Camping gear- Extended blog

So here we go with another wonderful FSG blog! Lets talk about Camping gear and other general items to go along. So Camping can mean different things to different people. For the Sake of me not going on for hours about this subject we will keep it to basics of camp ground and remote camping. So if you are in a tent, tarp or trailer, we will cover it today.

Lets start off with

remote camping:

So Remote camping is always fun and usually you have to be at least a moderate camper to consider it. Camping deep into the woods whether it be in a nation park or middle of no where has its pros and cons. lets go over it quick

PROS:

Remote and quiet

surround yourself by nature

NATURE!

CONS:

little to no cell reception for emergencies

Usually Far hikes to camp

no domestic comforts (bathroom/running water)

can be time consuming for set up and break down.

so what gear do I usually recommend you bring, use or have?

I'm not going to cover basics because if your going out there you should already know.

But things like sat phone or flare pen or flare gun are a great idea. To build off that, Orange smoke (grenade) is a great idea.

With these items, great safety has to be taken not to start a forest fire. These items can help aid in rescue if the need arises. In the Fire service they teach us if you think your in a situation you can not fix immediately or with in a reasonable time period and it is life or death "call a mayday". secondary means of NAV, so a decent compass and map to back up your GPS system. With most newer outdoor GPS, they have a mayday alarm. It is very important that you know how that works before you take your trip. That being said if your going to rely on any electronics make sure to bring extra batteries or a way to recharge! Never camp alone, always bring someone and let someone else know your trip, Times of arrival and departure and or check in times and the area and route you plan to take. Most people use the 333 plan, check in via some form of communications every 3 hours with in a 3 mins period (via radio on ch 3.). Besides that, make sure your basic gear is suited for the area and time of year your going out in.

Camp ground camping (tent,trailer,camper)

This is more about convenience and ease of life while camping. Make sure to pack items that will make life easy for you, but if not most camp grounds have a store (even if the items are marked up in price). Try organizing things into totes or draws for quick prep times for meals, toys and fire making. I go into this a little bit more in my "camping with family" blog. There is always room for improvement in family camping. Every year i find myself packing less and or more organized than the year before, it really is trial by error. since your not backpacking having full sized tools and coolers are very easy. so bring that ax and bring that big ol stake. Life should be easy going at the campground and not a project. Proper lighting at night makes those camp fires and great conversations around it enjoyable. Bug spray, sun screen and aloe Vera are great to keep on hand, your going to need them. I personally find keeping my Fire kit, First aid kit and sprays all in the same place very good practice. All the cooking supplies like your grill kit,skillet, pans etc together in a tote makes for easy cooking and not digging around every where while your actively trying to cook.

CAMPING AT DIFFERENT PLACES: I can't begin to stress this enough, Know where your camping. Situational awareness folks! If you and the boys are taking the ol pop up for a 3 day weekend to NASCAR but aren't staying at the track, but plan on getting Silly all night. Please don't go to a family camp ground or RV park. You will have 1: a horrible time because you'll piss everyone off. 2: The rangers or cops called and 3: You'll ruin other peoples camping experience. But that also goes the other way, Don't pull your 3.9 million dollar RV land yacht into "bubba's bak yurd trailer and camp ground" and expect everyone to kiss your feet. Do your research, a lot of places put it plain and simple on their website whats to be expected.

Also unless you really want that beach front camping spot within walking distance to all the attractions, Don't go. 1: It will be an outrageous price like $38 a night 2: Most likely be all tourists and families and or RVs.

General guidelines anywhere you go camping:

Don't be a D!ck. respect your camping neighbors.

Leave the camp site the way you found it (leave no trace)

Be Respectful of the staff and rangers, They are there to make sure everyone is safe and having a great time.

Don't Take whats not yours and Leave nature in nature.

Have a great time!

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