With the spring all around us, warmer weather coming, the wish to travel increasing even more after months of being restrained and the covid measures still in place, camping seems like the perfect thing to do – travel, enjoy the nature and be safe avoiding the crowds.
However, as for all outdoor activities and adventures, before going camping, preparation is very important and can make all the difference. Your camping experience largely depends on how you prepared and the things you take with you, which also relies a bit on what type of a camper you are, where you are going and how many days you are staying. In any case here are some essentials that you absolutely need to have when going camping and which will make your camping trip easier.
1. Shelter and sleeping bags
Seems obvious, right? However, it still sometimes gets forgotten so better safe than sorry. If you are just trying out camping or going for a short time, you might borrow a tent, however, if you are enthusiastic about camping, you will want to invest in a quality one. The choice is big – from a survival or cold weather tent to a canvas tent or even a hammock if the weather is nice and you like sleeping under the stars. A quality sleeping bag is definitely something to take as you never know how low the temperatures may drop, especially during the night, or if there are some insects around that are especially attracted to your blood type.
2. Water
Did you check about the water supply at your camping site? Make sure to double check that there is enough of it and, just in case, take some extra bottles with you as you never know what may happen on the way.
3. All-purpose knife and cooking supplies
First things first – you need a quality all-purpose knife and not only for cooking – there are all sorts of things for which it may come in handy, from setting up the tent to maybe cutting a walking stick. No matter for how many days you’re going camping, you will get hungry. Depending on how your camping facility is equipped and what you plan to eat, take some cooking supplies like pans, mugs and cutlery and of course if needed camping stove, something to start the fire and, well, anything you need for cooking for that matter…including the food. A bit of advice – try not to overdo it and stick with the camping classics like beans, eggs and bacon. Also, keep in mind the storage of groceries – if you’re going somewhere hot and sunny, you either need to take food that doesn’t go bad in heat or take a small cooler with you.
4. First aid kit
Let’s hope that there will be no need to use the first aid kit but it is really an essential that you need to triple-check you packed when going camping. Unfortunately, even a minor cut can ruin a trip if you don’t have something to disinfect it with and a proper band-aid.
5. Clothes
You will of course take the clothes you need depending on the place you’re going to and the number of days you are staying. However, no matter how sunny and warm, be sure to take a warm set of clothes with you such as jacket and long pants, extra socks and underwear as well as waterproof shoes.
6. Hygiene products and personal things
Needless to say, you will take your hygiene products with you for your daily routine, however, keep in mind that you may not have the opportunity to shower whenever you want so make sure you also have some hygiene wipes with you. They will also come in handy when hiking and roaming through nature. Though there are not many things we can’t live without, there are a few that we are used to so make sure to take the things you need with you, just so you don’t get nervous in the middle of the trip.
7. Miscellaneous
There are a couple of more things that are really important when going camping – you will probably not go anywhere without your phone which can also serve as a light but having a good, portable light in addition is also something that is highly recommended. Speaking of phones, be sure you have enough battery and also a solar or portable power charger. As we all know, our phones tend to die when we need them most. Make sure you also bring an insect repellent and sun screen with you to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Last but not least, though camping is fun in itself and you will probably be tired from all the activities, it is always good to bring some fun games or a book with you for the evening – even if in the end you decide to just enjoy and watch the stars.
