Triad Camping

8 May 2009

Camping: It’s a Routine Thing

Posted by Terry under: backpacking; gear; how-to .

One of the foremost reasons people give up on camping is the difficulty of it all: You’ve finally finished the fifteen mile section with hills galore, and just want a hot shower and meal, right? Well, reality is, you’ve still got chores to do! This job, however, doesn’t have to be work. Once you’ve got a routine, life in the bush becomes much more bearable. Here are some ways to maximize your efforts and time, giving you more chillaxing, journaling, and reading. You can follow these in order or create a pattern that works for you.

Seasonal Prep:

When you’re out on the trail, be sure to have at least a rough idea of when it gets light (dawn) and when it gets dark (dusk). This way, you know how much daylight hours you have for hiking. Because the hours of daylight are different depending on the hiking season (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), it’s a good idea to know where you will likely camp each evening along a trail. Have your meals prepared early (hot ones for winter, cold ones in summer) and always tell someone where you’ll be each night.

Additionally, be sure to camp in areas designated for camping. If a site is closed, then move on and find another spot. If there’s already a family there, for example, be sure to find a spot that doesn’t interrupt their time. If it’s summer, it may be best to hike early, siesta in the afternoon and then finish up a couple hours before dark. Two hours should be plenty of time to make camp, cook, clean up and relax each evening. If it’s winter, hike during the morning and afternoon and stop well before dark. Camp on top of snow whenever you can. One good rule of thumb is to start and stop early, hiking only through the daylight hours.

Backpack Prep:

There are multiple sites out there telling you how you should pack your backpack. The best way is the simplest way, organized and efficient, giving you access to all things quickly (some things more than others). There are some not-so complex ways to make trail life much more bearable. Marshal your camping equipment and you’ll never have to go digging for the TP, flashlight or mosquito spray when you need it most.

Put your headlamp or flashlight in the same outer pocket of the backpack for easy access. If you get stuck somewhere, it’s best to have a nice idea that you can escape darkness. Moreover, take your tent out of that stuff sack and arrange it around other items, distributing the weight around the backpack—rather than in one large clump. Keep cooking supplies accessible and keep at least three different fire-starters (lighter, flint and matches) in three different, waterproof places. Keep the heaviest items a shoulder blade height in the backpack and lighter items on the top. Food, of course, should not be under anything that may smash it.

Campsite Prep:

The first thing to do is set up your tent. You never know what the weather may bring. Always use a tarp or a footprint to set your on. It may be a good idea before setting up shop to lie on the ground, letting your back and body feel for poking objects. It will doubly make you uncomfortable later and rip a hole in your tent. If you’re on a slant, put your head at the top and your feet at the bottom. Set up your tent, always using stakes to tie it down.

The next procedure is the best: time to cook up one of those dehydrated meals. It may be a good idea to stay downwind from your site, in case critters or bears pay you a visit. Sleep in different clothes than you cook in as well. Moreover, gather enough filtered water to cook with, so you don’t have to leave your food alone for one second—a missed meal stolen by timid creatures doesn’t make for a happy camper! Be sure to cook out of the wind, behind piled rocks or a rock wall. You’ll save a lot more fuel in the long run. Clean up immediately after eating, tying food up into a tree if necessary. If you have friends along, dole out the workload equally. It’s a good idea to leave bags unzipped and opened so night-creatures won’t chew threw your hundred dollar packs. Get plenty of sleep and rehydrate for the ensuing days.

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