As gas prices are set to fall this summer, millions of Americans are going to be setting out to the woods, beaches, mountains, hike trails, and other favorite camping spots throughout the country. Acc...
As gas prices are set to fall this summer, millions of Americans are going to be setting out to the woods, beaches, mountains, hike trails, and other favorite camping spots throughout the country. According to the United States Outdoors Industry Association, nearly 40 million Americans participated in this hobby last summer, equating to approximately fourteen percent of the American population. Many folk who choose this as a hobby go into the wilderness alone, but there are just as many families who love to get out in nature with their friends and loved ones for even just a short weekend.
For a fun and safe time on your camping trip, however, it is important to be prepared. There are several specific items that all campers should make sure they have prepared before venturing out on the road. The main areas everyone should have covered are: shelter, bedding, cooking, clothing, health, and personal effects. The items that fall within each of these categories will ensure that you and your family and friends have a safe and happy time while camping.
For shelter, campers should ensure that they pack a durable tent that can withstand any unexpected weather conditions. This also means packing along a ground cloth or tarp and extra stakes to keep these attached to the ground. Tarps can also be used for shading or additional overhead shelter in case of heavy rains or to protect from falling debris. It would also be a good idea to pack along an axe, hammer, screwdriver, and other small tools that may be needed for the trip.
For bedding, pack along sleeping bags, durable blankets and sheets, pillows, air mattresses, air pumps, and anything else you may need to ensure a comfortable night's sleep. Campers might also want to take additional preparation by packing along repair kits, rubber patches for the air mattresses, utility bags, and other forms of storage bags.
In order to cook well, bring all the necessary pots, pans, stove tops, matches, lighters, butane or propane, grills, or coolers to begin. Don't forget a few jugs of clean water, thermoses, flatware and silverware, storage bags, folding tables, and anything else you think you may need for an enjoyable meal. Many people often forget to pack along seasoning and spices, so this should also be remembered while packing.
Clothing should include durable and sturdy shoes and boots, jeans and pants, shirts, extra socks, sleeping clothes, swim suits, towels, and a storage bag to put dirty laundry in after use. Clothing will keep campers safe from harsh elements during their trip, but most casual camping trips will require clothing that fits appropriately with the destination climate, temperature, and local weather conditions.
First Aid kits should be packed along. A basic aid kit will include personal medications, bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, bee sting kits, splints, bug repellant, gauze, and cotton swabs. Other medications such as antibacterial ointments and other common cold relief medications can also be included. Razor blades, tweezers, scissors, and other cutting utensils are also sometimes included.
Finally, take along some miscellaneous, personal effects. For a great trip out with friends and family, you may want to bring along a GPS, compass, whistle, candles, radios, hammocks, tissues, binoculars, bicycles, and camera. For a great time outdoors, following these tips will ensure a great time in the wilderness. Happy trails!
