Camping

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When you hear the word “camping” the first thing that might come to your mind will be
sleeping in tents and campfires. Perhaps, most would probably recall memories of being a Boy
Scout or a Girl Scout, which is camping on school grounds, local parks, or even on a nearby
mountain or beach.
There are two types of camping, frontcountry and backcountry.

 Frontcountry camping- sometimes also called “car camping” is camping on

planned campgrounds where it is close to a vehicle, with certain amenities (such as
bathrooms and stores) and emergency aid. This is just like camping on school
grounds and on local parks. Typically, picnic tables are provided, location of tents is
specified, and fire rings are designated. This may also include travel-trailer camping.
 Backcountry camping- is the opposite, where no amenities are readily available
and motorized vehicles cannot reach the camping site. It will require some physical
exertion such as hiking or canoeing to travel to the location or to move from place to
place.
How did camping begin?
Camping has been around for a long time. Native Americans used tents as shelters as did armies
who were on the move. But it was only around 100 years ago that camping was thought of as a
recreational activity. Thomas Hiram Holding is considered as the father of modern camping
(Ryalls, A. & Petrin, R. L., 2016). He was a British Traveling tailor whose passion for camping was
developed as a child. Together with his parents, they used to cross United States in a wagon train
heading for Oregon Territory. So at a very young age, he learned the ways of camping.
In the 1800s, he took a canoe and camping trip in Scotland. He wrote the first Camper’s
Handbook in 1908. For the very first time, it was in his book that the basics of camping were
described which he learned from his experiences. Years later, with four of his friends, he took the
first bicycle camping trip to Ireland using portable camping equipment which he designed. He then
wrote a book about his bicycle camping experiences which opened interests to fellow enthusiasts.
This led to him founding the Association of Cycle Campers in 1901.
5 Tips for Planning a Camping Trip with Friends

1. Document (and store) everything where you’ll be able to find it again.

2. Decide on date and make reservations.
3. Create a camping meal plan and split up the grocery list.

4. Split up the supply packing list for things that will be shared.
5. Double check the campground rules.

What are essential things to bring in camping?

Clothes
Clothes are the first line of defense so that the body can maintain an appropriate core
temperature. When it is hot, the body must be able to rid itself of excess heat; otherwise, the core
temperature will start to rise and heat exhaustion or heat stroke may happen. When it is cold, one
must conserve the body heat to avoid dropping of the body’s core temperature, thus avoiding
hypothermia.
Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature is below 35 degrees Celsius while
hyperthermia is when the body temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius. The most effective way
to regulate the body temperature is through layering of clothes.

Layering of Clothes
 Layer 1: Base Layer or Skin Layer
This is the clothing next to the skin. Thus, if one is dressing to stay cool, the fabric
should be thin and does not block wind. In general, cotton is best for warm and hot
conditions. The recommended fabrics are synthetics, wool, or silk. Cotton is not a
recommended material in this weather.
 Layer 2: Insulating Layer
The insulating layer, worn over the base layer, helps you retain heat by trapping air
close to your body. Multiple layers are able to trap air as long as there is an outer layer that
blocks out the wind. Without the second layer, the air that the body has warmed up will be
replaced by fresh cold air. Natural fibers like wool and fleece are excellent insulators. In
extreme cold and wet situations, an insulated jacket is usually worn.
 Wind and/ or Rain-Barrier Layer
The outer layer, sometimes called shell, is your protection from wind, rain, or snow.
It is the most important layer during bad weather.
Sleeping Bag and Pad
 Sleeping bag provides warmth and comfort for a good rest at night. The warmth of the
sleeping bag is determined by:
a. Kind of insulating material
 Down (soft feather from goose or duck) is warmer but is not waterproof.
 Polyester/synthetic is virtually waterproof but not so warm. It is heavier and
bulkier.
b. Loft (refers to thickness of bag)
 Thicker loft will provide more warmth.
c. The shape of the bag
 Mummy- shaped bags are better when trekking because they are lighter and
warmer.
 Barrel- shaped bags are roomier at the midsection providing more comfort but they
are heavier.
 Rectangular- shaped bags are the roomiest, thus great for warmer weather,
however they can be bulkier and heavier.
Aside from the sleeping bag, the camping pad is also essential as it serves as a cushion from the
ground and most importantly, as an insulator against the coldness of the ground.
Tents
The tent gives protection from the rain, wind, and bugs. It also adds warmth, comfort, and a
sense of security. Tents come in many shapes, styles, and sizes. Tents should be light and compact
so it will be easier to carry. It is must for a tent to have a waterproof floor. Must protect you from
mosquito, and must be made from breathable material such as ripstop nylon or nylon taffeta.
Tarps are also used as shelters In place of the tent. They are lighter because no poles are
carried. It can be set up in a variety of ways. However, using appropriate knots is important in
setting up tarp shelters.
Cooking and Eating Utensils
A small lightweight backpack stove is more efficient than open fire because temperature can
be controlled. It also lessens the threat of starting fires and most importantly it has less impact on
the environment as it will not leave fire residue. Today, more and more designs are available in the
market to choose from. The most important preparation to do is try it out first at home to know
whether it works how it works.
Cooking pot can double as an eating utensil, if one wants to conserve on space. Bring spoon, fork,
and knife although these can also be combined in a camping swiss knife.

Where do we get our water?

Water is a day-to-day need. People use it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. In the
frontcountry camping, water is usually either brought by the camper or may be provided through
plumbing or pump. However, in backcountry camping, it is important that the campsite has a
nearby water source from rivers, streams, lakes o springs, otherwise you will need to bring your
water. There are varied ways of purifying water and it all depends on the preferences of the
camper.
 Water Treatment Options

Method /Treatment Advantages Disadvantages

Filtering  Good job in filtering  Longer time
 Filters are used up
quickly
Iodine Tablets  Easy to carry  Discolor containers
 Treatment takes only  Taste unpleasant to
30 min. some
 Do not kill giardia
lamblia (internal
parasite)
Bleach Solution  Easy to carry  May taste unpleasant to
 Treatment takes only some
30 min.
Aquamira  Easy to carry  Has to mix two
 Treatment takes only solutions together and
35 min. waits for 5 mins. before
 Slightly changes taste treating water
Boiling  Kills all harmful  Takes time from boiling
organisms to cooling down
 Depending on altitude,
must boil for 5-15 min.

What kind of food should we bring?

In frontcountry camping, almost any food may be brought because one can always bring
chiller or an ice chest to keep food from spoiling. Cooking is typically done with a portable stove or
with use of charcoal or wood if a fire ring is present.
It will be different with backcountry camping as bringing an ice chest is out of the question.
Food should be those that will not spoil and with consideration on the calorie content, food
preparation, and weight of the food item. Pasta and rice are good sources of energy and can easily
be boiled up in high altitude. Cooked food that can last for days without refrigeration is another
option such as adobo. Canned goods can also be brought but it needs to be repacked as tin cans can
weigh more. Ziploc bags are the best way to repack and pack food.

What other essential items should be brought to camping?

There are other general equipment, safety equipment, and first aid kit that need to be brought along
in camping.
  Gauze pads
 Adhesive tapes
General Equipment Safety Equipment
 Tweezers to remove
 Lantern  Flashlight with splinters
 Toilet paper extra batteries  Salt tablets
 Biodegradable soap  Waterproof  Paracetamol/
 Insect repellent matches aspirin
 Small thermos  Pocket knife  Antihistamine
bottle  Topographic maps  Medicine for
 Duct tape  Compass diarrhea
 Safety pins  Sun protection  Razor blade
 Shovel (if  Rope  Moleskin
backcountry  Water treatment  Tube of antibiotic
camping) ointment
First Aid Contents  Anti-sting relief
 Adhesive bandages ointment/ cream

What camping skills does one need to have?

 Washing Dishes
Use soaps that will not harm the environment.
To clean dishes in the backcountry:
1. All food on plate must be eaten. Scrape the remaining food in a plastic bag and carry it back.
2. Move 200 feet away from cook site, campsite, and water source. Dig a hole of about 8 inches
deep as a wash site.
3. Use biodegradable soap for greasy plates only and when rinsing. Strain washcloth to make
sure no food particle drops to the soil.
4. Air dry dishes
 Campfires
Campfires should be built only in fire rings. In building campfires, three elements must be
present: fuel (wood), heat source (matches or lighter), and air (Bunting, 2006). Tinder is
the fire starter. This includes small twigs, dry leaves, or forest duff.

Sanitation of Campsite
 One of which, not to leave anything behind. So whether it is in a camping resort or up in the
mountain, the same rule applies.
 Camping in the backcountry provides no toilet facility. As a camping rule, a cat hole must be
dug to serve as toilet.
The health-related benefits of camping
 Camping entails a lot of physical activity that makes you move such as pitching tents,
carrying backpacks, hiking, and a lot more which can be an exercise by itself and thus contribute to
physical fitness.

Mountain Guide – is a professional mountaineer who coordinates the activity of a group of

individuals and assures their safety. A mountain guide is familiar with the terrain and the weather
conditions of the vicinity. A mountain guide needs to emphasize muscle endurance over muscle
strength.
To stay safe while camping
 Check all equipment. Check weather conditions. Check and study locations and map.
 Awareness of surroundings.
 Map out emergency plans.
 Protect self from sun, coldness, dehydration, and insects.
 Include fire safety practices in orientations.
 Never walk alone, never approach wild animals, and never feed the animals in the
mountains.
 Go back and review and follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

References :
Book
Aparato, Conrado R. , Brebante , Zyra Ruth Talaroc, Callo, Lualhati Fernando and Dajime, Peter
Fermin. RBS Physical Education and Health (Volume II). Published, copyrighted 2017, and
distributed by Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI) with main office at 856 Nicanor Reyes Sr., Sampaloc,
Manila / Tel. Nos.: 735-1364, 736-0567
https://roamingtheamericas.com/plan-camping-trip-friends/