While there are lots of add-ons and specialty items, there are a few basics in camping gear that are a must and they simply can't be skipped or missed, or you won't have the trip that you are looking forward to. The basic camping essentials include:

Tent - probably the most essential item in camping gear, tents now come in a variety of styles, fabrics, frames and even colors. The most basic tent is a "pup tent" or traditional inverted V-shaped tent that is usually a two-person tent. There are larger versions of the pup tent that have the peaked roof but are much taller to allow adults and children to walk around inside with relative comfort. Hexagonal tents also offer more overall room, an important consideration if you are camping with children or large groups of people. When buying a tent consider the number of people you will be housing and the amount of under-cover storage space you may require. Also consider the weight of the tent if you have to pack it into your camping spot, as well as how easy or difficult it is to put up and take down.

Sleeping bags - there are a wonderful variety of light-weight, ultra warm and very durable sleeping bags available at most camping stores. Sleeping bags come in a variety of sizes, from extra long to children's sizes. Sleeping bags, like tents will have to packed into the camping location, so should be a lightweight, easy-to-care-for fabric.

First Aid Kit - absolutely essential when you go into the woods or to the lake, a first aid kit should be a must for every hiker and camper. Most pharmacies, camping supply stores and sporting goods stores sell highly compact first aid kits that are reasonably priced. Be sure that the first aid kit contains antibacterial cream, disinfectants, bandages of all different sizes, gauze, pain medication, tweezers, scissors and a tensor wrap. Some creams or lotions for insect bites and sunburn prevention are also a great idea.

Cooking surface - don't count on a fire always being possible, depending on where you are camping, fire regulations and restrictions, or wet weather. A small, portable propane stove or charcoal grill can be a life saver for heating up food and water.

Food - it is important to bring more food than you think you will require, just as a safety precaution if the trip lasts somewhat longer than originally planned. There are freeze-dried and pre-packaged foods that are easy to carry and ideal in the case of emergency.

Remember that many garage sales and swap meets will have used camping gear, a wonderful way to get a lot of new and unique camping supplies at a fraction of their cost as new items.

Gas grills work by a spark igniting the gas within the grill. Gas grills typically have a knob or button in which you push, which in turn activates a small hammer. The hammer hit's the top of an ignition crystal. Then the burner mixes the gas with oxygen and spreads it all over the cooking surface.

Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, which makes then ideal for just about any type of barbequing party. Smaller gas grills give you the portability needed to plan barbeque parties away from home. Larger gas grills are handy and efficient for cooking larger amounts of food quickly, and without the mess of other types of grills.

So after deciding that you indeed are in the market for a barbeque grill, there are several factors that you must consider when you purchase your first gas grill.

Weight

Gas grills literally come in all shapes and sizes. The type of grill you get should really depend on what you plan on using the grill for. If you foresee camping trips, barbeques at the beach or tailgate parties, you may want to consider getting a smaller gas grill. Smaller gas grills can range from anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. Portable gas containers are also available for these types of grills.

If your plans are move focused on home cooking, then larger grills should suit you fine.

Cooking Surfaces

Gas grills, unlike some of the other grills types, have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface, a flat grill, and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as none stick, which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be able to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be able to cook your whole meal, including side dishes if you plan correctly.

Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes, or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.

Surface Area

Similar to weight, you should consider the amount of cooking surface area you will need, depending on the situations you will be in. If you will only be cooking for yourself or you and one other, you will want a gas grill with a smaller surface area, as it will be easier to clean. If you plan on holding parties or cooking for a larger family, then you will want to consider a gas grill with a larger surface area.

This surface area may also include different types of cooking surfaces. Look for the type that suits you best, or is interchangeable.

Cost

Gas grills are typically on the higher end of the cost scale, as they require more mechanical parts then other grills. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 for a smaller grill up to $400+ for a large stationary grill.

You also have to remember that you must also purchase the gas for your grill.