I've been camping several times in my life, the last time being, oh, 12 years ago! Yeah, it's been a while. I don't remember much about camping and I have definitely never picked out my camping gear.
My memories of camping from childhood: It rained. Our dear friend, Mrs. Stahlman prayed. It rained harder. She prayed some more. It rained harder. The harder she prayed, the more it rained. The next day, we spent quality time at the laundromat.
My youth group went camping several times. All I remember is volleyball, burnt spaghetti, and creek jumping.
On the World Race, we will likely be camping for several months. That means I need a tent, sleeping bag, etc. I also need a hiking pack, which will be my "dresser" for the 11 months I'm gone. Let's just say, I'm pretty clueless.
REI- I've been reading other people's blogs to find out more about the trip, especially what I need. People would have comments like "REI is my best friend." I'm thinking, "Who in the world is REI and how do all these people know him?" I can now say I've been to REI and can understand why it is their best friend; however, it will not be my best friend until it drops its prices by about 75%.
I'm pretty sure I walked out of REI with a blank stare. Nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming amount of information I received. The backpack guy was great! He narrowed it down to just a couple packs that he thought would work for me. Just what I needed. The sleeping pad guy, however (as knowledgeable as he was) told us about every sleeping pad that has ever been made. I couldn't tell you anything about any of them.
Footprint- It's on the packing list. Initial thoughts: "What kind of footprint? Human? Bear? Deer?"
Airporter- Did not have a clue what this was. My first thought was something electronic? Who knew they made duffel bags for backpacks?!
I am happy to announce that I have now successful purchased an internal frame backpack, which I find online for significantly cheaper than REI 🙂
Donated sleeping bag…. Right in my price range 🙂 So thankful for this amazing blessing.
Now as far as sleeping pads and tents, maybe someday I'll know what I'm looking for…..
