Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Camping Supplies

Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends. If you are a beginner camper or just go camping once in a while, there are some camping supplies that you may have overlooked. Campers usually get the basic camping supplies right but forget others that some veteran campers swear by.

Protect Against Bugs

A lot of newbie campers forget to bring protection against bugs because they do not normally use this in their daily lives. Some think that the bugs come out at night only. Always bring bug spray during any outdoor trip or event to prevent pesky bugs from ruining the day. Citronella candles can be a godsend because they can keep most bugs at bay, and at the same time light up the area. Place them around the perimeter of the campsite and near the tents but be mindful of potential fire danger.

First Aid Kit

Some campers do not forget to bring a first aid kit but they forget to check and restock it before leaving the house. Anti-itch cream, band-aids, antibacterial creams and pain relievers are just a few of the things that are often used. Always bring a restocked kit because you never know what might happen, especially with kids around. Anti-itch cream should be brought in abundance because of the different factors that can cause you to be itchy. Stock your first aid kit with antihistamines for those who have allergies and as a treatment for insect bites and poison ivy.

Clothes

Even if the weather is great, always brings clothes for rain and cold weather when you go out camping. Temperatures can dip dangerously low outdoors and it is best to be always prepared. A wide brimmed hat is also another essential when you are camping. It protects against sun burn and glare.

Fire Starters

A lighter and some coal are needed for a good campfire but something useful for starting a fire is lint. It catches fire easily and is abundant from you dryer. If you have no lint, try to bring dried wood shavings for a great fire starter.

These are some camping supplies that are often overlooked but usually necessary. It is a good idea to have a checklist for things to bring and to prepare these a few days before the trip.

How to Choose Your Camping Cookware

Cooking outdoors is not as simple as taking out the pots and pans you have in your kitchen cupboards. Due to limited space, and the fact that you can only bring along a certain amount of items when camping, you must choose the right camping cookware to make the most out of your meals, and make the best tasting dishes. These are a few of the basics to keep in mind when selecting the cookware.

1. Go with multifunctional pieces -
Don't buy kitchen appliances and utensils that only serve a single purpose. Consider using pot lids as plates, or using pot holders to serve as utensils. At home specialty items might work best, but when you are outdoors, you have to think quickly on your feet, and bring as little as possible with you.

2. Consider ease of use -
Burners are easy to set up and won't blow out easily in windy or wet conditions. You want items that can spark up quickly, will hold the fire consistently to cook your meals, and also items which are easy to store and take up little space in your backpacks.

3. Know the fuel source -
Most camping cooking gear can use propane, gas, or electric start up. Depending on which is easiest for you, there are different types of cookware to choose from. Know which source of fuel is plentiful, is easy to store and carry, and is cheapest, this will help you choose your cookware for camping.

In addition to these factors, consider the material, whether to choose auto ignition or other controls, lighting sources, and other relevant factors. Depending on your budget, and space, you will find a variety of options to choose from when purchasing camping cookware. This checklist will help you choose the right pieces, those which are simple to work with, and those which will produce a tasty meal, with as little effort as possible.