Camping for the Outdoor Challenged

by Gemma
(USA)

Camping for the Outdoor Challenged I have a secret. My family never camped when I was growing up. Apart from one hazy experience with the Girl Scouts, I never slept outside until I was an adult, and had moved out on my own. Needless to say, the first time my friends wanted to go camping for the weekend, I was hesitant.


Here are some camping tips that helped me not only survive but enjoy my time in the great outdoors.

1. Get an air mattress. You can buy them inexpensively at most outdoor or sporting stores. You are going to enjoy your time so much more if you’re not suffering from aches and pains after feeling a bunch of rocks under your back all night.

2. Caffeine is your friend. You can still enjoy your morning Starbucks, even in the heart of the wilderness. Starbucks now makes packs of micro-ground coffee, called VIA, that you can mix with boiling water to make coffee instantly. A pack of 3 is only $2.95 and weighs next to nothing, so you don’t have to make room in your backpack for anything bulky. And frankly, you’re going to be a lot more fun if you’re not suffering from caffeine withdrawal.

3. Invest in chafing cream if you’re hiking in your supplies. Running stores sell anti-chafing sticks that look like deodorant, which helps marathon runners not shred the skin off their inner thighs. You will want the same thing for wherever your backpack straps meet your shoulders. While you’re at the running store, considering upgrading to non-cotton socks, which prevent blistering. Your feet will thank you for it.

4. Don’t forget your digital camera. You are going to have the opportunity to either take photos of beautiful scenery, or of your friends and family doing something stupid, or both. Either way, you will want evidence for later.

5. If you’re fishing, don’t be afraid of the worm. They really can’t feel the hook after all.