What should I bring for a camping?

I'm going camping in Wisconsin in a few weeks! I've never been camping before, what do I bring?

• I am going camping for the first time with my boyfriend (it will be his first time as well). For anyone who has gone camping before give me a list of things to remember. And... does ...show more

• Answer:

  Besides the general list I got these great tips Leave electronics at home, you are there for nature not unnature! Bring one book for rainy days and a ball or frisbee to meet new people it helps break the ice. trust me even by yourself you will come across people and they might camp with you for a night. As for camping sites I try to pick areas that are level, moss/pine needles/or grass help add cushioning. If in the middle of the woods try to pitch your tent near a big stable tree. People can die if a tree falls on them during a wind storm. If by water try to make sure it is moving water, this decreases the chance of bug population, if it is not moving (like a lake) make sure that there is not a lot of trees down, or organic matter in the water. The more sand and rocks the less buggy Some tips beside generic camping pack list: -bring a knee high to tie to a faucet or tree with bar soap for washing hands ect. (please make sure it is biodegradable if near a water source) -I use castile soap (veggie based) so it is biodegradable, it can be used to wash hair, body, dishes, even toothpaste! -change clothes just before bed, if you go to bed in the same clothes you draw damp and it make you cold even in summer -wear a hat if you are cold to bed (seriously it gets cold) -sleep in your underwear, having your limbs close to your body keeps you warm -when setting up your tent put down a foot print -don't wear shoes in tent, keeps it clean and prevents tears. put shoes between ground and tent they will stay dry (check for spiders). -if on an incline, head up feet down helps to prevent rolling and headaches -always pick up twigs and rocks before putting the tent down, this prevents tears and lumps. -pack only what you need, my rule of thumb is days divide by 2 8days=4 sets or less - pack then go through and weed again, you don't want to come home with things you never used. (if you have it in your hands and say what if...leave it at home!) -a good lighter -a good knife -think about how you live, do you need coffee in the morning? get a french press or buy it at the store, ect -mix your clothes, nothing sucks more then thinking it's going to be hot then you freeze at night -always stay out of cutting range when someone has a knife. -cut away from the body -building a fire near a big rock wicks the smoke to the rock up and away so it will not blow in your face(chimney like) -always pick up after yourself, it takes a few minutes a day, but a lot longer if you wait to long. -leave no trace, leave it better then you found it -pack should be between 25-40lbs -if by water bring a water filter to cut down on water you need to lug with you. -leave the damn gun at home, it adds weight and as a beginner camper you don't need it unless you are killing your food, and field dressing it, all most all wild life can be scared by yelling, if in bear country get pepper spray. -your biggest obstacle will be boredom, do what you can to keep it at bay. Buy a good tent once is better then a cheap tent bought 5 times. I have a Titan 3 Marmot, 3 person 3 season tent. The tent is 3/4 mesh, great for hot nights and looking at the stars, with a great rain fly. Paid 160USD at sierratradingpost.com Make your own snacks granola and trail mix Christa's Granola: 2 cups Old Fashion Oats 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup flax seed meal 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup cranraisins 1 cup chopped walnuts 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup honey 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Mix first set of ingredients in a large bowl. Next mix second group together. Use a wooden spoon to stir the liquid into the oat mixture. It will be very tough and thick. Coat a 9"X13" pan and hands with oil. Flatten granola into the pan. Bake at 350* until edges are slightly brown about 20-30 minutes. Hope this helps.