The Costco Connection

By Mary Barberio

IT’S TIME TO leave behind the stress and traffic of big cities and go camping. Explore the great outdoors while you hike, bike, raft, canoe, swim, chase butterflies and relax by the campfire. Simply follow these guidelines for camping equipment and you’ll have a great experience.

Tent. What qualities should you look for? At one time most tents were made of canvas and weren’t very sophisticated. That’s no longer the case. Today there are many variables, so look for one that fits your purpose.

You should consider space, weight, ceil-
ing height, durability and ventilation. Then
choose the material. Nylon is lightweight and
strong and doesn’t rot. Polyester is similar to
nylon but is better able to resist
UV damage. Canvas is durable
but heavier. Do the zippers open
easily? Ease of setup is extremely important,
and it is recommended that you set up your
new tent at home first so you’re familiar with
the process.

Sleeping bag. Select a sleeping bag of high quality and with a temperature rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect on your outing. Down-filled bags are light and compactable, and some are water repellent. Synthetic-filled bags are heavier and less compactable but are also less expensive. Choose a cot, a good air mattress or at least a thick pad to add cushioning from the hard earth.

Coolers. Take two. For the food cooler, fill a couple of 2-liter bottles with water and freeze ahead of time. The bottles of ice will last longer and won’t leave your food swimming in water. Plus, you’ll have cold drinking water.

The beverage cooler will be opened more often, and cubed ice will work fine. This ice will melt quicker, but don’t discard it as it can be put to other uses, such as when Fido needs drinking water or Junior needs his sandy feet washed before hopping into his sleeping bag.

Camp stove. There are many to choose from, as stoves vary in size, weight, power, fuel and ease of use. The right choice for you will depend on your needs and budget.

Try using pots and pans that nestle, as they take up less room.

Food. All meals can be cooked easily
over your stove or campfire, from pancakes
and eggs to shish kebabs over rice. You can
even cook fruit pies and pizzas in pie irons
over the fire. Your food choices are limited
only by your imagination. A few tips:
• Prepare and freeze some meals at home.

• Bring heavy-duty foil for meals that can be cooked directly over the fire.

• Bring sealable plastic bags or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids for leftovers (and for protecting cellphones and matches from moisture).

• Keep food stored away in the car, in special canisters or suspended in a tree to avoid unwelcome visits from animals.

• Bring trash bags for cleanup.

That’s how easy camping is. Get your gear. Call ahead to see if the campsite provides electricity and water and allows for Fido. Follow your checklist and prep some meals ahead of time. Then pack the car, collect the family and head out. And don’t forget the s’mores. C

Costco member Mary Barberio is a freelance writer based in Northville, Michigan, whose family has been camping for generations.

The Costco Connection Many camping items are available seasonally in Costco warehouses, and many more can be found year-round on Costco.com.

recreationsummer

©
PR
ES
SM
A
ST
ER
/
S
H
U
T
T
ER
ST
OC
K
©
S
HE
RYL
C.S.
JO
H
N
SO
N
/
S
H
U
T
TE
RS
TO
CK

How to be a happy camper

Camping madeeasy

❑ Tarp/ground cloth

❑ Pocket knife, hammer, axe, extra stakes, duct tape

❑ Air pump and a repair kit if bringing an air mattress

❑ Lantern/flashlight/headlamp

❑ Camp chairs

❑ Rope (clothesline for wet clothes)

❑ First-aid kit

❑ Bug repellent (sage is a natural mosquito repellent; it can be thrown on the fire, and it smells good)

❑ Cooking/eating utensils and dishes, bottle/can opener

❑ Oven mitts, napkins/ paper towels, dishcloth/ towel, soap, clothespins, plastic tablecloth

❑ Rain gear IF APPLICABLE:

❑ Water (if not available
on-site)
❑ Map/compass (if no
cellphone service)
❑ Extension cord (if electricity
is available)
❑ Folding table
❑ Dining canopy
❑ Backpack