>>427342>I don't want to be getting creeped out at night and being unable to sleep.The easiest solution to that: keep really busy throughout the day. Hike. Collect wood. Constantly improve your camp. At the end of the day, you'll be fighting off sleep. Stay up a bit past that point. Look at the stars in ways you'll never see back home. Read the book. When you do pass out, you'll do so pretty hard.
A few more tips:
Bring some oatmeal and hot cocoa. That shit is incredible in the morning, and minimal fuss.
Speaking of food, keep that shit away from your general camping area if you are in bear country. Bearbags are a thing, and there are other solutions. Bears have a significantly more acute sense of smell than dogs. Don't even keep your toothpaste near where you're going to sleep.
There's no shame in a small fire. In fact, it's usually a better idea than a large one.
A steel or titanium cup will really brighten your day. Boiling a whole pot of water for a few cups of tea/oatmeal/whatever will take for-fuck-ever and it's gratuitous.
>I just saw you live in MisssissippiI'm sure you know a few things about mosquitoes. However it's also good to know that they are mostly attracted to your breath and your armpits. DEET is your friend. Don't brush your teeth with it, though. This time of year, you may not have to worry so much.
I'm going to go against the grain here and say that you may want to skip on the waterproof boots. Since it's not raining, you should be fine, but in wet/humid climates you want water to be able to LEAVE the boot once it gets in. Non-waterproof boots also breathe a lot better, especially if you're talking combat boots. If snow is a factor, disregard this paragraph.
