Outdoor Camping Equipment

Some of the most basic things in life are the best. Camping is one of those basic things that allow you to enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory without modern conveniences. There are a few things that must be taken into consideration when planning a camping trip though and these are the things that will make your outing enjoyable for everyone.

Before you head out into the wilderness to sleep under the stars you should think about where you plan on pitching your tent. Many towns have camping areas or parks that allow you to enjoy a peaceful stay by a lakefront. Your first task is to contact a camping park and make reservations for your stay. This is sometimes a necessity and other times it is a first come first served basis. The busiest times of the year are holidays such as Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. If you plan an outing on one of these holidays, reservations are a must.

Next set up your tent and make sure there is no mold or dirt that is left over from its last use. Each year before using your equipment it should be checked for defects and cleaned to ensure it is safe for your family to use. To check its water resistance, make sure any windows that are in the tent are closed and that the vents are closed or covered. Use your water hose and spray the tent from the top down since this is the way actual rain falls. Don't use a power spray a shower spray is more than enough to test your tents seals. Once you are finished spraying it down, go inside and make sure there is no water that has gotten into your tent.

It is also a good idea to take all of your sleeping bags to the laundry mat and wash them. If they are down filled, simply hang them outdoors in the sun on a clothes line and allow them to be refreshed by the sun and wind. Once you have cleaned your sleeping bags, make sure all zippers are in tact and work properly. If any rust is beginning to appear on the zippers or the zippers begin to stick when used, take a candle and rub it up and down the teeth of the zipper. This will coat the zipper and allow it to work easier and make it rust resistant.

Check your cook stove to make sure it is in proper working order. If there was any fuel left in it from the previous year, dispose of it properly and refill it with fresh fuel. If it is a rechargeable lantern, make sure the batteries hold a good charge. If they don not, it may be necessary to purchase new batteries. Also check your camping chairs to make sure they are in good working order and that the materials are all in tact with no tears. Once you have completed all of this, you will be ready for your first camping trip of the season.