GONE CAMPING: TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING

Ever looked in the closet when you're about to embark on an outdoor adventure and wondered to your adventure-having self, "What should I wear?!" Admit it. We're girls. And girls like to look cute. And when we're doing awesome things and shredding outside and getting dirty, we still have a part of us that wants to look good while doing it...

That's where our outdoor style guide comes in!

1. Think LAYERS.

That's the thing about the outdoors... the weather is changeable. You need to be prepared for peeling or adding layers as the day goes on. I usually start with a light puffy in the morning and end up shedding layers throughout the day. It's nice to have an extra pair of socks on hand as well to keep your toes warm at night.

We love rain jackets for their ability to cut wind and shed rain, and act as a super light layering piece

We are all about fun socks with hiking boots!

Socks and sandals. Rock it.

2. Go light.

Overpacking in the wild is never a good idea. I like to think of it this way, "what's in your pack is on your back." If you don't want to carry it, don't bring it.

Whether for a day trip or a multi-night backcountry trip, it's always great to have a day bag

Essentials only! If you're on the water, dry bags are a must.

3. It's all about the function.

Prioritize what you need. Don't bring stuff that you will only use once. Bring the gear that counts - like your pocket rocket backpacking stove, propane/butane, headlamp, Camelback, water filter and things that'll keep you moving once you're on the go. Depending on the type of trip you're taking, make sure you have your essentials with you.

Clothes/shoes wise, there's still lots of ways to be cute while also functional and all kinds of outdoors brands are making that easier and easier for us to do. You don't have to sacrifice good looks to do what you love :) We are always sure to bring a few good hats as well to keep our crazy hair covered!

We like to pack using tupperware to keep things a bit more tidy at basecamp

Headlamp c/o Princeton Tec

Camping Stove (similar)

Wild Brim Hat 

Brixton Tiller Hat

4. Just have fun!
Packing can be very overwhelming and stressful. If you're anything like our Meggie, she can sit in a pile of clothes and gear and just lose her marbles not knowing where to start. Hopefully these quick steps will help you get beyond the stress and to the fun part - adventuring! We will be sharing more tips on specific types of trips and how to pack here shortly, so keep your eyes peeled!

SUMMER GO TO SANDAL & HIKING DESTINATION

Destination: Vasquez Rocks / Activity: Hiking / Footwear: Teva sandals / Jacket: c/o WithoutWalls

You’ve probably already seen this spot just north of Los Angeles, since it's been in TV shows like Star Trek, Friends, and Power Rangers. Formed by erosion 25 million years ago and more recent activity along the San Andreas Fault, Vasquez Rocks is made up of strange and other-worldly rock formations. 

These days, Vasquez Rocks not only plays an interesting role in entertainment, but makes for a great desert getaway just 45 minutes away from the city. There are several trails to get in good hiking time and always free parking. If you're really into earthquakes and geology, you should definitely plan a trip to Vasquez Rocks to hit up the Geology Trail. Starting on the Pacific Crest Trail, you'll eventually veer off and hike along tilted slabs of rock and prominent boulders for scrambling.

This summer our favorite go-to sandal is Tevas! We've been sporting Tevas since we were little girls, and would fight over which colors to get and who got what. I've been hiking in mine, and although I wouldn't say they're built for trails or traversing rocks they do the job on lighter hikes and your everyday adventure. Plus, they're so cute and they come in so many colors! What's not to love?!

WHAT TO WEAR: LET'S HIKE!

Women's Hiking Boot: Columbia Shastalavista Mid Omni-Tech Boot (similar here)

Let's talk about shoes. I'm the girl you want to talk to about shoes, because when you ask Lisa or Megan the first thing they'll say is "Kylie's obsessed with shoes." Lisa and Megan on the other hand are obsessed with swimsuits #nowyouknow

Hiking boots! I always love a good excuse to buy new shoes. But I also have this thing where I like to hold on to pairs for a long time too - it's kinda like my shoes are growing old with me :) As seen on our FAQ page #4 & 5, you'll see we like to get a good deal when shopping for outdoor gear and we also have some recommendations on what gear to bring along on your next outdoor adventure. 

I always recommend looking for a comfortable boot. You want to have the support you need, so make sure if you have a narrow foot you buy a boot that hugs the foot properly. Keep in mind you're going to want ankle support as well, so a mid-high boot will do you some good. Soles with traction are key as well, because you don't want to be slipping off any rocky mountains into a gully or off any cliffs now do you? :) I prefer my lace-ups to have eyelets at the top to really secure the ankle area. I also like my hiking boots to be cute and not look like my dad's or the guy next to me on the trail, so I like to look for something with a little pop of color to give it a more girlie flair.

You can also take Megan's advice and spice up your boots by adding a pop of colored laces like the way she does with hers here in red! That adds a nice classic look that the movie Wild is making everyone want now-a-days.

Tell us what boots you're sporting, and why you love them in the comments below!

HOW TO: PACK FOR A BABYMOON

My husband and I are going on a babymoon to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! We will be there for 5 days and my son Van will be staying with his grandparents while we're away. I'll miss him like crazy, but I am so excited to take some time for myself before baby #2 comes.

It's hard to know what to pack when you are limited to a suitcase and let alone when you are pregnant. After checking the forecast I made a list of basics so my luggage is manageable.

What to pack for a tropical babymoon:

-mix and match tops

-button up

-fun sweater

-swimsuits

-cover ups

-maternity shorts

-black/denim maternity pants

-leggings

-something dressy

-supportive shoes

-flip flops/sandals

-beach hat

-sunglasses

Stay tuned for more information on traveling when pregnant and follow @travelingtriplets on Instagram for updates on our daily adventures!

#STANLEYNESS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

If you're still deciding on the perfect gift for your lover this year, just remember - #Stanleyness is man-lyness. BUT, it doesn't stop there! It's also woman-lyness! We don't just consider this a gift for him. Stanley is the gift that keeps giving - built for a lifetime. Stanley Brand has been around since 1913 and mastered the art of keeping our liquids hot and/or cold, and also on the go. 

BRING ALBION ON YOUR ROAD TRIP

Floral workout leggings c/o Albion Fit

Every road trip needs one good thing - a super comfy flexible amazingly cozy almost non-existent pant. Enter leggings. These workout pants double as a casual every-day "aren't these just a ray of sunshine" pant, and I get stopped by strangers to ask where I got them to rave over their cuteness. I have to say, there's something about them that just puts me in a good mood. This road trip things got a little wild and I showed off some of my best worst moves.

WHAT TO PACK: CAMPING ESSENTIALS

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

Don't know about you, but there are a few things every camper must have. From your pack all the way to something to keep your drinks cold, but not your hands - here's our must-haves for any good adventure.

What's in your pack?

HOW TO: KEEP YOUR SKIN BEAUTIFUL DURING TRAVEL

It can be hard sometimes to keep your skin's healthy glow while traveling, especially in cold and dry places that make your skin itch or hot and tropical places where your skin needs the most protection. We have experimented with a few different products to help you know what to pack.

Previse Skincare is an all natural, eco-friendly customized skin care line that is perfect for travel. They provide a full line of products that contain natural ingredients that are beneficial for your entire body. It only takes a few minutes to complete their three step skincare regiment, perfect for when you're on the go. Another great bonus! They're all carry-on travel size!

Step 1.0 Purify- Replace your current cleanser with Previse Purify

Mmmm! So refreshing! I love washing my face with Previse because it's so natural and organic. You can totally FEEL the difference (and smell!) If your skin is still suffering from the Winter blues, dry and irritated, or maybe you got a little too much sun over the weekend - Previse Purify is mild and gentle on the skin, and also relieving. The wash is made with essential oils designed to relax and calm, washing away your anxiety and stress from a busy day traveling and commuting.

Step 2.0 Nutrify- Nourish your skin with Nutrify

Wow! From the second I dropped this onto my skin and gently rubbed it in I was amazed at how soft my skin immediately felt. I wasn't sure how much to use since it is in a droplet form, but I found a little went a long way. This moisturizer is perfect for tough skin places like your knuckles, knees, and elbows, but can be used all over. The smell was very mild if anything at all. I also have very sensitive skin so I am wary of the products I use to avoid rash breakouts, but I found no such problems with Previse Nutrify. It didn't leave my skin crying for more at the end of the day either [like some typical lotions do] because it helps promote new cell growth.

Step 3.0 Defend- Prevent skin damage and protect from sun exposure

As I've grown older, I've realized more and more the importance of sunscreen and preventing pre-mature age spots. Having lived in a tropical place and currently living beachside, I've put this to use daily and find comfort knowing my skin is protected. I apply step 3.0 right before putting on my make up. Its a nice little serum that absorbs beautifully into the skin without leaving any oily or greasy residue. Additionally, when I decide to go to the beach or hang out poolside, I bag the make up and go straight for the SPF 25. It contains zinc oxide, so does leave a slight white appearance, but it protects just the perfect amount that you won't get burnt but you will still go home feeling sun kissed.

Previse found a simple way to keep your skin healthy while traveling so you don't have to lug around big bottles of sun screen or lotion. We love a good product that will easily fit into our toiletry bags and enhances our natural beauty on the days where make-up and hair straightening is just not gonna happen. To learn more about Previse Skincare and to find your perfect skincare regiment check out their site here, your skin will thank you later!

VANVENTURE PART 2: CAMPING WITH A BABY

I don't know if you remember my "traveling with a baby essentials" post here, but I put it to good use with our last trip to Oregon! Several of these items came in handy to make our camping experience easier including the above items pictured: GoCrib, bumbo, baby wrap (similar), child carrier (similar), oball toy, and Patagonia suit (similar).

I'll be honest, I was afraid of taking a long road trip with my Van man. Too many hours in a car seat can drive everybody mad! Plus, our VW van doesn't have air conditioning. We made sure to pack a hand held spray fan to cool off and gave Van plenty of breaks until we reached our camp site for the night. Van loved being outside!

Here are a few tips I have come up with if you have been wanting to camp with your baby, but are afraid or not sure how. Just make sure the three basic needs are covered. Every baby eats, sleeps, and poops. If you have those things well planned, the rest is just fun!

First and foremost, be prepared! Expect to not get much sleep, especially if your baby is still waking up for night feedings. Expect to have a restless child- not because you weren't prepared, but because he or she is in a new environment far away from home. If you are mentally and physically prepared, your camping experience will likely go much better than you thought. This doesn't go to say that your baby is guaranteed to be a happy camper, but you will still be able to have fun doing what you love with a baby!

1. Eat.
I usually pack a little backpack with Van's baby food. I include a travel bowl and spoon, bib, formula, oatmeal, his solid fruits and vegetables, at least two bottles, and his bottle brush for cleaning. I find it easiest to use hot water and soap when cleaning my baby's feeding items immediately after he eats so it will have plenty of time to air dry. I have seen those awesome camping high chairs like seen here, but can't get myself to spend that much so I use my Bumbo. It is easy to pack around and easy to clean, works great. I am still nursing as well so a hooter hider might be a good idea if you don't want to hide out in your tent for feedings, but then again you're camping so who's gonna see? Hehe.

2. Sleep.
I like to pack warm clothes for camping. Even if it is the summer, night time always is cooler. I pack a sleep sack and onesie for underneath, mittens and beanie. It's comforting to know your little one is warm! If your baby is still swaddled a Swaddleme is a great idea, but Van just sleeps in his sleep sack. When Van was an newborn I used a little doggy bed to lay him in right next to my head in the tent! He slept his longest night ever to this day in that doggy bed camping. Now that he is bigger we use our GoCrib. It can be a tight squeeze in your tent, but it works great in our van so he has space to roll around. We always lay down a blanket underneath to keep him warm and you can use a camping pad for extra comfort. You can also get a big family size sleeping bag and just snuggle your baby all night! I have done this when Van was fussy for sleep nursing or on extra cold nights- just don't roll over!

3. Poop.
Always have a changing station. I make sure to have a travel size changing pad laid somewhere in the tent or van for a clean diaper change. I usually pack the diapers I have left from home and I buy a package along the way when I run out. I have a travel carrier for baby wipes and I buy a package at the store. Keep some hand sanitizer nearby for cleaning your hands before and after diaper changes and a flash light or head lamp for night time changes. It is also nice to have travel size baby powder, diaper rash ointment, soap, shampoo, and baby wash for those times when your baby needs it. Otherwise, a quick wipe down with baby wipes seems to do the trick! If your baby has a blow out, do what ya gotta do to clean it up and rinse out his or her clothes as soon as you can, then lay them out in the sun to dry. Sun is a natural bleach for breastfed baby poop stains- it's amazing!

If you have any more questions or advice about traveling with a baby and camping gear feel free to leave a comment. Happy camping!

TRAVEL TIPS: PACKING TO MOVE ABROAD

Depending on what type of person and packer you are, AND where you're going - you may decide to pack differently. I, however, have experience moving abroad for months at a time and widdling down my wardrobe to the essentials for stints of life on the road. I have found that I prefer backpacker style bags to suitcases, just because I spend a lot of time backpacking when I travel. If you are in one place the entire time, a suitcase might be best suit for your international adventure.

A few essentials: laptop, camera, toiletries/hygiene products, a carry-on duffle bag, and your purse/personal item. Packing can be very daunting, and it can be really difficult to really narrow down what you bring with you and what you'll actually need or use. If there's something you forget, chances are you can find it abroad. If you bring too much crap, chances are you're going to regret lugging it around with you - but then again, sometimes it's better safe than sorry! I'm a light traveler, and a minimalist - so if you're someone who has a hard time being decisive this can help. If you'd rather overpack than underpack, you might want to ask someone else :)

Must have: enough t-shirts, blouses, and tops for a week. A pair of good blue jeans, colored, and print - as well as a few pairs of shorts and skirts. Maxi skirts are great because they're comfortable and go with everything and are versatile for traveling. I always bring my favorite hat with me, but end up bringing 5 because I wear a lot of hats! Sunglasses are necessary, and be sure to remember a light and thicker jacket for weather. If you're going somewhere warm, you can decide otherwise - if you're going somewhere cooler or where the seasons vary, bring something for each.

Packing tip: roll your clothes, don't fold them! Creates a lot more space.

I have lived in China with 4 t-shirts, 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of pants on my back and that was it. Oh, and a change of undies for 5 days. I had to do more laundry but I had very little to pack. I ended up buying clothes and items in China and bringing them home with me, with room to spare. I did the same thing when I lived in Peru and Ecuador, because I always, always, ALWAYS end up shopping in country and having fun loading up on local goodies. I'd rather have room to bring stuff home then have to buy a bunch more luggage to haul it all back - but that's just me :)

Good luck with your packing! Leave a comment below if you have any specific questions, and we'd love to help you. Don't dread it too much - once it's done, it's done! Ya just gotta get the motivation to dig in and get started.

TRAVEL TIPS: LONG FLIGHTS & TIME CHANGES

Gotta long flight? Wear something warm that you can peel off easily, or cave and get that silly pillow! No one is judging you! Bring your own headphones to listen to music on your phone or watch movies, and cards or something to entertain yourself (we won't judge you if you bring your tiny flip skateboard). I always make sure to have a good book or a favorite magazine, and sometimes I get wild and splurge and buy something I wouldn't usually buy like People to catch up on the worthless celebrity gossip. Your favorite snack is always a good idea, and of course snag a water bottle to keep your tummy calm (mine always gets upset when flying). Get up every few hours to stretch your legs or take a potty break. Watch a movie and enjoy the flight!

Traveling in time? Things can get really confusing when you have a long flight and a lot of time changes... I've had times where I got on a plane at night and then woke up after a short nap to the sunset only to go into yet another deep sleep... and then suddenly cross an invisible border and see the sun rise again (flying to China was ever-so-confusing, haha). When you finally arrive to your destination stay up as long as you possibly can. If you are terribly sleepy, avoid driving. If you can't fight the urge to fall asleep then try to limit your nap to 1-2 hours. Any longer you will wake up super confused! Eat meals at the time the country you are visiting eats- not when you typically eat. Go outside and surround yourself with activity and people to keep you stimulated. If you are going somewhere that is asleep when you are typically awake, try to go to sleep. If you can't sleep it might be fun to explore and watch the sun rise, but you will likely crash the next day. If this happens make sure you crash at a beach or somewhere awesome.

HOW TO: TRAVEL WITH A BABY ESSENTIALS

The husband got me a romantic beach stay in Westport, Washington for my birthday! He must have known I've been itching to go somewhere. We'll be surfing along the west coast for a few days and I can't wait to breathe in that fresh ocean air again. Camping is on the docket until we reach our destination in Washington. 

This got me to thinking... now that I have a baby I actually have to plan ahead. So I came up with a list of items that will make life a little bit easier for all of us, especially baby Van. Aside from the obvious diaper bag necessities every baby needs, these are items I have found most useful in my traveling with a baby so far. Give or take some items according to your trip, but this guide can work for traveling by plane, car, and camping.

GoCrib: The Guava Family GoCrib is awesome! It packs nicely into a backpack that makes it easy to travel with. When you get to the beach or your camp spot, simply pump it up and lay down the pad and voila! Your baby has somewhere to crash. This is also great to have when you're visiting distant friends or family. I also included the sunshade (sold separately) that you see in green. This makes the GoCrib sort of like a tent and protects your little one from the sun, rain, wind, bugs, and from eating sand.

Sleepy sheep: Once I turn this guy on, my little man is fast asleep. It works like magic! Van prefers the soothing sounds of ocean waves for bedtime and gentle stream for naps. There is also a spring showers and whale songs setting, each useful for calming your baby when traveling. Fits perfectly into your diaper bag or suitcase and is easy to clip onto your car seat, stroller, or crib.

Car seat: Duh. If you're road tripping this doesn't really have to leave the car and if you're flying it's good to have your car seat for when you reach your destination. Child safety first!

Blanket: A light blanket is always nice to have to keep your baby warm or just for protection from sun or wind. Who knows, it might come in handy to hide your hooties if you find yourself needing to nurse in public! Why not make it the trendiest *cough, most expensive* blanket on the market.

Favorite toy: Sophie the giraffe has made quite the impression on babies across the world. She was perfectly designed for a teething baby. Babies love to grab her long neck and legs and nah on her until their sore gums content. She also makes a fun toy to drool on.

Soothie: Soothies are perfect for plane rides when changing elevation. It's important for your little one to have something to suck on to prevent painful ears. Nobody wants to be that guy with the crying baby! Soothies also come in handy as a mute button.

Bumbo: The bumbo is a great substitute for a high chair and fits nicely in a car or tent. Obviously if you are flying this is not a necessity. My baby is almost 5 months and recently started eating solids. The bumbo and tray (sold separately) will come in handy when we are camping and making frequent pit stops for feeding time. Easy to clean, too.

Baby carrier: If you have a little toddler it may become necessary to haul around a stroller, but with an infant a baby carrier will do the trick and save you some room in the suitcase! I love this thing. My wrap is exactly like the designer brands you may have heard of, like Lulu or Solly, but half the price. Check it out on Etsy here. Comes with directions and there are several tutorials on YouTube for how to wrap this thing. Once I figured it out I was a free woman!

Remember, traveling with a baby is possible- it just takes some planning. Good luck!

PREPPING FOR HAITI: HOW TO COVER YOUR BASES

Hey, guys! Good news! I'm flying out to Haiti tomorrow to film for a humanitarian organization called Good Neighbors. You might remember when I worked with them last summer in Guatemala. Well, here we go again but this time it's a whole new story and place. I'm so excited to share those adventures with you in the days to come! Until then, I thought I'd give you a peak into my hygiene bag when I travel light and am going somewhere with buggies! These are a few of my essentials.

First things first: vaccinated. Haiti has a lot of mosquitoes and malaria is rampant, so I went ahead and got a prescription for malaria pills and brought along some Cipro in case I get diarrhea or any other travel bugs that need some bacteria killing. I'm to date on typhoid and tetanus, so that's always a time saver. 

Second: bug protected. I have a few kinds of strong mosquito repellent I like to use when going to jungly or mosquito-ridden areas. OFF! Repel Sportsmen Max repellent lotion (lasts way longer than spray!), Jungle Juice (strong stuff!) and Insect Repellent Clothing and Gear spray. All of these products have plenty of Deet and can be purchased at your local REI. The Insect Repellent Clothing and Gear spray is amazing! You spray it on 4 outfits (which includes top, bottom and socks) and it lasts for up to 42 days or 6 washings. It works wonders to repel mosquitoes, triggers, ticks, and all kinds of pests and lasts a long time. The great thing about it is it's odorless and doesn't ruin your clothes. It's also awesome for backpacking trips or extended hikes/camping excursions. It's just so great for anything outdoors, and nothing beats not waving bugs off your entire body all day.

Third: hydrated & energized. If you're going somewhere hot and humid, grab some Mio Fit to hydrate while also adding flavor and electrolytes to your water bottles during the day. It's a great energy boost that I know I'll need when I start getting really floppy and hot in the heat. I also always pack protein bars in my day bags for those long stretches between meals where I know I'll be out and about and can't exactly stop to eat. 

Fourth: basic hygiene. Bring along all your essentials but keep it small! Packing light will make running around busy airports and wearing your gear on your back a whole lot easier. That's a wrap for your hygiene essentials! Keep it simple, keep it minimal - you'll be glad you did!

HOW TO: CAMP BACKPACKING STYLE

...So you're planning a backpacking trip, and the cheapest way to do it is camping. No problem! Here's a few pointers to get you started on your adventure. There are plenty of ways to get what you need and not spend a fortune doing it. Be sure to check out sites like this to get a good deal. 

First things first: what kind of camping trip are you taking? Are you traversing some major switchbacks, or just taking a 3 mile jaunt into your site? Plan out the trails and terrain and go from there. Decide how much weight you want to pack on your back. I always keep my bag between 15-20 lbs. When I backpacked the NaPali Coast (pictured above) in Kauai, there was no way I was carrying more than I had to so I brought minimal items. I'm talking a few swimmies, undies, tees, tanks and shorts as well as a hat to block sun and for when you're getting real gross and dirty, a head scarf, hygiene necessities, and some lightweight camping equipment. Depending on what type of climate you're backpacking, pack accordingly but pack minimal! It's not a fashion show! :) Your back will thank you later.

Secondly, and most important: food & water! We all like to eat, and when we're burning a lot of calories traversing around in the wild we get hungry a lot quicker than usual. I would recommend Mountain House for your lightweight dehydrated food. The Beef Teriyaki was my favorite for dinner, while the raspberry crumble was a delicious dessert. I also recommend the cheesy potatoes for breakfast. I always bring Cliff bars, protein bars, and various granola bars with me as well to snack on throughout the day or just eat as a meal. DO NOT bring canned food! I seriously don't know why people do this (and they do)! It's so heavy and just a bad idea. Everything you pack has to be non-perishable so bring things that can stay in your bag. Bring some dried fruit and trail mix, as well as some protein powder to mix in your water for a burst of protein (try Gatorade powder, too). If you do happen to bring anything perishable (bacon, anyone?) eat it on day one. Sandwiches are always a good way to start a hike...meat and cheese, people - yum yum. If you're like me, day two of dehydrated food will make you a bit looney and you'll be dreaming about real food but this will do the trick and save your back. 

Cooking: how does this go down?! We always bring along our tiny little pocket rocket camping stove, with an extra can or propane/fuel. We usually end up boiling fresh water from rivers and streams. There are also tablets you can use, but they're a pain in the butt because you have to let the water sit for a while to purify. If you've got a budget to work with, go for a water pump and then you can just clarify right on the spot. You can buy any and all of these things at your local Sports Authority, REI, Cabelas, Dicks, Sierra Trading Post, Geartrade, Backcountry or just online at any of their websites. I personally use my Seychelle filtration water bottle that I got for a great deal online here (it's a hidden gem). These puppies are amazing, you can literally dump poop water in it and still drink it. They use these in a lot of disaster relief areas post-natural disaster, like the earthquake in Haiti and tsunami in Japan. They work wonders.

Etiquette tip: pack it in, pack it out! Don't be that guy that leaves crap laying around like the world is its own trash can and that things will take care of themselves. Your rubbish ends up in our beautiful oceans - so have a little etiquette and bring some jumbo bags with you to stuff your trash in when you leave. Carry it out to the nearest dumpster, and give yourself a high five.

Equipment: where to sleep, what to bring? With only three poles and weighing 5 lbs, this backpack is small, compatible and lightweight. Perfectly fit for the trail. Marmot makes a lot of tents and each year comes out with new editions, so this was ours in 2011. Anything along these lines is great, but brand doesn't really matter - just do what works with your budget. I also recommend these sleeping pads for those naturally hard grounds... they're amazing and worth the investment, and while I currently have a different brand I am working towards getting this type. I've heard they're super comfortable and your body weight is just right so no parts ever hit the ground. Strap it on to your backpack and away you go!

Lastly: don't forget a day bag. I always bring along my little Camelback hydration pack. If you can't afford the real deal, go to Costco and get their off-brand bag for a quarter of the price (like I did). These are great to have because not only does it keep you hydrated, but it has room to stuff a camera and some miscellaneous day trip items for your outings.

Are you ready to get your camp on, FOR REAL? Let us know if you're planning a trip, and if this post helped. Make it a great Monday!