How to pack for camping and have everything organized?

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rocio

we enjoy the outdoors and camping, we have bought many items during the years and now we have many things, and they get everywhere in the car during the trip. How do you pack kitchen items: paper plates, utensils, paper towel? bed items (they are bulky)? mosquito repellent bottles ( they love me )I usually put kitchen stuff in a plastic container, but to reach the bottom I have to take everything on top. Any creative ideas? tips? I may buy a space saver bag for the bedding, has anybody tried that.

Answer
For car-camping I use a medium-size Rubbermaid Action Packer bin with sheets of plastic (lexan? stuff from Home Depot) cut into 11" tall dividers and duct-taped into place for my kitchen box. There's room in the box for my pots and pans, three propane canisters, plastic plates and bowels, napkins, trash bags and space for most of my dry foods. On the very top I lay my large griddle, cutting board, campfire grate, collapsible sink, axe, folding saw and 1/2 rolls of paper towels. I have a mesh organizer I made myself and screwed to the inside of the bin's lid to hold my cooking and eating utensils.

I can then strap my Coleman stove and el-cheapo propane grill on top of this. When I get to camp, all the stuff on the top of the bin comes out and generally stays out until it's time to pack-up and go, and the stuff underneath is stored vertically instead of flat, so there's no digging for buried items. The lid, with the utensils attached, also comes out and stays on the mesh shelf under my camp kitchen unit (small folding table with grill shelf).

Generally speaking, each person -- child or adult -- is responsible for carrying their own clothing and sleeping kit. All our sleeping bags compress well into their stuff sacks, and we use self-inflating mattresses that also roll-up tight. The sleeping bags go inside each person's duffel bag or backpack on top of their clothing and personal items, and the mattress gets strapped outside to the top or side. Clothing is organized into dry bags to protect from any weather or mishaps, and for organization. We also use one of the drybags full of clothes with a pillow case instead of a pillow. Each person is also responsible for their own toiletries, which go in a small nylon bag stored the outside pocket of the duffel bag or backpack, along with sun block, insect repellent, flashlight or headlight with extra batteries.

If you are using regular bedding you'll find that sleeping bags will take a lot less space and weight, particularly if you use a compression bag (just remember to loosen the compression bag during storage at home so the insulation doesn't go flat). Our bags compress down to about 9x12". As mentioned above, we put a pillow case over our clothing's dry bags to use as a pillow, or you can get inflatable pillows. Also, camp towels or large "Sham Wow" type towels take up much less room than regular household towels but work just as well, and dry more quickly.

The tent, 2 LED lanterns, 2 bag chairs, roll-up table, dining tarp with poles go into one large duffel. This sometimes leaves one or two loose chairs to sling over your shoulder.

If necessary, I can stack the two coolers, Rubbermaid bin, stove and grill onto a folding luggage cart and drag it to the campsite on one trip, then return and strap the water container, large duffel, and camp kitchen to the cart for my second trip.

Do you have advice for what to bring on a camping trip?

Breandan

A few men are going on a camping trip. We're planning on going to Harriman State Park in New York near New York City.
Besides the obvious: tent, sleeping bag, cooler, bug spray, food, beer; what do you recommend we bring?

Answer
Essentials
The first items on my list are what I call "Essentials." It's possible I might not need one of these items on a particular trip, but if I do (and chances are, I will), I'll have it. These are important things every camper will probably need sooner or later, including:

â¢Cash, credit cards, checks
â¢Required licenses and permits (for camping, hunting, fishing, etc.)
â¢Waterproof matches and butane lighter
â¢Multi-tool and/or Swiss army knife
â¢Toilet paper
â¢Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
â¢Maps and compass or GPS
â¢Rain gear
â¢Extra clothing
â¢Insect repellent
Clothing

â¢Pants, shorts
â¢Shirts
â¢Underclothes
â¢Shoes/boots
â¢Socks
â¢Belt
â¢Jacket, coat
â¢Hat, cap, toboggan
â¢Gloves
â¢Swimwear
â¢Nightwear

Toiletries

â¢Toothbrush, paste
â¢Soap, shampoo
â¢Mirror
â¢Comb, brush
â¢Deodorant
â¢Washcloth, towels
Miscellaneous

â¢Extra prescription glasses/contacts
â¢Prescription medicines
â¢Watch, alarm clock
â¢Sunglasses
â¢Sunscreen, lip balm
Camping Gear



If you're staying in a trailer or RV, you may not need to worry about many of the items listed below. But in this article, we'll assume you're going to be tent camping. That being the case, some items you may want to bring include:

â¢Tent, tent fly, poles, stakes and ropes (set up the tent before leaving to be sure everything is there and you know how to put it up)
â¢Hammer or hatchet (for driving tent stakes; keep it in the tent bag)
â¢Ground cloth (to go under the tent and keep it clean and dry)
â¢Sleeping bags
â¢Ground pads, mattresses and/or cots
â¢Pillows
â¢Tarp (has many uses)
â¢Lantern(s) (including fuel, mantles, funnel, batteries as necessary)
â¢Folding chairs, stools, tables
â¢Extension cords (for camps with electric hookups)
â¢Ice chest
â¢Beverage/water jugs
â¢Camping shower
â¢Ax, hatchet and/or shovel
â¢Broom
Food



Plan your meals before leaving home, and make a list of all food items you'll need using your menus as a guide. Some campers like to have elaborate outdoor meals, while others prefer not to cook at all. Either way, here's a list to help you remember some of what you might need:

â¢Meats (hamburger, hot dogs, steaks, bacon, sausage, chicken, etc.)
â¢Dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)
â¢Eggs
â¢Bread, buns, biscuits, crackers
â¢Vegetables (potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
â¢Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, salad dressings, syrup, BBQ sauce, etc.)
â¢Drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, Kool-aid, juice, etc.)
â¢Staples (flour, corn meal, sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, butter, cooking oil, etc.)
â¢Snack foods, dessert ingredients


Plan your meals before leaving home, and make a list of all food items you'll need using your menus as a guide.

Cooking, Food Service and Cleanup



The items you'll need for preparing meals, serving them and cleaning up will once again vary greatly according to your own preferences. Here are some to consider for your list:

â¢Camp stove, fuel
â¢Charcoal, lighter fluid
â¢Firewood
â¢Grill, cooking grate
â¢Reflector oven
â¢Skillet, pots and pans
â¢Carving/cutting knives
â¢Spatula, tongs, serving fork and spoon
â¢Can opener
â¢Measuring cups and spoons
â¢Aluminum foil
â¢Plates, cups, bowls
â¢Flatware (forks, spoons, knives)
â¢Scouring pads, detergent
â¢Zip-loc bags
â¢Garbage bags
â¢Paper towels, dish towels
â¢Oven mitt, pot holder
Emergency Gear



"Plan for the worse and hope for the best." That old saying has merit when you're camping. Always be prepared just in case something unexpected happens by having on hand a tool kit that includes a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches; a repair kit that contains such things as duct tape, wire, nylon twine, superglue and rope; and a first aid kit that includes all or some of the following basic items:

â¢Band-Aids
â¢Gauze pads
â¢Adhesive tape
â¢Aspirin
â¢Tweezers
â¢Needle
â¢Moleskin
â¢Single-edge razor blade
â¢Antacid
â¢Ace bandage
â¢Diarrhea medication
â¢Cold medication
â¢Laxative
â¢Bandages
â¢Sunburn relief
â¢Thermometer
â¢Sting kill swabs
â¢Eye drops
â¢Scissors
â¢Cortisone (anti-itch) cream
â¢Antibiotic cream
â¢Antihistamine such as Benad

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What to pack for a girls camping trip?

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Maddie

Me and bout 6 of my girlfriends are going camping soon. We are all 16-17 and we will be going for 3 days. We are bringing a big truck so we don't have to worry about not having enough room in a vehicle, and we are planning on using tents. Some of us have been camping before, and some of us haven't. I already have some things on the list to pack, but I'm not sure if I'm missing anything. Also if you have any ideas of fun things to do let me know!

Answer
This is the most detailed list i have ever created, its actually not so much stuff when u read through it...

Stuff To Pack (Group):

*Basic/General*
-Tents
-Sleeping bags/ Air mattresses
-Repair kit for tent/Air mattress
-pump for air mattress
-Pillows
-chairs/table
-headlamps and flashlights (spare batteries)
-lanterns (with bags)
-Propane Canisters
-Stove
-Lighter and matches
-Ax
-Stove top Utensils (pans, spatula, etc.)
-table cloth and clips
-marsh mellow sticks
-food containers (leftovers)
-trash bags
-Cooler
-ice
-cups, plates, bowls, utensils
-Sponge
-towels
-blankets
-Toilet paper
-Sunscreen
-Lip balm
-Insect repellent
-Hand sanitizer
-Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
-Prescription medications
-Toothbrush, toiletry kit
-Cosmetics
-Brush/comb
-Duct Tape
-Sewing Kit
-Camera
-Rope Lights
-Extension cord/Power strip
-Lighter Fluid
-Fishing Kit
-Bikes
-



*First Aid Kit*
-Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
-Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
-Tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)
-Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
-Butterfly bandages/adhesive wound-closure strips
-Gauze pads (various sizes)
-Nonstick sterile pads
-Medical adhesive tape (10-yd. roll, min. 1" width)
-Blister treatment (e.g., Moleskin, 2nd Skin, Glacier Gel)
-Ibuprofen/other pain-relief medication
-Insect-sting relief treatment (e.g., AfterBite)
-Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
-Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
-Safety pins
-Comprehensive first-aid manual or information cards
-Rolled gauze
-Aloe vera gel
-Aspirin (Advil)
-Poison ivy/poison oak treatment
-Knife (or multi-tool with knife)
-Duct Tape


*Food*
-water bottles
-soda
-juice
-milk
-instant coffee
-sugar
-creamer
-cereal
-eggs
-bread
-butter
-soup mix
-spices
-chocolate syrup
-fruit
-cooking oil
-cheese
-meat
-Chips
-marsh mellows
-chocolate bars
-crackers


Stuff To Pack (Individual):

*Clothes*
-Moisture-wicking T-shirts
-Moisture-wicking underwear
-Quick-drying pants/shorts
-Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
-Sun-shielding hats
-Swimsuits
-Bandannas or buffs
-Boots or shoes suited to terrain
-Socks (synthetic or wool)
-Long underwear
-Sleepwear
-Insulating jacket or vest
-Insulated pants
-Gloves or mittens
-Rainwear (jacket and pants)
-Clothesline with clips
-Water sandals
-In-camp sandals or booties
-Sunglasses

*Personal Items*
-Medications
-Bathroom/Shower bag or kit
-Alarm Clock
-Notebook w/Pens
-MP3 Player w/ Headphones & Charger
-Cell Phone w/ Charger
-Deck of cards
-Other Items

What are the major accessories I will need for camping besides a tent and Air Mattress?

xylem

I am a first time camper, yea I know it is sad but I have just purchased my coleman tent and air mattress and I was just wondering what other esential camping accessories I will need? Also, any camping tips would be most helpful! Thanks

Answer
My hubby and I just started tent camping with friends two years ago, and it took us a while to figure out everything we needed (btw, good start getting an air mattress!). Oh, and don't forget to waterproof your tent BEFORE the trip with waterproofing spray sold at sporting goods stores!

Here's my abbreviated packing list. You have some items already (obviously), but I've highlighted items you might still need to purchase:

SHELTER:

-Tent
-Tarp to Go Under Tent (should be the same size as tent base, not much bigger or you'll have to fold it under. This keeps the tent bottom dry, and you don't want rain collecting on the tarp and rolling under!)
-Air mattress
-Air mattress pump
-Sleeping Bags / Pillows
-Extra Blankets (1 per person in case of chilly weather)
-Beach Towel (for when you track mud all over your tent)
-Lantern (battery-operated) to hang in tent
-Foldable Chairs / Lawn Chairs (to sit around fire)
-Rope or Line to hang items to dry on - like wet towels


FOOD:

-Hand Axe (to chop fire wood)
-Long-reach lighters
-Fire-starting kindling twigs (buy them from camping supply stores - they're wood chips soaked in some fire-starting chemical)
-Pie Irons (to cook food in over the fire - these are ESSENTIAL!)
-Campfire Fork (to roast weiners, marshmallows on)
-Food (should include basics like eggs, bread, peanut butter, deli meats, cheese, butter, hot dogs, s'mores makings, pop, juice, tea, coffee, ketchup, mustard, brownie mix, pizza sauce, pepperoni, potatoes, oatmeal, beef stew, trail snacks, chips, popcorn, etc.)
-Campfire Cooking Pot
-LARGE Cooler with ice
-Egg Holder Storage Case (designed for camping trips)
-Plastic Utensils, Cups, Paper Plates
-Garbage Bags
-Giant Ziploc Bags (to place singed pie irons in when packing to come home)
-Sharp Knife
-Rubbermaid Tote to wash dishes in
-Dish Soap
-5-6 Dish Towels
-Campfire Glove (heatproof gloves that allow you to pick up hot logs off the fire, or hot pans)
-Mugs (for coffee & tea)
-Kettle to boil water (should be campfire safe)
-Bottled water - large quantities
-Picnic Table Cloth (campsite picnic tables are dirrrrrty!)
-Can Opener
-Travel Cutting Board
-Aluminum Foil & Ziploc Bags
-Non-Stick Cooking Spray

CLOTHING / HYGIENE / SAFETY:

-Standard clothes
-Extra socks, 1 pair extra walking shoes
-Rain coat, poncho, or garbage bags
-Bug Spray
-Sunscreen
-Usual Hygiene Products (forget shampoo if it's a short trip - you're allowed to be dirty when tent camping!)
-First Aid items (bandaids, benadryl, calamine lotion, antiseptic cream, aspirin, immodium AD, etc.)
-Hand Soap
-Towels (in case you get soaked in rain)
-Hand Sanitizer

FUN / OTHER:

-Deck of Cards / Travel Boardgame
-Camera / Extra Batteries
-Flashlights / Extra Batteries
-Fishing Pole / Tackle Box
-Lots of Cash to buy firewood near campsite - it's expensive!
-Wallet, ID, Cell Phone

Phew! It seems like a lot, but skip here and there and you'll be wishing you had these items when you're at the campsite. It's worth filling up the car with Rubbermaid Bins filled with this stuff. Oh - don't forget Rubbermaid Bins to put all this stuff in! You'll need to keep your possession and food waterproof if it rains!

Have fun!

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Is a five person dome tent big enough for my husband, me and our 10month old son?

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NeedANswer

We will of coarse have his pack n play and two twin air matress there will be another tent for tv, table, chairs....so is the tent just enough for sleeping?

Answer
Yes. And why bother going camping if you're bringing a TV?!

How can someone who hates camping make the most of it?

Q. A friend invited me on a 3 night, 4 day camping trip with her and her family. I would really like to spend time with my friend, but I've never been much of an "outdoor girl". I like a nice hotel room over sleeping on the ground. That said, I need to get away and would really like to try something new. How do you make the most of a camping trip? What's the best way to sleep comfortably and avoid getting eaten alive by mosquitoes? Any hints, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Turn it into a glamping adventure by bringing all the comforts of home. The easiest way to do that is to use a recreational vehicle they can be rented for the day, the weekend, the week or all summer. These are a hotel on wheels basically and all campgrounds accommodate them.
http://www.cruiseamerica.com/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=full

If that is not your thing then tenting can still be a clamping adventure but still just as costly for the first timer. You start with getting a spacious tent and then outfitting it with the state of the art air beds, warm fluffy sleeping bags and or bedding, and comfy camp chairs and a nice side table with a coleman lamp an indoor/outdoor rug by the door and you have a wonderful and comfortable set up.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-8P-Instant-Tent-BONUS-Tent-Fan-Light-Value-Bundle/24909154
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Big-Game-Extreme-Sleeping-Bag/13849007
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Quad-Lantern/13848584
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Quik-Fold-Side-Table-Desert-Clay/16503226?findingMethod=rr
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Trans-Ocean-Cargo-4877-03-Indoor-Outdoor-Area-Rug-Aqua/20423520


Skeeters can be kept at bay the same way that you would in your own back yard and decorate your campsite to. You can set out citronella oil lanterns and candles and then use a deet based product on your clothing.
http://www.rei.com/product/850867/repel-sportsmen-max-formula-pump-spray-insect-repellent-40-percent-deet-6-floz
http://www.rei.com/product/815045/coleman-citronella-candle-lantern

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