Camping Gear

If your trying to consider what camping gear you should bring on your camping excursion then you came to the right place.  We have compiled a  camping checklist of items that you can't live without on your road trip.  Secondly, we have an additional camping checklist of bonus gear that is great to bring if you can afford the room.  And as always, we are throwing in a few road trip tips and pointers so that we can steer you in the right direction. 

Necessary Camping Gear (Camping Checklist)

Unnecessary Camping Gear (Camping Checklist):

Road Trip Camping Tips:

1. Most parks will have the necessary camping directories and local maps of the area that you can take with you free of charge.  
2. Purchase your food at a grocery store in a larger-sized city.  Many of the stores and gas stations that are conveniently located outside of the campgrounds charge a premium for their products. 
3. Food Storage is critical!  Make sure all of your food is stored in bear canisters or hung properly from trees.
4. Do NOT put any food in your tent-EVER.
5. Try to buy food that is canned, freeze-dried, or boxed.  Keep all meats and disposable items safely secured in a cooler and locked in your car at night.
6. Keep your smaller gear stored in zip lock bags so that the rain doesn't destroy them (especially your toilet paper).
7. Instead of carrying a flashlight, look into getting a head lamp.  Not only do they look extremely cool, it will keep your hands free to do whatever you want in the dark.
8. Bring lots of fire-starting methods (matches, lighters, flint, etc.)
9. Never forget your first aid kit (put it inside zip lock bags).
10. Put your tent up when it's light outside.  Use all of the stakes, poles, and ropes that came with it...they will help keep your shelter dry, more open, and secured to the ground.
11. Make sure you put your tent on top of a ground cloth or tarp.
12. Park your car so that it will not roll into your tent or a creek in the middle of the night.  If necessary, put stones behind your tires to keep it from rolling.
13. No petting the skunks.  They look cute and fun to cuddle with....but don't try it.
14. Keep all pets contained to your site and clean up their poop.
15. Pack out all of the trash that you bring into your campsite. 
16. Do not leave valuables in your tent while you are out fishing, hiking, or exploring
17. Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the lowest possible temperature you may encounter
18. Bring plenty of extra warm clothes and socks
19. Rain gear is critical.  Keep everything including yourself dry at all times.
20. If you choose to hike, make sure you bring the proper foot protection (boots)
21. Have a comfortable pair of shoes to wear around camp (like sandals)

If you need to get your hands on some quality camping gear at a lower cost, than you can check out almost any department store.  There is a large variety of Coleman Adventure gear that you can pick up at great prices-their stoves, lanterns, and cooking gear will last you a lifetime. 

If your venturing into the backwoods for a backpacking adventure then having the right camping gear is an absolute must!  To make your trip most enjoyable, you will want to carry as little weight on your back as possible without leaving anything critical behind.