Originally, this was going to be a step-by-step list of how to prepare for a trip, and specifically a camping trip. However, once it got started, it became apparent that there really is no proper order in which to prepare for a trip. Obviously you should probably pack the vehicle before you leave town but, other than that, it’s pretty much a choose-your-own-adventure style affair. So, instead of a numerical list, here are some important tips and tidbits to help you out with planning and executing your next outdoor adventure.

Step: The first step to any successful trip is planning where to go. With the internet, getting trip reports, directions, and such is as easy as it’s ever been. However, if you’ve ever been out in nature before, you probably know that electronics tend to fail exactly when you need them most. For this reason, we always like to take a “paper” map and compass, in addition to any sort of GPS or phone navigation. Given that you never know what will happen out on the trail, we prefer ones with a glossy, water-shedding finish like this Tom Harrison map of the Tahoe Rim Trail. We have maps like this for most regions around the Tahoe area, come and take a look before your next outing.

beverages Note the appropriate ratio of water to PBR. Substitution of other beverages is allowed, though precautions must be taken to ensure you don't get too fancy with things.

Step: Give a shout-out to your friends to see who wants to come along for the adventure! These days, it’s easier than ever to connect with, and stay in touch with your friends. Haven’t seen someone in a while? Reconnect through some camping or backpacking! Bonus points if they happen to work at a brewery or any purveyor of fine snacks and beverages! It’s not that we’re cheap, it’s just that we love it when friends bring tasty snacks and drinks. So, before you get yourself off the grid, hop on the grid to recruit some friends. Yes, we realize that this one is kind of a weird step, just roll with it.

Step: Get your gear together. This can seem like an obvious step, but I can’t tell you how many times we’ve planned to go on a trip, only to end up packing at the very last minute. This doesn’t have to be a terrible thing necessarily but, in our experience, the odds of forgetting something go up exponentially the closer to the time of departure you wait to pack. In fact, when you make a list of everything you’ll need for the trip, if you do it before you come in to grab a map, you can always grab the couple things you need from Granite Chief! And trust us, there’s always a couple things you need. No matter your destination, we always like to take a couple pre-packaged meals like these Alpine Aire ones, just in case.

camp fire A camping trip without a campfire is still a camping trip...mostly.

Step: Scavenge the neighborhood for free wood. Almost every day driving around, you’ll see some free wood being set outside people’s houses to be taken away. Of course we’re not advocating that you go around stealing the wood that people are planning to use to heat their house during the winter. Use common sense and, if all else fails, ask someone if the wood in front of their house is free for the taking. Most often, someone will just be happy to get rid of it. Look, we all know that camping without a fire is hardly camping, but it’s equally important that we all pay attention to local ordinances regarding fire safety and whether it’s allowed at that time of the season. Fire regulations aren’t like open container laws in a national park, there’s actually a good reason to have them. Listen to Smokey. Don’t set the woods on fire.

wood collection Wood collection and transportation can require creativity, as evidenced by this alternative use of a cellphone charger. Remember, on camping trips as in life, everything has more than one purpose.

Step: Pack the car. The way we like to start is to take all the uniformly-shaped items; bins, well-packed bags, crates, etc. and stow them neatly into the vehicle like you’re playing Tetris. Then, once things are looking well packed and secure, start taking all the smaller items and shoving them in randomly, just wherever they’ll fit. This system ensures that, when you get to your destination, in order to find anything you’ll be forced to remove almost everything, letting you properly spread your gear all around your campsite haphazardly.

stuff everywhere A group of campers demonstrating the proper way to spread gear everywhere. Note the general disheveled look of all present. Clear evidence of camping done right.

Well, if you’ve followed all these steps properly, you should be properly equipped and ready for your next outing. If there’s one thing to remember about any camping trip it’s this: if your plan is to sleep in the dirt anyway, nothing that happens can really screw things up that badly. Keep this in mind when things go haywire on your next trip and it’s all but guaranteed you’ll have a good time.