Preparing for an upcoming camp-out can be both fun and exciting, even for starters.
The act of assembling the necessary camping supplies itself becomes like a living premonition of the upcoming trip-a sure-fire confirmation that the adventure will push through.
If you have been highly anticipating your escapade for the longest time, having the necessary tools and equipment prepared ahead of time can actually make a big difference in your overall enjoyment once you have already set out.
Though your camping checklist will vary depending on the kind of camping trip and the activities that you have planned, you will basically need three major things: shelter, bedding and foodstuff.
Shelter will provide you protection from heat, cold, wind and/or precipitation while giving sufficient ventilation; bedding will allow you to comfortably doze off or relax in the outdoor terrains; foodstuff or cooking tools will offer you fun apart from nourishment and survival.
For shelter, your choice of tent should be lightweight for easy carrying but large enough to store your camping supplies and other belongings and of course, to house the number of people that will be staying inside.
It should have a strong frame with sturdy tent poles that can withstand strong winds or provide sufficient protection from the harsh elements.
You will also want to choose one that has storage pockets.
This will help make it easy for you to be organized and be able to find items that you might need.
An axe or a hammer should not be forgotten as it will be used to set up the tent, as well as a mat which is to be placed on the tent entrance to keep the outside dirt from being transferred inside your simple abode.
Air mattresses, sleeping bags, pads, cots and tarps are amongst the choices for a camper's bed.
It is advisable to place a pad underneath to make sleeping on hard ground more comfortable and to help insulate from cold snow if you are going camping in winter.
Remember to also bring your air pump or repair kit if you are using air mattresses.
Having pillows and blankets will also assure a more relaxed and cozy bedtime experience when the god of dreams finally visits you.
Outdoor cooking can be considered one of the best parts of camping and a fun and exciting necessity as well.
For your home economics away from home, your selection of items will vary depending on your cooking capabilities and choice of food.
If you feel the need for a Hollywood box-office kind of experience, you can go for campfire-style cooking-no need to hunt for rabbits, fish or wild animals, though you can opt to do so if you want or if it is viable and permitted in the area: Just have several hotdogs or fish on stick and let the campfire roast them to perfection! If you prefer to match home cooked meals, a propane stove with pots or frying pans with the help of cooking utensils like a spatula, knife, spoon, etc.
can work home-cooked-like meal wonders in the open air environment.
If you want it traditional and picnic-cky, a barbecue or campfire grill with some charcoal can produce grilled steaks and burgers for you to enjoy.
If for some reason you just don't have the talent for cooking, do not worry because canned goods were created for a purpose.
Shelter, bed and foodstuffs are just the three most basic and essential camping supplies that you will need before you set out on your first camping adventure.
There are a handful of others that must be in your list such as a first aid kit, clothing and personal hygiene, but the previously discussed equipments are those that you can never do without if you are planning to go on a camping trip.
Even if you are just a beginner in the field of camping, if you have the right major supplies, you will be comfortable and will enjoy as much as a seasoned camper would, no matter what the circumstances would decide to mete out.