| Camping is essentially for those of us who love the | | | | even need that but you can always lay the tarp on the |
| outdoors and can do without all of the comforts of | | | | ground to designate a clean sleeping area. After this |
| home for a short while. However, just loving the | | | | has been set, you will go over what food you will need. |
| outdoors is not enough to guarantee that the | | | | We stress need here. Stray from fresh produce and |
| experience will be a fun one. The essentials of having | | | | meets because they spoil easy and their scent |
| fun in the great outdoors are preparation and an open | | | | attracts animals and insects. Stick to dried food and |
| mind. Preparation is easy, if you follow some simple | | | | canned items. Canned items will add weight, but they |
| rules. | | | | are more calorie rich and very easy to cook in multiple |
| When you are getting ready to plan a trip, you must | | | | situations. Most of your food should be snacks, so that |
| select a convenient time that will give you flexibility of | | | | you don't have to cook very much. Trail mix and |
| one to two days. This will make the trip more about | | | | yogurt covered raisins will fill you up more than you |
| you, and less about your timetable. You may run into | | | | think, and they are a cheap alternative to buying food |
| weather problems or you may just want to camp for | | | | from camping stores that hike up the price on dried |
| an extra day. Next, choose a location and make it | | | | meals. |
| specific. Don't just choose a county where you saw a | | | | The last things you will put on your list are what will |
| campground. Call the campground or the park office | | | | make you comfortable. Minimal clothing is best. One of |
| and get reservations or information about the time you | | | | each type of outfit is best. One pair of shorts, pants, |
| have allotted. Many parks are happy give you | | | | sweatshirt, tee, and a couple pairs of undergarments |
| information and tips about what to expect. The most | | | | including socks is enough. One poncho will take up |
| complicated step in preparation is making a list of what | | | | minimal space. Small LED flash lights will get you |
| to bring. Making a list is essential and your list will | | | | around at night if you stray from the fire. Then make |
| change dramatically the more you trips you take. | | | | sure you have some things to keep you busy. Books, |
| The first thing you need to put on your list of things to | | | | playing cards and a nerf football are all light and can be |
| take is the things that will get you there. If you are | | | | very entertaining for hours on end. As long as you |
| hiking to a campsite, list the number of backpacks. If | | | | don't start dragging along things that aren't meant for |
| you are simply driving to a site, list the number of cars. | | | | the outdoors, you should be fine. Remember that |
| Then you must plan your shelter and sleeping situation. | | | | everything will be at home when you get back. Most |
| Remember, tents are a luxury and heavy to carry. | | | | importantly make a not of the things you didn't use and |
| Hikers usually bring a plastic tarp that can shelter up to | | | | the things you wished you brought. That will make |
| four people. With a tarp, you can tie it between trees | | | | each trip you take more enjoyable and different than |
| for cover from the elements. Many time you won't | | | | the last. |