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Gearing Up:  New to camping and need some help....  |
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catscharm74
outbound
35 Posts
35 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 21 2007 : 09:15:40 AM
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Well new in the fact that I haven't slept in a tent in over 20 years  Would anyone have a list of basics I would need for a family of three, including what kind of tent to get and what types of food, clothing, medical supplies, cooking items, I might need and what brands you recommend?
We are going to start by just camping close to civilization to get the hang of it then move out further.
Thanks.
To the woods,
Heather |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2007 : 12:02:50 PM
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MaryJane has all sorts of easy camping meals - the one-pan deserts are a MUST (esp with kids)
The View From My Boots
www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
"The earth is your grandmother and mother, and she is sacred. Every step that is taken upon her should be as a prayer." - Black Elk, Lakota |
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2007 : 2:48:18 PM
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Hi Heather!
Great questions. It depends on what type of camping you want to do.
Do you want to go hang out at campgrounds or established camping sites? Do you want to backpack in to a not established camping site? How long do you want to be gone? Is your vehicle going to be close by or parked and unreachable for every little thing?
One thing to consider for camping-even in summer- is that Cotton can be a dangerous choice. Wet cotton can wick away body heat extremely fast. This can be nice on a hot day, but deadly at night. Especially when you are laying on or close to the ground where more of your body heat is going to be leached away. Wool sweaters and shirts are great though since they actually can become warmer if they are wet (I still prefer mine dry though). Most camping experts recommend that you go with synthetic fibers and wool for outdoors wear.
Consider buying lightweight foam pads for sleeping bags. Laying on these helps decrease how much body heat is lost to the ground at night.
Of course you need a small water proof contatiner for matches and such. My family always uses empty film canisters. We put the matches inside a good baggy and then put that inside the film canister.
A water purification pump is a good investment.
I suggest a good first aid kit with MoleSkin. MoleSkin is a tan semi adhisive pad that you can cut to put over sore spots on feet and such to help prevent and heal blisters.
You can buy some great little propane stoves that make cooking a bit more reliable and a few well chosen camp pots and pans can do a lot in a pinch.
Hope that gives you a starting point.
Elizaray |
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catscharm74
outbound
35 Posts
35 Posts |
Posted - Apr 10 2007 : 1:13:33 PM
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| Thanks for all the suggestions. For now, we will be doing the established campgrounds. We like to hike and swim and just enjoy nature. My son, even at 1, already is noticing the animals. We have been "practicing" with tents in the house made out of blankets. I am trying to teach him to sleep on a mat but he is so active and squirmy. I hope he settles down within the next year or we will be dragging a pack and play with us. LOL!!! |
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Apr 10 2007 : 3:42:09 PM
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The good thing about camping is that the tent zips up so the tent effectively can become a pack'n'play for all three of you :)
Elizaray |
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Meg
Moderator/MaryJane's Farmgirl
11 Posts
Meg
11 Posts |
Posted - Apr 11 2007 : 9:49:44 PM
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Elizaray's suggestions are great. We bought the same brand of sleeping bags so that they zip together to make one big one and we can plop our little one down right between us...well, I have yet to test it out...so I'll let you know if it's bad idea or not as soon as we try it...but the sleeping bags that zip together were nice before we had her. 
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2007 : 2:59:05 PM
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Meg-
Please let me know how that works out for you when you go camping. We need to get some sleeping bags and if the zip together ones work well with a little one I will seriously consider that type.
I am also looking into some of the sleeping bags that are designed specifically for women, but I am worried that they would not be big enough for my little one to sleep with me.
I wonder if they make toddler sleeping bags. Perhaps that would be a good sewing project. Perhaps layers of fleece with waterproofed nylon cover?
What do you ladies think?
Elizaray |
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Gearing Up: New to camping and need some help.... |
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New to camping and need some help....
