Camping Gear

Equipment for camping has progressed greatly since the 1950s campers hiked into the woods with canvas tents, wool-filled sleeping bags, and woven pack baskets. Today, experienced backpackers may carry such items as lightweight aluminium-frame packs, 1-kg nylon tents, down-filled sleeping bags, and tiny camp stoves. Proper clothing, lightweight but warm and worn in layers, is essential, regardless of where the person camps. In cold weather, a camper may wear a pair of hiking boots, woolen socks, underwear consisting of a thermal undershirt and long johns, woolen trousers (wool, even when wet, keeps the body warm), a cotton shirt, and a down-filled vest or jacket, as well as an anorak or parka, to protect against inclement weather. The camper may always discard layers of such clothing if too warm.

A wide range of equipment for shelter and sleep is available for modern camping. Tents made of nylon are generally preferred, as they will protect the camper from the most adverse conditions. Tent size and design depend on the number of people in the camping group and on the type of climate and terrain in the camping area. Sleeping bags must also be selected carefully. Bags filled with goose down or duck down will keep a person warm in cold temperatures, but bags made of synthetic materials are more resistant to wetness.

Gear for cooking varies according to the site the camper chooses. A long hike to a remote area generally calls for a small, lightweight gas stove, but a stay in a developed campsite, where portability is not as important, enables the camper to use a larger two-burner stove. Many campers also cook over fires, although gas- or propane-fuelled stoves are more reliable in poor weather. Most campers require aluminium pots and pans, a spatula, and plastic utensils, plates, and cups for preparing and eating meals.

Other related equipment includes a water bottle or canteen, a sharp knife, a grill, and a cooler. People staying in a developed campsite or in an RV, where it is convenient to have a cooler for the storage of perishable foods, may have a variety of foodstuffs on hand. Essential camping equipment also includes an axe, camp lantern, torch, map and compass, first-aid kit, rope, and matches.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-21