Quote:
Originally posted by Larry_OHF:
I am hiking, but not far to a campsite...we are wondering if we should stay near civilization since the two year old is coming.
Karen wanted me to ask you...we have a queen size air bed that inflates to be a real comfort. Is this a good camping tool?It comes with a cigarette lighter plug to be able to hook the motor up to blow it up with the electric pump. What would I have to lay down on the grond to prevent puncture? Is it even worth bringing?
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Larry,
From experience, I can tell you. Don't skimp on the tent or sleeping gear, especially with a child. It can make the difference of between a great or miserable experience. I recommend one of the new combination queen size, cot/air mattress combos. Air mattresses are a must in cool weather. You lose more heat from the bottom of a cot than you do the top. An air mattress is the best insulation. Bring extra blankets in case of a cold night. Get a tent that is tall enough to stand semi-erect in with two separate rooms, otherwise the child will never sleep and you'll curse getting dressed. Campfires are romantic and functional, but also very dangerous around young children who tend to trip and fall easily. I recommend cooking with a gas camp table grill that shuts off when you're done. A gas lamp for outside and a battery one for inside the tent. Don't forget the fire extinguisher. Children also tend to get food poisoning easily so bring foods that are not easily spoiled. Fresh fruit, nuts, cereal, cheese, bread, canned or dry milk (the new drink box milk is pretty good!). Canned, smoked, or dried meats. Coffee, tea, cocoa, marshmallows for relaxing. You will need penty of water, so either be close to a piped source or have a reliable filtration/purifying kit and a clean natural stream. If you want fresh meat, you'll need a cooler and you'll have to cook it the same day. You'll also need something to wash your cookware in. For eating, disposable paper plates/bowls removes the risks associated with washing dishes in cold water and they burn for easy disposal. Some other items of necessity are bug repellent, a cell phone or handheld HAM radio. Of course, much of this depends upon personal circumstance and finances. Since you're hiking, you'll need compact eqipment and a large tent and air mattresses are probably out of the question. You're not a pack mule. Remember, you can probably rent most of your equipment. The must haves are safety equipment and common sense. If you have fire, you must have an extinguisher in reach. Keep fire away from the tent. Have a first aid kit handy with something to treat the rare incident of heavy bleeding or fractures and also more common problems like stings. It's essential to have a way for reliable communication in case of emergency. If you will be in actual wilderness, a .357 revolver with both regular and snake shot ammo for animal defense wouldn't be out of order either.