Most tents designed for camping in the woods are 3-season tents, which means they can be used in all seasons except for winter. If you do plan on camping in the winter, get a 4-season or winter shelter. These tents are heavier and more durable to compensate for tougher conditions.
You can also lighten your load a little by leaving your tent stakes behind and securing the tent to natural features such as rocks, roots, or trees. If you plan on car camping, which means driving to a campsite, bringing a heavy luxury tent isn’t a problem. You may be able to go without a tent, such as if you are camping in an RV or plan on sleeping outdoors in the open air.
You can order tarps online or find them at most home improvement stores. Be sure to get rope or stakes if you plan on hanging a tarp.
Bags filled with down feathers are warmer and can be a better option during cold nights. You can get a bag with water-resistant down, which is cheaper and not as insulating as traditional goose down. If you camp a lot in the summer or winter, look for bags specifically for those seasons. Summer bags are lighter and more ventilated, while winter bags are heavier and more insulated.
Like tents, bags have different weights. Packs with few pouches, zippers, and fabrics will be the lightest. You should test packs by wearing them to make sure they feel comfortable to you. An overnight pack is good for a 1 or 2-day trip. Weekend packs are useful for trips 2 to 3 days long. Multiday and extended-trip packs can hold supplies for longer trips. If you are able to make use of a vehicle, getting a great backpack is less important. Consider how far you plan on walking and what you need to carry after you park. If you’re camping with other people, you can split up the gear between multiple bags.
Many people make the mistake of packing too much clothing. At a minimum, you need 2 outfits. Bring more if you would like, but make sure you can carry it.
Regular clothing, including jeans, shorts, and cotton shirts, are okay to bring if you have room, can keep dry, and don’t plan on walking much. Nylon and polyester are synthetic fabrics and are a little cheaper than merino wool.
Regular jackets are bulky and often dry poorly when soaked. Specialty jackets are important for camping, especially if you plan on walking a lot. Be sure to check the weather before you leave. You may be able to risk leaving the jacket at home.
Some items, including ponchos, are okay to use in a stationary camp. These options are cheaper but can easily break. Consider investing in waterproof clothing if you plan on being around water a lot, such as while on a boat.
You definitely need these items while you are out in the daytime. They are important even when the skies are overcast.
Hiking shoes or boots are a must if you plan on walking around, especially if you’re around rocks or slippery areas. They hold up better to the moisture and give more traction on difficult walking surfaces than regular shoes. Day hiking boots are a sturdier footwear option that’s useful for short hikes and carrying light loads. Backpacking boots give you extra support when you are on long trips and carrying heavier loads.
You can also cook over a campfire. Try bringing along a cooking grate and lay it over your fire pit.
Plastic utensils and paper plates are acceptable if you’re not isolated in the woods. For backpacking trips, these items are an issue since they aren’t reusable and you may not find a place to throw them away.
If you have access to a vehicle, you can still bring a cooler with meat, beverages, and other goodies.
If you’re going to an established campground, find out where the water taps are so you can access them at all times. If you think you may not have access to clean water, bring water purification tablets so you can sterilize water from a natural source. [16] X Research source
For instance, you can set a broken bone by making a splint out of clothing, branches, and duct tape. Also, consider bringing a satellite phone so you can always call for help during an emergency.
Consider what your needs are. If you plan on walking a lot, you might not be able to bring along a lot of games or activities. If fishing is legal near your campground, you might bring along fishing supplies, for example.
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Try to reapply the sunscreen at least every 2 hours, or more often if you’re getting wet or sweaty. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Spray an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on your clothing and exposed skin to protect you from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting pests. [21] X Research source
While you can dig out the soil to guide water away from you, this is frowned upon in many camping areas. Avoid the trouble by choosing your spot carefully.
Stake your tent carefully. Plant the stakes firmly in the ground and tether your tent to them with strong rope.
Another way to lay down a tarp is to put it inside the tent. Tuck the edges up over the tent’s frame so water can’t get on top of the tarp.
To put out the fire, smother it with dirt or water. You can push the tinder around with a large stick to make sure it is out. You shouldn’t feel any heat coming off the tinder when you move your hands towards it. A good campfire is useful for cold nights or cooking out in the open, but it isn’t always necessary. If you have a portable stove in the middle of summer, you may wish to skip building a separate fire pit. Be cautious when starting fires. Always keep an eye on the fire and put it out before you return to your tent or leave the area.
Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. If you are dehydrated, drink water as soon as possible and consider going to a doctor immediately. Boiling water does help, but it may not purify it enough to make it completely safe to drink. For the best results, bring a portable filter.
Avoid cooking fragrant foods like bacon or fish, if possible, since these are most likely to attract wild animals. One way to protect your food is to suspend a bear-proof cooler from a dark rope tied to a tree branch. Animals may give up quickly if they can’t reach the food. This is also a great way to avoid a bear attack since it discourages bears from loitering around your campground.
Bear attacks are relatively rare, but you should still know how to deal with them. If a bear growls or looks defensive, stand still. If it charges, lie down and play dead.
Sometimes you may have to bite the bullet and carry trash with you until you find a place to throw it away. Clear out your fire pit if you dug one and fill it with dirt again. Avoid burying trash in it.
