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Viewing The Not-So-Obvious Checklist for an Overnight Camping TripThe Not-So-Obvious Checklist for an Overnight Camping Trip
By Kathy Steinemann
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You are likely aware of the commonly-recommended items to pack for overnight camping - including sunblock, socks, sleeping bag, rain gear, flashlight, mosquito repellant, and toilet tissue. This article discusses some of the less-obvious essentials. Packing for an overnight backpacking or camping trip might seem like an easy job. You're only going away for a single night. You don't really need to make a checklist, right? Wrong! Hiking without mosquito repellent can cause unwanted itchiness, aggravation, and even disease. You are probably already aware of bug repellant and other obvious items. This article discusses some of the not-so-obvious essentials. • Pack at least two extra pairs of socks. Even in cold weather, your feet will sweat. Wet feet = COLD feet. Wet socks also increase the likelihood of developing blisters. You can dry the wet socks on a line in your tent, on a stone near the campfire, or fasten a pair to the outside of your backpack to dry while you hike (weather permitting). • Take clothing that allows you to dress in layers; for example, a muscle shirt that you can wear under a T-shirt, followed by a vest, then a sweater or jacket, topped off with rainwear or heavier protection if necessary. It is easy to remove or add layers to regulate your temperature or adjust to current weather conditions. • NEVER go hiking in a brand new pair of hiking boots. If you want new boots, buy them a couple of weeks in advance and wear them for several hours a day prior to your outing. If you develop blisters, let your feet heal and wear your old boots instead. Uncomfortable feet will turn the entire experience into an uncomfortable memory. • When you have a choice, always opt for something smaller and lighter. Your clothing, food supplies, and everything you put in your pack (including the pack itself) will seem to gain weight as you get farther from home. The lighter you travel, the better your endurance (and mood) will be! • Heat travels up, which means that you lose a large percentage of body heat through your head. Be sure to pack whatever you need to keep your head warm and dry. • A large garbage bag can be used in a pinch for raingear. • High-SPF lip balm is a must in any weather. You can also use it to protect your nose if you forget your tube of sunscreen. • Leave the perfumed products at home. Various insects and even some dangerous predatory animals are attracted by certain scents. • Zip-lock bags (used doubled up) will keep food smells contained. Toy stuffed bears may look cute, but a real wild bear in the backwoods is not. Bears will track food scents to their source. • Zip-lock bags are also great organizers. You can see what's inside and they conform to the shapes of objects around them, reducing the amount of space needed for your belongings. • A blow-up pillow requires little room in your backpack and will help to keep you comfortable while you sleep. • Take a couple of packs of pocket facial tissues. They can be used for a variety of purposes and even double as toilet paper. • A re-sealable package of antibacterial hand-wipes is a must. In addition to the obvious - keeping your hands clean - you can also use them to wipe up spills, spot clean clothes, and disinfect surfaces. About the Author: Kathy provides articles and content for several websites. If you would like more advice on travel-related topics, be sure to visit 111 Travel Directory. You will also find a large selection of user-submitted travel tips at 1000Tips4Trips.com. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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