Need help camping...come give advice

[Lord of Alcohol]

Originally posted by Attalus: I'll go you one better, Dresdan. Stay at a resort, and just go outdoors when you feel like it. Preferably one with a bar.

Attalus thats the best idea I've heard so far. If you ever camp in NC I'll meet you at the bar!

[Moiraine]

Originally posted by Larry_OHF: quote: Originally posted by Moiraine: Larry, is it a camping trip of the light kind, or of the comfortable kind ? I mean, will you carry your belongings on backpacks, or do you bring a car with a big trunk ? 'Cause I've been camping every summer since I'm 4, both kinds, and I have a different list for either kind. [img]smile.gif[/img]

We want the car within a comfortable walking distance if not right there. It's great for locking up stuff that you don't want stolen while you're out and about, and also good so that you don't have to unload everything at once. We are looking more for a vactation where a nice place to enjoy a week off work but not pay hotel prices. [/QUOTE]K then, Larry, I'll post my list for 'comfy camping' later, I have to find the English translation for most of the camping stuff before. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Moiraine]

Sorry it took me a while to reply, I had to find all the camping stuff words in English. [img]smile.gif[/img] Forgive me if I don't have the proper word sometimes ...

I guess your camping won't be the same as mine altogether - here in Europe, it's becoming almost impossible to camp outside of a regular camping place - every piece of land is owned by someone, so wild camping near a water place is near impossible anymore ...

Whatever you do, camp near water.

If it's comfy camping you do, here's what I recommend for sleeping stuff :

A tent, one place bigger than the number of people who sleep in, if you don't want to feel like sardines in there. Make sure it opens on BOTH sides for aeration (most tents open only on one side, you'll have to hunt a bit), and that the inside part is NOT in a fabric that doesn't breathe (treated cotton is good). This is important if you don't want to wake up in the morning feeling all stuffy. Make sure it has a large awning, so you can huddle under it when it rains.

For sleeping stuff, I have made a number of tries, and this is what I do (although the camping purists will yell at me, saying that I've lost the spirit of camping ) :

First you put what my dictionary says is a "rest easy pad" on the floor, this is essential to keep away the wetness coming up from the earth. They are not very expensive, get good ones, they really make a difference.

Then put on top of that a cushion thing intended for garden furniture (This is what I mean), it makes a fine mattress.

I prefer sleeping with a standard under-sheet, a regular quilt and regular pillows than in sleeping bags - they are much comfier, if you have enough room in your car. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Then, you'll need a big container for water. Avoid plastic - it gives a bad taste to water. [img]smile.gif[/img]

You'll need cooking implements - and a gas stove (is it the right word ?) (I recommend you buy a camping gas stove with 2 fires - like this one.

You'll possibly need a table and 3 chairs. I like this kind of table because it stays as flat as possible on uneven ground, and it takes very few room when folded. [img]smile.gif[/img] You'll need a big cooler too, to put fragile food in it (fruits, drinks, butter, ...).

You'll need lamps - a big one for your camp (gas or oil) and at least a small electric one to move around at night and possibly to read in the tent.

Don't forget small but useful stuff - like a knife, scissors, matches, rope (lots of [img]smile.gif[/img] ), and clothes pegs (lots of too [img]smile.gif[/img] ). And safety pins. Bring plastic boxes too.

Bring basic foodstuff like sugar, salt, pepper, tea/coffee/chocolate/cereals for breakfast.

Bring a small pharmacy box - don't forget to put cream for bug bites in it. [img]smile.gif[/img] Take also at least pills against headaches, pills against stomachaches, a cream for sprains and bandages, ... Bring insect repellents too - both to runb on your ankles at sunset, and a spray to get the bugs out of your tent at night (spray inside the tent, then close the mosquito net while leaving the tent door open, a while before going to sleep. [img]smile.gif[/img] ).

That's for camping in tame lands, as we have in Europe anyway - I don't know a thing about what to bring to keep away dangerous beasts ! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Well, that's all I have in mind for now - if I think of other stuff, I'll post it later. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Oh, and bring books !

[ 05-31-2002, 04:45 PM: Message edited by: Moiraine ]

[John D Harris]

Originally posted by MagiK: You don't mention how long you are going for Larry. So I will assume you will tkae enough provisions. 1. Tent. 2. Sleeping bags (preferable the two adult bags can be zipped together for snuggle time when the demon is unconcious) 3. Matts for under the bags to insulate you and cushion. 4. Some form of light, wether electric or fueld lantern 5. Some method of heating food and water. 6. First aide kit (a good one not a cheapo) 7. Emergency flares 8. several methods of fire starting (matches and a bic for example) 9. WATER VERY VERY important. Water for cooking, water for cleaning, water for...umm any use. 10. Extra clothing and clothing for a wide range of weather conditions (mountain weather can change abruptly) 11. Compass or GPS receiver. 12. Knife or Knives. I would say a gun ...but thats not necessary really, unless you are worried about self protection...bears or other wild life you cant kill if attacked. 13. an Axe and/or a folding camp saw. thats about it. I didnt know how far into the mountains you were going and how far from civilization it is. this is a quick list. EDIT: I will add to this entry as things come to mind [img]smile.gif[/img]

Sissy a pocket knife and matches is all you need the rest is fluff
Get some blow up air matresses and a small foot pump, its no fun being lightheaded and passing out. Are you back packing in(roughing it) or driving to a campsite?

[ 05-31-2002, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: John D Harris ]

Originally posted by John D Harris: Sissy a pocket knife and matches is all you need the rest is fluff Get some blow up air matresses and a small foot pump, its no fun being lightheaded and passing out. Are you back packing in(roughing it) or driving to a campsite?

Hehehe JD Im a bigger sissy than you know, that list is because he is taking a 2 year old along...I don't camp any more. I like my hot shower and comfy bed too much to camp any more. I do hike however...as long as I can make it back to the hotel for the evening

[Larry_OHF]

Moiraine, thanks for your work on that post!
I am glad to have such nice friends looking out for me!

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