Camping trip

Hi all,
Planning a nice long camping trip for a week. What is some good gear to take and supplies. It’s been some time ago since I went so I am unsure of good quality provisions these days.

Are you hiking or canoeing in?

If so keep it light. If not bring whatever you want.

To me, my biggest factor in camping anymore ( I am 60) is being able to sleep. I still have my Thermarest mattress and that does a great job keeping me off the ground. The bad part is it is bulky to pack in. My son just bought a better pad that is still firm enough, but folds down smaller than mine. New improvements all the time. On my canoe trip for last year I bought two items I did not think I would ever buy, but now that I have them, I won’t go without. I spent $80 on an ultralight folding chair. Worth every penny. Also purchased a hanging water filter that can just hang around at camp and filter the water. Over my 30+ canoe trips I have gone from just drinking out of the lake (still do some) to filtering my water. Pump filters were just too much of a pain, so I would skip it. With the new hanging filter, we always had plenty to drink and use for cooking. I guess maybe I am lazier as an old guy, but I sure like these new products.

Jet boil cooker ,folding saw ,straps that keep your glasses on your neck.

Didn’t think of the glasses straps but will be hiking so lite it will be for sure. What’s some good compact hygiene products I can get as in deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss shampoo and soap.

Dead Down wind makes a product,rinse free body, hair wash,no water needed,works well in a pinch, used it elk hunting. DK.

Hiking. Well, that changes everything. Go to Midwest Mountaineering or REI. They’ll have people there who can advise you.

Hiking changes everything. I camp out of my pickup so I take the kitchen sink.

Mark kaiser wrote:

Didn’t think of the glasses straps but will be hiking so lite it will be for sure. What’s some good compact hygiene products I can get as in deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss shampoo and soap.

Try Target or equivalent. Haven’t looked in a while but I’ve found travel/sample sized toiletries there in the past.

MOUTHWASH on a camping trip??? Most of the time I just rinse off or go jump in the lake. I don’t take any deodorant either as it attracts bugs

tegg wrote:

Try Target or equivalent. Haven’t looked in a while but I’ve found travel/sample sized toiletries there in the past

x2, Perfect for what toiletries you want in your load for size/weight considerations.

Where or when are you going? Some extra details would help us or the recommendation for Midwest Mountaineering or REI is also solid advice.

I should be going sometime in May but no date set yet. Need to finish up the semester in college first. 49 and back in school lol, but has been worth it. I will be going into the mountains of Pennsylvania where there is minimal access to life except nature. Should buy rations too. Would be nice to find an all in one toothbrush that’s small and contained.

My mom use to tell me to go jump in a lake. I thought she was nuts but since you say that’s how you do it I guess she had some Merritt to it.

Mark kaiser wrote:

Would be nice to find an all in one toothbrush that’s small and contained.

If you are counting weight down to the grams just cut it down to size and store it in a Ziploc.

If you’re solo they make great 1 person tents that are incredibly light.

Everyone is different and my bias heads to light is right or less is more. My backpacking fun is perfectly proportional to how much weight I have. Weigh your items, it will surprise you.

Don’t skimp on rain gear. Wet and cold doesn’t care how heavy or light you have things.

Rick Janssen wrote:

To me, my biggest factor in camping anymore ( I am 60) is being able to sleep….I guess maybe I am lazier as an old guy, but I sure like these new products.

As a younger guy, this is still true!

The other thing that is kinda overlooked but really helpful is wipes! Keep your hands clean and save the water!