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Whether you decide to buy equipment or hire here are some of the basics you will need for a simple sleep-over camping trip.
Your Tent
Unless you are only taking a day trip you’ll want to bring along a tent. When you’re out on trip your tent can become your new best friend. It protects from the sun, the rain, the cold and the dark of night. It keeps insects from bussing and biting during the night. And it offers a place to stow your gear and a place just to kick back and read a good book.
Tents come is a wide variety of sizes and offer a multiplicity of features. Some tents are rain resistant while others are not. There are two-man tents and ones large enough to hold your entire party. As with other camping equipment tents also come in a variety of prices. I would stay away from the cheapest ones. You definitely will want a tent that is fireproof and large enough to be comfortable.
There are so many different kinds of camping tents out there that even an experienced camper is easily confused by the large and bewildering variety of tents available for purchase or for hire.
The tent you chose will depend on the number of people in your camping party and your needs and tastes. But here are some features you must look for in any tent you are thinking of depending on during your camping trip.
Durability – A quality tent must be durable to withstand the rigors of camping. It must be made from strong material, seams and corners should be reinforced and heavy tent poles increase the stability of your tent and its ability to withstand the wind.
Ventilation – Good ventilation is vital for your tent. Air vents in the top of the tent will help to eliminate condensation on the interior walls of your tent from the release of body moisture. Mesh panels will allow breezes to make your tent cooler while keeping out the bugs.
Setup – The more frequently your tent is going to be moves the more important is the ease of setup and take down. Make sure you practice setting up and taking down your tent before heading into the wilderness. You don’t want to be at your campsite at dusk when you discover you have no idea how to set it up and forgot the instructions.
Roominess – Unless you are backpacking choose roominess over portability. You’ll find it makes your trip more relaxing and enjoyable if you and your party can get a comfortable, good night’s sleep.
Floor – A tent with a floor will help keeps out most unwanted critters.
Make sure any tent you buy has a warranty. A truly dependable tent will have a life-time warranty.
What other kinds of equipment will you need to purchase or hire for your first camping trip?
Lighting
The importance of reliable light sources cannot be overstated. Campers should always bring flashlights and backup batteries with them. Lanterns, wind up lights, and solar-powered light sources are also a great idea. Proper lighting can save the life of a lost camper by allowing them to find their way back to camp or to draw attention to themselves if hurt or immobilized.
Food and Water
Another vital piece of camping equipment is a canteen or other water-carrying device. Plastic bottles of water will also do but make sure not to leave them at the campsite. The advantage of having a canteen is that it easily clips to backpacks or belts. Whatever you do have plenty of water. Don’t rely on having access to taps or fresh water supplies.
Bring plenty of food. Most of us are not experienced hunters. And even if you do know how to hunt you must prepare for the possibility of lack of game. You should also have washable utensils, plates, and cups. It is important to bring camping equipment for proper storage. While many camp sites offer locked food cabinets, some may warn you to suspend food from a high branch to ward off the attention of bears or other wild animals. Be certain to include sturdy rope and garbage bags or pillow cases in order to keep food out of the reach of hungry critters.
First Aid Supplies
All camping involves a little risk. Having a fully stocked first aid kit to hand is an important part of equipping yourself for any adventurous outdoor experience, even those of the mildest kind. At the least, this vital piece of camping equipment should include extra lighting, bandages, antiseptic cream or ointment, pain medication, and tweezers. This can allow campers to treat minor injuries without having to head at once to the closest emergency station, call for help or take off for home. Any serious or worsening injuries should receive professional medical attention right away.
Blankets, Jackets and Warm Clothing
Always bring blankets and warm clothing. Even when days are warm the evenings and night can get quite cold, especially when you are out in the wilds amongst the trees and plants without the firm walls of home.
So, whether you decide to purchase or hire your camping equipment make sure you obtain and bring with you the above items. You should also ask your supplier for any other suggestion or tips regarding necessary camping equipment to bring for a safe and comfortable outdoor adventure.