The trees are turning green, mowers are humming… summer is almost here. And if you’re a camping enthusiast, that means it’s time to start getting your gear ready. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of essentials you might not have considered, and you can find them all at US Cargo Control. 1) Tie down straps Although they’re just a few inches wide, tie down straps are big on versatility. By allowing you to secure gear outside your vehicle, you can free up extra space inside. Use these workhorses for securing tents, hiking gear, bikes, fishing tackle and other necessities to a rooftop rack, a back bike rack, the top of a camper, or inside a boat. Choose either a ratchet strap or cam buckle strap based on what you’re securing. A cam buckle pinches the webbing between the teeth and the buckle, but can only be as tight as your strength will allow; it’s great for securing more fragile items since you can’t over tighten it. If you need something stronger, a ratchet is the way to go. The webbing is secured around the ratchet mandrel and tightening is done with a ratcheting action using leverage to pull the strap very tight. 2) Tent stakes If you have a camper, you may think you don’t need tent stakes, but these handy items can be a real life saver should rough weather move in. Pack a tarp and some metal tent stakes and you’ll have the perfect solution for keeping wood, chairs, etc., dry. 3) Moving blanket If you’re sleeping in a tent but don’t have an air mattress or cot, a moving blanket makes a great layer for the hard ground. Our Supreme moving blanket is heavy duty and thick, so laying one or two on the tent floor is an easy way to create some cushion. Even if you do use an air mattress or cot, consider adding a few of these blankets to your camping supplies…. you can’t exactly drape an air mattress or cot over you like you can a blanket when you’re sitting around the campfire! And they’re machine-washable so you can simply toss in the washing machine when you get home. 4) Bungee cords Bungee cords are great for tying down things during transit, but don’t just toss them aside once you’ve set up camp:

• Bundle firewood and kindling together so they’re easier to carry.
• Wind up extra slack in hoses or cords to keep them neat and tidy and less prone to tripping over.
• Use with tent stakes to hold tent flaps, awnings or camper doors open or closed.
• Create a closthesline to hang wet clothing.
• Secure tackle boxes and supplies in a boat or canoe.
• Use it as a shoulder strap for carrying items during a hike.
• Secure rolled up sleeping bags or moving blankets to save space.
• Attach around coolers and boxes of food to the critters out.

Pick up these items and more at US Cargo Control. Got a great camping or outdoor summer tip? Let us know!