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Fresh air, no other people nearby, space to move and breathe.
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Nope, not describing a 2020 daydreamjust a standard camping trip.Campingis an activity thats naturally well-suited for social distancing.
(Thats sort of the point of camping!)
So its no surprise that many Americans are packing up their cars and venturing into the greatoutdoorsthis fall.
Those name brands and logos can be tempting, but there is always another option!
Entry-level price point options no longer just suffice but are, in many cases, excellent.
Like many other recreational activities, camping gear can be broken down into must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Just avoid bringing anything thats breakable.
The one thing you definitely dont want to ever skimp on is a tent that will keep you dry.
But there are some ways to make it feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Strohmeyer suggests making a list breaking your shopping up into smaller trips.
Shopping for everything at once can burn you out before you even go camping.
If you could support a local small business, even better!
Martindales biggest piece of advice: Dont be afraid to ask for help.
A tent that rips or leaks is a surefire trip ruiner.
To help keep costs as low as possible, Martindale suggests looking for a three-season tent.
Four-season gear is designed for more extreme conditions and is more expensive as well.
Its probably not necessary for spring, summer, and fall car camping, she explains.
This family-friendly tent comes in four different sizes that sleep between four and 12 people.
Martindale recommends always sizing up, otherwise, youre going to be squished.
For example, if you have a family of four, you will want at least a five-person tent.
Thats because the size doesnt take gear into account, she says.
Large doors, mesh windows, and a high ceiling make this tent feel a little roomier too.
They get more expensive as you get into lower temperature ratings and lighter weights.
The truth is, sleeping on the ground isnt comfortable.
Maybe for one night, but then it sort of starts to make me grumpy.
Good sleep leads to good adventures, Strohmeyer says.
I couldnt agree with her more.
Strohmeyer suggests spending the money on a thick inflatable sleeping pad, like this self-inflating one.
The extra padding also provides insulation, so youll stay comfortable when temperatures drop at night.
She recommends Colemanpersonally, I find the brand makes great camping essentials at a reasonable price.
Just dont forget to buy propane for it before you head out on your trip.
In that case, an inexpensive model like this one could be sufficient.
Bring your favorite food and find out how to make it at your campsite.
And dont forget chocolate!
You may just need to add a nonstick frying pan, depending on what you plan to cook.
Food Storage: Rubbermaid 75 Qt.
Martindale notes that most campgrounds sell ice, so you’re free to re-up when it melts.
Cooking: Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet
My cast-iron skillet is a camping essential.
In my opinion, its the best way to cook over a campfire.
And Ive made everything in it, from breakfast potatoes and eggs to steak to enchiladas.
you’re free to use it on your camp stove too, or around the house.
But this one does the job and is the best deal Ive seen from a quality brand.
I love this travel tumbler because it keeps my coffee hot the entire time Im drinking it.
Extras: GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker
Coffee is very important to me.
But theres just something so comforting about starting my day with a hot cup of coffee.
While percolators are a common camping staple, Ive found that I prefer using this pour-over filterits so simple.
Any regular chair it’s possible for you to use to sit around a fire is fine.
I fully support lazy camping trips.
We like to put one underneath our tent to add an extra waterproof layer between us and the ground.
The straps come separately (you could buy themhere).
