Tips for Your Camping Trip

Summertime is quickly approaching, which for many people means heading into the great outdoors, cooking smores over a crackling fire and arguing over who caught the biggest fish for the day. They'll tell you it's the only way to experience real peace, and in some ways they're right: there's no one else around (if you've chosen the right clearing), no traffic, no air pollution-nothing but you and the world around you. Of course, I'm talking about camping. Does this sound like something you'd enjoy? Before you grab your Birkenstocks and run out the door, make sure you plan a few things in advance first.

With camping comes camping gear. Check yours out and figure out if you have everything you need, or if something is lacking or worn out. While you may be itching to get away from everyday life, your dreams of living off the land can quickly turn into a nightmare if you find your sleeping bag no longer suits your needs and you're forced to sleep on the ground in a storm. If you think you need to beef up your supplies, either head to your local sporting goods store or let your fingers make the trek online. There are plenty of Internet-based specialty stores that will have what you need; there you'll be able to compare your favorite brands and figure out what type of equipment you're going to need.

I can hear you thinking, "This is all well and good, but what if I've never done any camping? How can I know what I need? It's not like camping is imprinted into my DNA." Well, fear not: the truth is, unless you're traveling to an exotic location with environmental extremes (Mount Everest comes to mind) you won't need any "specialized" gear. A tent is always a good place to start, because you're definitely going to appreciate a shelter when it rains-not to mention a tent is another layer of protection between you and nature's creatures.

Another good item to take along, especially if you're new to camping is a cooking grill. Before you burn me alive for the suggestion, remember that even in a forest wood isn't always readily available, particularly if you're going somewhere that's experiencing its rainy season. A camping stove will help save you from a lot of potential grief (and hunger), and will reduce the possibility of a forest fire. Along with a stove, remember to bring along the necessary utensils to eat with-fork, knife, spoon, plate and any pots or pans you'll need to use for your food. (Just make sure you don't bring your finer flatware with you, because you're going to cry if they get ruined or lost in the wild.)

For nighttime illumination, bring along an electric torch or lantern with enough batteries to last you the entire trip. A flashlight is also handy for those late-night trips to the bathroom. You also need to make sure the sleeping bag you bought is appropriate for the environment you've chosen: if you're going to camp somewhere that drops below 30 degrees at night, a three-season bag might just not cut it. Make the sleeping bag fit the environment.

Will you be hiking long distances or not taking your car? Then a backpack is also going to be a necessity. Thankfully, in the past few decades manufacturers have been working on making the packs lightweight, durable and easy to manage, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding one that's right for you. Figure out if you plan to take a short day trip in the woods or want a much longer, more extensive wildlife experience and purchase your pack accordingly.
Don't forget that, in the end, it's your back that's going to bear the load. Never take more than you can handle, or you're going to need a vacation from your vacation when you get back (not to mention a trip to the chiropractor.) Before you leave, make a checklist of what you're really going to need, and take note of what the conditions of the location you're going to will be like when you get there. (I find a quick peek at the Weather Channel before I go always helps.) Doing this will help make sure your trip to the wild will be fun and adventurous, not a nightmare.