UNITY – Summer has now arrived, and many campers are rejoicing. However, if you are a new outdoor adventurer, there are some key things you do not want to be caught without.
When braving the elements via camping, one must decide what kind of camper they are. There are some who like to tent it, where they feel like they are earning their wilderness explorer badge, to the glam-pers, those who like to have all the comforts from home with them at the lake or campground, and everything in between the two.
Regardless of your camping style, you have to think like a boy scout and be prepared. Here are some of the must haves you need to take with you when you go out this summer.
If you are one to tent, ensuring you have all the supplies you need is a must. A groundsheet or tarp is a good barrier between the bare ground and the floor of the tent. It helps keep the cold from coming up when you are sleeping and also protects the bottom of your tent from any sharp objects underneath. Having a good roll mat or air mattress will also help with having a good night’s sleep. If you are not keen about sleeping on the ground but still want the tent experience, investing in a folding cot may be something of interest.
If you prefer the comforts of a trailer or box style camper, your set up is very different from that of a tent, yet it still needs to be done before any summertime fun can be had. Levelling the accommodation is sometimes the hardest part of the job, but if not done correctly it could mean trouble later. Know how to put down the jacks to give your home away from home the stability it needs. Hooking up any amenities such as power or water should be done next just to be sure there are no leaks and everything is in good working order. You may want to do some investigating to see if the water is potable or not. Potable water is safe for drinking and can be used for cooking. If you are somewhere where the water is non-potable, you will need to bring water along for the trip.
Now that your accommodation is set up, there are some essentials you will need. Finding dry wood to burn will provide heat and a flame for cooking. In the event the wood you have access to is too large to burn, a small axe or hatchet will aid in chopping. You can shave the wood off to create a small nest that would be easier to start a fire with, then gradually add larger logs as the fire grows. Starting a fire is also easier with a lighter or matches or sometimes having a fire starter gives the flames a much-needed boost. If you decide to cook on a propane camp stove, be sure to fill your tanks prior to departure. Make sure you have cooking utensils, pots or pans, dishware and eating utensils packed to make cooking meals easier.
With food, water and shelter taken care of, campers must also take the elements into consideration. Having supplies such as sunscreen, insect repellant, a first aid kit and hand sanitizer is always handy. If you have environmental allergies or are found in an area with vegetation that is irritating to you, having the proper medications will be useful in those troubling times.
If you are one who likes to fish while camping, having the proper gear is essential. Unfortunately, success is only determined by the fish themselves. Yet if you are not one to cast a line into the waters, there are plenty of other activities one can enjoy. If you are near a body of water, there is always swimming or catching some sun while enjoying a good book. Whatever the activity may be, be sure to pack the appropriate clothing and footwear.
The likelihood of forgetting something for your camping trip is almost inevitable, so make do with what you have at the moment. Just be sure to make note of the missing item so it can be purchased or packed when you get back to civilization.
So, before you head out into the wilderness, it is ideal to do a walk through of what you have and what is yet to be needed. Just don’t forget to also pack your sense of adventure!
