Essential Camping Gear
When first acquiring camping gear, it is best to avoid purchasing big-ticket items like goose down sleeping bags, lightweight mountaineering tents, imported alpine boots and state-of-the-art expedition packs. These pieces of equipment are only worth the investment, if you plan to venture far from the road on long expeditions. Your first camping trip might best be undertaken close to home, when moderate weather conditions prevail. Too hot can be a problem as well as too cold. All you need for your first trip is a waterproof tent, a synthetic-fill sleeping bag with a sleeping pad and a inexpensive backpack with frame. Some of these items you may be able to borrow from a friend. Also don't forget the necessary items such as the first aid kit, matches, flashlight, poncho, map and compass.
Cooking
Camp cooking is a whole art form all in itself and can take on many trips to the woods for proficiency. In many places the old-fashioned wood-burning campfire has been replaced by cooking with charcoal brickettes or gas burning stoves. This may be due to scarcity of firewood, potential fire hazards or to prevent excessive harvest of firewood. In either case much preparation is needed including the roundup and acquisition of cooking gear, personal items (plates, cups, fork, spoon, knife, etc.) and cleanup supplies (biodegradable soap). Food storage is another big concern for if you are heading out on the trail, everything on the menu item with have to be lightweight and not require any refrigeration. To prepare for the rigors of trail cooking, you might consider a few visits to a nearby park, where cooking fires are allowed. Then go ahead and prepare and cook a meal for the whole family.
Attitude
With all outdoor camping activities a patient and resilient attitude is needed for new campers and experienced old-timers. Unexpected events can occur at any time, and often the best way to get through a midnight deluge or a surprise visit from a black bear is with a measured response. Hitting the panic button will only make a bad situation worse. Also it helps to be aware of potential weather conditions and animal problems before you depart.
Article Written By Henri Bauholz
Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.
