An outdoor holiday of camping in the great outdoors is sure to be a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. While many campsites don’t require hiking much further than your car, they don’t provide you with seclusion and adventure of hiking to more remote campsites. The downside of hiking to remote camping locations is that you have to carry your belongings and camping gear on your back. Here are some tips to downsizing your load but still ensuring you have the essentials.
What do you really need for camping?
First off, do some research and see if your campsite will have running water and showers. The more remote ones rarely do. Even if there is water it may not be suitable for drinking and cleaning cuts and scrapes. If needed, bring enough bottled water for your hike or consider purification tablets.
Check the weather
Check the climate and weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Even if the weather report doesn’t forecast it, be prepared for rain with at least a light poncho or rain resistant jacket.
Got the right sleeping bag?
Bring an appropriate sleeping bag for the climate and conditions of your camping location. If it’s a warm weather destination then a lightweight sleeping bag can be cheap and easy to find. If you’ll be camping in a cold climate then it’s wise to invest in a lightweight yet well insulated and water resistant sleeping bag.
You can’t carry that tent on your back can you?
A lightweight tent made of durable material is essential for camping. While it’s nice to have a huge tent it’s not necessary and less is more. In remote campsites you can change your clothes and keep your belongings outside your tent. You may also consider purchasing a tent that is self-assembly and requires very little time and effort to set up and take down.
Medic! Do not forget your first aid kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is also a must for camping. Make sure you have various sized bandages and disinfecting spray or ointment. Also carry some antihistamines and pain relieving medication. Have some small scissors or a Swiss Army knife and some tweezers which come in handy when dressing wounds and doing a multitude of tasks.
Tip – If wild camping, your fully loaded backpack will weigh no less that 20 pounds and should weigh no more than 40 pounds. That may not seem like a lot but if you have hours of trekking to do then it’s sure to feel like twice after an hour or two.
Taking a camping holiday in more remote areas can be the adventure and seclusion you’re looking for but it will require hiking with your equipment. Pack wisely and only bring the essentials.
The Basic Clothing Every Camper Needs
The appropriate clothing is critical to your comfort during your camping trip. Dress in layers. Wearing layers of clothing enables you to have the luxury of removing layers when the weather is warm and piling on the layers when the weather is cold. Without layers, you may find yourself sweating profusely in the heat or shivering in the cold.
Walking Jacket or fleece?
Wind is usually a factor when you are out in the wilderness. Therefore, it is recommended to bring a wind breaker jacket. Most camping stores will provide a wide variety of wind breaker jackets that are also water proof and provide ample amount of pockets for storage. Synthetic materials also fight against the winter elements. Synthetic materials ward off cold and also dry up any moisture you may release if you sweat. Try several jackets on until you find one that is not only comfortable, but seals off any drafts to the outside air.
Walking boots
Sturdy hiking boots that are waterproof is a must. Experienced campers wear sock liners in addition to wool socks. Your feet may retain moisture which can dampen your camping experience. Sock liners will help keep your feet comfortably dry. Don’t forget to bring extra pairs of socks!
Head and hands
Make sure to cover your face and head with a hat and scarf. Most of your body heat is lost through you head. Plus, a hat and scarf can shield you from the harmful and tiring effects of the sun and wind. Wear thick gloves, water proof gloves that provide thorough insulation for your hands.
Sleeping bags
Let’s talk about your sleeping bag. Finding the right sleeping bag is critical because it is the camping clothing you will be wearing when you are resting. Therefore, don’t use the sleeping bag that has been hiding in your attic or basement. You need a sleeping bag that is specifically designed for camping. The sleeping bag should have adjustable straps so you can fit it snuggly around your body. Many sleeping bags have a liner which gives you added protection against the wind and cold.
When you are ready to use your sleeping bag, keep the following things in mind. First, wear your hat to bed. Don’t lose heat through your noggin! Second, don’t wear the same socks you have worn all day to bed. They are no doubt stinky and may be wet. Put on a fresh, dry pair of socks. Third, you can add extra insulation and comfort to your sleeping bag by placing a down comforter inside of it. Wrap yourself thoroughly in the comforter and sleeping bag. Tie up any loose ends or draughty areas to prevent unwanted cold and moisture from seeping into your sleeping bag. Follow these tips and you will have a restful sleep.
There you have it, the basic clothing you will need for your camping trip. Do keep in mind that you should take into account where you are going camping and what time of year. Your clothing choices will vary widely if you are just going to the local campground versus heading out to the uncharted trails of a mountain. Either way, Be Prepared!
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