Camping Checklists Tips
Read these 10 Camping Checklists Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Camping tips and hundreds of other topics.
Alternatives to Traditional Camping Flashlights
Print out just about any camping checklist on the Web and you'll find flashlights or some kind of camp lights on the list. Even if you build a roaring fire, there are still reasons to carry camp lights with you when you go camping.
First, they're handy on dark nights. If you have to make a nature call in the middle of the night, a camp light can help lead the way and make sure you don't stumble over a patch of poison ivy in the dark. Children can use them to read, color, or play before they go to sleep, and they're essential for shadow puppet shows inside the tent!
So, even if you don't think you'll need a camp light or two, it's better to add them to your camping checklist and include them in your essential camping gear.
First Aid Supplies
Part of any camping supply checklist should include a section for basic first aid supplies. Most discount camping equipment suppliers sell ready made first aid kits, but you can put your own together inside an old lunch box or other waterproof container.
At the least, your first aid kit should contain bandages, burn and antibiotic ointments, muscle wraps, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, a painkiller such as Aspirin, cotton swabs, and the basics you'd have in a home first aid kit. Bee sting and snake bite kits aren't a bad idea, either.
Don't risk camping without a first aid kit. Create a camping supply checklist for the kit, and keep it inside the lid. That way, you can keep track of what you use during your camping trip, and then replenish any supplies you need the next time you shop for discount camping equipment.
Leave a Copy of Your Itinerary with Friends or Relatives
How many times have you gone camping for the weekend, and no one knew where you were? It's a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary with friends, neighbors, or relatives before you leave on your trip. If something happens, they'll know where to look for you, otherwise they'll be in the dark.
Look for a downloadable camping supply list when you shop online for discount camping equipment, or go to camping Web Sites for a list. Many of these camping supply lists include a place for you to jot down your destination and driving directions. You can leave a copy with a friend or relative, and rest a little easier as you head out for a weekend of camping.
Bring Copies of Your Camping Checklist
Don't you hate it when you drive all the way to your local camping store, and discover you've forget your handy camping supply list? Keeping a few extra camping supply lists in the glove compartment is a good idea, so you can stock up on gear and keep track of it anytime, anywhere.
Some camping stores may have supply lists available, too, so it's a good idea to check with your favorite store when you shop. If you forgot your list they may have one you can use as a stand-in. Some camping stores offer these forms online at their Web Sites, too, so check online before you head out to pick up last minute gear.
Camping in the Dark
If you've ever arrived at a campsite after dark, you know what a pain it is to set up your tent and sleeping bags in the dark. That's why good, dependable camping flashlights should be at the top of your camping checklist. If you forget the flashlights, camping won't be nearly as much fun.
There's another thing to remember to add to that camping checklist, and that's replacement batteries for your camping flashlights and other battery-powered gear. It doesn't do much good to take along a flashlight that goes dark midway through your camping trip.
Camping checklists can help you remember all these little details that might slip through the cracks, otherwise. Print one out and use it every time you go camping, and soon your camping trips will be much more organized and that much more enjoyable.
Things to Take Along
Here's a quick list of useful camping items:
Garbage bags, rope, hammer, duct tape, insect repellent, plastic cable ties, stocking cap (for sleeping warmth), pen & paper, matches, flashlight, first aid kit, rags, flare (for lighting wet kindling, fly swatter, batteries, snacks, pocket knife, tarp, hammock, football, camp slippers and....
Campground Camping Stores and Supplies
You've got everything packed up, and you're ready to head out for a weekend of family camping fun. Or are you? Don't wait until you get to your campsite 200 miles away to find out what you forgot to bring. There may not be a camping store nearby, or a store of any kind.
Keep a supply of camping supply checklists, and use one every time you go camping. They'll help keep you organized, and serve as a reminder for things you might not have thought to bring along, but discover you need when you get there. Like that corkscrew to open that nice bottle of wine you brought along to enjoy in the firelight.
You can print out an online camping supply checklist, pick one up at your local camping store, or make one of your own on your computer. Whatever you do, don't forget to take it along with you on your next camping adventure. It will help make your camping experience even more enjoyable.
High-Tech Camp Lights
If you haven't checked out your local camping supply store in a while, you might be surprised to see the wide array of camp lights that are now available. These aren't your father's flashlights, that's for sure!
Probably the handiest camp lights are really a new take on a historic item, the headlamp used in underground mining. These new, high-tech models are lightweight, clip onto a cap or can be worn separately, and many sport LED lights that last for thousands of hours.
Car Camping Gear Checklist
The hazard of car camping (driving to a spot and setting up camp) is that it's easy to take it all with you as you "get away from it all." But maybe that's the cool part for you. You'll need shelter, food, tools, kitchen and perhaps lots of other stuff. Here's my list.
Things to Take for Your Dog on a Camping Trip
When you go camping, you want to take your family dog along! He/she doesn't want to be left at home, and you don't want to miss their company out in the great outdoors.
Here are a couple of things to take along with you to make your camping experience pleasant for everyone.
Make sure you have a good flea collar for your dog to wear in the 'wilderness.'
Be sure you take your dog's supplies, including food and water bowls, his leash, a favorite toy or two, and of course his usual food.
Take your dog's bedding with you, and make sure you have a way to elevate his bed off of the ground.
Take some doggie treats to try to keep him/her calm, and for rewards.
You also might want to have a practice run at sleeping in a tent, say, in your back yard, before you try a real overnight camping trip with your dog.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Carol Sponagle |
