Knowing these top essentials for camping may be the reason your camping experience will be fun. Camping can be fun and thrilling —an adventurous activity with friends and family or a vacation. But, to enjoy this incredible experience, you need to have the right outdoor supplies. Find out what you’ll need for your next camping adventure in this blog.
It may seem like a no brainer, but packing for camping isn’t as easy as it sounds —and forgetting an essential supply can turn an adventurous fun into an adventurous disaster. Imagine losing heat in the woods!
There are tons of locations you can go to for camping —state parks, national parks, private campgrounds, backcountries, or even your backyard. Most of these places (except your patio, of course) provide basic supplies for your experience. But it is safer and smarter to go prepared; you never can tell.
While you are preparing for your adventure, keep this checklist in mind:
Tent
Just before you read on, take a minute to imagine camping without a tent —the sheer horror!
It seems pretty basic, but unless you intend on sleeping in your RV or under the stars, you might want to double-check —or for some, triple-check —that you packed your tent. You have the option of a survival tent, a cold-weather tent, or a canvas tent.
A hammock can be an attractive option if the weather permits. To be sure your bases are covered, you can have an emergency bivy sack or survival blanket in your trunk.
Sleeping bags and pillows
It seems pretty basic, too, right? But don’t trust your reflex packing skills on this one.
You wouldn’t want to be stuck freezing on the campgrounds. Temperature changes can happen within the snap of a finger, even with the weather forecasts. More so when camping in the summer, pack your sleeping bags; if you don’t need it, you can sleep on it.
In case you plan on camping out in the woods, ensure to pack your pillows. It could be the reason you end up with a good night’s rest. Additionally, remember to get a comfortable sleeping bag and pillows; a bad one is as good as none.
Air mattress/ Sleeping mat
Ever slept on hard rocky ground? If you haven’t, it’s pretty uncomfortable.
Enjoying your rest is as vital in camping as your other fun activities; besides, sleeping can be fun. Do yourself a favor and invest in the purchase of an air mattress or sleeping mat. You can have a test run of your air mattress before your trip, to be sure of how it works.
Flashlights and lanterns
Getting to have fun and relax late into the night is one of the highpoints of camping—if you forget your flashlight or lantern, you will miss out on it.
Suppose you decide to use LED lanterns, stock up on batteries. Flashlights and lanterns help you light up your camping area, or set a trail to the restroom.
Be warned though, pesky bugs and moths will be attracted to your light, so use a bug repellant.
Bug repellants and citronella candles
Take caution; you could get swamped by bugs! Well, your camp may be considered bug-free, but a repellant is still an important essential on your checklist.
Mosquitoes, blackflies, bugs, deer flies can be a kill-joy during your camping trip.
Deet, a popular repellant, is the most effective product out there, although you are advised to use sparingly on your skin. Lighting a citronella candle also helps keep bugs away.
Campfire supplies
What’s a camp without a campfire? Most people go on a camping trip to experience the enthralling feeling of sitting and playing around a campfire —and hey, you have to roast some marshmallows!
While a campfire makes the camping experience, starting a fire can be tedious and frustrating. Matches, dry firewood, and the technical know-how will get your campfire started. You can easily pick out your campfire supplies from a convenience store or grocery store before your trip.
Furthermore, ensure you know how to start a campfire; no one wants to wait around, especially if it will take you all night.
Kitchenware
It’s going to be hard to enjoy your camping without a meal. Besides, it’s easier to cook in a camping stove than over an open campfire.
Everyday kitchen wares like bowls, plates, spoons, cups, forks are essential. There are no simple ways to improvise these things, so you need them to enjoy your camp meals. Or how else do you plan on eating your marshmallows and hotdogs?
Non-perishable food and bottled water
I doubt you’d forget to pack food, but make sure there are non-perishables.
It is safer to have gallons of bottled water than to use filtration techniques in cleaning campground waters. You’ll need it for cooking and cleaning.
Additionally, stock up on non-perishables like canned chili and soup, cereal boxes, dried soup mixes, pretzels, packaged crackers, and peanut butter.
Toiletries and toilet paper
Most campgrounds provide access to a fully functional bathroom. They could come fitted with toilets and shower stalls. Even with all these likely provisions, it is safer you go prepared with your toiletries.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, alcohol-based sanitizer, razor, shampoo, and soap are basic supplies that you should pack in your toilet bag. If you are camping in the summer, remember to pack sunscreen!
Camping clothes
Pack for the right weather conditions.
When out camping, it is important to be prepared for any weather changes. Have lightweight, waterproof, breathable clothes in your gear. If there is a waterbody around your campsite, pack a swimsuit.
You must stay dry, warm, and comfortable all through your trip.
First-aid Kit
Be prepared for basic medical emergencies.
You may not have quick access to medical care on a camping trip. Therefore, it is crucial that you have a first aid kit in your gear.
Don’t go on a camping trip without medical gear!
Books and games
Well, I’m assuming you aren’t going to lay around all day while camping. Packing books and games such as playing cards and simple board games is a way of ensuring you have a fun activity at hand every step of the way.
Concluding Top 10 Essentials for Camping
Camping is fun, relaxing, and therapeutic. When next you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life, remember these top 10 essentials for camping. Have fun!