Camping Gear - Choosing the Right Camping Gear

Choosing camping gear is not about buying theThe camping list may change from each camping
latest, most popular or even the most expensivetrip as you encounter different conditions. This is
equipment. Camping equipment should bethe trial and error method for choosing the right
affordable and suitable for your needs.camping equipment for you.
The key to choosing the right gear is to knowAs you take notes on which equipment works
what you will encounter on your camping trip.best for different situations and which gear you
How long you will be camping also influences whatwish you had or how much of the camping
camping gear you would need.supplies you had used up in your camping trip
Consider which gear is essential based on theyour list will become better, more useful and
terrain and weather conditions. You can still havemore customized to your individual needs.
many choices of gear which are still practical andMaking your backpack lighter
functional even if you are on a tight budget.While the camping gear checklist can possibly
It's easy to get distracted by all the gear you seemake your backpack lighter by reducing the
in camping stores but you need to focus on thenumber of camping, it may take a few camping
camping gear that you will definitely need andtrips to get it right.
would later prove useful to your needs.With new technology camping equipment are
You also wouldn't want to carry too much gearincreasingly lighter and smaller with new designs
and equipment if you can. The rule of thumb is toand materials. Choosing a lighter alternative to the
carry not more than a third of your body weight.same piece of gear can significantly reduce your
The strongest camping and hiking gear may beoverall load. It is not necessary to sacrifice certain
too heavy or lack the features you need soessentials just to make your backpack lighter.
evaluate the conditions of the terrain and decide ifA lighter backpack will help you travel more
you really need gear that may be overkill. Contactquickly and cover more distances in a day and
the local tourist office to find out about weatherput less stress on your knees, shoulders, neck
conditions and terrain before you start buyingand back.
new equipment or before you pack what youThese 5 tips will help you reduce the weight of
have already.your backpack.
Sometimes you will go through a variety of• Get rid excess - Don't bring extra changes of
conditions and terrain in the same camping trip soclothing more than one. Don't bring more than one
make sure you take this into account whencooking pot.
choosing camping gear. For example if you go on• If you are hiking in a group or someone else
a mountain hike, the conditions and terrain wouldtry to share some of the camping gear that can
be different at the top of the climb than at thebe conveniently shared like camping tent, camping
beginning.stove, insect repellent etc.
If the weather is unpredictable bring rain gear and• Replace camping equipments with lighter
pack your gear in a waterproof enclosure so thatversions of it. Lightweight components and simple
it remains dry.designs can almost maximize function while
Making Your Own Camping Checklistminimizing weight.
A camping checklist is something that evolves as• Use camping gear that can perform different
you gain more experience camping. It not onlyfunctions.
makes sure that you carry everything that you• Use travel size versions for consumables like
might need but it also can be used to make suresoap and toothpaste and try to reduce packaging.
that you don't carry too much campingTraveling with a big load on your back is not fun
equipment.and most times unnecessary. If that's what
To make a dynamic camping checklist that youyou've been doing you'll appreciate how easy it is
be useful for different occasions make a note ofto travel with a lighter load. Keeping your body in
which camping gear you did or did not use andshape can help you carry your load better still.
alter you list accordingly.