A camping mattress and sleeping bag forms an essential part of your sleeping system while camping. They are especially critical if you’re camping in cold weather because you’re not likely to survive the cold without them.

Sleeping well is important on a backpacking trip because you need the energy to carry on the next day. Lets first look at the sleeping bag. To choose a sleeping bag you first need to know for what purpose you’re going to use it for.

Of course you’re going to use for sleeping but you to know whether you’re going to use it for horse riding, backpacking, car camping or whatever. Weight and bulk becomes important if you’re going backpacking or motorcycle camping. The type of material you need depends on where you’re going.

The next thing you need to know before buying a sleeping bag is the minimum temperature of the place where you’re going to use the sleeping bag. Even though the temperature rating may not be accurate, you can use it as a rough guide.

To be safe, choose a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than you need. It will only be uncomfortable if the sleeping bag is too hot and you open up the zippers to make it cooler but a sleeping bag that doesn’t keep you warm enough can kill you.

A rectangular synthetic sleeping bag is commonly used for car camping or base camping but they’re too bulky for backpacking. For backpacking you can either use a synthetic sleeping bag or a down sleeping.

Down sleeping bags are a lot lighter than synthetic sleeping bags and they keep your warmer. The problem with down sleeping bags is that when wet they cease to provide insulation. Synthetic sleeping bags still gives you some warmth when it’s wet.

Now, a sleeping bag protects your whole body well against the cold except for under you. That’s because your sleeping bag is compressed under you by the weight of your body. Here’s where a camping mattress comes in handy.

However, more a commonly known purpose of the camping mattress is for cushioning. There are 3 different types of camping mats. The lightest option is a foam pad or closed cell pad. They’re very good insulators but they’re not so good for cushioning.

If you want better cushioning go for open cell pads or inflatable open cell pads. These are much softer and much more comfortable to sleep on. The self-inflatable type camping mattress is more comfortable of the two but it also costs more. Open cell pads are heavier than foam pads but the comfort they provide makes the extra weight worth it.

Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. The sleeping bag and camping mat are a critical part of your sleeping system.

[tags]sleeping bag, down sleeping bag, camping mattress, camping mat, sleeping system, foam pad[/tags]

Most family tents are not suitable for backpacking because they’re too heavy. Weight is not a very important consideration when it comes to choosing family tents because you’re usually only going to carry it from your car to the campsite and back when you’re done.

A family tent needs to have a lot of space for the whole family. A 4-person tent is usually good for 2 adults and 2 children but a bigger tent is much more comfortable.

You might also want to check out the amount of headroom the tent has. Dome tents have a lot of headroom but not as much as cabin tents because the walls slope a little bit more towards the center. Large mesh windows and moonroofs add a sense of space to a tent. Awnings also add to the perception of roominess.

For additional space, a vestibule helps. Keeping you gear in the vestibule gives you more sleeping space. Some family tents have a vestibule but some come at an extra cost.

In case the weather turns bad, a family tent needs to be able to keep you dry. This is what separates cheap dome tents from a high quality family tent. Cheap tents may still keep you dry if you add waterproofing but it’s still a gamble. Look for tents with sealed seams, bathtub floors and rainfly.

Another important thing to consider is breathable fabrics and ventilation. A sleeping camper emits about 1 pint of water per night so if the tent is not well ventilated you might wake up to a pool of water due to condensation.

Packed size is something that you might want to consider too especially if there’s not much space in car. A small packed size is especially important for motorcycle campers.

Most family tents are freestanding which may or may not be useful for you. It allows the tent to be moved around without having to disassemble the tent. You have to be careful though because if it’s not staked or if there is not enough weight to hold down the tent, it can be blown away be the wind.

Setting up a tent can be fun be it can also be frustrating if the design is too complicated. Some tents are easier to set up than others. Ask for a demonstration and try it out yourself. Some tents like the Turbo Tent are fast to set up and almost handsfree. If you choose a tent that is a bit more complicated I recommend that you practice pitching up your tent at home to avoid frustration of the campground.

Price is a thing to consider as well. You can easily find family tents at discount stores everywhere which are far cheaper than the ones you’ll at camping stores. They might look the same but the real difference lies in its ability to withstand bad weather. Once it rains or after a few uses you’ll know why the tent is so cheap. If you’re going to camp in fine weather all the time and not very often a cheap tent may be a good idea.

Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. Do you want to learn more about dome tents or family tents?

[tags]family tent, dome tent, camping tent, camping, family tents, freestanding[/tags]

Camping isn’t what it used to be or rather it doesn’t have to be. Some people enjoy camping out in all weathers with a small basic camping kit, but now with the advent of modern camping equipment designed for comfort and practicality, anyone can enjoy a couple of nights in the great outdoors without worrying their tent will blow away with the first gust of wind.

The most common fears people have about camping are:

Lack of camp site facilities
i.e.: Does the camp site have toilets, showers, electrical points for hair dryers and so on? You can camp in the great outdoors perfectly adequately without any of these camp site perks, but if you are looking to camp out in comfort and style, simply research your campsites, join a camping forum or two and check out camp site review websites.

Camp Site Bugs and Insects
Camping outside can mean sharing the tent with a few hitch hikers, but camping survival kits often contain insect repellents, insect bite creams and sprays etc as well as other bits of first aid you’d expect to find in a camping survival kit.

Not knowing how to camp

Camping requires planning and you need to make a detailed list of camping gear, outdoor clothing and any camping gadgets you want to take with you as well as details on how to use your camping equipment. Learn how to erect your tent and use your camping cooking equipment before you set out camping for the first time.

Erect your tent in your back garden first so when you arrive at your camp site you know how to put up the tent. Do the same with your camping stove, try it out at home. Plan your camping meals and any extra bits you might need such as salt. It’s the smaller camping items you’re likely to forget and yet miss the most!

Make sure you take outdoor clothing and bedding suitable for camping that’s warm and waterproof. Many people who go camping also go hiking or backpacking so make sure you take adequate hiking boots and that your camping gear is light and easy to carry.

Read a good camping book and learn everything you can about first time camping so you know what to expect, what to take and where to go.

Not knowing how to travel light

Visiting a specialist camping equipment shop is your best bet for sourcing lightweight, waterproof camping gear and camping equipment. How you travel to your campsite determines what you can take. Car camping as oppose to backpacking means you can carry more.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have replaced the need for traditional camping supplies such as compasses and maps and of course you don’t need to follow the stars anymore.

Camping in comfort nowadays can mean a variety of camping gadgets such as hairdryers, microwaves, TV’s and even ice cream making kits. The list of camping gadgets is endless. There really isn’t much you can’t buy that hasn’t been adapted for camping.

Boredom
If the weather doesn’t allow for camping activities such as walking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing etc, with all the electrical camping entertainment systems you can buy these days you should have plenty to do when camping including listening to music, watching TV and of course you could always finish reading your good camping guide.

Cost
If you want to keep camping costs down, check out local camping shop sales and look on the Internet for local camping gear sales. There are always great camping kit bargains to be had.

Patricia Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who enjoys camping and outdoor pursuits. She keeps up with the latest camping gear at Shinyshack.

[tags]camping, camping gear, camping equipment, gifts, gadgets, outdoors[/tags]

There are a lot of options when it comes to tents but for overland travelers and bikers, it all boils down to 3 different designs: dome, geodesic and tunnel tents. Here you’ll learn the factors in which you’ll spend your money.

The cheapest option for buying a tent is the dome. That’s because they’re incredibly simple and you can get them just about anywhere. You can even get one with your favorite cartoon design at the local supermarket. Some are made of very cheap material.

The dome tent is favored by a lot of overland travelers because they’re very easy to set up. When choosing cheap dome tents, remember to make sure that the seams are sealed and that it comes with a groundsheet and the proper equipment.

Another good tip when buying dome tents is to think about how far you’re going to need to go in case the tent fails. If you’re in the backcountry you might not want to go for cheap dome tents.

Tunnel tents are a really interesting alternative. Many people go for them because they pack up really small. The poles tend to be shorter and they’re very quick to set up. But you need to be careful about how and where you pitch the tunnel tent because they’re not the sturdiest of tents and a little bit of wind can result in a very noisy and a very uncomfortable night.

One of the things that will impact how much money you will spend on your tent is the tent accessories. You want to be careful that it comes with a decent groundsheet, a decent footprint which will protect the underside of your tent.

Most tents come with quite flimsy tent pegs which is fine you’re going to soft ground but for harder ground, you would need something like an aluminum v-type tent peg which are very tough.

Another important thing to consider is the pack size especially if the tent is going to have a ride on your bike. Dome tents with quick erect systems may be quick to set up but they result in a bigger pack size and they don’t gain any stability advantage over the tunnel tent. This type of dome tent also requires extra guy lines in any kind of weather. That’s why you may want to consider a more complex and stable dome tent, something like a geodesic dome which is quite solid on the ground.

Pack size and tent size don’t always go together. A dome tent may pack small but a larger tunnel tent may pack even smaller. The weight of the tent should be considered as well for safety on bikes.

Space inside the tent is something that you might also want to consider. Both dome and tunnel tents have a place where you can store your gear and separate wet gear from the sleeping area. Some tunnel tents have access on both the front and the side of tent. This allows you to store your wet gear on the front while you still have easy access to the sleeping area on the side.

Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. He invites you to check out some great dome tents. You might also want to learn more about dome tents.

[tags]camping tent, dome tent, dome tents, tunnel, geodesic[/tags]

I love the summer music festivals. The anticipation, the environment, the fun, everything about music festivals celebrates life. Most of us are not rich enough for a helicopter and a hotel room so we camp during a music festival. But that’s where the fun is.

Campsites can be noisy and crowded but they’re an essential part of your festival experience and lots of fun once you’ve got the best spot. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Tent: Dome tents are common in music festivals. They’re easy to set up and can be quite cheap. You might also want to consider tunnel tents because they pack really small.

- Camp Stove - You should have a stove especially when building fires is not allowed. Using camp stoves is recommended for cooking anyway because they’re clean and fast to use.

- Insect Repellent - In the summer you definitely need this to keep the bugs out. They say smoking keeps away the bugs but it’s only temporary and I don’t recommend it.

- Flag - This is useful to make it easier for you to find you tent or for your friends to find you.

- Ear Plugs - It’s a music festival and you would expect it to be noisy most of the time if not all the time. It’s never going to be silent no matter where you camp.

- Sleeping Bag - You don’t need an expensive down sleeping bag for summer. In fact, down sleeping bags are too hot and they won’t provide you the comfort like it does in winter.

The only sure way to get a good spot is to arrive early on location. The earlier you are, the more options you have for a good spot to pitch your tent. Some sites let you arrive the night before but check with the organizers whether this is allowed.

Find an easy to spot landmark to help you or your friend find your tent easier. The more distinctive the landmark, the better. Also remember to make use of the flag. After you’ve had a few beers, all tents will start to look the same. Make sure your flag is in bright, distinctive colors and unique.

When choosing a spot, be aware of your surroundings. Some spots may be designated family camping zones and some may be party zones. If you’re a party animal, don’t pitch your tent on a family camping zone. Some beer tents stay open later than others.

If you’re in a group, set up your tent in a circle with the entrance facing inwards. This way you can keep an eye on one another’s tent contents and you’ll have a sort of a private area where you can hang out and relax.

Don’t be anti-social by blocking off your area completely. This makes it harder for others to find a camping space and to navigate the site.

Check whether camp stoves, grill or barbecues are allowed before you set one up. Only build a fire at a safe distance away from your tent to minimize the risk of fire.

It’s tempting to trek around the entire site in search for the perfect camping spot. Unfortunately it doesn’t exist and no matter where you put up your tent there’s going to be some upsides and downsides. Concentrate on finding somewhere clean and reasonably convenient

What you should not do is camp at the foot of a hill because water runs downhill and as soon as it rains your tent will be flooded with mud. Also stay well away from campsite toilets because even though it may seem convenient when you first arrive but after a few hours it may start to smell real bad.

You’ll be welcomed by early morning sewage trucks and even if it doesn’t rain, the water pipes will soon make the ground muddy. Should the worst happen and the toilets flood, you could even wake up in a stinking puddle of waste.

Another good advice is to not camp right by the walkway. A spot about three tents in from the path is good because it’s still easy to find and access. There’s also less chance of being peed on and being crushed by drunken passersby. Speaking of drunk, set up your tent before you do get drunk or setting up your tent may become complicated.

Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. He invites you to check out some great dome tents and propane stoves for camping.

[tags]camping, dome tent, camp stove, music festival, dome tents, campsite[/tags]

Given the current economic situation, many families can’t afford an expensive family vacation. Camping is a great alternative to costly holidays. There are plenty of options for a place to camp including state parks, national parks, forests and other public areas that allows camping.

It only costs $12-$25 to spend the night on a campground compared to the hundreds you’ll need to pay for a hotel room. Each site will typically have a fire pit, a picnic table and a place for barbequing. There will be more than enough space to set up a huge dome tent and most have bathrooms and showers. Check the campground before to the trip to make sure it has all the facilities you require.

There are a lot of things you can do on a camping trip including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and there a lot activities for the kids as well. Some campgrounds even have basketball courts. You can bring along your own bikes, baseball gear, games or your favorite toy. If you’ve never camped on a campground before you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve been missing.

First time campers need to invest quite a bit of money on camping gear but the cost is still much less than a family vacation abroad. Family tents are available for less than $200 and I recommend getting a tent that can accommodate at least one more than you intend the tent to accommodate. Your family will appreciate the extra space but don’t use it to store food because it can attract wild animals.

The next thing you’ll need are sleeping bags. While down sleeping bags used by mountaineers are expensive, you can get a decent one rated at 30 degrees that suits your trip for less than $50. Make sure you can fully unzip the sleeping bag all the way to the bottom it case the night gets too warm. Also consider camping mattresses for cushioning and insulation. You can find them for less than $30.

While the camp may have a place to grill your food, you might still want to consider propane stoves for quick and clean cooking. A propane burner can be easily found for less than $80 and the propane cylinder are about $3 a piece and lasts about a week.

You can use items you have at home for camping like pots and pans, flashlight, pillows, utensils and more. You need to plan your gear though because you don’t want to be carrying a lot of stuff that you don’t need.

The cost of camping gear, campground fees, food, and fuel for the stove won’t be much compared to other vacation options and once you have acquired the necessary gear you next camping trip will become cheaper. You might need to add some more gear from time to time and replace or fix broken equipment but if you’re looking for a cheap way for a vacation, this is it.

Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. He invites you to check out these family dome tents. For a good family tent under $200, check out the Coleman Elite Montana 8 Tent.

[tags]family camping, dome tent, camping gear, family dome tent, budget, camp, campgrounds[/tags]

While the propane stove is the stove of choice for camping beginners, it is far from perfect. There are many aspects of propane stoves that are less ideal compared to gasoline stoves but they have their strengths as well.

Heating Efficiency

Propane stoves are less efficient in heating because as the cartridge empties, it loses it’s burning efficiency. Temperature and altitude also has a big effect on efficiency. Colder temperatures higher altitudes make propane stoves less efficient and if it’s too cold the stove may not burn at all.

Reliability

A backpacking stove must be able to take rough handling and still work perfectly. The more complex the stove, the more chances that something will break. Older versions of cartridge propane stoves use puncture fit coupling which I remember having a hard time with especially the first few times of using it as a boy scout.

Today’s propane stoves, however, are much more reliable with consistency in weight and pressure. Recent developments in design even make it usable in sub-zero temperatures. Reliability is a more of a matter of design rather than whether gasoline or propane is used for fuel.

Weight

Propane stoves may be lighter than gasoline stoves but you might end up carrying more fuel if you’re going to camp for a few days or more. If you use propane cartridge stoves for camping, use a bigger cartridge unless it’s going to be a really short trip. Bigger cartridges are lighter than many smaller cartridges holding the same amount of fuel.

Litter

Other than the weight problem there’s also the litter problem when you use propane stoves. You can’t reuse cartridge stoves and they need to be disposed when empty. In the backcountry, that means that you have to carry your litter until you can dispose it properly. Don’t throw it away on the trail like some irresponsible hikers.

Convenience

Propane stoves are more convenient because there is no preheating required and you can have heat almost instantly. Cartridge stoves are also cleaner and less noisy.

Safety

The predictability in lighting up a propane stove make it the preferred stove for mountaineers because they’re safer to use under tarps or inside tents. This should however be done with caution and with good ventilation only. There are quite a few known cases of deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning inside tents. Not to mention that it’s a fire hazard as well. Never under any circumstances use liquid fuel stoves inside tents or you might end up without a tent.

Although rare, propane stoves are also known for blowing up due to damaged rubber tips or other parts. Again, more complexity equals more parts equals more potential problems so keep it simple.

Fuel Availability

Gasoline stoves can use many different types of fuels and white gas is widely available. Propane cartridges may not be as readily available.

Cost

Initially, propane stoves are a lot cheaper than liquid fuel stoves but the running cost of propane stoves is higher because the fuel is much more expensive. If you camp regularly, you might spend 5 to 10 times more on cartridge fuel.

Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. He invites you to check out his article on propane camp stoves and also check out these backpacking stoves.

[tags]camp stoves, camping stoves, propane stoves, liquid fuel stoves, gas stoves, white gas[/tags]

There’s something quite magical about sleeping under canvas. Closeness to nature, seeing the moon shining through the tent, hearing owls hooting in the trees and breathing nature’s earthy scent… these small things which we take for granted in our everyday lives are somehow more appreciated on a camping holiday.

But there are also practical reasons for choosing a camping holiday. The cost, for one; despite an initial outlay for a tent, sleeping bags and other gear, equipment will usually last for many years without needing replacement, so camping holidays will typically be reasonably priced. A night at a campsite can cost as little as five punds, while a room in even a modest hotel can cost ten times as much.

Then there’s the flexibility and freedom of packing up and moving to another location, and deciding whether it’s a survival-style trip with only the bare minimum of equipment, or an altogether more luxurious holiday with a huge tent, inflatable beds and anything else that can be squeezed into the boot of the car. Who can deny that there’s something extremely appealing about following your own schedule and experiencing more of the great outdoors? You can start your holiday in Snowdonia, finish it at Loch Ness, stop at the Lake District and the Pennines along the way - all the while, never having to sleep in someone else’s sheets…

Whatever form your camping trip is likely to take - hiking with everything squeezed into one rucksack, cycling with your gear squished into panniers, or driving with a packed trailer attached to the car - there are certain bits of kit that will make your camping holiday that bit easier. Here’s a selection of our favourites.

Survival tools

One of the most useful things you can take with you on a camping trip is a multi-tool, which combines a variety of tools in one small package - much like a Swiss army knife.

The True DogTag Tool TU30 comes with a neck chain and a key chain to make sure it doesn’t get lost. Measuring just 5cm, the True DogTag Tool TU30 includes useful tools including tweezers, a bottle opener, a knife, a screwdriver and a bright white LED light - so finding your way back to your tent at night won’t be a problem.

If you’re planning a full-on survival experience then a useful tool to take on your trip is the hand powered chainsaw, which despite being light and compact and operated purely by hand, can cut through a three-inch diameter tree limb in 20 seconds.

Heat and light

Even during the summer, evenings can be cold and dark, so make sure you take reliable sources of heat and light on your camping trip.

The Cyba-lite LED Lantern is perfect for camping trips. Battery powered, the lantern weighs just 158g and is only 13cm high - yet with its convex lens and 0.5w bright white LED, the Cyba-lite LED lantern will provide ample light, either standing in its base or with the base inverted to create a hanging torch.

Lighting a fire to keep warm at camp is not always easy, especially if you can’t find any decent kindling. So why not take your own kindling with you? Maya Fire Lighting Dust is made from shavings of a fatwood pine which has an 80% resin content - just strike sparks into the dust to get flame. Maya Fire Lighting Dust is neatly contained in 7cm diameter waterproof packaging, produces an extremely hot flame, and is completely natural.

Cooking and eating

Even if you’re staying at a campsite with lots of amenities, you probably won’t want to eat at restaurants every day - it can be very expensive, for a start. But if you’re trying to travel light, cooking and eating utensils - and food - can very quickly weigh you down.

Thankfully, there are some excellent lightweight cooking and eating utensils and specialist foods which are ideal for travelling light, and which use very little space in your rucksack.

The Camping Meal Kit is a set of polycarbonate and polypropylene utensils, which all pack away neatly into the largest dish which measures just 19cm x 19cm x 5.5cm. Included in the kit is a spill-free cup with lid, two plates, a combined colander and cutting board, a small waterproof box, and a spork (a spoon-knife-fork combined into one handy tool).

If you’re likely to find yourself miles from civilisation, stock up on lightweight food before you set off, which will provide the nutrition and energy you need for your trip without weighing a ton in your backpack. Backpacker’s Pantry has created an excellent range of freeze-dried meals in lightweight packets, which contain enough food for two people. Simply add boiling water and then enjoy a meal of spaghetti in sauce, Pad Thai, spicy chilli or a variety of other delicious recipes.

Patrica Montana is a Texas born and bred gal who loves the experience of being outdoors, under the stars and under a canvas. She recommends camping gear from Outdoor Camping Gear.

[tags]camping, camping equipment, camping gear, outdoors, tents[/tags]

Going camping is an exciting adventure provided you have a comfortable tent to keep you cosy and sheltered when required. Every individual has a particular need that varies from person to person and it is up to you to decide which kind of tent will suit your needs best. You can choose a tent depending on the space that you will require, the weight you can carry and the weather conditions of the area you are planning to visit. There are various tent manufacturers who can provide you high standards in terms of material and durability and these are tested for quality and reliability.

Materials used for tents are generally lightweight nylon or polyester fabric. However the groundsheet or the base of the tent uses a far more durable fabric because of the constant abrasions that it suffers from the ground below. Ripstop nylon is used to prevent it from tearing easily. All tents are made to be waterproof by using a coating of polyurethane. This prevents the water from seeping in from the outside in case of a sudden shower or drizzle. However these coatings may cause condensation inside the tent, so it is important to see that the tent you buy has good ventilation that can prevent the forming of condensation.

The kinds of tents include ridge tents, geodesic tents, dome tents and tunnel tents. The ability of a tent to withstand severe weather conditions can be determined by a number of factors such as the aerodynamics, the location of the guy points and the arrangement of the poles for the tent. Geodesic tents are the most sturdy and made to the standards that are fit for harsh weather conditions and therefore these types of tents are more suitable for expeditions. The poles intersect each other forming a self-sustaining structure that allows more room inside, besides it can hold the weight of snow as well as keep the icy winds from penetrating through the material.

Tunnel tents as compared to dome tents provide more space because its curved roof gives more height area than the sloped pointed roof of a dome tent. This means you have more room available inside the tent and do not feel constricted. If you are considering buying a lightweight tent, then a dome tent would be more suitable as it uses only two poles for support or sometimes three if a porch is included. It would be most appropriate if you were to go backpacking.

If you are looking for a family tent then you must look for designs that are structured keeping in mind a base camp environment. Such tents are erected only once and remain until the end of the trip. These can be heavier and larger but even so they must be able to accommodate a number of people for a longer period of time. Also try to take a tent a size larger than your requirement; you will not regret having more space for use. With the above descriptions of the different varieties of tents, you can now easily select one of your choice.

Find the best camping tents at www.tents.info

[tags]tents, camping[/tags]

A beginner should first try car camping before venturing into the backcountry with everything they need on their backs. The reason for this is that it is easier and a lot safer compared to backpacking. Car camping is a good way to practice for backpacking. Like they say, learn to walk before you can run.

The following camping tips will help you get started:

1. Research

Don’t just choose any campsite to camp in, choose one that you would like. Do some research and when you’ve got what you want, go and make a reservation. You can just drive to a campground and check in but there’s no guarantee you’ll get a spot. There are a lot of campgrounds available and most of them are listed on the internet.

If you need to shower, make sure the campground has shower facilities or carry your own portable camp shower. Different campground also cater for a variety of experiences including hiking, island camping, boating, beaches, areas with picnic tables and more.

Your main goal in your research is to go for a campground where you’ll have as much fun as possible and one which fulfills all your needs.

2. Camping Gear

Dome tents are pretty common for car camping likely because people appreciate the extra headroom but cheap tents are likely to leak. Applying some waterproofing may help but you can also cover your tent to help keep the rain out. You might also want to consider tarps to put on the floor.

Don’t forget the tools required to set up your tent like a hammer for the stakes. Also take something sharp for cutting firewood, flashlight and/or lantern for the night, your sleeping bag, garbage bag for garbage and dirty clothes, extra rope, camp stove, fire-starting gear and all other essentials.

3. Sleep

Sleep may not come easily for you especially for a beginner. For padding and insulation, use an inflatable camping mat or you might prefer a camping cot. For car camping, I would take a padded camping cot for the comfort. What I like about cots is that you don’t have to worry about sharp rocks and roots on the ground.

4. Clothing

Clothing depends on the where you’re going. Be ready for the weather and temperature or you might soon regret it. Make sure you check out the weather report. Dont’ forget to pack your raingear and don’t bring anything you don’t want to get dirty.

5. Food

Make sure you have the proper camping cookware like pots, pans, spoon, fork, etc. Plan your meals and pack all the required ingredients. Remember the salt and pepper and condiments that you want to use. It’s not a bad idea to practice preparing your camping food at home.

Bring along some easy-to-make food like instant soup or noodles just in case. Also bring a grill if you want to cook over the campfire and if not, don’t forget your camp stove. Your camp stove should always be tested at home before you go on your camping trip.

Remember that you need to clean up after meals and that means washing up your dishes. Take disposable paper dishes, bowls and utensils if you want to avoid washing them. This doesn’t mean you can avoid any washing at all because you need to clean the pots. Bring your own washing soap and dish towel.

6. Coolers

You won’t be able to bring coolers on a backpacking trip and it’s optional for car camping but it’s well worth taking along. Two is better than one. One can be used for food and the other for drinks but don’t forget the ice.

7. Bugs

Unless it’s winter, you are likely going to have to deal with bugs. A good tent should be able to protect you from the bugs but an insect repellent would still prove to be very useful.

8. Pets

It’s great to have your dog around but be sure you have a copy of its rabies vaccination certificate and adequate chain and leash. There is no tolerance for free-running dogs at state campgrounds.

9. Be careful with plants

At least learn about how poison ivy looks like or any other plants that could put you in danger. Wearing long shirts and pants will help you to stay safe.

10. Enjoy

It’s your first time but don’t worry too much. You might encounter some problems on your trip but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the trip. Everything does not have to be perfect.

Jonsky Sicuna is a writer for Hiking-Camping-World.com. He invites you to check out some camp stoves for beginners. For sleeping you might also want to consider a camping mattress.

[tags]camping tips, camping, camp stove, camping gear, camping mattress[/tags]