CAMPING FOOD TIPS

* Novices often don't practice priming their new camp stoves before taking them on trips. Then they wonder why they get six-foot flames. ''Practice first,'' says Eastern Mountain Sports' Robin Jacoway. ''They're dangerous.''

* Don't just eat dehydrated fruits, such as apricots. When eaten in high quantities they can dehydrate you. ''They're great to have, but not the only thing,'' says Shawn Delaney of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

* Film canisters make good containers for spices. Be sure to label.

* When pouring water into a cook-in-the-bag freeze-dried package, make sure someone is holding the bag open and upright.