My first camping trip

So this is your first Camping trip and you are wondering what do I need. To start, a tent, and they come in all sizes from 1 man to 8 man or more. To start, a 2 or 3 man tent will work in most cases. There is room for you and another person and some gear. Dome tents are easy to set up and are free standing. Once they are up you can move them if you need to in case you missed a rock or a stick that was on the ground. When you get your tent home find a place where you can set it up. This is so you can get familiar with how to set it up and check it to make sure there are no defects in it. You can put your sleeping bag in it to see how you want to sleep in it. Once you get familiar with it and you have made sure it has no defects, you are ready to go camping.

When you get to where you are going to camp look for a place that is flat and has no lumps. Look up to make sure there are no dead branches in the trees. The best place is in the open away from trees. I like a grassy spot that is soft and level. Make sure all sticks and rocks are out from underneath the tent. Place a ground cloth (a tarp or what is called a footprint (a custom tarp) on the ground. This helps protect the bottom of the tent and keeps moisture out of the tent. Set your tent up on top of your ground cloth and stake it down. If your tent came with rain fly put it on. You are now ready to put your sleeping bag and other gear in your tent.

When you place your gear in your tent keep it off the sides of the tent. If it touches or you touch the side of your tent it will leak and you and your gear will get wet. Your tent should keep you dry and the dew off you. I have spent many nights in the pouring rain in my tent and stayed dry. Your tent is also a place to find some shade during the day. Camping is fun and the better prepared you are the more fun you will have.

As this blog continues, we build a high tech camp with all the comforts of home and talk about lights, HOT showers, cooking, and many other things. so come back often and any questions or comments please E-Mail me markteague@highmountaindiscountcampingsupply.com. We would also like photos of your camping experience to post on our website and blog.