Camping Gear & Equipment, Hiking Gear & Equipment, Trekking & More

Good, reliable lighting is essential for camping safety and comfort. Good lighting is an absolute necessity that should top every camping equipment checklist (right after ‘tent’).

So what type is better, and how do you choose one?

First off, one is not really better than the other; for most campers, having both a lantern and a flashlight is a good idea (the exception, possibly, is backpacking where transport becomes an issue).

• Flashlights provide fast, portable, lightweight lighting easily taken off-site.

• Flashlights spot the light directly where you need it to be.

• Lanterns are larger and bulkier items, but they are very good at casting all-around light for sizable distances.

• They also stand alone and are hands-free.

The right camp lighting will depend on your style and longevity of camping.

What Kind of Camper Are You?

You’ll need camp lighting that lasts as long as you do and can handle your kind of camping. This directly impacts the kind of lantern and flashlights you should buy.

• Battery operated and fuel burning lanterns risk running out of power and require you to carry extra batteries and fuel; these are good for short camping trips or for people camping near to re-supply sources and for those at camping grounds.

• They are more economical in price, but you should also take into consideration the cost of replacement fuels and batteries. Also, fueled lanterns may be more reasonable choices if you are already packing fuel for camp stoves and the like anyway.

• 
• Solar powered flashlights and lanterns can recharge everyday; they’re good for long trips where back-up supplies are limited or non-existent.

• Solar powered lighting may cost a little more in the beginning, but the cost can even out over the life of the light as there are no batteries and fuels to replace.

• Rechargeable camp flashlights and lanterns (such as those chargeable in car jacks, etc.) are sort of middle-of-the-road options; often, rechargeable are more useful as a back-up feature on a battery or solar unit.

• Always remember, though, that a rechargeable light is only as good as its power supply-the best bet here is really the dual-powered option.

Know What Kind Of Lighting You Want & Need?

It all depends on what you do at night while you are camping.

• For small and flexible, targeted (as for reading maps, etc.), and emergency lighting, choose a flashlight.

• For hands-free function, choose lanterns and headlamps (worn on a band around the head).

• For those hiking individually, or in a small groups of two or three, a flashlight and headlamp might be best; this keeps the size and weight down in the pack.

• Larger groups tend to socialize more in the evenings and enjoy being able to light up their site; for this function, lanterns are necessary.

Other Camp Lighting Features to Consider

To help you choose between similar models, think about the features you might use and enjoy.

• Multi-functioning camp lighting-you can better justify the size and weight of a unit if it doubles as a lantern/flashlight, radio, GPS, etc.

• Back-up power source-such as solar, batteries, or rechargeable, as talked about earlier . Hooks for hanging (from trees, etc.)

• Weatherproof/waterproof-as camp lighting always should be

• Durability-you don’t want Dollar-Store cheap, you want something shock-proof, strong, and scratch-resistant that can take a beating under the elements

• Adjustable beams-to give you just the light you want

And last but never least, factor safety into your camp lantern and flashlight purchases. (Especially for fuel-burning lanterns)

Consider how hot the unit will get and whether it will be safe for use in and around flammable tents and camping gear.

If you camp with children, safety is of particular importance. When all things are considered, however, you’ll find it easy to choose just the right camping flashlights and camping lanterns to light your way safely and effectively on every camping trip.

One of the very first things you’ll want to do when you arrive at your campsite is to choose a good spot to pitch your tent. Knowing how to pitch a tent and pitch it well is a key to successful camping.

You’ll be able to quickly and efficiently set up your tent under any camping circumstances if you familiarize yourself with your set-up ahead of time.

• Practice setting your tent up at home before you go camping so you can learn how it’s done

• Read the directions so you know you’ve set the tent up right (it’s a good idea to look them over again before you leave as a refresher, but don’t forget to pack them)

• Make sure all the parts listed in the directions are there, and make sure they all get packed with the tent

Setting Your Tent Up At the Campsite

Each tent set-up is different; some tents are much easier to assemble than others. The following steps will give you a general idea of how to set up most standard tents:

• Locate the directions and keep them handy for reference

• Clear a flat area for the tent-brush away rocks, sticks, and major debris-if you can’t find a flat spot, put the head of the tent uphill

• Lay out a ground cloth to insulate and protect from moisture-it’s a good idea to lie on the ground cloth to test your spot for discomforting debris before you get your whole tent set up

• Lay the tent out flat and stake the edges (this step applies to most tent styles); drive stakes in securely-stretching & staking the tent is especially helpful in the dark so that all ends stay where they need to

• Tuck ground cloth edges completely under the tent so it doesn’t gather water

• Assemble tent poles and attach them through their appropriate sleeves, grommets, or bands; place one set of poles at a time

• Lift the tent structure via poles and secure poles in bottom grommets

• Cover the set-up with a rain barrier (flysheet) for added protection from the elements; stake as needed

• Double check stakes and lines for security

• Roll out bedding and sleeping bags-even if sleep is hours away; this allows them to regain their loft (and you’ll have nothing to worry about in the dark, tired hours)

• Zip the tent closed to protect from pests and invaders

Tips for Pitching a Tent in the Dark

Of course, its best if you don’t have to set your tent up in the dark so you should try your best to plan your arrival with enough daylight left for the job; in general, you should plan on one-half to one hour for tent set up.

Sometimes, though, circumstances are beyond your control and you may have to pitch a tent in the dark.

These pointers can help:

• Have good lighting on hand-preferably more than a flashlight. A stand-alone lantern will cast light for a good distance all around. If you’re backpacking it, a headlamp won’t take up much room, will keep your hands free and cast light right where you need it.

• If you have a partner, have them pull the corner diagonally opposite you to stake the corners of the flat tent-this way you get a taught base. If you’re alone, stake the corner first, then the opposite diagonal.

• Follow the seams of the tent to guide you to the right pole sleeve, band, or grommet. Even if you can’t see well, you’ll be able to feel your way through this way. Since pole sleeves usually follow the main seam, following along the main seem from one sleeve to another should put you in the right sleeve.

A little preparation and a little practice will go a long way for an easy tent set up; should you find yourself building camp in the dark, knowing these little tricks of the camping trade will aid your low-light efforts.

Learning how to pack for a backpacking trip is the key to a rewarding and enjoyable hike.
Over pack and you risk fatigue setting in as your energy and enjoyment of the hike drains out; under pack and you may find yourself without essential items. Although experience is going to serve as your best teacher, here are a few things to consider when preparing your pack.

How you pack your pack is always going to depend on 4 factors - the length of your trip, the weather, the location of your hike, and your own personal preferences.
The best way to pack for a backpacking trip is to make a list, check it twice and then check it again before ever putting anything into your pack.

Section the list into things you “will need” and things you “may need”.

When purchasing and packing, keep in mind each item’s weight, and always choose gear that provides a dependable balance of durability, flexibility and weight.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Clothing

Clothing is always going to depend on the climate and your personal preferences. All experts recommend that you stay away from cottons when possible, break in your boots before the hike begins, and buy heavy wool or synthetic socks to protect your feet. Aside from the clothes on your back, we recommend that you also pack a waterproof windbreaker to keep you dry when it rains and a bandanna, great to block the sun and for emergencies.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Food

Freeze dried meals provide the nutrients and energy your body needs, without the weight and clumsiness of other types of packaging like cans. Pack enough for your planned trip, and then add a meal or two in case an emergency arises. For cooking, take along utensils and one titanium or aluminum pot that have a non-stick surface, a handle and that is large enough to prepare your meal.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: water

By having sufficient water for your backpacking trip you can prevent unnecessary dehydration during your hike. Plan your water supply according to the mapped locations of the natural and man made water sources found along the trail. And don’t forget water purification tablets for natural water no matter how clear it may appear.

How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Gear

Essential gear for your backpacking trip should include a hand-held flashlight, as well as one that does not require holding (use your head instead), fire starters and tinder, a sleeping bag, tent, map, compass, a knife, and a few plastic bags for wet clothing and garbage. Emergency gear should include a whistle, signal mirror, insect repellent, a cell phone and a first-aid kit.

Useful things to remember when packing for a backpacking trip:

When packing, it’s best to use a backpack that is up to the task of your trip. It should have straps for your poles and a place for your tent equipment. Place heavy gear, such as your cooking supplies, and less needed items toward the bottom of the bag, and keep frequently used smaller items (like your compass) inside your pockets.

Always plan ahead before venturing out on your backpacking trip, no matter how long you plan to be out. The time spent making sure that your pack is light and yet ready for any situation will set the foundation for an enjoyable backpacking experience.

If you and your family are planning a camping trip to a campground you will need to pack light to save space in the car. If your planning a backpacking trip or a longer stay in the outdoors, it becomes especially important to pay attention to how much you can haul, both in the car and on your person once you start walking.

Food and water are the most essential item you can carry or haul on a trip into the outdoors.  Eating right on your family’s next outing can still mean packing light.

There has been an explosion of prepared food products available in the supermarket in recent years, making it not only possible to eat great food but to lighten your load, as well.

Some foods simply are not easy to pack and do not store well. Things like canned foods, fresh fruit, sodas, and so on are just too difficult to carry and take up too much space. Although, with the convenience of the pop open cans that are now available, a small amount of canned goods may be appropriate.

Meals in the outdoors do not have to be complicated or take a long time to prepare. On your family’s trips by car to improved areas you’ll want to take a campstove or portable propane barbecue.

A small, portable propane barbecue can perform double duty, not only as a barbecue, but also as a heat source for your pans. Simply place the griddly, frying pan or saucepan right on the grill. The grill from the barbecue could also be place over the coals of your campfire to support a coffee pot or pan.

For backpacking, however, you will want to purchase a good quality, lightweight backpacking stove for cooking. A small stove that uses white gas would be good choice for a backpacking trip. Lightweight utensils and cookware are readily available.

The most important thing is to make sure you have the cooking equipment necessary for the great meal you planned. Take some foil, just in case. It is also a good idea to have a good quality lantern or two. Mealtime can often vary when having fun in the outdoors. Your meal may end up needing to prepared after the sun has gone down.

Your meal planning should always be done prior to shopping for groceries. Prepare as much ahead of time as you can. If you are the designated cook for your outing, then plan ahead.

As far as how much or little food and cooking equipment to carry, take more. You’ll be glad you did since you and your family will be hungry quite often whether you are backpacking or camping in a campground.

At the end of the day’s strenuous activities such as hiking to your favorite fishing spots or rounding up firewood for the campfire, you’ll all be hungry.

The best time for a good meal is, of course, in the morning before hitting the trail.

The National Outdoor Leadership School estimates that backcountry travelers burn between 2,500 and 4,500 calories per day, depending on their individual physiology and their activity. That translates into roughly 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. of food per day.

Some ideas for breakfast include pancakes, eggs, bacon, and OJ (add blueberries, walnuts, etc.; eggs scrambled with some grated cheddar and jack cheese melted in. Or you might just skip the pancakes and add the scrambled eggs to some hash browns, peppers, onions, suasage, cheddar cheese mix. The easiest and qucikest meal, if your in a hurry to get going, the third day for example would be something like bear Claws, grapefruit juice and coffee.

Being creative and planning ahead for your next camping or backpacking trip includes meal planning.  Bring plenty to drink and make a meal time at the campsite a special event for everyone in your party.