Camping Notes

What is Camping?

  • An outdoor activity involving staying overnight or more in a protective shelter in nature.
  • The term "camp" comes from the Latin word "campus," meaning field; historically, a camp was essentially a field where tents were pitched.

Types of Camping

1. Frontcountry Camping

  • Also known as car camping.
  • Involves planned campgrounds with access to a vehicle.
  • Amenities include bathrooms and stores (e.g., school grounds, local parks).

2. Backcountry Camping

  • No readily available amenities; motorized vehicles cannot reach the site.
  • Requires physical exertion to access (e.g., hiking, canoeing).

History of Camping

  • Thomas Hiram Holding is considered the father of modern camping.
  • He was a British traveling tailor whose interest in camping developed in childhood.
  • In the 1880s, he embarked on a canoe and camping trip in Scotland and published the first camper's handbook in 1880.

How to Prepare for Camping

  1. Identify Participants:
  • Gather names, contact information, and health details (for emergencies).
  1. Plan Itinerary:
  • Choose the date and location; the choice of location is crucial for further planning.

Essential Items for Camping

Clothing Layers

  1. Layer 1: Base Layer (Skin Layer)
  • Cotton clothing is best for warmth in hot conditions.
  1. Layer 2: Insulating Layer
  • Worn over the base layer to retain body heat by trapping air.
  1. Layer 3: Wind/Rain-Barrier Layer
  • Outermost layer to protect from wind, rain, and snow; especially important during bad weather.

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping Bag: Provides warmth and comfort for sleep at night.
  • Types:
    • Mummy-shaped: Lighter and warmer, ideal for trekking.
    • Barrel-shaped: Roomier for comfort but heavier.
    • Rectangular-shaped: Roomiest option for warm weather but bulkier.

Tents

  • Provide essential protection from rain, wind, and bugs.

Food Supplies

  1. Cooked Goods: Items that can last without refrigeration (e.g., adobo).
  2. Canned Goods: Should be repacked to reduce weight (tin cans can be heavy).
  3. Ziploc Bags: Best method for repacking and packing food items.
  • Note: Foods must be stored securely to avoid attracting animals, which could lead to dangerous encounters.

Campsite Sanitation

  • Dig a cat hole for waste, 6-8 inches deep and 6 inches wide, at least 200 feet from water sources or trails.
  • Cover the hole properly after use to minimize environmental impact.

Health Benefits of Camping

  • Camping helps regulate your circadian rhythm.
  • Physical conditioning enhances climbing skills and reduces injury risk.
  • Suggested FITT program for mountain guides includes aerobic & resistance training at 65%-85% of max heart rate, three times a week.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

  • Check: Equipment, weather conditions, locations/maps.
  • Awareness: Be aware of surroundings, map out emergency plans.
  • Protection: Shield from sun, cold, dehydration, insects.
  • Fire Safety: Include fire safety in training; use existing fire rings if available.
  • Wild Animal Precautions: Never walk alone, approach, or feed wild animals.

Leave No Trace Principles

  • Follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on the environment.