If you read last week’s article, you already know a bit about camping. You may be wondering what equipment exactly do you need? We’ll go through the basics here and I’ll include some links to some great companies that sell what you need.
First, let’s look at tents. Tents come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, how are you supposed to pick the right one? Don’t pick a cheap one, that’s my first piece of advice. Cheap tents will tear easily and tend to leak.
You want a tent that is big enough to hold everyone in your immediate party and your equipment. Tents come with labels that tell you how many people are supposed to fit into them. Usually, the number is just a tad on the optimistic side, unless you are putting children into the tent. I generally subtract one from the given number. After all, you don’t want to be packed in like sardines!
You also will want a tent that is easy to set up. A pop-up tent is useful, it self-erects. There are also tents using the ‘two-minute setup’ as mentioned in Part One. I would recommend one of these two options, other tents can be tedious and frustrating to put up, especially if you’re losing light. You may opt for a tent with extra storage compartments for your stuff. Choose a tent that will air out easily, more than one door or a door and a window, or mesh vents on the top. Make sure the tent comes with a fly to keep out inclement weather!
On to sleeping bags. Sleeping bags come in range of weights, according to the weather you intend to use them in. A bag meant for -40 will be designed differently than one intended for light summer use. Determine the temperature range the bag will be most used in and look for one that suits your requirements.
In colder climates, a mummy bag is a useful option. The head of the bag is elongated on the bottom and features pull-ties so you can tighten the bag around your head and face, somewhat like a hoodie. This conserves body heat and you’ll really appreciate it in below zero weather.
Sleeping bags come in a variety of materials. Different materials tend to be used according to the temperature range they will be used in, but you have some choice. Wool will keep you warm, even when it is soaked through, but it is heavy and can cause allergic reactions. Down is warm, but also fairly heavy. Your best bet is probably going to be the man-made fibres. They keep you warm and are light and easy to pack on hiking trips.
First, let’s look at tents. Tents come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, how are you supposed to pick the right one? Don’t pick a cheap one, that’s my first piece of advice. Cheap tents will tear easily and tend to leak.
You want a tent that is big enough to hold everyone in your immediate party and your equipment. Tents come with labels that tell you how many people are supposed to fit into them. Usually, the number is just a tad on the optimistic side, unless you are putting children into the tent. I generally subtract one from the given number. After all, you don’t want to be packed in like sardines!
You also will want a tent that is easy to set up. A pop-up tent is useful, it self-erects. There are also tents using the ‘two-minute setup’ as mentioned in Part One. I would recommend one of these two options, other tents can be tedious and frustrating to put up, especially if you’re losing light. You may opt for a tent with extra storage compartments for your stuff. Choose a tent that will air out easily, more than one door or a door and a window, or mesh vents on the top. Make sure the tent comes with a fly to keep out inclement weather!
On to sleeping bags. Sleeping bags come in range of weights, according to the weather you intend to use them in. A bag meant for -40 will be designed differently than one intended for light summer use. Determine the temperature range the bag will be most used in and look for one that suits your requirements.
In colder climates, a mummy bag is a useful option. The head of the bag is elongated on the bottom and features pull-ties so you can tighten the bag around your head and face, somewhat like a hoodie. This conserves body heat and you’ll really appreciate it in below zero weather.
Sleeping bags come in a variety of materials. Different materials tend to be used according to the temperature range they will be used in, but you have some choice. Wool will keep you warm, even when it is soaked through, but it is heavy and can cause allergic reactions. Down is warm, but also fairly heavy. Your best bet is probably going to be the man-made fibres. They keep you warm and are light and easy to pack on hiking trips.
Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Camping 101 - Part Two in Youth Travel is owned by . Permission to republish Camping 101 - Part Two in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
