Not being prepared for tent camping does not mean forgetting a dc operated TV/VCR, but rather forgetting tent stakes, sleeping bags and other appropriate gear, which could lead tent campers to sleeping in the car and bumming food of neighbor tent campers.  The key to making tent camping fun is simple, allow nature and the surroundings to provide the entertainment while being prepared for the environment.  Regional campgrounds all have their own unique climate and surrounding weather features. Prepared camping means having the proper shelter, attire and food preparation. Consider the following before choosing tent camping as your low-budget eco-friendly vacation option:

Tent - Buying a tent does not have to cost a lot. Consider buying camping tents built for the worst weather conditions. Fireproof, easy assembly, storage areas, head room, and comfortable space are all factors to look for when buying a new tent. There is always compromises when deciding on a new purchase. Match your camping comfort levels with the camping areas you plan to visit.

Sleeping Bag - Top notch sleeping bags are not always the nessesary purchase. As nice as it seems most of the time you over do it. Most people need a medium size sleeping bag. The thickness is very important. Heavy sleeping bags cause nights of tossing, turning, and sweating like a pig in hot nights. Light sleeping bags cause you to seek additional warmth. How do you sleep at home? Is your bedroom hot, warm, or cool? What do you use for blankets? Take those answers and determine the thickness and size of your new sleeping bag. I personally need a sleeping bag that was light. My body tends to adjust well to my surrounding temperatures, and I sleep better in cooler areas. I’d rather put on an extra blanket or snuggle close, than sweat all night.

Emergency First-Aid Kit - The bigger the better. You want it to be full. When putting together your initial first-aid kit it is a good idea to purchase a complete kit. Make sure you have a complete list of the contents in the first-aid kit. Every time you get home from your camping trips do a complete inventory. Remember any allergy medications, sun tan lotions, citronella or insect deterrent and snake bite kits. (Of course we recommend all natural products. They should be either homemade or purchased from a natural substance store. We also like to recommend a citronella plant. These plants work very very  well.)

Outdoor Clothing - My number one recommendation for outdoor clothing would be a pair of cargo pant with a detachable lower leg. Very Nice! Cargo pants and cargo shorts is always great, but with cargos you get extra weight and bulk. Not everyone is comfortable in bulky shorts. Comfort level is again important. It is a very nice convenience to have extra pockets when you are hiking or around the campsite. Shoes are another important consideration. If you plan on doing any hiking, please do yourself a favor and buy hiking boots. Then consider your sneakers, shower sandals, flip-flops, or moccasins.

Food and Drink - #1 fresh water. Make sure you have plenty of drinkable water. Use boiled water for dishes. (hint: bring a pot to put on a fire). Bring plenty of food. Plan every meal. Remember the mountain pie makers, bread, pizza and pie fillings. Nuts (maybe in a trail mix) are a very good idea also. Remember you also don’t want to over do it. Storage has to be considered. You don’t want bears and coons!

Maps - You want to know where you are at right. GPS is great but maps are cheaper. Plus, add a compass and still save hundreds of dollars. If you don’t want to be wandering around in circles find maps of camping area grounds including trails and features. Make sure you can read it and understand it before buying maps. You should be able to find one that you can follow.

Being prepared not only means having the proper materials, but also having a proper knowledge of the campground’s environment and its features. Beware that there are wild animals you don’t want to attract.

If you have any suggestions of “camping must haves”,  please share with us by leaving a comment  below.

Organized climbing adventure trips through a certified establishment can take the worries out of planning and put the enjoyement back into the fun of mountaineering.  Some of the most popular spots can be reached cheaper by traveling with a group and what a great way to make new friends.  Try some of the following links to find the perfect climbing adeventure:

REI Adventures -
Any outdoor adventurer is familiar with the REI brand of outdoor clothes and gear for most activities, but many do not know they offer an extensive list of outdoor adventures that can take you to any continent.  REI is a one stop shop for all levels of climbers, they offer a wide range of  Climbing Gear
 and now they offer the variety of lifetime trips that are planned out, with fees, gear lists, clothing lists and a list of things to consider.  These guided tours are setup for you to maximize your time and opportunity.  From basic climbing trips to 14 day trips in Kilimanjaro, REI will deliver a trip of a lifetime with there 21 years of experience and expert climbing guides.  Browse >   REI Climbing Gear
Browse> REI Adventures

Before making the investment in a kayak, paddle and gear, rent one from a local outdoor outfitter and decide what kind of kayaking you will primarily be doing.  After you decide kayaking is the activity for you and are ready to make the one time investment in equipment choose one that is appropriate for your activity. 
Other factors to take into consideration are:

Hull Size-Hulls are categorized by the roundness or flatness of the bottom or by the angle or V of the chine (where the side and bottom met). A hard chine where right angled edges meet the bottom creates a flat bottom.  A hull with a flat bottom offers more stability but with any kayak you will have tipping and if a flat bottom hull becomes tipsy it will most likely quickly tip.  A round hull with a softer chine tends to be less stable but quicker and easier to roll if tipped.

Length- Kayaks range from 10′ - 22′. Generally the  longer the kayak the more stable, faster and easier to paddle, each stroke achieves a longer more efficient glide then a shorter kayak.  However a shorter kayak is lease expensive, turns quicker and is easier to maneuver outside the water when transporting.  Have you ever seen a 12′ kayak on a Toyota Prius? Probably not, so take into consideration your means of transporting your kayak when purchasing so paddling is a joy and not an inconvenience.

Rocker-(the curvature of the kayak from bow to stern)-Another determining factor for maneuverability is the hardness of the rocker.  The heavier the rocker the more lengthwise curvature and the higher it sits in the water.

Symmetry -When the back and front of the kayak have the shape and the widest part is in the direct center it is considered to be symmetrical as opposed to asymmetrical.  Symmetrical kayaks have the greatest maneuvering mobility, while asymmetrical kayaks are streamlined designed for greater speed.

Some better brands you should consider are Necky, Wilderness Systems, Seaward Kayaks and Current Design Kayaks.
After you decide which kayak best suits your needs you will also need to think about the material today’s kayaks are made of fiberglass, thermoformed plastic, or hard plastic.  Other features you should consider are a rudder for help with steering, a   storage compartment to keep items dry for overnight trips and a light.  Whatever you decide count on spending at least $1,500 for a decent kayak and don’t be shocked if the one that fits all your needs costs $4,200, but keep in mind this is a one time investment and no gas is required.