The warmer weather of spring is here and this has many outdoor enthusiasts heading to their basements or attics to dust of the camping and backpacking supplies. Whether you are a seasoned camper or a beginner, these tips will help you enhance your outdoor experience.

 Location, Location, Location

Strategies for choosing a campsite are as varied as the destinations themselves. Some people set up at the fist spot they find. Others meticulously search for the perfect location as if they will be living there for the rest of their days.

• Look for level ground covered with pine needles, sand or even gravel. When sleeping on a mattress, this will be more comfortable than that bug infested grassy knoll.
• Take a test rest. Before setting up your tent, layout your tarp and lie on the ground to find the best positioning for your sleeping quarters.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Rain and wind may crop up during the night, so be prepared. Be sure to stake down your tent and choose a spot with good drainage. Avoid areas where you will lie in a slight depression, because you make awake to find your tent is floating in a natural drainage ditch.
• Preserve the site for future visitors.
• • Chose a designated site when on park lands or if when on non-park lands always try to make use of  already impacted sites rather than developing your own site.
  • Never dig trenches around your tent or site
  • Do not cut down standing trees
  • Place your tent on bare spots and try to disturb the surrounding foliage as little as possible
  • Pack out everything that you bring with you

Getting a good nights sleep

Too hot? Too cold? Too awake? Sleeping in the outdoors can be a tricky business! If you're having trouble catching Zzz's in the backcountry, read on for some useful tips to help you drift off to dreamland. >>>Read more

Gear Essentials

Backpacking and camping checklist
>Choosing a tent

>Choosing a sleeping bag

Last Updated: Mar 29th, 2006 - 07:29:33
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