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Written by Dr. Felicia Wong.  Dr. Felicia Wong is a physician, outdoor enthusiast, and wellness blogger based in Southern California. Between her and her husband (also a physician)'s busy work schedules, raising two young sons, and running her popular Instagram account Everyday Adventure Fam and blog on adventure tips, she exemplifies what it means to live intentionally and joyfully with her family. The Wong family can be found hiking, biking, enjoying a day at the beach, or skiing in the nearby mountains on any given weekend. However, one of their favorite activities is camping. In this blog post, Dr. Felicia Wong shares ideas to help you celebrate National Camp At Home Day!   Our family loves to camp - at home, close to home, in state and national parks, or off grid.  We started glamping as a family 6 years ago, and have gradually worked our way from glamping to car camping, to boondocking and backpacking!   One of my favorite things to do, aside from planning our own camping trips, is to encourage more people to give camping a try.  National Camp at Home Day - March 27 - is a great time for new campers to do a practice run, and for seasoned campers to test out and inventory gear in preparation for the spring/ summer camping season!  To help you get ready for this fun weekend, we have come up with some ways to enhance your camp at home experience:   Turn off your electronics and set them aside. Consider turning off your wifi.  Unplug. If weather and space permits, consider camping outdoors on your patio or in your yard.  If you have one, get cozy around an outdoor firepit with some camp blankets!  If camping inside, you can create a nice camp ambience by moving some houseplants around your tent. If you have a fireplace, set up your Swiftlet hammock stand and hammock nearby.   Play “camp games” . Our kids love card games like War and Go Fish! When it gets dark out, turn off the lights and use your camp lanterns, flashlights, headlamps. Treat yourself to classic camp treats like s’mores and hot chocolate with mini marshmallows No campfire at home… No worries! Here are 3 methods to make S’mores at home!  S’mores on the Stovetop: If you have a gas stovetop, you can roast marshmallows just as you would over a campfire.  Put a marshmallow on a skewer and set the stovetop burner on low heat. Use care while slowly turning the marshmallow over the heat to your desired doneness. We recommend this method for adults, as it involves an open flame. S’mores in the Oven:  Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.  Break the graham crackers into halves, and place half of them on a baking sheet. Top each graham cracker with chocolate, and then a marshmallow. Bake until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Top with the remaining graham cracker halves and press to flatten. If you prefer your marshmallows extra toasty, you can also use the broiler following the same steps, but will need to watch them very closely, because they can burn quickly. Serve immediately while the S’mores are still warm! S’mores in the microwave: Place chocolate and marshmallows on up to four graham cracker halves and put on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 15 to 20 seconds, or until the marshmallows puff. Top with the remaining graham cracker halves. Learn more about how to participate in this year's National Camp at Home Day here. Happy camping!

Last year, with everyone self quarantining across the country and all of our favorite parks closed, we kicked off National Camp at Home Day. We loved seeing the creativity you brought to your at-home campsite, and we couldn’t wait to bring the fun back. This year for National Camp at Home Day, as your favorite camping spots slowly begin to reopen and people are starting to travel safely again, we’re focusing on preparedness. Think of National Camp at Home Day as the perfect occasion to pull out all the gear and have a trial run before setting out on the next big adventure. Over the coming weeks, we’re going to lay it out for you: how to choose the right shelter, tips for gear prepping, perfect recipes for the Dutch oven, and everything in between. So hang the hammock, grab some fresh batteries for the headlamp, and settle in: the adventure starts here. If you’ve never been camping before, even the thought of walking into an REI can feel intimidating. With so much jargon tossed around and gear to research, the knowledge needed to make an overnight trip successful can seem overwhelming. It shouldn’t feel this way. Let’s get back to the basics, starting with styles of camping. Basecamp or Backcountry? You can think of Basecamp as the drive-in spot at your favorite national or state park. You’ll usually have the ability to bring more of the comforts of home, like comfy camp furniture and a broader kitchen setup, and you’ll still have access to the beauty of a place like Big Bend or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re new to camping, this can be an easy introduction into the world of overnights. We recommend considering what your future goals are, and if backcountry camping is something you want to work towards, think about buying gear that can be used for both applications. No matter how you want to kick things off, there’s nothing wrong with starting small and working out the kinks. Basecamp can have awesome benefits like proximity to water and electricity while still being close to beautiful trails worth exploring. Backcountry, on the other hand, means you’ll be packing everything in on your shoulders, so a lot more attention must be paid to the weight of your kit. There are exceptions as well, like bikepacking and river trips, but for now we’re going to stick with these two basic categories. Backcountry camping can seem like another beast entirely, but with practice, it doesn’t have to be. There won’t be room in your pack for luxury items you might take to Basecamp, but the tradeoff is you can find yourself in remote places with spectacular views. Not to mention, the crowds disperse as you get further away from park headquarters. Backcountry camping allows you to cover ground efficiently and do things you may not be able to otherwise, like making a long, multi-day trek or waking up to an epic sunrise in the Tetons.  What shelter is right for you? No matter where you plan to lay your head in the woods, you’re going to have to choose a shelter. Each shelter has its advantages, and you’re going to have to weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s right for you and for the environment you’re camping in. First up: Tent camping. If you’re imagining yourself camping, this is probably what comes to mind. Tents offer considerable protection from the elements, are fairly easy to set up, and work virtually everywhere. Some drawbacks to consider are longer setup and teardown times, added weight in your pack in some cases, and their susceptibility to getting dirty inside or wet from condensation. Also keep in mind that finding the perfect tent site in the backcountry, or even while car camping for that matter, isn’t always so simple. You’ll often end up with a rock in your back or on an annoying slope that sends you sliding to one side of the tent all night. Still, it’s hard to beat the dependability of a faithful tent. Next: Hammock camping. No more long setups before sitting down to enjoy a meal, and you can forget about that rock in your back as well. With the addition of rainflies, bug nets, and plenty of insulation, you’ll feel right at home in virtually any conditions. A huge bonus is the level of comfort you’ll enjoy while sleeping in a hammock—the days of crawling out of your sleeping bag with a stiff back are over! There are downsides to consider, the most obvious being the question of where to hang your hammock. Camping in the desert is likely not an option, and although it’s rare, some parks ban the use of hammocks altogether. It’s always best to check for regulations before making any decisions about how you’ll utilize a park. Bottomline, with the right amount of trees, hammock camping is a solid option. For our grand finale: Cowboy camping. Everyone’s dreamed of sleeping under the stars, and with modern sleeping pads and camp quilts, you’ll sleep more comfortably than John Wayne ever thought possible. A key advantage comes into play after a long day on the trail when all you want to do is crawl inside your sleeping bag. Cowboy camping makes setting up camp as simple as possible so you can focus on the fun parts, like stuffing your face with granola bars and hiking until your heels bleed. Another huge plus as more and more of us move into light-polluted cities is the view of the stars without a rainfly or bugnet overhead. Drifting off to sleep with unmatched views of the Milky Way is an experience that’s truly hard to beat. Before we romanticize this too much, consider that cowboy camping leaves you exposed to the elements—bad weather and critters alike. The last thing you want to face in the middle of a deep sleep is a rain-soaked or scorpion-infested sleeping bag. Still, when implemented in appropriate conditions, cowboy camping can be the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re still trying to decide what shelter is right for you, or even if you’re a longtime camper curious about a new setup, National Camp at Home Day is the perfect opportunity for a trial run. In the field, you want to be as familiar as possible with your gear to make setting up camp a breeze. Practice pitching camp at home so when the weather turns south and the wind and rains come, you’re able to get out of the elements and into your warm sleeping bag as quickly as possible. To learn more about hammock camping, check out these two blogs:  Four reasons to make Mantis your go-to sleep system Hammock Camping 101  

Whether you’re new to day-hiking or just need a little validation for not embodying The Outdoor Fantasy, I’m here to help you out! I only started hiking about 9 years ago, and every time I looked up information about trails, gear, clothing, etc., I would become so overwhelmed. Inaccessible information can be a barrier to many people getting started. How-tos make it sound like you will encounter danger, or that you have to buy up half of an outdoor retailer to get started––you don’t. It is very likely that you already have all you need. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t do research and take preparation seriously––you should. But don’t let preparation overwhelm you and keep you from getting that precious nature healing. Let’s break things down. Language Hike - Intentional movement outside on trail. Speed and distance are up to you! Outdoor media makes hiking look like it has to be remote and rugged, and it can be if you want it to be, but you define your hike. Elevation - The amount of vertical distance you gain (going up) or lose (going down) on trail from start to end. Example: a 3-mile trail with an elevation gain of 500 feet means that over the course of 3 miles, you will ascend a total of 500 feet. The 500 feet could be all in one go, or it could be a steady progression over the entire hike. Round trip - The total mileage of your hike. Out-and-back - You’ll hike to a turnaround point (halfway point) and hike out on the same route. If a trail is listed as 4 miles, it means you’ll hike 2 miles in and then 2 miles out. Point-to-point - The distance in and out. If a trail is listed as 10 miles, it will be 10 miles from one end to the other. These kinds of trails are often done as a caravan, meaning you and your buddies bring 2 cars and park one at each end so that you hike the entire trail only once. Can also be done as an out and back, but it doubles the mileage. Loop - The start and end point are the same, but you don’t (or rarely) repeat the same section of trail, as if walking around something. Loops are often favored because there’s always something new to see around the bend. Day hike - A hike you complete in one day. Distance, terrain, elevation are up to you. Multi-day hike or backpacking - Hiking with an entire camp set-up and supplies for multiple days on trail as opposed to heading home after. Picking a trail Start with trails close to home. They’re often better maintained and more likely to have bathrooms nearby if you’re not quite ready to go outside or have accessibility needs. Trails nearer to towns and cities will be more well-documented in books, online, or in hiking apps and they’ll be less remote, meaning you likely won’t be all alone in the wild. Also, depending on where you are, you’ll probably have cell reception. You’ll find out quickly it’s elevation, more so than distance, you want to be most aware of. Just because you see that something is under 3 miles doesn’t mean it will be easy! Start with a low elevation gain, something under 500 feet, and shorter distances, 3 miles or less. You need to find out what your body likes rather than picking the most Instagrammed, gasp-worthy trail right off the bat. Listening to your body This isn’t addressed in hiking guides, and neither is accurate details about terrain. The writer always assumes the person reading is fully able-bodied and part mountain goat. Not knowing where your body is at in terms of its ability, strength, and endurance could become a safety issue on the wrong trail. That’s why we start out low and slow, baby. Terms like easy, moderate, and difficult are relative. What’s difficult for me might be easy for someone else. Be aware of how you use these terms when speaking to others too. Be considerate of our innate body diversity because it’s the cool thing to do. Love your body, love your hike. Take breaks. As many as your body tells you to, and push yourself only in ways that feel productive. Be Nice to Yourself. Don’t let the inner critic and diet culture kill your vibe. Instead of fretting about goals, speed, how you look, or what you “should” be able to tackle, think about how awesome it is that you’re HIKING. The rest is noise. You can turn around whenever you want. Unless you’re on the last half of a loop—then turning around would suck. You know what I mean. Breathe. Often when our breath quickens, becomes short, and our hearts beat harder, it signals panic to our brains. Breathe with intention, slow your pace, tell your brain you are safe. EAT! DRINK! Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need. It is very common to discover that a trail is way more challenging than it looks in print, and often when our bodies are working hard, physical needs don’t register as quickly as they normally do. Keep yourself hydrated and blood sugar steady to avoid cramping, lethargy, and big baby tantrums. Snack bars, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky are easy, nourishing snacks that make the body happy. Carry at least two liters of water for even the shortest trail, and have extra water and snacks in your car for your return.  Trekking poles can take a lot of pressure off of joints and feet, especially when backpacking. They greatly assist with ascents, descents, and balance, and they can be nice to lean on when you’re tired as heck. Clothing Wear clothing that feels good to move in. Breathable, moisture-wicking athletic wear that fits your body correctly. Maybe you already have spandex leggings, tank tops, and a windbreaker in your closet. Carry a jacket too, the lighter weight the better, but bring what you’ve got. Avoid cotton—it retains sweat which can get cold and uncomfortable and cause chafing. You can acquire actual hiking clothing if you desire to along the way. A good pair of hiking pants can be a game changer, but they aren’t necessary. If you wear plus-sizes, I’ve got your back. You don’t have to buy a pair of hiking boots right away, and many hikers will tell you you don’t need to at all. Average athletic sneakers are usually fine. Personally, I swear by hiking boots. My big body likes the ankle support, and a thicker, more durable foot bed feels better on rough, rocky terrain. Like a lot of outdoor gear, a good pair of boots is expensive, but they are an investment in your overall experience and will likely help you avoid other pains. Gear + packing list Hiking book, or downloaded map and/or print out of trail map. Two forms of directions is best practice. Trekking poles Park passes, or small bills for bridge crossings and parking Wallet Day pack/backpack Hanky/sweat rag Pocket knife Tiniest first aid kit (you can probably make this from things at home) Tiniest survival kit (can often be bought in one small inexpensive kit, includes compass, matches/lighter, whistle, emergency thermal blanket, etc.) Sunglasses Spare pair of eye contacts or glasses Phone (fully charged, all apps closed, room for photos) 96oz. water bladder (and LifeStraw as a backup water filter) Snacks (jerky, nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruits, and vegetables) Headlamp (for the many times it takes longer than you thought it would) Chapstick Eye drops Bodyglide or some anti-chafe aid if you’re prone Ibuprofen Tiniest insect repellent Sunscreen BATHROOM KIT: pee rag (stand-to-pee device like a pStyle, a hanky or Kula Cloth to be used instead of toilet paper when peeing), toilet paper (for #2 only, pack it out in ziplock!), small trowel Safety Being prepared is being empowered, and on some trails, it is imperative to know what to do in a wildlife encounter, though they are rare. Also rare: being attacked by creeps. It is also true that something like this is less likely to happen on trail than it would in your daily life. Comforting, right? Nah. Whether you’re hiking alone or with others, let a point of contact know where you are going, when you are going to start, and a rough idea of when you’ll be done. Notify them when you are safely on your way home. Consider bringing a hiking buddy or joining a local hiking group. Meetup is a great way to find the right group for you. Also search social media. There are now many affinity hiking groups for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, plus-size, and disabled hikers. Carry: pocket knife, pepper spray (if that feels good to you), bear spray if you’re hiking in an area known for them, and trekking poles to make noise or whack creeps (again, highly unlikely). Your homework before you go: Leave No Trace The 10 Essentials Carry a dry bag for trash—leave the trail better than you found it. Going to the bathroom outside Wildlife Safety Tips Trail etiquette is good to know, especially when it comes to multi-use trails (hikers, bikers, horses), but be discerning. It is generally written in a way that implies there is only one “right” way to enjoy the outdoors and from the perspective of someone who has an innate sense of access to nature. Many people do not feel that innate sense of access. Trail etiquette is often used to shame folks who don’t already know it. Be compassionate, share information, assume best intentions, and don’t self-deputize yourself as the freaking king of the forest. Respect the trail, respect other hikers.