Roughing it when you're camping is a choice. You don’t have to rough it to prove anything to anyone. Having the right camping equipment is important to making your camping trip enjoyable. This includes what you plan on sleeping on.
Going camping doesn't mean you have to sleep on the ground. Even the Army issues you a pad to sleep on. Some of the options for something to sleep on are: foam pads, thin pads used mainly for backpacking, and air mattresses. With the improvements in technology over the past few years inflatable air mattresses offer a great sleeping option for a good night's rest.
You owe it to yourself to get a good night's sleep. You'll be active during the day hiking, swimming, or fishing, and other activities. These activities will be a lot less fun if your back hurts or you're sore from lying on a rock or tree root.
Inflatable air mattresses in the past would go flat before the night was through, and was often plastic, so you could feel the plastic through a sheet on a hot night making it hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. Now air mattresses have a soft covering on one side, which makes them much more comfortable. They're also a lot less prone to losing air. Most come with an air pump that will inflate them in just a few minutes.
The size of inflatable air mattress to get will depend on the space you have available in your tent. If you have a cabin tent, you can fill the sleeping areas with the air mattress, but if you have a dome tent, you'll want to have room around the air mattress to walk around and store things.
There's something out there for every price range, but you pay for what you get. You can really set the amount you're willing to pay and then see what you like in that price range. You'll have many options to choose from.
All you need to do is set-up your tent on a relatively flat area, bring in your air mattress, unfold it in the space you'll be using it, turn on the air pump and wait just a few minutes for it to inflate. Make sure you have a battery operated pump for tent camping.
Another nice thing about these newer inflatable air mattresses is that you'll also be able to use them as an extra bed at home when you have company. If we’re visiting family or friends for an overnight stay or a longer visit, we’ll bring our inflatable air mattresses to make things easier for our hosts.
If you enjoy the outdoors, you'll love camping. An inflatable air mattress makes sleeping in your tent as comfortable as possible considering you’re in the outdoors. There’s no need to bring pieces of foam rubber, which take up a lot of room in your car or pick-up. Quality inflatable air mattresses fold and store in a compact package, taking up little room. Check out the dimensions and weight and you’ll see what I mean.
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
Friday, December 17, 2010
A Camping First Aid Kit
Have you experienced this before?:
You've just selected your tent campsite and have started to set-up your tent, when one of your kids comes running to you with a cut finger. I’m sure you can think of other scenarios when you might need to administer first aid. If you didn’t remember to pack a first aid kit you’ll need to improvise with what you have with you and if it’s something more serious, you may need to curtail your camping experience. Many campers and hikers often set-out without any sort of first aid equipment and don’t give it a second thought until it’s too late. Accidents, as you can see, can and do happen from time to time. It doesn't take a lot to be prepared for most emergencies.
First, you should make sure each vehicle you have has a first aid kit. You can always use these when you’re camping. These types of first aid kits may not have everything you’ll need, but it’s better than nothing.
You have a couple of options when it comes to putting together a camping first aid kit - buy a pre-made one or build your own. When you decide to design your own first aid kit, think of the probable injuries you may encounter: cuts, scrapes, sprains, strains, dislocations and breaks, burns, bites and stings, headaches and minor aches, nausea and diarrhea.
Here's a basic list of items for your camping first aid kit:
* Brightly colored fanny pack - to hold your first aid kit ingredients
* Flashlight w/batteries - a small one that fits in a pocket of your fanny pack
* Whistle and mirror - for signaling for help
* Tweezers and a magnifying glass - for removing slivers or ticks
* Scissors - to cut gauze and bandage tape
* Alcohol wipes - for cleaning needles, clippers, tweezers, and to clean off the affected area you're treating
* Aloe Vera Gel - for minor burns - including sunburn, and skin rashes
* Neosporin - for minor cuts
* Bandages - various sizes, 4x4 gauze, roll gauze, and adhesive tape
* Splint material - bandana and large safety pins
* Antiseptic - to wash out cuts and scrapes
* Handbook for first aid - provides instructions for most emergencies
* Tylenol or Motrin for adults and children
* Benadryl - for allergic reactions
* Pepto-Bismol (chewable tablets) - for anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, and antacid
* Saline solution - eye wash and to irrigate other wounds
* Bug spray
* Non-latex medical gloves - for those performing first aid
* Bee sting and snake bite kit as appropriate
Also it’s a good idea to bring any medications specific to those at your campsite (prescriptions, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc).
I’m sure you can think of other items or think some of these suggestions are not necessary. The most cost effective way to get what you’ll need is to buy a basic kit and add camping specific items to it.
As you can see, being prepared with a first aid kit for your camping trips makes sense. You never know when you might need one. Safety first!
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
You've just selected your tent campsite and have started to set-up your tent, when one of your kids comes running to you with a cut finger. I’m sure you can think of other scenarios when you might need to administer first aid. If you didn’t remember to pack a first aid kit you’ll need to improvise with what you have with you and if it’s something more serious, you may need to curtail your camping experience. Many campers and hikers often set-out without any sort of first aid equipment and don’t give it a second thought until it’s too late. Accidents, as you can see, can and do happen from time to time. It doesn't take a lot to be prepared for most emergencies.
First, you should make sure each vehicle you have has a first aid kit. You can always use these when you’re camping. These types of first aid kits may not have everything you’ll need, but it’s better than nothing.
You have a couple of options when it comes to putting together a camping first aid kit - buy a pre-made one or build your own. When you decide to design your own first aid kit, think of the probable injuries you may encounter: cuts, scrapes, sprains, strains, dislocations and breaks, burns, bites and stings, headaches and minor aches, nausea and diarrhea.
Here's a basic list of items for your camping first aid kit:
* Brightly colored fanny pack - to hold your first aid kit ingredients
* Flashlight w/batteries - a small one that fits in a pocket of your fanny pack
* Whistle and mirror - for signaling for help
* Tweezers and a magnifying glass - for removing slivers or ticks
* Scissors - to cut gauze and bandage tape
* Alcohol wipes - for cleaning needles, clippers, tweezers, and to clean off the affected area you're treating
* Aloe Vera Gel - for minor burns - including sunburn, and skin rashes
* Neosporin - for minor cuts
* Bandages - various sizes, 4x4 gauze, roll gauze, and adhesive tape
* Splint material - bandana and large safety pins
* Antiseptic - to wash out cuts and scrapes
* Handbook for first aid - provides instructions for most emergencies
* Tylenol or Motrin for adults and children
* Benadryl - for allergic reactions
* Pepto-Bismol (chewable tablets) - for anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, and antacid
* Saline solution - eye wash and to irrigate other wounds
* Bug spray
* Non-latex medical gloves - for those performing first aid
* Bee sting and snake bite kit as appropriate
Also it’s a good idea to bring any medications specific to those at your campsite (prescriptions, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc).
I’m sure you can think of other items or think some of these suggestions are not necessary. The most cost effective way to get what you’ll need is to buy a basic kit and add camping specific items to it.
As you can see, being prepared with a first aid kit for your camping trips makes sense. You never know when you might need one. Safety first!
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
Tips For Cooking at Campsites
An Army acronym that pertains to most things we do in life is KISS - Keep it Simple Stupid. Camping is no exception, but you can still treat yourself to a little outdoor luxury by expanding some of your camp kitchen accessories.
Instead of bringing instant coffee, you could purchase a reliable coffee maker. Percolators are common, drip style portable models are also available, or you could indulge in a portable espresso maker. You'd be surprised what's available to add a little luxury to your camp coffee drinking. If this is out of the question, the flavored instant coffees available are also a treat. Remember to bring that hot chocolate mix, too. A mocha made with regular instant coffee and hot chocolate is satisfying as well.
For the wine drinkers, there are shock-proof wine glasses. A quality stainless steel travel mug or thermos can be a real asset to keeping drinks at the right temperature, hot or cold.
There are various dishes available for serving your food. We like the aluminum plates. We put a paper plate on top, so you don't need to wash them. Remember to add utensils to your kitchen kit to add some refinement to your outdoor dining experience.
If you plan on doing some fishing during your camping trip, remember to bring a proper fillet knife if you plan on cooking it over your campfire. Remember to clean the fish well away from your campsite and properly dispose of the waste.
Folding tables are also great accessories for car camping. We usually bring a regular circular folding table and a folding camp table. We use the folding camp table to place he camp stoves and washing basins on. The circular folding table is used for our dinning table and game table if the campsite does not have a picnic table.
There is a variety of outdoor cookware to choose from. If you plan on using it for backpack camping, you'll want the most lightweight and durable cookware you can afford. If you plan on only using the cookware for car camping, a combination of cast-iron and stainless steel works well. Cast-iron can be used over the fire pit, while stainless steel works best over the camp stove.
If you're at a loss for meal ideas, an outdoors cookbook comes in handy. Remember to prepare you food in advance to ensure you have the necessary spices and ingredients. If you're cooking with potatoes, it's a good idea to cook these in advance, too.
One of the joys of camping is cooking meals for the family. It’s always fun to get the whole family involved in some way. That way the meal will be appreciated by everyone.
It's best not to leave any food out in the open and to keep your campsite clean. We use clear plastic boxes with folding lids for this purpose. There are unwelcome wildlife guests (from chipmunks, squirrels, and birds during the day to deer and bears at night) who are looking for easy pickings. If you leave food out, they will come. Bring a couple of tarps or a portable shelter to keep your kitchen and eating area covered if it rains.
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
Instead of bringing instant coffee, you could purchase a reliable coffee maker. Percolators are common, drip style portable models are also available, or you could indulge in a portable espresso maker. You'd be surprised what's available to add a little luxury to your camp coffee drinking. If this is out of the question, the flavored instant coffees available are also a treat. Remember to bring that hot chocolate mix, too. A mocha made with regular instant coffee and hot chocolate is satisfying as well.
For the wine drinkers, there are shock-proof wine glasses. A quality stainless steel travel mug or thermos can be a real asset to keeping drinks at the right temperature, hot or cold.
There are various dishes available for serving your food. We like the aluminum plates. We put a paper plate on top, so you don't need to wash them. Remember to add utensils to your kitchen kit to add some refinement to your outdoor dining experience.
If you plan on doing some fishing during your camping trip, remember to bring a proper fillet knife if you plan on cooking it over your campfire. Remember to clean the fish well away from your campsite and properly dispose of the waste.
Folding tables are also great accessories for car camping. We usually bring a regular circular folding table and a folding camp table. We use the folding camp table to place he camp stoves and washing basins on. The circular folding table is used for our dinning table and game table if the campsite does not have a picnic table.
There is a variety of outdoor cookware to choose from. If you plan on using it for backpack camping, you'll want the most lightweight and durable cookware you can afford. If you plan on only using the cookware for car camping, a combination of cast-iron and stainless steel works well. Cast-iron can be used over the fire pit, while stainless steel works best over the camp stove.
If you're at a loss for meal ideas, an outdoors cookbook comes in handy. Remember to prepare you food in advance to ensure you have the necessary spices and ingredients. If you're cooking with potatoes, it's a good idea to cook these in advance, too.
One of the joys of camping is cooking meals for the family. It’s always fun to get the whole family involved in some way. That way the meal will be appreciated by everyone.
It's best not to leave any food out in the open and to keep your campsite clean. We use clear plastic boxes with folding lids for this purpose. There are unwelcome wildlife guests (from chipmunks, squirrels, and birds during the day to deer and bears at night) who are looking for easy pickings. If you leave food out, they will come. Bring a couple of tarps or a portable shelter to keep your kitchen and eating area covered if it rains.
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
How to Select a Campsite When Car Camping
We all want to fulfill our expectations when we go car camping or tent camping. There's nothing worse than a campsite that is too close to a loud or obnoxious neighbor or next to a campsite with an unruly dog that is always nosing around your area. In order to get the peace and relaxation you're looking for, there are some actions you can take.
The best way to increase your chances of finding a great tent camping spot is to take a drive around the campground.
* Select a site not too close to the restrooms. The noise of the traffic to and from as well as the smell are things most people would rather not have to contend with.
* Find a site close to the lake, creek or river if you're by one. These sites are usually quieter and you'll be closer to a beach area or place you can fish from.
* Look for flat areas to set-up the camping tent that are not too close to the fire pit. If you set-up too close to the fire pit, the smoke will probably encourage you to move the tent later on.
* Avoid sites that are very close to the adjacent camp sites. Your privacy will be at risk if you're too close to your neighbors.
* Think about how the sun and shade will affect your comfort. If you're not under some trees, the afternoon sun could make your site unbearable.
Once you select your camping hiking site, it's time to set-up your camping gear:
* Off-load your coolers and set them in a shaded area.
* Off-load your tarp and tent gear next - lay the tarp out so that the floor of the tent be completely covered and you'll have an extra 8 ft or so for a patio area in front of the door.
* Set-up the tent and make sure to trench around it if you expect any rain.
* Ventilate the tent and move in your mattresses, sleeping bags, etc.
* Set-up your kitchen area - I recommend a fold-up camping table to set your stove on. We bring a 2 burner non-propane stove and a single burner propane stove. The 2 burner non-propane stove works best for cooking, since it does not burn as hot. The single burner propane stove works great for heating water for hot drinks and washing.
* Set-up your camping chairs and you're ready to gather wood for your fire pit. If your site does not have a fire pit, you'll need to build one using large rocks to keep the burning wood contained.
* It's always a good idea to meet your neighbors. Find out where they're from. Ask if they've been fishing and had any luck. Ask how they like this campground and if they've spotted any wild animals.
These tips should be very helpful and increase your chances of finding a great campsite that will meet your expectations and provide the environment to create fantastic memories.
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
The best way to increase your chances of finding a great tent camping spot is to take a drive around the campground.
* Select a site not too close to the restrooms. The noise of the traffic to and from as well as the smell are things most people would rather not have to contend with.
* Find a site close to the lake, creek or river if you're by one. These sites are usually quieter and you'll be closer to a beach area or place you can fish from.
* Look for flat areas to set-up the camping tent that are not too close to the fire pit. If you set-up too close to the fire pit, the smoke will probably encourage you to move the tent later on.
* Avoid sites that are very close to the adjacent camp sites. Your privacy will be at risk if you're too close to your neighbors.
* Think about how the sun and shade will affect your comfort. If you're not under some trees, the afternoon sun could make your site unbearable.
Once you select your camping hiking site, it's time to set-up your camping gear:
* Off-load your coolers and set them in a shaded area.
* Off-load your tarp and tent gear next - lay the tarp out so that the floor of the tent be completely covered and you'll have an extra 8 ft or so for a patio area in front of the door.
* Set-up the tent and make sure to trench around it if you expect any rain.
* Ventilate the tent and move in your mattresses, sleeping bags, etc.
* Set-up your kitchen area - I recommend a fold-up camping table to set your stove on. We bring a 2 burner non-propane stove and a single burner propane stove. The 2 burner non-propane stove works best for cooking, since it does not burn as hot. The single burner propane stove works great for heating water for hot drinks and washing.
* Set-up your camping chairs and you're ready to gather wood for your fire pit. If your site does not have a fire pit, you'll need to build one using large rocks to keep the burning wood contained.
* It's always a good idea to meet your neighbors. Find out where they're from. Ask if they've been fishing and had any luck. Ask how they like this campground and if they've spotted any wild animals.
These tips should be very helpful and increase your chances of finding a great campsite that will meet your expectations and provide the environment to create fantastic memories.
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
Tips When Choosing a Camping Destination
It's always a good idea to think about your goals when you plan a family camping trip? Some of my family's goals are to get away, have fun, relax, and make great memories. How do you plan a camping trip so the entire family enjoys it? Well, if those planning the trip share their expectations will the entire family and everyone has some input to include the destination and activities, the trip will go well. If a trip does not go well, it is mainly due to the expectations of all the family members not being met. It's very important that all agree on the destination and most of the planned activities to make the camping trip a success.
One of the keys to choosing a camping destination is to make sure it's age appropriate for your children. The campground should be one where your children will be safe without the constant supervision of the parents. An example could be a campground by a fast-flowing river. If the dad's fear level is less that that of his spouse, there will be tension putting the trip in a bad light from the beginning. I love adventures and think they should be part of the outdoor camping experience. However, these experiences should be appropriate for your family and only you can decide what is best in this regard.
The second factor to consider is what recreational activities are available at the destination you're interested in. If you have teenagers or toddlers, your expectations will be different. Since your goal is to make this a fun experience for everyone, you'll want activities available that your children enjoy so they'll want to keep coming with you. It's a sad day when older children start making excuses for not going with you on family camping trips because they don't think they'll be any fun. As you research camping destinations, check out the recreational opportunities that are available and see what your family would prefer doing. Maybe your children like to fish and participate in other water sports like swimming and boating. Maybe they like to mountain bike or hike trails. If so, find an area that offers trails appropriate for their age and skill level. Of course it's best if you all participate together as a family.
Men, this is important. Make decisions as a family on planning your outdoor camping adventures. The husband and wife especially need to be on the same page, if not, it's fair to say that whichever parent is left out of the planning will be unhappy with one or more aspects of the trip. It's best to get consensus from the family of where to go and what to do once you're there.
If you try these recommendations, I'm positive your family will enjoy camping adventures like never before. There’s nothing better than getting the entire family involved in selecting the next camping destination. Your children will learn how to persuade and compromise so everyone will be satisfied with the final decision. What do you have to lose? Just do it!
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
One of the keys to choosing a camping destination is to make sure it's age appropriate for your children. The campground should be one where your children will be safe without the constant supervision of the parents. An example could be a campground by a fast-flowing river. If the dad's fear level is less that that of his spouse, there will be tension putting the trip in a bad light from the beginning. I love adventures and think they should be part of the outdoor camping experience. However, these experiences should be appropriate for your family and only you can decide what is best in this regard.
The second factor to consider is what recreational activities are available at the destination you're interested in. If you have teenagers or toddlers, your expectations will be different. Since your goal is to make this a fun experience for everyone, you'll want activities available that your children enjoy so they'll want to keep coming with you. It's a sad day when older children start making excuses for not going with you on family camping trips because they don't think they'll be any fun. As you research camping destinations, check out the recreational opportunities that are available and see what your family would prefer doing. Maybe your children like to fish and participate in other water sports like swimming and boating. Maybe they like to mountain bike or hike trails. If so, find an area that offers trails appropriate for their age and skill level. Of course it's best if you all participate together as a family.
Men, this is important. Make decisions as a family on planning your outdoor camping adventures. The husband and wife especially need to be on the same page, if not, it's fair to say that whichever parent is left out of the planning will be unhappy with one or more aspects of the trip. It's best to get consensus from the family of where to go and what to do once you're there.
If you try these recommendations, I'm positive your family will enjoy camping adventures like never before. There’s nothing better than getting the entire family involved in selecting the next camping destination. Your children will learn how to persuade and compromise so everyone will be satisfied with the final decision. What do you have to lose? Just do it!
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
Tent Camping Basics
I've been involved with tent camping for over 35 years. As a family, our camping trips combine fishing, hiking, and swimming to the regular camp site life of cutting wood, starting a fire, food preparation, cooking, eating, games, and just relaxing. Our camping trips bring back many good memories. We've always gone up in the mountains and found great camping hiking spots either at designated campgrounds that offer water for washing, and some type of restroom (out house or public restroom type), and garbage cans, or places where there were no creature comforts at all. We always camp by streams, lakes, or rivers during the summer months.
If you intend to have a successful camping experience, planning is important. As a retired Army Airborne Ranger, who has had to live out of a ruck (back pack) for many days, having the right camping gear when you're camping will make the experience that much more enjoyable.
The best camping tents for families are tents that have separate rooms. Since we have two children our tent has three rooms -- my wife and I sleep in a room, the kids sleep in a room, and the entrance room is for dressing and storage. We use a combination of foam and inflatable mattresses. We use rectangular sleeping bags that you can zip together for the wife and I, and the kids have their own individual bags. Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. We also use poncho liners for the kids to use inside their sleeping bags. We've had our tent for over 15 years and average 2-3 camping trips each summer.
We also take a couple of tarps. We use one tarp on the ground under the tent and make it long enough to have about 8 feet in front of the tent door. We take our shoes/boots off outside to keep the inside of the tent as clean as possible. We bring a small folding stool to place outside the tent door to help with putting shoes on. The second tarp is used to cover our kitchen/cooking gear if it rains.
We use two camping stoves - one uses propane (which we mainly use for heating water for hot drinks and washing) and the other is a 2 burner stove and uses fuel, which does not burn as hot. We use this one for cooking bacon, pancakes, eggs, etc. Bring a couple of frying pans, and camping pots/pans - remember to bring a spatula if you're going to cook pancakes or eggs.
We always start a fire in the morning(for warmth) and in the evening, for cooking. Bring a collapsible grate to put over the fire if you plan on laying anything on it to cook or heat up. We make pointed sticks by cutting small branches from nearby trees for the polish dogs or bratwurst - so bring a couple of knives. We cut our own wood from the dead branches and logs you find near the campground. We bring an axe and small saw with a folding blade to get the wood the right size to fit in the fire pit.
Here are the basics of camping gear to bring:
Tent with rain fly, tarp, tent stakes, and hammer
Sleeping gear to include mattresses - inflatable or foam, blankets (poncho liners), and pillows
Cooking/kitchen equipment - camping stoves, folding camping table, frying pans, pots to heat water and cook in, paper plates, bowls, and utensils, napkins, paper towels, wash rags, towels, cutlery, large spoons, tongs, can opener, lighters, tin foil, plastic wash basin, scouring pads, disposable wipes, detergent, plastic storage bags, and trash bags. We pack this in see-though plastic tubs with folding lids. We pack most of our non-cooler food in these types of containers, too.
Fire pit necessities - if you plan on scrounging your own wood from the forest floor - axe, folding saw, gloves, newspaper for fire starting, lighter, a folding grate (campfire tripod), and a folding shovel.
Personal hygiene - soap, wash cloths, towels (dark in color), shampoo and shower shoes (if your campground has a shower), toothpaste, and toilet paper.
Safety equipment - flashlights, lantern, spare batteries, cell phone with car charger, map of the area, first aid kit, compass or GPS, and plenty of drinking water.
Camping trips do require some planning to ensure you have the necessary items you'll need to have an enjoyable time. The first list you make is a starting point. You'll be able to fine-tune your list after your first camping adventure. Camping is an awesome adventure for couples or families. Although there is quite a bit of prep work involved, it is so worthwhile for the memories you'll be making.
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
If you intend to have a successful camping experience, planning is important. As a retired Army Airborne Ranger, who has had to live out of a ruck (back pack) for many days, having the right camping gear when you're camping will make the experience that much more enjoyable.
The best camping tents for families are tents that have separate rooms. Since we have two children our tent has three rooms -- my wife and I sleep in a room, the kids sleep in a room, and the entrance room is for dressing and storage. We use a combination of foam and inflatable mattresses. We use rectangular sleeping bags that you can zip together for the wife and I, and the kids have their own individual bags. Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. We also use poncho liners for the kids to use inside their sleeping bags. We've had our tent for over 15 years and average 2-3 camping trips each summer.
We also take a couple of tarps. We use one tarp on the ground under the tent and make it long enough to have about 8 feet in front of the tent door. We take our shoes/boots off outside to keep the inside of the tent as clean as possible. We bring a small folding stool to place outside the tent door to help with putting shoes on. The second tarp is used to cover our kitchen/cooking gear if it rains.
We use two camping stoves - one uses propane (which we mainly use for heating water for hot drinks and washing) and the other is a 2 burner stove and uses fuel, which does not burn as hot. We use this one for cooking bacon, pancakes, eggs, etc. Bring a couple of frying pans, and camping pots/pans - remember to bring a spatula if you're going to cook pancakes or eggs.
We always start a fire in the morning(for warmth) and in the evening, for cooking. Bring a collapsible grate to put over the fire if you plan on laying anything on it to cook or heat up. We make pointed sticks by cutting small branches from nearby trees for the polish dogs or bratwurst - so bring a couple of knives. We cut our own wood from the dead branches and logs you find near the campground. We bring an axe and small saw with a folding blade to get the wood the right size to fit in the fire pit.
Here are the basics of camping gear to bring:
Tent with rain fly, tarp, tent stakes, and hammer
Sleeping gear to include mattresses - inflatable or foam, blankets (poncho liners), and pillows
Cooking/kitchen equipment - camping stoves, folding camping table, frying pans, pots to heat water and cook in, paper plates, bowls, and utensils, napkins, paper towels, wash rags, towels, cutlery, large spoons, tongs, can opener, lighters, tin foil, plastic wash basin, scouring pads, disposable wipes, detergent, plastic storage bags, and trash bags. We pack this in see-though plastic tubs with folding lids. We pack most of our non-cooler food in these types of containers, too.
Fire pit necessities - if you plan on scrounging your own wood from the forest floor - axe, folding saw, gloves, newspaper for fire starting, lighter, a folding grate (campfire tripod), and a folding shovel.
Personal hygiene - soap, wash cloths, towels (dark in color), shampoo and shower shoes (if your campground has a shower), toothpaste, and toilet paper.
Safety equipment - flashlights, lantern, spare batteries, cell phone with car charger, map of the area, first aid kit, compass or GPS, and plenty of drinking water.
Camping trips do require some planning to ensure you have the necessary items you'll need to have an enjoyable time. The first list you make is a starting point. You'll be able to fine-tune your list after your first camping adventure. Camping is an awesome adventure for couples or families. Although there is quite a bit of prep work involved, it is so worthwhile for the memories you'll be making.
For more information on camping tents and camping hiking gear, please visit us at http://mycampingtentsandmore.com. We carry a nice selection of camping gear from tents to flashlights at reasonable prices. Check us out.
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