“What are the major accessories I will need for camping besides a tent and Air Mattress?”

1. December 19th, 2009 at 3:22 am ethos Says:

   sleeping bag
   propane stove
   propane lantern
   cooler(s)
   collapsible water container
   small folding table
   canvas chairs
   vinyl tarps
   compact BBQ grill
   hatchet
   pots/pans/utensils (you’d be surprised how many 1st-timers forget these)

   For my money, these are the essentials I would never camp without. I like propane because it’s clean, interchangeable and readily available. The tarps are to put on the ground under your tent, and if necessary over it too. If you can stay dry during an all-day downpour, you will be a happy camper. I use two coolers, one for food, one for beverages, and never the twain shall meet. One block of ice will keep a cooler of food cold for the better part of a week if not longer, because you only open it three or four times a day.

   Here are some optionals that I always take:

   flip-top clear plastic storage crates (for food, kitchen utensils and everything else)
   thin nylon line (lashing tarps, clotheslines, a million other things)
   clothes pins
   bug repellent
   gallon ziploc bags
   tall kitchen garbage bags
   roll of paper towels
   sun block
   multi-spice dispenser (one container has all your seasonings)
   cheap coarse vinyl floor mat (put one of these outside the tent and keep most grit out)
   whisk broom

   This may seem like a lot of stuff, but most of it should all fit into three plastic crates. Easy to pack, access and stay organized. Get the crates at LowesDepot or Walmart.

   Happy camping!
   References :

   
   
2. December 19th, 2009 at 3:39 am Jo Says:

   To go with your tent and air mattress I highly recommend a warm and comfortable sleeping bag. Coleman makes a great bag that meets that purpose as well. It is designed to be easy to pack and easy to carry as well as keep you warm and dry on the wet cold nights outdoors. Plus it comes in a king size so you get lots of room to move. It’s the Coleman Colossal 20-degree rectangular sleeping bag (super king).

   No matter what bag you decide on, have a great time.
   References :
   http://www.squidoo.com/coleman-colossal-20-degree-rectangular-sleeping-bag-super-king

   
   
3. December 19th, 2009 at 3:57 am bill g Says:

   dont forget a first aid kit!!!! for the most part when your camping you are very far away from a hospital. so get a good first aid kid, not just band aids. and bring a battery powered radio(with batteries lol) and fire starting supplies like newspaper and matches. walkie talkies come in handy too
   References :
   camped at ASP(allegany state park) for 20 years

   
   
4. December 19th, 2009 at 4:15 am interrogatory Says:

   You need water – and something to carry it in.

   Food

   You need bug spray.

   You need some utility knife/hammer/axe/tool item – just in case. Something with a can opener is useful

   You need a good lantern

   Something to light a fire with.

   Good boots.

   A good book.

   A good friend or partner

   Oh I love camping – in a tent is the best! Just don’t over do it the first time. Don’t pack too much as it will be too hard. Don’t go too far. Just relax and enjoy!
   References :

   
   
5. December 19th, 2009 at 4:30 am chalkboard Says:

   My hubby and I just started tent camping with friends two years ago, and it took us a while to figure out everything we needed (btw, good start getting an air mattress!). Oh, and don’t forget to waterproof your tent BEFORE the trip with waterproofing spray sold at sporting goods stores!

   Here’s my abbreviated packing list. You have some items already (obviously), but I’ve highlighted items you might still need to purchase:

   SHELTER:

   -Tent
   -Tarp to Go Under Tent (should be the same size as tent base, not much bigger or you’ll have to fold it under. This keeps the tent bottom dry, and you don’t want rain collecting on the tarp and rolling under!)
   -Air mattress
   -Air mattress pump
   -Sleeping Bags / Pillows
   -Extra Blankets (1 per person in case of chilly weather)
   -Beach Towel (for when you track mud all over your tent)
   -Lantern (battery-operated) to hang in tent
   -Foldable Chairs / Lawn Chairs (to sit around fire)
   -Rope or Line to hang items to dry on – like wet towels

   FOOD:

   -Hand Axe (to chop fire wood)
   -Long-reach lighters
   -Fire-starting kindling twigs (buy them from camping supply stores – they’re wood chips soaked in some fire-starting chemical)
   -Pie Irons (to cook food in over the fire – these are ESSENTIAL!)
   -Campfire Fork (to roast weiners, marshmallows on)
   -Food (should include basics like eggs, bread, peanut butter, deli meats, cheese, butter, hot dogs, s’mores makings, pop, juice, tea, coffee, ketchup, mustard, brownie mix, pizza sauce, pepperoni, potatoes, oatmeal, beef stew, trail snacks, chips, popcorn, etc.)
   -Campfire Cooking Pot
   -LARGE Cooler with ice
   -Egg Holder Storage Case (designed for camping trips)
   -Plastic Utensils, Cups, Paper Plates
   -Garbage Bags
   -Giant Ziploc Bags (to place singed pie irons in when packing to come home)
   -Sharp Knife
   -Rubbermaid Tote to wash dishes in
   -Dish Soap
   -5-6 Dish Towels
   -Campfire Glove (heatproof gloves that allow you to pick up hot logs off the fire, or hot pans)
   -Mugs (for coffee & tea)
   -Kettle to boil water (should be campfire safe)
   -Bottled water – large quantities
   -Picnic Table Cloth (campsite picnic tables are dirrrrrty!)
   -Can Opener
   -Travel Cutting Board
   -Aluminum Foil & Ziploc Bags
   -Non-Stick Cooking Spray

   CLOTHING / HYGIENE / SAFETY:

   -Standard clothes
   -Extra socks, 1 pair extra walking shoes
   -Rain coat, poncho, or garbage bags
   -Bug Spray
   -Sunscreen
   -Usual Hygiene Products (forget shampoo if it’s a short trip – you’re allowed to be dirty when tent camping!)
   -First Aid items (bandaids, benadryl, calamine lotion, antiseptic cream, aspirin, immodium AD, etc.)
   -Hand Soap
   -Towels (in case you get soaked in rain)
   -Hand Sanitizer

   FUN / OTHER:

   -Deck of Cards / Travel Boardgame
   -Camera / Extra Batteries
   -Flashlights / Extra Batteries
   -Fishing Pole / Tackle Box
   -Lots of Cash to buy firewood near campsite – it’s expensive!
   -Wallet, ID, Cell Phone

   Phew! It seems like a lot, but skip here and there and you’ll be wishing you had these items when you’re at the campsite. It’s worth filling up the car with Rubbermaid Bins filled with this stuff. Oh – don’t forget Rubbermaid Bins to put all this stuff in! You’ll need to keep your possession and food waterproof if it rains!

   Have fun!
   References :