Going camping is a great way to get outside and enjoy time
with friends and family. It opens up a world of possibilities no matter where
you chose to go. Camp at a state park and get access to hiking trails,
canoeing, and kayaking if there’s a lake on the premises. Camp at a roadside
campground and make a road trip more fun while saving a bunch of money compared
to finding a hotel. Families with small children may just enjoy backyard
camping – trust us, the kids will think they’re on an adventure miles from
civilization.
The following are 5 keys to enjoying your casual camping experience, as well as the products you need to make it happen.
1)
Don’t Get Wet
As you probably know, rain is the enemy of
all campers. It’s cold, messy, and can ruin a weekend if your stuff gets
soaked. The key here is the waterproofing of your tent – if your tent gets wet,
you get wet, and your gear gets wet. Many tents come with a rainfly,
which goes over your mesh windows or entry doors to keep rain out (although the
tent does need to be able to breathe a bit to keep condensation away in the
mornings). The floor should also be seam sealed and durable too, and a tarp
for additional groundcover is usually a good idea.
2)
Don’t Get Cold
Most people are summer campers or stick to
days when the weather is nice, but depending on where you are the temperatures
may drop enough to give you a chill at night. All sleeping bags have
a temperature rating, but make sure you get one with a temperature rating below
the anticipated climate – if the temperature is supposed to get down to the
40s, make sure your bag is rated for 30s or colder for best comfort. Getting
cold can ruin a nice night’s sleep outdoors.
3)
Stay Comfy
We’re talking mostly about car camping or light backpacking here, so it’s easier to carry creature comforts in the vehicle with you. Many people opt for an air mattress (some are pretty deluxe), and others prefer a cot or sleeping pad. Either way, any of those options are much better than trying to get some shut-eye on the hard ground.
Camp chairs are cheap, portable options for extra seating too.
4)
Bring the Right Accessories
The big gear is easy to remember – tent,
sleeping bag, air mattress – but
don’t overlook the necessities. Your tent may need a good waterproofing
spray (silicone-based formulas are usually the best for large items), and a
travel pillow can
make your sleeping bag feel like home. Extra tent stakes are also a
good idea, especially if you’re a novice camper. You also will want a headlamp
so you can see better at night, as well as a lantern for lighting up
a bigger area.
There are lots of useful options for camp tools, and it’s also a good idea to carry a multi-tool for any small jobs that may come up. Wanting to rough it a little more and create your own kindling? A pocket chainsaw may be the answer!
Waterproof matches are easy to overlook, but you don’t want to be trying to start a fire with soggy matches. Don’t forget these!
5)
Prepare Meals for the Whole Family
There’s absolutely no substitute for a hot dog
or s’mores roasted over an open fire, but what if your taste buds want a little
more variety? Propane- or
butane-powered camp
stoves are usually pretty economical and can crank out food for all your
campers. You can even find popcorn poppers, coffee pots,
camp
grills, utensil
sets, and more.
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