Clothes

This is one of many catergories, that can best be described as.... Daunting.

It doesn't seem that way until you start and realize.... Clothes take up a lot of space. 

There are going to be some challenges for this one, mostly if you are a serious, one with nature, kind of personality.  The first question to ask yourself is, "What is the weather going to be like where your planning to stay."  The higher the altitude the colder it can be.  In a valley you might be dealing with 92 degree plus temperatures.  However, go up in altitude by just a thousand feet, and suddenly that 92 feels like 85, or lower.  Another five hundred feet... You get the picture.  Another question you should ask, especially for the parents with kids, "How dirty are you going to get, and can you live with being dirty for a little while?  There are ways to deal with the dirty.  There are ways to deal with dirty and comfort.  You don't want to take your entire dresser while out on even a drive up camping vacation.

There are lots of things you can do to clean up.  Including cleaning clothes.  The idea is to go with only what you need.  This isn't always an option when kids are involved, but as they get older...  it gets easier. 

One product that I have found that works really well is the little tide single wash pouches.  You can find them in any of the travel sections of your local store.  Or you can use what ever soap you have in your gear.  I've used both dish soap and hand soap. 

Water, soap and vigorous scrubbing of the clothes together, and you have created a cleaning environment.  Rinse and then hang to dry.  They will be a bit stiff once dry, but they will also be clean. 

Prepare as if it going to get cold.  Even if your going to Yuma, Arizona in the middle of the summer.  Granted your probably not going to need the down filled, cold blocking down to 20 degress below zero coat in this scenario, but, it will get you into the mind set of being ready.

Here are 12 tips on choosing what to wear.  Layers, layers, and don't forget the layers. 
http://www.websiterepairguy.com/articles/household_tips/stay_warm.html

Cotton is a great tool, as long as it stays dry.  In cooler temperatures, even in just a slight breeze, wet cotton wicks heat away from the body.  That is the last thing you need to happen.  There are great products now that allow for proper dressing with out the hassle of worry. 

This link is to an essay on the pros of being prepared and great recommendations on the types of clothes to bring and use.
http://www.epinions.com/content_4779974788

The writer, Joe McMaster, recommends layers, and preparing for the unforseen weather.  As do I.  For example; I always bring a long sleeve shirt on any camping trip.  Even on the hotest days of summer a long sleeve shirt will be helpful.  Ever had a bad sunburn the first day of what was supposed to be the best trip of the year?  Long sleeve shirt!

With just a bit of research, you can find quality clothes for reasonable prices.  If you cannot afford to go run out an buy all of the necessary clothes in one shot, don't.  Start with essential items.  Long Johns, or long underwear. and socks.  Gloves and a wool hat.  And work your way up. 

Wool used to be bulky, itchy, and hard to come by.  Now it is readily available,  with new uses, better quality, and better prices. 

If you have to stick with cotton or similar fabrics, remember layers.  I recommend sizes larger than you normally wear.  If you normally wear a medium keep that size for your Long Johns and go up one size for your other layers.  (This is why womens winter fashions have never made much sense to me.  Sure you look really cute in that beautiful new winter coat.  And look it fits so snug, you really don't look like your wearing a coat.  The problem with that is you also can't fit any extra layers underneath that skin tight coat.)  I also recommend 1 or 2 button or zip up layers.  If you become over heated while your wearing all of your layers, a button or zip up layer will be easier to undo to allow cooling. 

Remember: Your bodies natural defense is to pull heat away from non essential areas of the body to maintain core temperature.  Your core includes you torso and head.  The blood vessels in the hands, feet, and extremeties begin to shrink.  This prevents blood from taking heat from the core to the extremeties.  In severe situations the joints and skin in the effected or exposed area begin to tighten, and ache.  You start to shiver.  Shivering is the bodies attempt at trying to bring your body temperature back up.  If you get cold enough, you will stop shivering.  Do not take this as a good sign.  If your so cold that you have stopped shivering, hypothermia is well established and you are now in serious trouble. 

The numbers of clothes are ultimately up to you.  I recomend for 4 days or less, in reasonable weather, 2 of all your main layers.  3 if the weather could turn bad, or the trip is longer.  If your hiking, or backpacking, your going to need to determine what your willing to carry verus what will keep you safe during unforseen conditions.  This link defines the layers and gives tips on what to look for in your layers. 
http://www.outdooreyes.com/choosecampingclothes.php3

It is reasonable to assume that you'll be starting the trip wearing some of your layers.  With that in mind, pack as if you wont.  In other words, what ever you plan to wear at the beginning of your trip should not be counted as part of your packing.  That will give you a one up against the possibilities. 

Now to the list.  This list is a general list that includes many items for a variety of camping endeavours.  It is a suggestion, not a hard and fast rule, and as before, you will find items that you can use that are not included in this list, just as well as items you wont use, that you can eliminate from your list. 

Poncho  There are many different types of rain gear.  The Poncho is a good universal covers everything kind of rain gear.  You can throw it on over a pack and keep you and your gear dry.  There are many stores that sell ponchos, from the very thin plastic, to the nice sturdy use over and over agin types.  This is an additive to your list that can be with your clothes or your first aid kit.

Short sleeve shirt At least 2.  Something to get dirty in, something to shred in case of an emergency, something that you didn't get signed by Mick Jagger during his career.  When used in layers, your short sleeve shirts can be tucked into a back pocket, or worn just around the neck.  A short sleeve shirt can also be turned into a type of turbin or wrap for your head while allowing the length of the shirt to cover the neck and shoulders. 

Long sleeve shirt Again, at least 2.  So far this is a total of 4 shirts that can be easily used in your layering system.  Long sleeve shirts can be tied around the waste when they don't need to be worn.  They can be used as a modified pack, a sling, or a cover for your head.  They can also be used to tie splints and pressure bandages. 

Jacket I prefer something lined in fleece with a wind breaking shell, and a hood.  The disadvantage to a windbreaking shell is that it does not easily allow moisture out.  The more like a rain coat your jacket is, the less it will breath.  However, that can also be a plus. 

Coat  For the purposes of camping, even in good weather, find a coat that will give you protection down to the lowest temps possible, remembering that the lower the temperature that the coat can handle, the more money you will be putting into it.  Quality is the key.  A lot of coats now come with a removeable liner.  This is an advantage when working in layers.  Make sure your coat comes with a hood. 

Long pants  2.  Most people use denim.  Denim is versatile, flexible, heavy duty, and strong.  Their one main drawback is what they're made of... Cotton.  Ever gone swimming in jeans?  Or been in a neighborhood water fight while wearing jeans?  They are great sponges.  They become increasingly heavy with the added water, and in a situation where you might have to swim, they act against you.  They can drag you down while your trying to get to safety.  The second most common pants... Sweat pants.  Same problem.  The more water they are holding the heavier they are.  I recommend only 1 pair of denim along with something else.  REI has a great selection of camping gear for men, women, and children.  They have a wide selection of pants that are nylon based.  The only problem I have ever found with nylon is that it will melt when to close to a strong heat source, like an open flame fire.  (Nylon can melt to skin, so be careful)  Having used these light weight pants in the past I've found them to be both warm and comfortable.  During cooler nights you can add your thermal underwear and have better strength against the cold. 

Short pants  Shorts are more a want than a need.  Many companies like REI sell a combination pant/shorts.  You can unzip the legs from the trunk of the pants and vuala, shorts.  In the field there is really no advantage to shorts besides comfort.  I myself wear pants while camping for safety.  Pants help to avoid scrapes and cuts on the legs while also preventing sunburn and provinding a barrier against bug and other bites.  They aren't always full proof, but definitely better than bare skin.

Underwear  These are up to you.  I recommend comfort.  These are not the same as thremal underwear, or long johns.  Remember camping means moving.  There is no couch to just plunk down on ans then do nothing the rest of the day.  Comfort is key.

Socks  Severak pairs, at least 3.  These can be cotton, but especially for cold temperatures... Wool.  Dry feet will make a huge difference especially when confronted with an emergency.  Wool still insulates even when damp.  If your socks or shoes end up wet, take them off, and get them dry.  Depending on how wet your shoes are, at least put on dry socks.  Keep your feet as dry as possible.  If you have enough warm weather to dry shoes and socks, use it.  If you need to make a fire to get things dry, do it.  Socks can fit into the little nooks and crannies or pockets, packs, and bags.  There isn't a good reason to have wet socks.  One trick you can use your socks for... Smaller rocks that have been heating in the fire pit can be stuffed into one of your socks and then placed inside the bottom of your sleeping bag.  These will keep your tootsies warm for several hours through the night.

Hat/ ball cap 1.  Something with a neck and face protection.  During inclament weather, a ski cap.  Something that you can pull down over your ears.  Or hats with flaps.  Hats like socks can be rolled up, and fit into the little spaces in your gear.

Bandana 2.  These can be tied over the head for sun protection, they can be tied in hair to keep it up and out of your face.  They can be used as a bandage, or if large enough, a sling.  They can be used for cleaning, and tying.  They can also be used as a modified bag.  Or a flag.  Remember bright colors attract the human eye.  If you are ever lost, you can use the bandana to signal or mark an area. 

Vest I recommend something with a lot of pockets.  Pockets can be your best friend.  A good fishing vest can be used for many other functions besides fishing.  Between the different pockets you can carry a modified first aid kit, rain gear, fire starting tools, or any number of items. 

Sweat shirt/ Sweater Wool is going to be your best friend.  Cotton will keep you toasty as long as it stays dry.  Cotton helps hold moisture against the body.  Wool wicks it away.  Again there are many new wool products that will accomplish a warm weather combatent, while at the same time not making you feel like you really gained a ton of weight.  In fact there is a newer wool product called Merino wool.  It is lighter weight and has been spun even tighter than ever before.  This link has a great selection of Merino wool for really resonable prices.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Category___40000000226_200368296

Shoes/ Boots 2.  Strong, sturdy, and broken in.  Never, I can't say this strongly enough. Never take out your just bought yesterday brand new pair of leather hikers.  You'll be miserable the whole time your out.  Hikers come in several styles, fabrics, sizes, and ankle lengths.  A good sturdy, comfortable pair of tenni-shoes will work if your camping doesn't require long periods of walking or serious hiking.  And make sure they fit properly.  You shouldn't have an inch of space between your toe and the tip of the shoe.  Your toes also shouldn't be curled under to make your feet fit in the shoe.  We call them Keds, sometimes they're referred to as deck shoes or canvas shoes.  They make a great second pair.  You can wear them around camp while letting your better shoes dry out.  Or you can use the canvas pair for those last minute bathroom runs in the middle of the night.  They take up relatively little space and come in adult womens and mens styles and sizes, and kids. 

Snow pants/snow gear  This is something that can come in handy during multiple seasons.  Between early spring, late fall, and of course winter, these can be a good cold resistant garment.  Making sure that your snow gear is rated for certain temperatures is a top priority. 

Snow hat or cap that covers the face  This is still multiple use through several seasons.  Strong winds will have a hard time getting to your skin if you can cover most of it.  For extremely cold weather you can combine a ski mask with a flap hat. 

Thermal underwear  Last but not least.  There are many varieties of thermal underwear or Long Johns.  They make the first most serious layer of your layering system.  They should wick moisture away from the body while at the same time maintaining your body temperature.  The Campmor website, (linked above) is also a great source for the long underwear. 

Wool is still best, but if you can't just plunk down the bucks, do it a step at a time.  I personally would choose the item you are going to be using the most.  If your going to be out during more inclimate weather, consider the Long Johns first.  If your more of the early summer kind of camper, maybe a good sturdy sweater to start.  Or you have reliable layers and a pair of gloves or hat would be better.  Don't forget your feet.  

The best time to try out your new gear?  When your home.  Try out layering while your gardening, shopping, working.  Regular everyday activities will quickly determine what you need to alter in your layers.  Imagine the kinds of things you'll be doing while camping.  Will you be chopping wood, or maybe canoeing.  Try and match your activities at home to what you might be doing in the wilderness.  Don't forget to break in your hikers.  And layer, layer and layer.  Warmth brings comfort and a much more enjoyable trip.