How to Buy Camping Gear

Camping is a great family and friends activity. Camping is a time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Camp fires bring people together telling stories, roasting marshmallows, and just relaxing. Camp hikes are good to see all of the trees and plants Mother Nature provides for our view. This article will explain the basic items you need to get out and go camping especially if it is your first time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Grill
• Utensils
• Hiking Boots
• Clothes
• Camera
• and other supplies mentioned below

1. 

   The first camping gear item is a tent. Tents come in many shapes and sizes. Determine how many people will sleep inside the tent. If you have 4 or more people then you might want to buy a family size tent. Family size tents are approximately 10x10 size and allows everyone to sleep comfortably (imagine a room in your house). If you will have less people and would prefer something smaller then look for a 3 to 4 man tent. These types of tents will be approximately 5x5. The tent box will show you how many people sleep inside the tent. Remember that the picture on the box assumes people are sleeping next to one another and are not keeping anything else inside the tent. You can look online for different type of tents along with prices. If you have no concern over cost then look at some of the Online camping retailers. If you prefer not to spend a lot of money but still buy a quality product then you will find camping tents at your local department superstore.

2. 

   The second camping gear item is a sleeping bag. There are many types and colors. Sleeping bags are made for temperatures. Determine where you will be camping and how often. Sleeping bags are made for both warm weather and cold weather. You do not want to buy a cold weather sleeping bag if you only camp in the warm weather months and vice versa. You can find a sleeping bag that will be good in both types of weather. Sleeping bags come in mummy style (my favorite) and box shape. Mummy style sleeping bags allow you to wrap your head inside the sleeping bag. This keeps your body heat inside the sleeping bag. The box shape sleeping bags leave your head and possibly your shoulders exposed. You can find sleeping bags with built in pillows. When shopping for a sleeping bag go to a store that allows you to try it on. You can lay inside the bag and feel how it would be to sleep in it for the night. This type of testing is highly recommended. You can look online for different type of sleeping bags along with prices. If you have no concern over cost then look at some of the Online camping retailers. If you prefer not to spend a lot of money but still buy a quality product then you will find sleeping bags at your local department superstore.

3. 

   The next camping gear item is a camp stove. You will need a camp stove if you plan to do any cooking and would like a backup just in case the camp site does not have a cooking area. There are several camp stoves to choose from. You only need a basic 2-burner type stove. Propane fuel is preferred. You can find a basic stove with propane at your local department superstore. You will need utensils. Recommended method is to either bring supplies from home or use paper and plastic. This includes water bottles. Remember to bring a garbage bag for trash.

4. 

   The next camping gear item is clothing and foot gear. This depends on how long you will be camping, where you will camp and what activities you will do.
   - If you are only camping for the weekend then you can bring jeans, t-shirts and a good pair of sneakers.
   - If you are camping for a week then you will want to bring non-cotton t-shirts, non-jean type pants and hiking boots.
   - If you are camping for more then one week then you will want to bring hiking style pants, shirts and boots.
   - Of course you should bring plenty of socks and underwear for the trip. Assume you will change often.
   The cotton vs non-cotton type of clothing decision is based on cotton clothing holds moisture in while non-cotton clothing lets the moist out so you remain dry.

5. 

   The next camping gear item is toiletries. You will want to bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel. You do not need to bring deodorant, q-tips, combs, clippers, etc. When you are in the outdoors it is good to fit in with Mother Nature. The fresh aroma of deodorant was not intended for the outdoors with the animals. Check with the campsite if they have showers. Most campsites have showers. You will want to bring a towel and shower shoes.

6. The last set of camping gear items are optional
   - Duct tape. A man's favorite.
   - Tarp.
   - Pocket knife.
   - Hat
   - Sunglasses
   - Rain poncho

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local scouting organization for additional advice and guidance.
• State parks are nice places to camp.
• Ask the camp office what type of animals live around the campsite and how you can avoid contact.
• Be sure to read rules and regulations of campsite.

Resources

• Cabelas
• REI
• Campmor
• SportsmansGuide
• Camping Gear Outlet

[achenoweth]

on 6/6/2009 wonderful article. 5*

[skyedanzer]

on 6/3/2009 Very good camping info!