After a long winter, it's finally time to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. Spring camping is the perfect opportunity to unplug for a weekend and unwind in the great outdoors with your favorite people. Perhaps you have decided to spend more time outdoors with family this year, or maybe a new group of friends has invited you on a weekend camping trip, and you're trying to be prepared for anything. Whatever the situation, there are some things you should know about camping in the spring before you go on your adventure. Ready to soak in the sunshine and witness the flowers in full bloom? Check out these five tips you should keep in mind on your next spring campout. 

1. Take a jacket with you
2. Wear a baselayer
3. Use a winter sleeping bag
4. Pack extra hiking socks 
5. Place a mat by your tent's entrance 

Even though the days are longer and the sun is shining brighter, cooler spring temperatures should be expected, which means chillier winds on the shadier parts of the trail. It's best to be prepared for a dip in the temp by bringing a jacket, fleece, or sweatshirt. To keep you warm, you'll want a coat or quilted vest made of synthetic down that will help insulate body heat and dry quickly in case of spring showers. Whether exploring the trail or sitting by the campfire after a long hike, it's essential to bring a jacket to stay comfortable throughout the trip. LizardHead features synthetic down quilted vests for men and women reinforced with durable water-repellent (DWR) finish shells. 

Spring temperatures can change drastically throughout the day. One hour you're sweating, and a few hours later, you can't stop shivering. Although spring camping is fantastic because the weather isn't too cold or hot, it can fluctuate so much that it can be challenging to get comfortable. Instead of switching from multiple layers throughout the day, we recommend wearing a base layer. A base layer will be the closest clothing to your skin and act like a second layer of skin throughout your outdoor adventures. The best baselayers are breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick drying and help you regulate your body temperature even as the springtime temperatures change. 

It will get chilly at night, so it's best to pack a sleeping bag that can handle lower temperatures. Many people make the mistake of packing a summer sleeping bag with a higher temp rating because the days are warmer, but colder nights should be expected. That's why you will want a sleeping back with a temperature rating of 20 degrees or below to keep you toasty. A sleeping bag with a 20-degree rating should keep you comfortable in temperatures down to 20 degrees.

Spring showers and melting snow means you'll encounter more mud and puddles on the trail. Your feet will get cold or wet, so bringing extra pairs of hiking socks on your spring camping trip is a good idea. Did you notice we were very specific with hiking socks? Traditional cotton socks soak up sweat and stay wet. If you step through a puddle, it can feel heavier, like your socks are bogging you down. You want hiking socks to help keep your feet dry and healthy so you can have the most fun outdoors. Hiking socks absorb moisture better and do a better job of preventing blisters on your feet. Depending on the length of your trip, it's generally best to pack one extra pair for a day hike or 5-6 pairs of socks for a 3-day campout. 

During the spring, it's easier to track mud and the little critters that come with it inside your tent. We recommend bringing a mat to help keep dirt, mud, sand, and debris out of your sleeping area. The tent's entrance is the best place to set up your mat. You can use this spot for shoes and gear that don't need to be inside the tent anyway. When you return home, be sure to spray off your mat with a garden hose and let it air dry. It's a simple tip that can help keep your tent and gear clean and allow you to sleep at night with peace of mind.  

When it comes to spring camping, it's best to be prepared for chillier nighttime temps and afternoon showers that can create puddles on the trail. For more spring camping gear, visit ScoutShop.org—the official retail store of the Boy Scouts of America!