With the Fourth of July coming right up, and summer officially here, we’re reaching the beloved time of many a scouting troop: camping season!
There are lots of different ways people like to camp. From car camping at our wonderful state parks, “glamping” at Breitenbush Hot Springs, to backcountry adventures in the Wallowas, there’s an option for everyone to get outdoors this summer.
While sleeping in a tent (or a yurt) won’t feel the same as sleeping in your bed, we’ve got several ways to help you camp more comfortably.
While there’s some appeal to “roughing it,” and sleeping on the ground, (No? Just to the cable TV survivalists? That's okay), a good sleeping setup makes a world of difference! There are many options, from the lightweight folding “Z-pads” to inflatable air mattresses, to add softness to sleeping outdoors.
(Dirt nappers feel free to stop reading now)
If you’re car camping, then by all means bring your queen-sized air mattress! If you have to trek farther to your campsite, an inflatable pad or foldable foam pad will be easier to transport.
Glampers can bring their favorite memory foam pillow from home, where backcountry folks may prefer an inflatable pillow for neck support without much added pack weight. In a pinch, you can use a folded puffy or jacket, but the support may not be as hearty.
There’s a fine balance between bringing enough gear to be comfortable, but not schlepping so much extra heavy stuff that it makes the hiking more uncomfortable. Thankfully, technology and new innovations in lightweight gear make this totally feasible.
You can sleep comfortably under the stars (aww, how romantic) without totally wreaking havoc on your body.
Choose a campsite judiciously, respecting delicate natural areas and campground rules: don’t pitch your tent on top of a Trillium! Opt for soft landings, using established tent sites whenever possible, or try a hammock if the ground is unfriendly and you feel more supported sleeping in between trees. Try to keep your head slightly elevated from your feet for a more comfortable rest.
Camp cooking
Whenever possible, work at a picnic table, bench (or tree stump) height that allows you to stand or sit up straight, rather than slouching or hunching to reach down. Good, upright spine posture doesn’t get to take a vacation.
When moving and lifting things (like that bundle of firewood that you will responsibly and completely extinguish when you’re done roasting hot dogs and s’mores) remember that good lifting technique applies on vacation too. Hold heavy items with both hands, close to your body and bend with your hips and knees, straightening your legs as you stand up.
Some parks and campsites provide wheeled carts or dollies to help you haul things to your campsite if it’s not immediately accessible from the parking area. Remember to return them when you’re finished so other campers have access too. A collapsible wagon
Remember to practice “Leave no Trace” principles and follow the “campsite rule,” leaving a place in as good a state, or better than how you found it.
This wouldn’t be complete camping advice without the usual fire safety reminders. Don’t use stoves inside of tents, or place stoves on wobbly ground, or near any flammable materials, like dry grass, leaves, etc. Smokey Bear says “thanks!”