The great appeal of camping is the fact that anyone with interest can participate.
Yes, indeed, the season of the camper has arrived. Along with the changing leaves, crisp, cool weather and the occasional sweater, the smell of sleeping bags, tents and campfires wafts in the air. For the layman, it’s just fall but to the avid outdoorsman it’s the one time of year that provides an excuse to sleep outdoors and go for days at a time without showering.
The sport of camping draws its appeal from the fact that anyone can do it. Beyond the possession of common sense (AKA the foresight not to go trekking through the woods without a map or any idea of where you’re going.), the only thing you really need is a sense of adventure. Oh, and some sort of equipment.
Teri Lee Hancock, an avid camper, provides some insight and advice into the pricey arena of camping equipment.
“Before you make the financial commitment of buying camping supplies, make sure you like camping enough to do it. The best thing to do is tag along with a more experienced camper, but if you can’t do that, just try it out a few times with borrowed equipment,” Hancock said.
Depending on the kind of trip that you plan to do, you may actually need less stuff than you think. For example, if you’re just going overnight, all you really need is a sleeping bag, a tent and some food. It also depends if you are going to hike to your campsite or just drive there.
“The biggest mistake you can make is to bring too much stuff—especially if you plan to do a lot of hiking. At the same time, it would bad to not bring all the necessary equipment too. It’s hard to gage how much stuff you need to bring if you’re a beginner. This is where going with a more experienced camper really comes in handy,” Hancock said.
If after a few times you can’t remember how you ever lived without the weekend rush of camping, then start thinking about investing in some supplies. Start small, though, with just the basics.
“The first real thing I ever bought for camping was a really nice sleeping bag. I’ve had it for five years now, and it’s still one of my favorite purchases. It’s important to remember acquiring camping equipment is a gradual process. You really want to invest in nice stuff that will last through the rough and tumble of the outdoors which means it’s expensive. You can’t buy everything at once,” Hancock said.
Once you decide to take the plunge, talk to some other camping friends about the best gear to buy. You can also ask the staff at most equipment stores. Usually they’re pretty knowledgeable. Then mosey on down to the local sporting goods store like Outdoor Adventures in Clemson — (864) 653-9007 — and make that first purchase.
While you’re there, ask them about places to camp. The staff at these stores usually enjoys activities featured at their workplace (why do you think they work there?) and they have a plethora of information about lesser-known places. Beginners should try Table Rock State Park (www.southcarolinaparks.com) in Pickens County while the more experienced may enjoy Mt. Mitchell State Park (www.ils.unc.edu) in Burnsville, N.C.
