I. How to Use Camping Gear?
From bottom to top (starting from the ground), the order of use is: ground cloth, tent, ground mat, moisture-proof pad, sleeping bag
1. Ground Cloth
Placed under the tent to prevent wear, usually a piece of coarse fiber waterproof fabric. Its main function is to protect the tent floor, prevent it from being scratched by small stones or frozen to the snow, and can also be used as a picnic mat. Additionally, it keeps the bottom of the tent cleaner and makes packing up easier. After camping in muddy or very dirty areas, simply rinse the ground cloth separately, shake off the water, and pack it away. This way, the tent stays much cleaner.
2. Tent
3. Ground Mat
In China, merchants and users define it as an aluminum film moisture-proof pad (double-sided or single-sided). Typically sized at 1.5m*1.9m, or folded one-third back from 1.9m*1.9m for added thickness, this pad is naturally used inside the tent with the shiny side up. It's mainly for moisture protection, and laying a traditional moisture-proof pad on top yields even better results (especially in winter). This setup is superior to using only a moisture-proof pad, as cold and dampness can seep through the gaps. A full ground mat effectively blocks both.
blocks cold and dampness.
4. Moisture-Proof Pad (Self-Inflating Mat)
5. Sleeping Bag
II. How to Solve the Problem of Water Sources in the Wild?
1. How to Find and Drink Water Sources:
Generally, water sources can be found at most campsites, and they are indispensable for camping. In China’s mountainous areas, clear water sources are everywhere—not only clean but also sweet-tasting.
When water sources are scarce, you might consider drinking water from ponds or puddles. If there are no bubbles on the surface or the water looks murky, cleanliness may not be a big concern. For extra caution, you can filter and boil the water before drinking. Of course, such water can't compare to normal sources, so whether to drink it depends on your personal hygiene standards.
In winter, in areas with heavy snowfall, snow often remains on ridgelines even in midsummer. Meltwater dripping from below is refreshing and quenches thirst well. When camping, if no other water source is available, this is your best bet. Snowmelt should be bleached, filtered, and boiled before drinking. When camping in snowy mountains, be mindful of storing water because temperatures are low in the morning and evening, which may cause freezing and water shortages.
During hiking, if you study maps and terrain carefully, you can find water sources near ridgelines. Especially on vegetated peaks, following marshy areas will often lead you to water. Sometimes, you can also find water near small waterfalls in marshes—just dig around the base of the waterfall. Topographically, water mostly emerges from lower areas, so with careful observation, you’re sure to find it.
During summer camping, rain is common. When it rains, make use of existing gear such as tents, plastic sheets, or raincoats to collect water. In urgent need, use any containers to gather rainwater, clarify it, and disinfect it for drinking. There are also foldable water bladders on the market designed for water storage. These are extremely sturdy, come in ten or twenty-liter sizes, and are useful for transporting water when sources are far from the campsite.
2. Water Collection (Purification) Methods:
Settling Method: After collecting water, add a small amount of alum or mashed kapok leaves, cactus, or walnut kernels, stir well, and let it settle for 30 minutes. This will yield relatively clean water.
Filtration Method: When the water source is muddy with floating debris, microbes, or worm larvae, and digging pits isn’t viable, use a high-quality plastic bag (one that won’t easily tear). Poke small holes in the bottom, or use cotton gloves, handkerchiefs, sleeves, or pant legs. A soda bottle can also be used: remove the bottom, poke a few holes in the cap with a knife, then layer 2–4 cm of clean fine sand (5–7 layers thick), press firmly, and slowly pour the unclean water into this makeshift filter. When clean water starts dripping from the bottom, collect it using a basin or kettle.
Ground Vapor Method: Dig a bowl-shaped hole about 20 cm deep in moist sandy ground, place a water container at the bottom, cover the surface with transparent plastic sheeting, secure the edges with sand, and place a small rock in the center. As underground water evaporates and condenses on the plastic, water droplets will form and drip into the container. This method is slow but absolutely hygienic.
Plant-Based Method: Some plants, like hollow bamboo, often store drinkable water inside. Collecting it can provide hydration. Another emergency method is to gather morning dew from plant leaves or harness transpiration by placing a plastic bag over dense, fresh branches and tying it off to collect moisture.
Improving Saline-Alkaline Water: In northwestern deserts and Gobi regions, most water found is saline-alkaline and undrinkable. What to do? Veteran traveler Lao Zhou suggests: dig a 1.5-meter-diameter, 1-meter-deep sand pit in wet sand or brackish water areas, cover it with a layer of transparent plastic film, secure the edges with stones, and place a small rock in the center to form an inverted cone. Place a water container beneath the cone beforehand. Sunlight causes the moisture to evaporate, the steam condenses on the plastic, and droplets run down into the container.
Seawater Desalination Method: At the seaside, you can desalinate seawater by boiling it to collect distilled water. Place a towel inside the pot lid to absorb water droplets, then wring them into a large shell or another container. Repeat to get enough potable freshwater. In winter, you can freeze seawater; the resulting ice can also serve as drinkable freshwater.
Always keep at least one bottle of drinking water in reserve—it could be a lifesaver in dangerous situations, especially during long trips when water runs out. When unable to find ready-to-drink water or facing extreme drought, use the above methods to source water.
III. What to Eat Outdoors?
1. Rice: In normal environments, cook rice in a pot or steamer; at high altitudes, you’ll need to use a pressure cooker. You can also add some potatoes or sweet potatoes to the rice.
2. Flour: You can make hand-pulled noodles with flour or mix it with eggs and cook pancakes on a frying pan.
3. Instant noodles, instant rice, or self-heating rice – these are the easiest options.
4. Seaweed soup: Just add boiling water to the bag and it’s ready to eat.
5. Canned meat, such as pork hock or steamed trotter. After opening, heat it directly on the stove, and the leftover oil can be used to fry noodles the next day.
6. Dry noodles: Available in bags at supermarkets. Add some ham and vegetable leaves for a better taste.
7. Sausages and cured meats are also good options.
8. Vegetables like cucumbers, white radishes, carrots, onions, and wood ear mushrooms can be brought along.
9. Hot pot – highly recommended. Just bring a package of hot pot base; for veggies, bring dried bean curd sheets, dried kelp, dried wood ears, dried mushrooms, Spam, vacuum-packed meat, or sausages.
10. Compressed biscuits
11. Eight-treasure porridge and canned fruits
Four, what to wear outdoors?
Clothing:
1. Base layer: Moisture-wicking underwear and quick-dry shirts (can be replaced with polyester, cotton-blend, or thermal wear, but ensure moisture-wicking properties).
2. Middle layer: Fleece jacket (can be replaced with a sweater or cotton sweatshirt).
3. Outer layer: Down jacket or windbreaker (can be replaced with a sports jacket, but consider using a lightweight raincoat for waterproofing).
Pants:
1. Underwear
2. Quick-dry pants or fleece pants (can be replaced with cotton or thermal pants, but ensure moisture-wicking properties).
3. Windproof pants (can be replaced with sports pants).
There’s no fixed rule for outdoor clothing. No matter the season, always wear long sleeves and long pants when engaging in outdoor activities to protect yourself among bushes and tall grass.
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