Some Important Camping Equipment

Camping is a great outdoor activity. Nothing compares to the sense of serenity and the thrill of adventure when camping.

However, the enjoyment will be ruined he has not brought essential camping equipment. No camper likes unpleasant surprises such as finding out that the ground is too hard to sleep on without sleeping pads. Since he is going out of the safety and comfort of his home, a camper must have the proper camping equipment.

The first on the list of must-haves is a tent. The camper must choose a tent that is big enough to accommodate him or his friends, if he’s not camping alone. The tent should be strong, sturdy, dependable and waterproof. Fortunately, many tents available for sale are made out of quality materials that can meet all these requirements. Most camping tents are also collapsible which makes carrying and storing them easier.

To protect the tent from the sun and rain, a camper should also bring a tarp for additional protection. This piece of camping equipment can be suspended with ropes over the camping site itself. It can protect a camper’s gear that is placed outside the tent. It can also serve as a shield or a deflector during windy days so that strong winds would not blow the tent away.

Another piece of camping equipment that a camper must have is a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is a cushioned blanket which can be zipped on one side to form a bag. The camper can then snuggle inside the bag when he wants to sleep. The best sleeping bags to buy are 3-season sleeping bags which can be used during spring, summer and autumn. Thicker sleeping bags for those who venture out during winter are also available, albeit more expensive. These are designed for couples who decide to go camping together. There are also sleeping bags which are big enough to sleep two people.

Sleeping on hard ground is hardly comfortable. That is why bringing a sleeping pad is important. This piece of camping equipment is placed under the sleeping bag to provide a soft barrier between it and the ground. This makes sleeping outdoors relatively more comfortable. Some campers bring air mattresses in lieu of sleeping pads. Air mattresses are thicker and provide even more cushion.

A large but light backpack is also an important piece of camping equipment. A camper can place his clothes, food and other equipment in it. Just like a tent, the backpack should be sturdy and waterproof. The straps should be comfortable and the weight of the pack should be evenly distributed to avoid stress.

Other smaller camping equipment that a camper must bring include lanterns, flashlights, toiletries, first aid kit, extra batteries, a cell phone, water purifiers and a portable stove.

With these, camping outdoors would be a great, pleasant experience.

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Estimated Starting Cost of Camping Equipment

One of the best recreational activities that people can enjoy is camping. Many people who long for the beauty of the outdoors and the thrill of adventure find camping a very good avenue for these desires.

Camping has become quite popular that many people want to try it. Upon seeing all the camping equipment an experienced camper possesses, however, they would hesitate to continue on with the endeavor. That’s because camping equipment looks so equipment.

In reality, the starting cost of camping equipment is relatively low. All you need to do is to find the right starting equipment.

The first must-have equipment is, of course, a good tent. For a group or family of four, a tent that can accommodate 6 people is suggested. The extra space provided by a bigger tent will give you a sigh of relief. The cost of this camping equipment may be as low as $200.

The next things on the list are sleeping bags. Sleeping bags are essential since they can protect you from cold weather and from mosquitoes. It is a good idea to buy a 3-season bag which can be used in any weather. In case it gets too warm, all you need to do is to unzip the bag. When sleeping on cold, hard ground, sleeping pads ranging from $10 to $30 that can be placed under sleeping bags can provide that added comfort. The cost of both camping equipment may range from $80 to $100.

Most public and private campsites have charcoal grills which is useful for barbecuing and grilling fish and meat. However, there are meals that require a pot or skillet. To keep them from becoming all black from soot, you would need a propane camping stove. The cost of this camping equipment is around $25 to $80. Fuel for the stove comes from cheap $2 or $3 propane cylinders. Each of these cylinders has enough propane to last for a week.

Cold drinks are also a great for camping. To keep drinks cold, you would need to buy a cooler. Aside from keeping beverages cold, coolers also keep the food from spoiling. The cost of this camping equipment may range from $30 to $100.

You also need to spend other pieces of camping equipment such as lanterns, first aid kit and mess kits. All in all, you would need an investment of around $600. Add to this $200 or less for a weekly campground fee and $200 for food, gas and ice and you can have a great camping vacation. The great thing about camping is that subsequent camping trips will cost less once you secured your camping gear.

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On camping trips, flashlights are necessary and sleeping bags are useful in the cold. Use camping gear properly with tips from a scoutmaster in this free camping video.

Expert: Rusty Martin
Bio: Rusty Martin is a Boy Scout leader who attended Scout Master training in 2006.
Filmmaker: Evakay Favia

Duration : 0:2:46

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