Let’s go camping

Published October 19, 2014

The cooler season in Pakistan is an ideal time to resume camping trips to exciting destinations. Packing for a camping trip can be an overwhelming task, and although you may have to pack everything from the kitchen sink to the toilet, a getaway to nature can be well worth it.

Some handy tips and lists can help with organising and preparing for your outdoor adventure.

When packing:

Make a standard list which you can adjust according to season, site, logistics, activities and duration of stay.

If you plan to camp regularly, organise an essential inventory of camping gear and supplies in durable storage bags.

If you are going with a group, ask the organisers about any special packing requirements and the facilities and activities available at the site to help you pack appropriately. Is there a rest house, toilet or running water? Is there a water body or hiking trail?

Pack a few days in advance, so that you have enough time to organise, add, remove, replace or procure the items on your packing list.

Use the LIFO (last in, first out) packing method for car camping trips. The first things you need to unpack when you arrive at the site should be the last things you pack.

Pack bags of the right shape and size. Daypacks/ backpacks are small packs for day trips or short excursions away from campsite and contain essentials such as a first aid kit, snacks, water, sun protection and activity gear. The ones with hydration bladders are ideal. Three-day packs/hiking bags are medium-sized bags for weekend camping. The largest pack is for trips of more than three days.

How much luggage is appropriate? If you have your own car you will be able to pack more than if you are carpooling, going by bus or if you will have to lug your luggage for long distances.

For activities such as hiking, fishing, stargazing, photography, bird-watching, snorkelling or cycling, prepare a separate gear bag (binoculars / telescope / bungee cords / wetsuits or bikes and helmets).

Pack different categories (such as toiletries and medicines) in separate pouches for easy access.

After every camping trip make a note of what was extra or missing in your bag.

Before the trip:

Pack according to the weather.

Practice pitching your tent so that you can do it quickly when you get to the site. Try to get your own tent so you don’t have to share; share your tent only with friends if possible.

Study the history and geography of the area to experience it better. Keep a trail map / guidebook for navigation and exploration. Print out guides and maps or download maps to GPS.

Besides packing a First Aid kit, take a First Aid class as well.

Charge / replace batteries in all electronic devices that you plan to take with you.

Tell someone of your plans — give details of where and with whom you are going, contact numbers, and when you expect to return.

On the site:

Have a fun and relaxed attitude

Cooperate and tolerate as much as possible

Clean up once a day so garbage does not build up. Leave nothing behind in the environment and take nothing from it.

Keep an eye on your belongings so you don’t lose, misplace or forget them.

Camping checklist:

Electronics and gadgets

— Camera with extra memory chip, film, batteries, charger

— Cell phone with battery pack, charger, car charger

— Compass / GPS

— Two-way radios/walkie-talkies

— Headlamp / torch / lantern with extra batteries, pole / hanger

— Solar charger / batteries

— Wristwatch

— Telescope / binoculars

— Laser pointer

Shelter and bedding

— All components of the tent (tent, extra tent pegs, poles, ropes, mallet, shade tarp, ground tarp, mat for tent entrance)

— Toilet tent

— Waterproof-backed blankets, sleeping bag, sheets / blankets, pillows

— Hammock

— Mat, pillows or folding chairs for sitting

Food and drink

— Energy rich, easily prepared / ready-to-cook foods and snacks (pasta, noodles, ground beef, chicken, oatmeal, eggs, peanut butter, trailmix, popcorn, cookies, energy bars, fruit, dates, nuts, etc.)

— Bottled water

— ORS

— Hot chocolate / tea bags / coffee

— Milk

Cooking

— Pots, pans, frying pans

— Spatula, knife, spoon, tongs, skewers/grill forks

— Bottle opener, can opener

— Chopping board, plastic bowls, air-tight containers

— BBQ grill, cookset/stove, fire-starting materials (waterproof matches/lighter, fuel/newspapers/charcoal/firewood/fire flint)

— Disposable cutlery and crockery (plates, bowls, cups, spoons, forks)

— Insulated mugs, tea / coffee pot, jug / thermos / cooler

— At least a gallon of water for cooking and cleaning, ice

— Cooking oil, seasonings, sugar, condiments

— Cleaning supplies, kitchen roll, Ziploc bags, grocery bags, aluminium foil, cling film, garbage bags

— Folding table and chairs, napkins, tablecloth, potholders / oven mitts / dish rag / towels

Footwear

Take appropriate footwear suitable for the camping site

— camp sandals, flip-flops, hiking boots, sneakers / joggers, water shoes

Protection

These will include: umbrella, sun hat / cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, sunburn lotion, bandana, surgical mask / shemag, insect repellent (coil / spray / candles, netting)

Clothing

— A change of clothes, extra socks, underwear, sleepwear, swimsuit, towel, laundry bag

— Winter gear including

wicking layer (thermal inner layer), warmth layer (lightweight or medium weight long-sleeve sweater / fleece jacket) and wind layer (wind and rainproof jacket with hood), warm hat, gloves

— Collapsible drying rack / clothes line

— Washing powder

Personal

Small mirror, towel/washcloth, soap, shampoo, tooth brush, tooth paste; deodorant, moisturizer, hairbrush, nail cutter, toilet paper, toilet seat, toilet mug, sanitizer, wet wipes

Miscellaneous

— Plastic bags for storage and rubbish collection

— Tissue paper

— Duct / electrical tape

— Safety pins, tweezers, sewing kit, scissors

— Candles

— Notebook, pen, books / magazines/kindle

— Indoor / outdoor games

— Miscellaneous tools such as hand shovel, saw, axe

— Utility knife, rope / twine / cord, whistle

— Work gloves

— Bonfire kit, fire extinguisher

Basic first aid kit

— Prescription and general medicine including painkillers, anti-allergies, antacids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories

— Bandages, adhesive tape, sterile gauze pads, cotton swabs, alcohol swabs, antiseptic wipes

— Splinting materials, plasters

— Burn, wound and insect bite ointment

— Eye drops, hot/cold packs,

— Latex gloves, thermometer

— Personal information / emergency contact person.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 19th, 2014

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