If you are interested in taking a camping trip, there are basic pieces of camping equipment that you will make certain that you have on hand. By making certain that you do have these items of camping equipment on hand when you take off on your outdoor adventure, you will be ready to have an enjoyable and exciting experience.

Here’s a handy list of camping equipment that you can pull together for you in planning your next camping trip. You will see that these are the basic absolutes that you need when camping.

Unless you are using a camper or trailer, you will need a tent. Make sure that you have a tent that is large enough for your family or others that will be joining you on your trip. It is always wise to select a tent that is a couple people larger than your family size. Even large tents can seem confining and you want to have as much space to maneuver as possible.

Some people prefer to have two tents and have the kids stay in their own tent. Don’t forget the tent poles and tent stakes or the tent won’t do you much good. It is amazing how many people actually leave these items behind when they are packing for a campiang excursion.

In addition to the tent, you will need a ground cloth or a tarp for under your tent as this will prolong the life of your tent and give a little more protection from the ground and cold. A ground clothe or tarp is a must when it comes to camping and can be found at any store that sells camping equipment and supplies.

Next, you will need a lantern. There are several different kinds to select from including rechargeable battery type. When it comes to lanterns, there’s a propane electronic ignition and a propane dual mantle (that will require matches). Make certain that you pack plenty of extra lantern fuel and a funnel to fill your lanterns while camping.

A dependable flashlight is an imperative piece of camping equipment. Along with your flashlight, make certain that you have spare batteries.

A fire extinguisher is a another must to be included in your list of vital camping equipment. In order to cut wood for your campsite fire, you will need a small hatchet. Make sure you bring along a hammer as well — to hammer in the stakes for the tent and for other purposes as well.

Other items that you will need one your camping equipment list include a cooler for food and liquids, ice, food, cooking utensils and plates and silverware. Finally, make certain that you pack along plenty of fresh water.

Once you have all of your necessary camping equipment packed and ready to go, you will be ready for a wonderful experience in the wilderness. Indeed, camping is an experience enjoyed by many, many people the world over. Again, with the right supplies and equipment on hand, you will be prepared for a truly memorable experience.

Today’s News
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Renegade camper is found guilty - Aspen Times

A great way for backpackers to get a taste of the real New Zealand is to seek out local events and festivals in smaller towns and communities. Take your time to chill out in one place for a while and you will be surprised how much more you can deepen your experience by getting amongst the local scene.

One festival not to be missed is the legendary Wild Foods festival held annually in a small town on the West Coast of the South Island called Hokitika.

Due to the isolated location of the West Coast the ‘Coasters’ have always done things their own way, paying little attention to how the rest of the world lives. The festival is a prime example of this, as it show cases the rather random delicacies of the coast and the local characters that live there. You name it, it’s on offer and both locals and tourists come from afar to challenge themselves to eat the huge selection of wild foods.

Some of the more memorable dishes at this years festival included Mountain Oysters (goat testicles); huhu grubs that were very much alive; eel spine, marinated duck tongue; semen sauce; cow tit; seagull turd; rotten fish eyes and possum pie. MMMMMM Yuk! Funnily enough there was such a high demand for the live huhu grubs that they sold out. The atmosphere is awesome as everywhere you look people are egging their friends on encouraging them to try the most vulgar of the vulgar wild foods on offer.

A few of the more tame - or should we say edible foods - included “Bambi” burgers, white bait fritters, homemade fudge, pickled punga (native fern), mussels and wild pork.

Let’s not forget that there is also plenty of booze and live music (hillbilly style) at the festival for those who like a drink or three and a bit of a boogie. The locally brewed Monteiths Ale was flowing from mid day along with a selection of New Zealand wines.

Hokitika has a population of about 6,000 and with more than 10,000 people attending the Wild Foods Festival accommodation options get rather interesting. So where does everyone sleep? The local fire brigade set up a couple of large camp sites right by the beach which over flows with tents and campervans. The setting is to die for… right at your doorstep is a rugged west coast beach dotted with bonfires as far as one can see which makes for the perfect place to chill out on return from the Hillbilly dance.

On waking early to enjoy watching the sun rise take a stroll and you will discover that the less organised have set up home on the railway track, footpath, under the town clock or in some less fortunate cases in amongst the abundance of porta-loos…

There are many fantastic festivals in New Zealand, so be sure to enquire about what is on and where during your backpacking through our beautiful country, Aotearoa - the Land of the Long White Cloud.