Read an Excerpt
The Tent Camper's Handbook
By Frazier M. Douglass IV
iUniverse, Inc.
Copyright © 2012 Frazier M. Douglass IV
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-3509-7
Chapter One
Overview of Basic Tent Camping "I intend ... to confine myself altogether to what might be described as light weight camping, carried, I might almost say, to extremes. I have always been an exceedingly keen cyclist and appreciate the easy and smooth running of a bicycle, riding the lightest machines I could possibly get. Weight, therefore, I have found an irksome burden, especially in the mountainous districts which I generally frequent." T. H. Holding, The Camper's Handbook (1908), p. 377-378
Recreational camping in developed state and national park campgrounds is arguably the most popular summer recreational activity in many regions of the United States. Every weekend during the summer months, thousands of families select state or federal park campgrounds located near their homes, toss their camping gear into their cars, drive to these campgrounds, set up tents and shelters, relax, and enjoy a variety of leisure activities over a weekend or longer vacation. According to a 2004 study published by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association and the Outdoor Industry Association, 53 million Americans camped out at least once in 2003 and 51 million took more than one trip that year. By 2005, national park campgrounds had become so overcrowded that the National Park Service had to start using a private reservation service to keep up with the high demand for campsites.
Many tent camping trips are fun and problem-free. But a significant number of trips will have some type of unexpected problem such as rain, cold weather, broken equipment, poor light, hunger, illness, uncomfortable bedding, or injury. While most campers are prepared for warm fair weather summer weekends, many campers—including veteran campers—are poorly prepared to deal with several different weather and environmental challenges that frequently can occur on camping trips throughout the year. A fun trip can quickly turn into a miserable trip. Therefore I wanted to write this book to help both novice and veteran campers learn how to buy the best gear, set up the most comfortable campsites, and avoid common problems. In other words, I have written this book to help you learn how to enjoy dry, warm, and comfortable camping trips in a wide range of weather conditions.
Before discussing better methods for finding the best campgrounds, finding the best gear, setting up comfortable campsites, and avoiding potential problems, we should first address a fundamental question. What is basic tent camping and how is it different from other approaches to camping? To answer this question, let me first describe the traditional family camping approach and the backpacking approach.
Traditional family (or car) camping emphasizes extravagance and comfort. People who enjoy family camping trips typically take a few long, warm-weather base camp trips and pack everything anyone could ever imagine for these trips in large plastic storage boxes. These family campers pack huge tents with multiple rooms and oversized cots or air mattresses. In warm weather, they pack extension cords and box fans. They also pack an enormous amount of food and kitchen equipment. Typically, traditional family campers bring large coolers and several boxes filled with food—much more than they could possibly eat on their trip. They pack screened kitchen tents, large chairs, large stoves, large boxes filled with kitchen utensils, large lanterns, and other electrical appliances. These family campers also pack lots of clothes right out of their closets that are usually poorly suited for outdoor activities and inclement weather. They may also bring bicycles, horseshoes, canoes, and a variety of recreational equipment. If they camp in cool weather, they will bring heaters for their tents. Sometimes, extravagant family campers bring generators to run their electrical appliances when electricity is unavailable. To haul all of this stuff, family campers usually need large trucks, SUVs, and sometimes trailers. They camp in developed campgrounds where water, electricity, and sometimes sewer facilities are immediately accessible and where bathrooms and showers are only a few yards away from their campsite. Typically, family campers only plan one or two trips a year because setting up camp, taking it down, and packing it up requires too much time and effort to justify short one—or two-day trips. And they only camp in the middle of the summer because they are poorly prepared for cooler weather.
Backpacking or back country camping emphasizes minimal equipment and endurance of calculated discomfort. This approach is adopted by backcountry hikers, canoe campers, and mountain climbers who plan to set up camp in remote wilderness areas one afternoon and pack it up the next morning. Emphasis is placed upon hiking and surviving while carrying the absolute minimum amount of gear on their back. These campers purchase very small tents and pack only those few essential items that will assure their survival. They need large backpacks to haul all their gear, highly compressible sleeping bags, bear-proof containers, water purification equipment, dehydrated and pre-portioned food, and possibly snakebite kits. Backpackers consider the weight of every piece of gear and constantly strive to reduce their packed weight. Backcountry hikers can only carry a small amount of water and thus must catch and purify water needed each day from streams and lakes along the way. They typically pack only one change of clothes, and must wash their underwear and socks every day or two. Since bathrooms are unavailable in remote wilderness areas, they should pack a shovel and toilet paper. They frequently go several days without bathing in a tub or shower. Finally, since they usually travel and camp several hours away from roads and communication networks, backpackers should complete CPR, first-aid, and basic survival training before attempting their trips so that they will be prepared to survive many different types of weather and health emergencies they may encounter.
Basic tent camping falls in-between these two extremes. This popular camping approach combines some of the comfort of family camping with some of the weight/space consciousness of backpacking. It only requires a small amount of gear that can be packed into any-size vehicle. Thus it is ideally suited for people who own small cars, motorcycles or bicycles. It is also suited for people who want to take several short weekend camping trips throughout the year. With a few well-chosen items of gear, tent campers can set up camp in a few minutes and stay warm, dry, and comfortable in a wide range of weather conditions. Because they do not need much of the gear required for backpacking and park their vehicles near their campsites, lightweight tent campers are able to pack larger, more comfortable tents, less expensive sleeping bags, several changes of clothes, small coolers, and other personal items. These campers do not have to pack much food or cooking gear because they are able to drive to stores and restaurants every day to buy food and prepared meals. Basic tent campers will usually have potable water, toilets, and showers, and sometimes electricity for charging cell phones and for operating a few electrical appliances. Additional differences between basic tent camping and backpacking are summarized in the chart at the end of this chapter.
An important key to having enjoyable tent camping trips is to acquire lightweight and compressible equipment and clothing. Lightweight, compressible tents, sleeping bags, kitchen gear, and clothing for two people can be packed into any vehicle—even small sports cars and motorcycles. Furthermore, having small items allows you to set up camp quickly at night and pack up quickly the next day. If you know the names and addresses of campgrounds along your route and call ahead to assure that a site will be available, you will be able to set up your tent and sleeping quarters faster than you could check into a motel room. You will not have to carry your luggage very far and will be able to leave most of your gear in your car. Furthermore, you will have your own familiar shelter and bedding that should help you sleep well each and every night.
In this book I will explain a complete system of basic tent camping that emphasizes good equipment, proper packing, useful skills, and good decision making. I will introduce a lot of equipment and explain what features should be considered before purchasing a particular model. I will introduce many of the chores that must be performed and give step-by-step instructions as to how to do them properly. I will also explain how to find all of the public campgrounds in any specific region of the country.
Common Misconceptions about Tent Camping
Whenever the subject of tent camping comes up in a conversation, many non-campers vocalize several misconceptions about camping. Some people say they tried it many years ago and hated it. Sometimes they mention miserable experiences during military training or maneuvers. Others say that they don't want to sleep on the cold hard ground or that they don't want to deal with bugs all day. These and similar sentiments reflect various misconceptions that close the minds of many people and keep them from experiencing many pleasures that can be enjoyed by camping in our state and national parks.
To address these misconceptions, it seems reasonable to list some of the more common ones and give a brief response to each one. In general, each of these misconceptions is false! For example, modern lightweight tent camping will be much more comfortable than past unprepared trips into the woods or military bivouacking—if you buy some well-chosen equipment and learn how to use it. Below are some common misconceptions about tent camping.
Misconception 1: Tent camping will be uncomfortable. If you acquire good equipment, learn a few skills and do your homework, modern recreational tent camping can be very comfortable for weekends and even longer periods of time. Indeed, it can be just as comfortable as staying at home.
Misconception 2: Tent campers will be miserable all night because they must sleep on the cold, hard ground. Most veteran campers sleep on modern insulated self-inflating air mattresses and these mattresses are very comfortable. These mattresses provide a soft surface that is just as comfortable as many beds and provide a warm surface that is insulated from the cold ground. Modern sleeping bags are very warm and cozy. In fact, many campers, including myself, sleep better in their tents than they do in their beds at home.
Misconception 3: Tent camping is dirty. Your tent or living quarters will have floors and walls to prevent dust and dirt from contaminating your bedding and clothing. You can bring plenty of soap and will have ample access to water. Most campgrounds have hot water and showers near their campsites. They also have washing machines or large basins that can be used to wash clothes when necessary. In effect, modern camping is no dirtier than spending the afternoon in your own backyard.
Misconception 4: Tent campers must use nasty outhouses, pit toilets, or cat holes. Most state and national park campgrounds have comfortable bath houses with electricity, private stalls, and flush toilets.
Misconception 5: Tent campers will not have access to clean drinking water. Modern campgrounds have plenty of water that is safe to drink. Most campgrounds have common water faucets or pumps located at strategic points about the campground, and a few campgrounds provide water spigots in each campsite. All you need is a container or two to bring the water to your table.
Misconception 6: Tent campers will have to eat bad tasting meals. Most of the time you will be able to purchase any food you want near your campsite, and you will be able to cook great tasting meals. After learning a few basic skills and acquiring the right gear, you can cook almost anything in your campsite that you could cook at home—and campsite cooking will usually taste better.
Misconception 7: Tent campers will suffer extreme discomfort from various weather conditions. Of course, being outside for long periods exposes you to weather conditions that you would not experience in your home. But the right clothing plus well-planned activities and a positive attitude can make extreme weather conditions very tolerable and even enjoyable.
Misconception 8: Tent campers will be swarmed by bugs. Most of the time, you will have no problems with insects. Camping in developed campgrounds will be just like being outside in your yard or some other place. But occasionally you may have to deal with some type of insects—sometimes mosquitoes and other times bees, flies, or some other bugs. If you encounter mosquitoes or biting flies, you can wear proper clothing and use insect repellent. If that doesn't work, you can escape inside your netted tent or some other place. On rare occasions when you get bitten or stung, you should have a first-aid kit with Benadryl and itch reliever medicine handy.
Misconception 9: Tent campers could be killed or seriously injured by snakes, spiders, or animals. Most animals and other critters try to avoid people and usually move away from developed campgrounds. Nevertheless, you should learn how to avoid contact with them while engaging in other outdoor activities within the park. For example, do not try to touch or harass wild animals or snakes. Never bring food into your tent. Wear gloves when moving large stones or logs and watch for snakes and spiders.
Misconception 10: Tent campers could be robbed, raped, or murdered by thugs. If you stay in developed campgrounds with park rangers, locked gates, and campground volunteers, you and your property will be just as secure as it would be in your home—and perhaps even more secure. Most campers who stay in developed campgrounds are honest, respectful people who will help each other. Should anyone come into the campground that does not belong there, park personnel and other campers will quickly notice them and rangers will escort them out of the campground. Furthermore, many parks are now restricting or prohibiting the possession and use of alcohol to prevent problems caused by drunkenness.
Misconception 11: Tent campers will not have access to food and basic supplies. Most developed campgrounds are located within a few miles of stores and restaurants. In fact, many campgrounds have stores and restaurants located within the park boundaries. If you bring a few staples from home, you should have more than enough food choices during your camping trip.
Misconception 12: Tent campers cannot have fun without TVs, computers, and video games. This may be true for a few people, but it is very sad. Most other people will find that camping offers more activities than they could ever want. Some places offer so many activities that campers can never do everything they planned to do, regardless of the length of their trip. Campgrounds offer many opportunities for enjoyable recreation either within the park or nearby. Most campgrounds offer hiking, bicycling, and nature centers. A few campgrounds offer even more. For example, Point Mallard City Park in Decatur, Alabama, offers a golf course, an ice rink, a swimming pool, a water park, baseball fields, and a recreation center. Other campgrounds offer fishing, boating, caving, learning centers, guided tours, and much more.
Benefits of Tent Camping
Indeed, most people who have taken just a few tent camping trips quickly discover that camping offers many personal benefits. Practically every camping book will list several benefits of camping. In 1908, Holding listed twenty-six things camping "does for a man." Most of these benefits are still accepted today but would be expressed in more contemporary language. For example, Holding asserted that camping "keeps old men young," "makes men more tolerant of the domestic life," and "enables them to wear out old clothes." Holding also insisted that camping was good for digestion. After Holding's book was published, other comprehensive camping books have also discussed many benefits and pleasures associated with camping. For me, being in my tent and sleeping in my sleeping bag gives me indescribable pleasure. In fact I sleep better in my tent than I do in my bed at home. My mattress is very comfortable and my sleeping bag is like a security blanket. Many families enjoy camping because it is a cheap form of entertainment, it gets them out of their daily routine, and it reestablishes communication and mutual affection. Scouting values tent camping because it makes young men more independent and resourceful plus it helps to teach them about our environment and ecosystem.
Many non-campers fail to see any benefits of camping. For these people, I want to summarize some commonly recognized benefits and pleasures offered by camping. Perhaps this list could be used to persuade non-campers that they are missing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy life and learn about the world.
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Excerpted from The Tent Camper's Handbook by Frazier M. Douglass IV Copyright © 2012 by Frazier M. Douglass IV. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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