Camping Clothes Checklist
Camping in the great outdoors can be fun or uncomfortable depending on your clothes. While choosing camping attire, pack for a wide assortment of activities so you will be prepared for anything. Camping vacations will often include activities such as hiking, swimming, sleeping, and relaxing time. These activities will all require different attire. Now you must think of temperature and weather changes. In order to have a great camping experience, you want to ensure clothing mishaps are not distracting you from the beauty and fun of your natural surroundings.
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Pack for Inclement Weather
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Check the weather for your camping location and times. Pack your clothes with this in mind, but remember the likelihood of temperature fluctuations and increment weather. Bring one or two hooded sweatshirts or sweaters of wool or fleece made of a cotton or wool and synthetic blend. These fabrics provide effective insulation that will not trap sweat against your skin, and they will keep you warm even if they get wet. Bring a poncho for each member of your camping party, so that in the case of light rain you can go for easy hikes or a visit to a natural reserve museum.
Prepare for Activities
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Pack swimming suits and towels if there is any possibility you will be swimming. Pack sunglasses and flipflops to go with your swim attire. Wear comfortable hiking boots. This means wearing brand-new hiking boots before you break them in may be a bad idea. Even if you will not be going hiking, you are likely to be doing a fair amount of walking in rough terrain with tall plants and grasses. Leave your jewelry at home, as it is likely to be broken or lost during excessive activities.
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Pack For Comfort
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Especially if you will be doing a lot of walking, you need to bring clothing and shoes that are comfortable to wear. Wear loose-fitting clothing that is soft on your skin and breathes well. A few comfortable fabrics that offer protection are cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics. Bring at least double the amount of fresh socks and underwear than you would ordinarily need. A camping trip is likely to get your clothes wet through humidity and perspiration. Keeping your socks and underwear dry will keep you comfortable.
Dress For Protection
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Remember outdoor plants and insects while choosing your attire. Boots, high socks and long pants will help protect you from chiggers, ticks and burrs. The more exposed skin you have the more places there are for bugs and plants to attack. Try long sleeves in a microfiber nylon, a tightly woven fabric which will protect you from insects and plants while still allowing your skin to breathe. Bring a pair of sandals for use in the public shower.
Sun Protection and Heat
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Avoid tank tops and short shorts if you can, and choose longer shirts and pants made of light fabric. Lightly colored synthetic clothing will repel sunlight and wick away perspiration. It also dries fast if you get it wet. Dress in layers, rather than bringing a single heavy coat, so you can remove and add clothing during temperature fluctuations (See References 4). Bring a lightweight well-ventilated hat and a pair of sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the UV rays put out by the sun.
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