Louis Dzierzak

A journalist specializing in outdoor recreation, Lou has covered product design innovations, participation trends and environmentally sustainable manufacturing for over 20 years. On the other hand, he’s had some less than successful outdoor adventures: once, completely spent after a hard day on the trail, he managed to set a vintage MSR Whisperlite stove ablaze before accidentally kicking the burning contraption into a lake. A published author, his book about invasive fish threatening the Great Lakes watershed will be published in 2021. craftedwords.com

Latest articles by Louis Dzierzak

Collage of the best camping mattresses

The best camping mattresses 2023: sleep soundly in your tent

By Louis Dzierzak, Pat Kinsella last updated

The best camping mattress or airbed is the must-have luxury – here are the models we’ve enjoyed snoozing on most

Collage of the best double-burner stoves

The best double-burner camping stoves and grills 2023: cook for a crowd

By Louis Dzierzak last updated

When weight isn’t an issue, you can't beat the best double-burner camping stoves for alfresco cooking at camp

Collage of the best pop-up tents

The best pop-up tents 2023: for backpacking, easy camping, and festival bliss

By Sian Lewis, Louis Dzierzak, Alex Foxfield last updated

Pop-up tents that pitch unbelievably quickly, suit most budgets, and come in all shapes and sizes

Collage of the best coolers

The best camping coolers 2023: keep food and drinks delightfully chilled

By Louis Dzierzak published

The best camping coolers, whether they're boxes or bags, will keep food fresh and drinks chilled for the duration of your adventures

best 4-person tents: family wild camp

The best 4-person tents 2023: for camping trips with your tribe

By Sian Lewis, Louis Dzierzak last updated

Our selection of the best 4-person tents enable glorious camping trips with friends and family, whether you're off car camping or heading for the wild

best camping flashlight: father and son in tent with flashlight

The best camping flashlights 2023: the best and brightest options

By Louis Dzierzak last updated

We shed a light on the best camping flashlights to illuminate your outdoor escapades in 2023

Family using Outwell Airville 6SA lifestyle shot

Best family tents 2023: the finest shelters for your tribe this coming season

By Louis Dzierzak, Matthew Jones, Jen and Sim Benson, Alex Foxfield last updated

Our selection of the best family tents for this year's camping season, from traditional pole tents to palatial air tents and luxurious glamping options

best 3-season sleeping bags: camper enjoying sleeping bag by lake

Best 3-season sleeping bags: for great camping adventures throughout spring, summer and fall

By Louis Dzierzak last updated

Our roundup of the very best 3-season sleeping bags showcases bags perfect for toasty sleeps throughout spring, summer and fall

best wood-burning stove: Camp Chef Alpine Heavy Duty Cover

The best wood-burning stoves: for cooking up campsite cuisine with natural fuel

By Louis Dzierzak, Pat Kinsella last updated

The best wood-burning stoves are great fun to cook with, and represent a natural alternative to canister gas and liquid fuel stoves

best solar charger: a camper powering up his tech with a solar charger

The best solar chargers: for keeping your tech juiced up in the campsite and in the wild

By Jonathan Manning, Louis Dzierzak last updated

Check out the best solar chargers to keep your GPS, phone, smartwatch, head torch and other hiking essentials topped up during trips in the great outdoors

A camper tucking into food in a food container

How to store food when camping: tips and tricks to keep your grub fresh and safe from critters

By Louis Dzierzak published

Learn how to store food when camping so you share your eats with only your (non-furry) friends

wood-burning stove

What is a wood-burning stove, and should I buy one?

By Louis Dzierzak, Pat Kinsella published

When you’re out camping, there’s nothing quite like wild-cooking a feast over naked flames – but do you really need a wood-burning stove to do that?

How to use a wood-burning stove

How to use a wood-burning stove to get the most out of your meals on camp

By Louis Dzierzak, Pat Kinsella published

Cooking over an open flame sounds simple, but knowing how to use a wood-burning stove can significantly improve your results

Camping with teenagers

Camping with teenagers: how to ensure your trip is fun for everyone

By Louis Dzierzak last updated

Adolescent years are a time of turmoil for kids and parents alike, as hormones rage and a yearning for independence grows. But camping with teenagers doesn't have to be an ordeal

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