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Me and my husband go camping three to four times during the summer. I always seem to get really stressed out right before the trip. There is just some much to do, packing, cooking, etc. The stress seems to put a negative spin on the trip. It takes me a while to relax once we get out there. I'm looking for any tips that might make getting ready to go camping easier and less stressful.
Answer
Store as much as you can already packed. We keep 2 'camping tubs' ready to go- one for the kitchen, one for everything else (tarps, stakes, lantern, ax, games, rope, spare toiletries, etc.. Everything was washed after last use, and packed so it does not get smelly or nasty between uses. Some is in plastic bags, some wrapped in paper, etc. Checklists lay on the top of the stuff ready for a quick review. The checklists note the things that might have an expiration date, and what we need to add- like food.
The tent, sleeping bags, etc. are stored in loose pillowcases between trips, and go into their own duffel bags when it is time to go.
Streamline personal stuff. Each person has 2 duffel bags- one holds their sleeping bag, sheet, sleeping mat, and a small camping pillow, all pre-packed except for the bag itself as above.
The other bag has their camping toiletry kit (which includes some bug and sun juice and everything they need for showering, etc. We no longer 'share' kits for logistic reasons!), their camping 'pocket kit' (whistle, knife, lighter, first aid, pocket flashlight, cordage, etc.), towel, shower/camp flip-flops, etc. When it is time to go, they add their clothing and any book, etc. they want to bring.
Streamline cooking. For a weekend, figure on cooking one BIG meal- Saturday breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on your plans, Everything else is as pre-packed and ready to eat as possible. Breakfasts of Pop-tarts and cereal, or oatmeal. Lunches of 'just add hot water' soups and quicky sandwiches, or maybe just various kinds of trail bars. Utensil-less or minimal utensil cooking is also fun- kabobs, hot dogs on a stick, etc.
Simplify. Camping is supposed to be fun and a chance to get AWAY from stress, TVs, electronics, etc. What can you leave behind? What have you never used? What can be made smaller or easier?
Pack as you close. On he last day, take the time to clean things and put them away right. Try hard to put them away NOW, so they can stay there and be ready for next time instead of the traditional 'pack it dirty, chuck it somewhere, hunt it, clean it, repack it' method most people use.
Speaking of pre-packing- what foods can you pre-pack? Potato flakes, rice, biscuit mix, soup and gravy mixes, seasonings, drink mixes, pasta, etc. can all be stored easily for several months. Condiment packets can be collected and used on campouts easily. Aim to carry stuff to make emergency meals with, or stuff to enhance other meals. You don't need to carry it all, but having it available is sure handy!
We can decide to camp on a Thursday evening, and all we need to do to leave on Friday after work is to throw some clothes in a duffel, grab the binoculars and maps, put the tent in the tent bag, and toss the tubs and duffels in the car. Grab some groceries after work, pack the cooler, and off we go.
When we get home, the tent and sleeping bags go in their storage bags to finish airing out (or get washed if needed), the tubs and duffels go back on the shelf, dirty clothes to the wash, non-storable food to the fridge or whatever, take a shower and we are done.
Store as much as you can already packed. We keep 2 'camping tubs' ready to go- one for the kitchen, one for everything else (tarps, stakes, lantern, ax, games, rope, spare toiletries, etc.. Everything was washed after last use, and packed so it does not get smelly or nasty between uses. Some is in plastic bags, some wrapped in paper, etc. Checklists lay on the top of the stuff ready for a quick review. The checklists note the things that might have an expiration date, and what we need to add- like food.
The tent, sleeping bags, etc. are stored in loose pillowcases between trips, and go into their own duffel bags when it is time to go.
Streamline personal stuff. Each person has 2 duffel bags- one holds their sleeping bag, sheet, sleeping mat, and a small camping pillow, all pre-packed except for the bag itself as above.
The other bag has their camping toiletry kit (which includes some bug and sun juice and everything they need for showering, etc. We no longer 'share' kits for logistic reasons!), their camping 'pocket kit' (whistle, knife, lighter, first aid, pocket flashlight, cordage, etc.), towel, shower/camp flip-flops, etc. When it is time to go, they add their clothing and any book, etc. they want to bring.
Streamline cooking. For a weekend, figure on cooking one BIG meal- Saturday breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on your plans, Everything else is as pre-packed and ready to eat as possible. Breakfasts of Pop-tarts and cereal, or oatmeal. Lunches of 'just add hot water' soups and quicky sandwiches, or maybe just various kinds of trail bars. Utensil-less or minimal utensil cooking is also fun- kabobs, hot dogs on a stick, etc.
Simplify. Camping is supposed to be fun and a chance to get AWAY from stress, TVs, electronics, etc. What can you leave behind? What have you never used? What can be made smaller or easier?
Pack as you close. On he last day, take the time to clean things and put them away right. Try hard to put them away NOW, so they can stay there and be ready for next time instead of the traditional 'pack it dirty, chuck it somewhere, hunt it, clean it, repack it' method most people use.
Speaking of pre-packing- what foods can you pre-pack? Potato flakes, rice, biscuit mix, soup and gravy mixes, seasonings, drink mixes, pasta, etc. can all be stored easily for several months. Condiment packets can be collected and used on campouts easily. Aim to carry stuff to make emergency meals with, or stuff to enhance other meals. You don't need to carry it all, but having it available is sure handy!
We can decide to camp on a Thursday evening, and all we need to do to leave on Friday after work is to throw some clothes in a duffel, grab the binoculars and maps, put the tent in the tent bag, and toss the tubs and duffels in the car. Grab some groceries after work, pack the cooler, and off we go.
When we get home, the tent and sleeping bags go in their storage bags to finish airing out (or get washed if needed), the tubs and duffels go back on the shelf, dirty clothes to the wash, non-storable food to the fridge or whatever, take a shower and we are done.
How do I get mold/mildew spots out of the canvas of my pop up camper?
wendy a
O.K. I'm the guilty one with this one!! I went camping and packed up the camper while it was wet and did not open it back up for a few days and oh my gosh, mold/mildew everywhere!!! Without compromising the waterproofing (or should I say, whats left of the waterproofing) does anyone have any tried and true remedies for this? All suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Thank you!!! I'm all over it!!!!
Answer
Best bet is to bite the bullet and scrub the tent with detergent to remove the mildew. Do not use bleach! It will fade the fabric, or if too strong, eat it up.
Once the canvas has been cleaned, rinsed, and dry you will have to redo the waterproofing.
I suggest Aqua-tite. You can spray it on with a garden sprayer, allow to dry and air out, and you are ready to hit the campgrounds again. Your canvas should be treated every other year anyway to keep a healthy covering over your head.
Best bet is to bite the bullet and scrub the tent with detergent to remove the mildew. Do not use bleach! It will fade the fabric, or if too strong, eat it up.
Once the canvas has been cleaned, rinsed, and dry you will have to redo the waterproofing.
I suggest Aqua-tite. You can spray it on with a garden sprayer, allow to dry and air out, and you are ready to hit the campgrounds again. Your canvas should be treated every other year anyway to keep a healthy covering over your head.
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