Hiking And Camping

Hiking and camping trips are one of the best ways to relax without spending too much. That's because unlike a "real" vacation, hiking and camping trips may only require you to pack a few essentials in a backpack and start exploring the nearest woods in your locality. Hiking and camping help you become more aware and appreciative of nature, and at the same time, help you get away from the drab of city life.

Since there are many different hiking and camping areas, each of them offering different challenges, the first thing you need to do to get started is to make a hiking and camping list.

Below are the things you should consider bringing with you when you go on a hiking and camping trip:

Clothing

Your choice of clothing to bring may depend on the kind of trail you are taking. Will you be going through a thick woodland area? Or a grassy meadow in Alaska? Arid desert? Or snowy glaciers?

It is important that you bring clothes that are appropriate for the type of hiking and camping trip you are taking. Aside from clothing, you may also find a need for the following accessories:

* Clothesline and clips (for drying wet towels and clothing) * Dirty clothes bag * Flip flops or reef shoes or sandals (for camp shower rooms and restrooms) * Gloves or mittens (for those chilly mornings) * Hat * Hiking boots or shoes * Extra socks * Laundry soap * Rain gear

Cooking

Cooking is fun when you're on a hiking and camping trip. You are usually reduced to the bare essentials, which can be fun and exciting. Below are some of the cooking things you may need on a hiking and camping trip:

* Aluminum foil and plastic wrap * Can, bottle opener, and corkscrew * Coffee, pot, filters * Cooking oil/spray/butter * Cookware * Cooler, 5 day or better * Cups * Cutting board * Dish soap, towel, and washcloth * Dishpan and drying rack (collapsible) * Food * Fuel and funnel for stoves, lanterns, heaters, etc. * Gladware or other cheap plastic food containers * Hot dog or marshmallow sticks * Ice * Kitchen funnel * Knife and sharpener * Ladel * Measuring spoons and cups * Pan or skillet (cast iron) * Paper towels * Pie iron or hot sandwich maker * Plates and bowls * Pot holders or oven mitts * Pot scrubber * Pots with lids * Silverware (metal forks, spoons, knives) * Smore stuff, graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate * Snacks * Spatula * Spices or seasonings or condiments (salt, pepper, mustard, etc.) * Stove * Table, tablecloth, and clips * Tongs * Watch and/or timer * Thermos * Water container 3-7+ gallons * Ziplock bags and plastic containers * Spatula

Now remember that you do not have to bring all these things when you go hiking and camping. After all the essence of hiking and camping is to find if you can survive in the wilderness with limited means.