Camping in the great outdoors is an exhilarating experience. The smell of burgers on the grill and the sounds of nature while you go to sleep is unparalleled. If you are planning a camping trip in the future, be prepared by bringing along all the supplies and equipment you will need to make your trip enjoyable.
Tents
Your tent will be an oasis for you after a long day of hiking and cleaning up your camp area after dinner. Choose a tent that is large enough for everyone in your family to sleep comfortably. If possible, practice setting up the tent in your backyard before you leave. Poleyster and nylon are the two most common materials, with polyester being heavier than nylon. Select a tent that has a front room, or porch, to hold wet items or to store extra gear. A tent with proper ventilation will be more comfortable.
Sleeping Accessories
Getting a good night's rest while camping gives you energy for your next day's activities. A sleeping bag can be as simple as a few blankets folded together or as complex as a mummy-type bag that will keep you warm in extreme cold. Choose your sleeping bag based on the temperature rating, the materials used, the shape and extra features, like pillow pockets or a hood. Pair your sleeping bag with a padded, rollable ground cover to protect you from the hard ground and plan on sleeping in long underwear or extra clothing, depending on the weather conditions.
Stoves and Cookware
When selecting a camping stove narrow down your choices by defining your needs. If you are backpacking, choose a very lightweight portable stove. If you are setting up in a campground, purchase a fully featured camp stove with several burners. For ease of starting, choose a stove with an ignition switch. You will need a skillet and a pot to prepare your meals. Bring utensils such as tongs, meat forks and spoons for stirring.
Food Coolers
Packing food for your camping trip can be a challenge. The website Sierra Trading Post recommends bringing three different colored coolers on your trip. One for foods that need to be kept cool, such as meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. A second cooler for beverages and a third for condiments like mustard, ketchup, seasoning packets, mayonnaise and dips.
Lighting
You have many options for lighting your camp area. Camping lanterns burn butane, propane or white gas. If you have a gas burning stove, choose a lantern that burns the same fuel to save weight and packing space. According to the website Hiking-Gear-and-Equipment-Used-for-Camping.com, propane lanterns emit between 34 and 235 watts depending on the model. Never use a flame powered lantern in your tent. Instead, use a battery powered lantern to reduce the risk of fire while you are sleeping.
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