# Practical Tips for Camping **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 30, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073 "2010-06-30T15:17:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/61 "2010-07-01T17:48:19Z")
Staking down your tent is really important when camping in the desert. I’ve seen many tents–set up by hapless campers in the morning when there wasn’t a hint of a breeze–go rolling like tumbleweeds when the winds started howling in the afternoon. It had to be a severe **WTF!** moment when they got back to their empty campsites later on. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/62 "2010-07-01T18:10:28Z")
Or in the middle of the night. I’ve had more than one tent collapse on me in the desert because of the wind. Not a fun thing to wake up to at 3am. That’s why we switched to a couple of [these](http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=netcon&rid=&indexId=cat602107&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat602107&id=0013081). They shed the wind like crazy, yet are tall enough to walk around in. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/63 "2010-07-01T18:10:51Z")
For camping while hiking (i.e. everything you’ve got is on your back): 1. Buy a really cheap $5 foam sleeping pad, measure how deep your backpack is, and cut your pad into that length, so that it fits perfectly in your pack without wrapping around the sides. You now have 1) a comfy chair for your campsite, 2) just a tad bit more cushion between your back and any pointy bits in your pack (not all that useful for really good packs) and 3) some extra structure to your pack (especially useful when packing it - it keeps it standing up). 2. Headlamps. Seriously folks - flashlights are near-useless these days compared to headlamps. 3. Flasks. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/64 "2010-07-01T20:47:47Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > 1. Headlamps. Seriously folks - flashlights are near-useless these days compared to headlamps. Roger that. I like t[his one](http://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Tec-Apex-watt-Headlamp/dp/B000CLFWXM/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3) myself. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/65 "2010-07-01T20:53:09Z")
If you can find them, crank operated lanterns and tiny radios are your friend. They don’t need batteries and never run out of juice so to speak. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2010, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/66 "2010-07-01T20:56:10Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Roger that. I like t[his one](http://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Tec-Apex-watt-Headlamp/dp/B000CLFWXM/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3) myself. Schnikies, $70?! Here’s a $20 [Black Diamond from REI](http://www.rei.com/product/761908). (But the one I currently have is a three band like yours, which adds a little more stability, which I really like.) Ooh - [this one is $19](http://www.rei.com/product/793429). ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2010, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/67 "2010-07-03T07:10:52Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > Heh. I took a friend on her first camping trip to Death Valley . When I went to pick her up, she carted out TEN gallon jugs full of water. Since I already had 5 gallons, and we were going to be camping at Furnace Creek, I assured her that the extra water wasn’t needed. She was sure we were going to die of thirst without it, and we almost got into an arguement before the trip even started. What season and how many days? I’ve been to Burning Man where the recommendation is a gallon and a half a day. Being an Arizonan, I bring three. That’s both drinking and utility water at a site where every drop has to be brought in; there is no chance to collect some ground water and purify it if you run low. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/68 "2010-07-04T04:52:43Z")
Carry a .45 on your hip and a 9mm or .40 under your arm. This of course assumes the Mossberg 500 you have in your hands. I have mine loaded with rifled slugs and .00 Buck, anternatly. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/69 "2010-07-04T10:41:46Z")
Why not Tri-ball for thick heads charging? ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2010, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/70 "2010-07-04T16:10:56Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > What season and how many days? I’ve been to Burning Man where the recommendation is a gallon and a half a day. Being an Arizonan, I bring three. That’s both drinking and utility water at a site where every drop has to be brought in; there is no chance to collect some ground water and purify it if you run low. Our trip to Death Valley was in October. We were staying in the main campground and just doing day trips, so having enough water wasn’t an issue. (We make daily visits to the pool at Furnace Creek Ranch.) ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2010, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/71 "2010-07-05T09:01:24Z")
> [@Acid\_Lamp](#): > > 4: If you do manage to safely kill a snake (which I will NOT tell you how to do) C’mon, how? Anyone who would prefer to fight a snake when he has the option of fleeing deserves a Darwin award anyway. How is it done, out of curiosity? ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2010, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/72 "2010-07-09T01:20:15Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > blah > blah > blah Ok, I want to change my answer: Get a camper! (Well, really I just wanted to brag that I bought my first used trailer camper yesterday for a flipping \*steal \*($500 _delivered and leveled_ for a 25’ trailer!) and I’m more than a little in love with it. There’s just something so \*civilized \*about being asked, “have you seen my meds” and saying, “they’re in the bathroom, dear!” 😃 ) ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2010, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/73 "2010-07-09T02:00:50Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Ok, I want to change my answer: Get a camper! > > (Well, really I just wanted to brag that I bought my first used trailer camper yesterday for a flipping \*steal \*($500 _delivered and leveled_ for a 25’ trailer!) and I’m more than a little in love with it. There’s just something so \*civilized \*about being asked, “have you seen my meds” and saying, “they’re in the bathroom, dear!” 😃 ) Yes indeed, meds are certainly civilized. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2010, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/74 "2010-07-10T00:50:48Z")
Pitch your tent on a terraced beach for a better view, and pick an isolated beach so you don’t have to bother with clothes. (Posted by that happy camper Muff-in-the-buff from a terraced beach on the north shore of Superior. Life is good.) ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2010, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/75 "2010-07-10T02:42:15Z")
Must be a good breeze if you aren’t being bothered by blackflies and mosquitos there. Good for you. Superior is superior for camping. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2010, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/76 "2010-07-10T04:16:31Z")
Don’t let your boots freeze. Keep them next to you in the tent. Do not leave your boots outside of the tent. Use your pack as a pillow. Rearrange it if you have to too keep your head warm. Were a wool hat when sleeping. 50 feet of parachute cord. And one knife per person. Small lock backs are fine. 2 fire starters per person. Small Bic lighters are fine. Keep at least one in your first aid kit. Baseball caps are great. When used with a good poncho with a hood they make an other wise miserable experience fun. The cap keeps the hood off your face and the rain or snow out of your eyes. This is good for any type of rain gear. Wear it under the hood. x-country ski polls can double as tent stakes in deep snow. So can the skis. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2010, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/77 "2010-07-10T07:56:23Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > Must be a good breeze if you aren’t being bothered by blackflies and mosquitos there. Good for you. Superior is superior for camping. Surf was up today, so no bugs on the beach. It’s calmed down now during the night, but without the sun it is too cool for bugs. Just a sky filled with stars. Practical tip for folks camping on Superior – if it is too rough to paddle duing the day (figure on 2 of 5 days in the summer), be ready to go in the middle of the night, for it often calms down once the sun goes down. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2010, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/78 "2010-07-12T00:56:53Z")
Or just hammer out through the mess. (Quite windy today.) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Eats\_Crayons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Eats\_Crayons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eats_Crayons)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2010, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/79 "2010-07-20T01:03:09Z")
Sorry I missed most of this thread. I was at my cousin’s wedding and then went… camping. My partner and I do a lot of canoe camping. There are two fantastic tips that I got just the past couple of years that are particularly good when you are travelling light and won’t be carrying luxuries like citronella candles. 1. Pitch is excellent for use as a fire starter. Pitch (or “pine pitch”) is the pine tree sap that oozes out of knot holes and tree wounds. Sometimes you find it as a yellow, crystalline goo on the side of a pine tree. It’s very flammable. We scrape it onto a large piece of bark, and set it up in our kindling. It’s natures best fire starter! 2. Use dried pine needles from the forest floor to clean your pots (I got this tip from **Swallowed My Cellphone** ). The dried out pine needles soak up all sorts of grease and residue and they are gently abrasive and will scrub nicely. Then you dump your pot full of pine needles into the fire. Excellent for leave-no-trace expeditions. You don’t even need to rinse your pot after unless your cooking was exceptionally messy or you’re afraid of chipmunk cooties. You just wipe them and you’re good to go. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2010, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-tips-for-camping/545073/80 "2010-07-20T01:12:06Z")
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