20 Things Non-Campers Need to Know

It doesn’t matter who you hang with or where you live. At some point, someone is going to ask you to go camping. In most of these instances, there are going to be people there that are pros and others that have no clue as to what they are supposed to be doing. This list is to help those that are lost when it comes to the wilderness.

1. Your cell phone is going to die. Don’t try and figure out how to get it charged back up. Just enjoy being disconnected for a while. There’s a high probability you aren’t going to get service anyways, and you don’t want to waste the whole trip trying to find somewhere you can use your device.
2. There are bears in the wild. Do not leave food sitting around overnight. Find some bear-proof containers or keep your food locked up somewhere that they aren’t going to smell and be tempted by it.
3. Hatchets are not toys. As much as you are going to want to pick one up and see if you can land it on a target on a tree, it’s too dangerous. Leave the tools to those that know how to use them to chop up firewood and keep you warm.
4. Make sure you pack lots of socks. You’re going to want to change them more than once a day, so plan accordingly.
5. Never pee in the fire. It stinks terribly, and it’s dangerous, so just don’t.
6. You know how ridiculous a fanny pack looks, right? That’s kind of what a headlamp is in the camping world. However, they are so useful; you’re going to wish that you had one. You will enjoy the use of both hands instead of having to hold a flashlight while doing everything with just one.
7. You aren’t going to have raging fires. A low and slow burning fire is ideal if you want to make it past dark.
8. Bring rope and tarps. While you’re out there, you’re going to figure out all kinds of functional things to do with it like building a shelter when it starts to rain. You can also put tarps underneath tents to keep them drier.
9. You’re going to be dirty and smell like the campfire for a while. Just let it happen.
10. There won’t be four-course meals being served. You better like hot dogs and potato chips.
11. Bring a gallon of water per person per day. If you plan on drinking alcohol, bring more than that to fight off the dehydration. If you plan on camping regularly, invest in some iodine tablets or a water purifier so you can drink the natural river water if you happen to run out.
12. You’re going to run out of ice. It’s going to go even quicker if you’re opening and shutting your cooler a lot. Plan on going to town for more after the first night, and each additional day after.
13. Get a nice chair. There’s going to be a lot of sitting happening.
14. Invest in a potent bug spray, but plan on getting bit anyway.
15. There’s no such thing as too much firewood. Gather away.
16. Small tents are best if you don’t have experience setting one up or if you’re going to be moving around.
17. Buy a sleeping pad instead of an air mattress. They’re cheaper and easier to carry around while being just as comfortable.
18. Don’t forage. Just eat the hot dog.
19. No matter how late you stay up, you’ll be up early.
20. Make sure you need everything you pack. Keep it simple.

As you can see, some of these are obvious to most but you may need to explain others.  Safety is the main concern for those who have never been camping but also comfort, help them out so they can enjoy the outdoors just as much as we do.

If you need more tips and tricks watch this video: 25 Camping Hacks That Are Truly Genius from list25.