What should a first time camper take camping?

Question

i have my tent,bedding and camper stove

Answer 1

It really depends when and where you're going and the preparedness and skill of the people going with you. But for starters we'll assume a tent, sleeping bag, dining utensils will be provided. You don't want to bring too much stuff, so a small duffle bag is much better than a suitcase which will mark you as a newbie right off. It can also double as your pillow keeping you from being one of those people who try to bring their favorite pillow camping.

I don't know if you have an REI or EMS store nearby but they both stock everything I'll mention?

For clothes you'll want to bring zip-off convertable nylon pants. Maybe two pairs. You can zip them off and swim in the shorts and they'll dry right away. Get a darker color so they don't show the dirt, but can be washed and dried in a few hours.

As for shirts, you'll want to go synthetic, probably a button up collared shirt, but a synthetic T-shirt is good for a second shirt. Or two of each if you're staying longer, just for fashion sake because you can wash and dry those in a few hours as well.

As for shoes you do not need boots of any sort no matter what anyone says. Regular running/cross training/light hiking shoes with laces will be fine for any type of hiking.

You might also want to bring Teva sandals for water activities. And clogs or flip flops for around camp shoes.

A windbreaker jacket is your first protective layer over your shirt if it's cold or wet. You could also bring windbreaker pants.

If it's cold in the evenings you might want a puffy jacket or a puffy vest or if it's all you have a fleece jacket will suffice, but isn't as warm as puffy. You don't need gore-tex for anything.

If it might rain you could bring a small umbrella or buy a poncho, either a cheap plastic PVC from Wal-Mart or the more expensive but much tougher coated nylon. You never know when it will rain in the mountains. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39199371

Other items:

flashlight
bug spray (Deep Woods Off)
baseball cap
bandana
sunglasses
small daypack for hikes
Gatorade bottles for water (no need for expensive heavy bottles)
emergency whistle

Other tips:

Don't wander off
Watch out for wild animals, rattlesnakes under logs, bears
The most important thing to remember is respect, for the people who've invited you camping, and for the woods they're introducing you to. Do not litter, do not deface or destroy nature or bridges or buildings in the woods. Don't touch other people's stuff without asking. Don't assume if you find something laying around it's been abandoned. Keep quiet, keep your fires small, your cars driving slow, use whatever rest rooms they have or bury your waste. Carry out anything your bring in.

Answer 2

I strongly recommend sleeping pads for under your sleeping bag if you don't have those already. Inexpensive ones cost a few dollars; ones that inflate a bit more, but they're worth it if you camp often.

If you can't make a fire or want to stay up late playing cards, a lantern is nice.

Maybe folding chairs, depending on your site.

Instead of flashlights, use headlamps. they free up your hands and are worth their weight in gold, even around the house!

Extra clothes, a blanket, a poncho -- it all depends how much you want to pack and unload, what you're likely to use. I took someone backpacking once, our packs were a bit heavy, and she never went backpacking again! So you do want your first experience to be pleasant. Camping is so great for so many reasons, you want to be able to have fun but you can't if you're cold, wet, etc.

Don't forget a camera! Binoculars, field guides ........

Have a great time!

Answer 3

Always take a first aid kit. A flashlight and sealable sandwich or freezer bags to keep things dry, like matches. Foods and snacks that do not need refrigerating, and energy bars. Maps of the area and let someone know where you are camping and how long you intend to stay. If you should get lost, always stay where you are. Wandering around makes it more difficult to find you.

Answer 4

It depends of where you are going camping. If you go to a state park or a camp ground you will want to take:
Toiletries
Change of cloths
Food
Matches
First aid items
Items for something to do i.e fishing pole, hiking boots.
Flash light.

If you are going to a remote isolated area then you will want to take something to find off the wild beast that will rip your site apart looking for the food. I would not recommend this for your first time unless you are hunting, and then not alone.

Answer 5

you want to bring sweatshirts sweatpants nights get cold. A flashlight, A lighter to start a fire. Food of cource what is camping without good food. Water. Towels a toothbrush, a camera, a hairbrush, marshmellows and some booze

Answer 6

lantern and fuel
flashlight
plenty of water
a small shovel
fist aid kit
chair
extra socks and shoes
food (duh)
a hatchet
insect repellant
plenty of beer !

Additional:
Good one Law Guy ! I'd say a Boy Scout would be best, they know the most about camping.

Answer 7

Don't forget toilet paper. I also take a pistol and keep it in the tent with me at night in case a wild animal attacks. It's not likely, but once is enough to get you killed so I would be ready for it.

Answer 8

Lantern, Ax for firewood, firestarter, bug repellent, 1st aid kit (don't be so sure you won't need this), small shovel for the fire, and TP for your bunghole.....don't forget the shotgun for the late night scavengers with 3 in slugs and shotshells for snakes...and buckshot for wild humans)

Answer 9

take someone who isn't a first time camper.

Answer 10

a sleeping bag, a first aid kit, fire starters and food.
If you go to a lake I recomend bringing fishing stuff.