01Gear checklist tick
Tent, poles, stakes, footprint, pad, bag, pillow, headlamp, layers, water, first aid, trash bags, food, stove/lighter.
Arrive 2+ hours before sunset — setup in daylight saves marriages.
Outdoor Skills
First Camping Trip: Tent, Fire, and Sleep
Checklist, tent setup in 20 minutes, safe fire, and sleep without freezing
2h6 photographed stepsBeginner
Complete first camping method: gear checklist for one night car camping, pick a level pitch, tent poles without frustration, sleeping pad and bag rated for temp, fire ring rules and tinder-to-log progression, food in bear box if required, and leave-no-trace pack-out. Assumes developed campground — not backcountry solo yet.
What you'll learn
- Car camping checklist — don't forget pad and headlamp
- Tent: footprint, body, rainfly, stake tension
- Fire: tinder bundle, kindling teepee, logs last
- Food and trash in car or bear box — never tent
Inside this course
- Pack and pitchArrive before dark.
- Fire and foodSafe and simple.
- Sleep and break downLeave no trace.
Full step-by-step lessons with photos unlock with a subscription.
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First steps from Pack and pitch
See how every step looks — photo, checklist, and pro tips included.
02Tent on level ground
Clear rocks and sticks. Footprint down, tent body, poles color-coded, clip clips, rainfly oriented door-side, stake at 45°.
Door away from wind if possible. Practice once at home if new tent.
Pro tip. Loose stakes rattle — firm not bent 90°.
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