Camping Like a Pro

By: Conroy Keight

When's the last time you went camping? Last week? Last summer? Maybe you haven't gone since you were a kid. No matter how much experience you have, camping is the ultimate outdoor adventure. The key to the perfect outdoor getaway, however, is having the right camping gear.

Camping is a great adventure, whether you're planning your first trip, or you've done it a million times before. Having the right camping gear is crucial to having a safe and satisfying wilderness vacation. Before you head for the hills, it's a good idea to make a checklist of all essential items you'll need for your campout. Waiting until you're in the middle of the forest is too late to realize what you've forgotten.

Plan Before You Pack

Rather than throwing together the necessities at the last minute, allow time to plan and pack. List all of the items you'll want and need, and don't forget to include those "just in case" items. Check each item on your list as you pack, and don't overlook anything. You have so many items to include; this is sometimes the only way to be sure that you've got all of your must-have camping necessities.

Sleep and Shelter

If you bring poor shelter and shoddy bedding, your camping trip can quickly turn from paradise to purgatory. Plan ahead and make sure that you'll be dry, warm and comfortable at all times. Sleeping in the open air under the stars might seem like the ultimate adventure, but being exposed to insects, forest animals, rain and frost is no fun. Proper shelter keeps you safe and secure. Bring enough bedding to keep you warm in the cool nighttime air, and don't forget your pillow.

Bring Your Bare Necessities

You can safely leave your hair dryer and cosmetics at home, but don't forget to pack your insect repellant, sunscreen and toilet paper. Those are the absolute necessities of life in the great outdoors. You may also want to pack other personal care items like your soap, shampoo, hairbrush, and toothbrush. Pack everything in a waterproof bag, especially your towels and toilet paper.

Dressing For All Occasions

Decide how long you'll be staying at your camp, and pack a change of clothes for each day. Then, pack a little extra. You'll get dirty while camping, and wet if Mother Nature throws a little rain your way, so be prepared. Unless you have a river and a length of rope handy, washing and drying your clothes in the woods is not an option. Even if it's the middle of July, bring long pants, warm shirts and extra socks for cool evenings around 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

There is nothing as delicious as a meal cooked over an open flame, and nothing more frustrating than forgetting your matches. Be sure that you have everything you need to prepare and cook your outdoor feast. Pack a clean grill, tongs, spoon and a metal spatula. You'll need a bowl for mixing food, a cutting board, paper plates (not plastic), cups, silverware, aluminum foil, biodegradable dish soap and linens. If you'll be fishing, remember to bring a sharp filet knife and an iron frying pan. Remember to bring garbage bags to clean up camp at the end of your stay and for heaven's sake, don't forget to bring lots of matches in a waterproof container.

When you take the time to pack carefully and bring along all of the essential camping gear, you'll have an outdoor adventure to remember, for all the right reasons.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Contributor Conroy Keight writes for several popular web sites, on sports recreation and sports instruction themes.
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