Camping is an outdoor activity that people participate in for recreational and leisure purposes. When going camping people leave their homes, the areas they live in and even civilization to enjoy the wonders of nature and all it has to offer. They spend some nights at a campsite in a tent or a cabin. It was in the early 20th century that camping became popular as a recreational activity and people now camp in many places such as national parks, publicly owned natural areas and privately owned campgrounds. Camping is also used as a cheap alternative form of accommodation by people who attend large open air events such as music festivals and sports events. At these events you will find that the organizers have set aside a field or two with basic amenities for people to pitch their tents. It does not cost much to pitch a tent and the money saved from accommodation costs can be used for further entertainments.
Camping
Camping itself describes a range of activities where you have survivalist campers for example, who leave civilization without any camping and outdoor equipment except for the clothes they are wearing. Whereas at the other end of the spectrum you have recreational vehicle travelers who have nearly every piece of camping equipment you can imagine, including their own electricity, heat and even patio furniture. Camping gives you freedom as it is used and enjoyed in conjunction with many other activities such as climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, hiking, bird watching and hill walking. Sometimes people “camp” whilst participating in these activities in permanent camps that have cabins and other facilities. But this is not a true example of camping.
Camping is loved by a broad range of people. These campers differ in age, ability and ruggedness but irrespective of these personal characteristics they all united in one common thing. Once the camping bug has bitten them they are a disciple for life. When pursuing their love most campers head for a campsite of some description. Campsites vary greatly from campsite to campsite and for a more informed description of any campsite you want to use you should really buy yourself a recommended campsite book which will give you all the information you will require. For instance some campsites are fully loaded with facilities such as barbeque grills, bathrooms, laundry rooms and in some cases even small diners or restaurants.. While other campsites can just be a patch of grass or dirt. The range is huge with the range going from a patch of grass all the way up to a campsite with its own electricity and sewage systems. So you must decide which facilities you require and would like and then scour your campsite book until you find the ideal one for you.
Camping has greatly increased in popularity over the last 20-30 years and because of this increase in popularity camping and outdoor equipment manufacturers have also increased. There is now a huge market for these camping equipment manufacturers to supply. Camping is no longer an uncomfortable experience but a pleasurable pastime with many of the home comforts such as comfortable mattresses, compact furniture, great cooking utensils, lighting and heat being brought along as well. It is because of the technological changes to camping and outdoor equipment and the research into products from the camping equipment manufacturers that has resulted in camping becoming a home from home. Those campers for example who choose to camp close to their car with a tent have access to portable hot water, interior tent lighting and electricity. Now these facilities were pretty much unheard of 30 years ago.
Mobile camping is for the more adventurous type of camper. The most popular type of mobile camping is that of backpacking. A backpacker uses lightweight camping and outdoor equipment because they tend to walk many miles in a day and all their camping equipment has to be carried with them on their backs in rucksacks. By backpacking you do manage to get closer to nature often hiking across baron wild land and sleeping in very remote places. Unfortunately for the backpacker the backpacking equipment does tend to cost a little more than the camping equipment for car camping. However it is a small price to pay for the freedom we free.
Another form of mobile camping that is very exciting is that on canoe camping. It is very similar to backpacking but the camper uses a canoe for transportation instead of walking. Providing you can protect your camping equipment from the water, canoe camping has the advantage of you being able to have more camping and outdoor equipment because a canoe can carry much more weight and bulk than just a single rucksack. Canoe camping is a very popular outdoor activity in North America.
Finally just for now we shall give you one more form of mobile camping and that is of bike or motorbike camping. Just like backpacking you are limited to the amount of camping and outdoor equipment that you can have with you, but you have the added advantage of being able to hit the road and covering long distances if you need to. Ideal for someone who wants to spread their wings. The camping equipment that you would use with this version is pretty similar to the backpacking equipment.
Specialized camping
There are quite a few specialized forms of camping if you wish to diversify and get your teeth into them. Survivalist camping is all about the camper having to learn all the skills required to stay alive and survive in any outdoor situation. There are no home comforts here and you will be tested to the full by having to find food, build a shelter and so on. Can be fun and is actually very fulfilling when you become accomplished enough to be able to survive on your own abilities out the wild.
Winter camping is self explanatory in what it actually is. Here campers tend to wait for of go and find snow and then camp out. It can be a very fresh and refreshing experience and you really do feel close to nature when you are out on a snow capped hill or mountain. There is specialized camping and outdoor equipment for this pursuit so you will always be well protected from the elements. With this winter camping you should learn how to build snow shelters, how to feed yourself properly to cope with the conditions and definitely get into the hang of dressing correctly and making sure you remain dry at all times.
Adventure camping
Mountain biking or racing is usually what is involved with adventure camping. Here people will ride or race their bikes during the day and then camp out during the night. The camping equipment for this is very minimal with lightweight small tents, sleeping bag and maybe a compact camping stove as well. But not much more camping equipment.
Boutique camping
This type of camping is a British thing and can be experienced and found at any music festival such as Reading Rock or Glastonbury. Other names for it are comfy camping, posh camping or glamping. Basically it is easy camping where companies run a business whereby they deliver tent accommodation to the site, pitch the tent for the occupant and then take the tent away when it has been finished with. For those who indulge in this kind of camping, it takes away any problems of having to find a pitching spot for their tent, having to transport their own tent and pitching and taking down the tent. I suppose once in a lifetime it would be nice to experience something like this but to be honest to me it takes away the soul of camping.
Sail camping
This is camping whilst also using a boat or sailing. What usually happens with this version is that people sail along coastlines until they come across somewhere they fancy camping for the night and then just dock the boat and set up camp. An exciting way to camp as you never know where you will end up and maybe you come across some unoccupied islands. Because you have the boat as well the amount of camping and outdoor equipment you can have with you is very substantial, so you are prepared for any area whether it be baron or occupied.
Beginners Guide To Camping
So if you have never been camping before and would like to experience it and are a little worried that you have no idea how to do it, then relax. Camping is easy but you do need to be properly prepared. So you should really be thinking about which type of camping you would like to pursue and when you have ascertained this then you will know exactly which type of camping and outdoor equipment you will require. When you know which camping you are going to do and you have the equipment then you are home and dry. Camping is easy and a lot of fun. You have made a great decision in choosing to do it. Ok we shall give you a couple of examples of camping and a few tips as well to help you on your way.
Recreational vehicle camping (RV camping)
This is just like living at home except your home has wheels. RV vehicles are fully equipped with cooking facilities, sleeping facilities and toilet facilities. The top end high quality RV vehicles have more amenities and luxuries than many homes to be honest and there is not much you have to think about in the camping equipment department. They are just like a hotel holiday where you bring yourself, your clothes and a credit card and off you go. You don’t even have to cook as you can just park up in any diner car park and eat there. But it’s nice to cook once in a while so it is a good idea to stock the fridge in the RV with basic essentials such as milk and cheese etc etc.
If you are thinking of buying a RV vehicle you must do your research before committing. A very good idea is if you think you have found a RV vehicle you would like to buy, then hire a similar model and take a camping holiday with it to see if the RV suits you in every way. They are not cheap to buy and with such a heavy investment as they are you don’t want to be stuck with one that does not function as you want it to. Maybe you find that you do not even enjoy RV camping. The tip here is to always try before you buy. Another tip that is very beneficial is to talk with other RV owners and ask them the pros and cons of their own vehicles. That way you will get a very good picture of a variety of models.
Camper camping
This form of camping is not as luxurious as RV camping but it is very similar indeed and appeals greatly to those who want to get out there in nature with a little comfort and moveably but do not the finance or wish to invest the finance in a RV. The camper van such as probably the most famous of all, the Volkswagen camper, is a perfectly adequate base to have for camping. Inside you have the bed for people who do not wish to sleep on the floor and of course you have extra protection from any severe weather changes you may encounter. The camper is much smaller than the RV and most of them do not have shower or toilet facilities and in most cases also not a fridge either. But there is enough storage space for most of your camping and outdoor equipment and of course you don’t have to worry about carrying any of your camping equipment as the camper does it for you.
With a camping trip in a camper van you have to think and plan a little more than you would with a RV. For instance if the camper does not have a fridge it would be a very good idea for you to buy a small portable camping fridge or a cooler box of some sort to keep your food and drinks chilled. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning to warm sour milk. Electric power is also another issue with the camper van. You can alleviate this problem with a small generator, but if you do not want to do that then there are battery lights and heaters out there that you can buy. So it’s not such an issue actually but you must think about it.
Tent camping
This is the version of camping that most people instantly relate to when they hear the word camping. With tent camping you really must think about all your needs and requirements before you set out on a trip. You have to consider about food, shower and toilet facilities and even light and warmth for the night time. Making a camping list of which camping and outdoor equipment you require is a must. You don’t want to be in the wilderness at night time with a touch only to find you forgot to bring batteries. Making a list and checking all your camping equipment is a time consuming chore, but one that is well worth while. If you don’t yet have a tent and are about to buy one try to get one that is lightweight and weather resistant. Gore-tex tents are fantastic and will give you all the protection you need. And how many people are there going with you? Having a tent too big is ok. But a tent too small is a very bad idea. So consider the size and what the tent is made from before buying one.
Backpacking
To many this is real camping and for me personally it is what I live for. I love it! Backpacking is more for the experienced camper and with this you definitely have to think more about the camping and outdoor equipment that you will need. Everything that you will take with you has to be carried by yourself on your back in the pack. So first things first, if you are going to do this and have not done it before, make sure you get yourself a very good rucksack. With the rucksack you need the capacity inside to be as big as possible but also for the bag to be comfortable on your back as well. Try out a few backpacks until you find the right one for you. Also any other camping equipment you buy has to be lightweight and compact as well. You will have limited space in your bag and by having compact camping equipment you will be able to pack and carry more items. The essential items we will go into on another page on this site in more detail. If you are going backpacking check out the weather conditions and predicted weather so you will be prepared. Good hiking boots are essential as are obeying signs such as “no trespassing”. And it’s also a good idea to backpack with a companion. If alone and something unfortunate should happen to you then you could find yourself in a very precarious situation.
Canoe camping
I have done this once and thoroughly enjoyed it. So if you are planning on a canoeing trip then go for it! What you have to think of here though is that your camping and outdoor equipment has to be waterproof but you can actually carry more gear than with backpacking because the canoe takes the weight. Canoe camping is for the more experienced camper and if you have never been in a canoe before then you really should take some lessons before you embark upon your venture. And of course the ability to swim is a must. If you can go to the water and rent a canoe and try it out. If you enjoy then go for this. I’m sure you will have a great time.
Where? / Weather ?
So there you have been given a few examples of types of camping and a couple of tips to help you on your way. The other things that you should be considering as well are where will you actually be camping ? And which weather conditions are you most likely to encounter ? They are quite important questions to ask yourself because the answers will decide for you the correct camping and outdoor equipment you will be taking with you.
Lets look at where first. If you are going camping in the woods then you will have plenty of shelter at your disposal from the sun or rain. But the major problem to all campers in the forest is that of bugs and mosquitoes and certain plants that cause irritations. So always take bug cream and soothing ointments. They are worth their weight in gold to the mosquito bitten camper! If you are going into the desert remember you will encounter 2 extreme conditions. During the day it will be scorching hot whilst at night time it will be extremely cold. Dehydration is the biggest concern here though as the air in the desert is dry and you are unaware of how much you perspire because the sweat evaporates so quickly off your skin. Sun block and water are the essentials you should plan for.
And now a couple of words on weather conditions. With camping in cold weather warmth is the issue. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and always wear them in layers. Staying dry is essential as well. A nice warm sleeping bag is something you will be very glad you bought. Hot weather camping is obviously the opposite and here make sure you stay hydrated. If you are hiking much it’s always ideal to have some salt tablets with you and also a small portable camping water filter or water purifier tablets in case you run out of clean fresh water. In wet weather pay vigilance to the terrain you are on. The rain can make terrains very difficult to deal with and injuries can occur. Make sure your tent is weather resistant with a material such as gor-tex and a good quality ground sheet is essential. So the secret to successful camping, whichever variety you decide to embark upon, is planning and selecting yourself the correct camping and outdoor equipment.
Mobile Camping
Camping And Outdoor Equipment
© 2010 camping and outdoor equipment Site Map Privacy Policy Contact Details - GARNETT65@hotmail.com
About Camping And Outdoor Equipment
Campingandoutdoorequipment.net is a young site that will grow and grow over time with the intention of providing a comprehensive coverage of camping, outdoor equipment and advice on the wide spectrum of camping related activities. So whether you be a newbie or an experienced camper/backpacker, the intention is to provide new and useful information to all of you. At any given time there may not be any content of significant relevance to you, but we advise you to bookmark this site as new content is added weekly. And if we will still fail to meet your relevancy levels please contact us by email with your queries, questions or suggestions for new site content and we will strive to meet your requirements as much as our capabilities allow us.
This Months Added Subjects at Campingandoutdoorequipment.net
The Karrimor Rucksack
The Karrimor rucksack will be one of the most important items of your camping and outdoor equipment. It is your back camel that will carry all your camping equipment whenever you go camping.......
Wiley X Sunglasses
When it comes to selecting a new pair of sunglasses to wear out when you are camping or are actively involved in outdoor pursuits, one brand that is well worth deep consideration is that of Wiley x.......
The Camping Hammock
A camping hammock is a great alternative to a camping bed for anyone who is camping. Backpackers in particular favour the camping hammock because they are easy to transport, lightweight and very......
Storing A Kayak
When not in use you will need to store your kayak correctly to prevent it’s hull from deforming, cracking or even fading. The best place to store a kayak is in a heated indoor room with.....
Advertise With Us
See below for details
Advertise With Us
We at campingandoutdoorequipment.net would like to offer the opportunity of advertising with us. If you have a business or product that is related to the camping world we would love to hear from you.
What we are looking for are products and services that are related to the camping and outdoor world that will be of interest to our readers and enhance this site. We would like you to have a whole specific page on this site with details of what you are offering, maybe some advice, pictures and of course links back to your website.
We are trying to build a site of quality with excellent information and knowledge all about camping and related subjects so we will work with you to design an excellent and clear page for your business or product. This way we are ensured that your page will enhance our site and please our readers.
Because campingandoutdoorequipment.net is a new site we are offering this advertising at just a one off fee of $100 for a page for the lifetime of this site. We feel this is a fair and very reasonable fee at this particular time in the site’s development. Obviously in time when the site grows we will reassess this cost. But for now and the foreseeable future this $100 fee remains fixed.
If you are interested in advertising with us please email us at garnett65@hotmail.com with all your details, requirements and other relevant issues.
Submit Articles Or Writings To Us
You are more than welcome to submit articles to us about products, places or experiences related to the camping world. We will read every article that is sent to us and if we feel that the article adds useful content to this site then we will publish it on a page and develop that page further with our own writing contributions as well.
We will be quite strict on choosing relevant articles for this site, so please only submit writings that are of original content and good quality, with a minimum of 600 words. You can add one self serving link within the article. Any more than that and we will automatically dismiss the article.
Articles we are very much interested in are with the subjects of:
The Lake District - Absolutely any subject
Kayaking + Equipment
Mountain Biking + Equipment
Camping In Countries Outside The United Kingdom
Less well known brands of camping and outdoor equipment
But please do submit any other interesting articles. All submissions please to garnett65@hotmail.com
Subjects To Be Added Next Month
Timberland Sandals
Kite Flying
Camping Fridge
Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag
And Much More.........
