Camping Tips

[her209]

Shovel? or trowel? Because one sounds like a heavy piece of equipment.

Depends on how big of a hole you need.

:sneaky:

 

[JulesMaximus]

I would go so far as to say don't go camping if there's ANY snow.

I've done cold camping a few times where it got down below freezing at night. No snow but bitter cold can be just as bad, snow just adds in wetness. A good down sleeping bag and a decent shelter are all you need. My 8 year old and I went camping last spring in the mountains and it got down to the low 30s at night. We slept great though even though the wind was howling all night long. We both had thermal pads to sleep on and good quality sleeping bags along with a cheap 3 man tent. I was actually a bit too warm at times.

 

[xanis]

Some advice from my years in Boy Scouts and other time spent outdoors:

1) If there's a chance of rain, bring all of your rain gear. When you're camping, a "chance of rain" usually means that it's going downpour. Sunny skies? It'll downpour later.

2) Going along with #1, bring tarps. They have many uses but the best use is keeping you dry. You can put one under and over your tent to create a nice, dry shelter.

3) Always bring more than one pair of comfortable shoes. When you're spending the entire day on your feet on rough terrain, you need to be comfortable. You will also need a second pair because, as we all know, it's going to rain and your main footwear will probably get wet.

4) Bring a first aid kit. 'Nuff said.

 

[krunchykrome]

I've done cold camping a few times where it got down below freezing at night. No snow but bitter cold can be just as bad, snow just adds in wetness. A good down sleeping bag and a decent shelter are all you need. My 8 year old and I went camping last spring in the mountains and it got down to the low 30s at night. We slept great though even though the wind was howling all night long. We both had thermal pads to sleep on and good quality sleeping bags along with a cheap 3 man tent. I was actually a bit too warm at times.

I went winter camping last year; temp dropped to 20's. I slept in a zero degree sleeping bag and was warm the entire night. A beanie might have helped though. I brought a portable heather and didn't have to use it much.

 

[her209]

I went winter camping last year; temp dropped to 20's. I slept in a zero degree sleeping bag and was warm the entire night. A beanie might have helped though. I brought a portable heather and didn't have to use it much.

I want a portable Heather.

 

[BoomerD]

Always bring rope, duct tape, and a shovel.

That's just good everyday advice. Don't leave home without them...

 

[foghorn67]

1- To stay awake, put a piece of tobacco leaf in your eye.

2- If you enjoy your eye sight and you do not like your eyes burning, do not put tobacco in your eyes.

That is all.

 

[foghorn67]

I use a military(genuine) entrenching shovel.

This. They are cheap, effective and serve more than one purpose.

 

[Kreon]

I second the trashbags. Particularly gets ones for 55 gallon drums. Those are the best for rain gear and storing stuff.

Use them as trashbags, ponchos, put your clothes in one before they go in your pack, same with sleeping bag. You can even throw one over your backpack.

You can cut along one side and the bottom to make a little tarp if you need an extra for some reason.

I've even used them as a sleeping bag in the summer (when sleeping under the stars becomes sleeping under the rain clouds).

I also love winter camping. If there is snow on the ground, hope the temperatures stay below ~20 because then the snow won't be wet. When its to warm, you touch the snow, it melts and your instantly wet. When its low temps, you can stay very dry.

Also when winter camping: Bring an empty Gatorade or similar wide mouth disposable bottle. If you have to pee in the middle of the night, use it so you don't have to get out of your bag. Then in the morning warm it by the fire, empty it out, and use again the next night. You'll likely want to dispose of it when you get home though...

Always bring a whistle too. If you are lost, it is easier to make a lot of noise with a whistle than by yelling.

 

[AstroManLuca]

You can be warm with an air mattress, but only one of the really thin ones like a ThermaRest. Those big air beds are only suitable when it's very warm. Even then, it can get cold enough at night to be uncomfortable. I was on a short weekend trip where we had enough room, so we thought we'd pack air beds because they're thicker and more comfortable, but we got extremely cold even in July.

ThermaRest pads can be very comfortable and pack away pretty small. Definitely smaller than a comparable foam pad. But they're designed to be warm.

 

[jiggyest]

Always bring your 10 essentials as a minimum.

Learn how to use a map/compass or gps, or both.

Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing/gear.

Repackage food into freezer bags to save space.

For winter camping:
For those that get cold easily, fill your nalgene bottle with hot water before going to bed and throw it inside your sleeping bag. You might also want to throw your boots inside your bag to keep it warm.

Double up on ground insulation with a closed foam cell pad + air pad.

Keep your fuel canisters and batteries warm by keeping them inside your sleeping bag or inside your jacket.

 

[tenthumbs]

Set up your camp before nightfall.
If you're going solo, tell two other people where you're going and when you're supposed to be back.
Leave no trace

 

[dank69]

Always bring rope, duct tape, and a shovel.

You forgot the bag of lime. Rookie mistake. And you don't need rope AND duck tape, it's one or the other.

 

[BoomerD]

You forgot the bag of lime. Rookie mistake. And you don't need rope AND duck tape, it's one or the other.

Wrong...they are NOT interchangeable. Rope can be used to fashion a snare or trap...try that with duct tape and the only thing you'll catch will be dirt, twigs, and a few insects.
Once you have captured your prey however, they become fairly interchangeable.
Lime is just added weight for mobile operations. Keep it properly stored at your final destination instead.

 

[skyking]

Wrong...they are NOT interchangeable. Rope can be used to fashion a snare or trap...try that with duct tape and the only thing you'll catch will be dirt, twigs, and a few insects.
Once you have captured your prey however, they become fairly interchangeable.
Lime is just added weight for mobile operations. Keep it properly stored at your final destination instead.

Indeed. And all this talk of entrenching tools and shovels?
Pfft. I have a whole ring of equipment keys :awe:

 

[Liet]

Walk in single file so your numbers can't be counted.

Ok, seriously:

- The lighter, the better. An $80 sleeping bag is worth every penny, if you're going to be carrying it around all freaking day up and down mountains.

- Don't rely on just one method of lighting a fire. Carry a few. Cheap lighter, etc.

- Freeze any meats you're bringing, so you can use them instead of ice in your cooler. Saves weight.

 

[Gibsons]

I want a portable Heather.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Always bring bacon.

 

[davmat787]

I would go so far as to say don't go camping if there's ANY snow.

One of my all time favorite camping trips was on Mt. Rainier where we built igloos. If you have the right equipment, knowledge, and time, snow camping can be a blast. I was surprised just how warm it was inside the igloo as well.

Not the type of camping I would do every year, but it was well worth the effort to make the igloo.

 

[AstroManLuca]

babe thread





:sneaky:





fapfapfap

 

[dank69]

Wrong...they are NOT interchangeable. Rope can be used to fashion a snare or trap...try that with duct tape and the only thing you'll catch will be dirt, twigs, and a few insects.
Once you have captured your prey however, they become fairly interchangeable.
Lime is just added weight for mobile operations. Keep it properly stored at your final destination instead.

I use my good looks to catch my prey.

 

[DrPizza]

Backpacking & family camping are two totally different animals. I'll address family camping:
Get pie irons (also called sandwich makers by some people)

They're called pie irons, because you lightly butter one side of each of two slices of bread, and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on it. Put the slices of bread in the pie iron, butter to the metal. Put a couple tablespoons of pie filling (apple/cherry/blueberry/whatever) between the slices of bread, and cook in the campfire to cook. Careful, they're friggin hot when they're done.

Also, 2 slices of bread, pizza sauce, cheese, mozz cheese & you have pizza pockets. Or, you can just plain have warm sandwiches.

I've even taken a pair while backpacking a few times. Some instant pancake mix & it makes a great pancake/waffle for breakfast. Every time I've gone camping with someone new and they've seen the things I cook over the campfire with pie irons, they say "wow, I've got to get some of those."

 

[ShawnD1]

Leave only foot prints.

Why would i take the body home with me????

 

[guyver01]

The best part of camping?

When it's over.

 

[The_Dude8]

What are some of your favorite home made backpacking food that are lightweight and taste good?

I like mountain house, but they're pretty pricey though.