Complete Camping Guide 2021 Revised

Camping can be quite an adventure. Going out into the wilderness and sleeping under the stars can be a powerful experience. There are, however, a few things the adventurer should know before going out and setting up camp.

Complete Camping Guide

The most important thing to know when going camping is to know the environment. This is the first step to preparing for a trip. Knowing what kind of terrain you’re going to face can considerably affect what kind of gear you’ll need to bring on the trip. Preparing for the environment goes hand and hand with knowing what kind of weather you’ll expect. If you’re going to a cold environment the biggest regret will be not bringing proper clothing. A top quality sleeping bag is a must but pillows and bed pads are optional for a great experience.

Camping checklist – Check to see if you have forgotten important!
Choosing the right tent – Which tent is best for your needs?
Travel light on a camping trip – Tips on reducing your camping load
Camping recipes – What food to cook while on a camping trip
How to build a camp fire – 4 step guide on safe camp fire building techniques

Camping Checklist

If you’re planning a camping trip, spare yourself potential headaches by having a checklist handy. You’ll want to make sure that you have all the supplies and equipment you’ll need for a safe and comfortable trip.

First aid items are essential when you’re out in the woods, far from civilization. You should bring a first aid kit stocked with bandages or plasters, pain relievers such as Paracetamol and antiseptic ointment for cuts and scrapes. Even though you’ll likely be surrounded by trees, you’ll need to bring some type of sun cream. The sun’s rays can still peek through the trees enough to cause sunburn. Bugs such as mosquitoes are an unfortunate part of camping trips, so make sure you have an insect repellent. If you suffer from allergies, you’ll want to bring antihistamines along.

If you’re bringing a tent to sleep in, make sure you have all the necessary accessories you’ll need to put it together, such as pegs or stakes, guy ropes, a mallet, a flysheet and a groundsheet. Include blankets or sleeping bags to lie in, an air bed or roll mat for added comfort and pillows.

Depending on the weather and season, add warm or cool clothes to your checklist. You should also bring waterproof gear in case of rain. Sturdy boots or walking shoes are necessary if you plan on hiking. In summer months, bring along a sun hat and beachwear if there is water nearby. In the winter, don’t forget gloves and a woolen hat to guard against the cold.

If you’re taking your own food, bring along a stove, cooker or barbecue kit. Make sure you have the appropriate igniting material such as charcoal, gas or wood. A lighter or matches will be needed to light your cooking equipment. Pack a cooling box so that you can keep food and drinks cold. Don’t forget pans, pots and cooking utensils, along with eating utensils, plates and cups. Include food storage containers and foil for leftovers, as well as dish washing liquid, towels and a bowl for cleaning. Bring bin bags to toss garbage in. You should also bring a thermos flask, tin opener and napkins.

Personal hygiene is important, even when you’re in the middle of the woods, so bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and shampoo. Also include toilet paper, towels, deodorant and wet wipes.

Some final items to include on your checklist are a mobile phone in case of an emergency, a torch, a backpack, spare batteries and extra rope. If you’re going hiking, don’t forget a compass and map. You might also want to include binoculars, a camera, pen and paper, duct tape and tools. Careful packing will ensure that you’re camping trip is an enjoyable experience.

Tips on making a camping checklist

It has happened to most people: packing up and heading out for a fun adventure only to find that, because someone did not make a camping checklist, you will be spending the next several days with no fresh changes of clothes. Or food, a sleeping bag or maybe even the tent! It is easy to overlook the obvious items that will be needed when you rely on memory alone; it is always best to compile of list of things to pack weeks before the trip.

Many people erroneously believe they will be able to remember everything needed when it is time to pack up. Unfortunately, we tend to forget that the level of the kids’ excitement will tip the scales into mass chaos; the dog will be barking; the phone ringing and Dad urging everyone to hurry up in order to get to the destination before dark falls. Finally the family drives away, leaving all of their carefully planned and packed food still sitting in the refrigerator.

When planning a camping adventure, one of the very first things that should be done after making reservations is the making of the camping checklist. A basic list of everyone’s needs, like food, first aid, the tent and all of its gear should be attended to first. Bring everything out well before the day of the trip to check its status; after all, the equipment may have been packed away for months in the eaves of the garage where moths and mice may have visited. Check the tent, sleeping bags and such for signs of wear, any rips or tears, and ensure that all of the parts are there. Make any repairs needed, and then repack the items and place them in an auspicious spot. If possible, load them in the trunk of the car right away, or if not, clear a spot in a closet for them. Make a shopping list for all items that need to be purchased, and commit to a day to obtain them.

Next, make a list for each member of the family. Clothing, pillows, toiletries, medications, personal items and entertainment should be detailed, and checked off as they are packed. Before loading everything in the vehicle, go over the list once again to ensure nothing has been forgotten.

Using a camping checklist will provide the best insurance against forgetting any of the essential items that will be needed while you are away, and help create the most memorable camping experience.

Related: Essential Camping Checklist

Choosing the right tent

Any camper knows that a tent is the most important piece of equipment. Not only do you need a tent to sleep in but also to keep you warm and dry from the elements.

There are many different manufacturers of tents on the market; it can be overwhelming purchasing a tent. Here are a few tips to ensure that you purchase the best tent that will suit your needs.

The first thing to do is decide on what style/type of tent you prefer. Below you’ll find a brief description of different styles of tents available.

Vis-à-vis: This particular tent is typically dome style but a few are the old ridge style. The tent has a main room in the center of the tent with the sleeping area set off to the side.

Hoop Tents: Mountain climbers prefer a hoop tent because of its durability in extreme weather conditions and high winds. A hoop tent is a cross between a ridge and dome tent providing plenty of room to the consumer.

Dome Tents: Dome tents have gained popularity over the years because they are a basic simple tent that’s easy to set up. Dome tents range from one to two person tents up to a full sized tent for a family with plenty of room. Dome tents are inexpensive and don’t take up a lot of storage room. Many campgrounds are filled with dome tents; this tends to be the choice of tent by many consumers.

Ridge Tents: Ridge tents are triangular in shape and are easily set up. They provide a lot of room but if you are camping where there is extreme wind this tent isn’t ideal for you because of the side-walls not being very sturdy.

Frame Tents: Just like the ridge tent, frame tents are losing popularity due to the dome tents. Frame tents are great tents for families; providing plenty of space and headroom. They are bulky however and difficult to carry.

Now that you are aware of the different styles of tents available, what size of tent do you need? The packaging on tents is labeled ‘one person’, two person ’, ‘four people’ etc, the dimensions are also listed on the packaging. One thing to pay close attention to is the height of the tent; if you plan on being in your tent for more time then just sleeping you’ll want to be sure that you can stand up in the tent. Another factor is the weight of the tent. You don’t want to be lugging around a big, bulky, heavy tent just for yourself.

Another factor to consider is your budget, the amount of money that you are willing to spend on a tent. When you start shopping for tents you’ll see that the big fancy tents with extra rooms and screened porches are expensive. If you can’t afford it or aren’t willing to spend that much money on a tent don’t tempt yourself by looking at those options.

Are you going to be camping year round, or just during the summer months? This is a question to ask yourself before purchasing your tent. The packaging on tents is also labeled by what season they will be useful during. A two-season tent is perfect for warmer months providing good insulation. A three-season tent is made to keep warm air out and cold air in, working great for most people. The four-season tent or all-season is build to withstand any weather condition. If you are an avid camper then the all-season tent is what you are looking for.

Keep in mind that your tent needs to be big enough for you to rest comfortably and also be able to store your stuff. If you follow the tips listed above you should end up with a tent that fits your needs and fits your budget.

Travel light on a camping trip

Are you tired of carrying humongous packs full of clunky gear, just so that you can spend some time amidst nature? Does the word “hike” instantly conjure images of discomfort and toil? If so, you might be relieved to know that technology has made great strides in allowing you to take less when you go camping. Whether you are hiking for a few hours or camping for a week, there are many solutions available to help you drop the unnecessary weight and extra gear.

Losing your load will help you focus on what really matters and truly enjoy whatever adventures you choose to undertake.

Hard-as-diamond ceramic particles and chemical coatings are just some of the new developments that are being added to gear. Not only do these technologies fulfill the basic needs of a skilled outdoorsman, but they do so while weighing less and fulfilling multiple functions.

Gone are the days when hiking bags could weigh several pounds on their own; many of these packs are inflatable now, meaning that the dreaded metal frames and extra padding have been removed and replaced by air. Surfaces, too, can now be coated with water and bug repellent at the factory, allowing you to leave the umbrella and bug spray at home. From head to toe and on, hiking and camping gear is being redesigned for greater mobility and more features.

Of course there are other ways of reducing your weight, and as a result take less when you go camping, beside buying the newest and greatest gear. Put simply, you can do without a lot of things. If you are camping, you should expect to be without all the luxuries of modern day life, so don’t ruin the experience by trying to bring as much comfort as possible.

Further, careful planning can keep you from taking unnecessary amounts of water or food. Don’t just throw everything into your vehicle or backpack without first analysing the purpose behind these items. Do you need extra cups and plates if you have a pan? Do you need a pair of trousers if you’re setting off in the middle of summer? And, if you are going to be with others on your excursion, you should all plan together so that nobody brings unnecessary extras.

While all of these things are great to keep in mind, don’t exchange weight for safety. Don’t assume that no one will get hurt and forgo the first-aid kit. It’s best not to assume at all. Simply prepare within reason and you will be able to straddle the line between safety and comfort. Remember, camping is supposed to be fun: not a chore.

Don’t let yourself get weighed down by extra supplies that you don’t actually need. If you follow the advice given above and look into replacements for outdated gear, you will certainly be able to take less when you go camping.

Camping Recipes

Do you love camping, but get bored with the same old camp dishes?
Before you roast another hotdog on a stick, take a look at the following campsite recipes.

Related: No cook backpacking Meals

Your family can enjoy the great outdoors and eat delicious foods while doing it! Cooking while camping out is great fun and everyone can get involved, including the kids and with modern cooking equipment that is compact and made of good quality materials eating food while on a tent camping trip is one of the highlights of the holiday.

Take out a pen and paper or right click with the mouse and drag over the recipes below to print out and keep for your camping holiday.

Omelets

1 Quart Freezer Bags
2 Eggs
Shredded Cheese

Optional Ingredients

Ham (diced)
Green Pepper (diced)
Onion (diced)
Tomato (diced)
Mushroom (sliced)

Start by putting water on to boil. Fill Freezer Bags with desired ingredients. It is a good idea to use a permanent marker to write initials on the bags for easy serving. Once the ingredients have been added, seal the bag after squeezing out any extra air. Using your fingers, mix ingredients inside of the bag. When the water has come to a rolling boil, simply drop the bags into the boiling water. Boil for 13 minutes. Remove the bag(s) from the water and the omelet will slide right out onto the plate! Easy and delicious!

Turkey Club Wrap

Large Flour Tortillas
Sliced Turkey (pre-packaged or Deli)
Sliced Cheese (pre-packaged or Deli)
Lettuce
Tomato
Bacon
Ranch Dressing
Toothpick

Begin by pan frying bacon. Lay out flour tortillas. Layer tortilla with sliced turkey, sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Use Ranch Dressing to taste. Roll tortilla up like a rug. Hold in place with toothpicks. Cut in half. Add a side of chips, and you have a nice lunch your family will enjoy! Quick, easy, and different!

Chicken Fajitas
-1 Package Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
-1 Package Fajita Mix
-1 Large Onion
-1 Large Green Pepper
-1 Large Red Pepper
-Shredded Cheese
-Fajita Tortilla Shells
-Cooking Oil or Butter

Optional Ingredients
-Salsa
-Sour Cream

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into strips. Marinate the chicken strips in the fajita mix while preparing the rest of the items. Slice the onion, green pepper, and red pepper into strips. Heat vegetables in cooking oil or butter until tender. Remove vegetables from pan and add in marinated chicken. You may need to add a tad bit more oil or butter. While the chicken is heating, warm up the fajita shells. Heat chicken thoroughly. Add vegetables back into heated chicken and continue cooking for 2-4 minutes. Once all is heated, it is time to eat! Fajitas can be put together at the picnic table. Begin with a fajita shell, add meat and vegetables, add shredded cheese, and salsa and sour cream to taste! It’s a Fiesta at the Campground! Delicious!

How to build Campfire?

Campfires are a fun way to cook food, stay warm and socialize around. Here are four easy steps to understanding how to build a campfire.

Step 1 – Select the location of your campfire. Finding a location suitable for your campfire is the first essential step in knowing how to build a campfire. Official campsite areas are often marked, but in the wilderness you will need to determine where to build the fire on your own. If choosing the location on your own, find somewhere that is naturally protected from the wind and away from trees and bushes. Also, you can avoid ruining the environment by keeping the fire away from large rocks and boulders found at the campsite.

Step 2 – Gather firewood for the fire. You can usually find the firewood from the local area of the campsite, however be aware of any legal restrictions against tampering with the environment. If gathering the wood from the natural surrounding is allowed, then gather the branches that have fallen and do not take any wood from the trees. Bring wood to the campsite just in case there is little to be found when you arrive. This will make it easier for you when first learning how to build a campfire.

Step 3 – Build your fire. Air, heat and fuel are key for elements of how to build a campfire. A fire also needs tinder, kindling and firewood. Tinder is twigs, dry leaves, paper or pine needles. Kindling is the small dry sticks. The large pieces of firewood are mainly used to fuel the fire. Initially, firewood should be small, and then as the fire grows you will want to use larger pieces. Start by placing the gathered tinder in the centre of the fire ring bound together. Layer the kindling around the tinder in a tepee shape. Make sure you allow room for air circulation so that the fire can burn. Leave an empty place at the bottom so that you can light the tinder with a match. Continue to add layers of wood to the fire after the fire has been lit. Once it is burning, add the large pieces of wood in an organized manner to increase the fire.

Step 4 – Extinguishing the fire. Always make sure you put out your fire before sleeping. Once the coals have weakened, pour water over them and put some handfuls of earth over them to ensure the fire has been completely put out. This is very important to prevent wild fires.

Safety tips
– Never leave your fire unattended.
– Don’t allow children to come too close to the fire.
– Be aware of the local safety fire bans.