| So, you are going on your very first camping trip, | | | | what to pack as it all depends upon the person. |
| The first thing to think about is what to take | | | | For example, if you are a light or ultra-lightweight |
| camping. Well this article will give you some | | | | backpacker your main focus is on weight. So the |
| considerations to take into account when planning | | | | lightweight backpacker will have this in the |
| your first camping or backpacking trip | | | | forefront of his/her mind and often opt for less |
| One of the first things to consider is Length of | | | | weight over comfort when going on a camping |
| trip | | | | trip. However other people might opt for comfort |
| This is a very important factor because it will | | | | over weight, preferring to take more items to |
| pre-determine, how much equipment you will | | | | make their life easier and comfortable when |
| take, from extra clothing down to rations. You will | | | | camping. So as you can see it is entirely a matter |
| need to make sure that you pack enough | | | | of personal preference. |
| camping gear without going overboard. | | | | There are however some items that you should |
| Another consideration is Weather conditions | | | | take regardless of whether you are a lightweight |
| Now I know it is very difficult to determine | | | | backpacker or in the latter category. These are |
| exactly what the weather is going to be like, but | | | | known as your backpacking essentials. |
| most forecasts give you a 10 day weather | | | | Backpacking essentials are a items that could |
| update for your area of interest. Bearing this in | | | | make a difference between an enjoyable safe |
| mind will help you decide how much wet weather | | | | camping trip and a perilous experience. Items such |
| gear you will need to take or indeed if you need | | | | as compass, map, first aid kit, flashlight, pocket |
| sunscreen etc. | | | | knife, pencil, matches, fire starter, notebook and |
| Finally, Location and terrain | | | | string/cord will all make your life easier and indeed |
| This is a very important factor that a few people | | | | maybe save your life. |
| overlook. If you are camping or backpacking along | | | | These should all be packed together (as a mini |
| the trail, then the chances are that the campsites | | | | survival kit if you like) and put in a place whereby |
| along that trail will be well used and probably well | | | | you can access them easily. A good place for |
| equipped. So if you did forget to pack something | | | | these items would be on or near the top of your |
| or run out of something, chances are that there | | | | pack, or even better still a side pocket. |
| would be an on-site shop that you could stock up | | | | As you can see these are a few pointers when |
| with . Or possibly another kindly camper might be | | | | considering what to take camping. Some other |
| able to help you with. If however you were | | | | helpful tips would be to... |
| backpacking or hiking in the back country, then | | | | A) Do some research |
| you will not have that backup. So you really need | | | | Start with the internet! There is a lot of good |
| to make sure that you have enough equipment | | | | information out there. Look on camping forums, |
| to cover every eventuality. | | | | ask questions etc. |
| Once you have decided upon these factors it will | | | | B) Speak to other veteran campers |
| give you a good starting point when deciding what | | | | These people are very knowledgeable and will tell |
| to take camping. | | | | you what works for them. |
| There are no hard and fast rules when deciding | | | | |