Technically Geeking: Camping Gear
a blogumn by Justin Time
- Photo Credit: Francesa Tronchin
Camping is supposed to be cheap fun, right? Just you and a couple friends, communing with nature – roughing it. All you need is a tent, a fire, a sleeping bag, and a clearing. Right? Turns out, if you are a gear head like me, this is just the very beginning of a long list. We’re going on a four night camping trip in the Sequoias, and what you see listed below is only some of what is going in our kit.
It starts when you go on your first big backpacking adventure, and you want to be sure you’re prepared. You buy the coolest, lightest, most waterproof stuff you can afford, and then you get out in the mountains and discover you are carrying 50 lbs of crap that weighs 80 lbs when it rains. So next time, you buy even lighter stuff, that packs even smaller, and costs even more. And then you discover what a pain it is to pack some of that stuff back up to its unnatural diminutive size.
A little while later, you settle down some, and you do mostly car camping, which is way easier and comfortable — especially for drinking. So then you need a different set of items, like a big cooler and folding chairs. And then you watch a lot of medical dramas on TV and become acutely aware of your own mortality, so now you need a fat first aid kit. And then you get a puppy, and you need another set of gear for the dog. And don’t forget about the bears or marmots.
So, here is a list of items we are bringing, for both education and entertainment purposes. Feel free to have a snicker at my expense, but please let me know if I am missing anything – you could save a life. We are now major shareholders at REI, and I am beginning to think that hotels are cheaper than camping. But only half the fun!
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Equipment
Cooking & Fire
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First Aid & Safety
Dog
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I notice the Clover banana hammock has been conveniently left off the list. Hmmmm….
I notice the Clover banana hammock has been conveniently left off the list. Hmmmm….
I would suggest a gps unit it's nice to have a backup for the Iphone.
I would suggest a gps unit it's nice to have a backup for the Iphone.
This is why I don't go camping. Too much prep work. My only list add would be a fishing pole and a book and thermal underwear. The one time I went car camping, I got really cold in the middle of the night. And I've always enjoy reading in the woods and on the beach. I hate fishing, but I find it's a good excuse not to talk, which makes it easier to get at least an hour of reading in a day.
This is why I don't go camping. Too much prep work. My only list add would be a fishing pole and a book and thermal underwear. The one time I went car camping, I got really cold in the middle of the night. And I've always enjoy reading in the woods and on the beach. I hate fishing, but I find it's a good excuse not to talk, which makes it easier to get at least an hour of reading in a day.
Great list, and definitely second ernessa's comment on thermal underwear! Though I'd add toilet paper, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, sandals, a deck of cards, axe for chopping firewood, and maybe a phone charger that works in your vehicle. But I've only camped here in the rustic / cold parts here (the Canadian Rockies) so it depends on what amenities they have in the sequoias. Have a great time!
Great list, and definitely second ernessa's comment on thermal underwear! Though I'd add toilet paper, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, sandals, a deck of cards, axe for chopping firewood, and maybe a phone charger that works in your vehicle. But I've only camped here in the rustic / cold parts here (the Canadian Rockies) so it depends on what amenities they have in the sequoias. Have a great time!