Family Camping Packing Checklist *FREE DOWNLOAD*

We've put together a fantastic checklist of everything you'll need when camping with your family (and just by yourself, if that's a thing for you). Specific to tent camping, you can easily adapt this to RV camping or backpacking, and it includes space for you to add your own items, as well! It was written by combining my experience leading wilderness backpacking trips, camping across the US on road trips, and having three young children of my own now.

Best of all...it's FREE!

Download the nice printable version from DropBox by clicking here. 

Family Tent Camping Equipment Checklist

Camp Setup
 Medical First Aid Kit
 Herbal First Aid Kit (including essential oils, herbs, and homeopathy)
 2-3 large tarps
 2 long, thin ropes (clothesline type)
 Clothespins
 Tent, fly, footprint
 Extra tent stakes
 Shammy (for wet tent)
 Hand floor brush and dustpan (small, for sweeping tent floor)
 Tent light
 Battery operated lantern
 Extra batteries
 Bear spray
 Dishwashing buckets- 2
 Biodegradable dish soap
 Water
 Food
 Cooking dishes
 Eating dishes, cups, and utensils (one mess kit per person)
 Camp stove
 Grill for fire
 Foil
 Ziploc bags
 Paper towels
 Day packs
 Playing cards, small games
 Guitar, instruments
 Duct Tape
 Pillows (because you’re car camping so you can!)
 Camping chairs (1 pp) (optional)
 Fold up table (optional, depending on campsite)
 Lightweight hammock (optional)
 Bear containers or the like (optional for car camping)

Survival Kit
 Compass
 Maps of area
 Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
 Paper and pencil
 Extra waterproof matches
 All weather fire starter
 Whistle*
 Strong nylon cord
 Toilet paper
 Vaseline
 Salt Tablets
 Copper Wire
 Water purifier tablets
 Solar cell phone charger
 Emergency radio

Pocket necessities
 Leatherman
 Windproof/waterproof matches
 Compass
 Watch
 Refillable water bottle
 Carabineer

Toilet articles
 Toilet paper
 Biodegradable soap
 Small towel/washcloth
 Unscented lip balm*
 Unscented hand cream*
 Small shovel
 Garbage bag for pack out areas
 Tootbrush/paste*
 Contact solution and case/glasses*
 Feminine hygiene articles*
 Diapers and wipes for babies
 Hairbrush and hair ties*
 Solar water heater bag for showers

Pack necessities
 Sleeping bags
 Sleeping pads
 Headlamps
 Sunglasses
 Water bottles
 Clothing
 Swim suit
 Towel or Shammy
 Mirror
 Medications
 Map
 Compass
 Cash
 ID
 Sunscreen
 Sun hat
 Bug spray & itch cream
 Baby wipes
 Bandaids/hand sanitizer/etc.
 Raingear (for pack, as well)

Other
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*Designates something that you may prefer to put in your personal pack


The checklist conveniently divides everything you'll need for a successful camping trip into these categories: camp setup, pocket necessities, survival kit, pack necessities, and other. It's free for you and all of your friends to download and use, just please link back to this original page if you share it with anyone! Download your free copy today and enjoy the outdoors!

Family Camping Basics

Before children, I spent many summers backpacking, road tripping, and even leading high adventure wilderness trips in the Adirondack Mountains. The wilderness is a love of mine, and I have been patiently waiting until my children were old enough to share that love with me. That time has finally arrived, and though we won't be backpacking, we are planning our first car camping trip next weekend, and a few more over the rest of the summer!

Tent camping takes a lot of forethought to begin with, and more so when you have young children (one still in diapers, for us!) as well. While our first trip will be to a campground, we are planning some state forest camping this summer, as well. The biggest difference between the two are what you can leave out at night and what you need to put back in your car to avoid bear and animal infestation, as well as if you are able to throw your garbage out and get fresh water (at a campground)  or if you need to secure your garbage and pack in your water (forest). Either way should be completely doable with young children if you have the correct planning and, for us at least, plan to "car camp" (i.e. you can drive your vehicle into your campsite or at least very close, so you can bring more things with you instead of only what you can carry on your back).

Here are some general guidelines to help your family camping experience go smoothly:

1. Use a packing checklist (get your free copy here)
2. Use a food packing checklist (we'll be uploading one of those later this week, too!)
3. Pack your camp supplies and food in 5-gallon buckets and a cooler. They'll double as seats, the lids will provide fire fanning tools, and the 5-gallon buckets are fairly secure.
4. Label those buckets and always put things back where they were.
5. Teach your kids wilderness, camp, and trail etiquette. Don't litter, follow pottying rules (100' away from a trail, 200' away from a water source; mix your waste with some dirt/leaves, cover, and leave a small stick standing up so others know not to use that spot!), walk in the center of trails, don't burn things that shouldn't be burnt, etc.
6. Keep your shoes outside the tent. Trust me, you'll be thankful for a clean floor when you try to sleep.
7.  Find a level tent spot--remove every twig you see, and roll around on the floor after the tent is up but before you finalize your spot. You may realize it's not level after all! Better to change now than in the middle of the night.
8. Use a tent that you can reasonably put up considering your situation. Do you need two adults? If so, where will the kids be? We chose an easy-up family sized tent because then one adult can keep the kids safe while the other handles the tent.
9. Always sign in to trails and give your itinerary to someone before you leave for your trip.
10. Relax! The more organized and prepared you are, the easier it will be to focus on the purpose of your trip--new experiences, memory building, relaxation, and fun.

Good luck on your family camping endeavors! We'd love to hear about your experiences and other tips and tricks you've used to help things go smoothly. We can't WAIT to cook around a fire, snuggle up in a sleeping bag, and drink hot cocoa while watching the sun rise!

Next: Family Camping Packing Checklist

PopATot Review & Giveaway

PopATot. This is a tool, play station, and baby holder all in one. I keep it in my car and find myself using it anywhere and everywhere, all of the time! The PopATot is a portable activity center for children ages 6-18 months that is lightweight, safe, and folds up for carrying and storage in a matter of a few seconds. Originally designed by a family that liked camping and needed to keep their infant away from the campfire, the PopATot has undergone rigorous development and thought to now bring the public a handy dandy way to keep their little ones safe and happy!

The best way to describe the PopATot to you is that it's like a camping chair for babies, except they sit in it instead of on it. I've brought our PopATot to friends' homes for dinner, to outdoor events, to baby showers and parties, and even set it up in my own house to keep LoveBug occupied while I'm cooking or cleaning (and also out of my way but in my sight)! I find that it's a LOT easier to use than our traditional activity centers since it's so lightweight, quick to set up and move around (seconds), and fits in many more places than our other activity center. For this reason, I actually use the PopATot but have stopped using everything else. :-)

When using the PopATot in public, I always attract a crowd of women wondering what it is, and wanting to know where they can get one. It was especially handy over the holidays with all of the traveling and my needing to bake in our kitchen but not wanting my baby to be running around a hot oven. There aren't too many items that I use both in my home and outside of it! While it's been too cold to use the PopATot outdoors yet, I'm very much planning on using it this spring and summer as we travel to my husband's softball games (at last--I won't have to chase my child the entire time!)...and I can't wait to bring my babies camping with this thing! One thing to remember is that your child will need to be able to support his or her self in a sitting position before being able to use the PopATot.

With a spot for cups and attachment places for rings and toys, the PopATot keeps things in good proximity of your child. The only thing I found that I don't like is that the weight of LoveBug brings the top surface down to her at an angle, so nothing can rest by itsef (make sure toys are attached or they'll just slide toward your child!). I would love to see a lipped plate be made that could attach to the PopATot so that the child could eat finger food or something while in the seat, instead of food rolling towards the seat!

The PopATot comes in a variety of colors and prints, and also can be ordered with special baby sized parosols that attach to the base. This way, your child can be shielded from the sun! I don't have one of these, but I think it's a smart idea.

Overall, I think this is a great product that's easy to use (open and close with one hand!) and clean (just shake and wipe off). It's perfect for families on the go or who live in small houses and can't fit a traditional activity center. While you'll have to take the initiative to provide your child with toys while in the PopATot (as opposed to an activity center that already has things built into it), I think that every new parent will find that life is easier when you've got this in your car with you.

Buy It! Visit http://www.popatot.com/ to view there selection. The PopATot is on sale right now for $49.99. AND, there's a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee or your money back. Check website for details. Or if you go through Amazon by clicking here: PopATot, you will be eligible for free shipping and a free 1-year magazine subscription (check link for details)!

Win It! First, you must be a follower of Life More Simply. Then, visit http://www.popatot.com/ and let me know what color/print you'd like. If you win, that's what you'll be getting! Contest will end on Thursday, 1/28/10 at noon, EST.

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Understanding UV Rays

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of light. The spectrum of colors that allow us to see things is actually dependent upon how long or short a wave length the light for that color is. The shorter the length, the bluer the color, with violet being the shortest color that humans can see. Hence the name "ultraviolet" when referring to light that we can't perceive with our eyes. We are able to sense UV rays in other forms though, such as heat and also the effects that it can leave us with such as a burn. UV radiation is an electromagnetic wave which is shorter than visible light but longer than an X-ray wave. It's amazing to me how powerful something that we can't see really is! Did you know that the government actually forecasts the UV intensity like a regular weather forecast? Knowing the UV intensity of the area you live in on a particular day can help you decide how much protection you'll need from the sun. The following gadget and information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/.

1-2 LOW

You can safely enjoy being outside. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen SPF 15+.
In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.

3-5 MODERATE
Take precautions if you will be outside, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen SPF 15+. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.

6-7 HIGH
Protection against sun damage is needed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen SPF 15+ and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when practical. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.

8-10 VERY HIGH
Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade.
Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

11+ EXTREME
Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade.
Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

Permanent Water-Guard Review & Giveaway

*NOTE: the original post, entitled "Silicone Water-Guard Review & Giveaway mistakenly identified the object for review/giveaway as the Silicone Water-Guard when it should have been for the Permanent Water-Guard. Corrections were made on 8/05/09.*

Let's be honest: sometimes, even when diapers are stripped, they still leak. We've had this problem with used FuzziBunz that we've bought offline in particular. I can't rag on the FuzziBunz company for this since I have no idea how the diapers were previously cared for. The fact remains though. They leak.

I'm sure that many other parents out there have experienced the same phenomenon, and so you'll be quite excited about what I'm going to tell you next: there is a solution. You know Atsko, the company that makes Sensi-Clean? Well, they also make Permanent Water-Guard. The concept is pretty simple:

It comes in a spray can. You clean whatever you need to waterproof. You spray the spray on whatever needs to be waterproofed. You let dry. The item is now waterproof. The end.

Permanent Water Guard comes in two different types--a 17 fl. oz. Trigger Spray for "natural obsorbent materials" (cotton, wool, down, etc.) and a 10 oz Aersol spray (this is the one I tested) for "synthetic materials and blends" (polyester, micrfibers, fleece, waterproof breathables, etc.).

Here's what Atsko says about their Permanent Water-Guard:

Permanent Water-Guard is a solvent free, water-based fluorocarbon polymer water and stain repellent. It dries odor free and without U-V brighteners.
Guaranteed to remain effective even after 25 washings in Sport-Wash or Sensi-Clean. This is an extraordinary claim no other product is willing to make -- not even factory-applied Durable Water Repellents.

And the best news of all for us is that it re-waterproofs pocket diapers while keeping everything else the same. I love it! You don't need to throw those old diapers out (or pass them on to an unsuspecting mama over the Internet...) any longer. Simply wash your diapers, turn them inside out, stretch them (so that it all gets coated) while you spray the "wrong side" of the PUL layer (the shiny side), and then let it dry. I did all of our diapers at one time outside on a sunny day. It worked so well that I pulled all of our old diapers out of storage (waiting for the next baby) and sprayed them before packing them up again.

The aeresol spray cost $9.15 on their website (trigger spray is $15.70) and will last a long time if you're using it just for diapers. In fact, I think one can may last me my entire diapering career. Being an active outdoor enthusiast though, I'm pretty excited to have a quality product that I can use to re-waterproof my camping gear. There's nothing worse then waking up in a puddle!

*Buy this product (everyone using CD's should have Sensi-Clean and Permanent Water-Guard on hand) at Atsko's website, http://www.atsko.com/

*Win it! Atsko's giving one of my readers a can of Permanent Water-Guard for FREE. All you have to do is leave me a message and tell me that you want it! Be sure to include an email address and enter by August 7, 1530 hours, EST. Also, leave a separate comment for each entry.

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