Going on a camping trip seems like a simple endeavor that requires only the most basic equipment: shelter, clothing, fuel and food. But choosing the right camping gear can make all the difference between having a fun, comfortable weekend sleeping in the woods versus being cold, wet and miserable. For a successful trip, always choose camping gear that suits your comfort level, camping experience and lifestyle preferences.
Steps
1
Estimate how many people will share the same shelter. The ideal shelter is big enough for everyone in the family, including the family dog. For car campers, the tent should be large enough to sit up in and and provide a privacy screen if multiple people will sleep inside. Backpackers need basic shelters that are light and small enough to carry in a backpack.
Purchase a 4-season tent rated for casual, year-round use. Lightweight tents made just for warm weather months are inexpensive but they will not protect campers from inclement weather. Campers are better prepared for rainy days with a higher quality tent.
2
Determine the seasons when you will camp, then select an appropriate sleeping bag. Modern sleeping bags are constructed for different seasons, body types and sexes.
Check the sleeping bag label to determine the bag's temperature rating. A lightweight, down-filled bag is ideal for summer trips but it will not provide warmth during cool fall nights.
Get inside of the bag you are considering. Check for ease of use and adequate interior space for your head, feet and torso. Get in and out of the bag several times to look for good construction quality. A good bag has a strong zipper, heavyweight drawstrings and tightly stitched seams.
3
Select clothing appropriate for your outdoor needs. Active campers need good quality hiking socks that protect against blisters. Pants, shirt and underwear made of quick dry material is essential for avoiding hypothermia. Less active campers may only need to consider whether or not the clothing will help them stay comfortable when lounging in a hammock.
Purchase lightweight clothing that's easy to pack and can be layered and worn during all seasons.
4
Assess your outdoor cooking abilities when choosing the correct camping stove and cookware. Stoves are designed according to where and how they will be used. Lightweight, 1 burner stoves and multi-use cook wear that allows users to bake, simmer and cook in 1 small pot are good for casual backpackers who carry their gear. Tent campers staying close to their cars are best served by larger 2 or 3 burner camping stoves that can accommodate ordinary household pots and pants.
Choose a stove that burns an all-purpose fuel for casual camping. Many stoves use propane, butane, isobutane or a combination of any 2.
5
Eliminate non-essential camping gear. Gather your outdoor gear and choose the items you will take with you based on your trip location and time frame. Remember there is a fine line between being prepared and packing too much equipment.
