Once you have chosen to go camping, it's time to get the equipment you'll need. Give yourself plenty of time to make the right decision and don't
be too shy to test products right there on the sales floor (but try not to break anything). The items that should be given the most
attention are:
 | Backpack |
| Sleeping Bag |
| | Tent |
| Cookware |
| | Food |
Backpack
As for construction this element can save your sanity. Many packs offer a separate compartment for your sleeping bag as
well as a pouch to stow away wet items such as your tent or raincoat (so that your favorite sweatshirt or teddy bear doesn't get
ruined). Too many outside pockets will affect the weight distribution and should be avoided. Extra loops and straps can be used
for bulky items or tools. Also convenient is smaller bag that can be zipped off the main pack when you have set up camp and don't
want to lug that huge monstrosity around.
Weight is an important issue if you are hiking, as you will be wearing this thing all day long. How the weight is distributed
will determine if the backpack is your best friend or the bane of your existence. Because your hips will be able to bear a lot more
weight than your shoulders, a hipbelt on your bag will come in handy. The hipbelt should neither be too soft nor too firm and should
cup over your hipbones. Of course, with time, they have gotten more sophisticated and are now available with several different types
of foam-in-one to accommodate any situation. Shoulder straps should also not be too soft as they will begin to dig into your skin
after a few hours. Finally, an internal frame (which runs along the curve of your back, thus transferring the weight without
sacrificing flexibility) will also help make you a happy camper. All this stuff can get a little pricey, but if you're camping
for more than a couple days, it's worth it. You don't want to end your trip more stressed out than at the start.
After you choose your bag, it's time to fill it up. This should be done in the store prior to its purchase, so that you can really test
out its quality and strength. Don't worry if people give you strange looks for filling the backpack in the store . . . would you
rather see it fall apart in the middle of the Ozarks?
Sleeping bag
Your bed-away-from-home must be comfortable and appropriate to the weather. You don't want to settle in on your first night and
freeze or sweat the night away because you bought the wrong type of bag. A good night's sleep is very important when you are
hiking all day and sharing close quarters.
There are bags out there for every occasion. Winter bags, if you're crazy enough to brave temperatures below freezing, and
three season bags for mild to hot conditions (some even have a zip-out lining for more flexibility). Make sure it is sufficiently
insulated for those cold nights. If you're still chilly, throw on the hat that you packed to prevent body heat from escaping.
You may also want to bring a mattress pad for added comfort. The foam "egg crate"-looking mats are light and will roll up tightly
to save room in your bag. One last thing: if you can get a sleeping bag with a built-in pillow, go for it. It'll be one thing less
to pack, and after a long day of camping, you'd trade your own sister for a good pillow.
Tent
This will keep you warm (or cool, depending), keep the bugs away, and shelter you from whatever nature decides to throw at you.
Important features to look at are: size and weight, ventilation, waterproofing, and color.
Size and weight: How much room do you need exactly? This depends on how much time you intend to spend in the tent. For
example, if you plan a weekend away in the summer, then you can stand to use a smaller one. If you will be hiking your way through
the Adirondacks during the rain season, you may want something roomier since it will be more of a home. A higher priced bulky tent
will be worth it for the comfort it will provide. Backpackers will want something as light as possible without being flimsy, while
those traveling by car can stand to lug around a 30 pound tent for six. When judging the size, allow adequate room for each person
and their gear and hopefully some personal space. How close do you want to get with your buddies anyway?
Ventilation: Why do you need to worry about ventilation? Well, we assume that after being outside for a couple of days, chances
are that you will be a tad, shall we say, "hygienically-challenged," and so will your roomies (or should we call them tenties?). You
also need good ventilation so you can breath on those humid nights, even with your tent zipped tight (lest you be attacked by giant
bugs or nosy kids). Three season tents are perfect for most camping trips (called "three season" because they're not made for tough
winter conditions). Four season tents are the tents you use for a rainstorm or trip to the Arctic. Four season tents offer less
ventilation and a cook hole so you don't have to step outside in the cold to make breakfast, but they should keep you warm in the
winter and cool in the summer.
Waterproofing: You know the weatherman is always wrong, so you should prepare yourself for the worst of conditions (even if
the weatherman promises a sunny, beautiful weekend). There's nothing worse than spending the night in a wet tent. It'll make all
of your stuff smell, and you won't get much sleep. So our recommendation is that you spring for high-quality material. You won't
regret it, even if it sets you back a few bucks. Just keep in mind that unless you get a top-of-the-line four season tent, most
tents will leak a little, so a good waterproof sleeping bag will let you rest a little easier. Also, bring extra tarp to cover the
tent for added protection.
Color: It is advisable to stick with neutral colors that blend well with nature to avoid being an eyesore. However, if you
are not camping in a designated site, you should get the brightest neon possible, since it'll be highly visible if
something goes wrong and you can't find your tent or you become the target of a search and rescue mission.
Cookware
If you don't feel like rubbing two sticks together, a Dutch oven can be used to cook just about anything from cakes to soups to
pancakes. However, Dutch ovens are pretty heavy and have a propensity to rust. Plates should ideally be made of heavy plastic,
which is lighter than most metals, easy to clean, and will retain heat longer. Paper plates are NOT recommended since they cannot
be cleaned and must be tossed after use and will attract animals and bugs if not disposed of properly.
Food
There's a reason they call it grub. Not much variety out there in the woods. The most important fact we can press on you is this:
before you leave, make a list of exactly what you want to eat, and then bring an extra day's worth. You don't want to go short on
food, or you'll have a Lord of the Flies situation on your hands. People never realize how hungry they get while camping until
they've had a day full of walking up hills and swimming in lakes. You'll need food and snacks to keep your energy up.
If you're not too picky, dried foods are very convenient, due to their light weight. Anything from ice cream to fruit to meat and
fish can be dried. Canned foods will add variety, but they're heavier to lug around. In general, though, granola bars are good for
energy and Gatorade is good for keeping you from getting dehydrated. And remember to stay away from salty foods. They'll just make
you thirsty, leading to fights over who gets the last drop of water from the canteen.
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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