The Only Good Camping Trip is Planned

Camping can be a great get-away during the hot months of summer, but take it from me: allow yourself the luxury of some pre-planning. "Spontaneous camping" -- those spur-of-the-moment excursions that rely on total improvisation -- have no place in the Great Outdoors:

Daughter: Dad, let's go camping!

Gary: Great idea! Let's go!

Daughter: But what about a tent? What about sleeping bags? What about food?

Gary: Tent? We don't need no stinking tent! We'll sleep under the stars! We'll catch wild game. We snuggle up next to the fire

Gary's Wife: I'm going to a hotel..!

As you can imagine, this approach is great if you want to be a Green Beret, but improvisation doesn't cut it in the wild.

There's more to camping than packing your car full of gear and hitting the road. According to Recreation Equipment, Inc (www.rei.com), savvy campers need to consider a host of scenarios, and plan accordingly. One of the most important parts of camping is to plan ahead and prepare. Planning involves more than picking a location, equipment should be a primary concern:

Tents: The American Hiking Society (www.americanhiking.org) recommends tents that have double-stitched seams to prevent leaks and "no-see-um" netting on all windows and door openings. And a tent that has two exits (or entrances depending on how you look at it) means you won't be bumping into or crawling over your buddy. And "tube-style" flooring provides extra leak protection. The AHS also feels a decent two-person tent can be found for about $200.00.

Sleeping Bags: Even if you're feeding a fire all night, it can get chilly if you're up in the mountains. Camping-tips.org recommends a sleeping bag that is rated for 30 degrees and above. If you're a year-round camper, experts say to consider a separate bag for 20 degrees and above - which is ideal for winter but probably, too heavy for summer. A quality sleeping bag these days can run anywhere from $60.00 to $100.00. And don't forget an air mattress to separate you from the hold, cold ground.

Other Equipment: The following list is not all-inclusive, but it does include a host of things you don't want to leave home without (thanks to lovetheoutdoors.com):

- Map (in a watertight case or bag)

- Compass

- Rain and wind parka, and extra clothing for unexpected weather

- A first aid kit

- Flashlight/batteries

- Matches, also in a watertight case or bag

- Fire starter, such as paper or lint in case you need help getting a fire going

- Sun protection, such as sunglasses and sunscreen

- Whistle (great for getting attention)

- Pocketknife

- Toilet paper and bug repellent

Location, Location, location: and last (or maybe it should be first) pick a location for your camping trip that your family agrees on. You don't have to put yourself in complete isolation. Everyone should feel comfortable and excited about the destination you've picked for your trip.

Now that we've covered the "big three," there are a handful of other no-less-important criteria to consider before you head off into the Great White North or your backyard or where ever.

According to some helpful hints provided by the Appalachian Mountain Club (www.outdoors.org), taking lessons from the experts is a worthwhile investment in personal comfort and survival. The AMC recommends you learn about outdoor skills, and know how to do things like read a map and compass. Learn how to read the weather. And it's really worthwhile to take basic courses in backcountry navigation, wilderness, and first aid -- anything that will help you have a safer and more enjoyable time.

Another very important camping tip is to make sure that someone "back home" knows where you are going and when you should return. That way if rescuers need to come find you, they know where to look. A cell phone may come in handy, but it depends where you are. And if you bring a cell phone, make sure it's charged.

Certainly there are other things to consider. But if you cover the basics listed above, not only will you maintain harmony in your family, but you'll have a much more enjoyable camping trip this summer.