Gear for a Stress-Free Camping Trip

With all the hustle and bustle of school and work, a camping trip is a fantastic way for families to bond. The fond memories of spending time around the campfire, exchanging stories, sharing laughter and joyfully singing.

But planning any trip can be filled with stress. The concern of having to budget might come up while planning the trip. Who should be included, use a camper or a tent or an RV, the size and type of tent to be used, to buy or not to buy and the list goes on!

Choosing the right camping gear is the best way to avoid ruining the whole trip.

An average sized adult will be comfortable with a 30 square foott area. This would mean that the ideal size for two persons is a ten by ten foot tent. Setting up a tent larger than that would pose a problem to the campers because it is heavier load and finding a level spot would be quite a task. Non-rusting zippers, nylon-tape-reinforced seams are a must to find in a tent. Usually, a three-season tent suffices for campers use since not all campers deal with snow.

After picking out the tent, next comes the sleeping bags. Of course, comfort and space is taken into consideration when deciding on which to buy. There are the rectangular and the mummy shaped. Rectangular shaped ones are spacious and are most comfortable. For those that camp at a lower temperature area, the mummy shaped sleeping bag is used for more insulation. It is important for zippers not to pinch or catch on the fabric. Buying an adult sized sleeping bag for children is recommended for those that camp out regularly.

A night out won’t be too good without a hearty meal. Cooking directly over the fire is an option for the heartiest campers. Otherwise there are many options for those who prefer camping stoves.

The best stove to have is a standard-sized, two-burner stove. Manufacturers offer stoves that can accommodate pot sizes. Though there are stoves that are fueled by kerosene, unleaded gasoline, or butane, it is wise to choose from either “white gas” or propane. The white gas or commonly known as the Coleman fuel gives off intense heat, making cooking time shorter and food is free of gas odor. Spilling is of no problem with this type of fuel since it evaporates quickly and is completely odorless.

A propane-fueled stove is widely used because of its user-friendly features and easy availability. Stove extras such as the stand, wind screen and stove starters are important. Wind screen will be greatly appreciated during windy and stormy days. Stove starters prevents burning the hands and stops the hassle of using matches.

Camping frustration because of substandard hiking gear is another stressor to avoid, soy spending a bit more to obtain quality gear is suggested.

Camping – Which RV is Best for You?

Recreational vehicles (RVs) come in a range of sizes. Some are no larger than the camper shells of the 1950s, others are the size of a large bus. The majority of RVs today are either Class A, B or C. Oddly enough, class C is larger than B.

Class A is the largest type, the oversized bus you've seen on the highways. These are really motorhomes and many people do, in fact, live in them full time. So-called snowbirds follow the sun. As the weather gets cool they head for warmer climates, like some migratory birds.

These vehicles have several advantages. A class A RV has plenty of living room for two to four people, with an extensive kitchen, sleeping quarters and many extras. Most will be fitted with a TV/DVD player, wireless computer and other modern 'essentials'. Small satellite dishes are available that can be attached to the roof, allowing Internet access in most areas.

Class A RVs are not for everyone, nor for every camping trip. Their large size makes them more difficult to drive, particularly since the width lessens visibility and makes correct backing up and turning specialized skills. Some manufacturers exceed the limitations of the chassis and the RV can be less stable on winding or slick mountain roads.

Class B RVs are really just regular consumer family vans that have been outfitted with a small stove and/or sink and a pair of sleeping bunks. For many, and especially for weekend trips, these are ideal. Gas mileage is considerably better than a Class A vehicle and they're as easy to drive as any other van.

Space limitations mean that more thought has to be given to packing. Also, some don't have all the desirable power options and connectors that can be handy on a camping trip. Self-contained propane and a generator of electrical power can be a big benefit on longer trips.

Class C RVs are in between the other two in size and features, with some only slightly larger than vans, others almost the size of a large bus. The majority are about the size of a large emergency medical vehicle or armored car.

These RVs make excellent choices for almost all camping trips, provided you don't intend to live in them full time. They have plenty of space for two people, four if you don't mind being cramped. They offer moderate-sized stoves and sinks, have space for a TV/DVD and many have fold out awnings and other extras.

Gas mileage is decent on many models, often only somewhat less than a van. In this range you generally have a choice between gasoline and diesel. Which you choose depends on your guess about prices and personal preference. Diesels are noisier and some people are sensitive to the odor of the exhaust.

Keep in mind that finding diesel on the road can be more difficult than finding gasoline. That's uncommon - there are long-haul trucks all over - but it's a consideration. Parking a Class C is much easier than a Class A vehicle, but still a squeeze at some smaller campsites.

Give some thought to what type of camping you intend to do and research your choice accordingly.

Camping Checklist: What should I bring?

A great summer getaway with the family is spending days at a campsite, enjoying Mother Nature: the scenery, the flowers and the wildlife. While being excited for the whole trip, it is most important to prepare for the best, and the worst, things that nature can give us.

The ultimate camper’s check list should be categorized into the following items: Personals, Camping Essentials, First Aid Kit, Clothing, Children and Baby Supplies, Sleeping, Kitchen Utensils and Equipments, Camping Fire and Before-Leaving-Home List.

1. Personals would include grooming and hygiene kit such as shampoo, soap, insect repellant (which one cannot do without!), toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant, towels, toilet paper, lip balm, sun block, sun glasses and a trusty sewing kit, etc.

2. Camping Essentials would include driver’s license, money, ID card, map, compass, flashlights and battery packs, lantern, bulbs, water, rope, clothespin, clothesline, radio, canteen, clock, camera, lots of film, binoculars, lounge chair, foldable table, tent repair gear, pocket knife and a lighter.

3. A good First Aid Kit should have the necessary medicines for fever, headaches, flu, allergy and stomach ulcer. Antibiotic cream, antiseptic and band aids for wound. Tweezers should also be there to take out splinters. Pocket tissues are advisable.

4. Clothing should include a cozy pairs of sweat pants and shirt, sweater, thermals, gloves, jacket, pants, underwear, socks of varying thickness, pajamas, swimsuit, t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, bandanas, hats, sandals, sneakers, hiking boots, and rain gear.

5. Children and Baby Supplies depends on the child that will go camping. Babies would need lots of baby food, milk, bottles, pacifier, diapers and baby wipes, bibs, spoons, high chair, blankets, play pen, stuffed toys, stroller, tub and books, For bigger kids, games for rainy days and for traveling, toys, pencils, crayons, paper, bucket and shovel, Frisbees, kites and magazines are essential.

6. Sleeping gear would include the tent, poles, mallet, ground cloth, sleeping bags, mattress, pillows, blankets, air pump, rope and stakes.

7. Kitchen Utensils and Equipments would consist of food container, insulator for frozen food, pots and pans, stove, fuel, matches or lighter, plates and eating utensils, bowls, mugs, coffee pot, thermos, aluminum foil, dish towel, spatula, tongs, bottle and can opener, knife, dish soap, sponge, trash bags, zip lock bags, table cloth and skewers for campfire barbecuing or marshmallow toasting.

8. Camping Fire Checklist would include the kindling, matches, newspaper, fire extinguisher, shovel, ax, wood and the campfire permit.

9. The Before-Leaving-Home List includes locking of all the doors and windows, turning off all the lights and appliances such as the computer, adjusting the thermostat, holding of all mails, watering of plants and making pet arrangements (unless the pet comes along!).

With these filled-up, the trip will surely be a blast!