Camping gear and equipment
Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and explore new territory. It is a great time to bond with friend and fellow campers in unique and beautiful locations. Camping can be as easy as driving a camper to a campground and lighting up a camp fire, or it can be more rugged with distant hikes and all food and shelter is carried in a backpack. Either way is enjoyable, and they both require similar basic equipment such as a sleeping bag, a tent, a stove and some good foot wear.
Finding camping equipment is easy, many stores carry basic camping supplies, they are inexpensive but are not of the highest quality. The sleeping bags are usually made from cotton, which when wet does not insulate anymore and gets really heavy. Good sleeping bags are generally found at camping specialty stores and come in many different temperature ratings. Bags for extremely cold weather are shaped like a mummy to conform to the body and conserve heat. These mummy bags cover the head as well and can be almost completely closed off, except for a small air hole. A sleeping bag works by creating pockets of air that are then warmed by the persons body heat, the trick is keeping the air in the same place so it can be heated effectively. Many materials are employed for this task, down feathers being one of the first and best materials, but, like cotton, when wet it loses its insulating properties.
Camping can be very cold and wet. Most camping gear is made from synthetic materials because of this fact. Natural fibers absorb water which drastically changes their insulating power as well as increases the weight of the material. Once it is wet it is very difficult to get anything dry outdoors, unless the weather complies with the campers wishes, which is almost never the case. Being prepared for all different types of weather is very important and can ensure an enjoyable time even in harsh weather. Jackets, socks and sleeping bags made from synthetic fibers are highly recommended because they still insulate even when wet, and don’t absorb water so they remain light and dry quickly, often just with body heat.
Once the correct gear has been acquired it is important to make sure that enough food and water is brought along as well. If hiking to a campsite, much more calories should be packed than usually consumed. Having plenty of food and water is essential to staying warm and having energy. Bringing a camping stove or barbeque grill is a good idea, finding dry wood can be difficult at times and food has to be cooked somehow. A stove can boil water as well, which can be used for drinking water if necessary.
Shelter is essential as well and there are a few different ways to create shelter in the woods, or anywhere else for that matter. Tents come in many different sizes and styles and can house anywhere from two to ten people, some large expedition dome tents are large enough inside for picnic tables or up to 20 campers. Dome tents offer more space and have the added bonus of not needing to be staked to the ground, although it is still recommended. A simple tent can be made from a tarp, a rope, some stakes and sticks. Two trees are needed that are about 7-15ft apart. String the rope between the trees at waist height, throw the tarp over the top creating an A-frame and stake it down. Use the waist height sticks to further stabilize the A-frame and then it is ready to sleep in.
With the right knowledge, equipment and supplies camping can be an enjoyable experience for anyone. It is a safe and interesting way to enjoy the great outdoors. Nature has created some beautiful sights for those determined enough to find them.
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