Camping Guide
Camping can be quite an adventure. Going out into the wilderness and sleeping under the stars can be a powerful experience. There are, however, a few things the adventurer should know before going out and setting up camp.
The most important thing to know when going camping is to know the environment. This is the first step to preparing for a trip. Knowing what kind of terrain you're going to face can considerably affect what kind of gear you'll need to bring on the trip. Preparing for the environment goes hand and hand with knowing what kind of weather you'll expect. If you're going to a cold environment the biggest regret will be not bringing proper clothing. A top quality sleeping bag is a must but pillows and bed pads are optional for a great experience.
- Camping checklist - Check to see if you have forgotten important!
- Choosing the right tent - Which tent is best for your needs?
- Travel light on a camping trip - Tips on reducing your camping load
- Camping recipes - What food to cook while on a camping trip
- How to build a camp fire - 4 step guide on safe camp fire building techniques
The best thing about camping is making a fire. Building and cooking a fire is something that every camper should experience every time they go out into the wild. Be sure to have fire starters that you are familiar with or at least know how to use. A flint and a knife are usually the best bet and can be used in almost all conditions. Once you have a proper fire-starter the next thing to think about is what kind of food to bring. Canned food is a good bet if you don’t have to hike far but on long hiking trips it can be very heavy to bring all your meals in cans, especially if you are camping for more than a few days. Hot dogs, crackers, crisps, cheese, ingredients for s’mores (chocolate, crackers, marshmallows), and sandwich ingredients are all easy to make and lightweight to carry. Another thing that can be important to remember is to either bring plenty of water or be close to a source of fresh water. As far as supplies goes the basics come down to a good tent and sleeping bag, a fire starter, food/water and comfortable outdoor clothes. It is also a good idea to know what kind of wildlife you might encounter. Plants and animals are nice from far away but can ruin a trip if the camper can’t identify the dangerous ones.
Once you have the basics down its good to think about what kind of recreation will be available. Swimming, hunting, hiking, and even photography are good things to do in the great outdoors. The options are endless depending on where you camp and it is a good idea to bring something for each activity available at your camp site so you can have full choice when you get there. Some campsites offer more amenities than others and choosing the right site is important. Some campers prefer bathrooms while others like to keep it natural. It is all a matter of preference.
The one thing that every camper should strive for is to have fun. Living in a natural environment for a few days is a treat unlike any other and is a great way to escape the pressures of modern life.
