Gear Up for Summer Camping!

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Every year, more than 30 million Americans leave the comfort of their homes to sleep in a tent, RV, or simply under the stars. Trekking to a campsite with the sun beating down provides a healthy dose of vitamin D and great exercise. Spending time outside can help reduce stress.  Levels of serotonin naturally rise when we’re outdoors, which can help improve mood. Check out these tips below before hitting the trail for a comfy, relaxing, and fun outdoor experience.

 Gear up: Figure out what to bring based on how much room you have and how long you’ll be gone. If hiking to the campsite, be mindful about weight and bulk — nobody wants to schlep a 50-pound pack up a mountain! Stick to the essentials and leave the fancy extras for car camping. 

Pick your pack: Choose a backpack based on how long the trek will be. The volume of the pack is measured in liters. Multi-day packs are 60 to 80 liters and are perfect for two- to five-day hikes. If you're driving in and doing day hikes from one base camp location, a small day pack is large enough for daily provisions and supplies.

 Sleep well: Don't forget the tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (for extra cushion!), and pillow. A light-weight “three-season” tent is made for spring, summer, and fall conditions — designed to keep people dry during light snow or rain while keeping the bugs out!

 Fire up: Bring along some charcoal (for campsite grills), fire starters, wood, newspaper, matches, propane stove, skillet, pot, utensils, and cups/bowls/plates. Always check to see if the site allows campfires, and use fire rings if available. Keep sand and water nearby in case the fire needs to be put out quickly.

 Chow down: Granola bars, peanut butter, beef jerky, canned beans and soup, trail mix, drink powders, and coffee and tea are all great camping food options. They're perfect for pack, won’t spoil, and don't require any cooking. Keep an empty water bottle on hand and use the campsite tap for refills. Have purification tablets on hand if you will be collecting from a fresh body of water. Try to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour while doing high-intensity outdoor activities.

 Dress for success: Choose moisture-wicking clothes and synthetic or wool socks to keep dry and sweat-free. Don't forget to pack raingear, a sun hat, hiking boots, and a swimsuit just in case.

 Grab the gadgets:  A flashlight (or headlamp or lantern), extra batteries, a multi-tool, and phone charger (for emergencies) all make camping much safer and easier.

 Keep clean: Obviously you're going to get dirty in the woods, but bring soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper to stay as clean as possible. Bonus tips: Use baby wipes to get rid of dirt, always carry hand sanitizer, try soap to wash hair, and bring garbage bags to separate clean and dirty clothes!

 Stay safe: Safety is no joke, especially if camping in a remote area. Every camping group should bring along a well-stocked first-aid kit, creams for blisters, bugspray, sunscreen, and any other personal medications. Camp with others and make sure to  let someone know where you will be camping and your planned date of return.

 Add some extras: Bringing along a camera, set of binoculars, maps, books, folding chair, cooler, and chapstick makes any trip in the woods much more enjoyable.

 Pick a place: After everything’s packed up, the next step is figuring out where to park that tent! There are tons of campgrounds to choose from. Find out what amenities are provided; most sites have grills, and some have showers and even wifi! Remember to call ahead and reserve a spot, especially in the summer.

 Set up camp: Once at the campsite, find level ground to pitch the tent. Set it up and make sure to use a tent cover in case of rain. Pick a place that’s close enough to running water for easy access when cleaning dishes, showering, and filling up water bottles. And remember: Keep food out of the tent! Place it in bear food boxes or hanging bear bags if the campsite recommends doing so.

 Proceed with caution: Camping often involves some rough terrain, so make sure to wear good hiking boots to avoid sprains and strains. Slip on the right socks and shoes to avoid blisters, and keep a first-aid kit on hand in case there are some cuts and scrapes along the way. 
Stay safe in the sun: Slather on the sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun out. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, too.

 Avoid ticks: Wear high socks, use insect repellent, and avoid high grass to keep ticks away. If a tick attacks, carefully pull it out with tweezers, making sure not to squeeze or crush the bug. Disinfect the area with soap and wash your hands immediately after!

 Break it down: Most importantly, leave the campsite as you found it. Throw away any trash (that might mean bringing it home with you), make sure the fire is out, and pack your gear into a backpack, trunk, or RV.

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