It has been a couple of decades since I have done any real camping. If it wasn’t for work, family, and unplanned emergencies, I would have loved to be sleeping under the stars on a warm summer night. I had to settle for a getaway for a conference and hotel room. Considering the current economy, camping looks like the economical getaway option for this summer.
I have already made plans for two camping trips. One to Warm Lake and the other Alanta, (Idaho not Georgia).
In the past decades, I have moved several times. What camping gear I had is no where to be found. That means I have to start by making a list of what camping gear I need and want. Then shop for those items. Fortunately, a friend heard of my plans for the summer and handed me a printout from REI. Their camping list has a button where you can get a print friendly version. I have it hanging on a clipboard next to my desk.
In my past camping, I experienced several failures or things I wish I had done differently. The second notable item missing when arriving at the campsite was matches for lighting the stove or campfire. The most notable thing that was forgotten when arriving at the campsite was toilet paper. This year my goal is not to forget anything.
Since I got a couple months before the first camping trip in late May. I have purchased items I know I definitely need. The first one and most important is a tent. Since I am older and will be camping with other individuals, I got a larger than pup tent. One that I can stand up in.
After test assembly and disassembly in the front yard, I had to make a quick run to the Army supply store for two items. The tent stakes that came with the tent were skinny 1/8” and would not hold the tent in a windstorm. I also purchased an Army duffle bag since the tent did not fit in the bag it came in no matter how I folded it. My new tent fits nicely in the duffle bag with the new heavy duty tent stakes.
Over the next several weeks, I will be purchasing an air mattress, camp stove and other necessities. After the purchase of each, I will be testing them out. After the camping trip in May, I will give my review on how well I purchased and used the camping gear in preparation for my other summer outings.
