by Nan C Avery

Created on: February 18, 2010

You are going to try camping for the first time.  You are not sure what to bring and how to pack.  The following guide will help you feel secure and well-prepared.  Spring is a tricky time to camp.  For one thing, the weather is unpredictable.  You may have mild, sunny days with morning cold.  You may encounter spring showers.  You will be prepared for all and any weather. If this is your first camping trip, find out where you will be camping.  Ask your companions whether you will be backpacking into the wilderness or if it is a casual outdoor adventure. Here are some articles you will need.

Backpack:  an internal or an external one.  Here are the advantages of each.  This is where you are going camping becomes essential to your comfort.  The internal packs have the metal bars (for support) in the material and external packs have the metal bars on the outside.

 -Internal pack advantages – The pack fits the back and hugs your body without bouncing around.  It is easy to walk through bushes and other tight areas.  Disadvantages – They only have two compartments so that it is harder to organize your equipment.  The internal backpack is warmer because they hug your back.

-External packs advantages – They have several different compartments so it is easier to manage your gear and find items.  The gear is able to spread itself around your center of gravity.  If the day is warm, you will be able to keep cooler.  The pack is off the back.  Disadvantages – It is cumbersome and this makes it difficult to keep your balance on rough areas.  It also is likely to bounce around. The best way to decide which is best for you is to try on both of them.   Feel which one will give you more freedom.

Boots are another necessity. This is another realm in which you should know where you are going and the manner of hiking you will be doing.  If you are going on day hikes on known trails, light weight boots will work well.  They are made of leather and canvas. If your hiking is going to go into the backcountry, you will need to get a sturdier boot.  A sturdier boot will be water resistant and give you more support. Hiking for a long duration of time, with a heavy backpack will require heavy weight boots.  Be certain to try on your boots with hiking socks.  They are thicker than standard socks.  To make your hiking experience

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