By Brent Lawrence
Bass Pro Shops

When it comes to family camping, there are always a few basic supplies to take, and some extra ideas that will make your time outdoors more enjoyable.

• Tent and tarp to put under it. The tarp will provide an extra barrier to keep water from seeping up into the tent.

• Sleeping bag and pillow.

• Lantern and flash lights. Try headlamps because you never have enough light or free hands while camping.

• Camp stove, or fire ring if you're going to build a fire. Also take a shovel to cover and put out any embers.

• Take a waterproof container to store clothes, matches and other belongings.

• Take a basic first aid kit.

• Bug spray to keep away all the biting and stinging bugs.

• If you're going to be in the sun, remember to bring some good sunscreen.

• Always take some extra clothing in case of an unexpected rain shower. Clean, fresh clothes will go along way to improving somebody's mood.

• Take a good knife or two. Knives are often made with specific purposes. Try a small or medium-size drop-point folding knife as your basic knife.

• Multi-tools are handy to have, but don't substitute it for a quality knife.

• Always have a few snacks available. Kids need to eat regularly and having a quick snack handy will make it a lot easier on you.

• Dress in layers. In spring and summer, the temperatures can vary a lot in one day. By dressing in layers you can easily adapt to the changing temperature.

• Match your tent and sleeping bag to the right time of year. If you try sleeping in a 0-degree sleeping bag in Oklahoma's heat, you'll be miserable.

• If you're going off the beaten path, be sure to take a GPS and a compass as a backup. GPS units can malfunction or have their batteries go bad.

• Take a roll of duct tape with you. It can be used to repair most everything on a trip including tents, poles, shoes, mosquito nets and ripped rain jackets.

KNIVES

A good knife is an extremely important and versatile took while camping. You'll never have a shortage of things to cut, pry, open and puncture, so a good knife is key.

• The fixed blade is considered the strongest design of a knife, and the “full tang” fixed blade is the most robust. It's a solid piece of sharpened steel with a grip. Your blade should be at least 1/8-inch thick for strength.

• Check out the new larger folders with wide blades and hefty locking mechanisms. These designs can handle just about any camp chore all but the biggest fixed blades can. The blade of any folder should be solid in the frame with no wiggle.

• Carry a tool box. Have a multi-tool; I wouldn't be without one. You should get one, too. However, it is not a knife. Get a good knife first.

• Keep it sharp. Your new knife comes sharp. Keep it that way. Get a small stone or diamond sharpener. Take the sharpener with you to camp and learn how to maintain that razor edge.

STAYING DRY

Nothing can ruin a good outing quicker than getting soaked. The right rain gear goes a long way to making the worst weather more bearable.

• Be breathable: Get a rain jacket and pants that are waterproof AND breathable. Having breathable rain gear with Gore-Tex or similar products keeps the rain out but lets body vapor escape, keeping you dry and not clammy. A product like the RedHead PacLite rain suit is great for summer camping, but also compresses down into a small container for easy storage.

• It's a good idea to keep your feet dry at all times, so pick a good pair of hiking boots. A pair with at least a 6-inch top will enable you to walk through small streams and pools of water without getting wet. If you're camping in the summer, try a non-insulated pair like the RedHead Trailblazer boots, which offer additional support in case of a twisted ankle.

TENTS

The first step in selecting a tent is choosing the type of camping you will be doing and the time of year you will be doing it.

• Summer Tents are designed for hot climates only. Lots of mesh in tent body for ventilation. Rain fly stops several inches above ground to provide protection as well as ventilation. Generally has two-pole constructions. These tents are cool and light weight, but do not fair well in high winds, cold temperatures, or extended rain.

• Three Season Tents are built to withstand both light snow and warm temperatures, making them very versatile. Usually has full coverage rain fly that extends to the ground. Skylight window in rain fly to let in additional light. Generally has three-pole construction. Stands up against strong winds and heavy rains. Look for large vestibule for storage and two-doors or extra large door for easy entry and exit.

• All-Season Tents can be used year round but are not designed for extremely harsh winter conditions. Built with beefier materials, sturdy pole designs, extra tie down points, and low profiles, these tents are extremely stable. Also has sky light window in rain fly. Generally has a four-pole construction.

• Winter Mountaineering Tents are designed for winter camping under extreme conditions. Has full coverage rain fly and four- or five-pole construction. Also has steep side walls to shed wind and snow. Very durable and weather proof. Often has two doors, one on each side for entry and exit versatility. Also, it is common to see two vestibules on this tent type for maximum gear storage options.

Other than time of year, there are other tent features one must consider.

• The size and weight of your tent should correspond with the number of people who will be sharing the tent, the amount of gear you are bringing along, and planned activities that might occur inside the tent. Family campers usually opt for larger roomy tents while hikers and bikers go for small, compact light weight tents.

• Look for breathable sidewalls and roofs to minimize condensation. Mesh windows and doors allow air to flow in and provide views while keeping creepy crawlies outside.

SLEEPING BAGS

Much like tents, you'll want to pick a sleeping bag that is matched to the elements you expect to be in.

• Bags generally have temperature ratings from minus-25 up to plus-60. The lower the number, the warmer the bag. However, the heavy-duty bags really bring the heat and you'll end up way too hot with, a 0-degree bag in the middle of summer.

• Rectangular vs. mummy: Refers to the different shapes of the bags. Mummy bags stay close to the body and often cover the top of the head as well. Traditional rectangular bags have extra space in them and don't generally pack down as well as mummy bags.