Filtration And Purification 101: How, Why, and When to Treat Water on Camping Trips

Filtration And Purification 101: How, Why, and When to Treat Water on Camping Trips Description:Water is critical to life—that’s just a fact. And that’s no different when you’re camping. But many campers are ill-prepared to purify or filter water, risking waterborne illnesses caused by bacteria like E. coli to parasites like Giardia. These microscopic dangers can decimate your digestive system—some can even kill you. Perhaps worst of all, they can ruin a rad camping trip.  All jokes aside, if you’ve ever experienced one of these waterborne illnesses, you know that water filtration and purification are no laughing matter. In this guide to camp hydration, we’ll talk all things H20. We’ll explain the difference between potable and non-potable water, and the risks associated with the latter. We’ll also discuss our favorite water filters, break down our go-to purification treatment techniques, and more.  If you want to sip safely on your next adventure and are thirsty for knowledge, keep on reading—and maybe grab yourself a glass of water while you’re at it. This is a long one! What is Potable vs Non-Potable Water? You’ll often see the phrases “potable water” and “non-potable water” while camping. It’s important to know the distinction between the two.  Potable Water: Potable water is defined as water that is safe to drink. If you see a sign that says “potable water” next to a campground spigot, you’re welcome to drink that water without filtering or treating the water. Non-Potable Water: Non-potable water, on the other hand? No bueno. If you see a water source that says “non-potable water,” it’s best not to drink it, as it may be contaminated and hazardous to your health. The vast majority of non-potable water sources, of course, are not labeled, so it’s up to you to figure out whether or not you need to filter or treat the water.  Non-potable water may be hiding some of the following hazards: Bacteria like E. Coli or Salmonella Protozoan parasites like Giardia or Cryptosporidium Viruses like Hepatitis A or Norovirus Toxins like lead Water Storage: Every Car Camper’s Favorite Hydration Hack Many backpackers carry a maximum of two liters of water at a time, as water bottles are super heavy. However, when you’re car camping, you have the luxury of packing as much water as you can fit in your trunk.  On many car camping trips, especially shorter ones, we’ll never filter or treat water at all. Instead, we’ll bring reusable containers (we like these cheap, basic, and durable five-gallon jugs) and fill them with clean, potable water from home or a campground spigot. You can also go for something more higher end (yes, water storage can get fancy) with these 11L containers from Dometic. Spigots And Streams: What To Look For When Finding Water Sources Potable Spigots When we’re camping, the very first thing we’ll look for is a designated source of potable water. As we mentioned above, you’ll find such spigots at many campgrounds and recreation areas. This saves us the hassle of filtering or treating water for drinking, and it makes things like brushing your teeth or doing dishes much easier as well. However, unless you’re confident a water source is potable, it’s recommended that you filter or otherwise treat water while camping.   Streams, Rivers, And Running Water The best sources for water collection are running water. It makes sense, right? Turbulent, quickly moving rivers and streams are preferable to stagnant lakes, ponds, or puddles, as it’s generally less likely that bacteria or parasites are present. Also, running water often tastes much better than stagnant alternatives. Two Thumbs Up For Upriver Water Collection Another important piece of advice? It’s best to collect water upstream of campgrounds and farmland, as you’re further minimizing the chances of contamination. Without getting too deep in the details, human and livestock waste are common sources of waterborne illnesses. Avoid them, as they say, like the plague. How To Collect Water From Rivers And Streams Before Filtering or Treating When you find a river or stream that seems suitable for collecting water, find a spot where you can safely approach the river. It’s almost silly to point this out, but falling in can be a disaster, especially if rapids are roaring or temperatures are frigid.  Once you’re on the bank, avoid stagnant water. Look for a section that’s running quickly, and dip your receptacle into the top section of the river, almost skimming the surface. Again, this can minimize the chances of collecting unwanted contaminants.  Choosing Snow For Melting Snow In the winter, we don’t collect water as much as we melt snow. The same basic principles apply. Cleaner, freshly fallen snow is preferable to older, dirtier snow. Avoid collecting snow from areas that might be contaminated by human or animal waste.  When To Put Your Faith In Muddy, Murky Water Sources Now, don’t get us wrong: if you’re in a survival scenario, you certainly can filter water from dirty or stagnant sources. Today’s filtration techniques are quite effective, and we’ve collected from some muddy and murky waters with no issue. But when you have the option, it’s always best to stick with moving water. Murky Water can clog your filters and shorten the lifespan of them. Prefilter If you are sourcing water from a murky or muddy source, you can use a prefilter, a bandana, t-shirt, or even a coffee filter to sift out the bigger particles and contaminants. For UV wands, this is essential, as the efficacy of a UV wand drops in murky water. This also enhances the drinking experience if you’re boiling water, as it removes grit and sand that isn’t necessarily harmful but can be unpleasant to consume. What’s more, a prefilter can reduce the frequency you need to clean or replace a filter’s cartridge. Purification Versus Filtration There are two main ways campers can turn collected water into drinkable water: filtration and purification.  Filtration A variety of water filters are available on the market today, including gravity filters, squeeze bottles, straws, and more. All of these filters follow the same basic idea: dirty water passes through a filter, and in the process, becomes clean (at the very least, it becomes clean-er). The filter has teeny-tiny pores that allow smaller water molecules to pass through, but strains out larger contaminants and critters.  While there are exceptions, filtration is generally a quick and effective way to remove most bacteria, parasites, and particulates. However, filters might not protect you against viruses.  Purification Purification, on the other hand, typically uses heat, light, or chemicals to neutralize harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and so on. Like filtration, purification has its pros and cons. For example, these AquaTabs from MSR eliminate the risk of viruses, protozoa, and bacteria, but toxins and particulates are still a concern.  Research Your Purification System Although this article is a solid starting point, it’s essential to conduct your own research when shopping for a filter or purification system. Click through each manufacturer’s technical specifications, and check to see what each filter or purification method protects you from, and what it doesn’t.  Know the Water Sources Near Your Camp Your destination determines your filter or purification needs. For instance, if you’re camping in a remote area, a filter should be fine. On the other hand, if you’re downstream of a crowded campground where human waste and viruses are a concern, it makes sense to look into purification as well. Understanding the Types of Water Filters for Camping Gravity Filters: Easy And Great For Groups Our favorite water filters for car camping are gravity filters, as they’re easy to use and can supply larger groups with plenty of drinking water. Gravity filters, like this one from MSR, use a reservoir bag to collect several liters of water. The bag is hung up—tree branches are perfect, so is our Cargo Hammock if you’re on the road—and gravity pulls water through a hose with an integrated filter. The bottom hose section can deposit clean water into another reservoir for storage or directly into water bottles for immediate drinking. Pumps: Clean, Efficient, And Best For Backpacking Pump-style filters, like this one from MSR, rely on a pump to physically push water through a microfilter. These are compact, efficient, and a go-to for backpackers. However, they’re much more time-intensive than gravity filters, especially for groups, and we tend not to use them while car camping. Squeeze Bottles Squeeze systems, like this one from Sawyer, are similar—you fill up a bottle with dirty water, squeeze it through a filter, and voila, you’re good to go. These are great because they pair with a bottle you likely already have on hand and are extremely portable. Straw Water Filters Straw water filters, like these ones popularized by LifeStraw, use suction to pull dirty water through a filter and into your mouth. They’re solid for backpacking and survival use, but a bit impractical and unnecessary for car camping. If you need to filter anything more than just one gulp at a time, these are not the choice. Often viewed as an emergency item, not a daily essential. Water Bottles With Integrated Filters: A Great Backup Plan, Hiking Hack, And International Travel Essential One of our favorite outdoor gear developments as of late? Water bottles with integrated filters, like this one from Katadyn and these ones from Grayl. These bottles are best used by individuals, not groups, as they’re essentially a straw-style filter. The difference is that it’s a one-and-done solution. Just collect dirty water in the bottle, sip it through the integrated lid, and you’re good to go. We’ll bring the flexible versions on hikes and trail runs when we know we’re going to be passing creeks, so we don’t have to carry as much water on the trail. We also love to bring them on international trips, especially in developing nations where potable water might be hard to come by. And they’re great for car camping, too, as you can fill up and drink wherever you roam. Additional Purification Methods Filters aren’t the only game in town. There are other tried-and-true purification methods, like boiling water and iodine tablets, as well as newer ones like UV wands. We’ll break those down here. Boiling Water (And Melting Snow): Trustworthy Purification If you have a camp stove and fuel, boom—you have a time-honored purification system on hand. A three-minute-long rolling boil kills, well, pretty much everything, from bacteria and parasites to viruses.  However, boiling water doesn’t eliminate toxins like lead. Nor does it account for particulate matter. Twigs and dirt may still be floating in the water, and while a bit of grit and grime isn’t pleasant, it won’t kill you. You can, as we mentioned above, use a pre-filter to remove some of these larger annoyances. Lastly, boiling can be very time-consuming and burn through fuel quickly. Purification Tablets Purification tablets, like those MSR AquaTabs and Iodine tablets, are dropped into a bottle of dirty water. They take some time to work, and Iodine in particular doesn’t taste great. However, they also eliminate bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. We like to keep some of these in a first aid kit at the very least, as they’re fantastic in the event of an emergency. UV Wands Last on our list, UV wands like the Steripen use UV light to neutralize bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. However, the effectiveness is downgraded in silty water, and if you’re out of battery, you’re out of luck. Two Filtration & Purification Devices A few more expensive and technologically advanced options exist that filter and purify simultaneously. For international travelers or campers who want the ultimate protection, these are the way to go.  MSR Guardian A pump-style filter with hollow-fiber purification technology, the Guardian is our top recommendation for backpackers and campers who want to filter water and still protect against viruses. However, it does not remove toxins like lead.  GRAYL GeoPress Another great option? The Grayl GeoPress—basically a French Press-style filtration system with built-in purification. Our top recommendation for travelers, this is one of the best options if you’re looking to combat viruses, parasites, bacteria, particulates, toxins, and more. Not only does the filter strain out the usual trouble-makers, but active charcoal elements help absorb nasty compounds like lead and arsenic, too. We like to keep this GeoPress at the ready in our Luno Seatback Organizer, especially when we’re heading south of the border. One thing to keep in mind? Pre-filtering dirty water will extend the lifespan of your Grayl cartridges. _________  Better Safe Than Sorry We hope this article has helped you gain a better understanding of the importance of water filtration and purification. Similarly, if you’re in the market for a water filter or purification device, we hope the breakdown above helped point you in the right direction.  Before we sign off, we’ll leave you with this. Purifying or filtering water is, at its worst, time-consuming, annoying, and expensive. At its best? The process can be a trip-saver, not to mention a life-saver.  In this case, the old phrase “better safe than sorry” seems particularly apt.  Thanks as always for reading, and we’ll see you on the road, The Luno Crew

Roadmap to Responsibility - 2025 Summer Newsletter

Roadmap to Responsibility - 2025 Summer Newsletter Description:Welcome to Luno’s Roadmap to Responsibility newsletter, where we’ll share highlights of our journey towards a business dedicated to helping people and the planet. Luno Gear Garage Sale Proceeds Donated to OAS & Vámonos Outside In May, 2025, we hosted a garage sale at our Bend HQ where 100% of proceeds were being donated to our two local Car[e] Camping grant recipients: Vámonos Outside and Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). We’re thrilled to share that we raised over $6,000 for two incredible organizations! A huge thank you to the Bend community for showing up and supporting the important work of OAS and Vámonos Outside. Car[e] Camping Partner Spotlight: Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) If you’ve been following along our Roadmap to Responsibility, you might recognize one of our longtime Car[e] Camping partners: Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). Fun fact, OAS has been with us since the very beginning of the program back in late 2022! You can learn more about the Car[e] Camping initiative on our website.  OAS’s mission is to make high-quality outdoor recreation accessible to individuals with disabilities. To learn more about their impact and get a closer look at their work, check out this short interview with Cara Frank, OAS’s Development Director. What is your role at OAS? - I’m the Development Director at Oregon Adaptive Sports. I have the incredible privilege of connecting our community to the mission — whether that’s through fundraising, events, sponsorships, or simply sharing the impact of our work.  How long have you worked there for? - I first joined OAS in 2012, and after a few years away, I returned in 2023. So all in all, I’ve been part of the OAS journey for about twelve years — and it continues to be one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. What is your favorite part of working at OAS / Do you have a favorite memory of OAS? - There’s nothing quite like witnessing — or hearing stories about — someone experiencing freedom, joy, or connection through outdoor recreation. But one memory that stays with me year after year is CamPAH, our annual ski and snowboard weekend for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth. BTW, I'm Deaf, so yea, I'm probably a tad biased!From the moment you walk into the CamPAH space, something shifts. The entire weekend is facilitated in American Sign Language, and instantly, communication barriers vanish. There’s this deep, unspoken ease — everything is understood. The air is electric with connection. People are signing to each other from the chairlifts, even to folks down below (because there's no use in yelling at the top of your lungs, haha), instructions are shared and absorbed with depth, and Deaf youth are paired with Deaf adult mentors who show them what’s possible. It’s the only program of this kind on the national level that I'm aware of. It offers a sense of belonging in its purest form.Every year, no one wants CamPAH to end. People linger — reluctant to leave this space where they felt fully seen, understood, and empowered. I don't doubt that it's the same for many of the other numerous program offerings OAS has. It’s one of the clearest, most powerful reminders of why we do what we do. For the next ten years, we're focused on our initiative in Access, Elevated to build and expand community to create more opportunities like the above. Why is OAS important to the Central Oregon community? - OAS opens doors — literally and figuratively — to outdoor spaces that should be for every person with a disability. We’re not just teaching people to ski or bike; we’re creating opportunities for confidence, connection, and community. At OAS, accessibility isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a mindset, a core value, and a community-wide responsibility. And in a place where the outdoors are such a defining part of our identity, access isn't just nice to have - it's essential.Really, this isn’t just about experiencing joy outside — that joy becomes a catalyst for greater confidence, independence, and deeper engagement in the community. I can’t tell you how many people have moved to Central Oregon to be part of this, and are now leaders shaping our community. There’s something truly special happening here. How can people get involved if they want to support OAS? - There are so many ways to plug in! Join us as a volunteer, come to one of our events, become a donor, support Luno's Car[e] Camping Program, or simply help spread the word. Whether you can give time, resources, or connections — it all helps ensure that every person with a disability has the opportunity to thrive outside and while building deeper community involvement all around. Inside our Project ReRoam Metrics – How Do We Calculate % Upcycled Anyways? If you’ve ever browsed through our line of upcycled gear, Project ReRoam, you may notice a “percent upcycled” metric on each product page. Let’s break down how we calculate this percentage so you know exactly what we mean when we say, for instance, that our Medium Outdoor Ground Mat is made of 97% upcycled material! Our “percent upcycled” metrics are calculated based on the weight of the ReRoam product before and after it’s finished Step 1: Measure out the product’s unfinished weight – meaning after the materials are cut out from the defective AIR mattress, but before any virgin materials are sewn on to complete the product (e.g., edge binding, webbing, woven labels, etc.) Step 2: Measure the product’s weight once it’s finished and ready to be sold. Step 3: Divide the unfinished product’s weight (from step 1) by the finished product’s weight (from step 2). For the example of our Medium Ground Mat – its unfinished weight is 30 oz and its finished weight is 31 oz. 30 ÷ 31 = 97% upcycled! Summer Fridays are Here! Summer’s in full swing, and so is the Luno team’s favorite tradition – Summer Fridays! AKA, 4-day work weeks where we take some extra time to enjoy the outdoors, family, and disconnect as much as possible. It’s one of our favorite ways to support a healthy work-life balance and promote employee health and well-being. A few weeks ago, Luno team members Zak, Peter, and Landon used a Summer Friday to squeeze in a 30 hour adventure into their weekends. They left at 5:30 am to head to the Yakima River to do some fishing during the day, and then headed to camp to soak in some spectacular views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. The evening was spent making dinner, hanging out at camp, and testing out a variety of upcoming products and our improved Car Camping Fan.  —------- Thanks for joining us on this pit stop on our Roadmap to Responsibility! If you have any questions or ideas for things you’d like to see from Luno’s journey towards being a business dedicated to improving people and the planet, send us a message at hello@lunolife.com.

Road Trip Responsibly: 9 Tips For Environmentally Conscious Vehicle Camping

Road Trip Responsibly: 9 Tips For Environmentally Conscious Vehicle Camping Description:Let’s address the elephant in the room: “eco-friendly car-camping” sounds a bit like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? No doubt, the vast majority of road trippers still rely on fossil fuels. And even camping trips that have a minimal impact on the environment are still, by definition, impacting the environment. However, with a little forethought and prep work, responsible car campers can—and should—enjoy nature while protecting the places we play. Call it “environmentally-friendlier” car camping. In this guide to responsible road trips, we’ll go over nine tips to make your next car camping adventure more sustainable. Below, we’ll break down everything from Leave No Trace principles to ditching single-use plastic while cooking at camp. Now, while these tips won’t completely eliminate camper impact, they will significantly decrease strain on popular parks and wilderness areas. Above all else, they’ll help you be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. With that said, we’re not here to preach—we’re here to teach you how to manage waste like Tony Soprano. So let’s get down to business, capiche? 1. Electric Vehicles are the New Craze for Camping One of the best ways campers can reduce reliance on fossil fuels? Electric vehicles!Granted, we know that adventure-ready EVs are pricey. But if you can afford an electric rig like a Rivian, you’ll be cruising in style and reducing your carbon footprint by the mile. We aren't saying you should go out, replace your current rig and buy one right now but consider one for your next vehicle. There are awesome cheaper EVs coming out every year so keep your eye out when you're shopping for your next vehicle. Getting the most out of the vehicle you have now is actually more environmentally conscious and less impactful, so get out there and use it while you have it.  Speaking of Rivians, did you know we’ve got a Luno mattress built specifically for the R1S? It features our new AIR+FOAM PRO technology, which combines the fine-tunability and packability of inflatable mattresses with the unbeatable cushioning of plush foam. Shameless plug, but this mattress is as comfy as a couch crafted from clouds and covered in crocheted cashmere. You can be three gas-station Red Bull’s deep, set up camp, and sleep will not elude! (Our lawyers say we need to point out that three gas-station Red Bulls is one too many, and we can’t recommend such consumption, nor guarantee sleep after such a hero dose of caffeine… Just kidding, we don’t have any lawyers, drink up, campers!) 2. Camp Close and Explore Your Backyard Even if you can’t afford or have no interest in an EV, you know what you can do to minimize camping-related gas guzzling? Drive less. This is actually one of our favorite tips in this guide, because sometimes, the best adventures are in your backyard.  Our advice? Use an app like The Dyrt to look for nearby public lands, parks, BLM land, and wilderness areas. Explore off-the-beaten-path nooks and crannies, and get to know your backyard! We’ve road-tripped all over the states—and into Canada, too—but some of our best camping trips have been after-work expeditions within an hour’s-drive from our Bend, Oregon, HQ! 3. Carpooling to the Campsite Is Cool! Camping solo is rewarding. But camping with friends? That’s hard to beat. Camp friends can belay you while rock climbing, make coffee before you get up, tell ghost stories around the campfire, so on and so forth. And carpooling with those camp friends is a great way to reduce your GPC (gas per camper). Not only that, but carpooling is way more fun. You can play “I spy,” share your favorite music and podcasts, exchange horoscopes—the options are endless. 4. Try Ditching Single-Use Plastic And Paper While Camping With a little prep work before your trip, you can significantly reduce your reliance on single-use plastic and paper at camp. Instead of plastic forks and paper plates, invest in reusable sporks, camp bowls, and plates that you’ll use for years to come. Instead of individually packaged snacks, you can grab bigger containers of trail mix and treats, and use reusable bags to bring it along on hikes! We’ll also rely on absorbent PackTowls for camp cleanup instead of paper towels, and even deploy reusable trash bags and wash them at home. You don't need to go out and buy new gear either. Re-using what you have at home like Mason jars, take out containers, and old peanut butter containers are great ways to get more use out of what you have on hand. 5. Meal Prep to Reduce Waste at Your Campsite Instead of individually packaged dehydrated meals (who needs those anyways?), meal prep at home! One of our favorite aspects of car camping is that you can bring along a cooler packed with tasty grub. We love to chop up veggies and prepare proteins at home, and then package them in reusable containers. Not only does this make camp cooking painless, but it also significantly reduces your waste on the road. 6. Familiarize Yourself With—And Follow—Leave No Trace Principles This isn’t the first time we’ve recommended that car campers learn the Seven Leave No Trace Principles, and it won’t be the last. We’ll list of the principles and give a quick breakdown of each one below, but if you want to learn more, check out this article we’ve published on the subject here.  Principle #1: Plan Ahead & Prepare Most car camping conundrums can be avoided completely with proper planning. Do your research on your destination of choice, check the weather forecast (and then check it again), familiarize yourself with camping or fire regulations, etcetera. Principle #2: Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Another one of our favorite aspects about car camping is that you camp anywhere. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Camp in existing campsites and pull-offs whenever possible. If you’re dispersed camping, stick to durable surfaces like gravel and rock and avoid delicate plant life, cryptobiotic soil, and so on. Principle #3: Dispose of Waste Properly This is probably the most famous of the Leave No Trace principles. Take care of your waste, people! And we’re not just talking litter here. Don’t treat your campsite like a litterbox and be responsible about human waste, too. The Luno Magnetic Bag is a great option for a trashcan that attaches to the outside of your vehicle. Principle #4: Leave What You Find Those pretty wildflowers? They might be pretty for the next camper to come along, too. Look, sniff, but don’t touch. As the saying goes, leave only footprints, take only photographs. Principle #5: Minimize Campfire Impacts Be aware of fire regulations. Are you allowed to have a campfire? If not, follow the rules. If you are allowed to have a campfire, be aware of campfire etiquette and safety protocols. (Reserve fires for existing fire rings, use small sticks instead of huge logs, never leave a fire unattended, etcetera). If you want to dive deeper on this one, we actually just published an entire article on camping during wildfire season. Principle #6: Respect Wildlife We’re not sure who needs to hear this, but stop trying to take selfies with animals that are big enough to eat, injure, or squash you. As a matter of fact, give all animals plenty of space. Learn the basics of bear safety. Don’t pet coyotes. Moose might be cute, but they will kick you to Copanhagen. Sheesh.   Principle #7: Be Considerate of Others This one comes down to one simple, golden rule of outdoor recreation: don’t be the hiker with the Bluetooth speaker. Listening to Pitbull and Dolly Parton’s “Powerful Women” on repeat might help you crush vert, but not everyone has the same sophisticated taste and drive as you. You don’t need to share Mr. Worldwide with the world. Keep that little secret in your headphones. 7. Buy Durable Gear and Invest Early “Buy nice or buy twice” is a saying that car campers can keep in mind while shopping for gear. Investing in durable gear that’ll last for years is a smart way to keep unreliable, cheaply made goods out of the landfill. That’s a core belief for us here at Luno, and we prioritize durability and longevity across our entire line, from our flagship mattresses to our camp accessories. 8. Repair, Don’t Retire Your Gear to Keep It Lasting Longer Don’t be quick to throw out well-worn outdoor gear, as there’s often a good chance you can fix it. Broken snowboard bindings might just need a new buckle. A ripped rain jacket can be revitalized with a waterproof patch. Always look into repairing your gear before you retire it! 9. Buy Used Outdoor and Camping Gear Instead Buying used gear is another great way to reduce your impact on the environment. You never know what you’ll find on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or in a mountain town thriftstore. Don’t forget: you can also check out lightly used Luno mattresses and car camping accessories in our outlet. An added bonus? Buying used is a smart way to save dough, too! __________ Imperfect Action Is Better Than No Action At All There are few, if any, outdoor enthusiasts who are perfect when it comes to sustainability. Simply put, the activities we pursue, the gear we use, and the methods of transportation we rely on do have an impact on the environment. That’s just the truth.  But there’s a Harry S. Truman quote that all campers can live by: “Imperfect action is better than no action at all.” In the context of car camping, it’s better to learn about sustainable practices and actively protect wild places than to accept that outdoor recreation is inherently harmful. At least, that’s what we believe around here. You made it this far—maybe that’s what you believe, too.  Thanks as always for reading, and, as always, we’ll see you on the road,  The Luno Crew

9 Tips for Camping During Peak Wildfire Season

9 Tips for Camping During Peak Wildfire Season Description:Have you ever seen Smokey the Bear’s comedy special? We haven’t either. That’s because forest fires are no joke. Lighthearted dad jokes aside, this month’s edition of the Luno Journal touches on an important topic that all campers should be aware of: wildfire. Thanks largely to climate change, extreme wildfires are becoming more commonplace. If you love to spend time in wild places like we do, it’s essential that you’re informed on the subject. In this article, we’re going to do a deep dive on camping during wildfire season. We’ll break down fire-safe camp practices and campfire etiquette to help you get on Smokey’s good side and avoid starting forest fires. We’ll also share wildfire camping tips, including how to track wildfires, how we plan camping trips during wildfire season, evacuation tips, and more. If you’re new to camping—or just rusty on wildfire safety—consider this article mandatory homework. 1. “Wildfire Season” isn’t the same each year When we talk about “wildfire season,” we’re referring to a period of time when wildfires are more likely to happen.  For instance, southern California’s wildfire season typically runs from late spring into fall, when dry vegetation and notorious Santa Ana winds combine to create dangerous wildfire conditions. However, these dates are based on historical patterns, nothing more. Do you remember the devastating Malibu fires that happened in early 2025? Those occurred in January, way outside of what’s considered “standard” SoCal fire season. All that to say, while we’re more cautious during “wildfire season,” it’s important to note that wildfire doesn’t follow a Google calendar. Instead, wildfires are a direct result of natural factors, such as weather and wind, and occasionally, human catalysts.  2. Research fire restrictions and guidelines before your trip We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again: the vast majority of camping issues can be solved with research before your trip. Regarding wildfires, it’s essential to check a few things before departing for a camping trip. Namely, are active wildfires currently an issue? Active wildfires can shut down access roads and campgrounds, and, in worst-case scenarios, put you in harm’s way. Additionally, camping in zones with active wildfires, even if it isn’t prohibited, can make you an unnecessary burden on fire and safety crews in the area. Plus, from a sheer enjoyment perspective, camping in the smoke is no fun, and you’ll be coughing like Zoolander after a shift in the coal mines. Other aspects you want to research ahead of your trip? Fire conditions, fire danger ratings, and campfire restrictions. If the weather is warm and the winds are howling, there’s a good chance that wildfire risk is high and open campfires are prohibited. In higher-risk conditions, even propane grills may be banned. Everyone loves a campfire, but the last thing you want to do is start a wildfire that threatens lives, structures, flora, and fauna In either case, we’ll share a few tricks and tools we use to research current wildfires and wildfire risk below. 3. Five quick ways to monitor and track active wildfires AQI Maps Our favorite way to quickly get a broad picture of wildfires across the country—and across the globe—are AQI Maps. These maps are handy because they’ll give you an understanding of current wildfires as well as the far-reaching impacts of wildfire smoke.  AQI stands for “Air Quality Index,” a numeric value that quantifies air cleanliness from 0 to 500. More specifically, AQI refers to the amount of harmful particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM10) in the air. Areas with clean air will have an AQI under 50 and closer to zero, and they’ll appear as green on AQI maps. For camping, it doesn’t get better than that.  Yellow is a moderate rating of 51 to 100, but if you’re sensitive to smoke, it can still be uncomfortable to camp in these conditions. Smoke-plagued zones will have AQI values in the hundreds, and they’ll show up as orange, red, purple, or maroon (from bad to worst) on AQI maps. You don’t want to be camping in these conditions, trust us on that one.  One thing to keep in mind? Smoggy cities like Los Angeles or Mexico City can also have poor air quality ratings, even if there are no wildfires in the area. State Wildfire Resources Another helpful tool? State wildfire websites that catalog and map wildfires. Not only do these sites help you understand where wildfires are occurring at any given minute, but they’ll provide more insight as far as road closures, evacuation mandates, and more. For instance, here’s the state website that we rely on here in Bend: Oregon’s wildfire response and recovery website. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out the site and consider bookmarking it—it’s a valuable resource. If you call another state home, do a quick Google search to find a similar site for your own region.  Google Search for Wildfire Information Speaking of search engines, a quick search of “wildfires near *insert destination of choice*” can’t hurt! You can even filter news articles by recent dates, so you are informed on the most up-to-date information and don't accidentally read an article from 3 years ago and think it's current news (speaking from personal experience). State and National Park Websites If we’re heading to a specific national or state park, one of the first resources we’ll check is that park’s website. Parks will put any alerts front and center on their websites, especially if visitors aren’t welcome, there’s an active wildfire, or wildfire danger is high. X (aka Twitter) for Wildfire Updates Last but not least, X (formerly known as Twitter) is another valuable resource, although not always the first you'd think to check for live updates. We will primarily use X to monitor active wildfires, as people with boots on the ground can provide more timely updates than news publications reporting on wildfires. We’ll even follow hashtags (such as #PalisadesFire) to stay up-to-date on a specific incident. Keep in mind, though, that not everyone on X is verified. For that reason, we make sure to follow and get updates from legitimate accounts like wildfire agencies, fire departments, and other government agencies. 4. Check for local campfire restrictions If you’re camping at a state or national park, check the park’s website for fire restrictions leading up to your trip. The same goes for BLM land, National Forest Service sites, and other public lands. We like to do this ahead of our trip, as we’ll pack accordingly if campfires are in the cards.  You can—and should—also check for signage or ask a ranger or park employee upon arrival, as regulations can change daily. 5. When in Doubt, Avoid Campfires Completely Not sure if campfires are permitted or prohibited? We’ve got you. If you can’t find any information online, can’t reach a park employee by phone, and don’t see any signage on your way into the wilderness, our advice is to forgo campfires completely. Sure, it’s a bit of a bummer to skip a campfire if you’re wrong. But the upside of a mistake is minimal, while the downside, starting a forest fire, is tremendously grave.  Long story short? If you’re ever in doubt, chicken out. 📍Pro-Tip: Check to see if propane fires are allowed in a burn ban area. Sometimes, gas firepits and stoves are still permitted and don't require use in a designated fire pit. Most importantly, check your regulations.  6. Practice Leave No Trace campfire safety principles If you’ve got the green light to have a campfire, wonderful! But the safety protocols don’t stop there. It’s important to follow Leave No Trace campfire safety principles in order to both address wildfire hazards and mitigate your impact on the environment.  We encourage you to learn more about Leave No Trace’s campfire creed here, and to check out all seven of the organization’s principles here, but here’s the basic campfire info you need to know:  Follow any local regulations: Check in with rangers or park employees and ensure you’re closely following all local regulations. Use existing fire rings: Fire rings can help protect your fire from wind and keep embers from sparking a wildfire.  Using an existing ring instead of creating a new one helps minimize your impact on the campsite. If you aren’t using a fire ring, be sure to use a fire pan or pit. Bonfires are an unnecessary risk: No need for a towering, out-of-control bonfire with slow-burning logs. Instead, keep your campfire on the minimal side with easily breakable sticks, so you can manage it as needed. Burn and extinguish all fuel: Wait until the fire has burned through all the fuel before heading to bed. And before you hit the hay, use ample water to thoroughly extinguish any smoldering embers. Never leave a fire unattended: This is a classic tip that’s self-explanatory. Never leave a fire unattended. It’s important you’re on hand in case the wind picks up or a wayward ember sparks a flame outside of your fire ring. 7. Don’t choke on smoke, and don’t be afraid to pivot a trip Remember those AQI maps we mentioned above? Those maps are crucial when planning a camping trip during wildfire season. Even if you’re far from the flames, smoke and poor air quality can dampen even the most epic adventure.  Our advice? Use AQI maps and forecasts to check your destination of choice before you head out. If smoke seems like it might be an issue, don’t chance it. Avoid orange, red, and purple zones on the map and pivot to cleaner, greener pastures. 9. wildfire evacuation tips  If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you’re camping near a wildfire, here are a few important evacuation tips. Stay informed. If you have cell service, check the websites of local government agencies. Follow anyone who might announce an evacuation order or other important information on X (say, @CalFire if you’re in California) and enable notifications.  Listen up. Heed any and all warnings and evacuation mandates, whether they’re from a park ranger in person or a government agency on your phone.  Don’t panic. Stay calm and collected, but move quickly.  Don’t wait. Wildfire can progress at startling speeds. If anything, make moves earlier rather than later, even if it might seem a little premature.   Exit strategy. Check evacuation routes for road closures before you head out, if possible. 10. Locations less prone to wildfires and how to find them Sadly, no wilderness destination is immune to wildfires. In this day and age, even sparsely vegetated zones like the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert are affected by these powerful natural disasters. We wish we could suggest a list of fire-proof destinations to help you camp safely and confidently this wildfire season, but to do so would be disingenuous and dangerous.  Fire Safety First Look, we know this isn’t the most fun article we’ve ever posted. It’s not even in the top 100. However, it’s one of the most important stories we’ve shared with our Luno community, because safety really does come first. We want to protect both our fellow campers and the wild places we play in, and sharing information on wildfires is a great way to do just that.  To wrap up, the best advice we can offer is this: do your research ahead of each camping trip. By using maps and local resources to determine if wildfires are active or there’s a high risk of wildfires, you can both camp more safely and minimize your impact on the landscapes we love.  Thanks as always for reading, and we’ll see you on the road.  –The Luno Crew