5 Elements for a Comfortable Camp

Fall brings on cooler temperatures, especially dipping overnight. Regardless of if you camp in a tent or trailer, heat makes preparing for sleep or waking much more enjoyable. Sleeping bags come in different models for varying temperature ranges. Choose one for the nighttime temperatures expected.

A simple way to add heat if your sleeping bag lacks insulation is to add a layer, like a wool blanket. Wool transmits your heat and holds it. Fleece works in a similar fashion. You could also toss an 8-hour hand warmer or two into the depths of your bag for a heat boost. Do not allow the warmer to rest against uncovered skin. Finally, consider using a propane heater, like the popular Mr. Heater portable Buddy Heater models. They warm a small space quickly and shut off for safety with an oxygen depletion sensor. Use it sparingly morning and night.

Camping should be laidback with a chance to commune with dirt. Even so, cleanliness is next to Godliness so plan for personal hygiene. At minimum, consider packing along outdoor wipes and washcloths, like Wildlife Research Center heavy-duty washcloths to fight odor.

A wash basin holds water for a quick wipe down with a washcloth. You could even bring a larger, tub-like container to stand in and use it to catch water that you pour over yourself as you bathe.

Finally, for long campouts, look into a portable, propane-heated shower. Zodi, a well-liked brand, heats quickly and dispenses a good ratio of warm water to wash anywhere. Remember to bring along biodegradable soap to protect the environment.

Fall equals shorter days so prepare not to spend time in the dark. Research lighting for your personal requirements and camp needs. Begin with a personal light source and back it up with a second in reserve. A high intensity flashlight or quality headlamp meet most personal lighting needs when moving around camp. Bring extra batteries.

Camp lighting should consist of one or more lanterns. Research models powered by propane, batteries or solar. Mix and combine as needed, but choose your main light with at least 600 lumens of illumination. Some lights, such as the solar-charged HybridLight, even include a charging port for your smartphone. For propane-powered lanterns, pack along extra mantles (material that lights the lantern after ignition) to replace as needed along with spare fuel.

After a satisfying meal cooked on a propane camp stove or a smaller backpacking stove, prepare for a good night of sleep. After choosing the right sleeping bag to ward off cold, find a comfortable sleeping pad. Depending on your camp, it can rest on a cot or on the ground. Sleeping pads range in price depending on their performance and weight. Experiment at a sporting goods store with closed-cell foam, inflatable or self-inflating pads. In colder conditions check the R rating. A level of 5 or 6 handles most cool nights by adding insulation.

Lastly, have a plan ready to charge all electrical devices such as smartphones, GPS units, rechargeable lantern batteries, portable charging banks and more. Vehicles parked at camp allow low level charging. In remote camps you may need to invest in a solar charger. Larger camps often include a generator for multiple charging stations at once.

Test all your gear before any major fall campout and then rest easy knowing you will do the same at fall hunting camp.