Best Bets for Buying Camping Supplies

1. Best Bets for Buying Camping Supplies Planning a camping trip is hard work, but it all pays off when you spend time bonding with your family under the stars. Getting your gear together is the first step, yet even experienced campers sometimes falter when it comes to choosing their supplies. As you put together your camping supplies, use these tips to arrive at your campsite prepared with everything you need to make your outdoor excursion a memorable experience. Choose a Tent Shelter should always be your first priority when spending time in the wilderness. For most campers, a three-season tent will suffice since it can withstand minor rain showers while keeping out the cold night air. However, camping at a higher elevation or in areas with temperatures that drop below freezing requires a heavier-duty tent that can withstand multiple inches of snow. In addition to checking for weather resistance, use the tent specifications as a guide to find out how many people it can comfortably fit. Then, look into additional features such as a screened porch, room partitions and windows that can make your shelter feel more like home. Select Your Sleeping Bag Similar to tents, sleeping bags are rated according to the temperature range in which they can still be expected to provide warmth. For example, a summer-season sleeping bag is only designed for above freezing temperatures, while a three-season bag can keep you comfortable if the temperature drops into the teens. It is important to note that these temperatures assume that you are sleeping in long thermals and using a sleeping pad beneath the bag, so plan accordingly.

2. Pick a Lantern First time campers are often amazed at how dark it gets at night in the wilderness. Make sure you have a clear way to get around by selecting a lantern that fits your needs. Lanterns come in electric and gas varieties. If you are camping with children, electric lanterns are safer, yet they do require batteries that may run out during the trip. Gas lanterns put out more light than electric models, but they can only be operated in well- ventilated areas, which makes them unsafe for use inside of tents. Bring Cooking Essentials Some campgrounds allow open flames such as a fire pit, while others may have fire restrictions in place. For this reason, it is always best to bring a gas stove. If you plan to cook on the hiking trail, then a backpacking stove that uses a canister will provide the best portability. However, these tend to be less wind-resistant and have less cooking capacity than a tabletop stove. Camping is one recreational activity that requires little more than food, shelter and bedding. However, choosing the right supplies will ensure that your family stays warm and dry. As you head out on your next camping trip, enjoy knowing that you are fully prepared for anything that comes your way.