Outdoor Gear for Camping and Hiking

Outdoor Gear

Looking to spend some time in The Great Outdoors? Then make sure you're prepared for anything with our wide selection of outdoor gear for camping, hiking, and more! The items available will not only ensure that you enjoy your time in nature, but will also help keep you safe and protected from the elements.

Camping & Hiking Essentials

Before you begin your outdoor adventure, think of everything you would like to bring on your trip, check the weather forecast and lay out your items before beginning to pack. The below checklists can help you get started.

If your trip into the outdoors includes some time at the campground, you'll want to start with the basics that will offer shelter and comfort at your home away from home! The easiest and most common way to do this is to pitch a tent.

You will need to evaluate the weather conditions, season and environment in which you are camping and also the number of adults that the tent can fit comfortably. If you are backpacking, you will want to consider a lightweight tent for easy mobility. Most tents include ground stakes, poles, a canopy and often, a rain fly for assembly.

Another shelter you might consider for your camping trip is a canopy. Canopies help provide weather and sun protection while outdoors. Some varieties also feature screens to prevent bugs from entering.

Depending on the climate of your destination, the following factors are important to consider when purchasing a sleeping bag:

• The temperature rating describes the coldest comfortable temperature your sleeping bag can handle. Usually, there is a minimum and a maximum degree for which the sleeping bag is recommended.
• Insulation is measured by the fill weight in ounces. The higher the number, the warmer and more insulated your bag will be.
• The length of the sleeping bag is important for taller individuals. Look for information about the height of a person that will comfortably fit within the sleeping bag.
• The shape will most often be rectangular or mummy style. Rectangular bags are roomier, but can also add bulk to your travels. Mummy bags are tapered at the feet and often include a hood for more insulation.

If you want to sleep a bit off the ground, there are a couple options to consider. The first is an air mattress. Air mattresses create a comfortable and cushioned sleeping place inside a tent. These are ideal for extended campground stays, but can be bulky to carry and require an air pump for inflation.

With your sleeping situation settled, you'll want to consider other items you'll need around camp, for tasks like cooking. Cookware will help make meal prep simple and easy when at the campsite. Depending on the meals you want to prepare outdoors, important items to take include a cooking rack or utensils that reach over the campfire, pots and pans, cups, plates, bowls, eating utensils and storage containers with covers.

Camping Tips & Tricks

• Premake food and vacuum seal it. Coming prepared with premade food will cut down on the amount of meal preparation time while outdoors.
• Store matches in a sealed container. Even if it rains, they will be dry and ready to use. You can also glue sandpaper to the top of the container as a striker.
• Hang a pocket-sized lantern in your tent to illuminate it at night and keep your hands free.
• Seal your trash in a container at night to keep animals away.
• Use a belt and "S" hooks to hang pots and pans around a tree for drying.
• Roast a bundle of sage over the campfire to keep mosquitoes away.
• Microfiber towels are absorbent, compact and dry quickly.
• Freeze jugs of water instead of ice cubes to keep beverages and food cold in your cooler.

Get all your outdoor must-haves, and prepare to take on new adventures in safety and comfort. You'll want to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws in your way, and our selection of outdoor gear gets you on the right track!