so i didn't really get hiking boots cause all the real deal sporting goods stores shut down in sf, so i had to go to champs in the bourgeoisie mall and got trendy brown shoes with resilient rubber souls. i hope i'm not f***d.
i recently went camping. we built the MOST blazin fire in the middle of an extremely heavy downpour. we held a towel over the top so rain didnt hit it. it was intense. this was my first foray into deep woods camping. we were probably 20 miles from anything.
It really all depends on what type of camping trip you're taking. Will you be trekking to your camping spot or just posting up like 20 feet from the car? Will there be water and washing facilities available, or will you be away from such amenities? Sleeping in a tent or under a tarp? 1 night? 2? 3? If you're just going to be boozing and eating smores, you don't really need to worry too much about under-preparing. Your biggest concern will be running out of hooch.
Here are a few things that always served me well as a wilderness expedition instructor:
- Wool/polypro/synthetic clothing. Avoid cotton as much as possible (this goes for everything from t-shirts, to socks, to sweaters, to kufis). Even if you're just going on a day-hike, cotton is a nuisance. It soaks up sweat and moisture unmercifully, and is really poor at keeping you warm. Wool and especially polypropylene wick moisture away from you body, keeping you warm and ventilated.
-Headlamp. Flashlights, for the most part, are for suckers. Why use a whole hand to light your way, when your stupid head will do it on the cheap? Having two hands free will allow you to get drunk with greater efficiency, and facilitate the easy capture of furry woodland creatures.
-Tarp. Not such a big deal if you have a shelter like a car to retreat to, but always a nice precaution.
Sunblock- Essential. Especially if you're going to be at an elevated campsite. I spent a week in the Sierras earlier this Summer, and a friend of mine got a sunburn that completely incapacitated him. 2nd degree burns and what have you. Yikes!
Sunglasses/hat/bandana- The sun is a real sonuvabitch.
If you're in an area with lots of mosquitos, avoid wearing anything with a strong fragrance.
If you're worried about the hike there, don't pack a bunch of stupid shit you don't need.
The following are the essentials that are often talked about Map/compass Flashlight Extra Water: if you're hiking and spending the entire day doing shit, you will get dehydrated. You're only going to make your situation worse by drinking alcohol or soft drinks. Remember, if you're thirsty, that means you're already dehydrated. Extra Food Extra Clothes Sunglasses First Aid Kit Pocket Knife Waterproof matches/firestarter Insect repellent (i go with as much deet as possible) Sunscreen Sunglasses... but only wear them at night
Another one that I never leave without is large trash bags. They are really versatile and can help reduce your misery if you get rained on. Always separate your clothing into clean and dirty bags and make sure you clean shit stays clean and dry. If you don't have any waterproof bags, just use a trash bag. Trash bags can be used for makeshift ponchos and shelters. I also throw in a couple extra for when I get back to my car. If it rains and your stuff is all wet, you can save yourself a messy car by throwing your gear in trash bags.
Someone already mentioned a sleeping pad. This is really important. If the ground is say, 60 degrees and the only thing you have between the ground and yourself is a sleeping bag, you're going to be cold. I don't know what the night time temperature in your area is, but I highly recommend a stalking cap for sleeping in anything below 60-70 degrees.
Pee before you go to bed. This will keep you from having to get out of your tent at night (a pain in the ass) and will keep you warmer (your body won't have to keep that extra bit of liquid warm)
I would mos def get the thermapad, the ground is cold and bumpy and having it will help with sleep.
waterproof matches.
an emergency blanket just in case.
and remember if the area you are in has bears, get those airtight plastic containers to store food and make sure to hang them shits in trees at least 100 ft away from your campground. at least thats what i hear.
most importantly, bring a good attitude, shit'll be rough but camping is a lot of fun. good luck.
I bought all this expensive hi-end camping equipment a year ago to go out camping on this remote island on the coast of Guinea close to Guinea Bissao... a local friend who's doing sea turtle research for some foundation told me about it. Supposedly there's 20 miles of uninterrupted coconut tree lined beach and absolutely no infrastructure, only one small village that still practices animistic religion. We'd have to take a fishing boat for a 4-5 hour trip from the closest coastal settlement. I've been too scared/worried to go... but if I don't manage to pull myself together and do this before we move away from here next year I'm probably going to kick my ass about this for the rest of my life.
edith, i discovered camping late in life...but it has had a significant impact on my spirit and soul. cant recommend it enough. breakself, mint and gravlhead pretty much hit it on the head.
my recommendations:
pack as light as possible!!! maybe bring a lil alcohol, but herbs are much more portable (like said), essential in my book
accomadtions: tent tarp bed roll/mat sleeping bag dont bring a pillow.fold up clothes instead.if its nice, sleep outside.mats are crucual, but look for a nice bed of pine needles or dry area and you might not need it and youll sleep heavenly. the tarp goes under the tent (important)
food: dont bring a stove maybe bring a small pot to boil water have snack food...trail mix/fruit/whatev...dry & light add water foods: oatmeal, chili mix, hummus mix crackers/cheddar/tabasco/a good salami sharp knife(i find a swiss army is all you need) 2 spoons water (everyone should be carrying a bunch)
fire: of course,make sure you are allowed. surround with rocks and keep it in control. matches/lighter dryer lint is the greatest fire starter make a "teepee" with big twigs and stick some thin kindling/balled paper inside. then either stack bigger sticks around teepee or build a lincoln log structure around your initial teepee cook over embers, not flame
miscellaneous: hat/sunscreen (sun can be a problem) bug stuff (natural stuff, like burts works well for me) towel (absolutely essential) camera map long pants (generally preferable to shorts) flash light (breakselfs head lamp will make you look like a herb) condoms
not necesary: radio,compass,weapon,soap (maybe a little natural soap you can use in a stream)
GET EXCITED!!! a one hour hike is a piece of cake, you'll be fine. you will not be bored.report back!
fire: of course,make sure you are allowed. surround with rocks and keep it in control.
This list is great, but I just want to address one of my camping pet peeves. Unless you're at an established camp site with a real fire ring, don't even think about starting a fire. Like bough beds and pissing into streams, it's one of those things that is just no longer acceptable. Get yourself a little sterno or gas backpacking stove if you're going to be in the backwoods.
Each summer we go to Indian islands in the Adirondacks which is amazing. Its little islands most with just one camp site on it, and you have to rent a canoe and paddle for about 2 hours to get to them, very remote.
We bring big canvas tarps and build a Russian Banya (little sauna hut) by the shore's edge. Heating the rocks all day and then in the evening drink shots of vodka, beat each other with fresh birch branches, eat pickles and salmon, and jumping in the lake.
My redneck ass could quite possibly be the most experienced strutter on this topic, I camp at least a day or two out of the week during the summer months and frequent the great outdoors througout the entire year...I am usually a bear essentials type of guy, but other that food, I usually bring these items and that's about it...
you should bring a pair of flipflops (aka site shoes). After long days of hiking in heavy boots, you are going to want to take them off at the end of the day and still be able to walk around the site.
Back in the old days, people used to dig an impression into the ground, then cut branches off of pine trees to fill it in. It's how boy scouts used to make their beds.
Water, water and more water. I can't stress that enough...especially if you are going hiking...dress in layers...weather is/can be so unpredictable. Hiking or trail shoes. Compass or map of the area. And above all, tell someone where and when you are going.
you should bring a pair of flipflops (aka site shoes). After long days of hiking in heavy boots, you are going to want to take them off at the end of the day and still be able to walk around the site.
anyone remember the story of the two philly area friends who went camping in the arizona desert, ran out of water, got disoriented, got crazy. one asked the other to kill him, so that they wouldnt die miesrably. ends up they were half a mile from the parking lot. the killed kid' family believed the killer and didnt press charges, but arizona did.
edith, i discovered camping late in life...but it has had a significant impact on my spirit and soul. cant recommend it enough. breakself, mint and gravlhead pretty much hit it on the head.
my recommendations:
pack as light as possible!!! maybe bring a lil alcohol, but herbs are much more portable (like said), essential in my book
accomadtions: tent tarp bed roll/mat sleeping bag dont bring a pillow.fold up clothes instead.if its nice, sleep outside.mats are crucual, but look for a nice bed of pine needles or dry area and you might not need it and youll sleep heavenly. the tarp goes under the tent (important)
food: dont bring a stove maybe bring a small pot to boil water have snack food...trail mix/fruit/whatev...dry & light add water foods: oatmeal, chili mix, hummus mix crackers/cheddar/tabasco/a good salami sharp knife(i find a swiss army is all you need) 2 spoons water (everyone should be carrying a bunch)
fire: of course,make sure you are allowed. surround with rocks and keep it in control. matches/lighter dryer lint is the greatest fire starter make a "teepee" with big twigs and stick some thin kindling/balled paper inside. then either stack bigger sticks around teepee or build a lincoln log structure around your initial teepee cook over embers, not flame
miscellaneous: hat/sunscreen (sun can be a problem) bug stuff (natural stuff, like burts works well for me) towel (absolutely essential) camera map long pants (generally preferable to shorts) flash light (breakselfs head lamp will make you look like a herb) condoms
not necesary: radio,compass,weapon,soap (maybe a little natural soap you can use in a stream)
GET EXCITED!!! a one hour hike is a piece of cake, you'll be fine. you will not be bored.report back!
DAAAAAMN!! i think this will be the first and only time i've printed a soulstrut thread. thanks for all the tips everyone. also this thread made me remember my folding chair, flashlight and multi-tool. i totally would have forgot those! we're going to go grocery shopping when we get closer to big sur. gonna leave soon.
Comments
blue oyster bar?
so i didn't really get hiking boots cause all the real deal sporting goods stores shut down in sf, so i had to go to champs in the bourgeoisie mall and got trendy brown shoes with resilient rubber souls. i hope i'm not f***d.
It makes the group focus.
a deck of cards or dominoes can be good if it does rain
a slingshot
rope and/or twine..goes along with the shovel and knife thing.
I find that putting a bottle of anbesol in your first aid kit can fix nearly any small annoying pain ( like blisters from new hiking shoes )
dishsoap and a big pot
calamine lotion
extra batteries
trash bags / also can double as rain poncho
BACON.
Here are a few things that always served me well as a wilderness expedition instructor:
- Wool/polypro/synthetic clothing. Avoid cotton as much as possible (this goes for everything from t-shirts, to socks, to sweaters, to kufis). Even if you're just going on a day-hike, cotton is a nuisance. It soaks up sweat and moisture unmercifully, and is really poor at keeping you warm. Wool and especially polypropylene wick moisture away from you body, keeping you warm and ventilated.
-Headlamp. Flashlights, for the most part, are for suckers. Why use a whole hand to light your way, when your stupid head will do it on the cheap? Having two hands free will allow you to get drunk with greater efficiency, and facilitate the easy capture of furry woodland creatures.
-Tarp. Not such a big deal if you have a shelter like a car to retreat to, but always a nice precaution.
Sunblock- Essential. Especially if you're going to be at an elevated campsite. I spent a week in the Sierras earlier this Summer, and a friend of mine got a sunburn that completely incapacitated him. 2nd degree burns and what have you. Yikes!
Sunglasses/hat/bandana- The sun is a real sonuvabitch.
...blah, blah, blah.
have fun!
If you're worried about the hike there, don't pack a bunch of stupid shit you don't need.
The following are the essentials that are often talked about
Map/compass
Flashlight
Extra Water: if you're hiking and spending the entire day doing shit, you will get dehydrated. You're only going to make your situation worse by drinking alcohol or soft drinks. Remember, if you're thirsty, that means you're already dehydrated.
Extra Food
Extra Clothes
Sunglasses
First Aid Kit
Pocket Knife
Waterproof matches/firestarter
Insect repellent (i go with as much deet as possible)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses... but only wear them at night
Another one that I never leave without is large trash bags. They are really versatile and can help reduce your misery if you get rained on. Always separate your clothing into clean and dirty bags and make sure you clean shit stays clean and dry. If you don't have any waterproof bags, just use a trash bag. Trash bags can be used for makeshift ponchos and shelters. I also throw in a couple extra for when I get back to my car. If it rains and your stuff is all wet, you can save yourself a messy car by throwing your gear in trash bags.
Pee before you go to bed. This will keep you from having to get out of your tent at night (a pain in the ass) and will keep you warmer (your body won't have to keep that extra bit of liquid warm)
Head over to REI for equipment.
I would mos def get the thermapad, the ground is cold and bumpy and having it will help with sleep.
waterproof matches.
an emergency blanket just in case.
and remember if the area you are in has bears, get those airtight plastic containers to store food and make sure to hang them shits in trees at least 100 ft away from your campground. at least thats what i hear.
most importantly, bring a good attitude, shit'll be rough but camping is a lot of fun. good luck.
don't even bother with the tent.
toilet paper.
put your sox and undies in a zip lock and bring extra zip locks.
string.
hand sanitizer (and basic first iad kit while youre at it).
AND A BOOK ON ASTRONOMY OR AT LEAST MAP OF THE SKY.
yes you will. get your ass out there...you will have an unforgettable experience. i wish i had that opportunity.
my recommendations:
pack as light as possible!!!
maybe bring a lil alcohol,
but herbs are much more portable (like
accomadtions:
tent
tarp
bed roll/mat
sleeping bag
dont bring a pillow.fold up clothes instead.if its nice, sleep outside.mats are crucual, but look for a nice bed of pine needles or dry area and you might not need it and youll sleep heavenly. the tarp goes under the tent (important)
food:
dont bring a stove
maybe bring a small pot to boil water
have snack food...trail mix/fruit/whatev...dry & light
add water foods: oatmeal, chili mix, hummus mix
crackers/cheddar/tabasco/a good salami
sharp knife(i find a swiss army is all you need)
2 spoons
water (everyone should be carrying a bunch)
fire:
of course,make sure you are allowed. surround with rocks and keep it in control.
matches/lighter
dryer lint is the greatest fire starter
make a "teepee" with big twigs and stick some thin kindling/balled paper inside.
then either stack bigger sticks around teepee or
build a lincoln log structure around your initial teepee
cook over embers, not flame
miscellaneous:
hat/sunscreen (sun can be a problem)
bug stuff (natural stuff, like burts works well for me)
towel (absolutely essential)
camera
map
long pants (generally preferable to shorts)
flash light (breakselfs head lamp will make you look like a herb)
condoms
not necesary:
radio,compass,weapon,soap (maybe a little natural soap you can use in a stream)
GET EXCITED!!! a one hour hike is a piece of cake, you'll be fine. you will not be bored.report back!
This list is great, but I just want to address one of my camping pet peeves. Unless you're at an established camp site with a real fire ring, don't even think about starting a fire. Like bough beds and pissing into streams, it's one of those things that is just no longer acceptable. Get yourself a little sterno or gas backpacking stove if you're going to be in the backwoods.
especially out west
whats a bough bed?
We bring big canvas tarps and build a Russian Banya (little sauna hut) by the shore's edge. Heating the rocks all day and then in the evening drink shots of vodka, beat each other with fresh birch branches, eat pickles and salmon, and jumping in the lake.
Its the best thing in the world.
Back in the old days, people used to dig an impression into the ground, then cut branches off of pine trees to fill it in. It's how boy scouts used to make their beds.
go barefoot
the killed kid' family believed the killer and didnt press charges, but arizona did.
have fun Edith!
when does the relaxing and drinking and having fun come in?
DAAAAAMN!! i think this will be the first and only time i've printed a soulstrut thread. thanks for all the tips everyone. also this thread made me remember my folding chair, flashlight and multi-tool. i totally would have forgot those! we're going to go grocery shopping when we get closer to big sur. gonna leave soon.
i'm excited!
click here if you wanna get spooked
I didn't read the whole thread, but just in case, bring:
Mosquitos suck.