Camping Gear 101
By Conroy Keight
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, is the ultimate outdoor adventure. The key to the perfect outdoor getaway, however, is having the right gear.

Even if you've camped a million times before, you still need to prepare every trip like it's your first. If you don't have the right gear, your wilderness adventure might not be as satisfying, or as safe, as it should be. Make a checklist of all essential items before you head for the hills. Once you're in the middle of the forest, it's just too late to realize that you've forgotten the necessities.

Plan and Pack

Rather than throwing together the necessities at the last minute, allow time to plan and pack. List all of the items you'll want and need, and don't forget to include those "just in case" items. Check each item on your list as you pack, and don't overlook anything. You have so many items to include; this is sometimes the only way to be sure that you've got all of your must-have necessities.

Gimme Shelter

If you bring poor shelter and shoddy bedding, your trip can quickly turn from paradise to purgatory. Plan ahead and make sure that you'll be dry, warm and comfortable at all times. Sleeping in the open air under the stars might seem like the ultimate adventure, but being exposed to insects, forest animals, rain and frost is no fun. Proper shelter keeps you safe and secure. Bring enough bedding to keep you warm in the cool nighttime air, and don't forget your pillow.

Personal Care

You can safely leave your hair dryer and cosmetics at home, but don't forget to pack your insect repellant,

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sunscreen and toilet paper. Those are the absolute necessities of life in the great outdoors. You may also want to pack other personal care items like your soap, shampoo, hairbrush, and toothbrush. Pack everything in a waterproof bag, especially your towels and toilet paper.

Dressing For All Occasions

Pack a clean change of clothing for each day that you will be at camp, and then pack a few extra items. can be dirty business, and those little surprises like rain and dust can mean an even bigger mess. If you have a supply of fresh water and a length of rope on hand, you can always wash and dry your laundry at camp. It's a lot easier, however, to just pack extra. The temperatures can drop dramatically at night, even during the hottest months, so bring along a couple of warm shirts, extra socks and long pants for those cool evenings by the campfire.

Pack Your First Aid First

Remember the first rule of Scouting while you're packing your gear: Always Be Prepared! Go through your medicine cabinet, and bring along anything you might need. Pack the medicines you need to take on a daily basis, and don't forget your vitamins and pain relief pills. If you have allergies, bring appropriate medication or an epi-pen. A properly stocked first aid kit is always essential, along with a sharp outdoor knife and scissors.

Cooking

There is nothing as delicious as a meal cooked over an open flame, and nothing more frustrating than forgetting your matches. Be sure that you have everything you need to prepare and cook your outdoor feast. Pack a clean grill, tongs, spoon and a metal spatula. You'll need a bowl for mixing food, a cutting board, paper plates (not plastic), cups, silverware, aluminum foil, biodegradable dish soap and linens. If you'll be fishing, remember to bring a sharp filet knife and an iron frying pan. Remember to bring garbage bags to clean up camp at the end of your stay and for heaven's sake, don't forget to bring lots of matches in a waterproof container.

Camping can be a fun and relaxing way to spend time. Plan ahead, pack what you need, and it will be the time of your life.

Writer Conroy Keight contributes to several popular Internet magazines, on creative recreation and outdoor recreation topics.
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