Everything You Need for the GABC Spring Campout
It’s warming up, and spring is just around the corner. It’s a great time to camp, but you also have to remember that the shoulder seasons can be temperamental and a warm afternoon can quickly fade into a cold, damp night. If you’re heading to the Georgia Bushcraft Spring Campout from April 17-19, be sure to be ready for all conditions. You’ll be way more comfortable and ready to enjoy the great classes, demonstrations, and exhibitors. This event is all about hands on learning, community, and practical self-reliance skills. Packing well will give you more time and focus to soak it all in. If you’re a bit intimidated, don’t worry. We’ve got a handy digital packing guide for a quick reference, or read on for a full breakdown from a veteran GABC attendee POV.
A good rule of thumb for April camping in Georgia is to be ready for sun, wind, rain, cold nights, and muddy mornings. Sometimes you get all five of those in one day. Start with a good sleep and shelter system so that you’re well rested and ready to take in everything the weekend has to offer. No matter if you’re sleeping in a tent or a hammock, make sure you have solid rain protection, and that doesn’t just mean dependable overhead cover. Beyond a good tent or tarp that’s well sealed and waterproof, you’ll need to consider a few other angles. A properly sized ground tarp or food print will keep you dry from the bottom up. Additionally, good stakes that stay secure even once the ground is saturated are a must-have for keeping your tarp or tent tight. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag or quilt system that’s rated for temperatures lower than the coldest part of the forecast and pair it with a ground pad that provides comfort and insulation.
With that part of your shelter system taken care of, make sure your clothing is also ready for unexpected conditions. Layers are the key to spring comfort, and a mix of moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece or wool midlayer, and a true rain jacket that also blocks the wind is the key to success in all conditions. If your pants aren’t water-resistant, consider a backup pair in case you get soaked. Of course, the old saying, “take care of your feet, and they’ll take care of you,” is true for a reason. Bring waterproof boots paired with wool socks that will still keep you warm if you’re wet, and you’ll be ready for everything. Extra socks are a must-have. We’re a big fan of a backup pair and dedicated sleep socks to make sure your feet stay warm at night.
You can plan on keeping your camp kitchen simple and still have everything you need for delicious meals. We suggest your stove of choice plus fuel, a basic cook kit, utensils, cups, and bowls, or a plate to match the people in your group. We prefer to keep breakfast and lunch simple so that we can focus on enjoying the weekend, rather than prep and clean up. In the evenings, you can refuel with a good dinner. Don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks. It’s nice to have some grab-and-go options. Add in trash bags, paper towels, what you need to clean up, and a good water container. Lastly, don’t forget your water bottle so that you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
A daypack is one of the smartest items you can bring to Spring Campout. With classes, demos, and plenty of walking between areas, a 15–25L pack keeps you mobile. Stock it with water, snacks, a notebook and pen, a small first aid kit, a rain layer, extra socks, a headlamp, and a phone battery bank so you’re not constantly returning to camp.
In terms of tools and gear for classes, think practical. Work gloves, paracord, and a small repair/maintenance kit are all you really need. If a class requires more than a knife, the instructor will provide it, or the class summary will let you know in advance. Remember, you aren’t packing a bug-out bag, so stay lightweight so you aren’t weighed down with kit as you enjoy the weekend.
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Finally, don’t overlook the basics with the medications, toiletries, sunscreen, wet wipes, a headlamp, and backup batteries. Essentially, treat it like a camping trip in terms of what you’ll need for the weekend.
Most importantly, be ready to learn and to meet a lot of awesome people. GABC is all about the community, and if you forget something, just ask someone, and if they can’t help you out, they should be able to point you towards someone who can. For more information, be sure to visit the Spring Campout page, and we hope to see you there!