New Age Camping Newb
June 5, 2015 4:50 PM Subscribe
I will be attending Mass Bliss a several day event in the Berkshires in July for yoga, meditation, and other fun activities. I've never been camping and while they provide a list of things to bring, I'm wondering if more seasoned campers can advise me on specific brands or useful items they left off the list.
I don't plan on taking up camping as a hobby, so I don't need the top of the line stuff, but I'm sure a lot of these things have other uses. And of course, any words of advice are welcome. The link shows you their suggested list of items and you can click around to see the activities offered.
I don't plan on taking up camping as a hobby, so I don't need the top of the line stuff, but I'm sure a lot of these things have other uses. And of course, any words of advice are welcome. The link shows you their suggested list of items and you can click around to see the activities offered.
I take a rolled up camel-hair (hardy) rug with me and lay outside at the door of my tent. I like how it makes my tent a home, and I can take my boots off without my socks getting too dirty.
Will it be wet? How much stuff can you schlep there? Don't skimp on the things that will give you a good, dry, sleep.
posted by Thella at 6:06 PM on June 5, 2015
Will it be wet? How much stuff can you schlep there? Don't skimp on the things that will give you a good, dry, sleep.
posted by Thella at 6:06 PM on June 5, 2015
Where do you live in relation to an REI store? Many have classes and workshops. In fact I see a free class in Northeast Camping Basics listed (Long Island location). Also the stores are staffed with people who are pretty knowledgeable about their equipment.
posted by cleroy at 6:42 PM on June 5, 2015
posted by cleroy at 6:42 PM on June 5, 2015
Wet wipes, earplugs, nuts and jerky or other shelf stable and easy to eat protein, camp chair, massage oil, blankets to lie out in the sun on, safer sex supplies, cork screw, multitool, salt and pepper, single ply toilet paper and hand sanitizer... I recommend packing things into tubs for portability and keeping water out.
posted by Candleman at 7:26 PM on June 5, 2015
posted by Candleman at 7:26 PM on June 5, 2015
You will almost certainly want something to sleep on as well. Some people like cots, I find them uncomfortable. The best thing I've found for car camping is the Kamp-Rite line of self inflating air mattresses. They aren't cheap (they can be had for ~$80 at various online vendors) and they're relatively bulky, but they're way better than conventional air mattresses. REI might rent something similar, which could be better if you don't want to have to store something after the event.
posted by Candleman at 7:40 PM on June 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Candleman at 7:40 PM on June 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Assuming you are "car camping" (i.e. your campsite will be reasonably accessible by vehicle and you will not have to carry everything you bring on your back) the best bang-for-your-buck I have ever found for camp comfort is a decent chair. You can get a very comfortable camp chair for as little as $15 and you'll enjoy your weekend much more if you don't spend all of it sitting on the ground.
I also strongly recommend investing a few dollars in some DEET-soaked insect-repellent wipes. I personally love the ones that are individually packaged like wet wipes, but any version will do. Be careful using them -- DEET is very effective but it's not the nicest stuff and can have some startling effects on plastic. Keep your hands as clean of it as you can, but if the bugs come out you're going to be glad you brought it.
posted by Nerd of the North at 7:47 PM on June 5, 2015
I also strongly recommend investing a few dollars in some DEET-soaked insect-repellent wipes. I personally love the ones that are individually packaged like wet wipes, but any version will do. Be careful using them -- DEET is very effective but it's not the nicest stuff and can have some startling effects on plastic. Keep your hands as clean of it as you can, but if the bugs come out you're going to be glad you brought it.
posted by Nerd of the North at 7:47 PM on June 5, 2015
Response by poster: There will be tents. I don't have a car. My mother will be dropping me and my supplies off and then returning at the end of the weekend.
posted by miss-lapin at 5:00 PM on June 6, 2015
posted by miss-lapin at 5:00 PM on June 6, 2015
Your event looks really cool! As a non-camper camper (festivals, not forests) here are a few quick things that come to mind:
- My cheapie Coleman tent from Target (sleeps 4, was under $100) has been totally fine. Not sure what model it is but it’s nylon and came with its own rain fly. Never used a tarp or ground cloth. Super easy for me to set up on my own, and it’s held up great over the past few years. Whatever you get, try setting it up and tearing it down at home before you leave so you're comfortable with it.
- Love my camp cot over the air mattress for sleeping. No reinflating! No butt hitting the cold ground!
- Bring a battery lantern or one of those goofy head-lamps … especially for late night porta-potty trips.
- You can get a beach chair with backpack straps on it if you need to bring your own seat to performances/workshops.
- Those makeup-removing face wipes are really refreshing at the end of the day if you don’t have a shower. Something to scrub/pamper your feet might be nice too.
Have a great time! Feel free to get in touch if you want more info!
posted by shepard at 5:44 PM on June 6, 2015
- My cheapie Coleman tent from Target (sleeps 4, was under $100) has been totally fine. Not sure what model it is but it’s nylon and came with its own rain fly. Never used a tarp or ground cloth. Super easy for me to set up on my own, and it’s held up great over the past few years. Whatever you get, try setting it up and tearing it down at home before you leave so you're comfortable with it.
- Love my camp cot over the air mattress for sleeping. No reinflating! No butt hitting the cold ground!
- Bring a battery lantern or one of those goofy head-lamps … especially for late night porta-potty trips.
- You can get a beach chair with backpack straps on it if you need to bring your own seat to performances/workshops.
- Those makeup-removing face wipes are really refreshing at the end of the day if you don’t have a shower. Something to scrub/pamper your feet might be nice too.
Have a great time! Feel free to get in touch if you want more info!
posted by shepard at 5:44 PM on June 6, 2015
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posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:11 PM on June 5, 2015