Camping Gear 101

When's the last time you went camping? Last week? Last summer? Maybe you haven't gone since you were a kid. No matter how much experience you have, camping is the ultimate outdoor adventure. The key to the perfect outdoor getaway, however, is having the right camping gear.

Camping is a great adventure, whether you're planning your first trip, or you've done it a million times before. Having the right camping gear is crucial to having a safe and satisfying wilderness vacation. Before you head for the hills, it's a good idea to make a checklist of all essential items you'll need for your campout. Waiting until you're in the middle of the forest is too late to realize what you've forgotten.

Plan Before You Pack

Give yourself time to pack, rather than throwing together the essentials at the last minute. Make a list of everything that you want and need, as well as those "just in case" items. As you pack, check each item off of your list to be sure you're not overlooking anything. There are so many things to think about; sometimes this is the only way to make sure you've got all of your must-have camping gear.

Sleep and Shelter

"Roughing It" doesn't mean giving up your creature comforts. With too little bedding and improper shelter, you're exposing yourself to an uncomfortable sleep and even possible danger. Be sure that the bedding will keep you dry and comfortable regardless of the weather, and don't forget to pack your pillow. Your tent must be secure, waterproof, and able to protect you from insects and forest creatures. Sharing your tent with a mosquito, raccoon or even a snake is just no fun.

Personal Care

No one cares what you look like in the forest, so you don't need to bring hair gel or eyeliner. You will, however, need to bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and toilet paper. You might also want to bring soap, a hairbrush, shampoo, toothbrush and other personal care essentials. Make sure that everything, particularly towels and toilet paper, are packed in water-resistant bags.

Don't Under-Dress

Decide how long you'll be staying at your camp, and pack a change of clothes for each day. Then, pack a little extra. You'll get dirty while camping, and wet if Mother Nature throws a little rain your way, so be prepared. Unless you have a river and a length of rope handy, washing and drying your clothes in the woods is not an option. Even if it's the middle of July, bring long pants, warm shirts and extra socks for cool evenings around the campfire.

Pack Your First Aid First

Smart campers assume that if anything can go wrong, it will. So, they pack accordingly. Follow this rule and pack up any medications and all first aid supplies that you may need at camp. Prescription medications, pain relief and vitamins are essentials. Those with allergies must bring an epi-pen or allergy relief medication. Remember to pack bandages, medicated ointment, a sharp outdoor knife and scissors. Everything should be packed into a waterproof bag and kept handy.

Cooking

Anything that's cooked over an open campfire tastes like gourmet cooking. It's easy to cook at camp, but only if you're prepared. You'll want to pack a bowl, cutting board, knife and spoon for mixing and preparing foods, as well as paper (not plastic) plates, cups, silverware, aluminum foil, linens and biodegradable dish soap. If canned foods are on the menu, don't forget your can opener. Bring along a sturdy pot and an iron frying pan, a clean grill, heavy duty tongs and a metal spatula. Don't forget a sharp filet knife if you plan to do any fishing at camp. Bring a few garbage bags to clean up camp when you're done, and don't forget to pack along plenty of matches in waterproof containers.

You want to remember your outdoor adventure for all the right reasons, so plan ahead and pack carefully.

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Writer Conroy Keight contributes to a number of well-known Internet magazines, on creative recreation and outdoor recreation topics.