When it comes to going on a camping trip which most of us southern boys do, you have to bring your “A” game. You can’t just show up out there in the great outdoors unprepared with a rock and a stick and expect to win. As a Modern MetroNeck you have to have things together when in the woods. Whether you are venturing to the big sky country in Montana or just going down to the river for a long weekend, you need to be prepared. There are a few questions this guide will answer. Where to buy camping gear and a good camping gear list are a couple that comes to mind. Can I find camping gear on sale? What is the best camping gear? What are camping gear must-haves? This is the Modern MetroNeck’s ultimate guide to camping in the south. We will take a look at some options and suggestions from the Modern MetroNeck for the best camping gear for your needs.
When you decide that you are going to camp, there are several questions you must ask yourself first. Are you going to camp in a luxury RV, or go closer to primitive in a tent? There are several other levels in between but you have to decide which one. That lets you know the level of camping gear you will need. Don’t just show up like some redneck without the proper “stuff”. You need the best camping gear for the job. Impress your friends and/or family and show up with what you need and outfitted like a real Modern MetroNeck. Search for where to buy camping gear and camping gear on sale.
The great outdoors can be brutal if you are unprepared. Once you decide at what level you will be camping, then several factors will come into play and are extremely important. You want to be comfortable while you are out there. You have to pack for the many different variables you will encounter and many that you don’t know about until they happen. The biggest will be the weather. Will it be cold or hot? Will there be a chance that it rains or snows? (It usually always rains if my wife goes it never fails). Once you answer these questions about the weather, then you can build your list of “stuff” you will need around that.
Now if you are “glamping” (short for glamorous camping) as they call it in a luxury RV then you can probably stop reading here. (That’s cheating and not camping at all). You might as well be staying in a hotel room at the Ritz Carlton. If you are sleeping in a tent, lean-to, or pop up camper then pay close attention. You are going to need more “stuff”. This is real camping and taking full advantage of being in the great outdoors.
For the sake of being prepared, let’s just say you are camping in a tent. What are the best camping tent brands? How big does my tent need to be? Those are a few questions you should be asking. We can build a list of items that you will need to win this camping game. You want to be as comfortable as possible and enjoy the time you are out there. Now back to the biggest single factor which is the weather. Think about your clothes you will be wearing (and shoes or boots), and if you will need to keep warm or cool. How many days and nights will you be out there? How will you keep warm or cool at night when trying to sleep? I enjoy cold weather camping because you don’t have to worry about bugs and snakes and you can build a fire to help you keep warm. Hot weather camping can be miserable if you can’t find a way to stay cool. Check out these picks from the Modern MetroNeck on Amazon:
Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag for Big and Tall Adults | North Rim Cold-Weather Sleeping Bag, Olive
Coleman Big Game Big and Tall Adult Sleeping Bag
When you cold-weather camp, you will need to bring the right clothes to stay warm and dry. You can’t just turn the thermostat up to stay warm. You will usually always need to build a fire even when it’s hot outside. (It helps to keep the bugs away). In the winter you can keep that fire going and hang out around it to stay warm. You will need a good sleeping bag that will keep you warm at night when sleeping away from the fire and also cushions you from the hard ground. What is the best camping sleeping bag? There are many different sleeping bags out there. They have a temperature rating and some are fort extreme cold. You don’t need an artic bag if you will be camping in 50-degree weather. You can also get an air cushion or foam pad to put under the sleeping bag. (believe me, it is well worth it to your back).
Bring you something you can put under your head for comfort like a pillow. (You can ball up some clothes to lay your head on if needed). If you don’t have a mummy-style sleeping bag (covers your head), you need a toboggan or beanie to keep your head warm. Good socks will help keep your feet from getting cold. Tents also come in a variety of styles and sizes. Decide how many people will be sleeping in your tent and then go up a man or two for extra room. Also, look for one with a rain fly or cover and then USE IT! The worst mistake I make on a trip was deciding to skip putting up the rain fly over my tent. It rained of course and we got flooded. Also, there is water repellant spray to put on your ten to help with the water. (works great). You will need a good camping chair for you and anyone who is with you. What are the best camping chairs? There are some that are really comfortable. Try to find the best camping chairs and hold onto them. (Mine seem to get missing – kids).
When you hot weather camp, of course, you need lighter clothes and not as many. Always bring a raincoat or rain suit. Think about how to stay as cool as possible during the day and especially at night. A battery-operated fan is a lifesaver since you won’t have air conditioning available. You won’t need that heavy sleeping bag or that beanie and socks. Bugs and flying insects will be out so some good bug spray and a mosquito net are a must if you are not sleeping in a tent that zips up. Dry clothes will be important if you plan to be in the water so bring a makeshift clothesline to hang up wet clothes and some sunscreen. (Nothing worse than being hot, wet, and sunburned in a tent). Check out these picks from the Modern MetroNeck on Amazon:
Coleman Gas Camping Stove | Classic Propane Stove, 2 Burner
Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove
Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern
Next, you will need to be able to see what you are doing out there at night in the woods. (It gets dark – really dark). Bring several light sources that you can use. Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns (either battery operated or propane) and extra batteries and fuel. If you need to charge phones, tablets, and electronics, you will need a charging juice box of some kind and the right cords. Think about how you can keep these things charged during the day and especially at night. There is no wall socket in the woods. If your car is nearby then you are golden. A generator is also a nice luxury to have in the wilderness. You can get real creative staying warm or cool with a generator while camping but think about safety with these. Hardware stores are a great spot where to buy camping gear and fill your camping gear list. Check out these picks from the Modern MetroNeck on Amazon:
A-iPower SUA2000iV Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator CARB/EPA, 2000 Watt, RV Ready
Next, you are going to have to eat while you are out there. I don’t know about you but I like to eat good food while I am camping. (maybe even better than when I am at home). You can do this with a little meal planning and bringing the right equipment. Think about what you will eat for each meal while you are out there. You will need a good cooler that holds plenty of ice and keeps your food at the right temperature for days. What is the best camping cooler? The one that works! You will need a way to cook your food such as a camp stove or grill. The best camping stoves are made by some companies that have been in the game for a long time. There are some great models of each out there specifically for camping. Bring grilling tools and your charcoal and propane tanks to have plenty of fuel for these. Bring the right pans, bowls, plates, cups, silverware and a sharp knife needed to prepare and serve your food. You need plenty of water to cook with and also clean your stuff. Bring a big jug or two of water just for this.
Bring soap, paper towels, and regular towels for cleaning and trash bags for collecting all your trash. (Don’t leave any trash behind – That’s just redneck). You will also need a good sturdy surface to cook on and a foldable table works great for this. Think about a big bin or something sealable you can put these items in to keep out the critters. (Ants are the worst which again is why I love cold weather camping). Also bring spices, sugar, butter, olive oil and the detail things that you need to prepare the meals the right way. Eating well is all a part of the experience. Being prepared makes it even better. Check out these picks from the Modern MetroNeck on Amazon:
SylvanSport Over Easy Camp Kitchen System for Easy Cooking, Clean Up, and Camping Meal Prep
Lifetime Folding Tailgate Camp Table with Grill Rack, White
Stanley Adventure Base 4X Camp Cook Set, Stainless Steel, 3.5 L
Timber Ridge Camping Foldable Cook Table Kitchen Station with Carrying Handle and Storage Organizer
Safety and survival are huge in planning when it comes to camping. You need to have certain items with you in case the unthinkable happens. (Let’s face it stuff happens). I would suggest you have a good first aid kit and add items to it. Think about anything you MIGHT NEED and put them in there. Meds for pain, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea (sounds like a commercial). Cuts, stings, bites and anything else that might happen. Better to be prepared here than not when you are in the woods. Flares, weather radio, bear repellent, GPS, signal light, fishing equipment, fire-starter. (Think Survivor or MacGuyver).
You can never be too prepared when it comes to safety and survival while camping. The best camping gear includes items for safety. The ultimate guide to camping in the south is all about safe and fun camping. Also, think about an exit plan if you need to get out quickly or get to a hospital. How far is the closest hospital? How far is the main road? How will you get to the main road quickly and even in the dark? These are things to think about ahead of time. They may save your life or someone else’s. It is like the old boy scout saying, “Always be prepared”. They are not kidding. It helps to have a plan. Check out these picks from the Modern MetroNeck on Amazon:
Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS Receiver
Now I know what you are thinking. This is a lot of stuff to put together for a camping trip. There are some good places where to buy camping gear. You definitely need to look up where to buy camping gear and get prepared. The best camping gear list covers all of your NEEDS. You could spend a fortune if you had to buy it all at one time. I would suggest starting with the basic items you will need first. Then add an item here or there and build your camping gear collection to accommodate everything you will need. There are a lot more things besides what I have listed here. This will get you started for sure. It’s a fun process putting this together but what is even better is being prepared when you get there. The great thing is you can upgrade items as you find them on sale. You can always be looking wherever you go for new camping equipment to add to your collection. Check out these picks from the Modern MetroNeck on Amazon:
As a Modern MetroNeck we need to be prepared for everything that we do. Camping is no different. We need to know where to buy camping gear and our camping gear list. Also where to buy camping gear on sale. I love the great outdoors and I also love being ready for anything that it throws at me. Hopefully, the Modern MetroNeck’s ultimate guide to camping in the south will help you find the best camping gear for your next trip out there. Where to buy camping gear is very important. It’s very satisfying having the things you need when you need them. Work on your camping gear collection and we will see you out there camping Modern MetroNeck style.
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