PREPARATION

WHEN AND WHY TO PREPARE

Having items prepared will improve safety, conserve energy, and ease your mind! Participants in my research project projected that it typically takes them 2 to 3 days to properly prepare for their camping adventure. It is recommended to begin your preparation process anywhere from 1 week to a few days out, depending on the duration and location of your trip. Below are tips on how to prepare for different parts of your trips including supplies & gear, meals, on-site, sleep, and cooking.

SUPPLIES & GEAR

• Gather equipment at home and double check before you leave!

• Use an equipment checklist

• Separate gear/equipment into labeled bins or sections

• Bring extra supplies for comfort

• Prioritize safety

  • Prepare for bad weather, uneven grounds, wildlife, no internet connection, extra food, etc.

• Prepare supplies that are as hands-free as possible

  • Lighting, portable toiletries, cooking, maintenance of site, etc.

• Make sure you have enough lighting, warmth, food, and water for your trip.

EASY MEALS

• Prepare meals at home prior to your trip!

• Look up easy camping recipes

  • Sandwiches, breakfast burritos, oatmeal, etc.

• Separate and label meals to make sure you have enough food for everyone each day

• Will you need a cooler?

  • Get extra ice, make sure there is space, don't make cooler to heavy to transport to car, etc.

• Make lunches that can be eaten on the go! You may not have access to heat it up, so be ready.

SITE PREPRATION

• Once you arrive, analyze your site

• Rake site clear of any sticks, stones, branches, or debris that could cause a fall

• Walk around site and find flat even ground to set up your tent or gear

• Set up your tent and lighting before the sun goes down

• Prepare and assemble tent with a partner to increase efficiency and safety

• Nights will be DARK... set up lighting around campground to reduce falls

• Put portable string lights on the ground to guide you to and from your tent or other frequently used equipment on-site.

SLEEP PREPARATION

• Try to use sanitary facilities and get ready for bed before the sun goes down

• Bring toiletries and sleeping supplies in one container

  • Hands-free option: backpack, bags with loops to slip hand through, shoulder bag

• Make a checklist at home to not forget any essentials

  • Medications, topicals, sunscreen, toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, etc.

• If navigating to sanitary facilities at night

  • Use hands-free headlamps

• Use a buddy system! Go with a partner for safety

• Make sure you set up items comfortably by bed

  • Water, extra warmth, flashlight/headlamp, bear spray, etc.

• Prepare to change in your tent, feel free to sit on your air mattress to change safely and reduce risk of falling

COOKING PREPARATION

• Set up cooking station in away from the wind

• Organize utensils for easy access

• Set up at a location with a flat raised surface and room for you to sit and cook

  • Picnic table or bring up a camping chair

  • Conservers energy and improves balance

• Have people help cook and clean! Divide up the meal and give everyone a part to make it more efficient

• Use a portable camping stove or grill over the campfire for easier transportation (lighter weight)

HAVE FUN!!

Don't forget that all the preparation will pay off! Enjoy, relax, and decompress in the great outdoors!!