|  This is targeted at people new to the hobbies of camping and backpacking.
I'm a veteran camper, so let me tell you right now that it takes very little money to do. In fact, most of what you need, you probably already have, like non-perishable food and light clothing. Other than things that any sane person would have on hand, I've listed my recommendations on this page. Take a look!
Gear:
Knife
You won't want to skimp on this, but don't go overboard either. A single-bladed, folding knife that costs between $20 and $30 will be excellent for any task, and will last generations if it needs to. If you really want to, a good Swiss Army knife costs about the same. One thing you don't need is a Bowie. Trust me, it will just get in the way.
Tent
Yes, you will want one. Sleeping under the stars sounds cool, but everywhere I've been it's either snowing or buggy in every season. You will want a tent. These are not too cheap, not too expensive. You can get one for between one and three people for less than $200. Usually much less.
Pack
I don't mean your old book bag from college. You want something that holds as much as a small suitcase while staying intact, being comfortable, and keeping the weight on your legs and not your back. They come in two styles: internal frame and external frame. Either will work, but I find that internal frames, though having less space, are more comfortable and better on your back. It should be a one-time investment of around $50 if you take care of it.
Navigation
If you know how to use a compass and map, good. Get a good one of each and go to town, or rather, away from it ;). If not, and you refuse to learn, a GPS may be your best option, but be warned: it might fail. It may run out of juice, or you could drop it in a river. You would do well to have a backup in any case, but especially if you plan to rely on GPS.
Fire
Even if you are not actually camping, fire starters are essential. If you get lost, or fall into a river in the winter, they may be your only lifeline. My favorite is a flint striker paired with a block of magnesium. Clear several feet in radius from your fire site, then shave the Mg near some light, fluffy stuff, like dead grass, and spark it with the striker. Add little sticks, and then bigger sticks, and so on until the fire is a decent size. Tend it by adding logs. The system described above can be purchased at Wal-Mart for $4.
Camp cooking
It's not too hard. You should bring mainly non-perishable, frozen or freeze-dried food. A good trick is to freeze a big steak the night before, then leave it in you pack as you hike in. It will thaw by dinner. Then, stab it with a sharpened stick, prop the stick up in front of your fire, and let the heat roast it. If you do this, bring potatoes too: it makes it even better. Another good option is Mountain House. Just open the packet and add boiling water for a large, filling meal! My favorite camp lunch is to take a summer sausage, a block of sharp cheddar, and a box of Ritz crackers. I slice the sausage and cheese (no refrigerating required) and stack them between two crackers. It tastes good, and it's filling. Breakfast is an open subject. Just about all breakfast foods, even eggs, should do well, with no more than an ice pack or two to keep them fresh. I also like to bring Gatorade powder. It is also wise to have ample snacks. Nuts are good, as are cheese and dried fruit.
NOTE: Bring more food than you think you will need.
The most you should need for cooking equipment is some tin foil, an aluminum mug, a spoon, and maybe a camp stove.
First aid kit
Get a fairly substantial model off the shelf, and you should be good. Just be sure it has these:
-latex gloves
-CPR breathing barrier
-any medications a member of your party needs
Restock every so often.
NOTE: You should train in first aid as well, as soon as practical. The Red Cross offers First Aid and CPR certifications for emergencies that can be triggered by more than you would think.
Rain/Snow gear
If you ever see either, you know what I'm talking about. Bring equipment according to the seasons.
Cell phone
Strictly for emergencies. If you or a party member gets hurt, use it to call for medical help. Know in advance where to call. It may be 911, or it may be a ranger outpost. It is up to you to check.
Sunblock/bugspray
Sunburn is the most common outdoor injury, and worldwide, more people die as a result of a mosquito bite than any other way. I don't want to scare you, but make sure you are prepared.
Fees
It does cost money to camp on someone else's property. Prices vary, but it is less at a state park than on private land.
Total
I imagine that to get the initial gear will cost no more than a few hundred dollars, assuming you are not a starving nudist. Food should total just about $20-$30 per weekend.
>>NOTE<<
This is not intended to be a crash course in camping. There is more to it than buying the gear and paying the costs and just going. Certain steps must be taken for safety. The items listed above are items that I have found to be useful in various situations, including emergencies. I will not be held responsible if you decide to do something obviously stupid and blame me, ex. if you fall off a cliff because I didn't say not to climb down a cliff with no safety measures, that is your problem.
|
