Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Camping Checklist to Make Your Trip Great

By Ben Martinez

Is it a struggle remembering everything you need for your camping trip? A camping checklist is necessary to ensure the most important items on your list are not forgotten. Items like an EPIpen and sunscreen are essential.

Start your checklist with the most inherent part of a camping trip; the shelter. Wind and rain can make a very uncomfortable camping trip, if your intent is not waterproof and cannot stay upright when its windy. For example, a heavy rainstorm. Bringing an extra tarp to cover the entrance of your tent, will keep rain from entering through the flaps. Using an extra tarp under your tent protects the floor against wetness. Don't forget a hammer or mallet, for the tent stakes.

The Rocky Mountains are a beautiful place for camping, but the weather can change in an instant. I carefully pack each piece of clothing for camping, and I'm always grateful I do so. The summer nights can be rainy and cold. One time, in August, I woke up to find it had snowed. My clothing checklist have always included a pair of hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, a hat, an extra heavy socks. You might also want to bring a sweater, swimsuit, shorts or light pants, and a bag for your dirty clothes.

In Rocky Mountains, where I camp often, the weather changes very frequently. Therefore, it is important to carefully pack the correct gear for camping. It can rain heavily and temperatures can drop below freezing during the night. One year, in August, it snowed lightly. Preparing a clothing checklist should include a hat, a water repellent jacket, extra socks, and heavy boots. A swimsuit, sweatshirt, light pants, and a bag for dirty clothes are also useful to bring.

A first aid kit is vital for every camping trip as, well camping trips are fun, they are also a place for accidents can happen. Stock your butt and first aid kit with fresh supplies before loading it in the car. In another emergency kit include any medications, but bomb, sunscreen, flashlight, batteries, compass, but spray, a water filter, a sewing kit, ipecac and candles. You'll find it useful to keep a fire extinguisher, umbrella, gloves and an ax for when you need to chop wood. Don't forget your cell phone and sunglasses.

A list of toiletries might include soap and shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, tampons, a razor blades and a razor, deodorant, a brush or comb. A canister of shaving cream may come in handy, although I've rarely seen a man shaves while camping.

You'll need extra equipment, if you plan on fishing, hiking, or mountain biking. If you have kids you want to bring your camera and some cards or games that they can play.

Hiking, fishing and mountain biking all require special equipment, which should be included on your camping checklist. Don't forget your camera, and maybe some games and cards for the kids.

The camping checklist can be useful, but not every checklist can be comprehensive. Be sure to include incidentals when creating an itemized list. - 24585

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