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Buy camping gear that's best for you

By LAURA T. COFFEY
Published March 19, 2006

6. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHING. Layering is important when you camp, and so is planning for anything. Carry additional layers in your backpack; even if it seems warm out, you can get chilled and need a change of clothes if it gets wet. Opt for wicking, breathable fabrics.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TENT. If you plan to backpack, opt for the lightest-weight tent that can provide protection - or relief - from the most intense weather conditions you'll see. (In Florida, windows and air vents are key.) Many light two-person tents exist. If you're backpacking with kids, your party could carry more than one.

2. SECURE THE RIGHT SLEEPING BAG. Choose a bag with a comfort rating that fits the coldest temperatures you're likely to experience. Bags filled with down insulation are lighter and more durable than bags with synthetic fill, but they're also more expensive, so how much you'll use them is a factor.

3. SELECT A SLEEPING PAD. This essential purchase will help you stay comfortable and warm when you spend the night on hard, uneven ground. Options include an air mattress (comfortable but heavy and bulky), an open-cell foam pad, a closed-cell foam pad or a self-inflating open-cell foam pad encased in a waterproof nylon shell. Try out all of these before you buy one.

4. KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING. Regardless of where in the country or the world you are, a detailed topographic map is important if you plan to do any hiking. Such maps will help you reorient yourself if you get lost or find a water source when you need one. Always store the map in a watertight case.

7. INVEST IN A WATER PURIFIER. Protect yourself from bacteria and waterborne viruses by using a water purifier. (Water filters protect from bacteria only.) Choose a purifier with an absolute, not a nominal, pore size of 0.2 microns.

8. PACK A FIRST-AID KIT. You can buy a premade kit or build one yourself. The kit should include moleskin for blisters, adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, gauze pads, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, pen and paper.

9. REMEMBER OTHER CAMPING ESSENTIALS. Be sure to pack a headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries); storm-proof matches in a watertight case; a fire starter; a knife or multiuse camp tool; sunglasses; sunscreen; a whistle, in case you fall or get stranded; at least one extra day's worth of no-cook food, such as nuts, dried fruit and jerky; and a bear-resistant food storage container.

10. COMPARE PRICES ONLINE. You can shop around on these Web sites: REI (www.rei.com) Patagonia (www.patagonia.com) Cabela's (www.cabelas.com) TheSportsAuthority.com; Fogdog.com; Orvis (www.orvis.com)

Sources: REI (www.rei.com) Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org)

[Last modified March 17, 2006, 18:07:01]