| There's nothing like a camping trip with the family to | | | | from a campground source, you might need to |
| create some unforgettable memories and bonding | | | | sterilize it first. A portable water filter is your best |
| time. Getting away from the daily grind to explore | | | | bet to ensuring the water is safe to drink. These |
| the great outdoors can be both relaxing and | | | | filters remove bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and |
| energizing. But before you go, make sure you have | | | | chemicals. |
| made the necessary preparations with this essential | | | | First Aid Kit |
| camping gear list: | | | | Definitely do not go camping without a first aid kit. |
| Food | | | | Well-stocked first aid kits include: bandages and gauze |
| Part of the fun of camping is having the opportunity | | | | of various sizes, antiseptic cream, sterile wipes and |
| to prepare and eat your meals outdoors - the fresh | | | | rinse solutions, pain medicine, tweezers and scissors, |
| smell of coffee and eggs - wafting through the air. | | | | sunburn relief spray, and anti-diarrhea medicine. |
| One easy breakfast recipe, Hillbilly Trash Breakfast, | | | | Flashlight |
| uses aluminum foil to cook hash browns, eggs, | | | | For those late-night calls to the bathroom, a flashlight |
| sausage or ham, and cheese together for a delicious | | | | is essential. No matter how close you may be |
| start to the day with easy clean-up. And of course, | | | | camped out near the facilities, you'll need a flashlight |
| no camping trip is complete without a hot dog roast | | | | to see your way. Choose a sturdy flashlight that has |
| and s'mores under the stars. | | | | been designed for outdoor use. |
| Sleeping bags | | | | Utility Knife |
| Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes and | | | | For all the tools that you use at the campground, a |
| use different materials for insulation. Before choosing | | | | quality utility knife will be one of the most versatile. |
| a sleeping bag, consider what kind of camping you | | | | Always keep your utility knife clean and sharp. A dull |
| are going to do. Are you a summer weekend camper | | | | knife is a dangerous instrument. Always hold the |
| who likes to head to a state park? Or maybe you'd | | | | utility knife firmly by the handle and cut away from |
| like to try something more serious. For casual | | | | the body. Knives should not be used to pry |
| campers who like to just get outdoors during the | | | | something open or as a screwdriver. |
| warmer months, a basic sleeping bag should suffice. | | | | Rain Gear |
| For those who want to try their hand at camping in | | | | Don't forget clothing for any inclement weather you |
| cooler or more inclement weather, consider a | | | | may encounter. That means a complete change of |
| "mummy" sleeping bag with insulation for up to zero | | | | clothes, in case the ones you're wearing get wet. A |
| degrees. | | | | rain jacket always comes in handy for when the |
| Tent | | | | weather turns wet. |
| Tents come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Make | | | | Lantern |
| sure to really shop around before making your | | | | Once the sun goes down, it can get pretty dark |
| purchase. Consider, are you a family of four or more? | | | | around the campsite, save the light from the |
| A two-room tent might be ideal for you. If you're | | | | campfire. Always bring along a lantern to provide |
| just starting out with a spouse or friend, you could | | | | additional lighting. You can purchase a lantern fairly |
| get by with a two-person tent. Tents also come with | | | | inexpensively. |
| or without screened-in porches, ideal for storing | | | | Camp Stove |
| shoes and other miscellaneous items. | | | | Unless you're skillful at cooking over an open fire, a |
| Water | | | | camp stove will be necessary for cooking most of |
| You'll need lots of water when camping - for drinking | | | | your meals. Like lanterns, camp stoves are |
| and cooking. It's a good idea to stock up on | | | | inexpensive items that use the same fuels as |
| individualized water bottles. For those using water | | | | lanterns. |