Camping Guide - Advice

LOCATIONS || CAMPING ADVICE || GREAT EVENTS

There are too few things in life that are free. Even advice, in many cases, comes at a price.

Not here. In this section, you can find advice offered free of charge. Best type of sleeping bag? No problem. Best way to care for your tent? We've got you covered (pun not intended). As this page is developed, you'll find suggestions for many camping situations. The only thing we ask in return is that you share a suggestion or two. In fact, maybe this page should be called the Camping Advice Trading Post!

Backpacking

...waiting to pick someone's brain.

Cold Weather

Layers, layers, layers. Always dress in layers.
Protect your extremities (head, hands, feet). Bring a spare hat, gloves, and several extra changes of socks.
Understand the benefits of wool and synthetic fibers.
Know the dangers of wearing cotton.
Know the warning signs of hypothermia.
Hydrate thyself. You can succumb to dehydration easier in cold weather than in hot weather, don't forget to drink often in cold weather conditions.

Cooking

Planning your menus and necessary steps for preparation in advance will lead to successful meals.
K.I.S.M.I.F.
Stew from a can may fill you up, but steak feeds the soul.

Hiking

Break your boots in prior to that 10 mile hike you're planning.
Walking sticks are a great way to reduce stress and will increase your mobility, particularly when you are carrying a moderate to heavy load in your pack.
When walking distances on asphalt or concrete, take more frequent breaks. Your feet will thank you.

Gear

This heading offers a few suggestions that may at first sound contrary. You're told to save money on one hand, but to spend money on another. The explanation is simple.

If you can't find a way to either borrow a piece of equipment or adapt an exisiting one, don't buy something that you'll be unhappy with halfway through your first camping trip. When you need to spend money on a knife, tent, sleeping bag, bedroll, clothes, or other frequently used items, buy something you'll use on your next camping trip...and for the next fifty trips as well.

Don't break the bank...plan your purchases to meet your needs. If you can borrow a tent for a few months, do so.
Buy quality goods. A well made sleeping bag or bed roll will not only serve you for years, it will serve you comfortably.
Use items available to you in your home when possible. Mess kits can be as simple as a few old utensils and an old plastic plate container.
Be aware that a cot is not always the most comfortable way to sleep outdoors. In most cases, a good bedroll is much better for your back, offering both support and warmth that a cot does not offer.

Hot Weather

Dress to the conditions.
Use sunblock and shade at all times.
Hydrate. And when we say hydrate, that doesn't mean drink fluids with caffeine. Drink water, juice, or a 'sports' drink. Stay away from soda, coffee, tea, and most 'energy' drinks.