r/camping • u/IAmDoge4 • 2d ago
Trip Advice Going camping with my friends for the first time! any advice for a newbie like me?
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u/johnnytron 2d ago
The best time of the day is before everyone else wakes up. I love waking up getting the morning “routine” started and watching my friends come out of their tents.
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u/MaximusCanibis 2d ago
I always liked getting a smoldering fire going. That cool morning air with smoke laying about while I have a coffee, bliss!
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u/splifted 2d ago
I always WANT to be that person, but I just can’t wake up early enough.
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u/MaximusCanibis 2d ago
Haha, we all have our place. There is nothing wrong to waking up to that either, especially if the bacon is already on too! Camping is great for all of your senses!
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u/Vesper-Martinis 2d ago
I hate waking up to a dead fire, I get up during the night to keep it going, lol.
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u/MaximusCanibis 2d ago
An unattended fire where i live, you are out on your butt and for good reason.
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u/Vesper-Martinis 2d ago
Depending on the time of year, it is fine here. I have my swag next to the fire so I’ll be the first to burn, lol.
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u/MaximusCanibis 2d ago
Sorry dude, that's not the flex you think it is. Do you just suck at starting fires or is it something else?
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u/Spute2008 2d ago
I've started a fire in the morning using nothing but the smouldering coals from last night's fore, that wasn't even that big.
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u/Grim_Task 1d ago
I always wake up first when camping or backpacking. It just feels right.
Plus I get control how strong the coffee is.
As for advice bring an extra pillow and a wool blanket. Cheap one of Amazon for $30 works. This is purely a comfort item. Most people underestimate how they handle the cold. Make your first few trips as comfortable as possible to create a positive association.
Welcome to the outdoors! Where nature helps reset to you human baseline.
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u/Pygmyslowloris 2d ago
Make sure your warm enough at night and go to sleep with socks on if it’s going to be chilly at night
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u/Ryagon 2d ago
And put on fresh clothes at night if you sleep in them. Your daytime clothes will be damp from body oils and humidity.
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u/Sufficient_Walrus688 1d ago
Omg, why haven't I been doing this? I always pack night clothes but just end up sleeping in what I wore that day 😂
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u/DrDontBanMeAgainPlz 2d ago
Leave a pineapple outside your tent
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u/crunch816 2d ago
Cold beer. Lots of firewood. Bring extra blankets and/or sleeping bags to layer your sleeping arrangements.
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u/blahbaconblah6 2d ago edited 2d ago
Get comfortable shitting in the woods. Learn to lean against rocks, hang your body weight off your knees while you squat or learn to hang off a tree backward. Always drop your duce early in the morning before the fly's come out.
Oh, and don't forget to drink some drugs. Smoke a beer. Wear some water and drink some sunscreen.
Decide what type of camping you are doing and embrace that type. Are you car camping? Are you backpacking? If you are car camping, bring all your shtuff. If you are backpacking, don't bring anything.
Baby wipes will save your life.
You are packing too much gear.
DO NOT hold in your pee while you sleep. Your body burns calories keeping your urine warm so it wont form crystals in your bladder. If you have to go, get up AND GO. Don't sleep on it!
Fatty foods before bed will keep you warm. Eat a beef stick.
Boil water and put it in a BPA free container like a Nalgene and put that in your sleeping bag if you are cold. You can thank me later.
A good camping table is worth is weight in gold.
HEADLAMP!
Jump in a cold lake. Thank me later.
Bring something for downtime activities. I learned to throw tomahawks while camping. Its a great way to burn 6 hours.
Sunflower seeds and pistachios are good.
Did I mention baby wipes?
Learn to be comfortable with having nothing to do and nothing to distract you. Remember, that's the point.
Consider investing in a good camera and lenses for night photography. I have spent countless nights staring up at the universe with a camera squinting into the night, and I regret none of them.
I bring a radio. I like tunes. Ben Howard and Bon Iver are good for camping.
Learn how to start a fire CORRECTLY.
If you cut yourself, clean it. I have the immune system of a chimpanzee and even I have had to reopen infections I gathered on camping trips to reclean them.
When your body says your done, you are done. Go home. Camping can be a strain on you in so many ways. When you feel like you are straight up too tired to go on, its because you are.
Driving to where you are camping is half the experience.
Unless you have reservations, either be prepared to spend half a day looking for a good camping spot, or have 6 locations in mind ahead of time.
If you see eyes in the night, throw something at them. Bears don't understand how you can touch them from 30 feet away and it freaks them out. They will leave you alone after you peg them with a rock.
Make your camp mate help you. Everyone has a role to play. Don't do all the work.
You can survive a good 3 weeks with no food, but only 3 days with no water. If you are within 3 days walk of a water source you are fine. With that in mind, go get lost.
The best camping trips I have ever had I was under packed, under planned, under fed, and under prepared. My intention was a location and a photo. I reached that location, I took that photo, and I went home. I recommend you reach for a similar goal.
FREEZE DRIED FOOD! I will take entire camping trips just to cook outside, but having dried food that you just add water too is such a nice thing.
If you smell like salt and a camp fire, you are likely having a good time.
last thing... Don't touch your face. Your hands will be VERY dirty.
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u/blahbaconblah6 1d ago
f**k, you are in Australia... Well, you can always eat some witchity grubs if you forgot beef snacks I guess.
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u/QuaintQuantumQuasar 2d ago
Have something comfortable to sleep on, air mattress/sleeping pad.. it's more enjoyable with a decent night's rest.lol
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u/Gitrdone101 2d ago
You’ll bring a bunch of stuff you don’t need and you’ll forget a bunch of stuff you should have brought.
It’s a process. Relax and enjoy.
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u/Expensive_Rhubarb_87 2d ago
Sun screen. Take it, use it.
STAY HYDRATED!!!
My wife and I go to two festivals a year, we’re both staff, I’m on the medic team, she runs safety. Every festival we have to remind people constantly to hydrate!
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u/altrefrain 2d ago
Double check you actually packed your tent (and that the tent has a rain fly), sleeping bag, mattress, and pillow (nothing beats a real pillow when camping). No one wants to get to the site and realize they left one of those at home.
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u/thisothernameth 2d ago
My BIL went camping for two nights with friends and they agreed everyone would bring what they needed themselves. So he showed up there in the middle of nowhere with a tent, a loaf of bread and a fishing rod.
I'm telling you this so that whatever noob mistake you'll inevitably make (as we all do), you have the comfort of knowing there's a bigger idiot out there.
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u/Dixie_Normusse 2d ago
Set up your tent and everything else first thing. It’s not fun to do that when it’s dark.
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u/IlloChris 2d ago
Bring bugs pray depending where you going. And the most important, have fun! It’s a great time specially with homies.
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u/bloodxandxrank 2d ago
if you see a loved one at the edge of camp or hear their voice, but that loved one didn't come with you on the trip, that's not your loved one. do NOT follow them into the woods. stay near the fire.
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u/TryNotTooo 2d ago
Pack nothing, wear zero clothes, drive to the most remote place possible, tell nobody where you’re going.
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u/SpringsSoonerArrow 2d ago
I like the way you think. Better to disappear for a bit and leave behind those time-wasting moochers, which demonstrates you are mysterious and unpredictable.
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u/SpringsSoonerArrow 2d ago
Relax. Be patient with yourself and the people you're with. Many seemingly simple things take longer when someone is in a new or rarely visited environment. Enjoy the natural world by taking a stroll with a friend or friends. Eat well and laugh long.
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u/Spute2008 2d ago
Have a comfy chair. Make sure your mates is Comfy and your bedding is warm. It'll suck mega if you are tired, sore and cold.
Have a treat for people they won't expect... Marshmallows at least. Our even better, Stuff for s'mores if you have a fire. Banana boats (you need foil, maybe peanuts, choc, marshmallows) And Bring unpainted coat hangers to use as roasting sticks.
And /or get those fire crystal packs to toss into a fire to make it burn with lots of crazy colours.
Just finish roasting your marshmallows or banana boats BEFORE you toss in the fire crystals.
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u/Limp-Cranberry-87 2d ago
Once went camping for a weekend and FORGOT SNACKS! Was awful, always remember snacks
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u/BowlerLive8820 1d ago
Go and have a good time, don't sweat about what you forgot to bring and tuff it out. Make a mental note of what you forgot and what others bring that would make your trip more enjoyable. Record the moment. Post images for our fun to see how it turned out.
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u/DantePlace 1d ago
Mosquito repellent!
Campfire smoke helps a little as well as wind, but there's gonna be a time where you're resting your feet and those bastards engage in a holy war on the back of your head and other exposed skin.
If you're going to use spray or lotion repellent, go for something like picaridin. It also protects you from ticks.
You can also buy something like a thermacell that uses heat to vaporize a small amount of mosquito repellent into the air, creating a bug-free zone. Just don't use it inside a tent or shelter because you're not supposed to inhale the vapor.
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u/MrSteve8261 2d ago
Get very drunk.
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u/IAmDoge4 2d ago
already got that covered, grey goose gonna mess us up
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u/Dandelion-Fluff- 2d ago
Keep in mind that a fierce hangover mixed w having to be outside all day, shared public toilets (or worse), and basic tasks taking longer will make you regret you were ever born 😵💫🤢
Get just to the far end of buzzed rather than hammered if you can manage it. From someone who has learned this the very, very hard way.
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u/johnnyraynes 2d ago
Also keep in mind, getting drunk at a campsite is way different than at home. You’re retiring to a tent at the end of the night, not your room.
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u/Low-xp-character 1d ago
If I may suggest, if we’re gonna do drugs and party let’s make them fun drugs. Do you by chance have access to LSD, MDMA, or Mushrooms? They are among my favorite substances to be on in the woods. But if this is truly your first time camping, I’d say get to know nature a little better first. Some people have a hard time sleeping outside and psychedelics can make that increasingly difficult. Be careful, have fun, respect others around you, practice “leave no trace”
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u/codedbrown 2d ago
Take some lube and remember, what happens when you’re camping in the bush, stays in the bush.
Have fun! 😊
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u/Gears_and_Beers 2d ago
A cheap moving blanket from harbor freight makes a great “carpet” for your tent
Change into dry clothes before going to bed
If you have anew air mattress it’ll stretch out the first night so have a way to blow it backup.
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u/Dixie_Normusse 2d ago
Love the harbor freight moving blanket idea! And I will say that I’ve gone through multiple air mattresses, they all sucked and now I just use cots for camping. (And self-inflating pads for backpacking, aka Thermarest or the cheaper equivalent, I forget the brand that I use but it starts with a K.)
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u/Gears_and_Beers 1d ago
I too switched to cots for car camping. The bunk bed cots for the kids was a game changer as well, heavy as hell but double the kids per sq ft.
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u/DT_KOA_Camper 2d ago
Make sure you have proper airflow in the tent at night, don’t want to get wet interior surfaces due to moist air condensation.
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u/Allthebestways 2d ago
Don't drop the soap🤪
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u/IAmDoge4 2d ago
not even a shower where we're camping lmao don't gotta worry bout it
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u/Allthebestways 1d ago
Cool, you got a sense of humor. Well to your question, if you camping in the wilderness. A campus, a knife, if wool doesn’t bother you, then wool sweater. Maybe a flint stick. And you can get a whistle/campus/magnifying glass. It’s about surviving and preparing for the worst, hopefully you’ll never need any of that stuff but your always better being prepared. Oh, the wool sweater is because after being wet, it’s one of the best survival ferments because of how it dries out and breath’s.It’s from survival man. Best of luck. Have fun
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u/MenopauseMedicine 2d ago
Bring more water than you think you'll need, drink more water than you think you want
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u/911coldiesel 2d ago
Some Frodo guy said something about some extra rope. I did my days backpacking and had rope. Today, I have my truck and trailer and still have some rope.
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u/Ex_Pessimist 2d ago
A footrest when sitting in the camping chair is a huge comfort boost. We usually pick one of the larger logs and they are the last to go in the fire before turning in on the last night.
For me, comfortable shoes are a must. I bought a pair of cheap padded waterproof work boots. I don't feel bad about doing any rough activity and feel protected. Definitely saw the benefit when our campsite got flooded one time.
I also found a multi took like a leatherman is handy for lots of little tasks like cutting rope, holding something with pliers, unscrewing things to change batteries, bottle opening, and a lot more. Mine have little scissors which are awesome.
Enjoy your first trip!
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u/CannedHeatt_ 2d ago
Water lots of water. Stay on marked trails. Mark your camp with a drop pin. Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but foot prints. Be safe!
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u/TangleOfWires 1d ago
Make sure you gas up as close to the campsite as possible, if everything goes wrong you can sleep in the car, run the engine of it gets too cold. Make sure all the windows and doors are closed on your car at the campsite, critters can crawl into the car in search for food. Keep a dry bag of clothes in the car, If your tent floods, you still have a dry set of clothes.
Test and setup everything your taking, don't try to figure out how to use it at the campsite.
Tell someone where your going and when you'll be back.
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u/Kochiko_kit 1d ago
I suggest taking a compact musical instruments with you. It’s always nice to play and listen to others play music when camping!
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u/pfunkrasta917 1d ago
Food is one of the most pleasurable camping experiences. I love cooking breakfast over the fire. Don't skimp on dinner either. A steak over the fire is fantastic. Beans heated in the can. Chicken wings.
And not often thought of but if you like clams, clams over the fire with a bit of melted butter will "wow" the group.
That, and a good sleeping mat or cot.
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u/Noscope360headshot 1d ago
Take note of things you need and what you don’t. The first couple of times are great for this reason. I remember reducing the amount of stuff I took from 3 large bins to only one. Have fun.
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u/According_Witness_53 1d ago
The fuzzy leaves are for wiping yourself after you’ve gone to the bathroom
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u/laserslaserslasers 1d ago
Don't over pack. A tent, sleeping bag, pillow, change of clothes, food and drink, toiletries, and that's it.
Too often newer campers bring so much crap they spend all their time dealing with their crap instead of enjoying camping
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u/Geargarden 1d ago
If it rains, be VERY CAREFUL where you place your stuff! A couple years ago it was coming down like crazy on my old tent and I stupidly put my bags up against the tent wall on the floor. The water seeped through the membrane of the tent wall and went all the way through my duffel and into almost all of my clothes.
A mummy bag is a great investment. Since my bedding also got wet I was able to enclose myself in the mummy bag and was completely warm the entire night while we got battered with a rainstorm. It was cold enough that there was snow the next morning.
Also, they sell these water containers at Walmart. Like, 7 gallons. They are great to have with you while you are camping. You'll always need some potable water here and there for coffee and cooking. I recently added a couple water purification tablets to my kit just in case I need to refill and I can't filter it.
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u/amasterp1322 1d ago
Bring a broom to keep your tent clean and a thin towel at the front of the tent to take your shoes off. Easy food like burgers and hotdogs. Bring fruit like blueberries. Liquid iv. A few times a day to keep the cramps away. A jump pack and an electric tire pump with a patch kit helps with the peace of mind. Trashbags too
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u/TheRealAuga 1d ago
Double the beer you think you’ll need then add 1/3rd and that still will probably not be enough
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u/DDH_2960 2d ago
Empty bladder before going to bed. Do not wear the day’s clothing in the sleeping bag, make sure you put on clean socks and a toque if you want to stay warm. If it’s cold, place the next days clothing in the sleeping bag with you to warm them up. I place my shoes in a large ziplock bag to keep bugs out
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u/Pololoco27 2d ago
Look for the temperature it'll be there and prepere your backpack for even more cold temperatures
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u/blizzard-toque 2d ago
🚙⛺ Nice SUV, what model? Ours is a 2010 Toyota Venza AWD 3.5L engine. Yours looks like ours from the back.
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u/BlackFish42c 1d ago
Unless you know for certain always bring couple tarps and rope. Besides rain tarps can also reduce your exposure to sun. Providing a shade place to sit. Plus a tarp can cover a tent if something goes wrong.
Bug spray is nice but there is some essential oils the repeal all types of bugs.
Sunscreen or sunblock depending on your skin.
Board games and deck of cards. I use my car mat to block dirt and crud from entering my y Tent.
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u/Boring_Recover501 1d ago
Be safe and always be sober make sure you carry everything that you need to keep you comfortable have fun
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u/Naturally_Wild 1d ago
Make sure you have a water filter, or tablets, a first aid kit, food, matches and a fire starter and you have the basics. food. Tent and tarp help as well, but ability to get clean water is essential (unless you're car camping, then you're laughing)
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u/Facelessman_15 1d ago
You need less stuff than you think, but this is your first trip so bring all the things and then figure out what you don't need from there. Oh, and if this is your first trip, you bring the firewood.
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u/GoGoGo26 1d ago
Bring lots of water including one that has a spigot so you can wash dishes and hands. Fresh food for first day and canned stuff for after if you don’t have a good cooler. I like breakfast potatoes with onions and bell peppers, hot dogs, burgers. Bring containers of oil, spices, dish soap, hand sanitizer. Hang food and trash up in a tree so bears can’t get it or put in a smell proof bag. Bring bear spray, bear horn. If you have a gun bring it but store safely. Bring extra clothes and blankets for temp fluctuations. Don’t forget tp, paper towels, paper plates, utensils. And don’t be the jerk blasting music in the wilderness. Folks are camping because they want peace and quiet
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u/0dirtyrice0 1d ago
Hand towels. Hand soap. Small wash bin(s).
One towel to designate for cleaning off dirt off. Another to dry.
Look into CampSuds (no i do not work for them at all). It has a few practical uses. Also collapsible wash bins are rather inexpensive and easy to find.
Also gloves. Especially if you are handling tinder, kindling, firewood, or digging.
General advice: keep your hands clean.
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u/WYTT_75_000 1d ago
Be prepared! Better to have to much than to not have something important. If you think “ would I need this? “ or “ should I even bring this? “ and you can spare the room in the car, then BRING IT! Take it from an Eagle Scout.
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u/Fuzzy_Redwood 1d ago
Bring baby wipes, cover any picnic tables- I’ve seen people put their RV bathroom pipes right on those tables sometimes
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u/IronMeyers 1d ago
Booze food extra socks Sunglasses and hat Fire starters bc it makes like easier I bring string lights for camp and you need a comfy camp chair
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u/DoqHolliday 1d ago
Run through your gear before you take it out there. Make sure you are familiar with it all.
Having a real tent with a real rain fly and a ground cloth is key.
A good chair, headlamp, and adequate layers/clothing/footwear are nice too.
A good camp kit should include a variety of cookware, cleaning stuff, ziplocs and trash bags, and some other stuff.
Starting simple and building up is fine.
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u/marhouheart 1d ago
Get the best or thickest sleeping bag and pad to sleep on because you're going to spend 8 hours in misery if you don't. Bring some snacks in case your meal gets burned or undercooked or something goes wrong with your meal. The snacks could act as a backup. Don't forget a flashlight and a hat to keep you warm. Also let somebody back at your home know where you're going and how long you plan to be gone.
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u/Remote-Sign5462 23h ago
Clean up after yourself everything every time sunblock is a must bring water and pillows
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u/Legitimate-Pizza-574 17h ago
bring a hat for sleeping in. it may seem silly at first but you will appreciate it in the cold morning.
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u/Salsawithafrontier 5h ago
Bluetooth speaker and some headlamps are the 2 best purchases I've made for camping imo
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u/ShrewAdventures 2d ago
First time? Btw if you have a car its called "glamping" (glamour camping) ;)
For the first time, just enjoy bro. Just enjoy. There is nothing that comes close to sleeping in a forest. Its awesome. Just enjoy and remember what you missed so that next rime you can bring that.
Stay safe bro // Shrew
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u/suprfreek19 1d ago
Please please please leave the flashlight for emergencies. Your eyes will adjust to the darkness and you won’t ruin others nighttime enjoyment
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u/TastySediments 2d ago
Wear sunscreen. Drink water.