Camping offers the serenity of escape — and, if it's combined with the exercise of a hiking trip, it benefits both body and mind. The simplicity of camping combined with the beauty of nature can help us readjust and unwind from our hectic lifestyle.
Know the camping environment before packing what to wear, or what to buy, is important. If you're in the woods, combing the beaches, or climbing mountain trails, you’ll want to know ahead a time to pack everything you need into that handy-dandy back pack.
Shorts might seem like the perfect camp gear when you leave the house, but if the weather shifts from sun to storm clouds, they may leave you with the chills. Try to bring a variety of clothing, including practical clothes that dry fast. Tilley Endurables has a great line up of camping/outdoor gear, they are however expensive, so unless you are a regular camper/outdoorsman I would not recommend you purchase an outdoor wardrobe.
If you plan to hike, long pants and shirts made of lighter fabrics are a better choice than shorts. They help protect against everything from ticks and mosquitoes to poisonous and thorny plant life (not to mention sunburn). Speaking of insects, you can now buy clothing that's been treated with insect repellents {Buzz Off insect repellent clothing} — you'll still need to use rub or spray-on a repellent on exposed skin though!
Layering your clothes, from tank tops to long-sleeved jackets, will allow you to add or remove layers easily depending on the temperature. And don't forget to bring extra socks, extra shoes, and waterproof rain gear. A plastic poncho and rain hat pack well and offer good protection when unexpected cloudbursts threaten to rain on your rustic parade.
A hat is a camping essential. If you're bringing a hat to stay warm, be sure it fits snugly. If you are hoping for it to provide shade during warm weather adventures, select something lightweight and well ventilated like a straw or mesh weave. And remember to pack something waterproof to keep your head dry in case of rain. Your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen and flip-flops may be great for the beach, but if you are swimming at a more natural location, {rocks not beach,} be sure to have a pair of swim shoes, and cut off shorts and a tank might fit the bill verses the bikini and cover up.
Do not forget that jacket or hoodie, as the nights get cooler. Last but not least are the P.J.’s- be sure to pack sleep pants and top, you want to stay warm- but not too warm as to get sweaty in the sleeping bag.
~ Louise Kana~
© Copyright, 2010 Main Street Magazine/Rain Enterprises
As seen in the May Issue of Main Street Magazine.
Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises
For your Free copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/
Shorts might seem like the perfect camp gear when you leave the house, but if the weather shifts from sun to storm clouds, they may leave you with the chills. Try to bring a variety of clothing, including practical clothes that dry fast. Tilley Endurables has a great line up of camping/outdoor gear, they are however expensive, so unless you are a regular camper/outdoorsman I would not recommend you purchase an outdoor wardrobe.
If you plan to hike, long pants 
A hat is a camping essential. If you're bringing a hat to stay warm, be sure it fits snugly. If you are hoping for it to provide shade during warm weather adventures, select something lightweight 
Do not forget that jacket or hoodie, as the nights get cooler. Last but not least are the P.J.’s- be sure to pack sleep pants 