Camping Tips 101

Usually, no matter how good you are at something, it will be in the basics that get overlooked if anything. In this article we try to cover all the camping basics with our Camping Tips 101 Campers Guide.

10 Great Camping Tips

Camping Tip #1: Have A Camping Gear Checklist

Few things can make an otherwise great camping trip start go sour like forgetting to bring the camping stove, or even worse, the family camping tent. Although that may sound extreme, trust me, it has happened. Always make a list of what you need to make your stay in camp a pleasant one and you have cleared half the hurdles.

Camping Tip #2: Take Extra Drinking Water

You just never know (usually) what unexpected conditions may arise once you get on-site. Some like to camp in the most civilized of places like campgrounds while others prefer the solitude of climbing a mountain and sleeping under the stars all alone away from civilization. Either way, you can really never have too much extra water…EVER. Just take what you can without being an extra burden.

Camping Tip #3: Always Take Several Sources of Fire

The reasons for this should be obvious, but make sure at least one of them is waterproof in case of rain or accidental river bath.

Camping Tip #4: Pitch Your Tent At Least 25 Feet From Any Campfire

Once your campfire has been burning for several hours, the accumulated coals can make new firewood heat rapidly and pop, sending embers flying. Most tents are not fireproof and a hot coal could catch your campsite on fire. Never leave your campfire unattended.

Camping Tip #5: Bring a Gun If You Own One

You never want to leave your family unprotected. Since you will be outside the safety of a building enclosure, having a gun handy, and knowing how to use it, is probably the best defense plan you can have against wild animals and humans alike.

Camping Tip #6: Have a First Aid Kit

We’ve been going camping for years and have always brought along a first aid kit, but thankfully, have never had to use it. I’m sure the first time I leave home without it, we’ll need it.

Camping Tip #7: Bring A Local Map Or Portable GPS Device

If the area you decide to go camping in an area that isn’t familiar territory for you, it’s a good idea to bring a topographical map of the local area, or a GPS, if you’re planning on camping in a secluded location.

Camping Tip #8: Plan For Rain And Hope It Doesn’t

Camping is never as much fun when it starts raining, but it’s much worse when you didn’t anticipate rain in the first place. Bring some extra plastic garbage bags that you can turn into rain ponchos. Have something planned to do inside in advance to the rain starting.

Camping Tip #9: Don’t Forget Your Axe and Knife

If you are used to living in the country, or off the land, you might overlook the value of having a sharp knife and axe. you could use a hatchet in place of the axe if you have one, but unless you bring your own firewood and kindling, you’ll need one. A good knife can be used to cut string, sharpened marshmallow roasting sticks, or cut holes in that plastic bag to make a poncho.

Camping Tip #10: Insect Repellent Is A Necessity

Although this is probably the first thing you most of you put on your camping list, I wanted to include it here just to be sure. It’s also a good idea to bring along some Bactine or Trauma One Cream just in case.

Some Basic Tent Tips

The following are a few basic tent tips that apply to all tents and camping scenarios:

Before you start: If you’re setting up your tent for the first time, do it at home in your backyard, rather than at the campsite in front of your friends and family.

1. Location – Always look over the area where your tent will sit and remove any sharp objects that may damage the floor. If the area isn’t completely flat (and it rarely is) position the tent so your head will be uphill. If there’s a chance it will rain while your tent is up, try not to place it in a low spot that could collect water.
2. Pole Assembly – Locate and assemble all of the poles. If the fly or vestibule has a separate pole(s), lay them aside so they don’t get mixed up with your tent poles. Make sure all of the pole sections snap completely together. The elastic cord inside the pole sections will basically do this for you, but as the poles become a little dirty and used, they sometimes do not slide completely together.
3. Poles to the Tent – With the pole sections completely together, you are now ready to place them on the tent. Open any windows so that you can get air into the tent when it’s time to set up the poles. Check to see if the tent uses any pole sleeves or if there are just pole clips. If there are pole sleeves, thread the pole sections from one corner of the tent to the opposite corner. Place all of the poles into the sleeves before putting any of the pole ends into the pole pockets. With all of the poles threaded through the sleeves, place one end of one pole into a pole pocket, then the opposite end of the pole into the pocket, and then repeat the process for the other poles. As you’ll see, your tent is now basically set up. If you don’t have any pole sleeves and only clips, just put the ends of the poles into the pockets and clip the tent to the poles.
4. Stake out the Tent – Stake out the tent on your “cleaned up” site. Look inside the tent to see that the floor pulled out evenly. If there are “wrinkles” running from one corner to the other, you’ve pulled the tent too tightly in that direction. Reposition the stakes until the floor is even and flat.
5. Put on the Fly – Place the fly over the tent, matching up the fly doors with the tent doors. Before attaching the buckles at the corners, make sure they’re all loosened a little bit so you don’t over-tighten the fly. The fly obviously needs to be tight, but over-tightening just stretches your fly and you’ll eventually be “out of adjustment”.
6. Add Guy Lines – Depending on the conditions, you may need to add guy lines. If it’s windy, may become windy, or may rain, it’s best to add the guy lines. The most important guy lines are the ones on the side of the tent where the wind is blowing. You may actually decide it’s more important to place 2 ropes on the key guy-out points on the “windy side” so you can secure them with 2 different stakes, rather than placing a rope on the “back side” that may not do as much good.
7. Stand Back and Admire – It’s always a good idea when you’re finished to take a few steps back and look at the good job you just finished!

Tent Care:

Your tent really doesn’t require much, so long as you keep it clean and dry.
1. Clean up – After each trip, set your tent up and check for excess dirt and debris. If it did get dirty, use a damp sponge and mild soap to clean it. Never use a washer or dryer! Let it set up until it has completely aired-out and dried. Never store your tent wet!
2. Preventive Maintenance – Especially if you’ve used your tent in a lot of rainy weather, you may want to clean your poles to keep them sliding together easier and through the pole sleeves more smoothly. While cleaning is enough, a little car wax (or anything to keep them “slick”) can’t hurt either. The zippers are also pretty maintenance free, but a little silicone spray on the teeth (not on the fabric) will keep the zippers running more smoothly.
3. Storage – A cool dry place is best. Avoid a location like your attic that may get really hot, because the heat can damage the coating.
4. Use – Something that may cause the most harm to your tent, and you’ll never “see it”, is UV damage from the sun. Just don’t get lazy and let your tent set up all week in your backyard as it’s drying out from your last trip. These extended exposures to the sun will weaken your tent and fly sheet.

Tent FAQ:

1. Do I need to seam seal my floor or fly before I use my tent? No, you don’t. All of our tents come sealed from the factory. You should be able to take your tent right out of the bag and be able to use it without any water leaking into your tent.

2. Should I use a ground cloth with my tent? Using a ground cloth will no doubt prolong the life of your tent floor. You can “sweep” your area as much as you can, and there probably will still be some small stick or stone that may punch a hole in your tent floor. Using a ground cloth is no guarantee against these small punctures, but will certainly help. Our warranty does cover defects, but not wear and tear, so whatever you can do to prolong the life of your tent floor will obviously benefit you.