From Setup to Survival: Mastering the Great Outdoors

Whether you’re a first-time camper or you’ve had a small handful of experiences in the great outdoors, it’s no secret that camping comes with a lot of planning and preparation. The right tools and gear ensure an enjoyable camping experience. Need some guidance? From setup to survival, here’s how to master the great outdoors!

Bring the Perfect Tent

The right tent can make or break your camping experience. It’s essential to select one that accommodates everyone and everything you plan to bring with you, as well as the time of year you plan to camp.

Consider Tent Size

When you see a tent marketed as a “two-person” tent, that’s exactly what you’re getting! A two-person tent typically has enough space for you and one other person to sleep, but what about your personal belongings and gear? There might not be enough room! In this case, a three- or four-person tent may be the ideal size to accommodate your sleeping needs and all of your essentials. Before ordering a tent, consider the average number of people who will be in the tent during camping trips and the amount of space required for your gear.

Consider When You’ll Be Camping

Another important factor to consider is the time of year you plan to camp. This will dictate the type of tent you will need. A three-season tent will work well for the vast majority of your casual camping trips. You can use them from spring through fall without any issues. For winter camping, consider getting a four-season tent, like a canvas tent with a stove, to keep you warm.

Select the Right Spot

Location matters! You don’t want to sleep on rocks, have rain pouring into your tent, or deal with strong winds during your trip. If you’ve ever experienced any of those conditions, you know how important it is to take your time and find the right spot for your tent. We recommend looking for a location that is flat, dry, and safe. Look for a spot with shade, but be mindful of branches that could fall. Steer clear of low-lying areas in the event of rain and ensure the ground is clear of rocks, sticks, and other debris that could compromise the quality of your stay. Look for a spot that gets decent morning sun. This helps to dry any overnight condensation quickly. If wind is an issue, look for a spot that has natural windbreaks such as boulders or trees.

Bring Appropriate Gear

When packing, it’s essential to consider the gear, tools, and equipment you’ll need.

First, you need a good pocket knife! Having a knife on hand can come in handy for cutting rope, opening food packages, or making quick gear repairs. Consider looking for folding knives that feature a variety of tools, like a bottle opener, screwdriver, and scissors.

There’s a saying used in the Green Berets about redundancy for your critical survival gear: if you have one, you really have none. If you have two, you really have one. If you have three, you really have two. Consider this idea when you’re packing for your camping trip. If you only bring one book of matches on your trip to start fires, the matches could potentially get lost or wet. This could turn into a huge problem if you’re relying on fire to keep you warm or to cook a meal. It’s a good idea to bring multiples of the important items that you’d be lost without!

Plan For Meals & Water

Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean that your meals have to be sub-par! Although lightweight, freeze-dried meals can be expensive and lack flavor. Think of food items that are cost-effective and provide an easy-to-prepare meal, like instant rice and oatmeal or cans of soup or beans. After a few camping trips, you’ll discover what works for you and what types of meals are ideal to bring.

Another important essential to consider is water! If there’s a water source where you’ll be camping, you may want to pack a pot to boil the water in or a water filtration system. If you know you’ll be camping in an area without water, pack accordingly!

Thoughtful Planning & Preparation For Camping

There’s so much more to mastering the outdoors than can be covered in one article. The best way to learn is to get out there! Start small. Find a campsite where you can set everything up right next to your car. If you forgot anything important, you can always drive into town. As you begin to get more familiar with what you need and more comfortable with being outdoors, you can get more adventurous!