tips and info backwoods camping supplies

Well, here it is the end of another summer. This brings to mind many thingskids are returning to school, the pools have closed, the scorching summer heat is gone until next year, and it is a great time to go camping! In fact, its my favorite time of the year to camp!

There are many reasons why I love to camp in the fall. The weather is as perfect as it gets in the Midwest. The temperature is very comfortable, the humidity is gone, the afternoons are warm, and the evenings are cool and you can actually get a good night's sleep. The mosquitoes are pretty much gone until next summer, and the wildlife has been rejuvenated with the cooler temperatures. Dont get me wrong, I will camp just about anytime and thoroughly enjoy it, but fall is just my preferred season for camping. Here in Missouri I look forward to the fall camping season because you can actually walk around and not sweat your backside off, plus the bugs arent quite as bad.

The scenery is fantastic in the fall. When the leaves start changing colors, and the sun shines on them with a clear blue sky as a background, there is hardly a more beautiful sight. Even as it starts to get cooler, and the leaves begin to fall from the trees, it is beautiful. The sound of leaves rustling while you are hiking just makes being in the outdoors seems so much more rustic. It doesnt get any better than that. I love to get up early and go for a hike to check out the wildlife in the area, we see deer, turkey, coyotes, bobcats and lots of birds.

When camping, you always need a campfire, but you really appreciate it on a cool fall evening and on a cool fall morning. When you throw a coffee pot on the fire and you can smell the coffee brewing, it warms your inners just knowing that the coffee will be ready in a few minutes. Theres nothing like cooking breakfeast on a camping stove or better yet an open fire, it makes me think about how life use to be before all the moderen conveniences came along and how hard it was to survive.

The smell of the campfire when it is cool outside just seems to smell better than when the temperatures are in the 80s and 90s and sitting around the campfire is another one of my favorite things to do, we shoot our sling shots into the river, we tell stories, we make s'mores, sometimes we just sit there and do nothing. Thats what so nice about camping it gives you a chance to slow down and appreciate life. It just doesnt get any better than that. I love to camp.

My camping gear changes a little bit when I switch from summer camping to fall camping. I usually bring a little heavier sleeping bag. Some long pants, long sleeve t-shirts, A good camping tent with a good rain fly and maybe a coleman heater for the cool mornings, thats about it really.

If you havent been camping in the fall, you have to try it. If you like camping in the summer, youll like camping in the fall. Send me your thoughts about your favorite time of the year for camping, or just any camping thoughts or ideas you would like to share, and I will post them on the website. Send your camping stories and pictures to stories@backwoodscampingsupplies.com. Thanks for visiting the website, and see ya' in the backwoods!

TARPS & FOOTPRINTS

You might be wondering, if I have a good tent, why do I need to worry about a tarp or ground cloth. Tarps and ground cloths work as an added layer of protection for tent floors. Tarps or ground cloths offer other benefits. Here is a brief description of tarps and ground cloths as well as their uses.

Types of Tarps:

Coated Nylon A sheet of urethane-coated nylon, taffeta or oxford, a thicker grade. Taffeta is the material used for most tent floors

Polyethylene A woven, laminated, waterproof plastic sheet that is resistant to mildew and rot. It is tougher than nylon, but stiffer and a touch heavier the type of material often used to cover woodpiles or boats in dry dock.

Note: Both nylon and polyethylene tarps are rectangular and come with grommets in the corners.

Footprints These are custom-trimmed nylon ground cloths created by tent manufacturers; each model is cut to match the precise floor plan of an individual tent. Footprints usually include attachments that connect to the main tent.

Uses for Tarps:

As low-tech tents: Tarps originally found their way into camping as minimalist shelters. When added too come cord and two well-spaced trees, a tarp can be transformed into a very basic tent. Tents made from tarps originated in the mid-20th century, and were used by hikers and scouts.

As lightweight weather breaks: Tarps are often used in camps to shelter the camp kitchen, or as single-wall rain shields, wind buffers, or sunscreens.

As tent floor protection: Since the use of tarps as primary shelters was abandoned decades ago, their primary use has evolved into ground cloths. Ground cloths are thin barriers that separate the bottom of you tent from the ground. Although the tarp cannot protect your tent floor from sharp protruding objects (which should be cleared prior to erecting your tent), it can protect your tent floor from mild abrasion caused by movement inside your tent. Quite simply, your tent floor will last longer if it is given an extra layer of protection.

Clean surface: A tarp can provide a clean surface where you can roll your tent and sleeping bags when breaking camp.

Keeps your tent floor dry: Most ground-level condensation that forms overnight sticks to the tarp, not to the tent

As a shield: If it is raining when you set up your tent, rig the tarp as a temporary awning over the spot where you will be placing your tent. It will shield your tents canopy until you get the rainfly in place.

Tarp Tips:

If you are using a rectangular tarp as a ground cloth, fold any extra material under the tents floor to avoid collecting rain.

Keep the wind behind you while you work with a tarp. If you are rigging it as a slanted awning, angle the lower end into the wind so the wind blows over it, not into it.

If your tarp loses a grommet, find a small stone. In the corner where the grommet is missing, wrap a small amount of tarp fabric around the stone and secure it with a piece of cord. You can use the nub as an attachment spot for a guy line.

If your tarp becomes damaged beyond repair while you are camping, be sure to take it with you and dispose of it properly even if it is shredded.

TOP ITEMS TO PACK FOR WILDERNESS CAMPING

Map enclosed in a waterproof container You should always carry a good topographical map on any trip that includes hiking or camping in an area that is off the beaten path. If you were to stray off the trail, a good topographical map will help you to locate water. DO NOT rely on gas station or tourist maps. They will not have the dimensional details that are essential if you are lost.

Compass or GPS Always carry a good compass when you are camping or hiking in an area in which you are not familiar. If you plan to hike or camp in the wilderness frequently, it is recommended that you take a survival class that includes navigation skill development.

Extra Clothing It is common for conditions to change quickly, so it is a good idea to pack extra clothes. Temperatures can drop or conditions can go from sunny to stormy in a short time, so taking the time to pack enough clothing for a few added layers can make all the difference in the world. A warm wool cap is lightweight and helps to retain heat on cold nights, and you will be thankful for an extra pair of socks if your original pair gets wet.

Extra Food & Water Always pack an extra days worth of food. It is very easy to pack high-protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc. These items are lightweight and provide a good source of nourishment if you become lost or do not make it back to camp.

First Aid Kit Pre-filled first-aid kits are convenient, but it is a good idea to personalize yours to fit your individual needs. Bandages, moleskin, gauze pads, adhesive tape, anti-bacterial ointment, pain reliever, writing utensils are all items that should be included in your first-aid kit. For a detailed checklist, click here.

Flashlight A good source of light is invaluable when in the wilderness. Some campers and hikers prefer a headlight, but either way, your source of light should be easily accessible and reliable. It is a good idea to pack replacement bulbs and batteries.

Matches These should be either water-proof or stored in a waterproof container. Make sure to pack lots of matches, and take extra care to keep them dry.

Fire starter Choose something that ignites quickly and sustains heat for more than a few seconds. Try: dry tinder stored in a plastic bag, clothing lint, candles, and priming paste.

Multi-tool Always carry a good multi-tool with you when out in the backwoods. Your multi-tool should contain one or two foldout blades, a few screwdrivers, a can opener, a pair of foldout scissors, a file, etc. Choose a multi-tool that suits your individual needs.

Sunglasses Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. This is extremely important in high country above treeline. Wraparound lenses keep the sun from entering the corners of your eyes.

Sunscreen Apply sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher at least 15 minutes before going into the sun. Reapply frequently if you perspire, or are in the water.

Water filter Clear streams and lakes can contain microscopic pathogens that can cause nausea. Do not be fooled by the appearance of the water play it safe and filter or boil your water.

Whistle The sound of a whistle will go much farther than the sound of your voice, and you will not strain your vocal chords by blowing on a whistle. Make sure to attach your whistle to an easily accessible clip or tie on your jacket, backpack, or belt loop.

Food Storage Container A good airtight container that can be hoisted high into a tree will keep critters from visiting your campsite.

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