Time To Restock The Camping Supplies

Every spring it is time to start going over your equipment, getting ready for the first camping trip of the year. Once your gear is all in order you can start thinking about any camping supplies you may need. Most campers are going to be able to use a few of their items from last season, especially ones without an expiration date, but many of the camping supplies will have to be replenished with fresh ones.

One of the first things you will need to do is check the weather and make sure your gear includes appropriate dress. Check your sleeping bag for holes or bugs and consider your methods of cooking, cleaning and eating. When reviewing your existing inventory of camping supplies check the dates on any food items you may have had left over from last year. Many of the dehydrated food items may still be good as most have a shelf life of over a year. Canned goods can last longer, but even if in date, they may lose their flavor appeal after sitting in storage for a season or two.

Check your camping supplies for necessary paper products, as even if your campground has complete toilet facilities, paper is often not available. If you are camping in the wild you will want to have the biodegradable type to carry with you. Remember the rule of thumb is one roll for each person for three days.

Make Sure You Can Get The Fire Started

Cooking out over an open fire is always fun when camping, or even just having a fire to keep you warm in the evening or keep the bugs at bay is relaxing. Your list of camping supplies should also include waterproof matches to make sure you can light the fire even if they get damp. Keeping them in a plastic bag is also a good idea and the plastic bags can be used to store many other items you do not want to get wet.

If you are going to use propane heaters, stove or lanterns you will need to make sure your camping supplies list includes new bottles, and you may want to make certain they work before heading to the campground. Sometimes the mantles in lanterns get damaged while in storage and having them in with your camping supplies can help if they need replaced.

Before heading out, while you are making sure all the equipment is in order, make a list of all the camping supplies you need and then check them off once they get loaded. Never leave the list undone thinking you can pick it up on the way, because that just will not happen.