Depending on your preferences and past experiences, just the word "camping" brings to mind something wonderful or something to be avoided at all costs.
If you've been bitten by the camping bug and want to give it a shot, here are some quick and dirty tips.
1. Plan your trip.
By this, I don't simply mean making reservations at a park. Yes, absolutely, make your reservations, but also plan what adventures you'll have while camping. Hiking? Swimming? Fishing? All of those activities will require specific gear you'll need to pack. Which brings me to
2. Make a list.
There are some people who love lists. They love seeing what they've accomplished and ticking off the boxes. I am not one of those people. You might not be, either. In order not to have a huge, overwhelming, seemingly impossible list, I break what I need into three smaller lists: Food, Clothing, & Gear. You can also find printable camping supply lists online.
3. Enlist help.
Assign tasks to your fellow campers. Even kids can help out - just be sure to double-check their work. You don't want to end up like us and have a 6 year old who has 4 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, & no pajamas for a 3-day camping trip!
4. Spread it out.
Don't frantically pack everything the night before or (God forbid) the day of your trip. You will be frazzled and you WILL forget something important. Instead, designate an area in your home (or camper, if you have one, or the trunk of your car) as the camping trip staging area. Everything that goes in that spot will be taken out and packed once you've made sure it's on the list and accounted for.
5. Be efficient.
It's a fine balance to make sure you have everything you need but also don't overpack. Streamline meals by incorporating supper leftovers into the next day's breakfast or lunch. Take one pair of all-purpose shoes (preferably with drainage in case of rain or walking through swampy areas), or if you must, a pair of good quality sneakers and a pair of flip-flops for using in the camp shower. However, you don't want to skimp on first aid supplies (the best way to guarantee needing one is not to pack it!) or dry socks. Plan on at least two extra pairs for each person.
6. Keep it together.
Once you've made camp, assign a specific place for gear. For instance, have everyone take their shoes off before entering the tent or camper, and keep them in a bin (or a pile) just inside to protect from creepy crawlies. Hiking packs can go in the car or (if they contain food), can be tied together and suspended from a tree branch away from the site to deter scavengers.
7. Clean it up.
When you break camp, be sure to leave everything as you found it. Thoroughly douse your campfire, gather your trash, and be certain you've packed all your gear.
Following these tips can help keep your adventure from becoming a misadventure. Have fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment