Sleeping Arrangements

Decide whether you want to rent an RV, pop-up camper, or use a tent. Using a tent is a fun and inexpensive way to get back to nature. Tents are available at most sporting good stores and can also be found at discount stores. They are easy to set up and are a great way to spend a bit of time bonding when you first get to the camp area. Choose tents that are water resistant, but also bring along a large waterproof tarp to hang over the tent in case there is a lot of rain. Get sleeping bags that are warm and the right size to comfortably fit the individual. Sleeping mats, air mattresses, or folding cots that go under the bag are ways to make sleeping more comfortable. If you opt for an RV or camper, these can be a bit pricier but will better protect you from the elements and will also provide other amenities such as beds, a stove and a refrigerator.

Attire and Food

Do not pack a lot of clothing as space is limited. Choose warm, water resistant clothing and good shoes or hiking boots. Pack several pairs of socks and bring both cool and warm weather clothing even if you are camping in summer. It often gets chilly in the evening. Make sure you have hats and sunglasses to protect you from the sun. Bring coolers to store food and beverages. Pack plenty of water and snacks such as trail mix that will give you energy and are easy to eat.

Supplies

Backpacks will help carry food and water during trips outside the camping areas. Do not pack them too heavily as you may be wearing them for long periods of time. Pack a compass so you can gauge where you are in case you get lost. A flashlight is helpful in case of an emergency or to see at night. Make sure to pack any cookware needed for campfire meals. A tripod that goes over your campfire is a great cooking tool, and the best pans for cooking over a campfire are cast iron. Cast iron is heavy though. If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking and are going to be carrying all your gear, purchase a lightweight cooking vessel. A Swiss Army knife can be handy for many tasks including cutting twigs for a fire or roasting marshmallows. Waterproof matches will help light fires and can be used even if it is rainy. A walking stick can be useful on hikes to help ascend steep slopes and combat fatigue.

Safety

Bring sunscreen and insect repellant to protect you from sun and pests. Apply often for maximum protection. Depending on where you will be camping, you may want to invest in bear spray. This is similar to pepper spray for people but is more powerful. A first aid kit is essential and should never be forgotten. Make sure it is fully supplied. These are available pre-made at many sporting good stores and can also be found in pharmacies. You should also carry plenty of rope. A cellular phone may not always get reception but it is advisable to have one just in case.

Camping is a fun way to spend quality family time. Always make sure you are prepared for emergencies and changes in climate. Keep the bulk of supplies at your campsite and take only what is needed, including emergency supplies, on short treks. Use backpacks to carry food, water and first aid items.

About The Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for DreamCamping. To learn more what to take with you while camping, visit http://www.dreamcamping.com/campinggear/ and http://www.dreamcamping.com/gear/campingchecklist/.

Technorati Profile

Besides having a proper fit, the other key to a comfortable trip is the correct loading of your pack. Everyone has their own system of loading their pack, there are a few universal guidelines about weight and gravity.

A very well designed camping backpack will keep the load close to your center of gravity, making it easier for you to move, change directions, and do what you need to do. A properly loaded backpack is considerable more comfortable than an improperly packed one.

First, start by loosening all the packs compression straps, and all internal dividers. Then put your sleeping bag in the bottom. Some hikers prefer to put their sleeping bag into a stuff sack. We do suggest using a compression stuff sack to compress the sleeping bag to its smallest size possible.

Next, place your tent body and fly, folding into a square. It goes close to your back. Above the tent, but no higher than your shoulders, should be your heaviest items: food, fuel, water filter, etc.

Next on top of this, but away from your back, should be lighter items, like clothing. Use the side mesh pockets for water or fuel bottles, tent poles and fly rods. Keep items which you need quickly or frequently near access points or outside pockets.

I hope this information will be beneficial to all my fellow hiking friends. Remember, correct packing of your camping backpacks will provide many hours of enjoyable and comfortable hiking.

About The Author

Camping without the proper equipment isn’t the best idea. Those that have already learned the lesson will tell you this, but why go through the pain yourself?

Check out the weather

If you know that you’re going to be heading to a warmer camping site, then it’s time to investigate the weather conditions and what kinds of temperatures you can expect. Many places are warmer in particular times of the year, so you may want to avoid such months.

Needless to add, no amount of research will prepare you if the weather takes an out of the ordinary turn. However, do plan, in as far as possible, for worst-case scenarios.

Water-The Camper’s best friend.

Don’t'tcompromise on the quantity of water that you carry, as many greenhorns tend to do. The benefits of carrying enough water far outweigh the inconvenience of lugging the extra weight.

And that’s a fact!

You want to bring at least a gallon of water per person per day that you will be camping. Yes, this will be heavy, but it’s a lot heavier to carry someone to safety should they get dehydrated.

Carry a reasonable supply of electrolyte salts with you. These salts come in powder form, which can be dissolved in the water you are carrying. Or carry sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Your body needs to regularly replenish these essential salts in hot, humid conditions.

Mmm! Tastes good too!

Eating smart

While you may not feel like eating in the heat, you need to balance your liquids with food. This helps to keep your body in balance. The human body is a delicate system of electrolytes that can fall out of balance easily in extreme weather conditions.

Nibble on something every time you take a swig of water. A couple of nuts or pretzels will suffice. A salty or sugary snack is best.

The right gear

Keep you head protected from the sun with a hat or visor. Try and wear light colored clothes and apply sunscreen on parts of your body that are bare.

While the heat might feel bad, the heat with a sunburn feels even worse.

Make sure that you can bring first aid equipment as well as a way to signal for help if you need a rescue.

Two’s company

Of course, camping with someone else is best, especially in more extreme weather conditions.

About The Author

Stuart Yalethorpe runs the website and is the writer for Fair Camping, Inc. which is a one-stop research center for all the latest news and views related to camping. Please visit http://www.faircamping.com for any questions or comments about this article.