Dress for Camping Success

Common sense is anyone's best guide for the first step in how to dress for camping. But there are some specifics that will help inform you how to exercise that common sense.

First, consider the season and climate for your site. It's obvious to say that if you want to camp in New Hampshire in the winter, you'll choose one type of wardrobe. If your plans call for hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee in the summer, that calls for a different sort.

But the basic principles remains the same in either case: you want good protection and proper thermal control.

To satisfy the first principle, select sturdy clothing. It may look cool in a TV commercial to dress in an Hawaiian shirt and thin cotton shorts out in the woods. But that's the quickest way to suffer scrapes and cuts, not to mention exposure to toxic plants. In that environment, those can quickly turn septic and campsites are often far away from professional medical facilities.

Pick a shirt that is comfortable, but made of durable material. Synthetic blends of cotton, wool and modern materials satisfy both criteria.

For colder climates, choose thicker clothing, but it should be wickable and breathable. 'Wickable' means that it transports sweat from your skin to the outer layer of the garment. Breathable is similar in that it moves air in and out. Good shirts will do that, while maintaining good insulation.

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For truly cold weather camping you will want to underlay that with some thermal underwear. Today those are made from blends of polypropylene, Capilene, cotton and other materials.

Wool provides good insulation, but it is mildly uncomfortable directly against the skin and worse if it gets wet. It becomes heavy and stays wet for a long time. Pure cotton is very comfortable, but it provides only moderate insulation and doesn't wick well. Go for modern blends.

For warmer climates, maintaining dry skin is still important. Dressing looser helps that, but you still need durable material to protect against tree branches, bushes and minor rock scrapes.

The same considerations apply to thermal underwear for the lower half of the body and to pants, during winter camping. Wickable, breathable, good insulation, sturdy and lightweight are important factors - and achievable in the same garment thanks to modern materials. Shorts, for warm climate camping, should only be worn in areas where you have lots of open space.

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For outer layers in cold weather you want a jacket or coat that keeps off rain and snow and insulates well. But it should also be lightweight and not bulky. You need to be able to move freely. Fortunately, those can be had together thanks to advances in material in the last 20 years.

Synthetic down, Primaloft, Thinsulate and other materials - combined with more contemporary geometry used to arrange them - provide wicking, warmth and insulation in a comfortable, lightweight garment.

For warmer climates, but ones subject to rain, Gore-Tex is a great material - waterproof, but breathable. Garments made with it are sometimes more expensive, but well worth the extra cost. The best hiking boots, for example, all use Gore-Tex.

Remember, the common sense guidelines still apply. Dress in layers to allow you to adjust for the conditions, but keep it lightweight so you don't have to carry around heavy items that make camping a burden. Protect yourself from the elements and you'll enjoy your trip that much more.

Sleeping Bag Design

Older sleeping bags were little more than a cotton and wool blanket folded over and fitted with a zipper. Modern sleeping bags have benefited from a dozen advances in materials science and ergonomic design, not to mention thousands of (night) hours of field testing.

Almost all have a nylon shell, but that doesn't mean they're all the same, even in that respect. Nylon can be thick or thin, sturdy or fragile, heat conductive or not. It can also be truly waterproof or merely offer a momentary delay in getting soaked. Look for strong, tight seams and composites that truly do the job.

The interior of sleeping bags has changed over the years, with more and more offering superior insulating materials. Some weigh as little as an ounce per square yard. Primaloft, Dupont Thermolite and other synthetics has made it possible to produce a lightweight bag that really keeps the cold out, while still allowing the interior to breathe.

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Clever design has been added to ingenious materials in many models. Those that offer layered synthetic insulation with natural (or even synthetic) down provide excellent temperature control and great comfort. Fill is measured by a number, with 750 now the bottom for a good bag, 900 is better. The number represents the volume occupied by a single cubic ounce of material. Use it to compare bags.

Materials aren't the only thing that's important. Geometry has really been improved in contemporary designs. A full length zipper is important on those nights when it's warm and you want to let a little air in. But having a well shaped mummy hood and draft collar are big advantages on those nights when you don't.

The mummy hood helps keep your arm warm if you're the type to put it under or above your head. It's also designed to allow you stuff clothes and towels beneath a liner to make a pillow. At the other end, space has been expanded in some models to allow those who sleep on their backs to keep their toes pointing up in a comfortable position.

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A bag should keep the cold ground out of the bag while allowing you to move freely. Those characteristics are hard to obtain together, but modern designers have accomplished just that.

At the same time, you want that bottom layer to provide sufficient padding when you don't have an air mattress or cot. Some models accomplish that with a slide-in rollable pad, others have the padding built in. Look for ones that provide adequate comfort without adding excessive weight and bulk.

Your sleeping bag is the most important piece of large equipment you'll take on a camping trip, unless you sleep in an RV or motel. There are those that would argue that isn't really camping. A tent is important, but there are trips where you don't want or need one. Your bag is your last line of defense, and your first line of comfort, for a great night's sleep in the outdoors.

Get a great night's sleep and you'll be well-refreshed to tackle that hike the next day.

Powering Your Campsite

One of the great joys of camping is experiencing the outdoors - fresh air, beautiful scenery, peace and quiet. But there are advantages to modern civilization, too, and not all of them have to be left behind. Cooking, lighting and powering cell phones, GPS units and other devices all require some kind of power.

Most power sources are gas or electric, though liquid fuels like 'Coleman fuel' or white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline are used as well. If you drive an RV to the campsite, you may be able to power a number of things off the RV, either by connecting to large batteries, or using it as a generator. But most sources will require a self-contained source.

In times past, kerosene was a popular choice for both cooking and lighting. But the unpleasant smell made it less than ideal. Today, most lighting is electric. Coleman-style lamps are everywhere, even though Coleman is far from the only manufacturer. Being copied is the price of producing a successful design.

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Solar powered lighting is becoming more common. Most campsites, at least during non-winter months, have ample sunshine anywhere outside heavily tree-shaded areas. Photo-voltaic cells are used to absorb all that free energy, storing it up for later use. They convert that radiant energy into electrical power, typically storing it in rechargeable batteries.

The efficiency of contemporary solar cells is so high that lamps can now be used for up to 12 hours, and some have mechanisms for powering other devices as well. One type, the Everlite (http://www.newlite.com), can supply power to recharge cell phones, Blackberries, iPods, GPS units and other devices.

One way solar powered lamps accomplish that amazing task is by using bulbs that use electricity very efficiently - such as LEDs. The older generation will remember LED clocks and watches from the 1970s. Those clocks had red numbers, made from a series of dots or lines composed of Light Emitting Diodes.

Back then, they required substantial power, but they've been vastly improved. LEDs (no longer just red) can now produce very bright, natural spectrum light with a minimum of power. LED bulbs used in the home (not solar powered), for example, can last 10 years or more, while consuming much less electricity to illuminate them.

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One of the drawbacks of traditional electric Coleman lamps is the need for heavy batteries - either the large, rectangular (and massive) 6 volt type or several D-sized. With modern fluorescent or LED-type lamps that's no longer necessary. The power requirements are much lower.

An alternative to electrical lamps is the still-popular propane or kerosene. Either can be used as a means of producing light, and they are cost-effective and produce adequate light. But refilling propane devices is less convenient and kerosene still has that unpleasant smell. For those who prefer them, however, they are available and usually at lower cost than solar powered or LED lamps.

Whichever method you prefer, always pack at least two lighting sources - a Coleman-style table lamp with a handle that can be hung on a branch or set down and a flashlight. You'll use both frequently.

Camping Stoves and Fires

Not having every comfort of home is part of the camping experience - and a very pleasurable part, as you test your hardiness while enjoying the outdoors. But even primitive man had fire, both for cooking and for providing needed heat on those chilly nights.

Some campsites don't allow fires in pits, some don't allow them at all. That leaves campers with the necessity to supply their own method for cooking and heating. Modern technology to the rescue! Today you can find cooking stoves and heaters that do a great job of satisfying those two needs.

Though they are usually called propane stoves or Colemans, there are several different types of fuel used and many manufacturers. Stoves typically burn either propane, butane or white gas ('Coleman fuel'), though some still use kerosene or even unleaded gasoline. The latter two shouldn't be anyone's first choice. They produce odors that are unpleasant and even unsafe, particularly when used for cooking.

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Propane and butane are roughly equivalent, though the former is probably a little more common these days. Coleman fuel burns cleanly and produces the most heat, though propane stoves can become plenty hot. If you must use unleaded gasoline, avoid spilling any on your skin and restrict its use to boiling water, except in emergencies.

Duel fuel stoves are available that allow you to have two different types in twin containers. But they can also be used as a repository for twice as much of the same fuel. They're more expensive to use, since Coleman fuel is higher than gasoline. But it burns much more cleanly.

Propane will burn the most cleanly of all, but propane prices have been rising for the past few years. Also, they don't produce quite as much heat as liquid fuels. Propane in a container is liquid, but only because it's under high pressure. At room temperature it's a gas.

Fuel cannisters come in several sizes - 5 gallon, 10 gallon and up. For most camping, you won't want anything larger than the 10 gallon container. They're about 10 inches high and 10 inches in diameter. Larger containers are unwieldy, unless they're attached to your RV via a hose and connector.

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There are several sizes to choose from and you may want to consider having more than one. A smaller one is lighter and easier to pack for those short trips, larger ones are handy for cooking for multiple people in the shortest time.

Two-burner stoves are common and convenient. They allow you to cook for two people or, more often, two different foods - such as meat and vegetables, or pasta and sauce. There are special cooking pots that can be stacked on top of one another to allow even more choices. You can boil potatoes in water on the top pot, for example.

Even two-burner stoves, however, come in different sizes. Larger grills are great for making eggs, hamburgers, pancake and other foods that require a little space to prepare. Remember, though, that the larger pot - especially if filled with water, will require more gas to heat it.

There are smaller stoves, just for backpacking. They fit well in a backpack, but are designed to prepare only very small meals, which might be just fine for one person.

Many commercial campsites provide cooking facilities, but most State and National parks don't. Plan your trip to ensure that you have a stove if you need one.

A Handheld GPS Could Be a Lifesaver

Garmin is the market leader in Global Positioning System receivers, but they're not the only manufacturer. Magellan, Lowrance and others make good units, too. With so many manufacturers and models to choose from what should you look for?

Naturally, the answer depends on what you intend to do with it.

The basic purpose of a GPS unit is to enable the user to locate his or her position at any time. That's accomplished by reading the display on a hand-held device that receives the signal from a series of satellites in geo-synchronous orbit around the Earth. How it does that is ingenious, but a little technical so we'll skip that for now.

But, there are actually several different types of GPS unit. One type is optimized for use at sea on a ship, others work better in cars, still others are oriented toward use for hiking. Some basics apply to every type, however.

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The user should be able to interpret the display and operate the controls without a degree in electrical engineering. Some are little more than electronic maps, some of those are static (they have only pre-loaded maps), others can download new maps via wireless or through a PC/Internet connection. Some have cryptic latitude and longitude readings only, requiring you to translate your position by use of a map.

For a hiking GPS unit, long battery life is important. Navigating around wilderness areas is generally done in a fairly casual way, unless you get lost. When that happens you want the unit to stay active for a long time.

For similar reasons, a waterproof unit is a near must. Rapid, unexpected changes in the weather are common in camping areas. Rain can start and stop before you know it. You don't want your unit to get damaged or stop functioning when you're navigating your way back. Don't forget to ask if the unit you're considering is sturdy. It isn't useful if it can't stand up to the rigors of the trail.

The number of routes and maps, as well as the number of waypoints or coordinates, that a unit will hold varies with model. The more memory the unit has (just as with your computer), the more it can store.

Route capacity should be at least 20, but 50 or more is preferable. Waypoint capacity is a healthy 500 for most, but given that every location is a waypoint, that can add up quickly. Here again, more is better, but you pay for that.

The ability to adjust the map you see in any compass direction is very helpful. The bearing (direction) to your next waypoint is standard, but check to make sure. Knowing where you are at a given time is often almost useless. Your goal is to get from one point to the next, not simply to know which lat/long you occupy.

Ergonomic factors are somewhat important. The unit should fit comfortably in your hand and not be so heavy as to cause fatigue. It should be small enough to fit in your pocket, but light enough as to not be an annoyance while it's there.

Be prepared to pay a little extra to get a good unit. It will last for years and they are already so feature packed that you won't have to replace it in a year with the newest model.

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.