10 Things I Take Camping

Living in Florida, it is hard to go camping at certain times of the year due to the heat/humidity (May through September) and/or the rain/hurricane season (May through November).  I have gone camping during those "seasons" but it can get uncomfortably H-O-T and the rain...dawg, that just makes everything worse.

That's why I am so happy it is January, the beginning of our (very short) camping season.  We will be heading out to another great Florida State Park very soon so this past weekend we began our preparations by inspecting the tent (as well as airing it out a bit).

Daddy-dog was busy getting his camping "battle box" ready too.  I wanted to be sure all my gear was ready as well so I had Ma help me gather it up and lay it out for inspection.  I am a very knowledgeable Dog Scout so I pack to be ready for anything.

10 Things I Take Camping

1.  A Blanket.  I always have my Mexican blanket.  It comes in handy for lounging around the campsite as well as for keeping you warm when the night gets cool.

2.  Food Bowls.  I have a small stainless steel bowl for my food (since raw should not be put in plastic or ceramic) and a collapsible bowl for water.  The collapsible bowl with carabiner is great for hikes and canoeing as well; I just clip it to Daddy-dog's backpack.

3.  A Tie-Out.  If you are a dog and you want to hang out on your campsite, and not be stuck in the tent (or RV if that's what you camp in) all day, you must be kept on a tie-out.  It is a requirement of Florida State Parks as well as other campgrounds.

4.  Leashes.  I bring at least two.  Both leashes I am bringing this time are safety orange with reflective material so I am visible hiking and walking at night.

5.  Poop Bags.  What dog would go anywhere without them?  I bring more than needed since as many of you know, not everyone scoops the poop.  If we see unclaimed poop, we scoop so that the parks don't prohibit dogs one day.

6.  Harnesses.  I take at least two harnesses with me, just in case one gets wet or muddy.  I also will have my Sleepypod Clickit Harness for traveling in the car.  Safety first!

7.  Lights.  My Pet Blinkers light is attached to my leash so I can be seen while on walks at night.  I also bring my Nite Dawg LED collar;  it is quite bright so Ma can see where I am in the darkness of the campground.

8.  Flotation Device.  Uncle Robbie loves to go canoeing and so do I.  Everyone needs to be safe during water sports - that includes dogs.

9.  Food and Treats.  I tend to bring more than I would actually need, just in case.  You do not want to be short on food after a long day hiking.

10.  My Hoodie Sweatshirt.  I know what you are thinking..."Oz, you live in Florida where it is warm!  You don't need a hoodie!"  Well, guess what.  The one time I did NOT bring my hoodie sweatshirt, the nights got down to the low 40s...and 40s in a tent is pretty cold.  I remember shivering all night long.  So now, I bring it.  Better to be safe than sorry, I say.

Of course, there is plenty of other gear a dog can bring camping (if only I could get my paws on some of it).  Is there anything else you would bring?

Oh, and just so you know...Ma is in charge of First Aid Kits, not me.  My First Aid Kit is in with Ma's, just in case you think we would brave any boo-boos without ointments, band-aids, etc.

Have you ever gone camping?  What gear did you bring with you?