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Camping is the ultimate outdoor adventure. Whether you camp every weekend, once every summer, or even if you haven't camped since you were a kid, it's important to plan ahead before your next excursion. Preparation is a key to making every camping trip a safe and fun outdoor getaway. Camping is a great adventure, whether you're planning your first trip, or you've done it a million times before. Having the right camping gear is crucial to having a safe and satisfying wilderness vacation. Before you head for the hills, it's a good idea to make a checklist of all essential items you'll need for your campout. Waiting until you're in the middle of the forest is too late to realize what you've forgotten. Plan Before You Pack Give yourself time to pack, rather than throwing together the essentials at the last minute. Make a list of everything that you want and need, as well as those "just in case" items. As you pack, check each item off of your list to be sure you're not overlooking anything. There are so many things to think about; sometimes this is the only way to make sure you've got all of your must-have camping gear. Sleep and Shelter "Roughing It" doesn't mean giving up your creature comforts. With too little bedding and improper shelter, you're exposing yourself to an uncomfortable sleep and even possible danger. Be sure that the bedding will keep you dry and comfortable regardless of the weather, and don't forget to pack your pillow. Your tent must be secure, waterproof, and able to protect you from insects and forest creatures. Sharing your tent with a mosquito, raccoon or even a snake is just no fun. Personal Care You can safely leave your hair dryer and cosmetics at home, but don't forget to pack your insect repellant, sunscreen and toilet paper. Those are the absolute necessities of life in the great outdoors. You may also want to pack other personal care items like your soap, shampoo, hairbrush, and toothbrush. Pack everything in a waterproof bag, especially your towels and toilet paper. Don't Under-Dress Pack a clean change of clothing for each day that you will be at camp, and then pack a few extra items. Camping can be dirty business, and those little surprises like rain and dust can mean an even bigger mess. If you have a supply of fresh water and a length of rope on hand, you can always wash and dry your laundry at camp. It's a lot easier, however, to just pack extra. The temperatures can drop dramatically at night, even during the hottest months, so bring along a couple of warm shirts, extra socks and long pants for those cool evenings by the campfire. Campsite Medicine Cabinet Remember the first rule of Scouting while you're packing your camping gear: Always Be Prepared! Go through your medicine cabinet, and bring along anything you might need. Pack the medicines you need to take on a daily basis, and don't forget your vitamins and pain relief pills. If you have allergies, bring appropriate medication or an epi-pen. A properly stocked first aid kit is always essential, along with a sharp outdoor knife and scissors. Cooking There is nothing as delicious as a meal cooked over an open flame, and nothing more frustrating than forgetting your matches. Be sure that you have everything you need to prepare and cook your outdoor feast. Pack a clean grill, tongs, spoon and a metal spatula. You'll need a bowl for mixing food, a cutting board, paper plates (not plastic), cups, silverware, aluminum foil, biodegradable dish soap and linens. If you'll be fishing, remember to bring a sharp filet knife and an iron frying pan. Remember to bring garbage bags to clean up camp at the end of your stay and for heaven's sake, don't forget to bring lots of matches in a waterproof container. You want to remember your outdoor adventure for all the right reasons, so plan ahead and pack carefully.
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Contributor Conroy Keight loves writing for several of today's best web magazines, on sports recreation and sports instruction issues. Get a unique version of this article from our camping gear article directory
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