I love the outdoors and going on hikes and things but have never truly been camping before. I want to try backpacking, extended backwoods camping and possibly someday hiking the Appalachian Trail. But I just don't know where to start. I've watched many youtube videos and have acquired as much knowledge as possible but am in no way an expert and am looking for advice. I don't have anyone to go camping with and don't know where to look for like-minded people. I figured my first plan of attack would be to put together a camping pack. Just start with some basics, cook set, knife, tent, water filtration, etc and go from there. Anyone with experience want to give me some pointers as to what gear I should get that you might like and have tested? Or just feel free to give me random tips, knowledge, or any advice that may be useful. Maybe you know of a good website to check to find camping groups near me? Sorry if this post is a little all over the place I'm pretty tired. Thanks in advance for your help! I'm looking forward to getting out there and enjoying the great outdoors
Man, sounds like you have your shit together and are going about it the right way. I'm sure you'll be successful at it and find much joy. You need the most important thing yet though...a camping partner...put as much effort into finding someone as interested as you in the subject and you are in for a great time, good luck buddy.
Go camping with some friends, it actually doesn't require you asking forums.... You sleep in a tent, keep warm and provide your body with food liquids and waste removal.
lol you're probably right about the forum part. Simple advice, I like it. I just don't really know too many people who would like to go camping or are the outdoorsy type. So maybe if anyone knows of a website that could help me find campers near me? It would be fun to try new experiences while meeting new people
Why not with your friends? I'm not sure if I can link anything here, but meetme has groups and clubs, all over so there is usually a ton of local clubs for any type of hobby. I do hikes in clubs sometimes, there's even a medicated hiking club where I'm at called The Hiking Club, or THC.
I'm in illinois. It gets really cold during winter and really hot in the summer haha. But if you have any suggestions feel free to post them or pm me I'm all ears
I would say invest in a good 3 seasons tent and a nice sleeping bag. Depending on what kind of camping you are going to do also look at quality backpacks/bags, water filter, boots etc. I do alot of camping and keep my gear prepared for at all times. What I take depends on what I'm doing. Also don't listen to sleepingblade. Find specific forums and ask this same question I'll bet you could find people willing to meet up for hiking/camping. I meet people from a truck forum all the time.
My load out: 65 litre backpack. High serria Sleeping bag good for -20.Teton brand Kataydn water filter 3 season kelty tent Reccomended you use a footprint undernear the tent Sleeping pad (is a must) mine is self inflateable foam First aid kit.(stripped down, meaning I don't take the ab pads or anything I wouldn't need) I also carry sam splints just In case. Three are light weight and I wrap it around the first aid kit Knife, flash light, lighter, matches, bear bag, As for a stove I have a jet boil. Plus a spork and that is everything I need to prepare my food and consume. Bug spray. Black flies can get pretty bad in my area. Proper clothing including fresh socks and undies in a dry bag. I feel like I'm missing something but I'm pretty sure I got it all down
I would also invest in a good pocket knife or a multi tool plus a hatchet I would also look into a fire starter stick ( Magnesium with a flint stricken). You can do a couple of test runs at local state run camp grounds to get the hang of it and it will also help you do a shake down of your equipment so you can add or take away what you need. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks for all the help everybody! Can't believe people are still responding to this lol. It's still a little cold but this winter hasn't been terrible so I might get out pretty soon. Am still working on my pack but my dad got me some little camping goodies to help me get started for Christmas and I think it's gonna be pretty badass.
I see you're keeping true to your New Years resolution Goddd damnit I accidently marked this best answer lmao damn iphone
I made a post about something like this a couple years ago, lemme dig it up tomorrow and I'll post it Subbed
thanks omega that was really helpful. I may start a new thread when I'm finished where people can discuss their gear and show pictures and everything but idk if anyone will respond to that one haha
Dude youve just got to do it. Make sute you have food warmth and water. Personally, id recomend getting a hammock. Theyre fun to just sit around in, theyre comfortable, theyre versitile. If its raining, and all of your buddys are sleeping on the cold wet ground youll be elevated quite nicely. Blast match and lint is all youll ever need to get a fire going.
If it rains, you can hang a tarp over your hammock. If you fold, roll or squish it up in a stuff sack it should take up less space than a tent. You can also use it to keep a certain area dry for fires, etc. just make sure it's high enough to not catch fire or trap smoke (the non-psychoactive kind) where you will be breathing it. Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum
Bring a larger tent than you think you'll need, It's good to have the extra room if it rains. Bring two paint buckets and a 2x4, dig a hole and you've got a "latrine". A tarp over the tent will help windproof and protect your tent from rain. A shovel is a great tool, if it rains you may need to dig a moat around your tent so it doesn't flood. Check out "Fat Guys in the Woods" on the Weather a Channel for tips on building a good shelter, Creek shows you how to build a few types.