Camping in Comfort

Feeling like your annual camping trip could use a few amenities? Thanks to new products designed to help make your vacation under the stars a little more civilized, a trip to the great outdoors can have the same luxuries as an indoor hotel stay. Whether you're looking to create a safari-style sensation or simply bring a few of the comforts of home with you, here are some ideas to add some comfort to your campsite.

Lighting
Light up your campsite with a practical, ambient and safe rechargeable outdoor lantern. Visually appealing, battery-operated lights give off more light than the traditional flash light. Use them to create a romantic mood, as make-shift table lamps or to add task lighting. Whether you hang them from trees or line them along the path to your tent, these lanterns are definitely a camping "must-have."

Curl up near the fire
No campsite is complete without a proper campfire to gather around and cook over. Consider trading up from the traditional fire with an all-in-one portable fire pit and grill. A light weight luxury should come complete with a no-spark screen, iron stand and detachable chrome grill for added safety, comfort, and convenience.

Mood music
If campfire sing-a-longs aren't your cup of tea, you can still set the mood around your campsite with music. Take your iPod along with a portable, weather resistant, set of outdoor speakers.

Naptime
Take a break from hiking and fishing with a rejuvenating rest in a double hammock. Comfortable for one but roomy enough for two, it's the perfect spot for any couple to curl up together for a nap, a good read or to simply relax.

Dining al fresco
Set a stylish table with a folding version and all-weather tablecloth. Thanks to new weather resistant fabrics that mimic the sophisticated look of linen and cotton, dining al fresco can be an elegant experience. Dress up a light-weight, portable aluminuim dining table with an innovative, easy-to-wash, easy-to-clean fabric tablecloth. Keep things classic with white, add contrast with pop colors like hot pink and purple or tune in to your environment with earthy shades of green and brown. Both practical and attractive, tablecloths will add stylish sophistication to your outdoor spread.

Set a beautiful table
Trade in those environmentally challenged paper plates and Styrofoam cups for new and improved tabletop versions made of bamboo, plastic, wood and stone. Innovations in outdoor party ware such as "unbreakable" plastic champagne flutes, faux-silver plated flatware, and patterned "china" have given the idea of outdoor dining a new life. So, dump the disposables and give your campfire meal an elegant new twist.

Fabulous furnishings
Camping doesn't have to mean sitting on the cold, wet ground, with so many fabulous and functional seating options for your campsite. Deck chairs with attached side tables and a modern flair, folding loungers and portable side tables let you furnish your base camp with style.

A good night's sleep
Sleeping on the ground can be a real letdown when you're dreaming of a nice soft bed after a day of hiking and swimming. Thanks to the portable Aero Bed you can have the comforts of your nice down-filled bed in the wilderness. Although this water resistant delight comes equipped with a weatherproof mattress pad for added comfort, add a little style with a down-filled comforter and pillow or use a pair of down-filled sleeping bags for a cozy retreat.

Clean up
There's nothing like a shower to help you feel refreshed after a day in the woods. A portable, shower-in-a-bag is just what your campsite needs. Simply fill the bag with water and let the sun heat warm it while you're having fun. Some are equipped with a thermometer for added comfort. This compact amenity is sure to make keeping clean in the wilderness a whole lot easier and more fun.

Stylish shelter
While sleeping in a tent is part of the fun of camping, create a stylish shelter from the sun with a portable gazebo. Easy to transport and easy to assemble, this outdoor structure lets everyone gather under one roof. For an upscale safari look, decorate the sides with gauzy outdoor fabric or netting. Not only will this give your campsite an ethereal look, it will also keep the bugs away. Hang battery operated string lights or lanterns from the ceiling for ambience and you'll have your own living room in the wilderness.

Pillows and throws
Nothing adds style to a space like the pop of accessories. So, don't neglect the details just because you're in the rugged outdoors. Inject a little comfort and color to any campground by peppering furnishing, beds, and outdoor rugs with some attractive pillows and throws. Available in different shapes and sizes, outdoor pillows are made with weather resistant fabrics ranging from faux velvet to basic canvas. Choose stripes, bold colors or traditional damask prints for the perfect accent.

Rugs
Outdoor rugs are possibly one of the quickest and easiest way to add color and comfort to any camp site. New options for outdoor use are more attractive and durable then ever before. Portable and weather resistant, these rugs are available in styles ranging from classic Orientals to geometric shapes to natural sisals. Spread them over the grass or dirt in your tent or sitting area and these rugs will keep your feet clean and dry, even when you want to kick off your heavy camping boots.

Camping Tips and Preparation Guide

Summer camping is somewhat different than winter camping. They are both equally fun in activities and being outside but they are also equally dangerous if not taken serious enough.

Whether you're camping in the middle of January or spending a weekend camping in July you will have to be properly prepared for the possibility that anything and everything can and just might happen.

Here are a few things you can add to your preparation lists when you go camping this summer.

Choosing a Location

There are several things to keep in mind when it comes finding a good place to camp but here are the top three.

Bathroom Facilities. Those who are new to camping sometimes think there will be nice facilities where they can shower for free as long as they like, have an abundance of privacy and take hot water for granted.

Not all campgrounds have nice bathrooms. Some of them are down right nasty. Not many campgrounds have showers. When you choose a campground, call the managers and inquire about the bathrooms. Ask if they have showers.

Find out how often the bathrooms are cleaned. If you absolutely can't live without your curling iron, blow dryer or other electric gadgets ask them if they provide electrical outlets.

Pottable Water. Pottable water is water that can be used for consumption. It's always good to bring your own bottled water for cooking and drinking, that way you don't have to worry about contracting a disease or something worse.

Family Environment or Adult Playground. If you found your campground online be sure to read through the about us pages. There are not many adults' only campgrounds around. If you're planning on taking the whole family find out what kind of atmosphere is encouraged by the campground staff and other campers.

Some of the best family campgrounds provide outdoor movie theaters, classes, workshops and other activities for families and/or just kids. Camping families sometimes like to mingle with other campers. My kids have the most fun at Manyane Centre at Pilanesburg. It's a place where all the kids get together after dinner and play flashlight hide-n-seek or just hang out. Pay attention to things like playground areas, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and paved areas for bicycles and skateboards

Make Lots of Lists

As soon as you decide where you're going, sit down and start making lists. Make separate lists to help eliminate confusion. Make one list for food, another for clothing and another for first aid supplies. The more lists the better. I also like to make lists for dishes, sleeping necessities, grooming supplies and all the activity equipment. When it comes time to buy camping gear speak to someone who has camped before.

It's also important for kids to have lists so that they can feel like they are a part of the trip. Give them a clothing list and activity list specifically explaining how many toys and what kinds of toys they can take. Many kids carry iPods, cell phones, cd players, gameboys and other electronic items for those moments where they're too tired to do anything but sit around the campfire.

Dealing with the Heat

Just like you have to have proper clothing for cold weather camping, you also have to have proper clothing for hot weather camping. Take plenty of shorts, t-shirts, sandals and a bathing suite of course. But in addition to that consider taking Sunblock, hats and sunglasses. Spending long hours in the sun can cause heat exhaustion or sever sunburn. The head is no exception.

Sunblock; Need I say more? Take lots and lots of it with you. You will spend a small fortune buying Sunblock at any convenience store close to a campground. Coppertone makes a cool spray on kind that works great and doesn't' smell so bad either. I am extremely fair skinned and more than a little phobic about the sun so I go straight for the SPF40. Higher SPF means more protection.

Insects will be everywhere, especially at night when the mosquitoes come out. The heat combined with the moisture in the air draws mosquitoes out at night and they tend to buzz around lakes, rivers and ponds. Purchase some really good mosquito repellant. The best kind to use is the deep wood repellant good for ticks, mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella candles on the picnic table at night as well as citronella oil tiki torches are great too.

Water Safety

Hundreds of people, and probably more, drown each year in lakes, rivers and oceans. Make sure your family takes the proper precautions when swimming. Don't mix alcohol and swimming. It's far too dangerous when your body loses coordination. Provide life jackets for anyone that is not a strong swimmer. Do not leave children unsupervised near or in the water. Pay attention to rules around lakes regarding boats and fishing areas. Know where it is safe to swim and where there is a danger of fishing line and hooks.

A Camping Packing List

Packing for your first (or any) family camping trip can be a bit overwhelming. Here's an abridged version of the list I use when our family of six goes camping. You can use it as a jumping off point for your own list, just save it to your computer, customize it, and print it out.

I have it in an Excel spreadsheet, in 3 columns. [Item], [Got] & [Packed] (Where [Got] & [Packed] are tick boxes.)

Shelter

• Tent
• Stakes, poles, mallet for pounding stakes
• Sand stakes (if you’re camping near the water)
• Doormat: For wiping off muddy feet before entering the tent. (We often use an old towel for this)
  
• Ground cloth: To put under the tent to protect the bottom. (As well as keeping the thorns out of your air mattress)
  
• 2 tarps: You can never have too many tarps. You can use them to protect the floor of your tent or create an awning over a doorway or picnic table.
• Broom/dustpan: For keeping your tent clean
• Gazebo (We have an "instant up" one)

For Sleeping

• Sleeping bags, sleeping pads or airbeds (Remember to include the air blower for your mattress)
  
• Pillows & extra pillowcases
• Sheets: for light warmth on a hot night, or they can double as a picnic blanket.
• Extra blankets/comforters: For cold nights.
• Air mattress patch kit

Utility

• Lantern with fuel or batteries: Take your pick or bring both kinds. (If you choose a fuel lantern, a chain to hang it from a tree is a nice extra).
• Extra lantern bulbs, flashlight bulbs, lantern mantles etc.
• Flashlights: Bring smaller sizes for the kids.
• Battery-operated radio: Good for checking the weather.
• Hatchet/folding shovel/folding saw/bow saw: You may or may not need these. (I have an all in one)
  
• Bungee cords
• Duct tape (An essential. Put a roll in your car now!!)
  
• Lantern funnel
• Leatherman / Swiss army knife
• Compass
• Adjustable wrench & pliers (If you don't have a Leatherman)
• Scissors
• Rope (I take 3 or 4 x 10 metre lentghs of ski rope here)
  
• Seam sealer

Kitchen Stuff

• Cadac gas bottles & stove top (we have 2 of each)
• Cooler & ice
• Thermos
• Tablecloth & clips
• Bottle opener/corkscrew/scissors
• Spatula /vegetable peeler/cheese grater/serving utensils
• Utensils-forks/knives/spoons: Look for heavy duty plastic ones in the camping section
• Plates/bowls/cups & mugs: We usually bring plastic and wash them, you could also use paper
• Aluminum Foil
• Rubbish bags (big & small)
• Nylon or copper scrubber: For scouring pots, these work better than steel wool.
• Paper towels
• Pot holders
• Kettle: Makes it easier to boil and pour water for hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. (Note: If you get a big kettle, it will take about 15 minutes to boil.... The smaller, the better)
  
• Pots with lids: Pack at least two.
• Frying Pan: Get a cast iron one if you can, it’ll be worth it
• Funnel
• Big stainless steel bowl: For mixing, serving, washing, serving crisps, you name it.
• Cutting boards: For both meats and vegetables.
• Braai fork/spatula/tongs: If you’ll be cooking over the fire, bring the right tools.
• Sharp knife
• Biodegradable dish wash soap
• 2 dish pans: One for washing, one for rinsing.
• Dish towels & dish cloths

For the Campfire

• Matches or other flame starters
• Fire lighters: Buy them or just stuff empty paper towel rolls with newspaper.
• Heavy gloves
• Wood: If you can spare the car space to pack your own, you’ll save money.

Keeping clean

• Nail brush
• Toilet paper
• Bath towels & washcloths
• Small mirror
• Solar shower: If your campground doesn’t have a shower, these are great. Even if the campground has them, the kids love ours.
  
• Biodegradable soap/shampoo
• Toiletries
• Clothesline & clothespegs (Our emergency ski rope doubles as a clothes line)

First aid/Safety

• Cell phone & charger (Remember that 2 pin plug - We have car chargers for all of ours)
  
• Water filter
• Bugspray & citronella candles
• Calamine lotion
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Instant cold pack
• Hand sanitizer
• Whistles
• Eye wash
• Safety pins
• Emergency blanket
• Maxi pads/gauze pads: Good for large wounds.
• Tweezers
• Butterfly closures/bandages/tape & non-adhesive bandagesc ointment & wipes
• Tylenol/infant Tylenol
• Ear buds
• Safety pins

Entertainment/Toys

• Reading material
• Ball
• Games/cards
• Toys
• Glow sticks
• Frisbee/kites/other sports equipment
• Pen & paper/markers/crayons/stickers/other craft supplies
• Camping chairs

Nature

• Binoculars/small telescope/water nets
• Fishing gear
• Bug jars. Buy or make your own out of a peanut butter jar (punch holes in the lid).
• Nature guides
• Hiking packs
• Hiking boots

We start camping planning about 10 days before we leave, with lists and menus. We dedicate a part of the lounge to our "Camp Pile", making sure whe have everything before we pack it in the trailer. I also check all the electrical bits and make sure we have gas in the Cadac bottles.......

First Aid Checklist for Campers

What to take to remedy camping mishaps.

You've arrived at the campground and sent the kids off to the playground while you set up camp. It's during these early moments at the campground that we tend to get excited and somewhat prone to those little mishaps, like scrapes and minor cuts, while moving all the gear and setting up equipment. So be prepared for camping accidents with a well-stocked first aid kit.

The well-stocked first aid kit contains:

• bandages and gauze of various sizes
• antiseptic creams and ointments
• sterile wipes and rinse solutions
• pain medicine
• tweezers, scissors, and knife
• sunburn relief spray
• anti-diarrhea medicine

So what kind of accidents should one anticipate while camping? Well, there are always the occasional cuts, scrapes, and scratches. We're playing outdoors now, and common camping chores can be hazardous. Hiking through brush, thorn bushes, or cactus; cooking outdoors or around campfires; and exposing ourselves to the elements and insects are just some examples of the outdoor activities that require our attention. Be prepared!

To remedy cuts, scrapes, and scratches, include a variety of bandages, and also have some antiseptic swipes and antibiotic cream on hand. Hydrogen peroxide comes in handy for washing out cuts, and a saline solution is a great relief for washing out eyes should you happen to sit too close to a campfire and get ashes or cinders in them. Q-tips and liquid pain relief solution come in handy for bug bites or small cuts and scratches. Tweezers come in handy for removing thorns and splinters, and scissors or a knife will help to cut tape and bindings. Don't forget Tylenol and aspirin for headaches and internal pain relief, and for intestinal problems include some Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medicine. Other items to consider might be sunburn relief spray, preferably an Aloe Vera solution, Chapstick for the lips, zinc oxide for skin protection, burn cream, and where appropriate, a snakebite kit.

As a final tip, be sure to check your first aid kit annually and replenish any exhausted or outdated medicines and supplies. And don't forget to always take a well-stocked first aid kit whenever you go camping.

Camping checklist: What kind of camper are you?

Before you head out to that campsite, consider making a camping checklist that you can use every time you’re getting ready for your next adventure. A little advanced planning will make your camping trip safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. You can use the list over and over, so you’ll never forget to take important camping supplies.

But how much and exactly what should you include? That’s a tough question. Part of the answer lies in figuring out what kind of camper you are, what your comfort level is and what style of camp you want to have. This is the first step to making a comprehensive camping checklist. There are several categories of gear you’ll need: basics, fire building, dining and cooking, lighting and miscellaneous extras you might not think of. We’ll cover all these categories in this article.

The minimalist style of camping.

Are you a minimalist who can do without creature comforts and a lot of extra (and to you, extraneous) equipment? The minimalist is willing to take the wilderness as it comes, adapting as needed to weather conditions and terrain. Minimalists disdain all the extras favored by other many campers, preferring to sleep on the ground, rather than on camping cots. The minimalist’s camp is sparse, with a fire rather than a stove and small candles rather than lanterns. These campers try their best to experience the outdoors on its own terms. Their camping checklist is short and sparse by choice.

The gear-oriented style of camping.

Gear-oriented campers are the people who like to be comfortable and prepared for anything. Their campsites are fully “furnished” with tables, chairs, stoves, cots and other conveniences. While enjoying and respecting the outdoors, gear-oriented campers also prefer the little amenities that make a backcountry trip safe and secure – a home away from home. Their camping checklist will be much more extensive than the minimalist’s. In this article, we’ll focus on the gear-oriented camping list. It’s always easier to remove items from a list than it is to realize you’ve forgotten some crucial piece of camping equipment on a cold rainy night.

Gather the basics first.

It goes without saying that you’ll need some basic items: a tent (preferably with a rain fly and at least one window), a good-quality sleeping bag, camping stove, camping food and water. Here’s a list of some other gear that can make your campsite more accommodating:

• Plastic sheeting for tent floor
• Air mattress or pad for under sleeping bag
• Large plastic boxes or buckets for food and equipment storage
• Emergency blanket; also called space blanket
• Folding tables and chairs
• First aid kit with blister treatment products, sunscreen and insect repellant
• Small shovel and axe
• Towels and washcloths
• Personal care items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
• Backpack or daypack
• Rope or twine and a tarp - useful for keeping sun/rain off foodstuffs and wood
• Matches and firelighters

Dining al fresco in style.

While the minimalist is content to rehydrate a pouch of dried field rations, the gear-oriented camper enjoys hearty, camp-cooked meals. There is a variety of easy-to-prepare camping foods available, but many people like cooking from scratch in the outdoors. So, a more elaborate camping stove is required – something with more than one burner and adjustable flame. Or bring some iron bars to rig a pot hanger right over the fire for slow-simmering that poitjie-kos. You’ll also need a cooler and ice or ice packs for your fresh food.

Other equipment for the cooking portion of your camping checklist includes:

• Utensils eg Can and bottle opener, colander, cutting board etc
• Cutlery for food preparation and serving – sharp knife, large spoon, large fork, ladle etc
• Cookware – aluminium is lighter but cast iron works best
• Pot lifter or pot holders
• Spare stove and appropriate fuel for grill
• Storage containers, alumnium foil, waxwrap etc
• Paper towels and napkins, black bin bags etc
• Dishrack and dishwashing detergent
• Coffee maker and thermos

Light up the night.

Be sure to bring several flashlights and plenty of extra batteries. A lantern or two will cast some welcome light in camp. Your lamps can run on a battery, liquid fuel or propane. Be sure to have some extra mantles on hand if any of your lights use them. Lighting is important – don’t underestimate its value, especially if there are children in your party. Children should have their own water-resistant flashlights.

Other Useful Equipment.

If you’re planning on hiking, you’ll need a backpack, compass, travel guide, map, suitable shoes, extra socks and a hat. Another indispensable piece of camping gear is the multifunction pocket knife.

Other miscellaneous items to bring:

• Duct tape and cable ties
• Sewing kit
• Small battery-operated or wind-up radio
• Extra batteries of right type (AA or AAA)
• Reading material, playing cards, games etc
• Basic tools: pliers, screwdriver, hammer
• Digital camera or camcorder
• Binoculars
• Trekking poles or walking sticks
• Suitable scale local maps

Camping is great recreation.

Although experience is the best teacher, a good, comprehensive checklist can help make the difference between an enjoyable camping trip and a disastrous one. Your checklist will be dynamic – you’ll add items and remove items with every trip. Just be sure to keep it up to date.

Whether you’re a minimalist or a gear-oriented camper, camping provides many challenges. A thoughtfully-devised checklist will enable you to sleep dry and warm, build a welcoming fire, enjoy a great camp-cooked dinner, light your camp effectively and handle any miscellaneous small emergencies that might occur.