Camping is fun when you have the right gear:
To shelter yourself in the woods a good size, right kind and comfortable tent will make the trip a good camping experience.
To find a tent that suits your needs visit
http://www.rei.com/
http://www.campmor.com/
When selecting a tent note the size of the tent/capacity, the material/ season of the tent and reviews. There are many different kinds of tents depending on seasons. The best thing to do is to select an all season tent, which will suit your needs in diverse climatic zones.
Once you have selected the model and brand, it is worth checking and comparing the prices on amazon.com. You may get lucky and find something cheaper on amazon. Memberships to campmor and rei can also help to get 20% discount coupons which could be used towards big purchases like a tent.
Tips when you set up a tent at the campsite:
- Choose a leveled section of the campground.
- Clean the section by removing any big stones, branches etc in the area that may hurt your back when you sleep.
- If there is a leaf padding, do not remove it; it will help your back.
- Know how to set up your tent before hand. Read the instruction manual if you are first time camper.
- Check your tent throughly so there are no tears and holes.
- Start to set up before it gets dark
- Keep the entry zips closed to avoid insects, mosquitos and small animals entering the tent.
- If its hot, open the sides, leave the mesh closed to avoid insects
- If the tent site has a slope, sleep in the direction of the slope such that your head is in the elevated end.
- Always set up the tent away from camp-fire, but not too far-away, so you can keep warm.
Once you have a tent, comfortable bedding is the next important step. Since you cannot carry mattresses, blankets or comforters with you, sleeping pads or air mattresses might be helpful. Inflatable cushions can also help for people who can absolutely not do without pillows. Sleeping bag helps the best on camping since you can pack yourself well inside the bag and protect yourself from the weather and insects if any. For people who do not like to be packed and like their arms and legs to be able to move while sleeping, sleeping bags cannot do justice. At many occasions we have carried blankets and comforters with us. But this will not help for backpacking, in that case sleeping bag is mandatory in cold weathers.
Other important tips:
*Try and avoid using any toiletries like aromatic body lotions etc. This may attract wildlife and call for trouble
*Avoid use of aromatic insect repellents
*Talk to the ranger/visitor center before using any aromatic candles or products. Especially in bear zones this is important to consider
*Do not store any food inside the tent
*Be mindful about the fact that if you have a tent-light inside or campfire light, people from outside, may be able see your shadows.
*Do not be noisy, maintain the peace of a nature place.
*Put off camp-fire before you go to sleep.
