I completely agree about the blue jeans...You don't want to camp in Yoga shorts...thought they might be comfortable at first....soon you will wish they weren't so clingly, you will appreciate the denim when you sit on the ground or other perch. If you are still dead set against denim, might try some khaky type pants, maybe something light weight. Experiment on the floor of your house as to what you might sleep on. I agree that a sleeping bag will probably be too warm unless we get a cold spell soon. So, build you a pallet, lay down, if it is too hard, try something else. But what do I know, I haven't been camping since I was a kid and that was...well, it was a long time ago. Have fun and I love your column.

I completely agree about the blue jeans...You don't want to camp in Yoga shorts...thought they might be comfortable at first....soon you will wish they weren't so clingly, you will appreciate the denim when you sit on the ground or other perch. If you are still dead set against denim, might try some khaky type pants, maybe something light weight. Experiment on the floor of your house as to what you might sleep on. I agree that a sleeping bag will probably be too warm unless we get a cold spell soon. So, build you a pallet, lay down, if it is too hard, try something else. But what do I know, I haven't been camping since I was a kid and that was...well, it was a long time ago. Have fun and I love your column.

Kyle, my old friend Mark and I used to treat Wal-Mart as a lending library for everything from astronomy equipment, camping gear, and once...on a glorious night...5 cases of beer.

Is there a place in the Waco area where you can rent camping gear? <><

A sheet and light blanket will sub nicely for a sleeping bag. In fact a standard sleeping bag might be too warm in mid-September. You didn't specify the sleeping accomodations (cabin with mattress, tent, ground, etc.) but take some sort of pad if a soft spot isn't provided. You might want to hold off on spending a lot on equipment you'd use only once.

For true survival gear, Wendy, go to http://www.survival-gear-guide.com/index.html All one would need to survive. It is a fun website anyway, I found it surfing around. <><

You will do fine. Go to Academy and see what is available for 1 person camping.

I don't know what "Yoga" pants are but I'm going to go ahead and say "No". Blue jeans will do you well. They may be hot. Camping can be hot, cold, wet and uncomfortable when your food gets wet, fire goes out or animals get curious. When you go tearing through the woods at 90 mph escaping the zombie horde the last thing you want is briars ripping the flesh from your legs and leaving a blood trail. They're also better protection from snake bites from the deadly coral snakes short teeth and will keep the poison ivy to a minimum. Enjoy!

You can't truly learn survival in a week-end trip, but you can learn many fun things. I grew up near the woods and loved trailing and fishing. Loose pants will serve you well. Good ventilation, and I have yet to see yoga pants on a trail. <><