Camping :)

[soprano]

I just got done with a 6-week tour and have lots to say on the subject of camping. If anyone's interested, I have a complete packing list here. Bear in mind that some of that stuff is necessary only for a long trip into remote areas.

I'm of the opinion that the old axiom "pack half as much stuff and twice as much money" applies to camping. Just because you have a car doesn't mean that you need to fill it full of gear. More stuff = more work. If you're car camping and you forget something critical, just hit the nearest Wal-Mart.

You can't be too picky about where you pitch the tent. If you don't like your assigned site, pick something else and ask the ranger if you can move. Look down to see where water will flow in a heavy rain, and up for dead trees or large dead limbs. Check for anthills.

If you can possibly survive without a campfire, then don't have one. Campfires are a ton of work and responsibility. It has to be completely out before you go to sleep or leave the site. Do you really want to be the person who's unattended campfire burns down half the state? They're fun if you're with a group and plan to drink beer and toast s'mores all night, but if you're alone it's nice to be able to take off and go for a walk or go to bed when you're tired. If you do build a fire, please for the love of all that is good, don't be lazy and burn your trash. It never burns completely and the next group will have to pick it out. Find a dumpster or pack it out.

Cookware is a good place to cheap out. I swear by my Pepsi-can stove, $10 Wal-Mart cook set and regular cutlery from the kitchen drawer. Be careful about sanitation and where your water comes from.

If you're worried about the bike getting wet overnight, stash it in the car. Also, make it a habit to keep all food and anything smelly (like toothpaste or deodorant) in the car when you're not using it.

Bug spray and earplugs are both indispensable. Too many people treat campgrounds like their personal party houses. The reason I'm moving into backpacking is that I love to camp, but I can't deal with other campers.