| The best and most memorable camping trips rely | | | | put away your tent if it is still damp. Let it dry out |
| on great gear and reliable camping equipment. | | | | thoroughly - if you don't then the fabric will start |
| Some pieces of outdoor camping equipment can | | | | to smell and rot. Clean the ground sheet and |
| be quite expensive, but they will last you a long | | | | check that the guy ropes are ok and the pegs |
| time if you look after them properly. Whether | | | | aren't broken. |
| you go camping once in blue moon or whether | | | | - replace any that are before you want to use |
| you want to be out in the open every chance | | | | them again. |
| you get, you do much better if you have the | | | | If you look after your outdoor camping |
| right camping gear. Common tent camping | | | | equipment then it will serve you well. Make sure |
| equipment includes:A tent, lean-to or other shelter | | | | that you air your sleeping bags after washing |
| device. A sleeping bag for warmth..A sleeping pad | | | | them. Check that the zips are working properly |
| or air mattress is often placed underneath the | | | | and then pack them away carefully in a dry place. |
| sleeping bag for cushioning from stones and twigs | | | | When you get home at the end of a camping trip |
| as well as for insulation from the ground. A | | | | you should check over all of your outdoor |
| portable stove to prepare hot meals and/or | | | | camping equipment. Whether you have a portable |
| drinks where campfires are forbidden or | | | | stove or a grill make sure that they are cleaned |
| impractical. A lantern or flashlight. A hatchet, axe | | | | and oiled before putting them away. Clean and |
| or saw for cutting firewood (where allowed; see | | | | pack up all of your cutlery and crockery. If you |
| campfire) or constructing camp gadgets. Various | | | | have air beds than then make sure that they are |
| types and sizes of ropes and tarps for stringing | | | | clean and that all the air is out of them if you |
| clotheslines, sheltering dining areas, and other | | | | want them to be of service next time. |
| purposes. Buy the best supplies that you can | | | | Wash and put away whatever survival clothing |
| afford and then look after it. | | | | you have as part of your outdoor camping |
| Much of the remaining needed camping equipment | | | | equipment. If wilderness hiking is part of your |
| is commonly available in the home, like dishes, | | | | camping trips then make sure that you have the |
| pots and pans. | | | | right kind of hiking boots. Always clean them |
| On your return from a camping trip, make sure | | | | thoroughly after a trip and stuff them with |
| that you check all your equipment thoroughly | | | | newspaper before you put them away. |
| before putting it away. You want your outdoor | | | | The only way to get the best from your outdoor |
| camping equipment to last so get into the habit of | | | | camping equipment is to keep it clean and |
| maintaining it. There is nothing worse for a tent | | | | serviced. Then the next time that you want to |
| than an accumulation of damp and mold. Never | | | | take off in the wilds it will be fit for service again. |