The Great Outdoors

Camping is America's favorite outdoor activity. Every year 42 million people will participate, creating a three billion-dollar industry. Camping allows a person to escape the chaos of the city and embrace nature in its glory. It can reset your body's natural clock, lowering your stress levels, and leaving you feeling more relaxed than you've felt in years. There's really no wrong way to go camping. You can bug-out camp which is when you rough it using only your bug-out bag or buy fancy equipment to go glamping (glamour camping). The average weekend trip takes 25 days to plan, so here are some tips to make it a smooth, beneficial experience.

Picking A Site

This is the most important step in your camping trip, as this can make or break your weekend. You'll want a nice piece of flat land 65 yards (or 35 meters) away from a water source. You want to make sure it is slightly elevated (about a foot) above the water line in case of flooding. Make it smooth by removing the rocks and debris from your campsite. If in a public area with other people don't crowd them. Space your tents 30 feet apart from each other. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the campgrounds and what the rules are. Consult with the Rangers Office prior to your arrival to see if you'll need to make a reservation or obtain permits.

Tools Of The Trade

Camping requires a bit of supplies. The most basic items will be a tent to fit everyone in your party comfortably in. You'll want to grab some extra stakes and a rubber mallet to get it up properly. A good quality sleeping bag and pad for a restful night's sleep. Don't forget a pillow. Many public campsites have a communal shower, so bring toiletries, shower shoes, and a quick dry towel to use them. Invest in a large cooler to keep food like lunch meat fresh. Remember to replace the ice once a day or your food may get warm and spoil. A flashlight or lantern for extra lighting. It is also the most bought camping item. A first aid kit is a must-have since accidents are bound to happen.

Dressing For The Weather

Another reason to know where you'll be camping is to let you know what to wear. A couple of days before your trip you should read what the forecast for the area is going to be so you can dress appropriately. You'll want to layer with wool or synthetic fabrics. Don't choose cotton as these tend to hold moisture and don't insulate very well. To layer properly you'll want to start with the base layer. This should be lightweight and moisture-whisking. The mid-layer is the insulating layer. This is what holds heat to your body to keep you warm. The outer layer is what protects you from the elements. Lastly, you'll want to invest in good quality hiking boots and long, thermal socks.

Wilderness Culinary

When planning your trip make sure you have enough food and water to cover your time there. When it comes to water you'll need to pack a gallon a day per person, a gallon and a half for elderly, pregnant women, and children under ten years old. Never drink or cook with untreated, found water. With food plan to eat every 4-8 hours. Look for snacks with high carb and high protein counts. If forging take a local class first to familiarize yourself with the edible plant life. There are specialty cookbooks available to give you meal ideas. Bring a portable stove with fuel while you learn how to cook over an open fire. Have a set of metal, enamel, or plastic dishes with cutlery for each person to reduce waste.

Camp Hygiene

Keeping your site clean is the most important thing you can do as a camper. Before leaving for a trip always clean your supplies. While cleaning check to see if it is working properly and not damaged. If you brought it, take it with you. Local wildlife can get sick or hurt when consuming trash. Every night you should collect all your garbage and dispose of it properly, or lock it up in your car. Never leave food out. Pack it away or hang it from a tree. Cover your latrine if your party is not using a publicly-accessible bathroom. Wash dishes with eco-friendly soap in fetched water. Wash your clothing with a special laundry detergent design to keep wildlife and bugs away like Nikwax Tech Wash.