The Camping Outfitter

Planning properly for an outdoor trip is extremely important, what you bring will make the difference between an exciting and efficient trip, or a difficult, exhausting struggle.   It could also mean the difference between life and death if you find yourself in a survival situation.  By choosing your camping equipment properly, you can ensure you will have an exciting and safe camping trip.

One of the most important items to bring is a camping tent.  Choosing a proper tent depends on your location, the time of year and the number of people who will be going with you.  There are camping tents designed for casual, summer trips and more rugged tents designed for winter use in extreme weather.

There are also pick up tents which comfortably sleep five or six people or have attachable awnings and shelters.  If you are camping alone, you can find bivvy tents that are extremely light and portable and easy to use. Before departing, make sure you know how to properly set up and tear down your camping tent – you don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark trying to set it up!

Once you have a tent picked out, you need to make sure to gather up other equally important supplies.  Durable flashlights, inexpensive lanterns and other light sources are extremely important.  You should also make sure that pack appropriate clothing and whatever other weather gear you deem necessary – such as tarps and ponchos if it rains.  A quality pocket knife or multi-tool is always nice to have as well.

An important piece of equipment that even experienced campers may forget is a quality water filter.  Even if you aren’t travelling far, it is important to make sure that you have a healthy water source.  A water filter or filtration system can help ensure the safety of any water you happen to come across.   Never drink unfiltered water from an outside and unknown water source.

As with all camping equipment, which water filter system to buy depends on your needs.  If you are going solo, a water bottle with built in water filter may be adequate but if you are travelling with a large group a dedicate filtration system would be more appropriate.  Make sure you choose wisely, so that you are well supplied.

Like water, packing adequate food supplies or hunting equipment is necessary for a safe and fun camping experience.  You also need to make sure you bring cooking equipment, such as a propane stove.  Many camping supply stores sell small cans of gel fuel that can be used in an emergency as a heat source to cook, and it may be worthwhile to pack one or two extras when you leave for your trip.