Camping Like A Pro
By Conroy Keight
Planning a trip? Make sure it's one you'll look back on with fond memories, and not recollections of cold beds and damp, dirty clothes. Even the most seasoned campers will always take great care to prepare before they pack. Planning ahead can be the difference between a safe and fun getaway, and a trip that you'd rather forget.

Treat every trip like it's your first, even if you've camped many times before. Your wilderness adventure can quickly turn to disastrous or even dangerous if you're not prepared for anything. To make your trip as safe and fun as possible, make a checklist of everything you need before you hit the trail. There are no corner stores in the forest, and no neighbors to provide those forgotten items.

Plan First, Pack Later

Give yourself time to pack, rather than throwing together the essentials at the last minute. Make a list of everything that you want and need, as well as those "just in case" items. As you pack, check each item off of your list to be sure you're not overlooking anything. There are so many things to think about; sometimes this is the only way to make sure you've got all of your must-have gear.

Gimme Shelter

If you bring poor shelter and shoddy bedding, your trip can quickly turn from paradise to purgatory. Plan ahead and make sure that you'll be dry, warm and comfortable at all times. Sleeping in the open air under the stars might seem like the ultimate adventure, but being exposed to insects, forest animals, rain and frost is no fun. Proper shelter keeps you safe and secure. Bring enough bedding to keep you warm in the cool nighttime air, and don't forget your pillow.

Camping Essentials for Every Body

Certain personal items are just as

important at camp as they are at home. While you won't need things like mousse and makeup, you will most definitely need sun protection, insect repellant towels and, of course, toilet paper. Items like soap, toothbrush, shampoo and a hairbrush are also good to pack along. Keep toilet paper, towels and other personal care items in a waterproof bag.

Clothes

Pack a clean change of clothing for each day that you will be at camp, and then pack a few extra items. can be dirty business, and those little surprises like rain and dust can mean an even bigger mess. If you have a supply of fresh water and a length of rope on hand, you can always wash and dry your laundry at camp. It's a lot easier, however, to just pack extra. The temperatures can drop dramatically at night, even during the hottest months, so bring along a couple of warm shirts, extra socks and long pants for those cool evenings by the campfire.

Medicine and First Aid

The Golden Rule of Scouting is "Always Be Prepared". Follow this rule and make it your priority to pack any and all medications and first aid supplies that you may need at camp. Your daily medications, vitamins and pain relief pills are essentials. If you suffer from allergies, bring allergy relief medication or an epi-pen. Don't forget the bandages, ointment, scissors and a sharp outdoor knife. Pack everything into a waterproof bag and keep it handy at all times.

Cooking

Everything tastes better when cooked over a campfire. Just be sure that you have the essentials to prepare your outdoor gourmet feast. Pack a clean grill, metal spatula and tongs. Bring a bowl for mixing food, a cutting board, paper plates, cups, silverware, aluminum foil, dish soap and linens. If you have access to a good fishing spot where you're camping, make sure you pack a sharp filet knife and an iron frying pan. Most importantly, don't forget to bring garbage bags to clean up camp at the end of your stay.

You want to remember your outdoor adventure for all the right reasons, so plan ahead and pack carefully.

Article Source: http://articlecrazy.com

Writer Conroy Keight writes for several well-known Internet magazines, on creative recreation and outdoor recreation topics.
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