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Checklist - Make a checklist of everything you’ll need for your trip.

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Forecast -

Check the weather forecast beforehand to make sure you’ll be avoiding severe weather.

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Tent - Buy a good tent that is big enough for your needs.

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Gear - Purchase good-quality camping equipment.

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Try it out - Become familiar with your gear before you head to the wilderness.

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Facilities - Research your camping site so you know what facilities are available.

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Fauna and flora - Make sure you know your surroundings, so learn about poisonous plants or animals you may come across.

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First aid kit - An emergency kit is a must when going camping. Carry it with you at all times.

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Solo camping - If you’re camping alone, tell your friends and family where you’re going, and carry your phone and some cash with you.

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Food - Plan your meals in advance so you’re not overloaded (or short on food).

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Clothing - Depending on your local weather, bring sufficient clothing for all sorts of situations.

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Essential - Pack nylon rope and duct tape—they’re useful for all sorts of situations.

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Camping site - Avoid setting camp near waterways.

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Socks - Keep a pair of clean, dry socks at the bottom of your sleeping bag for sleeping purposes only.

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Hot-water bottle - If you still feel chilly, try filling your water bottle with hot water and placing it at the bottom of your sleeping bag.

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Compass - Take a compass with you and pitch your tent facing east so you can slowly wake up to the sun warming up your tent.

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Improvised pillow - Pillows are for beginners: pack your stuff sack with clothes and use that as a pillow.

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Food storage - Store your food securely outside your tent so you don’t attract unwanted visitors.

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Matches - Matches need to be packed into a waterproof container.

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Hand sanitizer - Hand sanitizer isn’t only great at killing germs—it also works as a fire starter.

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Lint - The lint that you remove from your tumble dryer also makes for an ideal fire starter.

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Campfire - Don’t start a fire near trees and root systems, and always keep a bucket of water at hand.

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Bread tags - The bread tags that everyone throws away make for great clothes hangers when camping.

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Bug spray - Don't forget bug spray and tick deterrent.

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Light diffuser - Shine a head lamp through a bottle to make a diffused tent light.

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Children - If you’re camping with kids, plan a nature-themed scavenger hunt to keep them entertained.

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Coffee -

Fill up coffee filters with single portions of coffee and tie them up with dental floss.

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Packing up - When leaving, make sure your tent is completely dry before you pack it up.

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Litter -

Take all your garbage with you when you leave your campsite. Footprints only!

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