Camping Like A Pro
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.
Even if you've camped a million times before, you still need to prepare every trip like it's your first. If you don't have the right gear, your wilderness adventure might not be as satisfying, or as safe, as it should be. Make a checklist of all essential items before you head for the hills. Once you're in the middle of the forest, it's just too late to realize that you've forgotten the necessities.
Plan First, Pack Later
Allow time to plan, and avoid dashing and grabbing items at the last minute. Take the time to make a list of everything that you will need, and be sure to include those things that you may need in an emergency. Write them down, and cross the items off as you pack them. This is the only way to be sure that no necessity is overlooked.
Gimme 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.
Bring Your Bare Necessities
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.
Clothes
If you're going camping for five days, bring enough clothes for six. Unless you are camping beside a river and have a length of rope on hand, it won't be very easy to wash and dry your laundry. Packing extra is a lot easier. The very beauty of the outdoors is what makes it so messy, so be prepared to get wet, dusty and muddy. Also, the nights can get quite cool in the forest, even during the hottest months, and you'll want to be comfy and cozy. Pack warm socks, long pants and a few extra warm shirts, just in case.
Pack Your First Aid First
Smart campers assume that if anything can go wrong, it will. So, they pack accordingly. Follow this rule and pack up any medications and all first aid supplies that you may need at camp. Prescription medications, pain relief and vitamins are essentials. Those with allergies must bring an epi-pen or allergy relief medication. Remember to pack bandages, medicated ointment, a sharp outdoor knife and scissors. Everything should be packed into a waterproof bag and kept handy.
Gourmet Grilling
Everything tastes better when cooked over a campfire. Just be sure that you have the essentials to prepare your outdoor gourmet feast. Pack a clean grill, metal spatula and tongs. Bring a bowl for mixing food, a cutting board, paper plates, cups, silverware, aluminum foil, dish soap and linens. If you have access to a good fishing spot where you're camping, make sure you pack a sharp filet knife and an iron frying pan. Most importantly, don't forget to bring garbage bags to clean up camp at the end of your stay.
Camping can be a fun and relaxing way to spend time. Plan ahead, pack what you need, and it will be the time of your life.
By: Conroy Keight
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Contributor Conroy Keight writes for several well-known Internet magazines, on sports recreation and sports instruction themes.
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