How do I hit the happy trails without any trials?
Photo by Dano
I’m going camping this weekend for the first time since moving to New York City five years ago, and despite having camped many times in my life, I’m a little anxious. When I lived in Northern California, I frequently had the opportunity to enjoy the open wilderness with friends. But here in the big city, fewer people are up for weekend trips to the country — at least those which involve backpacks, tents, and a dearth of food-delivery options.
I will be the most experienced camper in this weekend’s group, and I’m pretty rusty. Since my journey into the woods has me both excited and scared (any Sondheim fans?), I thought I’d hike through the Camping category in Answers to gear up for the weekend.
I found some great lists of important items I shouldn’tforget — obvious things like a tent, sleeping bag, and flashlight, as well as things that I probably would have neglected to bring: extra batteries, first-aid supplies, and toilet paper (oops!).
As far as food is concerned, we are bringing a small cooler and some rudimentary cooking equipment, so that widely expands our sustenance possibilities. And I found some delicious recommendations on food items to bring along. Is there anything better than bacon and freshly scrambled eggs after sleeping in the great outdoors?
I also found terrific advice on where to pitch a tent, what to do should it rain, and creative ways to deal with bugs and bears.
What am I forgetting? Do you have any advice for this city boy heading to the country? What tips do you have for a safe and enjoyable camping trip?
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What’s up with the new Yahoo! Updates! I CAN’T EVEN SUBMIT ANSWERS AND QUESTIONS ANYMORE!
The answer column when you go to answer the question (where I am now) Is way on the left and you have that annoying lightbulb thing. Also, you have to scroll to get to the preview button. And I hate when the Oops! Mispellings eraser comes up. Its annoying. The avatars seem to be malfunctioning too.
I hate it.
Y!A – Hey, looks like you misspelled a word there, so we’ll just pleasantly remind you with this box.
Me – *facepalm*
cool update really.
and don’t go, the coffee break are annoying, we don’t want “we’re out camping message”
just kidding
have fun
don’t forget a racket zapper for mosquitoes, YUK.
- spray for bugs, YUK.
- antibacterial hand sanitizing bottle or wipes.
- wet wipes.
- tissue.
- watch.
- trash bag.
- tooth brush =).
- extra socks.
- water.
- food, duh.
- rain coat.
- umbrella.
- cell phone.
- pillow.
- hand lotion.
- matches/lighter.
- sun glasses
well, that’s whats on my mind at the moment.
oh yea right, dont forget your camera, I wanna see pictures.
Don’t forget bug spray–you will regret it if you do. Also, don’t forget some kind of survival kit incase something happens. You need to have extra water, non perishable food, neosporin, bandaids, a shiny blanket, etc.. probably enough to last a while. Plus, don’t forget some extra trash bags for things like food that didn’t get eaten, dirty clothes, etc. Oh and take a shovel.
Oh, by the way, I really like that there is a reminer box if you misspell words. That was one of my biggest annoyances. Nobody could spell worth beans. Maybe that will help out a lot.
Well I’m officially jealous – with husband’s work schedule we don’t know when we’ll get to go camping again this season before Labor Day.
Enjoy & have some fun for meee!!
Don’t forget bug spray, fire starters really come in handy, a knife, sunscreen, air mattress and pump, stuff for smores, seasoning for the food, rain ponchos, advil, camera, and pillow. Have fun!
You can also bring a tent and bed or sleeping bag.
Have fun.=D
Bring warm clothing (nights can get COLD in certain areas, summer or not), and bug spray. Two things that bothered me on my camping trip in Wisconsin: lack of warmth in the morning and all sorts of bugs. I went camping in the summer, but when I woke up there was frost on the grass!
Try to avoid wolves, princes, witches, giants, and baking accidents while you’re there.
And yes, I LOVE Into the Woods.
Have fun on your trip! There is nothing in comparison to the beauty of nature…bring a camera!
By the way, I love the spellcheck. While it doesn’t know every word known to man, it has helped me greatly in not looking like an illiterate moron.
Northern California here. Let’s see, are you going car camping or backpacking (trekking)? I figure car camping because only an idiot backpacker would carry a cooler (not calling you an idiot). Also there aren’t a whole lot of backpacking spots on the East Coast; concrete jungle.
Sounds like you are car camping, which means you have little to worry about. Don’t fool yourself thinking you are going to the great outdoors; what you are doing is more like going to a zoo rather then a nature preserve.
Your trip is all about comfort. You can figure that part out yourself. But there are some safety issues. Be sure you have plenty of gas and your car is in working order. If you intended to leave your camp site and go for day hikes be sure to bring a topographical map and compass. It also doesn’t hurt to have a whistle in case of an emergency. You may even want one of each for each person. I guess it would help if each person knew how to read a map too.
Inexperienced outdoors people, even in a car camping setting sometimes underestimate the importance of group thought; stay together, eat together, sleep together, etc. The loner, brave, and arrogant can create a terrible trip for everybody. Make sure everybody is clued in before leaving.
I have been in outdoor settings with New Yorkers before. For most of these city dwellers Central Park, or a farm is nature. Once on a trip to the Alps with a New Yorker “we” suffered a panic attack because we had traveled 100 yards to far from the village. I wish you luck.
You may also want to bring binoculars, and a bird book for bird identification.
If you are actually planning a backpacking trip, I would beg you to reconsider. If you are rusty, and your fellow travelers are inexperienced, it sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Sick to car camping; I am not trying to condescend you, just play it safe.
If you like the idea of going on a proper trek you should spend some time studying the science of backpacking. May favorite author is Colin Fletcher, and his book “The Complete Walker” is dynamite! There are lots of great resources out there.
Also consider hooking up with a group where you are the least experienced member. You are bound to learn a lot in these conditions.
Good luck again,
David
A GPS is probably one of the best things to have. You can never get lost.
extra pair of shoes and socks alot of socks …if you are a person that doesnt liked to be dirty this is a great way to face your fears.if your going with a few friends go into the joke section or ask if there is any camping jokes and print it out and when sitting by the camp fire you can name a few….i would bring some lighter starter stuff to make it easier to start the camp fire and dont forget newspaper to help start fire…have fun
I would take a first aid kit with you that has the rudimentary supplies you may possibly need. Instead of just bringing a cell phone look into a C.B. When cell phones are out of range they are absolutely useless, and with a c.b. you should be able to find someone on at least one of the channels.
If you are going anywhere near bear country (don’t know if they have them up there but we got them here) you need to have some place secure for keeping your food, and I don’t mean a cooler unless it’s one of those older style ones that are made out of metal. You need to be able to lock it securely… they are persistant. If you can’t do that, then bring a rope so that you can tie your food up pretty high in the trees. Works great for bears, but not so great for raccoons.
Camping is loads of fun as long as you are prepared… just think of possible situations that might not be so fun and prepare for them…
Have a great Camping trip.
I like the old Y!A instead >=[
Bring some dryer lint for fire starter – it will start immediately with just a spark. Bring your smores stuff, something to sit on (camp chairs, etc), and a board game or some cards if you get stuck in the tent in the rain. I always put the tent on a tarp that is at least 2 ft. bigger than the tent in both directions, then I roll the tarp towards the tent. You’ll end up with a “curb” that will keep any rainwater from running into your tent. It will also keep stones and sticks from wearing a hole in your tent floor. A book on local wildlife would probably be handy, as would some binoculars. It’s a good idea to bring a radio along just in the event of incliment weather or something. Foil has many uses, so be sure to bring that and a few gallon size ziplock bags. I often pack daily clothes complete with socks and undies in them, and when I change I put the dirties in the one I took the clean out of. Throw in some twine, duct tape, (great to patch holes in that tent if needed) and a good sharp knife, and you should be set. Have fun!
A whetstone is important, since a dull knife is more likely to cut a person sharpening a green stick for toasting marshmallows (personally, I only like marshmallows in hot chocolate or in flames at the end of a stick).
Extra toilet paper. We always took our vacations camping, and always teased my mother for bringing an extra four rolls, just in case, but she knew just how much its missed when it isn’t there.
Check the 9-1-1 status in the county you’re going to. Just in case, to see how closely they can pinpoint a location. I know you can’t program a 911 number into your cell phone, but the business number of the police might not be a bad idea.
Pick up a small shovel and dig a trench around the periphery of the tent in case it rains, with an downhill outlet to keep the rain off. And the old Leave it to Beaver thing about touching the tent when it’s raining outside causing a leak, is true. It will. So remember to keep sleeping bags and the people they contain away from the edges of a wet tent.
Get a ziplock bag or something, even a small disposable container for matches, sorry about all this stuff about rain, but it’s been raining a lot here.
If you are in critter country, make sure your trash is in sealed containers. Raccoons are cute, skunks less so, and bears are usually interested in more than “pickinick baskets Boo Boo”.
Get your sunscreen of the type that is unscented. Bugs are attracted to scent and sunscreen will sometimes attract them. If you’re going fishing get the kind of insect repellent that is designed to not be detected by fish. They have a good sense of smell and they can identify a lure that’s been held by a man pretty quickly if they smell the repellent.
And maybe, I do this when I go fishing, take some trashbags along and pick up a little more than you brought in with you. It may sound corny, but it does give you a good feeling.
Okay, I lied, the new Y! is really very annoying.
I liked how the old spellcheck would wait until you were done instead of shoving it in your face.
I sometimes use caps to emphasize a point, not to shout.
NO ONE researches answers.
See? Emphasis.
I mean, eventually I’ll have no other option but to get used to it, but for the timebeing, no, I’m not happy about that.
Well, I am unsure if you are car camping (since you mention a cooler) or backpacking but most of these suggestions can work for both. They are things I tend to overlook or have once undervalued. I assume you’ll remember food and water.
-Headlamp, one of the best investment for anyone who spends time outdoors. LED headlamp is much more useful than a flashlight and allows you to use both hands. Great battery life so forget the extras. I like ones with brightness settings like the Petzel Tikka Plus. Prices range from 5-80 dollars.
-Lantern, not essential but adds a lot to the quality of life once the sun goes down. I even carry a Primus lightweight lantern when I backpack. It’s absolutely worth the weight. Propane or white gas is ideal for car camping. Always have extra mantels (a cloth bag where the fuel ignites, super cheap). Battery powered lights are easy to use but really not worthwhile in my opinion. They are not as bright, not any lighter and run out of fuel faster. Anyway you go, having defuse background light is a good idea unless you want to go to sleep as soon as the sun is down.
-Zip-ties, you wont even know they’re in you pack but if your gear breaks 10 miles out you will be very happy to have them. Not really needed for car camping.
-CampSudsTM, a environmentally safe soap. If you are cleaning dishes in a mountain stream then please don’t use Dawn.
-deck of cards, good to have. There is no HDTV in the woods.
-good friends, essential
It’s not a complete list but maybe some things to consider.
I didn’t see anyone mention binoculars or water purification stuff. (Filter or bleach and eyedropper).
- headlamps are more useful than flashlights
- water treatment tablets/water filter is useful in emergencies
- whistle is useful in emergencies
- spare rope/parachute cord, useful for various things as they arise
- deet based mosquito repellent
99 cents for foot powder at any dollar store,ants be gone.sprinkle liberilly around tent&cooking or hole camp area if tent or cooking area is attached or under trees, srrinkle heavely all around base of trees & 3 or4 ft. up the stump.lightly on top of tent keep away from food aera, just dont eat the stuff! it mite take a day or two for the ants stuck in the trees two fall out or get blown or shaken out? but any ant touchs the stuff he is DONE!!! it dont take long for the rest b 4 they find another place to feed and pester.2 or three bucks, 3 bottles takes care of a large camp 4 a month or so.unless it rains heavy.thats when u use the third can. works with spiders and lots of ground travling little pest.GAURAENTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! use it at home it wll amaze you.ps.i learned in n.e ca.
by the way if your fishing & want solitude try far n.e. ca. campgrounds are not for camping there there so u have to fight the crowds but u wont get lost. never blow a whisle or yell if lost.set a time to meet and learn how to use a compase its easy.loud noise echo and you WILL get lost chasing the echos. lots of reseviores gaint catfish carrpie trout.watch out for BIG CATS>enjoy gods beautiful world, whats left of it
do you plan on hiking or just camping? if your hiking weight is the enemy dont take extra batterys invest in a flashlight that you handcrank or shake. take a map and know a little bit about where your going and bring a compass, if u get lost know which general direction you should go in. bring a sleeping bag but also a sleeping pad a little blue foam thing its a little bulky so it might take up space but its rather light and the better nights rest the more energy you have to enjoy your trip. take changes of clothes especially socks and pants! if your planing on a 3 day trip take 6 pairs of socks and 4 pants(douple the amount of socks as days out and one extra pair of pants). bring a firstaid kit and know whats in it know how to treat simple bug bites and burns to the more serious sprains and brakes and have a evac plan, if someone was to get hurt how would u transport them where would u take them and wheres the nearest road. for simple non life threatning injurys send one or two people to the base camp to get a veichle and meet at the nearest road. bring matches and put them in a plastic bag in a metal waterproff match box. and bring a whistle not only does the whistle help people to find you if you get lost but a lot of animals dont like the sound of it. and at night dont keep food close to your sight.
People tend to follow trails made by others. Maybe it’s time to make your own trail. Maybe in a place noone else is looking. In a way noone else has thought of before. Im not gonna say you are a sheep .I will just say not all sheep fall off the cliff in the same direction. Some don’t fall at all.
Answer to your own is the deit?
GPS is great and you could even try geocaching.
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Great reason for novice’s to get out and hike.
http://www.geocaching.com/
You may also want to remind the newbies to roll up the sleeping bags and put away the clothes daily (don’t forget a line) because as the temperatures drop at night everything gets very damp and there is nothing worse then sleeping in a damp sleeping bag.
ps. I didn’t see a small axe on any list for fire wood.
it’s not hard to grow a happy trail, just don’t shave for a while
I know I’m going to get slammed for this comment but, whatever…
You say you grew up camping in N. California but five years in NYC has made the whole experience foreign to you?? I have news for you – five years does NOT make you a bona fide New Yorker! You’re NOT a “city” boy as you claim. Take it from me – I’m NYC born and bred (and abhor camping, by the way). You’ve been camping all your life with the exception of the past five years. I know riding the subway can be quite an experience for you big-city newbies but you could not have forgotten everything already.
Just go camp already. If you’re not confident that all those years of Northern California wilderness will come back to you in time, don’t go! Stay in your lower East Side apartment (or is it Union Sq?) watching re-runs of “sex and the city” and “friends” while downing a FroYo and tofu burger.
“Camping?! Fuhgeddaboudid!!… the Yankees are on.”
Will you be up at night? If so, take a star chart. In the countryside, if it’s not too cloudy, you’ll be able to see constellations that man-made light drowned out in the city. A chart will help you identify what you’ll looking at.
If you’re far enough away from the city, you might even be able to see the Milky Way.
You are not a “city boy.”
As an experienced camper, why would you have to surf the net looking for suggestions and ideas?
i have more time camping than i can even begin to think about, 24 years in the military, assigned to a feild unit.
trust me, it all comes back very quickly,
Don’t forget a compass!
Pick up and prepare a cast iron skillet. Great for cooking the bacon and eggs over a fire.
oh yeah and if you are close to NY I would probable bring a gun for your protection. (I live in Ky, I bring a gun incase I get into a Deliverance situation) If you bring beer get the cans they are a lot easier to haul out. And make sure that your firewood is dry!
I read through the replies and they covered everything I could think of.
Oh wait, did anyone suggest “camp” shoes and water shoes? It’s nice to be able to change out of hiking boots and if you are going swimming or wading it is nice to protect your feet.
I always seem to forget the asprin and calomine lotion.
The first time I went camping was in New York State, I got lost when I hiked up the trail to brush my teeth. Luckily I had a fanny pack with necessities for survival. I didn’t need them because I found my way back, no one had noticed I was gone…but I was the inexperienced one back then so you may want to remind folks to think about what they would do if they were lost.
Don’t forget these found at you local health food stores:
Arnica Montana homeopathic remedy for Bruises, muscleaches, backaches, trauma, shock, pain.
Arnica Montana Ointment:
Soothes and heals bruises, boils, blisters, and sore spots.
Calendula cream: For minor skin irritation, inflammations, redness, itching, and poorly healing wounds and rashes.
A dont”endstend ok.
I scaned most of the responses for this question, there is a lots important pieces in each response, just enough to make a complete LIST ITEMs for any jorney…
When camping a cool thing I did if you’re in a group is put all of your toppings (bacon, jalepanos, potatoes cheese) into a plastic along with your eggs and shake it up and then eat it.
Why not make this time an exciting simple time? Bring lots of water and water sterilizing equipment and “tick” repellent and just plan rough it? Bring a nature’s food book so that you can hunt for your own food stuff and if you can’t catch or find anything, breathe in the air and enjoy… more to life than worrying about food.
i would add sunscreen to your list, and clothes for cold weather. those open air nights can still be unforgiving. two pairs of shoes is a great idea, especially if one gets wet you will be glad you brought them. as far as other breakfast ideas, the pancake mix in the plastic jug that you just add water to is great for camping. also, instant coffee! tastes better than none, i guarantee it. a first aid kit is a good idea, and most importantly- make sure you have enough gas in your car to get back to civilization.
oh yeah, and-
have fun!
Oh my gosh … I remember camping. I think the most important thing is to let someone know where you are going, and when you will be expected back, just in case.
Also, don’t forget to put anything scented (food, make-up, shampoo, etc.) in a bear box to keep bears from coming into your campsite. Just putting it in the car won’t do it, because bears can get into the car. Any campsite that you go to (the ones you pay a fee for instead of just driving somewhere, and camping out wherever) will have bear boxes, but it would be a good idea to ask before you head out ther.
Also, you may want to take along a credit card or at least $150 in emergency cash, just in case you decide camping is not for you, and you want to check into a hotel. (This has actually happened to me.)
beyond that, it sounds like you are really well prepared. It should be an adventure, and I bet you’ll have a lot of fun! Good luck!
Try these fun omlettes. Crack your eggs and mix with a fork, Add in onions, peppers, cheese, bacon, whatever. Put it all in a quart ziplock baggie. Plunk in boiling water and boil for about 10 minutes. Open the bag and, voila, your breakfast will slide right out, hot and ready!
Wow I’m so jealuos! I grew up north of NYC qand did alot of camping in the catskills and the Adorondacks!
I now live in the desert Southwest (I love it here too)
but sound like everyone has covered your bases! just have fun and enjoy!
If you don’t already know which plants are poisonous i.e poison oak and ivy to name just two. buy a guide or check on the net.poison parsnip is really nasy too. If you are in bear country or skunk ditto, be sure to not have any food kept in your tent. It should be hung up in a tree. which doesn’t always deter racoons
but it is better than having them eat a meal in your tent. metal coolers are safer as a skunt once chewed through our styrofoam one to get at ou nice tasty weiners and brats.Have fun I hope the weather holds for all of us camping 
Pack it tight and keep it light. Keep bug spray on your persons. Keep first aid kits and extra cell phone batteries in a dry & safe place(battery is optional you may not have service). Plan your meals so you know exactly how much materials you need to take. Make a checklist to make sure you have all the gear accounted for before and after camping. Lost my 300 dollar grilling case, Doh!!! Even big things can be forgotten.
Also I don’t think many people do this but I do; carry a “Ultrasonic Dog Repeller” it’ll scare or confuse most animal away from the camp site in my experience.
-Jeremy the canoeing camper
safety pins
a Coleman “survival blanket” sheet of reflective plastic in a little pack about the size of cigarett pack and very light. Reflects heat away in hot weather and reversed reflects body heat back to keep you warm in cold weather, keeps u dry in wet weather and in a lost situation can be used for signaling since it is reflective. costs about $2 and well worth it (good to keep in car glove compartment yr round too)
a couple of mealbars each kept in pocket in case one gets lost or trip gets involuntarily extended.
Cell phone and booster and one of those little emergency chargers….leave the world behind by not talking on it constantly and it will have battery left be available if needed.
moleskin bandages if you plan to hike and some are not experienced….bandaids, alcohol prep pads (indiv wrapped), a couple of sanitary pads to put pressure on any large wound, burn ointment, and an anc bandage sholud be in your first aid kit,
an extra pair of socks each – can also double as pot holders, towel, wash cloth, and be wet and put on back of neck to promote cooling if someone gets too hot, In cold weather or high elevations can be used as mittens
cigarette lighter even if you don’t smoke makes the best emergency fire starter.
Extra pair of shoe or boot laces
Most all these things will fit in a pocket so you can still go light.
Go to Burger King, buy some value meals, and hide them in the trunk in case you need them. Bring a tent, but plan to sleep in the car if you want. Take a tent and a sleeping bag and some firewood and a camp stove, but don’t plan on needing them. In case they dont work out for you.
You will need SUNSCREEN, but thats the only thing you really need.
Travel to Ithaca, and you will find a new experience of that college town.
Hi,
A different idea for cooking eggs is to use a muffin pan, rather than a skillet. Place the muffin pan over your heat source, add a bit of butter to each cup. (Use real butter when camping. The flavor can’t be beat and with all your activities you will burn it off!)
Crack 1 egg into each cup. Add anything else you might like such as cheese, precooked bacon, onions, peppers etc. Cook til the eggs are set. These come out like a whole muffin, and you can eat them by hand, no plate needed!
Enjoy your trip!
Since you are kind of new to the area, you can go to Meetup.com and more than likely you can find a group in your area with the same interests (camping) to join. I think you’ll like it, take a look. I am joining a singles group that is into outdoor activities ie biking, hiking,canoeing and then winter activities. I am from S CA, so NYS is all so different in many ways. Have fun!
New York State is a total DIRTHOLE.
There is no good camping there. The only lakes are polluted and nasty. Even upstate new york is a total hole.
The people are as nasty as the area.
The happy trail is the line of pubic hair which extends from the belly button to the pubic region.
Make sure you bring medicine for a toothache or headache. Bring some bleach, iodine, and baking soda for water purification.
Drinking water and a reliable lighter and make sure the lighter is in an airtight bad so that it won’t get wet. There is nothing worse than camping and being wet. I’m in So Cal. You’ve got some beautiful country up there, so enjoyl
Regarding eating eggs when camping.
You can always pouch them. No butter required and no saturated fats to clog your arteries. And for your other commenter a point to note is that despite the number of calories you may burn, if you eat foods that are high in saturated fats, such as the cholesterol in egg yolks, you are still exposing yourself to the cardiac risk, which is very different than a dieting perspective. You can be thin and still have heart disease. This is a widely misunderstood concept.
For those who would like to try camping but are a little afraid it’s to hard try Cabin Camping. it’s great fun. The KOA Camping Cabins and Jellystone campgrounds are for you. Bring your sleeping bag and leave the tent and sleeping pads at home. The cabins cost a little more ($35-$90) and they sleep 4, sometimes more. Most commercial campgrounds are fantastic, clean and family safe. Many have activities, tours, gift shops, game rooms and pools. We’ve traveled across country using KOA, they are easy. Sometimes we find it hard to leave. But I still love the Nat’l park more.
I didn’t read all the answers, but a 1st aid kit with plenty of bandages is a must. Designate someone as the “medic” who will carry it & be responsible for it’s use if needed.
Eh, camping’s much funner when you’re not so prepared. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, some food, and something to start a fire with. and shoes, you’ll be good. I’d bring a fishing pole too, and that’s pretty much it. Much funner when not all prepared.
Take avon skin so soft oil and use in place of bug rep. You can apply on self,children.and pets with no harm of poison going into your system or breathing. Don’t get the repell. avon came out with. Save $ and get more with oil.
Bring some dryer sheets. Rub them on your skin. It is the best mosquito repellent. Better than using that other poison.
Safety first. Leave your worries behind. Keep it simple. Don’t have high expectations. Be flexible. Always expect the unexpected. Last but not least, have fun!
No matter how much you prepare prior to the trip, things will happened and you will forget something. Best not to be overly concern about frivolous details.
Point is, enjoy the moment.
One VERY important item that I don’t see listed anywhere and a lot of first aid kits don’t have, is a snake bite kit. Be safe and have fun.
If it hasn’t been said, I like to take along some Pepto, some Immodium and some caladryl.
1st aid kit, Tent, inflatable mattress, blanket or sleeping bag for the weather, Camera, mag flashlight and a lantern, lighter or matches, Tarp, charcoal and lighter fluid, extra clothes, battery operated radio, lots of extra water for cleaning and drinking, rope, compass, paper plates, cups, towels, trash bags, utensils…for sure don’t forget the toilet paper. Aluminum foil and ziplock baggies, your hygene items( just try not to use a lot of smelly stuff to attract bugs), propel bug spray, cooler for drinks, cooler for food, and a small one for what ever. Back pack, fishing pole and box with an assortment of supplies, Plan your meals ahead of time what you would like to eat and keep it simple yet healthy.Compact shovel, cast iron skillet and pot. Try this too..first thing in the morning dig a 2′x2′ hole and lay a few rocks at the bottom then light up your charcoal to really hot. Season and wrap a whole chicken really well in aluminum foil place on the coals and cover that with a few rocks. Go hiking, fishing, whatever…dinner is ready when you return.Collect your firewood as soon as you get there, a good sharp knife, machette, and a hand gun if you think you might need it. And have a great time and enjoy the wonders of life.
Sounds like everything is covered. If possible get a battery operated weather radio. They are great for camping. Have fun and stay safe.
always be sure you bring a friend or gardiun with you they can be a big help if like a bird eats you or something hahahahahahahaahahhaahahaha!!!!!!! just kidding (NOT)