Camping Tips?
 

So this is sort of a weird situation.. My good friend, I'll call him Bob, is taking me on a weekend hiking/camping trip fairly soon. The thing is that we've recently decided that we'd like to see if we'd be any good as a couple (there's always been that mutual attraction, always bad timing). So this is more of a camping "date" than anything... talk about a weird first date!

Herein lies the problem: for anyone who's been to KY in the summer, it gets insanely hot AND humid. I can't imagine that being sweaty/stinky would make the best impression, so for those of you who camp, what do y'all do to avoid this? Granted, I've known Bob for some time now, but I would really rather him not see me at my worst. I've never been camping before and haven't the slightest clue as to how you stay clean! No showers for 3 days? :eek: It's scary to think about.. so far all that I can come up with is using baby wipes.

Any input much appreciated!

I'd go to a campground that has showers. Otherwise, ew, although I do think they sell those shower-in-a-bag things -- check REI or some other sporting goods store.

ETA: Here is an example, although I have no idea how well they work.

dont wear floral scented or sweet smelling perfumes 'cause you'll attract bugs!

How much will ya'll be roughing it?

Are ya'll staying at a campground? If so, then they should have public showers and most state parks will have pools and/or lakes to swim in.

If you aren't staying at a campground, I guess a river will be your best bet to stay somewhat clean.

Honestly, he's taking you camping. He doesn't expect you to look your best. Also, if he's a big camper, he's probably going to think you're crazy if you're trying to make sure you look good.

But I think starryeyed gave you the best tip. Don't wear any purfume or anything fragrant. You will attract bugs. Also, if there are showers be careful the type of soap and shampoo you use. It could also attract bugs. Avoid heavily scented anti-persperants.

Swimming will help you stay clean.

Camping is a natural art...
 

First....if you spend too much time being "girly girly" he is gonna think you are nuts. Camping is for getting back to "nature". Find out what kind of camping you will be doing....

Tent Camping
RV Camping
Facility Camping

It sure makes a difference....remember one person's concept of camping is another person's idea of "hotels without room service" :)


Things to remember when camping...

A "spit" bath can do wonders for keeping odors at bay. Unscented biodegradable soap and a pan of warmed water with a good washcloth is pretty much all you need. Soap, wash, rinse, rinse again.

Clean clothes daily. I know this seems silly to say...but CHANGE EVERYTHING! Use deodorant/antiperspirant (again unscented is more desirable). If necessary, changing shirts during the day can help.

Keeping properly hydrated will help as well...

I always take a couple of hats camping...my hair gets all gross so I just cover it up! You can also buy cleansing cloths (I use Oil of Olay brand) that just require a little water.

Bring protection because camping = sex.

For sweaty armpits try Certain Dri. You have to put it on before you go to bed and it might sting a little but you won't sweat AT ALL. I'm afraid it might cause cancer, but atleast you won't be sweaty. And you're supposed to rinse it off in the morning.

anti- bacterial wipes/ baby wipes
flip flops for the showers
insect repelant
a great flashlight/lamp
oil of olay cleasing cloths
deoderant
a daily change of clothes
and a camping chair


you should be good to go...

i can't recall what other crap i pack... lol

Thanks y'all for all the tips,. they'll most definitely help. My friend is a pretty avid camper (he's an Eagle Scout) and isn't really into the whole bring-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink method of camping... we're going to be very minimalistic. Meaning tents, no camp site, no showers... I think the best I'll get is a stream, which will be fine. Luckily for him, I'm not high maintenance in the sense that I'm not going to complain if I feel gross.

Is Certain Dri that anti-perspirant (sp?) that is supposed to be prescription strength? I've used it before and it really really does work, but I had no idea that it could cause cancer! :eek:

More than anything, I'm super excited for this trip and my big adventure outdoors :D More than likely, he's going to be 10 times stinkier than me!

Here are some packing tips if you're doing the "real" kind of camping (i.e not car camping, RVing, etc., etc.)

Make sure you have a bag for your sleeping bag. Roll it as tightly as possible, the bigger it is the more akward it is to carry/pack. Roll all your clothes and anything that isn't going to spill or brake and get all over everything inside your sleeping bag. This will create more room in your pack.

Wool socks are essential. They will keep your feet warm even if they are wet. Do not wear regular sports socks inside them, only wear those if you're not doing any hiking or the likes.


Do you have anything to sleep on? A thermarest is the best but can be pricey. If you haven't been camping before you're probably not going to enjoy sleeping directly on the ground.

My grandmother's camping philosophy was simple.

Everything you need to know about proper camping can be found at the following web addresses:

http://www.broadmoor.com

http://www.livebrochure.net/broadmoor

Now THAT's my kind of camping!

I didn't really think that it did but something like that makes you go hmmm... Thanks for the peace of mind!

Before following this advice check the sleeping-bag packing instructions - depending on the insulating filling in the bag rolling can actually be counter-productive or bad for the bag - alot of sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed in to the valeece <bag that sleeping bag goes in> (these are alot easier to pack).



Cotton wicks away heat, wool retains heat - think of this when planning for the weather ;) But for most folks wool is the way to go for hiking and such...

While a thermarest is pretty neat to sleep on, I'll always be a fan of the rubber inflatable mattresses (fought a long time to keep from exchanging mine in the military) - for camping they are ideal - great as a mattress at night and great for floating around on the water during the day :D

One final piece of advice - I don't know what the bug situation is like were you are, but if it's bad i'd recommend picking up a "bug coil" - always seemed to work for me ;)

Yes! Those sleeping bags are the best...the ones that you do not roll. However, since she has stated that she has never been camping before I was assuming that her sleeping bag would be the type that most people roll.

I suggested a Thermarest because they are much easier to pack and this way you don't have to bring a pump or spend all your energy blowing it up.

LOL!:D

very true lol.

Yeah, camping with the grandparents always rocked.

I can sleep in a tent outside anytime. I'll take a couple of days camping here - absolutely.

http://www.broadmoor.com/admin/libra...t_Newmed20.jpg