Have A Stress-Free Camping

With all the hustle and bustle of school and work, a camping trip is a fantastic way for families to bond. The fond memories of spending time at the campfire, exchanging stories, sharing laughter and joyfully singing.

The concern of having to budget the trip comes up while planning the trip. The number of people to go, choice between a camper or a tent, the size and type of tent to be used, to buy or not to buy and the list goes on!

Choosing the right camping gear is called for to avoid ruining the whole trip.

An average sized adult will be comfortable with a 30 square feet area. This would mean that the ideal size for two persons is a ten by ten foot tent. Setting up a tent larger than that would pose a problem to the campers because it is heavier load and finding a level spot would be quite a task. Non-rusting zippers, nylon-tape-reinforced seams are a must to find in a tent. Usually, a three-season tent suffices for campers use since not all campers deal with snow.

After picking out the tent, next comes the sleeping bag. Of course, comfort and space is taken into consideration when deciding on which to buy. There are the rectangular and the mummy shaped. Rectangular shaped ones are spacious and is most comfortable. For those that camp at a lower temperature area, the mummy shaped sleeping bag is used for more insulation. It is important for zippers not to pinch or catch on the fabric. Buying an adult sized sleeping bag for children is recommended for those that camp out regularly.

A night out won’t be too good without a hearty meal. The best stove to have is a standard-sized, two-burner stove. Manufacturers offer stoves that can accommodate pot sizes. Though there are stoves that are fueled by kerosene, unleaded gasoline, or butane, it is wise to choose from either “white gas” or propane. The white gas or commonly known as the Coleman fuel gives off intense heat, making cooking time shorter and food is free of gas odor. Spilling is of no problem with this type of fuel since it evaporates quickly and is completely odorless.

Propane-fueled stove is widely used mainly because of its user-friendly feature and availability. Stove extras such as the stand, wind screen and stove starters are important. Wind screen will be greatly appreciated during windy and stormy days. Stove starters prevents burning the hands and stops the hassle of using matches.

Camping frustration because of substandard hiking gear is what everybody wants to avoid that is why spending a bit more to obtain quality goods is suggested.

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Tips On Buying Camping Stove

Camping is a lot of fun. The person may have done this during scouting as a kid or when dad used to do to this during weekends. Campers can cook meals traditionally over a bonfire or making the process faster by buying a camping stove.

The camping stove isn't expensive. The person should know what kind to buy so that this can be used in more than one trip for everyone to enjoy.

1. The camping stove can't be bought just anywhere. The person should get this from a reputable dealer that have staff who are helpful and are willing to accept returns if this fail to the user's expectations.

2. The best camping stove is the kind that has 2 burners. This will allow the person to cook something while heating some leftovers that was made a few hours ago.

3. The person should ask a salesperson how to assemble and operate the cooking stove. This should be easy to clean and use making it very convenient for the camper.

4. Camping stoves are fuelled differently. The best kind to get is the one that uses white gas since this is very cheap and environment friendly. The person should choose refillable canisters so that this can be used again and not discarded which only adds to garbage.

5. The person should also find out if this will work in high altitude conditions. This definition means that it can be used in places above 10,000 feet. If this can't be used, then another model should be selected.

6. Camping is considered to be a favorite past time for those who love the outdoors. The person can enjoy using this by getting the one that comes with a warranty on parts and services.

7. Aside from buying the stove, the person should also check if this can be used on the pots and pans. Should these be smaller or bigger, the individual should also buy this for the trip.

8. Proper care must be given when carrying these items. These should be placed on cushions or sacks so that these don't fall or dent when going on the trip.

The camping stove is one of the most important things needed on any camping trip. The person should find a good one that will surely keep the food and drinks warm in the cold environment up there on the mountains.
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Tents and Sleeping Bags

I've used a Tarn 2 - made by Mountain Equipment Co-Op - for quite a few years now, and I can honestly say that I am very pleased with the tent. It has kept me warm and dry in some very inclement weather and has never leaked. It has a nice large vestibule, great for a touring cyclist's baggage, and is a free standing unit; the vestibule does need to be pegged out. The tent weighs a little over 5 lbs, which is a tolerable weight for a single person tent. The Tarn 2 is advertised as a two-person, three-season tent; three season, yes, but it would certainly be cozy with two bodies in that small space! There are tents that weigh less, and after seeing them I decided that I didn't want to spend my night in a tube! Some are no more than glorified bivvy bags, but each to their own. My preference is a little more comfort, with space to sit up, and also some room to get dressed in with the least of difficulty.
In 2005 I upgraded my tent to a Sierra Designs Lightning. Not that I was displeased with the Tarn 2, but the new tent would be easier to set up in the event of rain - something that seems inevitable no matter where I seem to tour! The Lightning's fly can be easily be set up first with a footprint, and then the inner tent can be installed from the inside. Also the Lightning is about 1 lb lighter and, surprisingly for less weight, there is much more room inside - the tent will sleep two people comfortably or in other words, me and all my panniers/load with no problem. The only down side that I have found with the tent is that the fly really needs to be secured to the carbon fibre poles with the velcro straps at the corners. Normally it's ok to neglect that step, but in high winds the tent will try to fold down without having the very bendy carbon fibre poles secured to the fly, which should always be guyed out as well.
The only other complaint would be that the zipper on the fly is only one way - opens from bottom to top. I found this counter-intuitive, as often, with a two way zipper, it is nice to have the fly unzipped at the top for a short distance to provide better ventilation. After using the tent a couple of times, I actually took my tent fly to a tentmaker and had them sew in a two-way zipper - that cost an extra $40.00, but a worthwhile modification to prevent excessive condensation. Otherwise it can be a very comfortable free standing tent in non-windy conditions.
After using a full length ultra light Thermarest sleeping pad for a while, I decided that, for my bones, it was a little on the thin side. To remedy this situation, I've opted for the comfort factor with a full length Thermarest LE (Luxury Edition) and it certainly is a lot more comfort for not too much weight gain, although it is a bit bulkier. With the thicker Thermarest pads it's wise not to try and inflate them too much, as you may end up rolling off to the side. I usually just let the mattress self inflate without adding any extra air.
Recently I tested Thermarest's Prolite 4 sleeping pad, and I was very impressed at the comfort and compactness of the much lighter new materials used. The Prolites are made in a few different length and thickness configurations. All are narrowed in the leg area to save weight and roll up much smaller than the previous versions of full size pads. Once inflated, the Prolite is almost as thick as my LE and certainly as comfortable. One caveat is that the material of the Prolites is thinner than the previous era of Thermarests; not a problem for tent campers, but one would have to be careful using these lighter pads on bare ground, where small rocks etc. could easily penetrate the fabric. Nevertheless, the Prolite 4 has replaced the LE in my inventory of touring equipment.
Also, after using a minimal (too minimal!) sleeping bag - a 0ºC light-loft bag with 3M's Thinsulate fill - I've changed tack now and am using a North Face Cat's Meow, a -7ºC (+20°F) bag with Polarguard 3D fill. I found that the light-loft bag just didn't keep me as warm a I'd like in all situations, but the bag was very compact and compressed into a very small sack. I mulled over purchasing a down filled bag, but opted in the end for the synthetic fill. Polarguard 3D is possibly the next best thing to down and almost as compressible. It is much more forgiving when compressed in a compression sack, unlike down whose lofting ability can be compromised with repeated excess compression. On the other hand, down is much easier to compress and compresses smaller, hence would not require aggressive compression to be equal in packed size to a synthetic bag. Synthetic fills have inherent "warm when wet" properties, unlike down, which loses it's warmth when damp. Uncoated sleeping bags very often can get damp from the sleeper's body and breath vapour; also when bike camping in damper climates it may not be possible to dry the bag as thoroughly as required on a daily basis. Nevertheless, the choice is there and one must decide which fill is most suitable/affordable for one's needs/budget. I also opted for a warmer bag as I can unzip the bag or lay on top of it if the weather is warm, but I still have the advantage of a warm bag if I'm camping in cooler climate at higher elevations.
Another update... I splashed out on a Big Agnes sleep system. Which basically comprises of an air mattress which fits into a sleeve of one of their proprietary bags. I'm a person who likes to turn over inside a bag and not with the bag, so this mattress always on the bottom idea is great for me. I purchased their Zirkel down bag with an insulated mummy pad and can honestly say that I find this method the most comfortable over all my previous nights tent camping sleeping arrangements. I had a little problem with the pad on my Scotland tour - the valve has a very sharp corner where it is bonded inside the seam of the pad. Probably the way that it was packed tight in my luggage when flying over there, was when a tiny pin hole developed. Anyway, I noticed that I was losing a little air overnight the first couple of nights camping, and then found a tiny leak after soaking the pad in water - actually a hostel bathtub - very handy! Needless to say, I am always very careful how fold the pad for packing - I make sure that the valve is not bent over tightly over its sharp edges. I've heard that BA have changed the design of the valve and the material - lifetime warranty too! Otherwise as I've implied, a truly great system.

http://www.adamk.ca/bike_camping.html

Camping Safety

Depending on your choice of a touring destination, you have a possibility of encountering any manner of hazards. Probably, here in North America, one of the foremost concerns, when camping, can be from a chance encounter with wild animals. There are many animals in the wild and many of them are relatively harmless; they may eat through your pannier to steal your food, but otherwise are non-threatening. Cougars, wolves and bears are another story...
Bears are one of the most common visitors to campsites and it is very prudent to follow basic clean camp rules and not present oneself as a food morsel! There are many good books written on bear-safe issues and I can highly recommend "Backcountry Bear Basics, by David Smith" - for an easy reading and informative guide. I will not try to repeat everything that I have learned, but would still advise anyone camping in bear country to follow some very basic guidelines...

If camping in the bush, check around your intended campsite for bear scat or a food cache that an animal may return to.

Don't cook in your tent, the material of the tent will absorb cooking odours and attract wildlife.

Don't store food in your tent, bears have an amazing sense of smell and are very curious.

Don't store toothpaste, deodorant or other fragrant items in your tent, bears don't know the difference, until they've tasted it. You don't want them that close!

Load all your food and other fragrant items in a stuff sack or pannier, and hang them at least 10ft high off a tree branch and 6ft to 8ft away from the trunk if possible. Hang the items as far away from your tent as practicable. If the campground has bear-proof containers, use them.

If the bear threat is high, consider cooking and eating items of low odour, e.g. beans or lentils instead of tuna or meat. Or perhaps plan for a cold meal, thereby not producing any cooking aromas at all.

Carry your food, on the bike, in a separate sealed bag or pannier, that way clothing etc. will not retain any food odours.

Don't dispose of your cooking waste and dishwater close to camp, even if you are leaving; think of the next person that may want to set-up camp there. Take it a good distance away and bury it.

The above are just a few tips, but the best advise is to use common sense!

With regards to Cougars, beware when travelling at dusk in cougar country, as that is when they are the most active. They will attack from behind and sometimes from above overhanging tree branches. Cougar attacks on full-grown humans are very rare, but have occurred here in British Columbia, Canada (amongst other locations); on two occasions the attacks were on cyclists at dusk! Fighting off a cougar would be no mean feat if you were on your own, and I can only imagine that it could be a very harrowing, if not fatal experience.

A wolf attack on a human would be even more uncommon, however I have read a report of a pair of wolves stalking a cyclist alongside a road in Northern Ontario, Canada. And, by all accounts, that is unusual behaviour for wolves, but certainly shows that one should strive to be prepared for the unexpected!

Other items of basic camp safety and common sense...

Be careful with stove fuel, don't try to refuel a stove when it's hot.

If you have a campfire make sure that it's extinguished properly, when you leave, don't start a forest fire!

Don't cut down living trees or saplings, use dead-falls and branches from the ground for a campfire.

Don't build a bigger campfire than you really need, remember it's a campfire, not a bonfire!

Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it; study up on some basic first-aid before a trip. You won't have time to read the manual when you really need to use contents of the kit.

Use garbage containers at campsites and recycle what you can if a procedure is available. If you bush-camp, use "no-trace" procedures; pack out everything that you pack in. If you find that you have something you don't want, don't leave it for someone else, they probably don't want it either!

http://www.adamk.ca/bike_camping.html

Camping Tents

Since the beginning of time people have enjoyed sleeping outdoors under the stars. Whether you are on an expedition that will have you sleeping outside in rough terrain and weather, or whether you are camping in the back yard with your kids, you'll need an appropriate camping tent.
Camping tents are available in a range of sizes, and are rated for a variety of weather and camping experiences, from tents that are perfect for family camping, to more sophisticated tents geared to extreme camping.

A camping tent should at least offer a reasonably roomy and secure place to sleep in the great outdoors. It must be portable, easy to assemble, well ventilated, water resistant, and wind resistant. Compact, lightweight tents are popular for adventure travel use while larger, double wall tents are more suited to recreational travel with the family car.

A well-designed tent should prevent moisture from getting inside; it should also breathe to prevent condensation from building up inside. A double wall tent keeps moisture outside by using a rainfly, and has breathable tent walls. A single wall tent does both of these things with a single laminate tent wall that is both waterproof and breathable.

Basic types of camping tents include summer tents, 3 season tents, and 4 season tents as well as mountaineering tents and specialized single-wall tents. Summer tents are designed for warm weather use, while three season tents are designed for use in cooler weather. Four season tents, or convertible tents, can be used in cold weather, while mountaineering tents are designed for harsh, windy conditions. Ultralight single-wall tents are favored by backpackers, but they do not shed moisture as well as most double-wall tents.

Recommended The North Face Product

Nuptse Jacket Our most versatile down jacket. Wear alone for use in cold, dry conditions or under a weatherproof shell for complete snow and rain protection. -700+ fill power goose down -Shoulders reinforced with extra taffeta layer -High insulated collar for added protection from the elements


Workhorse Pant Rugged, high quality cotton canvas garment washed for superior softness. Built to handle hard work. Comfortable, easy care pre-shrunk fabric is perfect for travel or life's adventures Roll-up lower leg tabs with button closure for added versatility Generous fit for increased freedom of movement and comfort

Talkeena Jacket A fully featured, waterproof and breathable shell offers thigh-length weather protection. Ideal for mountaineering and skiing. Hyvent Micro Failleweave 2-Layer Fabric is waterproof, windproof and breathable Two mesh-backed core vent openings for ventilation and double as pockets Hot-taped seams for maximum waterproofness

Triple Divide Mid Designed for day trekking and lightweight trail activities with loads ranging from waist pack to 25 pounds. - Prime WeatherTuff waterproof nubuck leather upper seals out the elements - Dri-lex wicking linings throughout help keep feet dry and enhance comfort - Lugged rubber outsole designed for fast-paced outdoor activities and on-trail traction

Triple Divide Low Designed for day trekking and lightweight trail activities, this boot is ideal for loads ranging from waist pack to 25 pounds. -Prime WeatherTuff? waterproof Nubuck leather upper seals out the elements -Dri-lex? wicking linings throughout help keep feet dry and enhance comfort -Lugged rubber outsole designed for fast-paced outdoor activities and on-trail traction

How to protect yourself from a snail, leech, and slug

Use a strong chewing tobacco or tobacco in a cigarette and sprinkle with water until the tobacco get a little wet and put it in your shoes. Be careful not to put it in too tight and you should also put a little more of wet tobacco in your sock to cover the skin area. Another way that you can do is, you can crush the tobacco with water and apply that water to your skin. But, I suggest that you should do the first way is better because the smell is stronger than apply only the water that crush from the tobacco.

Put on a thick and long sock over your pant to protect your leg. This is the most easiness way to protect yourself from a snail, leech, and slug so, it can't get to your skin. By the time these little animals got on your legs, you can use a knife to kill or snap it away before it sucks your blood or bite you.

Insect killing spray, spray it on your feet or your shoes before trek in the wood. This is another easy way to protect yourself from a snail, a leech and slug and other insects in the wood.

Carbolic Soap that use with the dog which has a strong smell. Choose the liquid soap and apply it to your skin before trek in the wood. ( note that this soap has strong smell and it might disturb you when you breathe.)

SELF-PROTECTION AGAINST MALARIA

Malaria mosquitoes are found in hilly and forested areas of Thailand .If you are visiting such areas and plan to stay overnight or after sunset ,the following instructions for self-protection are strongly recommended :

1.Protection against mosquito bites is the main tactic
Always sleep under a bed net : Malaria mosquitoes bite at night ,even when they do not seem to be present . Thai word for bed net is "moong" You can increase the protectIve effect by using bed nets that had been treated by insect repellent (inpregnated bed nets)
Use Insect repellents when not under bed net : Apply repellent on exposed parts of the body at regular intervals ( every 3-4 hours ) after sunset. Repellents are available at any local drug store. Ask for " Yah Tah Gahn Yoong"

2. Blood examination after returning from malarious areas
Any fever following a trip to forested areas should be considered possible malaria. Free blood examination and prompt treatment are available at the following facilities.

Malaria OffIce

Provincial or District Hospital

Hospital for Tropical Diseases ,420/6 Rajavithi Road,Bangkok
3.MalarIa chemoprophylaxis is not recommended
No drugs can protect you against malaria infection. More over, side effects of these drugs may cause unnecessary discomfort.

Phu Rua National Park

Located in the Loei province of north-east Thailand, Phu Rua national park is bordering with Laos in the north. The sandstone and granite mountains are the source of numerous streams. At elevations of 600 to 1000 meters tropical broadleaved evergreen forests are found and above these is submontane broadleaved evergreen.


The hottest time is between March to May and the lowest temperature in the month of December in high land could be near freezing. The area receives rain from May till end of September.


Once alive with barking deer, wild pig, pheasant and other animals, Phu Rua's wildlife has declined in the recent past. More than 20 species of birds probably still exist in the park.


Climbing the 1365 meters Phu Rua is a popular highlight. The starting point is located 5 km from the park's headquarters. The ascent is relatively easy and it takes 2 to 2.5 hours. On the submit there are meadows, stands of pine and gardens of rock. A portion of Phu Rua, or boat mountain, is shaped like a large vessel. A statue of Lord Buddha at the submit is a popular pilgrimage site for locals. The views from the submit are splendid: the Mekong river which marks the border between Thailand and Laos, the mountain ranges of Laos and surrounding beauty of the park. Sunrises are very spectacular. There are a couple of fine viewpoints within a few kilometers of the headquarters.


Accommodation

There are lodging provided at the park and prior reservation is needed by contacting the National Park Division, royal Forestry Department. Tel. 5790529, 5794842
Bungalows are available near the headquarters. Tents are also available for rent.


Transportation

Out of Amphoe Muang on National highway no. 203 connected Loei with Phetchabun, at the 48 the kilometer mark is the Amphoe Phu Rua Administrative Office. Nearby you will see a sign of the Phu Rua National Park on the roadside which is in the area of Ban Nong Bua. The road to the park is 4 kilometers long. From there, it is 5 kilometers to the mountaintop and only vans and high powered motor cars can climb up.

http://www.welcome2thai.com/activities/camping/park/nw-phurua.en.html

Phu Kradueng National Park

Located in the north eastern province of Loei , the park is one of Thailand's most romantic spots. The 1360 meters high mountain might have received its name Phu Kradueng from its bell like shape ( Kradueng means bell in Thai ).
The park is largely covered with seasonal tropical rain forest and ever green forests. The 60 square kilometers plateau is a savanna of pines, oak, beech, etc.
There are some mammals including elephant and barking deer, and many bird species in the park.
The region receives heaviest rain in October and there is almost no rain during December to February. The park is closed from June to August because of intense pressure on the environment by the visitors. Most popular months are October to January when the park can be crowded on weekends.
Tents and porters can be arranged at the park offices located at the foot of the mountain and at the top.
It is a 9 km distance from the base of the mountain to the park head quarters at the top. The final 4 km is a walk on the plateau to reach to the park head quarters and the camping ground.
Villagers have set up food and drink stalls along the climb. The trek takes 3 to 6 hrs .On the plateau visitors have 50 km of marked trails to cliffs, waterfalls and meadows. Expedition into the deep forest where large animals exist should be accompanied by a guide provided by the park office.
Phu Kradueng National Park located on high plateau.Lush and fertile, it is the home of many types of wildlife. The Park is ideally suitable forcold climate plants and trees. Bungalows and tents are providedby the National Park Section, Forestry Department, and prior reservationshould be made to ensure the overnight stay.
Phu Kradueng one of Thailand's three most popular tourist attractions seems like a familiar place, from word of mounth that has been conveyed on and on, from pioneer travellers to visitors of today. There are numerous accounts of the beauty of Phu Kradueng. People talk about the areas of mist that float over the long ridge, looking like a long white sand against the bright blue sky, or about the cool season when the whole mountain is embraced by the refreshing cold wind that sweeps over the pine trees to the meadows that encompass an area of thousands of rai. These phenomena happen on Phu Kradueng, only to remain in the memorable experience of a life time

Transportation

Phu Kradueng National Park Located on high plateau, about 70 kilometers from Loei on the Khon Kaen- Loei Highway. Lush and fertile, it is the home of many types of wildlife. With an elevation of 1,325 meters, the Park is ideally suitable for cold climate plants and trees.
Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station for Khon Kaen. from there a Khon Kaen - Loei bus to the market in front of the Amphoe Phu Kradueng Administrative Office. Next, a mini-bus to the office of the Phu Kradueng National Park 5 kilometers away. this is the starting point of the trekking journey to the park of the mountain. From there, a 5-kilometer long footpath leads to 'Lang Pae'. Then, after 4-kilometers walk along a pasturage you will arrive at the bungalows on Phu Kradueng. At your convenience, the office provides you with porters to carry your luggages to the mountaintop.
Bus from the northern bus terminal in Bangkok (Khamphaengphet2 Rd.) also depart for Amphoe Phu Kradueng Bus Terminal in Tambon Pha Nok Khao. From there take a bus to the office of the Phu Kradueng National Park and trekking from there on the top

http://www.welcome2thai.com/

Tung Non Son

I met Ying at the petrol station near the victory monument at 10pm as arranged. There were two mini vans full of people going on the camping trip. I only knew Ying, and Orn i had only spoken to on ICQ! I was introduced to everyone by Ying, who had organised the trip for 'Welcome 2thai.com' through 'romeocamping.com'.
The way she spoke to everyone I thought that they had all been friends for years. But then i heard Ying asking what someones name was, who she had introduced me to earlier. I said, Ying, didn't you know all these people before? No, she said, most she had met for the first time tonight! That is one of the most endearing things about the Thai people. Their willingness to be your friend as soon as you meet them, and their openess and friendlyness to everyone!
The trip to Non Son ( sleeping mountain) was an overnight drive from Bangkok and we arrived there there early the next morning. We showered and brushed teeth and were ready for the onward journey. There was only a small hangup as they had to do some bartering with the carriers. They thought the load was unusually heavy. But after a short while it was sorted, and we were getting in the trucks that were to take us to the setting off point for the walk.
We were walking through dense forest, up and down hills. There was a park ranger leading the way, his name was "ooee" ( nickname). He would cut his way through with a machette on occasion when the undergrowth was too thick. Thankfully almost all the way we were walking under the cover of the forest canopy, shaded from the sun. It was still however very hot, and we had to be carefull with our water supply, as we wouldn't get any more until we reached the summit.


There was not alot of talking going on as we used most of our energy in walking. Except that is for the sound of ying laughing, she liked to walk and joke so was constantly joking with Orn.
Eventually we reached a place to have lunch, it was a viewpoint on the top of a hill, allowing us to look out over the park. A splendid view of a green canvas of trees, rising and falling dissapearing into the horizon.
How much further ? we asked, About another 10 kilometers was the answer. Huh! we have been going for hours already! yep, it is over 20 kilometers to the top of non son said Ooee.
Wow, i didn't realise it was such a long way. I looked around and everyone looked a little downhearted at that. The carriers were watching me closely, perhaps because I am the only non Thai person here? But they broke out into smiles along with the laughter of Ooee when they saw the dissapointment on peoples faces.
We set off again after nearly an hour had passed. Down the hill, only to climb up the next one. It seemed most of the walk was uphill to me!
Ying eventually asks Ooee, "how much farther?", "only another 1 kilometer" Ooe says. We must have walked for another hour when ying asks again "how much farther now?" "we must be nearly there?". "Just another 800 meters" he says. Ying looks elated at the prospect of nearly getting there, and put a spring in step. it wan't to last too long though, about another half hour later ying asks Ooee "we must have walked 800 meters by now, how much further?". "Yeah, just another 400 to go". Ying is beggining to work out his tactics, he keeps telling her we are nearly there so that she doesn't get downhearted.
Eventually we reach an opening and everyone cries out "Chaiyo". Ying tells me that this is a Chaiyo field and we have to shout it out when we get there. So we pose for a picture shouting "Chaiyo". Not long after that we reached the top of Non Son. There was a wide clearing with some big flat rocks. The carriers were already there helping to set up camp at the edge of some woods.

http://www.welcome2thai.com/

Camping

Social camping

Many campers enjoy socialising with a small group of fellow campers. Such groups will arrange events throughout the year, to allow members with similar interests, or from similar geographical areas, to get together. This allows families to form small close knit societies, and children form lasting friendships. Some who participate in this sort of camping, feels that it brings a closer form of bonding, as members become more mutually dependant, than they would otherwise be in modern society. There are 2 large organisations in the UK who facilitate this sort of camping: the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. It is also possible to find online special interest groups, who cater for those with a love of a particular pastime or sport.

In more recent years, those who camp alone have been able to share their experiences more easily with a large group of fellow campers, through the use of blogs & online social networking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping

Camping equipment

Common tent camping equipment includes:

A tent, lean-to or other shelter device

A sleeping bag for warmth

A sleeping pad or air mattress is often placed underneath the sleeping bag for cushioning from stones and twigs as well as for insulation from the ground

A portable stove to prepare hot meals and/or drinks where campfires are forbidden or impractical

A lantern or flashlight

A hatchet, axe or saw for cutting firewood (where allowed; see campfire) or constructing camp gadgets

Various types and sizes of ropes and tarps for stringing clotheslines, sheltering dining areas, and other purposes.

A chuck box to hold the many varied camp kitchen items for food preparation, consumption and cleanup.
Some campers may prepare food by cooking on a campfire, sometimes using such equipment as a Dutch oven.

Much of the remaining needed camping equipment is commonly available in the home, like dishes, pots and pans. Lists of what to take are available in many camping books and websites. Many people opt not to use their home items but equipment better tailored to camping, such as heavy plastic tableware and salt and pepper shakers with tops that close to keep out rain. Backpackers use special lightweight and highly portable equipment.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping

Specialized camping

Survivalist campers learn the skills needed to survive out-of-doors in any situation. This activity may require skills in obtaining food from the wild, emergency medical treatments, orienteering, and pioneering.

"Winter Camping" refers to the experience of camping outside when there is sufficient snow on the ground. Some campers enjoy the challenge this form of recreation brings. Campers and outdoorspeople have adapted their forms of camping and survival to suit extremely cold nights and limited mobility or evacuation. Methods of survival when winter camping include building snow shelters (quinzhees), dressing in "layers," staying dry, using low-temperature sleeping bags, and fueling the body with appropriate food.

Workamping allows campers to trade their labor for a free campsite, and sometimes for utilities and additional pay
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping

Mobile camping

Backpacking is a mobile variety of tent camping. Backpackers use lightweight equipment that can be carried long distances on foot. They hike across the land, camping at remote spots, often selecting campsites at will if resource protection rules allow. Backpacking equipment typically costs more than that for car camping, but still far less than a trailer or motorhome, and backpacking campsites are generally free.

Canoe camping is similar to backpacking, but uses canoes for transportation; much more weight and bulk can be carried in a canoe or kayak than in a backpack. Canoe camping is common in eastern North America.

One form of bicycle touring combines camping with cycling. The bicycle is used to carry the gear and as the primary means of transportation, allowing greater distances to be covered than backpacking although less capacity for storage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping

Levels of comfort

Campers span a broad range of ability and ruggedness, and campsites are designed accordingly. Many campgrounds have sites with special facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but not all campsites have similar levels of development. Campsites can range from a patch of dirt with a sign marking it to a level, paved pad with sewer and electricity. These latter are often designated for the use of handicapped campers. For more on facilities, see the campsite article. Rugged campers believe that provisions for comfort detract from the experience of being out-of-doors, but comfortable camping avoids some hazards of outdoor activities.

The most comfortable form of camping uses recreational vehicles (RVs), essentially wheeled houses. Some call this style of camping "tinboxing".[citation needed] Many RVs are quite luxurious, featuring air conditioning, bathrooms, kitchens, showers, satellite TV and even Internet connections. RV campers often choose these devices because they consider tent camping uncomfortable and inconvenient. In the United States, some campgrounds offer "full hookups" where motorhomes are supplied with electricity, water and sewer services. Some retirees and self-employed people sell their homes and live nomadically in their RVs, often moving with the seasons.

Those who seek a rugged experience in the outdoors prefer to camp with only tents, or no shelter at all ("under the stars"). Tent camping commonly employs an automobile to transport equipment to an established campground (this practice is called "car camping"). Other vehicles used for camping include touring bicycles, boats, and even bush planes, although backpacking and using pack animals are popular alternatives. Tent camping attracts young families because the children tend to enjoy it, and because gear is inexpensive and rugged. Tent camping sites often cost less than campsites with full amenities, and most allow direct access by car. Some "walk-in" sites lie a short walk away from the nearest road but do not require full backpacking equipment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping

Definition

Camping describes a wide range of activities. Survivalist campers set off with little more than their boots, whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. Camping may be an end unto itself, but often it is done in conjunction with other activities, such as hiking, swimming, fishing and binge drinking. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location. (For information about residential youth camping, try "Summer Camp.")

Some people vacation in permanent camps with cabins and other facilities (such as hunting camps or children's summer camps), but a stay at such a camp is usually not considered 'camping'. The term camping (or the slightly sarcastic camping out) may also be applied to those who live outdoors out of necessity (as in the case of the homeless) or for people waiting overnight in very long lines (queues). It does not, however, apply to cultures whose technology does not include sophisticated dwellings. Camping may be referred to colloquially as roughing it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping

Camping

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity, in which the campers get away from civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or more nights at a campsite. They may use a tent, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all. Camping is often restricted by law to designated sites in order to prevent campers from damaging the environment.

Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national parks, other publicly owned natural areas, and privately owned campgrounds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camping