertising. We display ads (including ads served by third parties such as Google AdSense) so that our content can remain free to read. Advertising never dictates our editorial recommendations. See our Privacy Policy for details on how ads and analytics work on this site.
Editorial standards & disclaimer
Camp Cairn is an independent outdoors resource. Our guides are researched and written in-house; we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any gear maker, retailer, park, or trail association we mention. The outdoors carries real risk: weather, terrain, water, wildlife, and your own fitness all change what is safe on a given day. Treat our advice as general starting points, not a substitute for local conditions, current regulations, ranger guidance, or hands-on instruction. Check the forecast and trail status before you go, tell someone your plans, carry the essentials, know your limits, and turn back when conditions call for it. Information here is general guidance, not professional safety, medical, or wilderness-survival advice.
Our content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional where appropriate.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, or feedback are always welcome. Reach us at runbookify@gmail.com or visit our contact page.