Garmin Gps

Summer is a great time to plan a camping trip. The great weather allows for some beautiful sights while hiking outdoors, such as sunrises, sunsets, stargazing and wildlife. I love being outdoors and experiencing nature – it has a calming and humbling quality.  But camping is not an activity you should take lightly, as it is best to be prepared for any emergencies that can occur. Here are the top 5 things to pack for your next camping or hiking trip:

1. Water bottle: It’s always a good idea to have a source of water with you when you’re outdoors in the summer. The heat alone is enough to cause sweating, and if you are hiking you could certainly experience dehydration. There are many to choose from nowadays, and since you love the outdoors anyway, why not get an eco-friendly metal water bottle?  Many even come with a hole on top so that you can attach it to your belt or fanny pack with a carabiner. Quite handy!

2. Garmin GPS:  Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you should be completely without today’s advanced technology. GPS systems are quite popular today, and Garmin is one of the best brands to buy. Try the Garmin eTrex H GPS on your next camping trip. It has built-in maps and a highly sensitive receiver so that it won’t lose reception even in the most remote areas. It’s internal memory can hold 500 way points, so you can record the coordinates of a spot with a great view to return to at a later time.

3. Hiking shoes:  Hiking can be really hard on your feet, so definitely pick up a pair of great hiking shoes for any camping trip.  Look for a good fit – you should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes and walk in them comfortably. If you can afford it, buy shoes made of full-grain leather, as they are the best for durability and resistance to water and abrasion. The cut of the shoe you buy will depend on the trails you plan to walk on- low cut for well-maintained trails and high cut for more irregular terrain. Also remember that often hiking shoes will need to be broken in before your trip.

4. Backpack: A backpack is another camping essential, especially if you’re planning all-day hikes. Choose a backpack that can not only hold all the essentials but also not kill your back after carrying it all day. Pay the extra money for a backpack with a flexible hipbelt, because one that is too soft or firm can bruise your hips. Look for features such as sleeping bag compartment, a daypack for lighter trips, and a holster for your water bottle.

5. Tent: Sleeping bags won’t work if you’re camping with a group of people. Pack a roomy tent to make camping feel cozy, and keep animals out of your food storage. I recommend a Coleman tent for its excellent ventilation and easy set-up.

Hope you have a great time camping this summer!

-Golda