Camping Gear 101 by Conroy Keight

Planning a camping trip? Make sure it's one you'll look back on with fond memories, and not recollections of cold beds and damp, dirty clothes. Even the most seasoned campers will always take great care to prepare before they pack. Planning ahead can be the difference between a safe and fun getaway, and a trip that you'd rather forget.

Treat every camping trip like it's your first, even if you've camped many times before. Your wilderness adventure can quickly turn to disastrous or even dangerous if you're not prepared for anything. To make your trip as safe and fun as possible, make a checklist of everything you need before you hit the trail. There are no corner stores in the forest, and no neighbors to provide those forgotten items.

Plan Before You Pack

Give yourself time to pack, rather than throwing together the essentials at the last minute. Make a list of everything that you want and need, as well as those "just in case" items. As you pack, check each item off of your list to be sure you're not overlooking anything. There are so many things to think about; sometimes this is the only way to make sure you've got all of your must-have camping gear.

Sleep and Shelter

"Roughing It" doesn't mean giving up your creature comforts. With too little bedding and improper shelter, you're exposing yourself to an uncomfortable sleep and even possible danger. Be sure that the bedding will keep you dry and comfortable regardless of the weather, and don't forget to pack your pillow. Your tent must be secure, waterproof, and able to protect you from insects and forest creatures. Sharing your tent with a mosquito, raccoon or even a snake is just no fun.

Camping Essentials for Every Body

No one cares what you look like in the forest, so you don't need to bring hair gel or eyeliner. You will, however, need to bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and toilet paper. You might also want to bring soap, a hairbrush, shampoo, toothbrush and other personal care essentials. Make sure that everything, particularly towels and toilet paper, are packed in water-resistant bags.

Dressing For All Occasions

Pack a clean change of clothing for each day that you will be at camp, and then pack a few extra items. Camping can be dirty business, and those little surprises like rain and dust can mean an even bigger mess. If you have a supply of fresh water and a length of rope on hand, you can always wash and dry your laundry at camp. It's a lot easier, however, to just pack extra. The temperatures can drop dramatically at night, even during the hottest months, so bring along a couple of warm shirts, extra socks and long pants for those cool evenings by the campfire.

Pack Your First Aid First

The Golden Rule of Scouting is "Always Be Prepared". Follow this rule and make it your priority to pack any and all medications and first aid supplies that you may need at camp. Your daily medications, vitamins and pain relief pills are essentials. If you suffer from allergies, bring allergy relief medication or an epi-pen. Don't forget the bandages, ointment, scissors and a sharp outdoor knife. Pack everything into a waterproof bag and keep it handy at all times.

Campfire Cooking

Anything that's cooked over an open campfire tastes like gourmet cooking. It's easy to cook at camp, but only if you're prepared. You'll want to pack a bowl, cutting board, knife and spoon for mixing and preparing foods, as well as paper (not plastic) plates, cups, silverware, aluminum foil, linens and biodegradable dish soap. If canned foods are on the menu, don't forget your can opener. Bring along a sturdy pot and an iron frying pan, a clean grill, heavy duty tongs and a metal spatula. Don't forget a sharp filet knife if you plan to do any fishing at camp. Bring a few garbage bags to clean up camp when you're done, and don't forget to pack along plenty of matches in waterproof containers.

You want to remember your outdoor adventure for all the right reasons, so plan ahead and pack carefully.

Conroy Keight is a regular columnist for a variety of well-known web sites, on recreation facility and recreation subjects.
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