Going Camping: Are You Prepared?

Have you ever gone camping before, or are you a green-horn? If you lack the experience, this hub will help prepare you for the great outdoors. Camping is one of the most popular of all get away adventures available and each year millions of campers hit the road to destinations across the world. Camping can be as laid back as staying at a cabin; to roughing it in the wilderness; to attempting a survivalist get-away that takes the most daring of adventurers to places where few would dare put a boot on the ground.

Experienced campers have ulterior motives when they hit the trail: they may want to enjoy stream, river or lake fishing, hunting, camping and skiing, back-packing, hiking, bird watching and gold panning. Obviously, the activities that coincide with camping are numerous. and depending on how you spend your time will determine what necessities you’ll need to carry along.

Now, the experienced campers know exactly what they forgot last time and are sure not to make that same mistake again. For instance, they understand that if they don’t bring warm clothing, they can use a fire to warm their bones at night and enjoy even a cold chill. Even the type of sleeping bag they use when roughing it will be determined by the weather. The type of equipment and supplies you bring, should be determined ahead of time during the planning stages of your camping trip. You don't want to be; caught off-guard, short-handed, too little too late, and having to operate shooting from the hip while on the camping trip.

When planning a camping trip, the very first concern is comfort and safety which includes; the type of boots you wear, the clothing, food and toiletries you carry and the maximum weight you are willing to hike with (if you are hiking). Of course, if you are using a camper or fifth wheel to launch your activities from, then weight does not play much of a factor, as your camp base may be within close proximity to your planned activities.

Listed below are some supplies you just might need in the event of an accident or emergency. You can keep them together in a first aid kit.

First Aid Kit

• sprains: elastic wrappings
• Insect repellent containing Deet 
• Poisonous snakes: snake-bite-kit (especially in the southern states)
• cuts—abrasions—blisters: gauze, band-aids and your choice of ointments
• migraines or sore muscles, (your choice of pain relievers)
• Hammer, ax or hatchet--driving in pegs or chopping wood

Additional Camping Necessities

• Lanterns or flashlights
• Sunscreen
• Collapsible chairs
• Rope for hanging wet clothes, climbing or securing items
• Detergents for sanitizing eating utensils and clothing
• Extra blankets to warm your bones
• Boots for hiking
• Large plastic bags as a receptacle or for dirty clothes 
• Ignition device for starting campfires
• Water bucket for dousing campfires
• A Holiday Inn nearby in case you want to say screw it!...just kidding

Additionally, you should always bring a compass in case you become disoriented or lost--It’s easy to do. I always carry my cell phone for emergency purposes. However, in many cases, camping destinations can easily subject you to dead zones, unless you have satellite cell phone service. Also, when hiking and exploring, always try to remember the location of any main paths as they can quite possibly lead you back to camp.

Tents are probably the most popular and common item used when camping. Finding the right one for you does not require rocket science, but just the same, it is important that you select the right one and not over-pay. Just follow this basic plan and you’ll do just fine. If you are new to camping, you’ll want to ask for help when deciding which tent to choose from.

It is safe to say that most brand names will be sufficient. You’ll want to tell the seller how many people will occupy the tent, the type of terrain you’ll be erecting it on and the different seasons you’ll be using it. In addition, you want to look at the instructions on how to erect the tent—or ask the sales person if they know which one is easiest to put up. Also, you want to know that the tent is not cheap and will not easily rip or tear. You want your tent to be sturdy, dependable and above all—water-proof.

Areas of Concern When Purchasing a Tent

You’ll want to make sure you don’t become over-crowded when sleeping in a tent. You don’t want six campers occupying a four-man tent as you likely will be cramped and wake up with a sore neck or muscles—get stepped on by a nightly bath-room runner and other camping necessities you wanted to protect will be forced outside and subjected to the weather or nocturnal animals. Additionally, many tents open up and are screened for cross ventilation--making it more comfortable with cross-ventilation.

Sleeping bags are another one of those must have camping gear items. If you plan to camp more often, then you’ll need enough to go around. Whether you are planning to sleep with a romantic partner or family, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty to go around. Technologies have changes quickly over the years and you can find very light weight bags at reasonable prices. Again, if you are new at camping and want to purchase a good sleeping bag, you should ask for help before purchasing one. If you really want to get the best out of your sleeping bag, I recommend that you purchase an inflatable mattress. It makes for a good night’s sleep and a body ready for the up-coming day’s events.

Camping can add many memorable moments and fantastic experiences to your life. Plan each trip wisely and always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t take any risky chances, look out for one-another and bring back fun experiences, memories and photos.