General Camping Equipment Selection Tips

Camping is an adventurous activity, which involves spending time in-group or individually at a distant and isolated place, like mountains, forests, national parks, or other campsites. The participants, known as campers, get away from civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or more nights at a campsite. The main purpose behind camping is recreational, but sometime it is for learning purposes, research, or in order to discovery some unsaid stories.

Camping always needs some special equipment, these equipments should be lighter, ready to use, and effective in terms of tough climatic conditions, as well as made of durable materials. Some of the most important camping equipments and, tips for their selection are given here:

Backpacks: The backpack is one of the most important pieces of equipment for the Campers. It is extremely important that the Camper have a proper fitting pack and frame in order to comfortably carry his gear. Regardless of the pack you buy, make sure it has a padded hip belt and is fitted so that the weight of the pack is on the hips and not the shoulders.

Hiking Boots: Boots are not as much a problem as in the past. Lightweight biking boots are adequate for the beginning Campers, but for high adventure programs, more substantial boots may be required. Whatever the choice, the boot should extend over the ankle to provide adequate support.

Socks & Sock Liners: We recommend a moisture-wicking type hiking sock (synthetic fibers, wool or wool/synthetic) and polypropylene sock liners. Cotton socks are not recommended because they retain moisture, leading to blisters.

Sleeping Bag: Get a nylon bag that stuff into a carrying bag. Avoid the heavy cotton roll-up style. Buy a bag with batted insulation.

Sleeping pad: A sleeping pad can make sleeping more comfortable, and is especially useful in cold weather, as it prevents heat loss to the ground. There are several types, such as a fold-up or roll-up closed-cell foam pad, or a self-inflating foam pad.

Rainwear: Campers need rainwear usually a Camper should have something waterproof. Many Campers use ponchos, others use rain suits.

Flashlight: Should be small enough to be held in the mouth so that the hands are left free. We recommend each Camper carry at least one flashlight with a spare set of batteries on overnight trips.

Plastic Bags: Use heavy-duty zip-lock style plastic bags to waterproof individual items going into the backpack. One- and Two-gallon sizes are available at most grocery stores. A large trash bag can be used as a backpack cover if no backpack cover is available. All clothing and gear should be in plastic bags.

Cold Weather Camping: For winter camping we recommend the layered approach, which allows the Camper to peel down or add layers as the temperature changes. The following layers are important: thermal underwear, heavy wool shirt, wool or synthetic sweater, vest windbreaker or waterproof jacket (with hood), gloves, wool or synthetic stocking cap, and sleeping pads.

The best place for shopping of these camping equipments are Army Surplus Stores. People can buy original army surplus items which can be best suitable among different climatic conditions. For more information, visit: http://www.wholesalearmysurplus.com