Choosing the right campsite is going to be ground zero to the camping experience during the trip.
The site may enhance the experience of what is the main intentions for the trip in the first place.
Some are looking for a site near water, some are looking for seclusion. Boating or fishing may be
the prime reason for the trip, other maybe hiking and exploring the wilderness. If choosing to camp
near water, one consideration here is to be prepared for bugs and mosquitos. Some campers
may have a priority of choosing a campsite with a great view. Also, a desireable location would
be a site that is level and near plenty of trees for shade.
The situation of having modern conveniences near by may also be of importance. Some sites also
may have a county store, and being close to supplies to be purchased may be a preference to some.
So whatever the reasons are, choosing the right campsite would better allow to reach the expected
goal for the trip. In order to have the time to search for the right site, and to set up the camp, it would
be a good idea to plan the arrival at the chosen site by at least 2 hours before sunset.
Tent
If you are camping over night under the stars, one of the most important pieces of gear is your tent.
Check your tent before your trip to make sure all your frame and tie-downs are complete. If you have
time, you could even do a rain test with a water hose to make sure there are no possible leaks that
would spoil your camping experience. Packing a fabric repair kit may also be a good idea. If you
have purchased a new tent, it may be a good idea to set it up at home before your trip to allow
for the familiarity of any possible issues that might occur at the campsite. A little practice may lead
to a more pleasant experience at your temporary home in the woods.
Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bags make for a nice comfy evening after hicking on those trails and getting a good
workout. There are two main kinds of sleeping bags. Those insulated with down stuffing, and those
using synthetic material. Down insulation will be a little bit warmer than those using synthetic
material. On the hiking trails, down insulation will be a bit lighter to carry. Pricewise, synthetic will
most likely be less expensive of the two types.
Lanterns/Flashlights
A lantern is a great source of lighting at a campsite when the sun goes down. There are 3 main types of
lanterns easily available. One of the advantages of lanterns, especially of those that are either fuel or
oil burning, is the fact of multiple hours of continuous. There are those lanterns that are battery charged.
These are very useful if you don't require needing light for long periods of time. One of the advantages of
lanterns in comparison with flashlights, is the fact that lanterns offer a 360 degree area of illumiation.
This makes the camping experience a little more enjoyable if the entire campsite is bathed in a light glow.
It is also advantageous to have a few flashlights handy. In the event of need to search through backpacks
for items, searching the tent for misplaced items, or needing to stray away from the campsite momentarily,
a flashlight would be a required tool during the evening. Be prepared for the evening would be a good idea.
While the sun is still up and giving you light to work by, fill your lanterns with fuel so that you are not doing
this in the dark.
Cookware/Dinnerware
One of the best experiences on the camping trip is waking up in the morning, and taking in the aroma
of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate with the added scent of bacon and eggs sizzling over the
campfire. Of course, to partake of this most pleasant gratification, a set of pots and pans would be
esential. There are several choices of materials for cookware, the most comonly used around the
campfire are either cast iron or stainless steel. Stainless has the advantage of being lighter than
cast iron but it does develop hot spots on the surface, while the more heavy cast iron offers a more
evenly heated surface. Don't forget the dinnerware. Some campers prefer enamel coated plates and
bowls, while others take the method of using paper plates and cups to eliminate the need for
washing dishes while out and away from the everyday chores of home. If a gas stove is planned as
a cooking method, it may be a good idea to practice lighting and operating the stove at home before
going on your adventure. Its not fun after a long hike on the first day and arriving back at camp starving,
and you have issues getting your stove to fire up.