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.

Camping, whether with family, friends or simply by yourself backpacking, is a great way to spend your time. Nothing beats the thrill of being outdoors, at one with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of today's busy lifestyle.

However, the whole idea of spending a few days in a tent for the first time can be quite a daunting experience to most people. Here are a few steps that will help somebody embarking on their first camping adventure...

1) Practice pitching your tent in the garden first

This will give you the confidence that you are able to successfully pitch (assemble) your tent for when you come to do it for real. It will also ensure that all the tent pieces are present and correct and that the tent is not damaged. You don't want to be putting a tent up only to find a gaping hole in the side!

2) Pitch the tent in your garden and spend the night in it

You've practiced putting the tent up in your garden. Why not try spending the night in it whist it is still pitched? If things aren't going to plan in the middle of the night - just move back into the house.

3) Seek out a local campsite for your first trip

If things go wrong or you forget something essential, just nip home and get it!

4) Take something warm to wear for the night

Even in the summer, things start to get a bit nippy at night. Don't sit there shivering when the sun goes down. Take a fleece and enjoy sitting outside the tent with friends during the evening hours.

5) Don't forget your sleeping bag

It doesn't have to be an expensive one. Also don't take one designed for the arctic when it is the middle of summer - you'll swelter!

Also look into basic sleeping mat to lie on. These make sleeping on the floor a comfortable experience.

You can pick up a basic one that self inflates at little cost. They help to keep you warm as well as cosy!

6) Take a first aid kit

It only needs to be a basic one, but if you get a cut or insect bite, it will pay for itself straightaway.

7) Take enough food

It's surprising how much energy you expend outdoors. Take enough food so that you don't go hungry. Disposable Barbecues are great. Consider a cool box for milk and perishable food items such as bacon, cheese etc.

8) A bonus tip - Drink plenty of water!!!!

Do not get dehydrated. This can happen so easily when out camping, especially if the weather is hot. It will ruin the trip and you may get seriously ill. The tap is taken for granted when at home!

Avoid disturbing the ecosystems. Going into the woods or wilderness would make you an invader to the local inhabits of the area. Wild life can feel threatened in their territories and can become hostile especially when they have a nest or a young to protect. Avoid causing too much disruption and respect the animals and plants in the camp area so they will not be forced to make you feel unwelcome in any way.

If you have ever driven through a campground and seen families having great fun camping together and thought, hat looks that a great family activity, you are right! Camping is one of the most wholesome, fun, affordable and bonding experiences a family can get into. But if you have driven along looking at all the equipment and skills needed to learn camp and thought, I can never learn to do all of that, you are wrong. It really isn't that hard to learn to camp and every step along the way is lots of fun for everyone.

So how do you get started learning to camp? There is no question that there is some equipment involved and learning to set up a camp, use your gear to enjoy a night of eating and sleeping in the open spaces and then get home safe and sound requires a bit of a learning curve. For many parents that want to start camping to give their children those experiences, the idea of buying all that equipment is intimidating. And you don't want to get the wrong equipment and then have to buy it all over again. Those kinds of mistakes can kill your enthusiasm for expanding your camping hobby into a passion for camping.

So one of the best ways to learn to camp and to try out camping equipment is to camp with someone who is good at it. Many experienced camping families have excess equipment or know other families who will loan you equipment to try out on your first camp out. If one of your friends or friends of your children are experienced campers, you will find them to probably be evangelistic about it and happy to let you tag along on their next camp out to show you the ropes. If they can help you borrow some equipment, you can learn to use it and try out different camping options so when you are ready to buy your own equipment you already know what you like and don't like.

Another great way to get some camping experience without buying a thing is to get involved in camping organization. If you have children, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are organizations geared for building life skills in children and who are heavily dedicated to camping. Most scout troops have an extensive arsenal of camping gear and the leadership are almost always seasoned campers with a flair for teaching.

It is the mission of the scouts to train new recruits in the fine points of camping so you can tag along on some camp outs and learn some great camping skills. Also scouts actively encourages parent involvement so dad and mom can learn to camp right along with their children. Who knows but you may get involved with the scouts just to harvest some camping skills and find yourself hooked and becoming life long Boy or Girl Scout enthusiasts. There are worse things children or a whole family can be involved in for sure.

After getting some exposure, you will want to think through what kind of tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear you will want to buy as you launch your family camping hobby. Many two-man tents are economical and easy to transport, put up and break down. But if you are going to have the entire family in one tent, you may want to look into a larger family tent that mom and dad can stand up in and that provides plenty of room for gear and children as well. But look ahead in your camping life. As the children grow older, they may want to move out into their own tents to think of how your first starter tent will fit into the larger scheme of camping as you grow in your camping ambitions.

Another consideration is whether you will need electricity and water facilities at the camp grounds you visit or if you will provide for those things yourself. Many beginning campers prefer to use electricity and water hook ups to make it easier on parents who are learning the tricks of the trade of camping. But remember to take extension cords and water hoses so you can bring those resources into camp and even right into the tent with you.

Also think about the space in your vehicle for camping gear and how you will transport your new gear to and from camp. You probably don't want to buy a vehicle just for camping at first so learning to pack light and only take what is needed will be an important skill for you throughout your camping career.

Take it slow as you learn each new method of camping and begin to use new tools that you see other campers use. One way to slowly expand your camping gear is to plan to buy one new piece of camping equipment each season so you find your knowledge and skills at using that new gear grow at a steady pace as well.

Take it slow in how ambitious you get in your camping plans. Don't drive two days to the deep mountains and take on a primitive camping adventure if you are new to the sport. Start out with one night camp outs close to home. Yes, your first camp out may even be in your back yard so you can do a trial run with your equipment but be close enough to run inside if things go wrong. Then slowly expand the number of nights you are out and how far away from home you get.

You will find camping to be an addictive passion and it's an addiction that you will be glad your family got hooked on. By using some common sense and developing your skills steadily, you can expand your vision and take on more and more aggressive and ambitious camping adventures over time. Then when you have graduated from beginner camper to seasoned old pro, you will look back at your progress and get some real gratification that you took on something new and made it your own. You will be proud of yourself and your kids will be proud too because they will have a love of camping that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

If you have ever driven through a campground and seen families having great fun camping together and thought, "that looks that a great family activity", you are right! Camping is one of the most wholesome, fun, affordable and bonding experiences a family can get into. But if you have driven along looking at all the equipment and skills needed to learn camp and thought, "I can never learn to do all of that", you are wrong. It really isn't that hard to learn to camp and every step along the way is lots of fun for everyone.

If you are new to camping or are thinking about taking this activity up then I say what took you so long. Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and everything the environment has to offer. The best part is there are many levels of variety to camping and there is certainly one that fits your level and your needs.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is what exactly is the reason for you to go, or start going if you have never done it? If you are an absolute beginner and have never gone before, I recommend going with someone that has. Not to say that you won't be able to handle camping without them, but going with someone that has some experience will fill in the blanks, so to speak, of things you might miss or forget to bring.

Like I said previously, there are a few ways you can enjoy camping. You can go tent camping, sleep in a cabin or rent an RV. All three ways are fine and it really depends on your personal preference. If you are feeling really adventurous you can sleep under the stars, but I don't recommend that to anybody who is just beginning so I won't address it here in this particular article.

Tent camping is one of the most common ways to go camping although in recent years RV camping has had a serious boost to its popularity, more on RV camping in a moment. Basically you set up a ten on the ground, and that is where you will sleep. Tents have a come a long way since I started camping some thirty years ago. Today they are well water-proofed, have great ventilation and at the same time keep some warmth in. They have all kinds of neat extras, such as pockets for your keys and other belongings, and small windows where you can put a cooler out front and grab that beer, er um, I mean water without having to leave the tent. If you want to invest in something even more advanced, they have tens now that are like houses, called cabin tents. In there they have heaters, fireplaces and some come even with full blow kitchens. However, at what point is it no longer camping right?

Maybe the idea of sleeping close to the ground is not your sort of thing but you still want to be in the outdoors. A cabin could be for you. Constructed of cedar or pine timbers, cabins give you just enough space to sleep and change without making it feel like you are at home. Although there are plenty of campgrounds out there that provide cabins that seem more like vacation homes, then structures set up for campers. The choice is entirely up to you. They are more expensive to rent than a traditional campsite that is meant for tents so expect to spend a little more than you first thought.

As mentioned earlier, RV camping has become very popular. The reason being the cost for startup RVs has come way down, making them available to a larger group of consumers. RVs can give you something as simple as a popup which is a place to sleep, to something as advanced as a complete living area with fireplace, kitchen, and a bathroom. RVs can also be as inexpensive as a few hundred dollars used, up to the big bus monstrosities that cost over six hundred thousand dollars. Many RVs give you the flexibility of going anywhere in the country and setting up a comfortable living space in the great outdoors. You can hook them up to a campgrounds electric and water supply so you really will have the comforts of home.

These are just three ways you can jump into camping or expand your already growing knowledge of the subject. I personally like tent camping, with a sleeping bag and a nice air mattress. I get the feeling of being in the outdoors without killing my back on the hard ground.

If you are new to camping or are thinking about taking this activity up then I say what took you so long. Camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and everything the environment has to offer. The best part is there are many levels of variety to camping and there is certainly one that fits your level and your needs.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is what exactly is the reason for you to go, or start going if you have never done it? If you are an absolute beginner and have never gone before, I recommend going with someone that has. Not to say that you won't be able to handle camping without them, but going with someone that has some experience will fill in the blanks, so to speak, of things you might miss or forget to bring.

Like I said previously, there are a few ways you can enjoy camping. You can go tent camping, sleep in a cabin or rent an RV. All three ways are fine and it really depends on your personal preference. If you are feeling really adventurous you can sleep under the stars, but I don't recommend that to anybody who is just beginning so I won't address it here in this particular article.

Tent camping is one of the most common ways to go camping although in recent years RV camping has had a serious boost to its popularity, more on RV camping in a moment. Basically you set up a ten on the ground, and that is where you will sleep. Tents have a come a long way since I started camping some thirty years ago. Today they are well water-proofed, have great ventilation and at the same time keep some warmth in. They have all kinds of neat extras, such as pockets for your keys and other belongings, and small windows where you can put a cooler out front and grab that beer, er um, I mean water without having to leave the tent. If you want to invest in something even more advanced, they have tens now that are like houses, called cabin tents. In there they have heaters, fireplaces and some come even with full blow kitchens. However, at what point is it no longer camping right?

Maybe the idea of sleeping close to the ground is not your sort of thing but you still want to be in the outdoors. A cabin could be for you. Constructed of cedar or pine timbers, cabins give you just enough space to sleep and change without making it feel like you are at home. Although there are plenty of campgrounds out there that provide cabins that seem more like vacation homes, then structures set up for campers. The choice is entirely up to you. They are more expensive to rent than a traditional campsite that is meant for tents so expect to spend a little more than you first thought.

As mentioned earlier, RV camping has become very popular. The reason being the cost for startup RVs has come way down, making them available to a larger group of consumers. RVs can give you something as simple as a popup which is a place to sleep, to something as advanced as a complete living area with fireplace, kitchen, and a bathroom. RVs can also be as inexpensive as a few hundred dollars used, up to the big bus monstrosities that cost over six hundred thousand dollars. Many RVs give you the flexibility of going anywhere in the country and setting up a comfortable living space in the great outdoors. You can hook them up to a campgrounds electric and water supply so you really will have the comforts of home.

These are just three ways you can jump into camping or expand your already growing knowledge of the subject. I personally like tent camping, with a sleeping bag and a nice air mattress. I get the feeling of being in the outdoors without killing my back on the hard ground.

Always know emergency and first aid measures. There is a greater possibility of hazards when camping outdoors so a first aid kit and emergency contact means should always be on stand by. Having basic life support and first aid courses or refresher before going into an outdoor adventure is a requirement to assure you can handle minor injuries until real help can come along in the wilderness.

Looking to make camping a new hobby of yours? That's good news! Camping just might be one of our most favorite past times here. Beautiful nature, fresh mountain breezes, warm, cozy campfires, and all the peace and quiet you could ever dream of are just a smidgen of what camping has to offer. But where do you start? How do you ensure you get all the gear you need without spending thousands and thousands of dollars on it? Well, this guide is here to help you out! We've compiled a list of nothing but the essentials. No frills here, just the bare necessities to get the job done!

1. Hammock & Hammock Straps

Let's face it, tent camping is so yesterday. If you haven't tried hammock camping yet, you need to! It's literally the next best thing and it's gaining popularity for a very good reason. Why? Because it is lightweight, compact, super easy to set up, and only a million times more comfortable than sleeping on hard, uneven ground.

2. Sleeping Pad

So essential to comfort and warmth, especially when hammock camping. Most hammocks do not have insulated bottoms, so putting a layer of air between you and the underside of your hammock will ensure you sleep comfortably all the way through the night.

3. Warm Sleeping Bag

No explanation necessary here. Our only recommendation is you get a sleeping bag that is rated to right around freezing temperatures (32F, 0C). This will ensure you stay warm all year round providing you avoid extreme temperatures below freezing.

4. Firestarter

Butane lighters are great... until you run out of butane. When you are out in the middle of the woods, the last thing you want to do is get caught with your proverbial pants down. Always make sure you have some matches, or even better, a flint firestarter that can be a durable and reliable backup.

5. Portable Cookware/Utensils/Plates/Drinkware

We all gotta eat so no-brainer here. Look for lightweight, durable, and preferably a set of cookware, plates, and drinkware that come as a set and all fit neatly together for simple packing and use. For utensils, look for a 3-in-1 tool (fork, spoon, knife) for simplicity and efficiency's sake.

6. Camping Stove

Portability and durability are the most important aspects to look for when picking out a good camping stove. You can either go with the backpacking version, which is small, light, and a single flame, or you can go with the bigger family style camping stoves that have multiple burners but take up a lot more space. If your car is nearby, I suggest going with the bigger option as they are easier to cook on and more versatile when it comes to preparing meals. If your car is not nearby and you are out hiking miles upon miles, you definitely want a backpacking stove. You will also need a full fuel canister and at least a backup or two in case one fails.

7. Cooler

I don't think the need for a cooler requires an explanation, but in case you were not aware - you need a cooler to keep your food cold so it doesn't spoil! If you plan on camping for several nights, I would recommend going with a little higher-end model so your food stays colder longer. Also, make sure you buy one large enough to comfortably store all your perishables.

8. Camp Chairs

Unless you like finding fallen timber or big rocks and sitting on those for hours on end, a couple good camp chairs make all the difference in the world when it comes to your campfire comfort. Make sure you get one with cup holders so you can crack a beer, sit back, relax, and truly revel in the moment.

9. Paracord

Not always necessary, but good to have nonetheless. Paracord has almost an infinite amount of uses and can be a very handy survival tool so always a good idea to have some around. Plus it's quite inexpensive even in large quantities.

10. Hatchet

Have you ever gone to a grocery store or gas station to buy firewood? It's expensive! It also is very messy and consumes a lot of space in your vehicle. With a good hatchet, you can forage for your own firewood and make easy work out of any log or piece of wood your heart desires.

Obviously, there are so many options out there when it comes to camping gear and they can range quite drastically in quality and price point. However, the truth is you don't really need a lot of gear nor a lot of money to be well-prepared and plenty comfortable on your camping trips. If you go for decent quality, you can get everything you need for less than $1,000 and easily get your money's worth with all the years and camping trips you are likely to get from it all. Let this guide be a starting point for you, an outline per se, that can help you find what you need with more confidence and control. Once you start camping, you'll see why so many people love it so much. There's just not much like escaping to the peace and quiet of the woods for a couple days where you can let all the daily stress and troubles of your life just wash away. Happy camping!

It doesn't have to be an expensive one. Also don't take one designed for the arctic when it is the middle of summer - you'll swelter!

If you have ever driven through a campground and seen families having great fun camping together and thought, hat looks that a great family activity, you are right! Camping is one of the most wholesome, fun, affordable and bonding experiences a family can get into. But if you have driven along looking at all the equipment and skills needed to learn camp and thought, I can never learn to do all of that, you are wrong. It really isn't that hard to learn to camp and every step along the way is lots of fun for everyone.

So how do you get started learning to camp? There is no question that there is some equipment involved and learning to set up a camp, use your gear to enjoy a night of eating and sleeping in the open spaces and then get home safe and sound requires a bit of a learning curve. For many parents that want to start camping to give their children those experiences, the idea of buying all that equipment is intimidating. And you don't want to get the wrong equipment and then have to buy it all over again. Those kinds of mistakes can kill your enthusiasm for expanding your camping hobby into a passion for camping.

So one of the best ways to learn to camp and to try out camping equipment is to camp with someone who is good at it. Many experienced camping families have excess equipment or know other families who will loan you equipment to try out on your first camp out. If one of your friends or friends of your children are experienced campers, you will find them to probably be evangelistic about it and happy to let you tag along on their next camp out to show you the ropes. If they can help you borrow some equipment, you can learn to use it and try out different camping options so when you are ready to buy your own equipment you already know what you like and don't like.

Another great way to get some camping experience without buying a thing is to get involved in camping organization. If you have children, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are organizations geared for building life skills in children and who are heavily dedicated to camping. Most scout troops have an extensive arsenal of camping gear and the leadership are almost always seasoned campers with a flair for teaching.

It is the mission of the scouts to train new recruits in the fine points of camping so you can tag along on some camp outs and learn some great camping skills. Also scouts actively encourages parent involvement so dad and mom can learn to camp right along with their children. Who knows but you may get involved with the scouts just to harvest some camping skills and find yourself hooked and becoming life long Boy or Girl Scout enthusiasts. There are worse things children or a whole family can be involved in for sure.

After getting some exposure, you will want to think through what kind of tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear you will want to buy as you launch your family camping hobby. Many two-man tents are economical and easy to transport, put up and break down. But if you are going to have the entire family in one tent, you may want to look into a larger family tent that mom and dad can stand up in and that provides plenty of room for gear and children as well. But look ahead in your camping life. As the children grow older, they may want to move out into their own tents to think of how your first starter tent will fit into the larger scheme of camping as you grow in your camping ambitions.

Another consideration is whether you will need electricity and water facilities at the camp grounds you visit or if you will provide for those things yourself. Many beginning campers prefer to use electricity and water hook ups to make it easier on parents who are learning the tricks of the trade of camping. But remember to take extension cords and water hoses so you can bring those resources into camp and even right into the tent with you.

Also think about the space in your vehicle for camping gear and how you will transport your new gear to and from camp. You probably don't want to buy a vehicle just for camping at first so learning to pack light and only take what is needed will be an important skill for you throughout your camping career.

Take it slow as you learn each new method of camping and begin to use new tools that you see other campers use. One way to slowly expand your camping gear is to plan to buy one new piece of camping equipment each season so you find your knowledge and skills at using that new gear grow at a steady pace as well.

Take it slow in how ambitious you get in your camping plans. Don't drive two days to the deep mountains and take on a primitive camping adventure if you are new to the sport. Start out with one night camp outs close to home. Yes, your first camp out may even be in your back yard so you can do a trial run with your equipment but be close enough to run inside if things go wrong. Then slowly expand the number of nights you are out and how far away from home you get.

You will find camping to be an addictive passion and it's an addiction that you will be glad your family got hooked on. By using some common sense and developing your skills steadily, you can expand your vision and take on more and more aggressive and ambitious camping adventures over time. Then when you have graduated from beginner camper to seasoned old pro, you will look back at your progress and get some real gratification that you took on something new and made it your own. You will be proud of yourself and your kids will be proud too because they will have a love of camping that will serve them for the rest of their lives.