Camping Tips

[Redfraggle]

I see lots of threads around here with some bizarre ideas about camping, and I've known a lot of people who have done bizarre things that made camping miserable for them. So, I thought we could all stockpile our camping tips in one spot. I'll go first:

Any camping: inspect and use, set-up, test pack, any and all gear before leaving. This includes tents, stoves, kitchens, water pumps, gazebos, lanterns, etc. The last thing you want to do is spend 4 hours putting up a tent for the first time. Learn how at home, have fun while camping.

Backpacking/minimalist camping: Don't skimp on the first aid kit. Really. Don't. Your blistered feet will thank you. Leave your trip plan with somebody at home so they know where you went and for how long. If you are single and don't talk to family, tell a coworker/friend/church member/apt. manager -- just make sure somebody knows where you went.

Family camping: No matter how hard you try, you'll always bring too much stuff.

Get a Road ID (google it) and wear it, especially if you have any kind of medical condition or medication that would be important to know about.

If the weather is cool, don't use an air mattress. They suck all your warmth away from you, leaving you cold and miserable. Get a closed cell foam pad instead. Or, if you must use the air mattress, get a really good sleeping bag. I went camping with a guy who knew better, and still ended up miserable. I just don't get it.

 

[skyking]

Test your gear is #1. Spend the night out in the yard with it. Finding out your mattress/bag/travel trailer sucks is much better when you can just go inside at 3 AM

 

[BoomerD]

Don't eat yellow snow.

I agree with both the above posters. Test all your equipment before you go camping. It sucks to be 50 or 100 miles from anywhere...and have important equipment fail to work properly.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Don't eat yellow snow.

I agree with both the above posters. Test all your equipment before you go camping. It sucks to be 50 or 100 miles from anywhere...and have important equipment fail to work properly.

I would go so far as to say don't go camping if there's ANY snow.

 

[Newbian]

Make sure to spread honey and fish around your camp so you have a teddy bear to sleep with.

 

[BoomerD]

I would go so far as to say don't go camping if there's ANY snow.

I grew up doing winter camping. At least once every winter...Once I got old enough to say "Hell NO!" we stopped going.

I've been camping since then when we got snowed on...in June, July, and August...as well as during hunting season, but that's a bit different than going "snow camping." (although a surprise snow storm can wreak havoc on nicely-made plans)

I saw that Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea both got snow the other day...somewhat unusual for this time of year.

CalTrans is still trying to get some of the roads open in the High Sierra here. One of the main roads through Yosemite to the eastern Sierra is still closed, but they expect to have it open by the weekend. The little towns on the back side of Yosemite are bitching like crazy...no tourists!

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

I grew up doing winter camping. At least once every winter...Once I got old enough to say "Hell NO!" we stopped going.

I've been camping since then when we got snowed on...in June, July, and August...as well as during hunting season, but that's a bit different than going "snow camping." (although a surprise snow storm can wreak havoc on nicely-made plans)

I saw that Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea both got snow the other day...somewhat unusual for this time of year.

CalTrans is still trying to get some of the roads open in the High Sierra here. One of the main roads through Yosemite to the eastern Sierra is still closed, but they expect to have it open by the weekend. The little towns on the back side of Yosemite are bitching like crazy...no tourists!

It's that goddamn global warming again...

We've had some weird weather this summer. It seems cooler than the other summers I've been through here. It's nice!

 

[Moonbeam]

There are two vital pieces of equipment for a backpacker. A dish towel and cloth bags for cooking pots. If you are going where there are mosquitoes it's good to have a net on a wide brimmed hat. Breathing them down your nose isn't so fun.

 

[edro]

Mason jar with kerosene soaked corn cobs make great fire starters.
Also, bring extra lighters and matches... just in case.

 

[Zedtom]

Always bring several large garbage bags. Put one in your back pocket and take it with you everywhere. If you get caught in a sudden rainstorm you make arm and neck openings for an emergency poncho. Keeping yourself dry is the key to happiness when you are in the woods.

 

[onza]

If you go backpacking and if the area's you are traveling has a high concentration of mosquitoes / ticks. I suggest you spray your tent + clothing with a chemical called permethrin - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permethrin

Literally stops and kills any bugs from biting you. No joke!

 

[illusion88]

If you are family camping or "car camping" STFU after dark. Other people want quite, they don't want to listen to your campfire banter.

 

[Texashiker]

Navigation - bring a real topo map and compass. A gps is fine until you get in dense underbrush and the signal fades.

Know how to use gps, topo map and compass "before" you head out.

Hammocks are great for stretching out.

Carry plenty of water, and fill up your water bottles every chance you get. Do not count on creeks having water in them.

Never underestimate the ability of mosquitos to get into tents.

Bring a rain poncho - even if its just a cheap one.

Strike anywhere matches do not strike "anywhere".

Do not wear open toed shoes where copperheads and coral snakes are known to live.

Deet helps keep ticks off - so spray your clothes down regularly

 

[dank69]

Don't wipe with poison ivy.

 

[her209]

Always bring rope, duct tape, and a shovel.

 

[Gibsons]

If you're going hiking, wear your boots around some, starting at least a week ahead of time.

No matter what you're doing, pay tribute to St. Hubbins, the patron saint of quality footware.

 

[onza]

Always bring rope, duct tape, and a shovel.

Shovel? or trowel? Because one sounds like a heavy piece of equipment.

 

[krunchykrome]

I regularly go camping and I have bought just about every camping tool/gadget out there. I camp in both hot and cold climates, even in precipitation.

Some tips I've picked up over the years:
-Bringing too much stuff can be overwhelming and may actually ruin your camping experience.
-Always use a tarp
-Plan your meals
-Before you leave to go camping, empty the lint collector in your dryer and put it in a bag. Use this to help start your fire.
-Keep your gear organized.

 

[krunchykrome]

Strike anywhere matches do not strike "anywhere".

So true- get yourself a fire starter like flint striker

 

[Numenorean]

Mason jar with kerosene soaked corn cobs make great fire starters.
Also, bring extra lighters and matches... just in case.

Better firestarter:

Take cotton swabs and massage a bunch of Vaseline into them. They will burn long and slow, take up very little space, don't weight much, and will light in any weather.

 

[alfa147x]

Flamethrower.


Planning on going to cumberland island for a couple of days in the fall.

 

[lxskllr]

Shovel? or trowel? Because one sounds like a heavy piece of equipment.

I use a military(genuine) entrenching shovel.

 

[Numenorean]

If you are family camping or "car camping" STFU after dark. Other people want quite, they don't want to listen to your campfire banter.

No, other people don't want quite they want QUIET!

 

[SonnyDaze]

Leave only foot prints.

 

[The_Dude8]

1. get some wind proof matches
2. spend money on quality/comfy hiking shoes.
3. invest in a pair of smart wool socks.
4. firestarter: vaseline with cotton balls
5. layers of clothes, ie one base layer (for sleeping), mid layer (ie, a fleece jacket), and a windproof outer layer.
6. 10 essentials (google that)
7. a pair of crocs (since they're light) for usage of walking around camp
8. a good pair of headlamp
9. a beanie for your head while sleeping
10. if the temperature is cold at night, heat up hot water and pour it in a nalgence bottle, and put it in your sleeping bag during your sleep
11. flip your boots upside down so critters/or snakes won't crawl in.