Cooped Up? Get Uncooped.

We're not talking about "socks" and "potable water" here. We're talking about the things you always bring because they add something extra to your outdoors experience. You wouldn't die if you left them at home, but you would be bummed.

For me, the top five essential nonessentials are

1. Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix

2. a journal and multiple pens (in case -horrors!- one runs out of ink)

3. expedition-weight wool socks, so my perpetually freezing feet stay toasty at night 

4. a couple of big fat books (I read fast)

5. Gus, my lucky stuffed monkey 

How about you?

• camping
• stuff
• thoughts
• questions
• packing