Camping is a great way to spend time with family and friends in the outdoors at a low cost. Planning is crucial, including checking the weather, bringing appropriate clothing, shelter, sleeping gear, food, safety equipment, and an emergency plan. Safety is essential, including carrying a first aid kit and having a contingency plan.
A camping trip can be a delightful excursion to see the great outdoors, as well as a wonderful way for families and friends to spend time together in relaxed surroundings at a relatively low cost. Campgrounds abound around the world, but are especially popular in popular tourist and vacation destinations. Whether camping near a fairly large city, in a secluded forest in the mountains, or near a windswept beach, a successful camping trip always hinges on the planning involved.
The first consideration in planning any camping trip is the weather. While some warm-hearted souls opt for winter camping, most people camp during the summer months when the kids are out of school and the air is warm and inviting. A spring trip, while beautiful, can be uncomfortable with spring rains, mud and allergies. An autumn trip is pleasant because most of the bugs are usually gone, but the temperatures can be chilly. When planning your trip, always check the weather forecast a few days before you leave. Even the nicest campsite can be miserable in inclement weather.
Every camping trip requires a list of items to take along. These items include clothing, shelter, sleeping clothes, food, safety and first aid equipment, and an emergency plan.
Clothing for camping depends largely on the weather, but even in summer it is advisable to bring clothing for both hot and cold temperatures, as well as rain gear. Choose clothing made with breathable materials that wick moisture away from your skin. These materials will easily keep you cool and dry if needed. Avoid jeans and cotton of any kind. Bring a few more clothes than necessary and lots of extra socks.
The shelter could include anything from an RV to a tent to a makeshift shelter of branches and a tarp, depending on your roughing it up idea. Whichever you choose, make sure you know how to use it properly and make sure it keeps the rain away from your sleeping area. Sleeping gear isn’t complicated, but the sleeping bag you choose should fit the season. Sleeping bags range from lightweight bags for warm weather to thick bags made for sub-zero temperatures. Bring the right bag for the weather forecast on your camping trip, and if you’re concerned about staying dry, consider buying a waterproof shell.
Bring whatever food you like: burgers and hot dogs for grilling, sandwich stuff, or just granola. Be sure to bring the necessary cleaning and storage materials as well. If you’re camping near your car or in an RV of some sort, food storage won’t be an issue; however, if you’ll be staying in a tent and keeping food outside, bring gear to secure your food overnight. Wild animals are very adept at entering refrigerators and crates, not to mention tents, in search of food. To avoid a midnight rendezvous with a curious raccoon or grumpy bear, put the food in a container that masks the smell as much as possible, then secure it with ropes high up in a tree. Make sure it’s tall, but overhanging, so tree dwellers won’t have easy access.
Safety is essential on any camping trip. Carry a first aid kit with you and go over all safety procedures with all group members. In this day and age of high tech communication, it wouldn’t hurt to carry a cell phone in case of an emergency. Keep it off if you prefer, but it will be there if needed. At a minimum, have a contingency backup plan. Leave information at home or with friends about where you’ll be and when to expect me to return, and make sure everyone in the group knows what to do and where to go if there’s an injury or if someone gets lost.
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