Category Archives: Camping Lists

Camping Lists always ensure that Everything and Everyone can be safe and comfortable.

Ready to GO! What Should You Keep in Your Pack?

Sometimes, you catch the feeling of adventure on a whim. What should you keep in your pack, ready to go for such an occasion? That is what we are going to break down today.

I preach planning your camping adventures often, and about a month in advance. I talk about planning how long it will take to get to your destination, what activities you want to do, which campsite will be home for the weekend. However, there are moments where you just want to go with the flow, live life to the fullest and go on an unplanned adventure. Even while being spontaneous, a little bit of planning can definitely help make your adventure a fun one that goes smoothly. This is a hack for us that we use, mainly in the summer so that when the mood strikes we just have a few things to add to our pack and off we go. So…

Keep These in Your Pack to be Ready to Go

 

Make Sure to Store These Out of Your Pack

  • Sleeping bag, storing it compressed will ruin the loft
  • what should you keep in your pack Sleeping pad (I prefer self-inflating pads, and these should be stored expanded and not compressed.)
  • what should you keep in your pack Food, it just helps you keep an eye on expiration dates to store elsewhere. And if there happens to be a hole in the packaging you won’t get any ants crawling into your pack for a snack.
  • Knives, knives require maintenance and leaving them in your pack is an easy way to forget about them. Your knife is an important tool so making sure it is taken care of decreases the risk of it breaking or being damaged. It also allows you to change it up.
  • Flashlight or headlamp. This seems like a great idea, but you need to keep the batteries charged. Neither of these will do you any good if you get to camp and the batteries are dead.
  • Sunblock or Bug Spray, just in case they break open. You don’t want that stuff all over your pack.

 

There you have it! Storing these items in your pack will make it so you can throw in a few extras and spend more time enjoying your adventure! Make sure you check out our other camping lists here to make sure you grab everything you need. Let me know in the comment section below what you always make sure to have packed!

camping with your dog

Camping with Your Dog Top Three Helpful Items

Hey everybody, it’s Caroline here! Last week, Kory and I went on our first overnight camping stay with our dog, Mora. Let me tell you that was an adventure, one we realized wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be, so I decided to let you all know the top three items that really helped us out!

camping with your dog

Top Three Things To Bring When Camping With Your Dog:

  1. The best thing we ever invested in for camping with your dog is hands down the waist leash. Being handsfree was awesome, and you can put it around a tree to have a tie out for when you are setting up camp. When we were hiking, it was nice to know I had Mora and be able to use both of my hands as well.
  2. The next spot on our list goes to food storage for your pup. Our set up is two stainless steel food storage containers. We take the large one and nestle the next largest in it, filled with Mora’s food, we use the largest for water when we get to where we are going!
  3. The last one is very important, and that is how you can protect your dog from the bugs! Certain biting bugs carry diseases that are harmful to our furry friends, not to mention they are just irritating and can ruin anyone’s good time. For Mora we use Nexgard, but there are other options, such as the Seresto Collar. They also make a natural bug spray for dogs that helps to keep the mosquitos away. Chews and collars usually only keep fleas and ticks away, but keeping mosquitos away is just as important.

 

Taking your dog camping with you is fun for both of you. Having a waist leash, food storage containers and bug protection for your pup are going to take the experience above and beyond for you both! With these three items, you and your dog will enjoy camping together for many years to come! What are your must-haves when you take your dog camping?  Leave them in the comments below!

 

camping with your dog

camping gear

Camping Gear to get you started!!!

When it comes to camping gear there is a ton of options on the market. There is also a ton of camping gear that is very unnecessary for anyone starting out. This is a list of camping gear that will help get you started and keep you safe and comfortable in the woods.

Shelter

When it comes to shelter most people will start off in a tent. Tents are very easy to set up and offer the most privacy in the woods. It is basically a small bedroom for you to keep your belongings and rest your head at night.

I suggest your tent should be one of your most expensive items. A good tent can really make or break your camping experience and they also hold their value pretty well.  If you buy a good tent it will keep you dry and comfortable not just for the night but for years to come.

The size of your tent depends on the size of your family or group that you plan to share the tent with. I suggest your first tent be slightly bigger than you think you need. A family of 3 should have a 4 person tent. A family of 4 should get a 6 person tent and so on and so forth. The gear you start out with is going to be big so having room in your tent to set up and store the gear is going to make you a lot more comfortable.

Find a tent that is big enough to comfortably move around in, when all members of camp are in the tent with you. Being able to get to the door without climbing over too many people is something to keep in mind. Especially for the middle of night potty breaks.

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping gear is one of those things that you will constantly be upgrading to smaller and lighter options. When starting out focus more on comfort than anything else. A good night sleep in the woods is one of the most rewarding things in life.

Feeling refreshed and rested the next day is going to make your trip a ton more enjoyable. So make sure you bring an Air Mattress that you enjoy using at home. If it is comfortable in your guest bedroom it will be comfortable in the woods (for the most part).

Also, make sure to bring a sleeping bag or enough blankets to keep yourself warm in temperatures well below what the weatherman says. Temps can drop at night and not having a heater to warm things up makes your sleeping bag a very valuable piece of gear. Blankets can also be used just make sure to lay blankets below you as well as on top. The air in your mattress can get quite cold so insulating with blankets can help keep in the cold in the mattress and the heat with you.

When it comes to camping pillows just bring what you have. A good pillow really does make sleeping a lot more enjoyable and bring what you already have is going to suit you just fine in the woods. Just make sure you are ready for it to get a little dirty. Pillowcases are a lot easier to clean than pillows themselves.

Food/Drink

Eat drink and be merry. The best part of camping is all the good foods you get to eat. Smores and hotdogs are always some camp favorites. Anything cooked over the fire seems to be a very rewarding treat in the woods. Always have a backup plan. Bring a small stove or other ways of cooking. Making fire isn’t always the easiest and cooking over it can be a chore as well.

Make sure to bring lots of snacks and treat options. You will be burning more calories than you are used to being outdoors. The fresh air and running around can really make a person hungry. Having fast no-cook options really make relaxing a lot easier but also having a warm cooked meal is very rewarding. Bring things that are easy to make at first and as you get more comfortable in the woods the better your meal options will get.

One of the things that you will need is a cooler with ice.  Having a way to keep your drinks cold for the whole trip is a must. I suggest anyone starting out just getting a Coleman cooler. Unless you are going out for a long week long trip the Coleman will work just fine.

Camping Gear Must-Haves

When it comes to packing camping gear I try to walk through my house and make sure I have the things I need in each room. I start where I start every morning, in the bedroom. I make sure I have a bed, blankets, pillows, clothes.

Next is, of course, the bathroom. I make sure I have toilet paper, soap, shampoo anything that is going to keep me clean and comfortable.

I then move into the living room. The fire becomes the TV I make sure I have fire starting materials along with fire lighting devices. Camp chairs become the couch and or lazy boy.

Last I go to the Kitchen. I make sure I have plates, bowls, spoons, forks, knives, pans, stove, utensils. Anything I will need to not only cook but also eat my meals. I also look at the fridge that becomes the cooler. Anything I use daily in my home I make sure to add it to the camping gear list.

There is a long list of camping gear that you will need with you in the woods. Here is a list of what I would bring also the things you don’t use every day in the home like bug spray. –> https://www.wolfpackwoodcraft.com/camping-list-beginners-2

Also for a list of gear options –> https://www.amazon.com/shop/wolfpackwoodcraft?ref=ac_inf_hm_vp

5Cs for Winter Camping – What Do You Pack???

The 5Cs are well known in the outdoor community. The tools that the 5Cs include will change from season to season. Here are some options for each of the 5Cs which include Cutting Tool, Combustion Device, Container, Cover, and Cordage. (click on the images to learn more.)

Cutting Tool

In the colder months, the wood you find is usually frozen. Having a larger cutting tool is important for chopping and splitting wood to get to the dry center. Also, being able to make fine curls to use as tinder is also very important since most of your small twigs are going to be cold and wet from the snow.

Some options would include – Becker BK 9 5Cs

Husqvarna 19″ Wooden Carpenter’s Axe 5Cs

Combustion Device

When it comes to a combustion device it is crucial that you have a secured way of starting a fire. Fire is one of the key ways of staying warm in the colder environments. It also helps melt and boil snow for drinking or cooking.

Some options would include –  A lighter, having a lighter during the winter months is a fast and easy way of starting a fire in a hurry.  However, a lighter will not work if it is wet or cold. If this is your preferred method it is important to ALWAYS keep it in a pocket close to your body heat when it is not being used. 5Cs

Stormproof matches, These are a very good option since they will light in almost any weather condition and produce a flame. They can also be bunched together and used as kindling.  5Cs

One of the most preferred ways of starting a fire is with a Ferro Rod. The Ferro Rod will work in any weather condition. It will also work wet, cold, broken. As long as you have a way of striking your Ferro Rod you will always get a spark. Starting a fire with sparks takes practice and lots of patience to heat up and ignite the frozen wood. So if this your preferred method I suggest to always have a backup way of getting flame. 5Cs

Container

When it comes to choosing a container for winter camping it really is up to what your needs really are. Some people prefer plastic Nalgene bottles because they are not as cold as stainless steel.

Some options would include – Plastic water bottles. The plastic bottles do not get as cold to the touch but can break in the extreme cold weather. You also can not use plastic for cooking, melting snow, or boiling water. 

Stainless Steel. When using a stainless steel water bottle some people will say you need to be careful not to get your tongue stuck to the side of your bottle. However, stainless steel is far more durable than plastic and can also be used for cooking, melting snow, and boiling water. It is a very versatile piece of kit. It does get cold so make sure to insulate the bottle from the cold as best as you can. 

Another option is to carry a plastic water bottle with a Stainless Steel nesting cup. You will get the benefits of the plastic bottle with the versatility of the stainless steel water bottle. 

Cover

Having proper Cover can really mean the difference in how comfortable your time in the woods really is. The very first form of cover is the clothes on your back. Make sure to always dress in layers. The more layers the better. This will allow you to remove or add whatever is needed for optimal comfort. The two main focuses when thinking about your layering system is Warmth and Staying Dry.

Wool is a great piece of winter kit. It is warm and is also moister wicking which will wick the sweat away from your skin keeping you dry and much warmer.

Cotten Kills. This is a saying most people have heard before. Cotten holds in moister and altho it is cool in the summer. It can increase your chance of hypothermea in the winter which can lead to serious injury or death.

Having a good space blanket can also save you in an emergency. It can reflect around 80% of your body heat back at you or even better reflect the heat of a fire that can be life-saving.  

Cordage

This is the one C that doesn’t change much in seasons. Having a good hank of bankline or paracord can aid you in almost any task. From making shelter, hauling firewood. first aid, fire making, making a tripod for cooking, the list can go on and on. I always make sure I have 25 feet of survival paracord that I can use for emergencies or anything that might come up. 

 

cold weather gear

Cold Weather Camping Gear

When it comes to cold weather camping having the right gear can be life-saving! Here is a list of some of the items I bring with me to keep Hypothermia off my mind! (For more information Click on the picture if you live in the USA and the words if you live in ==> Canada.)

==> MMSS – Having a sleeping bag that can keep you warm in any condition plus the ability to keep it dry is very important!

==> SOL Escape Bivvy – When hiking or just spending some time in the winter woods. Making sure you have a plan in case something happens is very important.

==> Muck Arctic Snow Boots – Keeping your feet warm and dry will really help keep the rest of your body from freezing.

==> Carhartt Bibs – I wear my Carhartt bibs all the time. If I’m shoveling the driveway or going exploring in the woods I always make sure to bring my bibs.

Wool – Wearing wool in the winter can also keep you dry and warm. It is moister wicking antimicrobial and very warm. However, it is also very expensive one way get around this issue is by going to second-hand stores and the Goodwill. My 100% wool sweater that I wear most of the winter cost me only $5 at the local Goodwill.

 

 

Camping List

Camping List For Beginners

Camping List

When you decide to go out on a camping trip, overpacking is usually the biggest issue people run into. Here is a camping list that I feel will get anyone started in the wonderful world of camping! Simply click on any item to learn more about it.

Making a camping list is very important to make sure you do not forget anything important. I like to break my camping list up into sections.

Shelter

Having a nice dry comfortable place to call home for the weekend is very important. Make sure to bring a Tent that can breathe. This will keep condensation from accumulating and also keeps you from overheating at night. Laying a Tarp or Footprint under your tent will protect the floor of your tent from moister or damage caused by sticks and pine needles.

Camp Tools

These tools will help you set up and tare down camp. They will also help with fire making. When working with Tools always make sure to have a First Aid Kit available.

Camp Needs

Sitting around camp is one of the most relaxing things there is. Having all of these things handy will make your experience much more comfortable and tolerable. Make sure to keep bugs out of your cups, cans, and food.

Night Time Needs

When the sun goes down and the woods get calm having a way to light up the path in front of you or finding items at camp will be much easier.

Camp Cooking

One of the best parts about camping is all the delicious meals and snacks. Make sure you have a way of preparing everything you bring.

Clothes

Make sure to Bring enough clothes for each day. Also, no matter what the weather make sure to bring pants to keep the bugs away. Something warm to change into at night is always a plus or after swimming.

  • Swimsuit
  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Pants
  • Hoodie
  • Shoes
  • Sandles
  • Undergarments

This list is just a starting point to make sure you do not over pack or forget something that will make your stay in the woods less than amazing. Feel free to print this list off and use it on your next big camping trip.

Camping List for Beginners

Having a camping list can not only save you time packing but can also guarantee your comfort and relaxation in the woods.  This Camping list is just going to cover some of the basic beginner camping gear that you should bring but like any list, adding and modifying items is always going to be a must. So feel free to leave a comment sharing your camping list and the things you think every beginner needs.

Let’s Start!

  1. Ground Tarp – Putting a tarp under your tent will increase the lifespan of your tent by keeping sticks and pine needles from poking holes in the bottom. It will also help by keeping the moisture from the morning dew from soaking into your tent floor.
  2. Tent – Having a private place to change, escape the elements, and get a good night sleep is a must when you are out enjoying nature.
  3. Air Mattress – A comfortable nights sleep is very important especially after a long day of hiking, swimming, fire building, and enjoying the great outdoors.
  4. Air Mattress Pump – Being able to easily inflate your air mattress saves on a lot of frustration just make sure to the batteries are charged.
  5. Sleeping Bag – Having a sleeping bag that is rated to the temperature you are going to be sleeping through is key to a good night sleep. Sleeping bags that are rated to warm will be too hot all night but too low of a rating and you will freeze. So always make sure to check the weather and plan accordingly remember you can always bring extra blankets.
  6. Pillow – There are many different kinds of camp pillows on the market but just bringing what you have at home is always a good comfortable option just make sure to wash the pillow case when you get home.

Now you should have a nice place to call home for the night or weekend depending on your trip but, what are we going to cook with? There are a ton of options when it comes to camp cooking but just to get you started let’s start this list like this.

  1. Camp Stove – This stove is very easy to use and works much like the propane stoves you find in some homes. All you need is a full canister and you are ready to cook anything you want just like you would on a stove top. Just remember to keep a close eye on everything because it’s hard to gauge how much heat is being put out.
  2. Grill Lighter – Having a grill lighter makes starting your camp stove and the fire pit much easier because you are able to reach down into the center of your tinder. You can find these at any local gas station.
  3.  Cookware – When it comes to pots and pans this really comes down to personal preference. Some people go very minimal with small pans and cups. While others who love to cook go all out with full sized pots and pans and eat like a king in the woods. Both have their pros and cons.
  4. Cooking Utensils – Making sure you can flip your bacon is a must in my book. Again this is different for everyone, some people use a fork while others bring actual kitchen utensils. There are a ton of camping options for this one so make sure to do your research.
  5. Eating Utensils – The minimal spork is always a camp favorite but cheap plastic silverware works just as well and save on time you spend on clean up.
  6. Plates and Bowls – Again there are a ton of lightweight options for packable plates and bowls but paper plates and wax paper bowls will save you time on cleanup and give you more time enjoying the great outdoors.
  7. Cooler – Your cooler is your outdoor mini fridge just make sure you bring lots of ice to keep the food and drinks cold. A trick I use is freezing water in old Gatoraid bottles before the trip. I can use the bottles as ice to keep the cooler cold but as they melt I have water to drink during the day.
  8. Water Jug – It’s time to do the dishes. When you are out camping you don’t always have running water. So by having a water jug, it makes things like clean up that much easier. I always bring bottles of water to drink and just use my water jug for cleanup.

Now that our bellies are full let’s go over some more items I think should be on everyone’s camping list.

  1. Sunblock
  2. Bug Spray
  3. Hand Sanitizer
  4. Shower Bag
  5. Toilet Bag
  6. Towels
  7. Cotton Bandana
  8. Clothes
  9. Swimwear
  10. Knife
  11. Axe
  12. Folding Saw
  13. Camera
  14. Spare Batteries
  15. Flashlight
  16. Map/Compass
  17. Fire Starter
  18. Gorilla Tape
  19. Knife Sharpener
  20. Good Book
  21. Camp Chair
  22. Water Filter

What would you add? Make sure to leave your comments and let others know your Camping List when enjoying a relaxing weekend at camp.