by Brian McKay

If you’re tired of pollution clogging your lungs, horns blaring at all hours of the day or night, and the breakneck pace of city living, and long for the clean air, tranquil atmosphere, and simple pleasures of the great outdoors, then going camping can fill your need to connect back with nature.

However, if you’ve never been camping before and you’ve just binge-watched Bear Grylls conquering Wild America and thought, “Maybe this isn’t for me,” don’t despair. You don’t need to wrestle a mountain lion with your bare hands or make toilet paper out of leaves to have a good time. All you need is some basic equipment, like an Easy-to-setup Instant Tent, sleeping bag, and simple stove, and an open attitude.

With that in mind, let’s explore some ways you can make your first camping experience stress-free with the three W’s:

When—Decide on a date when you will make your way into the great outdoors. Weather conditions may vary greatly by season, which will affect the gear you’ll bring. Also decide on how long you’ll stay—there’s no shame in planning for just one night, if you want to dip your toes in the water before jumping into the deep end.

               Tip: Call ahead to the campsite and ask when the best time is to book. You can also get an idea of the types of facilities they have as well.

Where—In whichever campsite you choose, you’ll have to make a reservation, so be sure to book in advance. A quick Google Maps search will give you campsites located near you, and you can call your local outdoors store for recommendations for beginners.

Some things that you’ll want to take into consideration before booking include whether the campsite is pet-friendly, the quality of its facilities (such as toilets and showers), and nearness to a town, just in case you left your tent (or flashlight) at home. You might also consider going to a campsite near your own home, in the event of unfavorable conditions (the ones that would send even Bear Grylls packing). Again, you don’t have to dive deep into the woods for your first camping experience.

Tip: When planning your camping trip, it’s a good idea to do a practice round in your own backyard. That way, you’ll be able to practice pitching your tent, cooking a simple meal, and sleeping on the ground for the first time. It’s fine to go through the motions of camping—and highly recommended.

What-- Someone once said that going camping was spending hundreds of dollars to live like a homeless person. However, it does not have to be that daunting. If you’re not sure whether or not this camping thing will be right for you, you can always rent the biggest purchases—tent, bag, and sleeping pads—and only buy the smaller ones, such as the brightest flashlight and a quality sleeping bag, that you are likely to make use off elsewhere if you suspect camping might be a "one and done" activity for you.

Without further ado, here are the essentials to bring for your first Tent camping trip

·        The tent—arguably the most important item, a good rule of thumb is to pick a tent a size or two larger than the number of people who will be staying in it. This will give everyone a little space. Decide on whether you want a smaller, lightweight tent, or one that is tall enough that you can stand up in without crouching. If you’re going with friends, you may want to opt for a two-door design, so midnight bathroom breaks won’t be a problem.

·        Sleeping bag—Again, knowing when you’ll plan your camping trip will affect what kind of sleeping bag and pads you will buy, whether it’s the lighter bag for summer, or have more variation for autumn and spring.

·        Kitchen gear—If you’re planning on cooking, the only thing you’ll need is a small two-burner propane stove, fuel (you can easily buy propane at Discount-Propane.com) , and a lighter. In addition, bring pots, plates, cups, and utensils. Investing in a quality water bottle can help make your trip a lot more pleasant—especially if you go on long hiking trips. Tip—if you store all your kitchen necessities in a plastic bin, this can also double as a wash bin for cleaning up afterwards. Take a cooler if you want any fresh veggies or perishable food.

·        Toiletries—Be sure to pack any prescriptions you might need, and a first aid kit is always essential. Protect yourself with sunscreen and bug spray. Other items to include are toilet paper, hand soap, (hand sanitizer can also come in handy), and a small hand towel. Ladies, if you think it might be around that time, bring menstrual items, just in case.

               What to Wear—layers, layers, layers! The secret to wearing weather-appropriate clothing is to bring enough to cover all kinds: hot, cold, rain, or shine. Bring sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and a hat to keep the sun out of your face. For the nighttime, when temperatures take a dip, take a long coat, gloves, and long underwear.

               What to Eat--For your first time, opt for canned or boxed food—all you need to do is heat it up! If you’re a die hard coffee fanatic, you can bring instant coffee, and if you’re more of a tea person, bring teabags.

               Tip: No matter how little you may bring, humans always produce trash, and creatures and critters around your tent would love to take a bite out of whatever you just ate. Make sure to seal up any food and properly dispose of food waste. Otherwise, you might find several unwanted neighbors in your tent!

Going camping for the first time can be an exciting experience, but it does not have to be stress-inducing. Think of it as an opportunity to push outside your normal comfort zone, and a learning experience. No one is an expert right away. Remember, there is no shame if not everything goes according to plan—that’s what backup plans are for! Camping is a great opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life, spend some quality time with family and friends, and experience the wonder of nature.