Cooks Gardens

An outdoor vacation of camping in the great outdoors is sure to be a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. Most campsites do not require much more than the perfunctory walk to and from your vehicle, so you may want to up the ante and add more adventure (and privacy) by visiting one of America's many remote campsites. The downside of hiking to remote camping locations is that you have to carry your belongings and camping gear on your back. Here are some tips to downsizing your load but still ensuring you have the essentials.

Does your campsite have showers and a steady flow of running water - this is the first piece of data you would need to gather whilst researching. This is atypical in remote parts of town. Even if there is water it may not be suitable for drinking and cleaning cuts and scrapes. Bring a hearty supply of bottled water on your trip, and if not possible, you may want to try purification tablets.

Check the climate and weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Even if the weather report doesn't forecast it, be prepared for rain with at least a light poncho or rain resistant jacket. Based on the climes in your campsite and the information you gleaned from the weather report, make sure you are bringing the right sleeping bag. If you are visiting a warmer destination, then ideally you would want to bring a light, inexpensive sleeping bag, which should also be quite common if you are shopping for one in department stores. In the event you will be camping out in colder weather, then you should shop for insulated, waterproof sleeping bags that should also be lightweight enough for best results.

A lightweight tent made of durable material is essential for camping. While it's nice to have a huge tent it's not necessary and less is more. Remote campsites would still allow you to keep your things outside the tent without fear of being stolen, or change your clothes outside with no fear of peeping Toms in the area. You may also consider purchasing a tent that is self-assembly and requires very little time and effort to set up and take down.

You cannot do either without a simple, yet complete first aid kit. Make sure you have various sized bandages and disinfecting spray or ointment. Also carry some antihistamines and pain relieving medication. Have some small scissors or a Swiss Army knife and some tweezers which come in handy when dressing wounds and doing a multitude of tasks.

At the end of the day, most fully loaded backpacks would range between twenty to forty pounds in weight. That may not seem like a lot but if you have hours of trekking to do then it's sure to feel like twice after an hour or two.

Remember the one crucial disadvantage, the necessary evil, if you may, of camping holidays spent in remote locales - you need to bring your equipment with you. Pack wisely and only bring the essentials.