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Countdown to Summer: Prepping Your Camping Gear
Summer is on its way, and with Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s time for outdoor enthusiasts to start preparing for an exciting, adventurous, and fun-filled camping season.
Of course, the first step to ensuring a successful season is getting your hands on the right camping gear. Use the checklist below to find out what essential gear you already have and what supplies you’ll need for camping this summer – and why.
Tent. If you’re uncomfortable with the notion of sleeping under the stars, you’ll need a tent. Not only do tents provide protection from the elements (which no one can change or accurately predict 100% of the time), they can provide protection from annoying bugs and critters.
Sleeping bag. Don’t let the warm, sunny days fool you. Temperatures can drop drastically at night, and you’ll be glad you’ve got a warm and cozy bed to combat them.
LED lanterns. Once the sun goes down, the party doesn’t have to stop. So if you don’t want to turn in prematurely, you’re going to need equipment to light up the night, and LED lanterns are simply the best tool for the job. Energy efficient, long-lasting, and brighter than most other lights you’ll find, an LED lantern is one of the best values on the market today.
LED flashlight/headlamp. And don’t think you won’t need to move around during the night as well. Trips to the restroom or late night snacks can be burdensome without a proper light. Lanterns and other lights can be big and bulky when transporting and just too much light for the job-at-hand. A reliable LED camping flashlight is perfect to accomplish your late night task.
First-Aid kit. Safety first! You never know when an accident could happen, minor or serious. Always be prepared to handle any situation with a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Food storage. You’ve got to eat, and unless you plan on foraging for berries and edible plants all week long, you’ll need some reliable containers to store your food. Remember, these containers should be durable enough to keep out small and large animals alike. Also, don’t overlook the fact that you might need containers suited to keep foods cold.
Cooking equipment. If you’re going to eat, you’ll need some way to prepare that food. Whether you’re simply bringing meals that cook over a campfire or if you prefer using a camping stove, think through all the equipment you’ll need to prepare your meals for the week.
Entertainment. Sometimes we focus so much on just “getting there” we forget to prepare for the destination itself. Packing games, activities, music, and other forms of entertainment will help make the experience a memorable one.
Once you’ve got your hands on the right camping gear, you’ll need to know how and why to prepare your camping supplies for optimal success. Below is a checklist of everything you should do before you set out at the end of the month to kick-off the summer season.
Set up your tent. Don’t neglect to do this, especially if your tent is rarely used or brand new. The last thing you want to discover is a leak, broken pole, or other malfunction upon your arrival at your destination.
Stock your first aid kit. In addition to medical supplies, be sure to include matches, a whistle, multi-tool, an emergency blanket, and poncho. Now, your First-Aid kit has just become a basic survival kit.
Test your lights. Batteries die and bulbs burn out. Don’t get caught in the middle of the night with a lame light. This is why I recommend LED lights. Since they consume less energy, battery and bulb life are markedly longer than conventional camping flashlights.
Test any miscellaneous equipment. Cooking stoves, electric coolers, air mattresses, and anything else necessary for a successful trip should be tested beforehand and not the day of departure.
Look through storage bins and containers. Typically, I pack all my camping gear away for the rainy season and don’t touch it until summer. If you’re like me, don’t just assume everything is where you last put it or in the condition you left it. Look through all your storage containers to ensure all your camping supplies are one, accounted for, and two, functioning properly.
Make it your goal this month to get ready for the upcoming camping season, and use the checklists above to guide you through the process. Take advantage of everything nature has to offer you this summer. Happy camping!
~Ben Nystrom, 2009
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