For those who need to know what to bring camping, CampDotCom has you covered. Discover the best camping gear and equipment so that you can have the best time on your next camping adventure. If backpacking and hiking are essential to your well-being, we can help you explore the best hiking gear and equipment. Whether it is kid camping, family camping, wilderness camping and even survival camping, come to us to find the best information, tips, hacks and gear so that you will be properly supplied.

How To Choose From The Best Camping Tents For Your Trip

There are many people who enjoy the fun of camping in the great outdoors, but without the appropriate equipment, the enjoyable experience can become quite disastrous in just a short amount of time. While there are a variety of camping accessories that are a requirement for a great camping experience, locating the best camping tents can really allow a family to have a wonderful time on their trip. With so many different tent styles available, it can be rather difficult to determine which will be most suitable for the camping situation.

Several different varieties of tents are available for purchase, but the most common styles are dome tents, backpacking tents, and cabin tents. While any are suitable for the most basic type of environment, each variety is better for certain types of conditions that may be experienced. The dome tents are one of the most frequently purchased types, simply because they collapse into a small bag and are very quick and easy to assemble on site. The cabin tents, although they are much larger and offer much more room for a larger family, are often difficult to set-up.

Depending on the type of location, the best camping tents will provide a suitable amount of protection against all weather conditions. Most of the dome tents are wind resistant and are excellent at keeping out the rain. Camping tents that have a water resistant exterior that also provide good ventilation are often considered to be the best because no other protective layers need to be added when it starts to rain or to prevent buildup of moisture from the ground. Taking a look at the area where the camping will be done will allow for the best camping tents to be found.

The time of year will also help to determine the right type of tent that will make the camping experience much more enjoyable. There are different categories of tents available, such as 3 season tents that work for more milder climates and 4 season tents that are suitable for the extreme winter weather conditions. While these are typically found in the dome tent style, the cabin tents are typically considered to be usable in all seasons.

Upon keeping these considerations in mind when selecting from the best tents, the right style can be found that will help make camping a wonderful experience for the entire family.

The time of year will also help to determine the right type of tent that will make the camping experience much more enjoyable. There are different categories of tents available, such as 3 season tents that work for more milder climates and 4 season tents that are suitable for the extreme winter weather conditions. While these are typically found in the dome tent style, the cabin tents are typically considered to be usable in all seasons.

How To Choose The Best Camping Lantern For You

Lighting is a very important tool for camping in the woods. When the sun goes down, you'll need a good source of light for important tasks such as cooking, eating or going to the bathroom. You'll also need light inside your tent or for nighttime activities like fishing, boating or even just playing cards.

So how can you choose the best lantern for you? Here are some tips and important things to consider:

Choose what type of lantern to purchase

There are 3 main types of camping and outdoor lanterns - gas, candle and electric. Gas lanterns are powered by gas, most commonly butane, propane or liquid fuel. They are known to emit the brightest light among all types, are easy to use and are fuel-efficient. However, gas-powered lanterns are hot to the touch (not safe for kids or pets), heavy, bulky and noisy.

Candle lanterns provide soft, natural lighting which creates a great ambiance at the campsite. They're great for close-up tasks and are long-lasting. But candle lanterns should be used with caution as they are flammable and hot to the touch.

The last main type is the electric lantern which is favoured by most campers today. There are plenty of options in terms of size, weight and design so you can choose which fits your needs best. They provide a good light output and are safe to use around kids and pets. Most electric lanterns are rechargeable or battery-operated, which means a power source could be a problem especially if you're camping somewhere with no electricity. Just be sure to bring an extra set of batteries!

Consider the function and usage

To know what type of camping lantern is best for you, think about your camping lifestyle and the outdoor activities that you do. If you hike often or camp with children, an electric lantern is ideal because it's compact and lightweight. If you often camp alone and need a long-lasting source of light, a candle lantern is a good choice of light to use for personal tasks. If you need to light a large area or campsite or weight is not an issue, go for a gas lantern.

Look into the features

If you're leaning to buy an electric lantern, purchase one with features that will actually benefit you. Don't buy a more expensive model with dozens of features that you won't actually use. Some common useful features of electric lanterns include emergency light options, a hook to hang (on your tent or backpack) and being waterproof.

When buying a source of light for your outdoor trips, choose one that will cater to your own personal camping needs. Follow the abovementioned tips to choose the best camping lantern for you!

If California's famous redwood forests are within reach, you should certainly not miss out on this gorgeous destination. It's one of the best places to set up a tent, and though vegetation packs much of the forest, this campsite is specifically created for camping lovers. There are opportunities for fishing, hiking, and even horse riding at this site. Due to the dense forestry, it's likely you may come across some wildlife as well. Therefore, it is important to properly dispose of food and clean up after your meals. After all, you won't want animals to wander around your campsite!

Choosing the Best Kids Summer Camps

Beside all the organized sports our children are attending throughout the year, summer time provides great opportunities for kids to attend a summer camp and learn new skills or make new friends. In fact, it's been proven so many times that by keeping kids active and interested in sports or arts, they will stay out of trouble and away from bad influences.

But with all the choices out there it can be difficult to find the right kids summer camps. This article will concentrate on providing some guidelines on the numerous factors to consider when choosing the best camp for your child.

WHOSE DECISION IS IT?

If you want your child to attend the worst summer camp, send him or her to a camp without involving them in the decision. Otherwise, make sure to sit down together and talk about what really interests him, what does he love about a particular activity and what does he want to gain from the camp experience. Regardless of the age of your child remember to include him in the decision. Looking through brochures and sharing some favourite summer camp stories with your child is a great way to build his excitement.

WHAT PROGRAM

Once you have determined your child interests decide if it's best that he attends a traditional or a specialized camp. Traditional Summer Camps are more appropriate for children who love to do many different types of activities such as outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, individual and team activities, and more. Specialized Summer Camps focus on one activity and are more appropriate for children that are motivated towards one specific activity. The most common kids camps and activities are:

Adventure Camps: hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, rope courses, rafting, outdoor cooking, and fishing.Watersports Camps: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, waterskiing, windsurfing, volleyball.Individual or Team Sports Camps: soccer, baseball, football, basketball, hockey, horseback riding, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, fishing, golf.Arts Camps: acting, directing, writing, photography, choreography, dance, music, circus, paining.Science Camps: nature, geology, astronomy, biology, archaeology, physics.Religious Camps: Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Christian.Computer Camps: web design, graphic design, video game design, 3D-modeling and animation.

WHAT TYPE OF CAMP?

After taking into consideration your work schedule, child's age and the experience you and your child are expecting to gain from the summer camp, consider the type of camp that makes the most sense for your child. Depending on the type of camp, you can choose between overnight camps, day camps, all boys or all girls' camps, or brother and sister camps. Also take into consideration the age groups represented and the percentage.

WHERE IS THIS CAMP?

If it's the first time your child is attending a summer camp look for something closer in order to lessen some of the anxiety he or she might be feeling. Consider the proximity to your home or work especially if your child will be attending a day camp. Keep in mind the camp environment, security, and medical facility and remember to choose the camp based on your child's interests rather then how close the camp is.

WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES LIKE?

Most camps will schedule a tour for parents to visit the facility and meet the directors or you can talk to the camp administration on the phone about your concerns if visiting the camp is not an option. Talk to them about your child's needs and interests and how you can ensure that your child will have a successful summer camp experience. Enquire about the sleeping arrangements and what toilet and shower facilities exist. It is also important to find out what medical facilities are available and where is the nearest hospital.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

As a rule of thumb, non-profit camps are less expensive then the private camps. Most of these kids' camps are tax deductible under the Income Tax Act, falling under the general rubric of the childcare expense deduction. Talk to your accountant to see if you qualify. Beside the actual price of the camp you will also have to take into consideration the extra expenses such as the spending money needed by your child, transportation or camp uniform. Be sure to check the cancellation and refund policy!

HOW MANY CHILDREN WILL ATTEND THE CAMP?

The number of campers will vary depending on the size of the facility. Large camps are often organized into smaller segment groups in order for campers to receive the same attention as they would in a smaller camp.

WHAT ABOUT THE STAFF?

It's important to enquire about the staff before you and your child commit to a certain camp. Ask questions regarding the camper-to-counsellor ratio, the experience of the staff and directors, background, and what kind of staff training is provided. Don't forget to ask who prepares the food and what medical staff is on campus. Although most kids' summer camps are required to undergo detailed staff checks for anyone working with children, you have the right to ask for references of families who have previously enrolled their children in the camp.

Last but not least, visit the Canadian Camping Association's website for a list of accredited camps and information regarding provincial standards. Make sure your family is comfortable with the program you have chosen and remember that at the end of the day it's important for your child to have fun, fun, and some more fun.

Important Camping Tips and Equipment

Well, a fair percentage of people like camping. Some of them, during weekends, would even desert their well-furnished bedrooms and pitch a tent in their gardens where they would then spend their nights.

Please be sensitized that camping that is done very often can be addictive.

Did you know that retired soldiers that have spent a good part of their service time staying in camps that are located in isolated places like forests, jungles, woods and mountains always burn with desire to go camping?

If you want to go camping at a very far place you should make a very good plan for your trip before you go. Always make sure that somebody trustworthy who is not going with you knows the coordinates of the place that you are going to camp at.

The other thing he/she should know is the length of time you are going to spend away. This is a very important matter in case something bad happens to you.

I really feel obliged to share with you this story of what happened to one of our brothers while he was camping with his family.

The story goes like this, On Saturday, at daybreak, this guy together with his wife and their two teenage sons got inside their Land-Rover and left their house. The vehicle was laden with all necessary camping equipment and foodstuffs.

They were going to be back on Sunday at noon.

Six hours later, their vehicle stopped and they all alighted and stretched their bodies. They were in an area that was colonized by savannah vegetation. The area was also infested with zebras, wild-beasts and antelopes. Though tired, the four quickly pitched up three tents.

The first tent was for the man and his wife, the second one was for the two boys whereas the third tent was for housing their camping provisions.

After they had their lunch, they left the camp and went west shooting videos and taking pictures. Towards sunset they returned to their camp. They were just some two hundred meters away from the camp when they saw something like a mound next to their tents. The third tent had been pulled down. That thing that had invited itself to their camp was a male elephant.

The four waited until the elephant decided to leave the camp. They watched it as it went eastwards slowly limping. Its left hind leg was injured. It had either been injured by another male elephant or perhaps some poachers. They shook their heads as they stopped next to the tents.

All the fruits, vegetables and bread that was in the tent had been eaten by the elephant. It had only left them some canned foodstuffs. It had also crushed two twenty litre water bottles.

After assessing the damage done by the elephant they erected the tent that had been pulled down. Later on they were enjoying their supper around the fire. Around 2300 hours when it was now time for them to go to bed, the boys told their parents point-blank that they were not going to spend a night inside their tent.

They were afraid that the elephant might return to the camp at night and cause serious havoc.

The father honoured the boys' emotions and presented them with the key for the Land-Rover. After the boys had gone to the vehicle, he kissed his wife and then put off the fire and then they went to their tent.

On the following morning after breakfast, the man went to the vehicle. He wanted to park it under a tree before they leave the camp to tour the surrounding area like on the previous day. He turned the key but the vehicle could not start. The battery had been chewed away. The boys had left the car-radio playing music when they slept last night.

The radio had played the music the whole night until the battery discharged all its power.

They were now in real trouble! The nearest settlement was 75 miles away and they were around 10 miles away from a sandy road that could be referred to as a main road. And that sandy road was seldom used. All the phones that were in their possession had lost network. It was now obvious that their vacation had been ruined!

The man suggested to his family to remain behind meanwhile he goes to search for somebody who could assist them with a battery but his family disagreed. Without him on their side, they felt unsafe. They broke the camp and loaded their stuff into the vehicle. After locking the vehicle, they set off on foot eastwards carrying a few valuable items.

After covering around mile, they met a pride of lions that were coming their way. They quickly changed direction and ran southwards. On their flight they went through another pride that was resting. The lions were full, they did not attack them. Next to them, there was a carcass of a buffalo which they had killed and eaten over the night.

They changed direction again and now ran westwards and changed direction many times. By the time they stopped running they were now all lost. None of them could tell the direction to the sandy road they had desired to reach.

After undergoing tougher obstacles in the savannah for good five days, they were very fortunate to be found by game scouts who were scouting for poachers that had killed a rhino for its precious horn.

From the game scouts, they learnt that the elephant that pulled down the tent that was housing their provisions had been probably attracted by the scent of apples. Elephants like apples!

From the game scouts, they learnt that the elephant that pulled down the tent that was housing their provisions had been probably attracted by the scent of apples. Elephants like apples!

The Best Camping Spots for a Summer Adventure

Summer vacations are underway, and soon they will be over, even before you know it. Therefore, now is the perfect time for you to pack up your tent, gather your friends and family, and set off on a good old summer adventure. However, to ensure you have a camping trip you will never forget, you need to visit the best camping spots that offer spectacular views, abundance of nature, and not to mention fun-filled activities for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few of the best camping spots you can visit for a summer adventure:

Jedediah Smith State Park Campground - Northern California

If California's famous redwood forests are within reach, you should certainly not miss out on this gorgeous destination. It's one of the best places to set up a tent, and though vegetation packs much of the forest, this campsite is specifically created for camping lovers. There are opportunities for fishing, hiking, and even horse riding at this site. Due to the dense forestry, it's likely you may come across some wildlife as well. Therefore, it is important to properly dispose of food and clean up after your meals. After all, you won't want animals to wander around your campsite!

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreational Area - Boston

Boston is a popular destination itself, and the same goes for the amazing islands just across the coast. With a combination of opportunities to visit historical sites, and lots of outdoors activities, this location is considered by many as one of the best campsites in the US. A perfect location to go kayaking, hiking, and running, these islands provide some great activities that you will only find at this campsite. Don't have a tent? No problem, as you can stay in a yurt, an enclosed structure that is equipped with bunk beds. It can accommodate at least six people, which is ideal if you are going camping with family or friends.

Rock Island State Park - Tennessee

The Rock Island State Park is one of the most beautiful places to get close to nature. With scenic waterfalls, this campsite is perfect for camping throughout the year. However, it is particularly great in the summer. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are some of the activities at offer, but the genuine attraction is kayaking.

There you have it, some of the best camping spots you can visit this summer. So, head out, have fun, and create memories that will last you a lifetime.

To know what type of camping lantern is best for you, think about your camping lifestyle and the outdoor activities that you do. If you hike often or camp with children, an electric lantern is ideal because it's compact and lightweight. If you often camp alone and need a long-lasting source of light, a candle lantern is a good choice of light to use for personal tasks. If you need to light a large area or campsite or weight is not an issue, go for a gas lantern.

Choosing the Best Kids Summer Camps

Beside all the organized sports our children are attending throughout the year, summer time provides great opportunities for kids to attend a summer camp and learn new skills or make new friends. In fact, it's been proven so many times that by keeping kids active and interested in sports or arts, they will stay out of trouble and away from bad influences.

But with all the choices out there it can be difficult to find the right kids summer camps. This article will concentrate on providing some guidelines on the numerous factors to consider when choosing the best camp for your child.

WHOSE DECISION IS IT?

If you want your child to attend the worst summer camp, send him or her to a camp without involving them in the decision. Otherwise, make sure to sit down together and talk about what really interests him, what does he love about a particular activity and what does he want to gain from the camp experience. Regardless of the age of your child remember to include him in the decision. Looking through brochures and sharing some favourite summer camp stories with your child is a great way to build his excitement.

WHAT PROGRAM

Once you have determined your child interests decide if it's best that he attends a traditional or a specialized camp. Traditional Summer Camps are more appropriate for children who love to do many different types of activities such as outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, individual and team activities, and more. Specialized Summer Camps focus on one activity and are more appropriate for children that are motivated towards one specific activity. The most common kids camps and activities are:

Adventure Camps: hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, rope courses, rafting, outdoor cooking, and fishing.Watersports Camps: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, waterskiing, windsurfing, volleyball.Individual or Team Sports Camps: soccer, baseball, football, basketball, hockey, horseback riding, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, fishing, golf.Arts Camps: acting, directing, writing, photography, choreography, dance, music, circus, paining.Science Camps: nature, geology, astronomy, biology, archaeology, physics.Religious Camps: Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Christian.Computer Camps: web design, graphic design, video game design, 3D-modeling and animation.

WHAT TYPE OF CAMP?

After taking into consideration your work schedule, child's age and the experience you and your child are expecting to gain from the summer camp, consider the type of camp that makes the most sense for your child. Depending on the type of camp, you can choose between overnight camps, day camps, all boys or all girls' camps, or brother and sister camps. Also take into consideration the age groups represented and the percentage.

WHERE IS THIS CAMP?

If it's the first time your child is attending a summer camp look for something closer in order to lessen some of the anxiety he or she might be feeling. Consider the proximity to your home or work especially if your child will be attending a day camp. Keep in mind the camp environment, security, and medical facility and remember to choose the camp based on your child's interests rather then how close the camp is.

WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES LIKE?

Most camps will schedule a tour for parents to visit the facility and meet the directors or you can talk to the camp administration on the phone about your concerns if visiting the camp is not an option. Talk to them about your child's needs and interests and how you can ensure that your child will have a successful summer camp experience. Enquire about the sleeping arrangements and what toilet and shower facilities exist. It is also important to find out what medical facilities are available and where is the nearest hospital.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

As a rule of thumb, non-profit camps are less expensive then the private camps. Most of these kids' camps are tax deductible under the Income Tax Act, falling under the general rubric of the childcare expense deduction. Talk to your accountant to see if you qualify. Beside the actual price of the camp you will also have to take into consideration the extra expenses such as the spending money needed by your child, transportation or camp uniform. Be sure to check the cancellation and refund policy!

HOW MANY CHILDREN WILL ATTEND THE CAMP?

The number of campers will vary depending on the size of the facility. Large camps are often organized into smaller segment groups in order for campers to receive the same attention as they would in a smaller camp.

WHAT ABOUT THE STAFF?

It's important to enquire about the staff before you and your child commit to a certain camp. Ask questions regarding the camper-to-counsellor ratio, the experience of the staff and directors, background, and what kind of staff training is provided. Don't forget to ask who prepares the food and what medical staff is on campus. Although most kids' summer camps are required to undergo detailed staff checks for anyone working with children, you have the right to ask for references of families who have previously enrolled their children in the camp.

Last but not least, visit the Canadian Camping Association's website for a list of accredited camps and information regarding provincial standards. Make sure your family is comfortable with the program you have chosen and remember that at the end of the day it's important for your child to have fun, fun, and some more fun.