Chaos is a little hesitant to begin camping again, so I have decided to take it upon myself and try to plan the whole trip so that he doesn't have to stress! I am over the moon about the idea (and hopefully new tradition) but I have never really gone camping, outside of two canoe trips that I didn't have to plan anything for. With a lot of research and many MANY videos, here is the list of things I have decided we will need, where we will be getting them and why.

1. A Tent

Tents don't really need any explanation as to why, but we have decided to buy our first one off of Facebook Marketplace for quite a few reasons. Tents off of marketplace are much cheaper (for the most part) than buying from the store, I have also found that there is a way bigger variety than going to one store.

When looking for a tent I wanted it to be as comfortable for Chaos as possible but I didn't want it to be too big so which ever one I found had to follow these guidelines:

• Waterproof

• Room to sit up inside

• No bigger than a 3 person tent

• Space for our bags

• Ability to see the stars through the roof (I LOVE the stars!)

  
  

In the end I went with a Coleman Hooligan 2 Person tent, which ended being only $30. It is fully waterproof, has a ton of head space and mostly net body so without the rainfly you have an unobstructed view of the sky!

The only cons so far are that it is a little heavier but we won't be doing any big back country camping trips our first year so we think it will be fine!

2. Sleeping Bags (Possibly a quilt?)

   
   

As of now we will both be using sleeping bags, but I am looking into the possibility of getting chaos a sleeping quilt because he doesn't like to be restricted in his sleep.

We both have sleeping bags already but ended up purchasing another one off of Marketplace because I have learned that I prefer sleeping in a mummy style sleeping bag. Before purchasing a sleeping bag off of marketplace there are a few things you should do:

• Research sleeping bag shapes and sizes

• Research the stuffing you prefer (ex. acrylic or down)

• Figure out what temperature you will need it for

• Ask the person you are buying it from how it is stored (you want it to be kept loose in a tote or hung up so that the stuffing is not compacted.)

• If you are allergic to animals make sure it is kept in an animal free house.

• When you go to pick it up check it over (make sure the zipper works, and that there are no tears or holes.)

In the end I bought a Marmot Trestles 15 Mummy Sleeping Bag, which cost me about $50. This is a bit more on the expensive side of purchases because I knew what I liked and it was in great condition.

3. Camping Stove (And Pot)

We are still in the process of buying a camping stove but I would like to get a 2 burner stove if possible, specifically a Coleman.

While deciding on a stove I've been trying to ask myself these questions:

• Does it pack down enough for our needs (the Coleman is quite large but we do not plan to go very deep into the bush so that is okay!)

• Is it easy to use? (We don't want to stress at the end of the day!)

• Can we cook what we would like on it?

• Is it durable?

If we cannot get a good deal on a Coleman we will probably look into purchasing a small burner that sits right on the butane canister, from amazon.

4. Water Filter

We will be bringing along a few jugs of water, but it is important to have another way to access clean water while backcountry camping. You can get lost, spill your water, run out of water, and many other things, a water filter allows you to get water on the go which also means you don't have to carry jugs, saving yourself a ton of weight!

There are a few different kinds of water filters and brands, it is important to get the kind that fits your needs:

• Filter Water Bottle - Grayl (You fill and go)

• Gravity Filter - Platypus (Works with gravity so they are best for using while you are stationary for a while.)

• Straw Filter - Life Straw (For personal use, you can sip right from the water source.)

• Quick Draw Filter - Platypus (Manually squeeze water from a bladder into a water bottle)

• Chemical Purification - Aquatabs (Can come in tablets or drops. You place them into the water collected in a water bottle.)

For Chaos and I, our best options are the Gravity or the Quick Draw, since we are not going to be moving around too much and we both drink a lot of water. The Platypus Quick Draw does have the option for both gravity and manual so we will most likely purchase that one!

If you are not afraid of debris, chemical purification is definitely the cheapest at the beginning but in the long run I would definitely suggest a physical filter. Clean water is always worth the investment!

5. Map (and Compass)

Last but probably the most important is to have a physical map and compass. (If camping becomes a regular tradition for us we will also invest in a satellite GPS/communicator.)

We cannot rely on our phones for constant service or battery power so if you do not know how to read a map and a compass my biggest suggestion is to learn! Everything can go wrong in the bush and it can happen very quickly so when planning your paths remember to know these things:

• Closest water sources to your sites.

• Your longitude and latitude (especially in case of emergencies!)

• Where you can and can't camp.

• Dangerous areas or private property.

• Plan B and C when it comes to crown land camping sites! (You never know if they will be taken.)

Always go over your plan and watch the weather before you go out, camping can be deadly if you are unprepared!

Honorable Mentions

1. Watch

2. Bear Spray (or airhorn)

3. Sleeping Pad

4. PROPER Footwear

5. Food (but I don't think we need a reminder!)

Obviously this list changes for everyone depending on the kind of camping you do and your priorities but I hope this list can be helpful for anyone else starting out.

We are so grateful to be blessed with the ability to do things like camping and to be able to share our experiences with people and we hope to be able to continue for much longer!

If you would like to follow along on our slightly more consistent adventures you can follow our Instagram - we would love to have you!

God Bless!

~ Bean