Preparation
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Selecting the proper camping gear and equipment, such as a good sleeping bag or the proper campstove, is the best way to start your camping vacation or weekend excursion. But, how do you know what to take, with all of the camping gear and equipment available today? You don’t want to over pack and you certainly don’t want to under pack. So how do you select the proper gear?
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Lists
I think it is always best to start with a list. Write down all of the camping gear and equipment that you own. Once you have this inventory list, it will be easier to select the gear and equipment you will need for the current camping trip you are going on. You might even want to make a second list of all of your favorite camping meals. This will make it much easier to select what food you will be taking along. This will in turn help you to select the proper camping gear and equipment to prepare the meals you wish to make. You might not need some of your cookwear, thus minimizing the amount of gear and equipment you need to pack.
Knowledge
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Knowing a little bit about where you will be camping may help you select the proper camping gear and equipment. For example, if you are staying at your favorite KOA campground, they might provide showers and toilets or even a concession stand. The camping gear and equipment needed for this type of stay would be greatly different than if you were to hike into the woods and primitive camp along your favorite stream or lake. |
Seasons
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The time of year and the weather affect the camping gear and equipment needed more than anything. You don’t want to pack extra sweatshirts and thermal socks when the average temperature is 85 degrees. You might need additional lanterns, fuel, and flashlights if you are camping in the late fall, winter, or early spring. That may also be a good time for the extra sweatshirts and thermal socks. Rain gear, tents, and tarps are always a necessity. You can never count on Mother Nature. You do not want to get caught out in the rain without the proper gear. I always say, “You can never have to many tarps.” |
Packing
Once you’ve evaluated all of your camping gear and equipment on your list, the next time you go camping, it will be much easier to pack. Of course having the right containers for packing is very important. I have found that a plastic tote is best. It will provide protection for all of your camping gear and equipment in all types of conditions, unless of course, you are going on a backpacking trip. Selecting the proper backpack can make or break your outing. And please remember when you are packing, to pack according to the length of your stay. You probably won’t need ten pairs of underwear for a four day weekend trip.
Enjoy
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Enjoy your next outdoor experience. On the remaining pages you will find good information to make your next outing more enjoyable. Please explore the rest of this site to learn more about selecting the proper camping gear and equipment. |