Camping is a way to get into the outdoors and spend time with friends, family and nature. With a tent and sleeping gear, you can explore new places, pursue activities and get experiences you can't get at home or staying at a hotel. Camping gear is designed to pack up neatly to stow in your vehicle and give you the comforts of home at camp.
Shelter
Sleeping shelters range from a simple tarp and ground cloth to multiroom tents that sleep the entire family. While some people choose to sleep out in the open, most choose a tent to protect themselves from rain, insects and animals. During the day, canopies and dining tents provide shade, protection from insects, and shelter from rain and wind. These shelters typically do not have a floor, and might be enclosed by solid or mesh walls.
Bedtime
Sleeping bags keep campers warm on chilly nights. Sleeping bags are rated by temperature range, and are available in two basic shapes. Rectangular bags are roomy and comfortable. Tapered "mummy" bags pack lighter and smaller. Sleeping pads, mattresses and cots furnish a comfortable sleeping surface while insulating the sleeper from the chilly ground. Foam and self-inflating sleeping pads are thin and lightweight. Inflatable mattresses and cots offer more comfort, but are heavier and bulkier.
Mealtime
Camp cooking gear is designed to be durable, light and compact. Nesting pots and pans can have no-stick surfaces, and folding or removable handles. Portable stoves run on liquid or gas fuel, and come in sizes ranging from single-burner backpacking stoves to free-standing, multiburner systems. Camp ovens work using your camp stove. Portable tables provide space for food preparation and dining. Heavy cast iron pots and pans are popular for cooking over a campfire.
Relaxing
Sitting on a log around the campfire might sound romantic, but it's not always practical or comfortable. Folding stools are small, light seats without back or arm rests. Popular models of folding camp chairs collapse into a long, narrow shape that is easy to pack into your vehicle. The simplest chairs have a back rest, while fancier chairs feature arm rests, drink holders, foot rests, umbrella holders and reclining back rests. Small folding tables make fine end tables.
Around the Fire
Nearly anything that can be cooked on your barbecue can be cooked over a campfire. A grill rack and long-handled utensils let you cook food directly over the campfire. Pots and pans can be set on the grill or suspended from a stand over the fire. Cast-iron pots and pans work well because cast iron heats slowly and evenly. A small folding shovel and plentiful water are required equipment for extinguishing your campfire.
Enjoying the Outdoors
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for treating scrapes, burns, sprains and other injuries. Other equipment you might want to take camping include lanterns, flashlights, binoculars, a camera, a global positioning system device, a compass, maps and rain ponchos. Depending on your activities, you'll also need fishing gear, day packs, hiking boots, climbing gear, bicycles and swimsuits.
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