Make Camping a Spiritual Experience:

Yoga in the Woods

So I was in the woods, camping with my family. We woke up early because we couldn’t sleep, and met the day with cold cheese sandwiches around the camp fire. I got everything prepared for my kids, then rolled out the yoga mat and did my own yoga workout. Yoga in the woods was much more of a success than yoga on the beach. Yoga on the beach, I was thinking inside my own head about work and relationships, and wasn’t actually able to enjoy it very much. Yoga in the woods was a whole different experience. I felt the forest around me, the woodsmoke in my lungs and the soft echo of the breeze as it whispered through the trees. There were bugs on the yoga mat, that I had to shoe away while I was in Down Dog. The sticks and rocks beneath the mat were prickly on my feet, but so much fun because I never go barefoot anymore. Yes to this experience! Do yoga wherever you can!

Hike to an Overlook

Overlooks are scenic vistas that stretch out over mountains or foothills, allowing you a glimpse of the divine. Best reached through good old fashioned hard work, hiking out to an overlook can be a spiritual experience. If you have kids, you could climb to the top of a look out tower, or choose a well manicured trail to an overlook that has a guard rail. There are many options at a commercial campsite. If you are in the company of adults, or alone, the options are limitless. The greater the struggle to achieve the overlook, the more spiritual the experience. When you stand at the pinnacle of your journey, and look over the valley, snaking away into the distance, all your worries fade away. That hard-earned glimpse of creation, no matter what you believe, leaves you breathless. There’s nothing like an adrenaline high from a great workout, paired with a beautiful vista to get you singing glory.

Sleep out Under the Stars

I remember out in Washington State, one night under the stars, I could see the entire Milky Way. Lying on my back, in the pitch dark, away from any vestiges of city life, the sky opened so I thought I might fall up into the vastness of space. Even on the East Coast, if you find a spot devoid of trees, where a little star gazing from the sleeping bag is in order, the experience can be a spiritual one.

Share it with Friends and Family

Camping allows us all to turn off the television, to shut down the game system and leave the multiple comforts of every day life. Even car camping forces us to do without many of the conveniences and traditional entertainment we all rely on. We really get to know our family and friends when we go out into the wilderness together. Conversation and shared experiences become the norm instead of texting and email. Camping bonds us, takes us out of our element and puts us back in touch with the simpler things in life. Good friendship, love and s’mores are all you really need for the sweetest trip of your life.

Author: Gretchen Elhassani

Edited By: CampTrip.com

What to Prepare for Rural Camping Before you go

• Tell someone where you’re going. This is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a safe trip. If you’re not exactly sure where you’re going, give at least a general idea with major highways/streets or GPS coordinates, and provide a timeline of your return. In the event you get lost in the woods, people will come looking for you. If you don’t tell anyone, how will they know where to look?

• Get a permit if required in the area you plan to visit. The last thing you want is to locate a pristine destination away from the world, only to be spotted by a ranger and get ticketed, and those tickets are pricy and will definitely dampen your experience.

• Pack extra water and food. The more rural you go, the longer it will take you to get back to civilization so be prepared to avoid a shortage. Sometimes we forget how much water we actually use outside of drinking it, like washing our hands, cleaning a skillet, brushing our teeth, etc.

• Remember a first aid kit! Accidents can happen at any time, and if they do occur, we need to be prepared.

• Don’t forget bug repellant and flash lights. Bug activity can be high in rural areas and being covered in bites doesn’t exactly equate to a relaxing trip. Flash lights are also a must to see clearly at night and prevent falls.

When we camp in nature, we want to keep it serene, leaving no trace of activity, but one thing most people love about camping, regardless if you camp in the rural woods or at a designated campground, are fires. Adults and children alike love sitting around fires at night, perhaps telling scary stories or just relaxing and socializing.

Out in the woods, even with a permit, fires may not be allowed, and for good reason. If you’re in a rural area and start a fire that gets out of hand, who will be there to stop it? No one! I don’t know about you, but if I’m in the woods all alone or with a few friends or family members, the last thing I want to be near is an out of control fire. If you do decide to build a campfire please be responsible for it. There are some important things to remember in order to prevent your campfire from becoming out of control.

Preventing a Forest Fire

• Find an open space at least 30 feet away from brush and anything flammable.
• Keep your campfire spot away from trees, bushes and hanging branches as sparks can come off the fire and catch fire nearby.
• Create a circle of stones to contain your campfire (ensure stones are not placed too compact as you want air to pass through to fuel fire).
• NEVER leave your campfire unattended.
• NEVER leave your campfire burning through the night as you sleep.
• Ensure you COMPLETELY put out your campfire before leaving it, either with water or with sand. Be aware that hot embers may still burn even though you toss sand over them – you must completely smother the fire out.

The Portable Campfire

For me, a camping trip without a fire is just disappointing, but making a homemade fire can ruin the pristine nature you wanted in the first place and endanger your own life and the lives of others. During a study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) from 2004 to 2008, on average, 976 brush, grass or forest fires were reported each day.

Homemade fires can be dangerous if they aren’t monitored closely and they are destructive to nature, but most of us still want them, don’t we? Fire safety is imperative, so I use a portable propane fire pit for camping. It’s literally a fire in a can and most permits allow these in the wild, except in cases of a fire ban. Generally this happens in extreme heat or dry conditions when wildfires are at high risk of occurring, but if there is no ban, you can still roast those marshmallows, have the warm campfire experience, be safe, and know you aren’t endangering yourself or the environment around you.

In the words of Jackie Stewart, “It takes leadership to improve safety” so let’s be leaders together. Using these safety trip reminders and fire prevention methods, we can have that relaxing and fun trip we all need.

This is a guest post by Karen Ho Fatt, Karen is an outdoor enthusiast who lives in the Rockies. She enjoys long day hikes, weekends of camping and entertaining company around her big sky ring stars and moon cast iron pit  for backyard barbecuing. As long as Karen is in the fresh air, she is up for just about anything.

Author: Karen Ho Fatt
Edited By: CampTrip.com

Mark Twain reminds us that “There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy’s life that he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.” Kids love to explore!

Most kids today get outdoors a lot less than previous generations so you can imagine the wonderment they experience when they go into wooded or other natural areas. Since their concept of danger isn’t fully developed, parents should take an active role in introducing their children to the perils of camping.

Top 5 Safety Reminders Every Parent Should be Aware of:

All camping experiences are different. Factors like location, time of year, ages of your children, and even your budget make a difference. From cooking on the fire pit to swimming in the lake, no matter what you do while camping, you can always plan for the top five safety categories.

1. Health
2. Weather
3. Equipment
4. Nature
5. Activities

Because of the variety of outings families take each year, we should talk about each one of these important areas of safety. As an active camper for many years, I have seen and learned a lot and I hope my experiences will help you and others.

Health

Check your first aid kit. Make sure you update anything that is expired and that you have ample supplies of things kids need (band aids, ointment, disinfectant, tweezers, etc.).

If your children are on medication be sure to pack them safely. The same goes for eyeglasses. You might even want to bring a spare pair just in case they break or lose the ones they are wearing.

Let’s face it, kids are going to get dirty and probably wet, so take along plenty of dry clothes. Once, when camping with friends, their kids went swimming in a lake with their clothes on. One of them nearly got hypothermia that night because he didn’t have dry clothes to change into.

Kids also need a lot of water when they play in the hot sun all day. It’s a parent’s job to make sure they drink plenty of water.

Weather

Just like the need for water, kids also need to lather up with copious amounts of sunscreen. Don’t be shy, paint it on like Tom Sawyer whitewashing Aunt Polly’s fence. They’ll thank you later in life.

Check the forecast before you leave home and bring the right clothes. Rain jackets or sun hats? Sandals or earmuffs? It may seem funny, but many times I have left the warmth and sunshine of the valley only to find freezing temperatures and even snow in the middle of summer at high mountain campgrounds.

Equipment

Everyone in your family, including children, should have their own backpack and each one needs a few essential safety items.

• Whistle for signaling of lost. The shrill sound of a whistle carries a lot further than a human voice, especially in wind or rain.
• Flashlights have a lot more uses than just that late night trip to the bathroom, but that’s darned important too. Make sure you replace the batteries regularly.
• Almost everyone has a cell phone these days. Bring them along.
• If you’re in an area without cell service, walkie talkies or Family Radio Service (FRS) radios are inexpensive. Some have a range of several miles and you can always stay in touch with your children.
• Slip a couple energy bars and a bottle of water into every backpack; they just might come in handy.

Nature

I’ll be the first to admit that some flowers and butterflies are so beautiful that I want to reach right out and touch them. Now put yourself in the mind of your child. Consider this list of objects to be cautious of.

• Poison Oak and Poison Ivy
• Fast flowing water (or any water source that could be dangerous)
• Plants with berries. Never eat wild plants.
• Cactus
• Animals can have sharp teeth or carry diseases.
• Ticks. Be sure to check for ticks or chiggers or other biting insects.

Talk with your children. Teach them about nature and the dangers hidden in its beauty. They don’t need to be afraid of everything they see, but they will be a lot safer once they have an understanding of their surroundings.

Activities

The possibilities here are almost endless for ways to keep your children safe. To be sure, you should let them be kids, just take reasonable precautions. Here are a few reminders that will apply to most camping trips.

• Always use caution around the campfire. I like to use a portable campfire which is very handy and is designed with safety in mind but still pose safety concerns for children. According to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin 74% of all children’s camping injuries are related to campfires.
• Teach your youngsters how to fish. The proper use of knives and fishhooks is important.
• Always use the buddy system when swimming and avoid fast moving or cold water.
• Bring recent pictures and clothing descriptions of your children.
• Instill in them an awareness of stranger danger and the need to stay out of others’ campsites. It’s also very good etiquette.
• Set boundaries. Outline physical limits of where they can go—and never alone.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

Creating happy memories is one of the long lasting benefits of a family camping trip. By following these simple safety tips you will have those wholesome experiences that you and your children will cherish for the rest of your lives.

This is a guest post by Karen Ho Fatt, Karen makes her home near the Rocky Mountains. Her website showcases iron fire ring brands and other types of portable campfires to help you create a relaxing outdoors experience.

Author: Karen Ho Fatt

Edited By: CampTrip.com

The Ausangate Circuit Trek

There’s no better way to get an appreciation of the stunning Andean scenery than by walking through it and, while the Inca Trail is famous for a very good reason, it can be nice to get away from the throngs of tourists and soak up the amazing mountain views – and sights like the Big Red Lake, but more about that later – in a bit more solitude.
So where is the Ausangate Circuit and what can you expect to find on a trip here?

Getting There and Setting off

We’ll start with the basics of where the Ausangate Circuit actually is. It circles the mountain of the same name in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, which is located to the north of Cusco. It is easily accessible from the city most famous as the starting point of the Inca trail and because Cusco sits 3,326 m above sea level, it’s a great place to set out from as you can spend a couple of days here first acclimatising to the high altitude.
There’s loads to see in Cusco, as it was once an Inca city, so there are remnants from this fascinating society dotted around its streets. In the 16th century, churches and other colonial buildings were constructed when the Spanish invaded the area, so there’s an interesting mix of architectural styles.

The Trek: The Basics

The Ausangate Circuit takes around six days to complete and you’ll reach 5,200 m at the highest point of your trek, when you climb Palomani. There are some tough stretches on the route, so you’ll need to by physically fit if you want to tackle the hike and enjoy it! You’ll be camping every night in some spectacular locations, so you can wake up each morning to a new breathtaking view.

Where You’ll Camp

Upis is one of the early campsites and it certainly boasts some breathtaking views. Looking down the valley you’ll see the Ausangate peak straight ahead, with rolling meadows in between and a spring nearby. It’s not only the location that makes this camp memorable though, but also the ceremony performed by your guides, who ask for a blessing from the mountain god Apu and leave an offering for safe passage around the circuit.
One of the most impressive places you’ll camp is by Jatan Pucacocha, which is also known as the Big Red Lake. It gets its English nickname thanks to the colour of the water, which is often tinted red by sediment that runs off the mountains with the snowmelt. It isn’t just the lake that makes this a beautiful place to stop, but also the surrounding scenery. Jatan Pucacocha sits at 4,600 m below the western icefall of Ausangate – a truly dramatic setting.
The following evening, you’ll pitch your tents in a place called Pampacacha, not too far from the Ausangate Base Camp. You’ll certainly want to rest after your ascent of Palomani earlier in the day and there’s no better place to unwind, as you’ll be surrounded by vistas of the glacial moraine, after which the camping area is named.
There is lots to see along the way as you follow the Ausangate Circuit – these are just some of the highlights. If you’ve tackled the Andean trek, let us know what you particularly enjoyed about it.

Edited By: CampTrip.com

The “Troop Beverly Hills” Camping Experience

As a child, I remember watching a film called “Troop Beverly Hills”. In this movie, a group of high class girls join a Wilderness Girl organization. One of the requirements to get merit patches is to become an avid camper.

One of my favorite scenes in this movie is when the leader of the troop, a wealthy woman named Phyllis, takes the girls for their first overnight camp trip. Phyllis became the troop leader to become closer to her daughter, but she did not know what she was getting herself into.
The overnight camp scene starts off by Phyllis walking out of her Beverly Hills Manson with luggage bags like she was staying a month in France. Phyllis’s maid puts on her fur coat and then she says “well girls are we ready to rough it?” Then the troop starts off to the camp site with two limousines and tent rental company. The rental company sets up the camp, leaving the girls to sit on some chairs and read glamor magazine etc. Then comes the dinner scene, and what are they eating? Fondue! No trout! No S’mores! Fondue! Then it starts to rain and the girls retreat to the tent, leaving Phyllis to get the dinner. Phyllis slips in the mud and gets her coat all dirty. Then Phyllis takes retreating to a new level. She takes the girls to the Beverly Hills Hotel, leaving the camp site entirely.

Divas Don’t do Dirty

I know this movie is fiction, but when I went camping with my wife for the first time, I kept thinking back to this movie often. My wife hates bugs, and being dirty. She is a diva, and camping is not really her thing. Now I do not want my tone in this post to sound like all women are divas. This is not the case and there are plenty of posts on this site to support that. I come from a family of campers, and I am terrified of snakes! My sisters love to play with them and chase me around the camp with little garden snakes they find in the woods; bugs and dirt do not bother them.

I do everything I can to take care of the bugs and dirt for my wife while camping. I worked for a Pest control company in Virginia (Pest Control Alexandria) a few years ago, so I know some tricks to help control the bugs while camping. I wanted to share a few with the audience of this site.

How to Keep the Bugs at Bay:

1. Do not wear any scented perfume! And try and keep yourself as cool as possible. Bugs are attracted to both scent and our sweat! Except for skin care creams with citrus juices or coconut oil; bugs hate both scents
2. I love cooking, so I make sure our diets are pumped full of garlic! Yes misquotes are vampires! They hate the smell of garlic coming from our pores. I also burn citronella candles around camp.
3. Do not camp near swampy wetlands or water if you can help it. Sitting water is perfect for bugs to lay their nests in.
4. Try and cover as much skin as you can. If bugs cannot smell you, they will not bother you.

Alright there you go. I have the bug problem figured out. How about dirt? Anyone have any good ideas that can help a fellow camper out? My ears are open to make the camping experience as pleasant as possible for my dirt traumatized wife.

Author: Kody Carling

Edited By: CampTrip.com

North Morte Farm Caravan and Camping Farm, Devon

Devon is the most southern west point in UK, and North Morte Farm is ideally located within drivable distance of both Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks. It is a lovely family-run facility boasts a spectacular view of both Rockham beach and Woolacombe beach. Among the many activities on offer nearby include surfing on both beaches, walking along the nearest coastal path and cycling, which can be done on the path. The village of Mortehoe is just five minutes’ walk away and has all the facilities you could possibly need. Visiting this exciting place is a must for families.

Great Langdale Camspite, Ambleside, Cumbria

North of Liverpool and at the bottom of the Scottish boarder you have Cumbria, home to the stunning Lake District. The Lake District is a popular holiday destination full of fun activities to do and plenty to see. At the heart of the Lake District, there is a wonderful campsite called the Great Langdale Campsite. This camping site offers views of the imposing Scafell Pike, as well as other peaks such as White Ghyll and Raven Crag, not to mention the northernmost end of Lake Windermere. For walkers, you can scale Scafell Pike et al at your leisure, while the nearby town of Ambleside has all the amenities you could wish for, including shops, pubs and restaurants. Ramblers will love camping here.

Cardigan Camping and Caravan Site, Aelybryn, Wales

Lying on the glorious Welsh coast, this site is perfect for people who love a good sea view, and when you arrive, you can’t help but stare wondrously into the choppy Irish Sea. Near the village of Penparc, this Farm site has plenty of on-site facilities, and if you plan on taking your kids, you can introduce them to the sheep, hens and horses that live on the farm. The views of Cardigan Bay alone are reason enough to stay here.

I hope that this insight to campsites in the UK with a view was helpful in giving you some direction on where some of the most sought after holidays are in the UK. Before going, consider a few things such as when you are looking to go camping. Camping anytime before spring or after autumn will likely leave you with a wet UK camping experience. However, keep in mind that if camping in the summer will be more popular and likely more costly than other seasons. Then again, its like that anywhere and camping will still end up being the most enjoyable and inexpensive holiday you can take. Wherever you end up roaming in the UK, you will always end up enjoying yourself, view or no view.

Edited By: CampTrip.com

*All images are courtesy of pitchup

Pyrenees Holiday Have To’s:

A break to the Pyrenees offers camping and caravan enthusiasts the perfect chance to relax and get back to nature. Straddling the French-Spanish border, this beautiful region is home to a range of wonderful attractions and allows you to take part in exciting pursuits.
Whatever you get up to during your getaway, arriving here in a caravan enables you to explore at a pace that suits you and unwind in well-appointed accommodation. However, before you get too carried away with planning what activities to do while on holiday, make sure you first get adequate financial protection.

Cover your Arse (Caravan)

Spend time searching for caravan insurance quotes from a range of providers before taking out the policy that is most suitable for you – both in terms of price and overall coverage – and you can rest assured that should your caravan suffer from accidental damage, theft, storms, fires or flooding, you won’t be left out of pocket. Trust me on this, I have learned from personal experience.

Bring out your Inner Animal

Once you’ve got this sorted out, you will have the peace of mind to start planning your amazing caravan break in the Pyrenees. Nature lovers will truly be in their element in the region. Visit St Michel’s Animal Park and you will come across a wide array of creatures, including wolves, butterflies, eagles and bison. There are also special activities for children, so there will be something for all the family to be a part of.
A getaway here enables you to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and in coming to the Pyrenees in a caravan, you will be in the perfect place to explore the Mont Valier Nature Reserve.

Hike Various Trails in the Foothills

One of the oldest reserves in the region, this protected section of land dates back to 1937 and is a wonderful place for hiking. Dominated by the 2,838 m Mont Valier that stands in the middle of the park, the well-maintained trails found in the foothills make for challenging – albeit rewarding – hikes. As you walk, keep an eye out for some of the exotic wildlife that call the park home, including ospreys, isards and golden eagles.
Visit the protected Pont d’Espagne for fantastic views of the Marcadau valley before taking a cable car ride to the picturesque Gaube Lake to relax next to the crystal-clear waters.

Visit the Pleasant Town of Pau

Another must-see destination is Pau, a charming town that can easily be explored from a number of static caravan sites in the region. Here, you can splash the cash at the various high street stores and independent boutiques, before taking a relaxing walk through the Royal Square and Renaissance Garden, both of which contain a wealth of exotic flowers.

One attraction that will certainly interest you here is the historic Chateau de Pau that lies in the centre of the town. King Henry IV was born in this settlement during the 16th century and Marie Antoinette once tended the gardens here, so there’s lots of history to uncover. As well as learning more about its famous residents, a visit means you can look at intricately-woven tapestries.

Holy Chateau

The Chateau de Montsegur is another medieval structure that ought to be on the must-see list of holidaymakers to the Pyrenees. This 13th-century castle is believed by some to have once been the home of the Holy Grail and, while it has largely fallen into disrepair, wandering around the ruins still enables you to picture what it was like in its prime.

If you get a chance to do all the above activities or only a few one thing is certain, you are sure to have a wonderful holiday caravanning in the charming Pyrenees.

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Steps to Build a Campfire Joke

1. Split dead limb into fragments and shave one fragment into slivers.
2. Bandage left thumb.
3. Chop other fragments into smaller fragments.
4. Bandage left foot.
5. Make a structure of slivers (including those embedded in the hand).
6. Light match.
7. Light match.
8. Repeat “I’m a Happy Camper” and light match.
9. Apply match to slivers, add wood fragments, and blow gently into base of flames.
10. Apply burn ointment to nose.
11. When fire is burning, collect more wood.
12. When fire is burning well, add all remaining firewood.
13. After thunderstorm has passed, repeat the above steps.

Books Never Written Jokes

• ‘To the Outhouse’ by Willie Maket, Illustrated by Betty Wont
• ‘How to Survive a Bear Attack’ by Ben Eaton
• ‘The Yellow River’ by I.P. Daily
• ‘Over the Mountaintop’ by Hugo First
• ‘Falling Off a Cliff’ by Eileen Dover
• ‘The Joys of Drinking’ by Al Coholic
• ‘I Was Prepared’ by Justin Case
• ‘Smelly Stuff’ by Anita Bath
• ‘A Safe Hitchiker’s Guide’ by Ren Tacar
• ‘A Sailor’s Adventure’ by Ron A. Ground
• ‘Raise Your Arms’ by Harry Pitt
• ‘Sitting on the Beach’ by Sandy Cheeks
• ‘Something Smells’ by I. Ben Pharting

I hope you enjoyed this funny camping humor, for more laughs be sure to read more Funny Camping Jokes. If you know of any more camping humor or jokes please feel free to share them in the comment box below. Thanks!

If you enjoyed reading this then you might enjoy reading our other articles on the site. Sign up to our newsletter on the right hand side of the screen to receive all the latest and greatest on camping and the outdoors. We promise we will not share your details or bombard your e-mail inbox.

Kaitlyn
(The CampTrip Team)

Winter Clothing to take when Camping:

• For winter camping, don’t pack cotton clothing. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet (rain or sweat) and takes a long time to dry. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited to winter camping in cold weather conditions.
• Protect against heat loss through your head by wearing a toboggan, balaclava, etc. Over half of your body heat can be lost through your head.
• A balaclava helps protect your face and neck from cold and wind. It can also be worn as a toboggan or scarf.
• Gaiters are another warming layer for both your feet and lower legs. They’ll keep snow, rain, etc. out of your boots and help keep your feet dry.
• Your boots should have waterproof outer shells (such as oiled leather or plastic). A shell will prevent the outer layers of your boots from absorbing water (which would freeze and leave your feet to freeze as well).
• Do not wear too many pairs of socks. If the blood flow to your feet becomes constricted, your feet will get cold regardless of how many socks you have on. Tightening your boot laces too tight will constrict the blood flow as well – the same goes for glove liners, too.
• Attach security cords to your mittens to prevent losing them in windy or snowy conditions.
• Carry extra gloves or liners and extra socks to change into once your first pair gets wet. Gloves and socks can be dried out overnight in your sleeping bag.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (or something to that effect)

Head/Face:

• Wool/Fleece balaclava or toque
• Brimmed hat
• Ski/Glacier goggles
• Sunglasses (UV protected)
• Insulating hat, cap or headband
• Fleece toque (reserved only for sleeping)
• Face mask
• Face gaiter or head sock, wind proof
• Handkerchief or bandana or buff

Body:

• T-Shirts
• Medium weight shirt or sweater (wool or polar fleece)
• Heavy weight jacket or sweater (wool or polar fleece)
• Fleece vest
• Belt or suspenders
• Vapor barrier/Pile shirt (one that wicks moisture)

Legs:

• Medium weight pants (Fleece)
• Wind/Rain pants (nylon or Gore-Tex)
• Waterproof shell pants
• Pile pants (wicks moisture)
• Wool/Polar fleece pants (heavy weight)
• Wind pants (Gore-Tex)
• Insulated over-pants or bibs (wind/water proof, breathable)

Hands:

• Gloves (fleece/pile/wool)
• Mittens (fleece/pile/wool)
• Over-mitts (Gore-Tex)
• Glove/Mitten liners (synthetic, polypropylene)
• Work gloves
• Ski gloves

Feet:

• Liner socks (Polypropylene)
• Heavy socks (wool or fleece)
• Sorel or other winter boots (with spare liner and removable booty)
• Hiking boots
• Main socks, liner socks, spare socks
• Medium weight socks for sleeping
• Vapor barrier socks
• Wool / pile socks (heavy)
• Mountain boots (with waterproof outer shell)
• Ski boots
• Snowshoes with binding & snowshoe crampons
• Gaiters (to keep snow out the hiking boots)

Undergarments:

• Regular underwear
• Wicking underwear
• Long underwear (Polypropylene or equivalent heavy material)
• Expedition weight (fleece) long underwear (for sleeping)
• Expedition weight (fleece) long sleeve undershirt (for sleeping)
• Long undershirts (Polypropylene or equivalent heavy material)
• Silk long underwear (it breathes well and dries quickly)

Outerwear:

• Gore-Tex or nylon rain jacket with hood (must fit over stacked layers)
• Polar-Tec/Fleece jacket
• Heavy wool sweater
• Waterproof-breathable shell jacket
• Light hiking pants to wear over the fleece pants (for shedding snow)
• Insulating wool/Pile sweater (or jacket)
• Winter parka with hood and ruff (synthetic fill, nylon or Gore-Tex shell)
• Pocket warmers
• Anorak wind parka

This checklist is a guide to your packing and winter camping needs. Not everything in this list is going to be necessary for your expedition, but “spares” of everything (socks, gloves, pants, etc.) are recommended. Nothing dampens spirits quicker than damp clothing…hypothermia’s no fun, either. For a complete Winter Camping Checklist of all you could potentially bring on your camping trip (depending on what you need) read the Winter Camping Checklist.

Author: Kirsten
(The CampTrip Team)

Camping Checklist for Winter Camping

Shelter and Sleep

• 3 or 4 Season Tent (Domes work well)
• Tarp to cover tent (for snow protection) or to make a tarp shelter
• Snow tent pegs, stakes, guylines
• Ropes to erect and tie-down tarps and tents
• Groundsheet tarp
• Sleeping bag (down, 3-Season, etc.)
• Compression sack for sleeping bag
• Fleece blanket
• Pillow case (stuff with extra clothes to make a pillow)
• Spare tent poles
• Flannel sleeping bag liner
• Over-Bag or Summer Weight Sleeping Bag
• Camping mattress
• Thermal-set mattress
• Insulation Pad (Reflective) or Layers of Cardboard
• Footprint (if needed for tent)
• Sleeping pads

Kitchen Supplies

• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
• Energy beverages or drink mixes
• Extra day’s supply of food
• Stove
• Fuel
• Food-storage sacks or canister
• Eating supplies (plastic cup, plastic plate, Lexan utensils)
• Cook set (pot with lid, saucepan with lid, frying pan)
• Thermoses
• Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)
• Water filter or other treatment system
• Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)
• Measuring cups
• Pot gripper
• Fiberboard with stove platform

• Funnel
• Dip Cup
• Dish and pot scrubber
• Garbage bags

For more Kitchen Supply items go to The Ultimate Camping Checklist or Camping Kitchen Supplies Checklist.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Small hand towel
• Toilet paper (in zip-lock bag)
• Sanitation trowel
• Hand sanitizer + quick-dry towel
• Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
• Hand Sanitizer
• Flushable Wet Wipes (in zip-lock bag)
• Paper Lunch Bags (for burning toilet waste)

For more Toiletry items go to The Ultimate Camping Checklist.

Navigation

Car Check:

• Battery condition
• Oil and other fluids
• Brakes
• Snow tires
• Chains or cable chains
• Jumper cables
• Antifreeze
• Scraper and broom
• Trip Itinerary under car seat
• Lights
• GPS
• Full tank of gas
• Shovel and sand

While Hiking:

• Compass
• Guidebook; interpretive field guides
• Two-way radios
• Cell or satellite phone
• Personal locator beacon (PLB)
• Map case and map
• Flare kit
• Trip itinerary (left with a friend)

Snow

• Snow shovels (foldable)
• Climbing gear
• Snowshoes or crampons
• Ice axe
• Snow saw
• Toboggan (for transporting equipment) with tarp and tie-downs
• Avalanche transceiver
• Avalanche probe
• Cross country skies (or other)
• Trekking poles (for snowshoes or skis)

Tools and Miscellany

• Knife
• Multi-tool
• Flashlight / headlamp
• Extra batteries and bulbs for flashlight / headlamp
• Pliers or vise grips
• Screwdrivers (combo set)
• Duct tape, ripstop (etc.)
• Wire
• Glue/Epoxy
• Whistle
• Altimeter/Barometer
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Camera
• Candle lantern (spare candles)
• Matches
• Lighter
• Whistle
• File
• Aluminum ladder
• Clothes line and pegs
• Alarm clock
• Thermometer
• Wisk broom
• Lawn chair with insulator pad
• Axe
• Flint kit
• Butane Lighter (Wind-proof/Water-proof)
• Self-heating “Hot Pad” foot/hand warmer
• Slope meter
• 50-foot nylon cord
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Permits
• Binoculars
• Small amount of cash or credit card Zip-lock bag for wallet
• Sewing awl and heavy thread
• Regular needles and thread
• Hose clamps
• Parachute cord
• 1/4″ waterproof rope – 100 ft.
• Extra snowshoe binding
• Neoprene straps
• Pack repair parts
• Stove repair parts
• Pole patch kits
• Spare bails for XC bindings (if skiing)

First Aid (for cold conditions)

• Throat lozenges
• Antacid tablets
• Heavy space blanket
• Heat packs
• Hypothermia thermometer

For a full First Aid Checklist go to The Ultimate Camping Checklist.

Storage and Bags

• Backpack (Internal frame recommended as it’s warmer)
• Forty below bag
• Utility straps (for holding snowshoes onto backpack)
• Gore-Tex bivy sack
• Waterproof containers
• Daypack or summit pack
• Stuff sack or compression sack
• Large Rubbermaid containers

And there you have it, a very complete winter camping checklist. No, you definitely do not have to bring all these items the winter camping checklist is merely a guide. If you can think of any other winter camping supplies we have missed please do let us know in the comment box below. If you would like to get some ideas on what you need to pack (clothing wise) read the article Winter Camping Clothing Checklist.

Author: Kirsten
(The CampTrip Team)

Your Guide to Family Caravanning

Country side camping or Beach holidaying in the UK is a delightful cocktail of many surprises and damp disappointments – and for thousands of us we wouldn’t change a thing. Now, throw in one of the UK’s most loved holiday vehicles – the caravan – and you’ll have a family trip to remember.

3 Key Tips to Keep it Civil and Memorable for all the Right Reasons:

1. The Journey
   Map reading, traffic jams and car entertainment. Do not leave this to the last minute. The two most immediate and often indelible scars on an otherwise wonderful family caravan holiday can be the six hours spent on the M6 trying to get to your destination. Bank holidays are peak times; if this is your holiday date too – plan ahead! Take the afternoon off work (or the day) and leave at lunchtime. Plan your route with Michelin or AA and make sure you know in advance what off-motorway diversions you might want to take should the traffic look bad. Make sure that caravan is cleaned rigged and ready to go the night before – and stock up on music, jokes, snacks and bright ideas for I-Spy to keep the entertainment alive.
2. Picking the Right Beachside Location
   It can often be a little cheaper to choose a caravan park slightly inland, but for the majority of us, having driven a long time to get to our destination, we don’t want to spend the rest of the holiday in the car. The coast of Wales has some gloriously impressive caravan parks overlooking the sea, and within easy walking distances of towns and pubs.
3. Food
   Now, cooking in caravans in great fun, delicious and a real way to save money. However, make sure that you have one big celebration dinner in your holiday – whether that’s a restaurant-style meal in the confines of the caravan, or a trip to the local pub for a hearty plate of fish and chips.

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Some might say we’re a little bit crazy, but that’s okay. We love our life of living full time in our RV – living the camping dream! It’s a dream come true, a never-ending story of our continuous journey of freedom. Some will say there is no way on earth they could give up their house and all the stuff it holds, and that’s okay, too. We realize this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But for those whose heart skips a beat when they pass an RV on the highway, and who have the burning desire to travel wherever they choose, whenever they want, we stretch our arms out wide and say, “welcome to our journey!” We share a magical lifestyle that is misunderstood by many but embraced by countless others who imagine and dream as we do.

Living the Camping Dream – We did it, you can too!

Sitting?   Wishing?   Waiting?

Don’t know where you are right now? Maybe you’re stretched out in your recliner, sifting through travel magazines, or looking at the snow outside and wishing for a warmer place to be, or balancing your checkbook and sighing at the ridiculous thought that you would ever be able to afford an RV lifestyle, or surfing the Internet for that magic button to push to make everything happen right NOW. Been there, done that. We’re sharing our story to give hope to those feel there is no way this could happen for them. Is that you? Have you put your dream of living full time in an RV back in the little box and locked it tight? Did you tuck that box way back in the corner of your bottom dresser drawer? Get up right now and get that box! Unlock it – open it and begin to breathe in your dream again. It happened for us . . . it can happen for you.

It Begins . . .

For us, it all began because we love camping. We would pack up our car every Friday – filling the Mustang with the tent, mattress, pillows, stove, coffeepot, chairs, ice chest, etc. We quickly learned to make use of every space available and take only what we really needed. We were always so eager to spend the next two nights camped under the stars, nestled in the woods next to a creek. Time seemed to stand still while we camped – no schedule, no distractions, just nature for entertainment. Every Sunday night we returned home, unpacked the car and waited to do it all again the next weekend.

You Wanna What!?

When our lease was up on our duplex, we stood at a crossroads.  We could renew the lease and be locked in for another year. Nope. We wanted to be free of a lease so that whenever our RV showed up, we would be ready to just GO. We could find another place to live with different lease terms. Nope again. We struck out on finding a place to rent on our terms. So, Bruce pitched a new idea . . . “we could live in our tent all summer!” My first reaction was, “No way! Are you crazy?”
“Listen,” he explained. “We already spend every weekend camping. What’s the worst part of it?  The packing and unpacking, setting up and tearing down. If we lived in our tent, we wouldn’t have to do that over and over.”
I have to admit I eased slowly and carefully into the suggestion, because I worked full-time as an executive assistant where I had to dress professionally every day. How could I manage that from the tent? What about showering and ironing and heels and makeup? I didn’t say no, but I had to determine if it could work for me. Bruce could easily adapt since he works from home, but even that prompted some technological challenges.

We searched for a local campground and found one that set right on the Missouri River, a quiet setting with the most perfect spot for us – secluded, nestled in among the trees, and ten feet away from the River!  The campground had bathrooms with hot showers and electricity  . . . and a washer and dryer. “Okay, this really could work!” I found myself saying, and we took another step in the direction of our dream.

Downsizing

We had already experienced the first stage of downsizing, having moved from a 3 bedroom house with a full basement, to the current 2 bedroom duplex with a garage. But now, we had to fit everything in a 12 x 15 tent. Oh boy! This was major downsizing to the nth degree! Our experience in packing every inch of the car to go camping would prove helpful in this new living arrangement. So began the process of garage sales and Craigs List. Cabinets, closets and drawers were emptied and the myriad of contents sorted for either selling, donating or tossing. Furniture was hauled away by happy bargain hunters. The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) filled their truck. We saved what was only necessary for cooking, eating, sleeping and going to work.

“Okay, this really could work! We took another step in the direction of our dream”

Many have asked us what we did with all the sentimental things – the  boxes of photographs, the keepsakes, the ornaments – all those things which held a memory to our parents and grandparents, and even to our children. I sorted all those things, too, and divided them among my family. It was fun to hear the laughter and gratefulness in the voices of my siblings when they received their box of treasures. My kids probably have not gone through all their boxes yet, but when they do, they will find notes tucked in with each dish or antique that tells its history, or why it meant so much to me. Little do my kids realize what a gift I have given them. They will not be faced with sorting and dividing a houseful of stuff when we pass away – it’s already done.

As the duplex emptied out, we prepared for life in the tent. We researched to find a sturdy, reliable tent and decided to purchase the Eureka Copper Canyon 1512. That was a wise investment, for it kept us dry through many summer thunderstorms. The second wise purchase was the inflatable bed which was 18 inches high. Not only did we rise up out of bed with ease, but we slept at a level with a panoramic view of the river.
We faced the challenge of getting electricity for the laptop so that Bruce could continue to work from home. Hours of research and talking to sales people led us to Chad at Batteries Plus who devised an ingenious plan – using a deep cell battery that we recharged with the Mustang. Verizon answered the call for internet access with the MiFi. The “tent” office was ready to go.

We moved in on one of the hottest days of the entire summer (we didn’t know the rest of the summer was going to be cooler than normal). Now it was up to me to make the tent our home – figuring out how to organize and arrange everything for a comfortable and easy summer. I had to have a closet for sure – which we found at Walmart – a free standing one that worked really well.

“We slept at a level with a panoramic view of the river”

Plastic totes were filled and stacked around the inside perimeter – in order of necessity. Plastic shelves gave me a kitchen area for cooking utensils and dishes. It all fit perfectly and we were home! The experience of living in the tent right on the banks of the Missouri River is one that we will cherish always. Our evenings were spent quietly reading, waiting for the sunset, feeding the hummingbirds, listening to the coyotes, finding the constellations, watching a spider spin its web, building a campfire, and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the tree frogs, Katydids, cicadas and train whistles.  Time stopped for us that summer – because we were free of the distractions of TV and household chores. We were free and very happy! It was an emotionally rough day when we had to move back into an apartment for the winter. We kept avoiding the inevitable –  spending  “just one more night” because we could not bear to leave our home on the river. Tears flowed as we said goodbye and reluctantly headed to the car.  The apartment was small and cozy, warm and dry.  We were grateful for that, but longed for Spring when we could move back to the campground.

You May Say I’m a Dreamer

For three years, we had visualized, shared and waited for our dream. We would tell people that we were going to live full time in an RV. They would ask, “when?” and we would reply, “when it shows up!” The downsizing process was an important step to say to the Universe, “OK! WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS DREAM!” Downsizing opened a space to allow the dream to begin. I really don’t know how to explain this principle to those of you who might be reading this and thinking we’re on some sort of “who-hoo” short-circuit. We have visualized the lifestyle –  of owning the RV, driving the back roads, seeing the USA, watching movies on a rainy day, working from home, parking for an afternoon to wander a small town. We have shared our dream with everyone – speaking with faith and assurance that it is ours. We have waited, not impatiently, but contentedly for things to unfold. And we have taken steps in the direction of our dream.

“Downsizing opened a space to allow the dream to begin”

In early Spring of 2010, we began to plan for our return to the tent for the summer. The owners of the campground where we lived the previous summer contacted us and offered the job of camp hosts. That was fantastic news, except for the fact that we were required to live in an RV as camphosts.  All we had in our possession was our 13 x 15 tent with no RV within our sight, let alone within our means. Within a couple of days, a co-worker asked if we would be interested in purchasing his truck camper.
Now this is where it gets miraculous! I thanked my coworker for thinking of us, but told him we really could not afford such a purchase right now. He replied, “we need to talk.” I explained that we did not have any extra cash nor would we qualify for a bank loan, so thanks anyway. “He repeated, “We need to talk.” What dropped into our laps was nothing short of a miracle!  He offered to sell us the camper WITH the truck – plus he was willing to accept monthly payments. You didn’t miss that miracle, did you? It’s like one of those nod, nod, wink, wink things from the Universe – saying, “Go ahead, scream, shout, do the Happy Dance!”
Everything changed in an instant. Boy! Did we ever shout and dance and giggle and shriek! We now owned our home on wheels! Our dream was unfolding!

Workampers

We moved to the campground on April 1, 2010  and have been here ever since. It’s called workamping – working while camping – trading your time and talents for a campsite and hookups. It’s been exciting and exhausting to be the camphosts, and quite the learning experience. Exciting to meet such interesting people – all fellow travelers and lovers of freedom. Exhausting to be on call 24/7 to make sure all the campers are happy and behaving properly. Is it worth it? Absolutely! We are living in our RV – back on the River. Our duties include taking reservations, checking in campers, working at the camp store, selling firewood, cleaning bathrooms, and maintaining order after curfew. As we settled into our duties, a great opportunity arose that we quickly seized. Local musicians gather every Sunday afternoon on the bandstand at the River to hold a Blues jam session and we were asked if we wanted to set up a food stand for the afternoon.

“We now owned our home on wheels! Our dream was unfolding!”

We provided the BBQ for the event and even though it was a lot of work to prepare, cook and clean up – the atmosphere, the crowds and the profits were well worth all the effort. After all, what sells better than blues, beer and brats? As the camping season drew to a close, we chose to remain in our camper for the winter. It has been a wonderful decision which allows us to enjoy the solitude and quietness after such a busy season. It has also been a challenge to learn what we needed to do to prepare this camper for frigid temperatures. We’ve already survived below zero temperatures and Missouri snows, so we’re gonna make it through!

Next?

The truck camper was a step up from the tent.  The next camper will be a step up to a RoadTrek. That’s our dream vehicle and we know it’s finding its way to us and will show up just as the Big Foot camper showed up last spring. We’re committed to our workamper position for the upcoming season and then, it’s the open road for us. We don’t like the cold and the snow – we wanna be where it’s warm. But there has been something about living by the river in the winter that has opened our eyes to the beauty of this place. It definitely is another lesson in the chapter on “Being Happy Where You Are!”

Author: Trisha Barnes
Edited By: CampTrip.com