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Living in central Florida there are lots of things to do outdoors. With the hundreds of lakes, endless trails, and beautiful weather, it’s clear that an entire week could be spent camping in the wilderness here as long as the proper provisions are brought along. Central Florida is home to more than a handful of giant stores specializing in nothing but camping, fishing, hunting, and sports gear alike.

When you’re planning a camping trip it’s important to take note of the weather. It’s obviously more conducive to try and plan your trip during a week when favorable weather is expected. If you’re planning a camping trip in the south during the summer, it’s normal to expect some afternoon showers or thunderstorms, so you should pack with this in mind. Depending on the season, you’ll need to make sure you pack the right clothing, and an appropriate sleeping bag and blankets.

Non-perishable foods are a must and fishing rods and tackle if you’re planning to catch some of our meals. It wouldn’t hurt to have a good sized cooler on hand with clean ice, not necessarily just for drinks but for an unexpected spill that could cause a bruise or swelling. Another must is a well equipped but compact first aid kit with band aids, anti-bacterial cream, and alcohol wipes for any unfortunate incidents.

If you live in an area without a retail chain that specializes in camping gear, that is no problem. Most cities have department stores that would have a section devoted to this. There you’ll be able to find what you need.

If you’ve never gone camping, you’ll definitely need a few staples. A sleeping bag, cooler, lantern or light source, radio, batteries, lighter fluid, and depending on the comfort level, you need you might opt for an inflatable mattress. A tent is also a necessity, it keeps you out of the elements and away from most of the nuisance bugs. If you’re bringing younger children or a spouse, you should look into getting a tent that will house more than one.

A few other things to consider are some bug spray, sunscreen, hats, and some good portable folding chairs.

No matter the occasion, being in the outdoors is always a positive and fun experience. You can learn a lot about yourself and your family by living without the things many of us takes for granted on a daily basis. Make sure that you are prepared, if it helps make a check list of things from each friend or family member who’ll be along for the adventure to make sure you’ll not be without any necessary equipment.

Read our Backpacking / Camping Gear Checklist to make sure you have all the gear you need: http://www.thompsonoutdoors.com/b/p8.htm

In order to maximize on your camping experience, one of the most important piece of equipment that you will need is the camping tent. Whether or not you enjoy your experience will depend quite largely on the quality of the tent that you choose. This is why there is a considerable amount of tents available in the market today.

The first thing you should do in order to pick the right tent is to firstly decide on the dimensions of the tent that you need.

Tents are made to shelter a specific number of people. For example, a solo backpacker might need a tent suited for a solo camper, while a family of six campers will need something that is much bigger and more spacious.

Most tents in the market are made with labels describing their capacity, or in the other words, how many campers it will house.

This means that, if you do not want to purchase many tents with different capacities, you should think thoroughly and decide wisely on the largest number of campers that you foresee camping together with you.

So, if you always go camping with a friend, but decide to go it alone this year, think about purchasing a tent made for two, or a “two-man tent”.

There are basically four components to a tent – the poles, body of the tent, the rain fly and the tarp. The tarp is actually a cloth or sheet that you put on the ground which will help to make your tent floor last longer.

Now that you know the basic components, here are some tips on how to choose the best tent according to your needs.

1. Think of what you need. Consider factors such as where you go camping, during which season, whether you will be backpacking and any other requirements that you can think of. After deciding on your needs, you will then be able to make informed decisions on the type to purchase.

2. Determine your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Once you have established your budget it is unlikely for you to overspend.

3. Decide on the weight and size of the tent. Will there be many campers who will be sleeping in that tent? The size will not matter much if you go ‘car camping’. However, if you decide on going backpacking then it would be wiser to invest in a lightweight tent.

4. Look at the available features of the tent. In today’s market, you will be spoilt for choice as there are many manufacturers offering different unique features for their tents.

For example, you could choose tents with mesh panels which allow the breeze into your tent while at the same time keeping the mosquitoes and other insects out. Or you could opt for ‘shock corded’ tent poles which allow for a fast setup, waterproof or flame resistant tents, or even a rain fly for more protection against the rain.

Keep in mind that the tent you choose should be the one that best suits your camping needs.

5. If possible, choose a durable fabric tent. It might cost more but this is one of the things that you should definitely invest in.

6. Make sure that you select the right colour for the tent. Check how the colour of the tent spreads the light inside the tent. Some colours can make the tent interior look bright, while others might make it dark and gloomy.

Take note that light colours are cooler, hence more suitable in the summer. Darker coloured tents absorb heat from the sun and are best used during the colder seasons.

7. Inspect the coating of the tent. You should see a waterproof and shiny coating inside the floor of the tent and on the rain fly. If this is not seen, or felt on the fabric of the tent, then the tent might not be durable enough for heavy usage.

8. Do remember that your camping needs differ in summer than in winter. Your tent choice should reflect this difference, as camping in the hot summer sun is definitely unlike camping in the snow.

Most tents in the market nowadays have weather ratings. Choose and invest in a tent that is specifically made for the weather conditions that you will be camping in.

9. Look at tents from various manufacturers. There are many tent manufacturers that produce unique designs in their name. Some manufacturers are known for their inexpensive tents, while others are more established and famous for their expensive but high-quality tents.

Among the popular tent makers are Coleman, Wenger, Greatland and Eddie Bauer. Pick a tent manufacturer you trust.

When you are in the wild outdoors, it is important to have the proper equipment. The wrong type of equipment will not kill you, but will surely make your camping experience an unpleasant one.

Thus for a perfect camping experience, you should think thoroughly and decide wisely when purchasing your tent.

Keep in mind that your tent will be your home away from home for a few days. Thus, having the perfect tent will provide you a comfortable and safe haven during your camping days.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Find out how to camp and choose the best tents at http://www.campingtriptips.com

Camping safety is very important to all campers regardless of how experienced a camper you are when it comes to camping out. How do you do that when you are away from all amenities and civilization?

It might seem impossible but it is actually possible as there are many gadgets, as well as gears available out there that can cater to every camper’s need. Below are important tips and advice to follow when you go out camping, so that you can be safe at all times. Whatever it is, safety always comes first.

Set Boundaries and Follow Them

Camping with kids can sometimes get out of hand. It’s hard to control them when this is the time that they are experiencing something that they’ve never experienced before. They tend to go wild. To make it safe and controllable, you have to set boundaries in and around the campsites. Give them advice on the things that they should and should not do, especially when there are no adults around. A safe thing to do is to assign them each with a partner to check in on each other on their location and give update or report to the rest of the group of any location changes.

Familiarise Yourself With the Surroundings

The first thing you can do when you arrive at the campsite is to let your fellow campers or kid campers familiarize themselves with the surroundings. Take notes of any noticeable landmarks that are around the site, for example a weird large tree. However, make sure that these landmarks are easily locatable in relation within your campsite.

Knock (Whistle) Three Times On The Ceiling If You Love Me

Each camper should be given a whistle each, especially to kid campers. Whistles give out a high pitch sound that can be heard from far. It’s easier to blow a whistle than scream out ‘help’ when you’re lost in the woods. Establish a code to signify a specific situation so that everyone could easily follow and heed, for example, a whistle blown twice could mean ‘help’ and three times could mean ‘I am here’ or vice versa. Warn the kid campers that they should use the whistle for an emergency purpose. Do not go blowing the whistle for fun. Kids tend to do that.

Colour Your World

Prior to your camping trips, buy trash bags that are brightly coloured. These trash bags are useful in the case that if you are lost in the woods. These trash bags could be used as a device to signal others of your location. These trash bags can also be used when it is cold outside and in need of temporary shelter. All you have to do is cut a slit at the top of the trash bag and wear it like a poncho. It is hard to believe that this could provide you temporary protection that could keep you alive through the harsh night.

Try To Choose A Camp That Provides Hi-Tech Communication

Though some campsites are totally out of contact with civilization, there are campsites that provide the same amenities one would find in civilization such as email facilities, phones and faxes. There are also campsites that provide internet connections. How convenient.

It is perfect for those who would like to stay in contact with their business or personal affairs while they are out camping. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in a sense that being in the harsh outdoors but at the same time enjoying the comfort and convenience of modern technology.

Below are modern technology communication gadgets that can get you connected while you’re camping.

- Hand-held Radios

This equipment can be brought anywhere you go and very handy so that campers can get connected with one another at all times. This equipment is not used only for camping but also in big events, such as sports.

- Laser Range Finders

It is a device that uses laser energy to determine the distance from the device to a place or object. In other words, it helps you know how far away things are from where you are standing. Nowadays, they are light and user friendly.

- Global Positioning System (GPS)

Previously, they were used by the army and units involved in search and rescue operations, however, now they are also used by ordinary people to determine their position with or without reference to separate maps. For campers, GPS provides a precise position so that it can enhance the chance of lost or disabled campers from being rescued.

- Night Vision Goggles

You might have seen one of these goggles used in Hollywood movies. These goggles allow you to be able to see in the dark. Though sophisticated, they are easy to operate. Very compact, light weight and handy.

Camping should be fun, but it is always preferable that you prepare beforehand. Your safety in the woods should not be compromised. It is always easy to forget what type of danger that might lurk when you are having so much fun. Whatever it is, take every necessary precaution before you go out camping. You just never know what could happen out there.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Ample preparation adds to enjoyment and lessens the stress at http://www.campingtriptips.com/camping and http://www.campingtriptips.com/equipment

What is more enjoyable than gathering the whole family and spending quality time for a few days outdoors at a campsite at State Park, Missouri for instance. There is no better way to have this kind of opportunity to get connected with Mother Nature to enjoy the scenery, flowers and wildlife.

It is understandable to get excited about your camping trip. However, it is important that you prepare everything beforehand as you may never know what nature has in store for us, be it good or bad.

That is why every camper should have a camping checklist with them before leaving for the great outdoor experience.

Below is the ultimate camper’s checklist that has been categorized into the following categories:

- Personals
- Camping essentials
- Camping tent checklist
- Camp fire
- Sleeping system
- First aid kit
- Clothing
- Kitchen utensils and gas appliances
- Children and baby supplies
- Before leaving home

1. Personals checklist – grooming and hygiene kit such as tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, towels, insect repellant, soap, deodorant, sun block, lip balm, comb, sunglasses, toilet paper and a trusty sewing kit.

2. Camping essentials checklist – driver’s license, ID card, money, GPS or compass, map, pocket knife, binoculars, flashlights, battery packs, bulbs, lantern, water, canteen, rope, radio, camera, lots of films, clothesline, clothespin, foldable table, lounge chair and clock.

3. Camping tent checklist – tent, ground sheet, mallet, spare pegs, spare poles, spare ground sheet, peg extractor, fabsil (tent reproofer), shock cord repair kit and tent repair kit.

4. Camp fire checklist – matches, wood, shovel, axe, kindling, newspaper, extinguisher and campfire permit.

5. Sleeping system checklist – sleeping bags, camp beds, mattress or camper mat, pillows, air bed and pump, blankets and air bed repair kit.

6. First aid kit checklist – medicines for flu, fever, headaches, stomach ulcer and allergy. Band aids, antiseptics and antibiotic cream for wound. Tweezers to take out splinters. Pocket tissues are advisable.

7. Clothing checklist – a cozy pair of shirt and sweat pants, gloves, jackets, sweater, thermals, hiking boots, sneakers, sandals, socks of varying thickness, underwear, wellies, fleece, swimsuits, pajamas, tank tops, hats and bandannas. Not to mention waterproof jackets and trousers.

8. Kitchen utensils and gas appliances checklist – food container, insulator for frozen food, pots and pans, thermos, aluminium foil, fuel, stove, matches or lighter, disposable utensils, dish towels, bottle and can opener, knife, trash bags, zip lock bags, mugs, bowls, coffee pot, spatula, dish soap, table cloth and skewers for campfire barbequing or marshmallow toasting.

9. Children and baby supplies checklist – for babies, baby food, milk, diapers and baby wipes, pacifier, bottles, bibs, spoons, blankets, high chair, play pen, stroller, stuffed toys, tub and books. For toddlers, games for rainy days and for traveling, pencils, crayons, papers bucket and shovel, kites and frisbees.

10. Before leaving home checklist – lock all doors and windows, turn off all lights and appliances such as television and computer, hold all mail, water the garden, adjust the thermostat and make pet arrangements.

By no means that the above camp checklist is complete as there are a lot more that are not listed above. Be smart about what you consider necessary to bring and what items can you leave home without.

With these filled up, your camping trip would be a blast.

Juzaily Ramli and Tommy Lehmann are camping buddies and love to camp whenever they could find the time. Find out some of the things that you can’t go camping without: http:www.campingtriptips.com/supplies and http://www.campingtriptips.com/gear

Outdoor fireplaces are more or less of the same basic design as a traditional indoor fireplace, outdoor fireplaces can be made from a variety of materials that range from stone, brick, cast iron and concrete to cast iron, aluminium, sheet metal, clay and copper.

Stone, brick and concrete fireplaces are long lasting (though a large fire can occasionally crack concrete). Clay fireplaces are inexpensive, but do not last and need to be kept dry. Sheet metal fireplaces are one of the cheapest outdoor fireplaces in the market. They are often regarded as disposable items, to be thrown out when rusted or at the end of their useful lifespan.

Outdoor fireplaces made of cast iron and cast aluminium, are very similar to one another. Cast iron outdoor fireplaces are heavy, solid and long lasting, but prone to rust and also need a fair amount of maintenance. So, cast aluminium fireplaces have a slight advantage, being built for safety, low maintenance and durability as well as being portable and rustproof.

Copper fireplaces are extremely attractive. However, they turn green over time, and their cast iron supports and bases display an alarming tendency to rust quickly, staining whatever surface they’re standing on. Copper, sheet metal and clay fireplaces are also not as safe, or as durable, as cast iron and cast aluminium fireplaces.

There are several types of outdoor fireplaces; namely portable gas fire pits, wood burning fire pits and chimeneas. Chimeneas are classified as fireplaces with a chimney that protects guests from fumes and excess heat. They provide fires with a continuous supply of fresh air and are clean burning, fairly safe and efficient in fuel consumption.

Fire pits, in general, are large bowls or open air spaces in which fires are built. Though some fire pits do have chimneys, they do not afford much protection from the elements. A strong wind can very often shower family, guests, food, table decorations and neighbouring houses with red hot embers.

The best and most popular fuel for outdoor fireplaces is hard wood. This is however difficult to come by in some places, or is prohibited by local authorities due to environmental reasons. Alternative sources of fuel include manufactured fire logs, natural gas, propane and gel inserts.

Fire knows neither friend nor foe and burns without discrimination. For this reason it is always advisable to have a fire extinguisher or a large container of water nearby for use in an emergency, with outdoor fireplaces, or indeed when a fire of any kind is in use.

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