| How to Do an Elevator Pitch Posted: 07 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT An elevator pitch is a brief introduction you can give to let others know who you are and what you do. Elevator pitches usually only last around 30 seconds, and they can leave a great first impression on other people. When you want to do an elevator pitch, only give the information that's necessary so you can pique the other person's interest. Once you prepare and practice your pitch, stay confident while you deliver it so you can make contacts! EditWriting a Basic Pitch - Introduce yourself and your background. Start your pitch by greeting the other person and saying your name so the other person knows who you are. After introducing yourself, tell the person your current job title or what you do for a living. Give a 1 sentence overview of what your work duties to develop more credibility with the other person.[1]
- For example, you may say, "Hello, my name is John Doe, and I'm a sales representative. I work with customers on a daily basis to see what they need the most."
- If you don't currently have a job, tell them where you went to school or the last position that you held. For example, you could say, "Hi, my name is Jane Doe and I went to UCLA for business management."
- Explain the service you're pitching in 1 sentence if you're a small business. Tell the other person the service you provide or the product that you sell. Avoid using jargon or words that could confuse the other person since it will ruin the flow of your pitch. Mention any achievements you may have had so the person understands exactly what you do.[2]
- For example, you may say, "My company helps make independent retailers visible on the first page when they're searched online."
- You may also describe a product with a phrase like, "I've been developing software that helps you meet other people based on your shared interests."
- If you aren't pitching a business or a product, you can skip this.
- Tell the other person why you want to connect with them. Mention what you know about the other person, if anything, and why you think you or your business would be beneficial for them. Be kind throughout your pitch and give detailed examples of what you have to offer.[3]
- You may say something like, "I've been following your company for a few years and loved everything you've put out. We can help rebrand your website to attract more traffic and revenue within a few weeks."
- You could also try, "I've seen what you've done and I'm intrigued by how you manage your workflow. I've been a task manager for 3 years and would be a great asset to the team."
- Be completely genuine with the other person so you don't get caught in a lie if they ask questions.
- Ask for something specific at the end of the pitch. Near the end of your pitch, tell the other person the specific goal you want them to help you with. This could be asking for an internship, requesting a meeting, or offering them your service for a trial period. Ask them the question and wait for their response to see if they can help you.[4]
- For example, you might say, "I'm currently looking for a summer internship and would love to work with you. What sorts of summer programs do you have to offer?"
- You could also try, "I'd appreciate learning from you to help improve my skills. Would you like to get a coffee and discuss being a mentor for me?"
- Try to ask an open-ended question that can't be answered with a "yes" or "no" answer. That way, you'll make the other person talk and connect with you more.
- Thank them for their time no matter the outcome. Give the person time to respond to your pitch to see if they want to continue having a discussion. Whether they say yes or no, say thank you for the opportunity and for listening to you. Tell them that they can reach out to you if they have any more questions you can answer.[5]
- You can say something like, "I appreciate you taking the time to listen to me and I hope we can stay in touch."
- If they give you contact info, tell them something like, "I'll be sure to email you later today so we can keep in contact."
- Always be as kind as you can, even if the pitch didn't go as well as you hoped.
EditPracticing Your Pitch - Time your pitch to be 30 seconds or less. Elevator pitches are meant to pique the interest of the person you're talking to in a short amount of time. Start a timer on your phone and practice giving your pitch out loud. Try not to rush but don't talk too slowly, or else you'll run out of time. Keep practicing your elevator pitch until you can naturally finish it within the 30-second timeframe.[6]
- Try practicing in front of a mirror so you can see your gestures and body language while you're pitching.
- Record your pitch to see how it sounds. Set up a phone or camera to record the video and audio for your elevator pitch. Practice your pitch multiple times and then watch the video to see how you look and sound. If you struggle over any parts of your pitch, try revising that part so you can deliver it clearly.[7]
- If you can't easily record video, then only record the audio while practicing in front of a mirror.
- Avoid saying filler words during your pitch. Words like "um," "uh," or "like" don't add anything to your pitch and make you sound less confident. When you record yourself, note how many times you use a filler word and try to cut it out next time you pitch. Instead of using filler words, take a second to be silent and collect your thoughts before continuing.[8]
- Give your pitch to friends or family for feedback. Ask friends and family that are close to you to listen to your pitch and give you honest feedback. Talk to them after your pitch to see if anything was confusing to them or if they think any areas could be improved. Take their feedback and make any revisions you need to for your pitch.[9]
- Try practicing your speech at different lengths of time. Since you won't always have the same amount of time when you pitch, try condensing it down to 10-15 seconds instead. Keep the most important information, like who you are and what you can offer to the other person. Ask them a question to gauge interest and capture their attention.[10]
- For example, you may say, "Hi, my name is Jane Doe and I'm a marketing specialist. Have you ever searched for something online and couldn't find it?" That way, they can answer the question and continue the conversation if they want.
- Practice giving your pitch while you ride an elevator. If you really want to practice your timing, go to a building that has an elevator and ride it from the bottom to the top floor. Practice giving your pitch before the doors on the elevator open again. As you perfect your pitch, try stopping at different floors to complete your pitch faster.[11]
- You don't need to practice in a real elevator if you don't want to.
- Practice while you're alone in the elevator rather than when it's filled with other people.
EditEngaging the Other Person - Smile to show that you're interested in them. Smiling helps you seem more approachable and confident so others are more likely to listen to you. Smile throughout your pitch and especially when you introduce yourself. Don't force a smile throughout the whole pitch or it may seem unnatural.[12]
- Smiling also makes your voice sound more pleasant.
- Use open body language to appear more inviting. Keep your arms at your side and avoid crossing them or else you'll seem like you're closing yourself off. Stand with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed to maintain good posture. Look straight ahead rather than down at the floor so you look confident.[13]
- Make eye contact with the person you're pitching to. Look at the other person directly in the eyes so you can make a connection with them. Don't stare for too long or else they may get uncomfortable. Maintaining eye contact will help the other person know that you're genuinely interested in them.[14]
- If you're pitching to multiple people at once, then be sure to make eye contact with each of them.
- Be prepared to answer follow-up questions. The other person may ask you questions about yourself or your business after you've pitched them, so make sure you're familiar with important information, such as the number of clients you work with or how long you've been in business. Answer any questions truthfully so you can develop a good repertoire with the other person.[15]
- If you aren't able to answer basic questions, your pitch may sound too rehearsed and you may seem uninformed.
- Give out contact information if they are interested in your pitch. If the pitch went well, see if the other person wants to exchange business cards so you can reach out to one another. Try to schedule a time where you can have a more formal conversation or meeting to continue your discussions. Try to follow up within 24 hours to leave a lasting impression.[16]
- If you and the other person are actually riding an elevator and get out on the same floor, see if they want to continue the conversations.
- Watch the other person's body language to see if they're interested. Pay attention to how the other person acts during your pitch. If they're maintaining eye contact and are open, they may be intrigued by what you're saying. If they seem distracted, have their arms crossed, or are ignoring you, wrap up your pitch and thank them for your time.[17]
- Always be kind even if they don't seem interested rather than getting discouraged.
- Try asking a follow-up question to your pitch to see if they answer. The worst thing they can do is say no.
- Even if people do not respond how you want to your elevator pitch, thank them for listening. Keep pitching to others since everyone responds differently.
EditReferences
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| How to Follow Up After a Career Fair Posted: 07 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT Whether you're looking for a summer job, an internship, or your first job after graduation, career fairs are a great place to meet employers face-to-face. However, even if you put in an extensive effort and make a great impression at the fair, without follow-up that effort is wasted. Send a thank you note to anyone you speak to in depth within a day or two after the fair. After that, connect with the recruiters online and continue to express your interest. Staying in touch with the recruiter gives you a better chance of snagging that coveted position. Good luck![1] EditSending a Thank You Email - Take a few notes after your conversation with the recruiter. When you send your thank you email you want to include something specific that you remember from the conversation. Given that you'll likely talk to many recruiters over the course of the job fair, take a moment to reflect after each interaction and write down the key points in the conversation.[2]
- If you told the recruiter you'd do something, such as apply for a job on the company's website, make a note to do that as soon as possible.
- Reflecting on the conversation may trigger new questions that you want to ask the recruiter. Write those down too – you can include them in your email.
- Explore the company's website to find information about the company. When you get home from the career fair, take some time to look at the websites of the companies you're most interested in working for. Take notes of things that catch your eye. You may want to ask questions about them or express interest in them in your email.[3]
- On the company's website, look for a tab for press releases or recent news. This is an easy way to get up-to-date on what's going on with the company.
- Write down the names of managers or department heads who oversee the department you want to work in. You may want to connect with them later on.
- Draft a professional and personal email. A thank-you email is relatively brief and has a relatively universal structure. You can use the same basic format for all of your thank you emails – just make sure you send them to the right recruiter. Here's a basic template you can follow:[4]
 - In the first paragraph, mention the name of the career fair and something you talked to the recruiter about. If you promised to do something, such as apply for a job on the company website, let them know if you've done that. Your first paragraph should be 2 or 3 sentences.
- In the second paragraph, ask any questions you have based on the conversation or information you gathered from exploring the company's website. If you don't have any questions, mention any particular things that interested you and explain why. Your second paragraph should also be 2 or 3 sentences.
- In the third paragraph, restate the particular position you're interested in. Mention 2 or 3 things that you think make you a strong candidate for that position, and note that your resume is attached for their reference. This will likely also be 2 or 3 sentences.
- Include a closing line thanking them again. Let them know when you'll check back in with them. Drop down two lines, then use a professional closing, such as "Best." Drop down another two lines and type your full name.
- Add a specific and professional subject line. If the recruiter can't tell specifically what the email is about by glancing at the subject line, they may never even open it. Include the name of the career fair where you met them and thank them for their help.[5]
- For example, your subject line might read "Thank you for your help at the Unicorn University Career Fair." You might also write "Quick thank you and follow-up after the Unicorn University Career Fair."
- Keep your subject line brief and specific. There's no need to include your name or mention that your resume is attached.
- Use a more formal email address. The best email address to use for your job search is one with your first and last name, or your initials and last name. If you have a relatively common name that isn't available on the major email services, add your middle initial or a professional descriptor, such as "sales" or "engineer."[6]
- If possible, make your email address all one word. For example, "SuzySunshine" or "LunaLovegood."
- Never use numbers in your email address. They could be construed as your age or the year you were born, and never look as professional.
- Avoid separating your name with hyphens, underscores, and periods. These are difficult for recruiters to remember since they make your email address more complicated. Underscores may be difficult to see in some inbox layouts. A single period, however, is fine. For example, "Suzy.Sunshine" or "Luna.Lovegood."
- Attach your resume to your email. Take a moment to tailor your resume to the specific company where the recruiter works. Then make a PDF copy of that resume to send along with your email. If you already gave the recruiter your resume at the career fair, note in your email that you're merely including it for reference.[7]
- Save your resume file with your full name and the word "resume" before you attach it. If you use a generic filename, the recruiter may not be able to locate it again.
- Send your email within 48 hours of the career fair. Ideally, you should send thank you emails within 24 hours of the career fair. However, it may take you some time to research companies and pull together your notes and information. As long as your email is thoughtful, polished, and professional, 48 hours is fine.[8]
- If the career fair was on a Friday, you may want to wait until Monday to send your email so that it doesn't hit the recruiter's email account over the weekend.
- Generally, it's most professional to send your email during normal business hours (typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.) Earlier in the morning looks better than later in the afternoon.
EditConnecting with Recruiters - Open a LinkedIn account if you don't already have one. Many recruiters make extensive use of LinkedIn. The platform is designed to help you get your name out there and find a new job. You can open an account for free, then set up your profile page by adding information about your education, work experience, and skills.[9]
- Keep the information and language on your LinkedIn profile professional. Use a picture of yourself in which you are well-groomed and professionally attired. If you have a recent school photo or graduation photo, that may work.
- Take a moment to search for people on LinkedIn you might know, but keep in mind that LinkedIn is not a "social" network like Facebook or Instagram. Just because you're friends with someone doesn't mean they'll necessarily add value to your network. On the other hand, connecting with former teachers, bosses, or coworkers is always a good idea.
- Search for the recruiter on LinkedIn. The recruiter's business card may have an address for their LinkedIn page on it. If not, you can use the LinkedIn search function to find them. Simply type their name into the search bar.[10]
- When you find the profile for the right person, look over it briefly to get some more insight into that recruiter's career history and their work at the company. You may find other things you have in common with the recruiter. For example, they might have graduated from the same school as you.
- Send a brief message with your request to connect. Type a brief 2 or 3 sentence message mentioning that you met them at the career fair and would like to connect with them. Mention the name of the career fair specifically, along with the date it took place. You might also include detail about something you talked about to help the recruiter place you.[11]
- For example, you might write "Hi Ronda Recruiter! We chatted at the Unicorn University Career Fair on April 1. I'd like to connect with you here to keep up-to-date with any opportunities that may open up in your organization. Thanks!"
- If you simply send a request to connect without a message, the recruiter likely won't accept your request. Most LinkedIn users don't accept connection requests from people they don't know or have a business relationship with.
- Use your LinkedIn to follow companies you're interested in working for. Not only do individuals have profiles on LinkedIn, but companies also do too. By following a company's LinkedIn page, you can stay in the loop about new developments and job openings at that company.[12]
- Many executives and business leaders are also "influencers" on LinkedIn. You can follow an influencer's posts without sending a request to connect with them directly. Influencers often write posts about industry developments, ideas, and needs in the workforce. These posts can give you a lot of insight into your chosen field.
- LinkedIn has videos and other resources that can teach you how to use the network to jumpstart your career. Go to https://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students to get started.
EditWriting a Formal Follow-up Letter - Mark a follow-up date on your calendar to send a formal letter. It's appropriate to follow up with a formal letter if you don't hear much from the recruiter after you send your brief thank-you email. Wait about a month if you're not looking to start work for several months. However, if you're hoping to start work in the next month or two, send your letter 10 to 14 days after you send your thank-you email.[13]
- You may also want to set a reminder a couple of days before the follow-up date so you have a little more time to draft your letter.
- Format your letter in formal business style. Your word processing app likely has templates you can use to create a formal business letter. Address the letter to the recruiter you spoke to at the career fair.[14]
- Use a conservative, readable font, such as Times New Roman or Helvetica, in 10- or 12-point size.
- Use the information in your email as a starting point to draft your letter. Begin your letter by mentioning that you spoke with the recruiter at the career fair. Include the specific name of the career fair and the date it was held. You can also add the details from your conversation that you mentioned in your initial thank you email.[15]
- If anything has changed since you sent the thank you email, add that information to the first paragraph. For example, if the recruiter recommended that you talk to a department head in the company, you could let them know that you reached out to that person.
- Highlight skills and experience that would be valuable to the company. In the second paragraph of your letter, talk about how you would be an asset to the company in the position you're seeking. Include soft skills, such as leadership or self-motivation, to round out this paragraph.[16]
- For example, you might state that you are proactive and self-motivated, then note how you spearheaded a volunteer program to walk dogs in your local animal shelter as an example.
- Close your letter with a "call to action." For the last paragraph of your letter, let the recruiter know what you're going to do next or what you want them to do in response to your letter. Provide a date by which you'll follow up again.[17]
- For example, if you're anticipating an interview, you might let them know when you would be available by saying "I would like to discuss this opportunity with you in person. I am available Thursday and Friday afternoons after 2:00 p.m."
- Proofread your letter carefully before printing and signing it. If you send a letter with typos and grammatical errors, your effort may backfire. Reading your letter out loud can help you notice grammatical errors and spots where the phrasing is awkward.[18]
- It can also help to have a friend, instructor, or school advisor read over your letter. They can give you tips on how you can make it stronger and more persuasive.
- Enclose a copy of your resume. Read through the resume you previously sent to the recruiter and update it to account for any changes. Then give it another proofread before you print it up.[19]
- Print your resume on quality resume paper. You can find this paper online or at office supply stores. You might also want to print your letter on the same paper.
- Organize all of the business cards, brochures, and other information you receive at the career fair so you can access what you need easily. Creating a spreadsheet of potential leads may help you keep track of the contacts you've made and when you need to follow up.[20]
- Since handwritten cards are rare, a handwritten thank you note on professional stationery can really help you stand out from the crowd in the recruiter's mind. Just make sure your handwriting is neat and legible or this idea could backfire.
EditReferences
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| How to Prepare for a Camping Trip in the Woods Posted: 07 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT There is a lot of prep work that goes into planning a fun and successful camping trip in the woods. From picking a location to planning your meals and packing your gear, it can feel like there is a lot to keep track of. Once you've decided to take a camping trip in the woods, take it step-by-step to get things in order so you can have a relaxing and fun vacation, whether it's an overnight trip or a week-long adventure. EditChoosing a Camp Site - Pick an official campsite if you want certain amenities, like a bathroom. Many national and local parks have areas specifically designated for campers. You'll be able to drive your car onto the grounds and unload your belongings, and you'll also be able to enjoy a lot of other amenities, such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, playgrounds, and others, depending on the location.[1]
- At a campsite, you'll be in close proximity to other people. It's a cool way to make new friends, have a fun experience, and enjoy being outdoors.
- Almost all campsites require a reservation and a small registration fee.
- Hike to a campground to have a little bit more privacy. Many parks will have maps showing popular places to pitch a tent if you want to get out into the woods before making camp. If you choose this option, start looking for a site about halfway through your day. Keep in mind that you'll be carrying all your gear with you, so you'll need a lightweight tent and a sturdy backpack.[2] walk of water and firewood
Away from the trail so you aren't disturbed by other hikers
Somewhat protected spot so you aren't buffeted by high winds}} - Look online to see what kinds of rules you'll need to follow. Every campground will have different rules, ranging from restrictions on alcohol or pets to specifications for how you store food and dispose of trash. Some sites won't allow you to set up camp until a certain time and will ask you to leave by a specific hour on your checkout date. Checking these rules ahead of time will help you prepare and have a fun trip.[3]
- Keep in mind that these rules are made to help keep you and the other campers safe.
- Register and reserve your spot if your location requires it. You may need to put down a deposit weeks or months in advance, especially if you're hoping to camp during the summer or over a holiday weekend. Once you know where you'd like to camp, pick a date, firm up how many people will be joining you, and book your spot![4]
- Almost all sites have a website through which you can make your booking. If you have unanswered questions, make a phone call before reserving your spot.
EditPlanning Meals - Make a meal plan so you don't under or overpack. Take into account how many people are coming and how many days you'll be camping. If you're camping at a campsite, will there be a grill available? If not, do you have the equipment to cook meals on your own? With just a fire and a skillet, you can make a lot of things yourself, like eggs, potatoes, hamburgers, and hotdogs. Be aware not all campsites allow open fires, especially in the hieghtbof summer in dry, wooded areas.[5]
- If you're camping with other people, spread out the responsibility by having each person bring a meal or two so you're not the only one planning, prepping, and cooking.
- Foil-pack meals are really helpful for feeding people while camping. For example, you can put diced sausages, onions, carrots, and potatoes in a foil packet and bake it over an open fire. It's an easy meal that doesn't require much cleanup, and you can prep pretty much everything beforehand.
- Don't forget about any pets you're bringing along with you! They'll need food and water, too.
- Focus on packing high-calorie foods if you're backpacking in the woods. If you're spending a lot of time hiking and won't have access to coolers full of food, you're not going to want to weigh down your backpack with cans, raw meat, and tons of diced fruit. Instead, opt for dehydrated meals that you can restore with water over heat. Pack trail snacks, like nuts and protein bars. Peanut butter and chocolate are great high-calorie foods that will give you a burst of energy when you need it.[6]
- You don't have to abandon all fresh foods just because you're backpacking. Bring a few pieces of fruit, like apples and oranges, to enjoy while you're on the go.
- Prep whatever foods you can at home before you go camping. Diced and prepared foods will take up less space, giving you more room pack ice into your cooler. Dishes like pasta salad can be made ahead of time, as can dips or things like salsa. Cut up your fruits and vegetables beforehand so you won't have to do it at your campsite. Make marinades ahead of time so you don't have to bring all the individual ingredients. Put condiments into smaller containers.[7]
- As you prep, label bags and containers with which meal the food is supposed to be used for. "Snack," "Lunch Saturday," "Dinner Sunday," and so on will make it easier to stay organized and ensure you don't run out of food early.
- Pack fresh foods, like meat, fruit, and cheese, in a cooler. Plan on bringing a cooler for drinks and a cooler for food if you'll be camping for more than 2 to 3 days. Use leak-proof containers for anything that might leak. Put the foods you'll need last at the bottom of the cooler and the ones you'll need first at the top.[8]
- If you're going on a 5-day long trip and plan on having a cookout on the last night with hamburgers and steak, freeze that meat before you pack it in the cooler. It'll stay cold for a lot longer and you'll be reassured that the meat is still safe to consume after 5 days in the cooler.
- Use freezer packs or blocks of ice rather than ice cubes. They won't thaw as quickly, and they take up less room. Dry ice is a great option for long trips; just be careful to not touch it with your bare hands!
- Remember to bring water or a water purifier so you can stay hydrated. If you're staying at a campsite, there may be a water-filling station you can use to keep your bottles full. If not, or if you'll be out in nature, consider investing in a portable water-filtration system so you can drink water from fresh sources, like streams, lakes, and ponds.[9]
- Always research ahead of time what you need to do to make sure that gathered water from fresh sources will be safe to drink. Some areas will require that you boil the water after it passes through a filtration system; others will require you to apply a chemical treatment, like iodine.
EditPacking the Right Gear - Assemble a first-aid kit and bring along any necessary medications. Put everything into a waterproof bag and make an itemized list of what you've packed so it'll be easy to find what you need. Don't forget EpiPens if needed, and double-check that everyone in your group has their necessary medications.[10]
- Double-check your kit after each camping trip and replenish any items that have been used.
- Bring mosquito and bug repellant to protect yourself from bites. Pests like mosquitos can cause a lot of irritation, and they love being near bodies of water. Make sure to spray any areas of skin that are exposed, like ankles and wrists. You should also spray your clothes to keep the bugs away.[11]
- Leave your lotions, perfumes, and colognes at home—bugs are attracted to scented things.
- Pack a citronella candle to light at night and help ward off some insects. They might not clear away all the bugs, but they'll minimize how many are coming around your area.
- Pack a tent, sleeping bags, and other sleep-time necessities. For your tent, you'll need the tent, poles, stakes, and something to hammer to stakes into the ground. Each camper will need a sleeping bag or pad. Depending on the weather, you may want to bring additional blankets. If your sleeping bag doesn't have one built in, bring along a pillow for extra comfort.[12]
- A lot of tents come with extra tarps for rain protection and a pad that provides insulation from the cold ground. If yours doesn't have these extra features, you may want to also bring along a tarp and a floor pad, just in case you have inclement or cold weather.
- Don't forget to bring chairs so you can sit outside of your tent, too.
- Prepare your cooking and meal-time equipment. If you are backpacking, you may just need a frying pan, spatula, bowl, mug, and other simple necessities to allow you to eat on the trail. If you're camping at a campsite, you may need more reinforcements. Plan to bring:[13]
- Frying pan
- Pot
- French press or other coffee maker
- Roasting sticks
- Trash bags
- Plates, bowls, silverware
- Mugs
- Knife, spatula, wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Dish soap
- Sponge and dishtowel
- Paper towels
- Foil
- Storage bags/containers
- Hand sanitizer
- Remember to bring your basic camping tools. Every camper should have a flashlight, backup batteries, matches or a lighter, an ax, and a map of the surrounding area. Don't plan to rely on your phone for a flashlight or map—if you run out of battery life and can't recharge your phone, you'll be out of luck. You may also want to bring along things like binoculars, sunglasses, and a camera.[14]
- You may also need to bring toilet paper and other personal items, like feminine hygiene products. Check out this article on how to go to the bathroom in the woods if you won't have access to public restrooms.
- Collect some fun items to bring along for entertainment. Don't forget to bring along games, books, frisbees, or other kinds of sporting equipment you might like to use while camping. It could also be really helpful to have some actives planned in case of bad weather, especially if you're camping with kids.[15]
- You'll be surprised at how much time you have! Camping can be a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, hike, and relax.
EditWearing Appropriate Clothes and Shoes - Choose clothes that will be comfortable based on the weather forecast. There's a big difference between what you'll need to wear for a hot-weather trip versus a cold-weather trip. Look at the weather forecast to see what temperatures are predicted for your travel dates about one week ahead of time. Remember that you'll need daytime clothes and clothes to sleep in. Depending on your planned activities, you may also need clothes for hiking, swimming, rock climbing, or other specific outings.[16]
- Focus on packing lightweight clothes that can be easily put on or taken off as the temperature changes throughout the day and night.
- For cooler temperatures, don't forget to bring gloves and a hat, as well as an appropriate jacket.
- Opt for layers to bundle up at night and stay cool during the day. For example, wear a tank top underneath a long-sleeved shirt underneath a sweatshirt if you're camping in cooler weather. You can remove or add layers as needed. Long johns are great to wear underneath pants for an extra layer of warmth.[17]
- Moisture-wicking clothing will be the most comfortable as it'll help keep your skin cool and dry, even if you're sweating.
- Bring a waterproof jacket and boots in case it rains. A rain jacket with a hood is a great investment because it'll keep your head and hair dry, which will make you more comfortable. Avoid jackets and clothes that are made of PVC (vinyl clothing). They'll keep you dry, but they aren't made of a breathable material and can cause you to overheat quickly.[18]
- If you don't want to invest in waterproof boots, you can buy a spray that goes over your current shoes to help keep moisture from seeping through.
- Wear broken-in hiking boots if you plan on hitting the trails. Always wear your boots with socks, and avoid wearing new boots, as they'll most likely cause blisters and foot pain. Choose socks that are high enough to protect the back of your ankle from the rubbing motion that will occur when you walk. Never wear flip-flops or other flimsy shoes while hiking—they don't provide good protection from rocks, they don't support your feet, and they might break easily.[19]
- If you have a new pair of boots, wear them around the house every day during the week before your camping trip and take short walks outside. This'll help break them in before you leave for your trip.
- Pack a pair of flip-flops if you're planning on showering at a campsite. Flip-flops are helpful to slip on while you're hanging out at the campsite. Wear them when you go the bathroom, to shower, or to get food or water. Putting on boots every time you wanted to move out of your tent could be exhausting![20]
- Bring traditional flip-flops or get a sturdier pair that laces around your ankles to help them stay on better.
EditSetting up Camp - Pitch your tent and get your sleeping gear set up while it's light out. Decide on the location for two different stations: one for your tent and one for your cooking station. Keep a safe distance between your cooking station and your tent, just to lower the chances of wildlife poking around your tent. Set up your tent according to the instructions once you've decided where you'd like to place it, and lay out your sleeping pads, bags, blankets, and pillows.[21]
- If you've never set up a tent before, it might be a good idea to take a stab at it before your trip. Most tents come with detailed instructions and aren't very difficult to erect, so just be patient and it'll get done in no time!
- Set up a food area that is separate from your sleeping area. Get your cooking area set up about away from your tent. Check your location's rules to see if you need to set up a bear box or bag to hold your food. Keep all food containers closed when you're not using them, and dispose of trash as soon as you can. If you're backpacking, put all trash into a resealable bag so its scent doesn't travel far.[22]
- Plan on wearing different clothes when you cook, especially if you'll be grilling meat. Wear a jacket or top that you can leave with your food instead of taking it back to the tent. A greasy, smoky shirt that smells like hamburger might be a temptation to prowling creatures.
- Familiarize yourself with the area to find water, firewood, and the bathroom. Once you've put up your tent, take a walk around the campsite to figure out how far away the amenities are. If you're backpacking, it's really important to establish where you'll go to the bathroom, how to get to water, and where the firewood is before the sun sets.[23]
- Once nighttime comes and you're using a flashlight to get around, you'll be glad to know the general direction you need to go.
- Make a fire in a safe and appropriate spot when you're ready for it. If you're at a campsite, there may be a specific place where you need to make your fires, like a fire pit. If you're out in the woods, create your own fire pit that is at least away from dead grass and other vegetation. Dig down into the dirt and create a mound of dirt around the hole to act as a wall. You can also put rocks around the dirt area to enclose it and keep the fire in place.[24]
- Every fire needs tinder, kindling, and firewood. Tinder is something small, like pieces of cardboard, lint, or wood shavings. Kindling is made up of small twigs and branches. Firewood can be whole or split logs, and it always needs to be dry.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors and settle in for a fun trip. Once you have your campsite set up, take a moment to say "hi" to anyone who is camping near you. You might make some new friends, and it's helpful to be familiar with who is nearby in case either of you needs help at some point. It can be exhausting just setting up camp, so take a load off, have a snack, and rest for a little while before moving on to your first activity.
- If you're camping with pets, take them around the campsite and let them smell everything. There are lots of new scents and it'll help them calm down if they can explore a little.
- Tell someone who isn't coming on the trip where you will be and when you're expecting to return. If you aren't back when you said you'd be, they'll know to alert the local authorities and where to start looking for you.
- Never eat unidentified plants. Certain mushrooms, berries, and leaves can be harmful or deadly when ingested. Err on the side of caution.
- Never leave your food out overnight. Always pack it up or hang it up high in a tree. This will prevent your campsite from being invaded by animals searching for your food.
- Check it's alright before you light. In some locations, fire bans are pout in place a very dry times of year and outdoors fires are completly banned.
EditReferences
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