I'm SURE this is a topic of sufficiently general interest to appeal to the general readership of the FML. I have taken ferts backpacking and car camping, and recently returned from a week on the road with three ferts and a (long-suffering) dog. Here are some thoughts: 1. My ferts told me they actually preferred life at home, because the joint is ferret-proofed and they can run their little legs off, without the hindrance of leashes. So, you need to think about how you will make sure your ferts actually enjoy camping. 2. ABSOLUTELY do take cages. There will be times when you need to be sure the ferts are safely put away while you concentrate on something else (for a change). 3. When I find a good place to let the ferts run around leashless, here's what I do. I take a lightweight piece of cord and tie something very brightly colored to the end of it (e.g., orange flagging or fabric), then tie the other end to the ferret's harness (always a harness, never a collar, which comes off too darn quickly). Then I let one or two ferts thus attired explore to their hearts' content while I watch. With the flag attached, I never lose track of them, and if one starts to take off, the movement of the flag alerts me. Also, you can (maybe) stop a fert on its way under a fence or down a gopher hole by stomping on the cord. This is the best way I've found to make sure the ferts have as much fun camping as I do. (I should mention that I never seen a ferret that couldn't squeeze out of a harness eventually, sometimes with drastic consequences, so always pay attention.) 4. I am currently sleeping in a tent in my front yard, because the weather is nice and I prefer the fresh air and waking up to the sound of birds. I usually take a fert outside to sleep with me. This works great (keeps the toes nice and warm), given that: a) I normally sleep with ferts, so we're used to being in each others' beds; b) the fert I take outside is already worn out for the evening and ready to sleep; and c) it's not a fert that likes to dig at carpet, because if it is, it will surely go to work on the mosquito netting, if not the floor. If you can't satisfy these conditions, a cage will be most useful. 5. Everything Kymberlie said about having the supplies to deal with any emergencies along applies here. And as a member in good standing of the Kodo Kommandos (you are, right?), be sure your ferts are vaccinated and that you have PROOF with you. -- Kim and the Kamping Kritter Korps PS Keep 'em cool. My ferts have camped happily in sub-freezing temperatures with snug sleeping bags, but from the heat they have no escape. PPS Have you written your letter to the editor today? [Posted in FML issue 1943]