When deciding what types of outdoor camping gear you want to take to your summer camp, why not start with where you’ll sleep. If you’re just starting out with camping, a tent may be the best answer for you. Available in many sizes, tents can be purchased at most discount stores and can even be fairly economical to buy, especially when compared to other forms of sleeping accommodations available for campers. Transportable to your campsite by car, tents are relatively easy to set up and take down.
There are several ways you may want to furnish your new home. Sleeping bags are a good form of bedding, especially if there’s a chill in the air. Placing them atop an air mattress is a good way to make them a bit more comfortable.
But if it’s really hot out and you don’t want a big quilted sleeping bag, a cot might be a better option. Make your bed up with blankets or sheets appropriate to the temperature of the night air and drift off to sleep amid the murmur of crickets and other creatures of the night. And don’t forget to bring a pillow!
Perhaps you’re hoping to eat on this camping expedition. Unless you plan to eat cold cuts and salad the whole trip, you’ll need somewhere to cook, and a campfire is a good option. It’s not only fun but it gives everything you cook a unique smokey flavor.
If you’re not sure that the proper size of dry wood will be readily available where you’ll be camping, it’s a good idea to bring some dry wood with you. Also bring along some dryer lint, yes, dryer lint, to use as a fire starter. And remember you’ll need matches!
For cooking utensils, fashion sticks for cooking hot dogs or marshmallows over the campfire by whittling points on thin green twigs from trees at your site. If making stew or potatoes, a cast iron pot and a tripod to hang it over the flame will be useful. Heavy metal grids on legs which you place over hot coals are great for preparing steaks or chops. Don’t forget some long tongs and a large spoon for turning or stirring your meals.
Other cheap camping equipment you’ll need is a cooler and ice for cold items, a plastic tablecloth, paper plates and napkins, paper towels, salt and pepper, and some sort of cutlery. A small plastic dishpan can serve as a container when hauling camping equipment to your campsite and will also help when cleaning up. Your local dollar store is a good place to buy these items.
With a bit of planning and wise shopping, your outdoor gear can be ready with a minimum of packing and expense. Plan your meals ahead so you know what food to bring, check the weather forecasts so you know what type of clothing you’ll need, and always remember, no matter how much planning you do, there will probably be something you’ve forgotten!
