what do I need to take camping?

Hey, I need a little advice...but it's not cat-related.

My family's going camping next weekend for the first time, and aside from the obvious, I don't know what I need for a weekend in the woods in October..

Three things are important:

1. A supply of clean drinking water for everyone in the group, enough to last the amount of time you're camping. Survival manuals usually state 1 gallon per person per day. Also factor in water for hygiene purposes; add that amount to this number.

2. Shelter: camper, RV, tent, etc.

3. A way to keep warm and cook food, such as fire.

Work the above into your plan for equipment.  Try to take as little as possible, but yet enough to meet those needs above.  New campers tend to take too much stuff, which is a burden.

BATHROOM: Yep, you'll need to think about how you'll manage this! If the surroundings are really out in the woods, may I suggest one of those orange Home Depot buckets, with the lid?  Only $5, sturdy, and high enough to use as a toilet. Pack trash bags in it to use for liners, and double-wrap, in plastic, rolls of toilet paper (the plastic wrap is to keep them dry). Take twist ties for the bags when you dispose of these.  Also, you need a way to do that--check to see what is legal in that area (some people bury the waste, for example). You can also get portable camping toilets.

FOOD: you can buy freeze-dried meals at sports stores, but there are also many other options, such as canned food that can be heated up over a camp stove or fire (you'll need some pans that are made for this, if you use a fire). There are also many good campfire cookbooks out there.

SLEEPING BAGS: These are rated as to how they'll keep you warm in certain temperatures. Remember, you'll be using these at night, so factor in the lowest temp for the camping site when you buy them.

FIRST AID: take a first aid kit. Remember, there are bugs outside, too!

CLOTHING: Take multiple layers that you can add or subtract, depending on the temp. Also, you may get wet, so factor that in, and have spares. Polar fleece is great--lightweight, soft, warm, and it dries fast.  Take extra socks, in case of wet feet, Your feet are very important, especially if hiking. You must keep your feet dry as much as possible, and have good camping footwear. Have more changes of socks than pairs of shoes. Take socks that can dry out fast, like overnight and/or by the fire. Also take rain gear. You can find vinyl/rubber ponchos at sports stores, in the camping department. Keep your head, feet and hands warm, if it's cold.

ANIMALS: DON'T FEED WILDLIFE, ESPECIALLY BEARS!  Yep, those bear cubs sure are cute! But Mama Bear doesn't think YOU are cute, and she'll let you know.  Don't assume because you can't see her that she doesn't know you are there. She does. And she, despite her size, can move very fast. Many bear attacks are done by females with young.

Also, you want to keep the critters away from your campsite, tent, etc. Don't leave food out, and stored on the ground. Bears can and will investigate. They sometimes will stop at just sniffing around the bottom edge of the tent, but not always. You also want to keep out bugs and snakes.

Another thing to consider with predators, such as bears, is menstrual blood on feminine hygiene products. You'll have to dispose of those in some way as not to attract wildlife with the blood's scent.

This all being said, I've never camped in the traditional sense, just for reenacting, but I do know a bit about survival stuff, and am married to a military man, who knows about this stuff, and has lived it (and was a Boy Scout  ). I'm sure there is far more someone else can tell you. Try some websites, or go to your local library.

 (I couldn't resist, but it is a valid concern!)http://www.ehow.com/how_2352458_go-toilet-camping.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/woods.html

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/how-to-survive-a-storm.htm

http://camping.about.com/c/ec/1.htm

http://www.essortment.com/camping-tips-hints-31372.html

http://www.camping-tips.com/Basics_tips.html

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...=10051&&mode=category&cat=Camping&subcatID=56

I don't like camping, and have only been camping 2 times, so I don't really know what you need to take. However, I can tell you what NOT to take!

1. High heels;

2. Hair dryer and curling iron!

Those are things I packed for when I went camping the first time!  We were near a camp shower/bathroom, but there was no electricity.

The only camping I have done is when I was in the Army and everything was carried on our backs.  I don't think you will rough it that much.  You have already been given all the basics.  You will need to be very careful about keeping food put up and not where you sleep.  That is really important in bear country.  They sell containers that are bear proof.  It's important not only for your own safety but also for the bears safety.  A bear that gets used to easy food around people becomes a problem bear and often has to be destroyed.  They have had some success re-instilling fear of humans with what they call a hard release.  It doesn't always work and many places don't even try.

I would never go camping with a tent. I hate bugs and deadly animals. Maybe if I had a big camper and all the needs and not  deep in the woods. Who knows ? As long as I had a cell phone and alot of food so I didn't have to depend on nature. Oh yeah,toilet paper and make sure the toilet is working before I leave civilization.

I don't know where you're going but layered clothing is a good idea. Nothing worse than wanting to sit outside and look at the stars at night but freezing to death! Warm hat, gloves or mittens, warm socks. And take provisions for s'mores! It isn't a camping trip without them. :lol3:

I would take along a second vehicle for a get-away car. I would also do a little planning beforehand and make reservations at the nearest hotel.  

Don't pay any attention to me - hope you have a fun time!

Natalie_ca said:

 
I don't like camping, and have only been camping 2 times, so I don't really know what you need to take. However, I can tell you what NOT to take!

1. High heels;

2. Hair dryer and curling iron!

Those are things I packed for when I went camping the first time!  We were near a camp shower/bathroom, but there was no electricity.

Click to expand...

SwampWitch said:

 
I would take along a second vehicle for a get-away car. I would also do a little planning beforehand and make reservations at the nearest hotel.

 

Don't pay any attention to me - hope you have a fun time!

Click to expand...

dejolane said:

 
I would never go camping with a tent. I hate bugs and deadly animals. Maybe if I had a big camper and all the needs and not  deep in the woods. Who knows ? As long as I had a cell phone and alot of food so I didn't have to depend on nature. Oh yeah,toilet paper and make sure the toilet is working before I leave civilization.

Click to expand...

You guys are funny

I'm not in bear country, so not worried there...and with 70 or so other people in the conservation area, I figure wildlife is staying far away that weekend   loud guitar-weilding humans! 

I am a little concerned about sleeping on the ground though...but I was able to get a loan of an air mattress, so hopefully it won't be too bad? And the cold....ugh the cold nights.......lol

But it's an organized group, and there's horse-shoes, and games, and Turkey Dinner on Sunday so it should be fun.

I am a little concerned about sleeping on the ground though...but I was able to get a loan of an air mattress, so hopefully it won't be too bad? And the cold....ugh the cold nights.......lol

But it's an organized group, and there's horse-shoes, and games, and Turkey Dinner on Sunday so it should be fun.

Click to expand...

Is the air mattress one of those inflatable waterproof pads to put under your sleeping bag? You definitely want one of those. They help even out the little rocks you will be sleeping on. There are also these blue foam pads that roll up, those are waterproof but don't do a lot about the rocks. (I only know this from my daughter's Brownie days. The one time I went camping was in college and I was bit by a spider within 10 minutes of arriving at camp. I spent the evening back in the car shivering from the poison, then the rest of the night in the emergency room. My friends never asked me to go again, thank goodness.) 

But I'm sure you'll have fun!

Pretty sure it's inflatable....my dad already came over to grab all the supplies off of me so that he can run them out to the site and save our trunk space, and he said he'd check for me. If it's not, I plan on buying one, they've got them on sale at Walmart that take standard sheets, so I can pile up with blankets under and over

We have a double layer Aerobed which is amazing to sleep on, but before we had that we used to have just a single layer blow up mattress and we used to feel the cold through it, so I got a couple of old blankets and put them on top of the sewn in ground sheet then put the blow up mattress on top, then the sleeping bags on top of that with a thick blanket type throw to pull over us once in the sleeping bags. If you feel the cold easily, which I do, then the worse thing is being cold at night. Oh don't forget bed socks they are a God send.

Bug spray for sure

Flashlights (Extra batteries)

Cooler with non-perishable food

sleeping bags

Warm clothes for the night

Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers (mmm!)

Tools (hammer, shovel.. you'll need them to set up tent!)

fresh water

toiletries

flip flops for the shower

games! Card games and board games are fun to do!

First aid kit with asprin/tylenol

Battery operated radio

Umm.. I am sure I can come up with more.. I used to go camping every summer with my parents. I am overly tired now and can't think!

I know some people love camping, but as for me --- I don't like to rough things up. Like my luxury - like a/c, cable TV, nice soft mattress and pillows. Guess I'm not the outdoors type. Oh - and I could never go anywhere without my hairdryer!!!